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Business in Spain - The Spanish Notary Public

2008-08-09T09:18:00.001-07:00

Business in Spain - The Spanish Notary Public

By Dennis H Lewis

Hi! I've been living in Spain for almost twenty years. My wife is Spanish, my colleagues are Spanish, my customers are Spanish and by businesses are Spanish. Over these years I think I've learned quite a bit about "being Spanish".

If you want to get into the under-exploited fast-growing Spanish market, you need to know more than just how to speak Spanish. You need to understand Spanish customs, Spanish etiquette and Spanish business culture. Otherwise, you'll just be another American trying to "sell Spanish".

One of the most important business institutions in Spain is the public notary.

Unlike in the United States, where almost anyone can become a Notary Public (my Mom was one), in Spain not only must you possess a law degree, but you must pass a very stringent access exam. Only then can you opt for a position of "Notario".

In fact, the Spanish notaries are actually a strange mix of independent professionals and civil servants. The number of notary positions in a municipality is determined by the central government and their fees are set by law. However, once granted the right to open their office, the notary basically acts as any professional. They are responsible for hiring and maintaining there own staff and attracting there own customers.

The principle purpose of a notary in Spain is to witness, register and guarantee the legality of legal documents. However they also generally assume the responsibility of explaining the legal implications of the document to be signed assuring that all parties are well informed.

The following is a partial list of the proceedings which must be formalized by a notary:

Redacting and registering wills and final testaments.

Constituting a corporation or limited liability company.

Buying or selling properties which require a deed.

Prenuptial agreements.

Signing a loan or credit from a bank.

In Spain being a notary is a prestigious and very well-paying profession. The competition for passing the access exam and gaining a position is very fierce. Many law graduates spend between three and five years studying before presenting themselves for the exam.

Dennis H. Lewis has been living in Alicante, Spain with his wife and two children for almost twenty years.

He currently runs three successful companies entirely in the Spanish market.

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If you read Spanish have a look around our website and you'll be able to see for yourself the absolute quality of our team members.

You'll be speaking with genuine business people with hundreds of years of collective experience making money in the Spanish-speaking markets.

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Risks in International Business

2008-08-09T09:14:00.000-07:00

Risks in International Business

By Sidney Okolo

Just as there are reasons to get into global markets, and benefits from global markets, there are also risks involved in locating companies in certain countries. Each country may have its potentials; it also has its woes that are associated with doing business with major companies. Some of the rogue countries may have all the natural minerals but the risks involved in doing business in those countries exceed the benefits. Some of the risks in international business are:

(1) Strategic Risk

(2) Operational Risk

(3) Political Risk

(4) Country Risk

(5) Technological Risk

(6) Environmental Risk

(7) Economic Risk

(8) Financial Risk

(9) Terrorism Risk

Strategic Risk: The ability of a firm to make a strategic decision in order to respond to the forces that are a source of risk. These forces also impact the competiveness of a firm. Porter defines them as: threat of new entrants in the industry, threat of substitute goods and services, intensity of competition within the industry, bargaining power of suppliers, and bargaining power of consumers.

Operational Risk: This is caused by the assets and financial capital that aid in the day-to-day business operations. The breakdown of machineries, supply and demand of the resources and products, shortfall of the goods and services, lack of perfect logistic and inventory will lead to inefficiency of production. By controlling costs, unnecessary waste will be reduced, and the process improvement may enhance the lead-time, reduce variance and contribute to efficiency in globalization.

Political Risk: The political actions and instability may make it difficult for companies to operate efficiently in these countries due to negative publicity and impact created by individuals in the top government. A firm cannot effectively operate to its full capacity in order to maximize profit in such an unstable country's political turbulence. A new and hostile government may replace the friendly one, and hence expropriate foreign assets.

Country Risk: The culture or the instability of a country may create risks that may make it difficult for multinational companies to operate safely, effectively, and efficiently. Some of the country risks come from the governments' policies, economic conditions, security factors, and political conditions. Solving one of these problems without all of the problems (aggregate) together will not be enough in mitigating the country risk.

Technological Risk: Lack of security in electronic transactions, the cost of developing new technology, and the fact that these new technology may fail, and when all of these are coupled with the outdated existing technology, the result may create a dangerous effect in doing business in the international arena.

Environmental Risk: Air, water, and environmental pollution may affect the health of the citizens, and lead to public outcry of the citizens. These problems may also lead to damaging the reputation of the companies that do business in that area.

Economic Risk: This comes from the inability of a country to meet its financial obligations. The changing of foreign-investment or/and domestic fiscal or monetary policies. The effect of exchange-rate and interest rate make it difficult to conduct international business.

Financial Risk: This area is affected by the currency exchange rate, government flexibility in allowing the firms to repatriate profits or funds outside the country. The devaluation and inflation will also impact the firm's ability to operate at an efficient capacity and still be stable. Most countries make it difficult for foreign firms to repatriate funds thus forcing these firms to invest its funds at a less optimal level. Sometimes, firms' assets are confiscated and that contributes to financial losses.

Terrorism Risk: These are attacks that may stem from lack of hope; confidence; differences in culture and religious philosophy, and/or merely hate of companies by citizens of host countries. It leads to potential hostile attitudes, sabotage of foreign companies and/or kidnapping of the employers and employees. Such frustrating situations make it difficult to operate in these countries.

Although the benefits in international business exceed the risks, firms should take a risk assessment of each country and to also include intellectual property, red tape and corruption, human resource restrictions, and ownership restrictions in the analysis, in order to consider all risks involved before venturing into any of the countries.

Dr. Sidney Okolo is a professor, consultant, strategist, and Africa expert. He is affiliated to several universities, the Managing Director of International Business Associates, a management consulting firm, and also the CEO of Global Education Support, an education assistance program.

Among other things, he engages in all aspects of learning, knowledge, organization and human change. His focus is on leadership, management, entrepreneurship, profit engineering, human potential, excellence, achievement, business strategy, research and development. Product management, change management, conflict management, athlete management, marketing, business development and operations. He works with clients to adapt to change due to change in factors of production, technology, goods and services. He engages clients in training, retraining, development, skills enhancement, association, behavior modification, ways of thinking, and attitude adjustment. In addition to his work in the United States, his focus is also on developing countries in the continent of Africa, their leadership, culture, economic and market structure, community planning and development, and his created four letter word, "PIES", which stands for: poverty, instability, ethnicity, and sectarianism.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sidney_Okolo http://EzineArticles.com/?Risks-in-International-Business&id=1331702

US Merchant Account For Foreign Businesses

2008-08-09T09:10:00.000-07:00

US Merchant Account For Foreign Businesses

By Joe Cole

In order to open a US-based small business merchant account, your company has to have legal presence in the United States. You don't have to live in the States but your business has to have at least a subsidiary, that is incorporated in any one of 50 the states. You will also need a physical address and a domestic bank account into which your funds will be deposited.

So as you see, if a foreign business wants to open a merchant services credit card processing account in the US, it will have to be prepared to invest a certain amount to cover the legal and procedural expenses. It also will need a locally-based officer to represent the company before the US authorities.

Clearly, it is a good idea that a foreign business should consider all available credit card payment processing options before deciding to open a US merchant account. Other possibilities are a third party credit card merchant processor, such as PayPal, and an offshore credit card processing account. Both alternatives have their advantages and disadvantages and may be suitable under certain conditions.

Third party processors offer credit card processing service accounts that are easy to establish and maintain. If your card volumes are going to be low, this is probably your best choice. The processing rates that these accounts offer, however, are substantially higher than a direct merchant account's. After the break-even point, the cost of establishing a domestic account will be offset by the savings that will come with the lower credit card processing rates.

Offshore credit card processing companies provide the convenience of a direct merchant account processing solution, without the hassle of dealing with the US legal and procedural requirements. The downside, however is a substantial rate premium that you will be charged, much bigger than the premium, charged by third-party processors. Processing rates, charged by offshore companies, are more than twice higher than the ones that domestic processors charge. [http://www.unibulmerchantservices.com/payment-processing/]Payment Processing [http://www.unibulmerchantservices.com/apply-online/credit-card-merchant-services/]Credit Card Merchant Services

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Brazil Has More Areas of Profitability Potential

2008-08-09T09:08:00.000-07:00

Brazil Has More Areas of Profitability Potential

By Bince Mandapam

Foreign investors who seek out investments in promising markets like Brazil are set to put up the biggest profits as entry costs are affordable, with property prices hovering on the brink of a boom. House prices are rising at a rate of twenty per cent; further growth is still likely. The increase of more sturdy domestic demand is also boosting property prices. This means that property owners stand to benefit from capital appreciation as demand continues to go up.

Brazil's tourist industry is currently growing at a rate of 7.2 per cent per year and the appeal of the country among holidaymakers is having a knock-on effect on its housing market. This is mainly due to the fact that many traditional European destinations are on the brink of an economic recession, which has made many holidaymakers opt to visit a cheaper country this year. Brazil is said to offer "tremendous opportunities" for growth in tourism-related real estate development.

Brazilian property market has recorded positive growth as Brazilian property loans have quadrupled in the last three years. The private financial sector has executed flexible measures for increased real estate financing and increased the time periods permitted for financing. According to Brazilian Association of Real Estate and Savings Institutions (Abicep), Only 53,787 real estate loans were made nationwide in 2004 but in 2007 it was catapulted to 195,900.

Brazil has firmly established as one of the most popular emerging market destinations for overseas property investment. The professionalism of domestic players in the real estate sector, a reliable and clear regulatory framework and a healthy macroeconomic environment offers unparalleled opportunities for overseas investors. The shortage between supply and demand of property in Brazil's urban market is calculated to be eight million units. Brazil's housing scarcity has made the country's real estate enormously attractive to those looking at property in Brazil.

Furthermore, foreign investors who have been priced out of the domestic housing market are looking for possible opportunities in Brazil. The first-time buyers from many European countries particularly from UK are increasingly snapping up buy-to-let properties in areas such as Natal. This is because foreign property investors can enter the market at a price which compares very favourably with those in their native countries.

The IMD's World Competitiveness Yearbook has stated that Brazil is placed in the 43rd place compared to last year's ranking of 49th place. According to the Latin Business Chronicle reports, Brazil leapt 11 places in the business efficiency category to 29th. Property investors considering property purchase in Brazil could be interested to take notice of the country's booming economy has become more competitive as it suggests the financial buoyancy will continue.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bince_Mandapam http://EzineArticles.com/?Brazil-Has-More-Areas-of-Profitability-Potential&id=1360254

Billing Methods in Shipping

2008-08-09T09:07:00.000-07:00

Billing Methods in Shipping

By Manan Kumar

Some of the important terms regarding shipment and billing methods involved in it are described over here. The most common trading terms used in shipment of commodities used worldwide are :-

1. Freight on Board or free on Board also know as F&B - This means that exporter delivers the goods or commodities at his own expense at location specified.

2. Cost and Freight, commonly known as C&F, CFR, and CNF - In this case exporter pays the ocean shipping and air freight to the specified location. Many of major shipping carriers offer guarantee on their delivery time i.e. if the packages are not delivered on time then customer will be entitled to a refund.

3. Cost Insurance and Freight or CIF - Insurance and Freight are all paid by the exporter to the specified location.

Regardless of the many variables in shipped commodities and locations, there are simply three basic types of shipments: land, air, and sea. Shipping is physical procedure of transporting commodities and consignment. Almost every manufactured good ever made, bought, or sold has been affected by shipping.

On comparing these shipment procedures i.e. shipment through land or ground with air and sea, each type of shipment has its own uses and drawbacks. Shipment through sea is normally done though trucking which actually the most popular form of shipping. Still in air and water shipments, ground shipment is still be used to take the commodity from its source to the airport or seaport and then to its destination and Trucks is also much faster than ships and rail transport but slower than air planes.

But actual shipping is done through Sea. An individual nation's fleet is called merchant navy and is fundamental to the world economy because of hauling the bulk of international trade.

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Tips on Import-Export Dealings For Agents!

2008-08-09T09:05:00.000-07:00

Tips on Import-Export Dealings For Agents!

By Kirthy S

If you are aspiring to be an import export agent, drive home one fact, that it's a lucrative profession. Across the world, there have been great success stories about import export business. At the same time, some have faced defeat as well. However, the failure stories get concealed quite often.

Many people actively participate in trading or work as agents to major exporters and importers. It is all based on the products that are dealing with, your financial ability and the country you are trading with etc.

How different are the marketing strategies from export business?

It is often said that, the strategies of marketing involved in local marketing is not very different from the export market. Every country perceives products differently and hence makes use of different marketing strategies. It is usually the distributors who take care of the type of marketing strategy that is employed.

If you are trading with other countries, learn about its license requirements if any. Some countries have no license requirements for particular products. Certain high risk products like chemicals, liquor, medicines, arms, articles etc may demand a license. However, products like consumer goods are of low risk and can be traded well without any risk. Trade products with no barriers and is simple.

Ensure for the smooth running of the distribution and production channels. Look at your stock positioning, brand positioning too. Stock positioning is nothing but moving the stocks from a country which has it in excess to a country where there is a scarcity. Where there is a demand for the product moving it there makes more sense. Save out on money too! Create a domain of your own, to promote the products.

You as an import export agent is not known by all. Before you take a plunge on your import export business set your marketing strategies rightly. Ensure that your products are of good quality. Follow up with good quality control measures. Promote your products well, as you are not well known in the market yet. Build up enough credibility for your product. Choose the right medium for advertising your products. Get a search engine friendly website, build up your web pages with sufficient search engine optimisation done to your site, off page optimisation is also important to gain traffic from other sites too, thus boosts up the ranking of your site and you gain visibility. For more tips on import export, search online.

Kirthy Shetty, Platinum author

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The Rise of Unions in Japan

2008-08-09T09:04:00.000-07:00

The Rise of Unions in Japan

By Lance Winslow

Is organized labor about to destroy Japan's industrial might and efficiency strength? Most people in the United States believe that organized labor has every right to organize and use their numbers to protect against exploitation, maintain worker safety and to get paid a fair wage. In Japan, it would be considered dishonorable for a company not to be fair to their workers and thus, a union is not needed.

Employees have extreme loyalty to the corporations they work for and in years past have worked their all their lives, as have many of their families. Today, Japan is under considerable economic stress due to an aging population, one of the problems that the US and Europe will also face as the Baby Boomers retire and the Baby Busters continue to pay into the system. [Futurecast - Robert Shapiro].

Now, something unprecedented is taking place in Japan, there are actually labor arbitrator courts, something you would have never expected in Japan, a society that works well on such an authoritative level. In the past talk of such things would have been considered the words of Revolutionists or Guerillas. But times are changing in Japan and the untouchable loyalty is dwindling.

Will these labor unions that are forming break the back of Industrialized Japan? Will this cause a further decay of World-Wide market share at a time when low-cost competing products in China are hitting the free-markets in such quantity? If worker demands outpace the profit potential of Japanese Manufacturers and Corporations, will Japan in-turn end up subsidizing businesses to keep them afloat?

Is Japan turning a corner that could cost her the edge in advanced technology and manufacturing efficiency? Some worry about these prospects, and the Online Think Tank is constantly assessing what this means for Japan's future.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lance_Winslow http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Rise-of-Unions-in-Japan&id=1386792

What is the Suppliers' Price Trick?

2008-08-09T09:03:00.001-07:00

What is the Suppliers' Price Trick?

By Vivian Lin

China has played a more and more important role in the world trading as economy develop. China surpassed the US as the world's second-largest exporter in the middle of 2006, according to data published Thursday by the World Trade Organization, and the emerging economic giant is pulling further and further ahead.

In 2007, China's trade with Japan, the world's second-largest economy, surpassed U.S. trade with Japan for the first time since World War II. Export growth of China outpacing all other major trading countries.

"Made in China" label may be found on many products from all over the world. It is difficult to find a shop in the West that does not sell products with a 'Made in China' label. China has overtaken Japan in the last decade to become the largest manufacturer and exporter of consumer goods. It is now the world's number one producer for more than 100 different consumer products. As most of people know, the products which made in China are usually cheap and of high quality.

Many foreign buyers search for China's providers at B2B websites to compare the price until they get the lowest one. Many SOHO and small business owners play trick. They use lowest price to attract customers first and ask them to pay deposit. After order confirmed, they make fraud during the process, such as slight changes in materials or the increase in the sample charge when making models. However, many of Chinese foreign trade enterprises and individuals SOHO have no ability to afford compensation to the buyers for their losses.

Low price can not say every thing, the buyers not only need to consider price, but also has to choose a good supplier. Just as RICHFORTH LIMITED, which not only have the most competitive price, but also can provide first-rate service for you. RICHFORTH is a Sourcing Center which faces to most of the small and medium-sized businesses which accept and welcome all small orders. Even its financial sector have made adequate preparation to afford the losses you may do, this is lots of Chinese foreign trade enterprises and individuals SOHO can not do and avoid the price trick.

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Start a Mini Farm Business in Your Backyard or Small Acreage in 2008

2008-01-28T03:13:00.000-08:00

By Barbara Adams

In this new world of eco-consciousness, concern of global warming, home business and entrepreneurship, a gourmet treasury of backyard mini-farms is being born. They range from substantial extra streams of income to full-time income, and from rooftops, even apartments (!) to farms on small acreage. Out of the ashes of the farming disaster in the 1980s came a new form of organic small acreage or backyard farm, the "micro eco-farm." The Center for the Micro Eco-Farming Movement at www.microecofarming.com, there are reports of angora rabbits being raised in apartments, organic herb gardens in backyards selling herbal crafts over the internet, miniature sheep, miniature dairy cows, organic flower farms on small acreage, heirloom vegetable farms on small acreage, garlic farms on small acreage, flower seed farms from backyards, and the list goes on.

Often, they are matched with a home cottage industry, such as spinning wool products from the angora rabbits' wool or teaching cooking classes on the heirloom vegetable farm.

While most of these home businesses are farms from backyards to small acreages, some of these very small farms are within bigger farms. One operates a full time business from two acres, but lives on a 130 acre farm. Another's husband farms huge acreage owned by a corporate farm, but their own seven acres hosts her full time business of growing beautiful herb and flower gardens, growing unusual bedding plants and making gifts from her garden crops for sale in her on-farm gift shop, and hosting weddings and other special events on the farm.

Here's how it works.

In the 80s, as just one example, hundreds of smaller dairy farmers had to go out of business. Cows were injected with hormones to produce massive amounts of milk, and wholesale prices got so cheap, smaller dairy farms just couldn't earn enough from sales anymore. It was get big or get out. Each cow cost more to keep than what was returned. Plus, many of those who used to see milk as nature's most wholesome food began to question its health, and sales dropped even further.

So, how would a micro eco-dairy farm today make money with five cows on a little more than five acres? They raise the cows organically or certified naturally grown on green pasture (the health benefits of this to humans are well-documented, and astounding). With that milk, they handcraft artisan cheese, and sell this premium product often retail to upscale markets for eager buyers seeking healthy, humanely raised, grass-fed artisan cheese... cheese in which customers can even name the cows it came from! The cost to keep each cow is returned many times over. Times have changed. Today, hand-tending, handcrafting and allowing customers to reconnect with animals and nature don't work for large-scale agribusinesses, but they work for smaller parcels and have an eager market waiting.

For more information about these family-friendly home businesses that help rejuvenate the earth and our connection to it, visit the Center for the Micro Eco-Farming Movement at www.MicroEcoFarming.com.

www.MicroEcoFarming.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Barbara_Adams http://EzineArticles.com/?Start-a-Mini-Farm-Business-in-Your-Backyard-or-Small-Acreage-in-2008&id=949092

Recognising the Sokal Syndrome

2008-01-28T03:10:00.000-08:00

By Leandro Herrero

The 1996 Spring/Summer issue of Social Text, a fashionable American cultural studies journal, featured an article entitled, 'Transgressing the boundaries: towards a transformative hermeneutics of quantum gravidity". It was written by Alan Sokal, a professor of physics at New York University, and was full of absurdities. It proclaimed the most irrational of propositions and asserted conclusions of the so-called post-modernist type, that everything is relative (from morality to physics) and science - like everything else - is a social construct.

The whole article was written by linking absurd arguments using unclear or inaccurate terminology and drawing conclusions from totally unreasonable thought pathways. But it was happily published. When it was, an astonished Sokal went public declaring it a hoax. He had shown - through what he called an "unorthodox and uncontrolled experiment" - that one can get away with almost anything in these times of cultural fashion and questionable judgement.

Front pages of The New York Times, The International Herald Tribune,the UK's Observer and the French Le Monde, all carried news of the hoax. But what started as a contained provocation soon extended to a debate on the broader issue of using sophisticated language borrowed from contemporary physics and mathematics and applying it to the social sciences - a typical 'post-modernist' debate. (See Higher Superstition. The academic left and its quarrels with science by Paul R Gross and Norman Levitt, The John Hopkins University Press, 1994)

What next? A book, first in French and then in English. Intellectual Impostures (Profile Books, 198) was written by Sokal with the help of Jean Bricmont, another physics professor, this time from Europe (Louvain, Belgium). The book is a devastating criticism on 'la crème de la crème' of mainly, but not only, French intellectuals and the use of scientific terms they don't understand to pontificate on psychological/social/linguistic/political issues.

Having trained in psychiatry, I particularly enjoyed the chapter on French psychoanalyst Jacques Lacan who used mathematical terminology to discuss psychological and linguistic topics. As a student, I never understood a word of what Lacan had written. For a long time I considered I had a second-class brain unable to grasp intellectual constructs of the like of Lacan. Sokal and Bricmont redeemed me.

The authors soon became heroes. Articles proliferated, both for and against them, which were consolidated in a website. But enough about Sokal and the French intellectuals. Business has its own 'Sokal syndrome', inundated by jargon and often meaningless terminology. The advantage is that guru-jargon is less pretentious and one can spot it more easily, without having to spend a lot of time debating whether or not the problem is in one's genetically limited brain. I want to propose that one of the primary roles of the modern business leaders should be to uncover 'intellectual nudity'. And we have a lot of that around.

Word playing and permutation are, of course, not the sole preserve of business jargon. They seem to have a more natural home in politics. In the last British general election, for example, the following declaration of intentions went like this: "The power of all for the good of each, ours is the passion rallied with reason." One could even get the order wrong in the reading or listening and still get 'a message'. But was it "the power of passion of each, allied to reason, for the good of all", or "the passion of all for the good of reason"? The speaker, Tony Blair, became British Prime Minister a few weeks later.

The power of rhetoric

Uncovering intellectual nudity in business life is essential if one wants to make some sense of the corporation of the future. "The guru has no clothes" is sometimes a shouting imperative but people are still reluctant to shout, perhaps worried that, like Lacan and me, they might have missed something. There are not many good management ideas of substance in the forest of management rhetoric. It is urgent to get a fresh look and crusade for plain English (or French, or Spanish) business discourse.

It would be wrong to align rhetoric with garbage. We must not dismiss the power of rhetoric. On the contrary, as the history of mankind proves, from politics to home psychology, the word matters. Business leadership must be taught in such a way that new generations can learn to distinguish between the signal and the noise. At the moment, the noise is of polluting magnitude. The power of rhetoric and its use in business history is the main theme of an old book I have read a few times and thoroughly recommend. It is called Beyond the hype. Rediscovering the essence of management by Robert G Eccles and Nitin Nohria (Harvard Business School Press, 1992).

You may not have noticed it, but perfectly reasonable people who behave normally over the weekend, talking properly to other people at the supermarket checkout for example, become aliens on Monday morning when they get to the office. Strange terminology takes over and talk of 'bottom lines', 'net-net' and 'closer to the customer' starts.

A few months ago, in a corporate meeting, I took note of each time somebody said 'we, as a team'. I had to stop because I soon got bored. Imagine talking to your neighbours in the evening over a beer and using some sort of majestic 'we, as a family, are going to buy new curtains'. The next thing I noted at that meeting was 'at this point in time'. I am sure you have lots as well.

If you are interviewing somebody who says he wants to come aboard because he 'wants to contribute to your customer-driven strategy and make a difference to your bottom-line through clear vision and enhancement of shareholder value', call 999. There is always a psychiatrist on call. In the past, people have been detained for less than that.

Don't tolerate pollution

Don't tolerate pollution. You may be one of those who are careful about fresh air and hate to be in a traffic jam, for example, inhaling fumes. It is bad for your body so you avoid it. You just don't expose yourself or your children to polluted air. Period. What you may not realise is that this is nothing compared with the jargon pollution that is impacting your brain. Avoid mental pollution as you do would the rest. Hire people who have a reasonable command of their mother tongue and show no signs of alien contamination. You must protect your mental health against 'word permutators'. Remember, infectious diseases are no joke. They have individual and social consequences. Make a point of having enough vaccine to inoculate your entire department. For example, ban the use of words such as 'empowerment', unless people explain immediately what they mean. 'We have empowered teams' is a dangerous statement unless explained because it contributes to a false sense of normality, a feeling of stability and the illusion of having a validated, model organisation. In reality, it may mean nothing or, at least, different things depending on who is saying it.

Create your own list. At your next departmental meeting, have a flip chart and spend a few minutes deciding which terms to ban. You will be surprised how quickly suggestions come up. Give people some prospect of mental freedom ad they will jump in. I did this exercise once banning the expression 'it depends' in the context of 'would you do this or that?' and I can assure you we had a completely different meeting.

Don't hire airport-business-school graduates. They have read the five laws of empowerment and the ten habits of the successful manager on the way to Chicago and think they deserve an MBA for that alone. Get on board people who can exercise judgement and speak to you in the same language they speak to their spouse in the evening (that is, when managers become normal people again). I have had managers come to me for a 20-minute meeting and start with the words: "well, the three things I want to achieve today from this meeting are..." All that, just as a starter and almost without a 'good morning'. I said to one of them, "please, relax, it's OK. No need to show me a categorical, numerical, ordinal world of 1,2,3. When you go home, do you really say, "darling, the three things I want to achieve tonight are..."?" The guy laughed and we had a normal conversation.

We are also creating a bullet-point society leading to 'The end of judgement'. In this societal model, arguments must be summarised in three bullet points and judgements condensed on the basis of a 'give-me-the-net-net' statement. It is, of course, the sound bit society that the current educational system is creating in most western countries.

Business dynamics and their theoretical/applied pillars (organisational architecture and development, human resources, strategy-systems-structure setting, operational practices, and so on) need strong cultivation of judgement plus plain English. If what is needed is to shout 'le roi est nu' (the shorter French version of 'the emperor has no clothes') so be it. Somebody on the payroll may need to stand up and proclaim: "My dear guru who is influencing our current rhetoric and business practices, you have the intellectual strength of a cream cake. Thanks for your contributions. I am going to exercise what is left of my brain." It may be just one of those revolutionary behaviours that could make the difference.

Dr Leandro Herrero practiced as a psychiatrist for more than fifteen years before taking up senior management positions in several pharmaceutical companies, both in the UK and the US. He is co-founder and CEO of The Chalfont Project Ltd, an international firm of organizational consultants. Taking advantage of his behavioral sciences background - coupled with his hands-on business experience - he works with organizations of many kinds on structural and behavioral change, leadership and human collaboration. He has published several books, among which The Leader with Seven Faces, Viral Change and New Leaders Wanted: Now Hiring!, all published by meetingminds.

All articles posted on E-zine by Leandro Herrero are copyright © Leandro Herrero. http://www.meetingminds.com - http://www.thechalfontproject.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Leandro_Herrero http://EzineArticles.com/?Recognising-the-Sokal-Syndrome&id=949048

Small Business Marketing Tips - Selecting the Right Marketing Tactics

2008-01-17T11:50:00.000-08:00

By Susan Oakes

There are so many marketing tactics for your small business to choose from it can be a little daunting to know which ones will produce the best results. The good news is that there are ways to make the selection easier so that you can maximise every dollar of your marketing budget no matter how small it is.

Marketing tactics are the combination of marketing tools, activities and business decisions needed to support your marketing strategies and achieve your marketing objectives. If conducted successfully, your marketing tactics will enable your small business to retain, expand on and attract your most profitable customers, whilst continually supporting key areas of your business and overall financial goals.

The first thing you need to consider is what is the most important area for your business to focus on. Is it attracting more customers, retaining your customers, expanding your business with your existing customers or a combination?

Tactics for Retaining Your Most Profitable Customers
Any big business will tell you that retaining your customers is more cost-effective than trying to attract new ones. It is therefore essential to know who your most profitable customers are, how you can keep them loyal and most importantly how you can protect them from your competitors' activity. Marketing tactics aimed at retaining your most profitable customers most often will add value to their purchase during and after the sale. Examples include:

Premium offers which include your brand or business logo such as caps, t-shirts, coffee cups etc. These offers act as a reminder and can be used to say thank you for supporting your small business
Web newsletters that include feedback, case studies and important information which is relevant and of interest to your customers
A customer service program which exceeds the needs of your existing customers and which can used to encourage your customers to be less sensitive to price discounting from your competitors
Loyalty schemes are a simple way to retain your customers and have been implemented by many different types of small business such as coffee shops

Tactics to Expand Your Business with Your Existing Customers
The key here is to implement marketing tactics that will encourage your customers to purchase more of your products or services (up sell) or to purchase additional products and services in your range (cross sell). Examples include:

Multiple purchase discounts i.e. your customers receive a discount if they purchase a certain quantity of your product or service. Just remember to make sure you determine the additional volume you will need to generate to make up the loss in revenue from the price discount
Sampling is a good way for your existing customers to try other products and services in your range and they can always be promoted with your existing products or services
Public relations and email marketing via the web is a cost effective way of introducing new additions to your range of products and services

Tactics to Attract New Customers
Once you have identified your most profitable customer and your key point of difference the key is to ensure you attract customers who have the same or similar characteristics and encourage them to purchase. Often it is a matter of them trialling your product or service which helps to minimize the initial purchase risk. Examples include:

Cash backs are when customers send in proof of purchase after they have bought your product or service
Joint promotions with partner products or services allows you to gain awareness and trial of your product or service with another business's customers who have a similar profile to your ideal customer
Trial offers allows potential customers to learn more about your product or service for a limited time. Car manufacturers and software companies often conduct this type of marketing tactic

Although there always seems to be new marketing tactics for your business to implement, by deciding what your focus is going to be with customers makes the selection process simpler and assists you in implementing tactics that will produce the most cost effective results.

© Marketing for Business Success Pty Ltd 2008

Susan Oakes and and her business partner Bronwen Ryan are experienced marketers who developed and now sell M4B Marketing Software which enables small businesses to review, develop, implement and track their marketing plans and projects. Visit http://www.m4b.com.au and view the demo.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Oakes http://EzineArticles.com/?Small-Business-Marketing-Tips---Selecting-the-Right-Marketing-Tactics&id=930255

Finding The Right Home-Based Business

2008-01-17T11:36:00.000-08:00

By Lisa Burkhardt

When starting to think about a home-based business, many know exactly what they are going to target. However, most individuals like you and I have no idea what direction to take when starting to brainstorm for this new en devour.

It is not enough just knowing that we want to have our own home-based business. Struggling with the important decision of what type of home-based business we want to start is how many of us approach the brainstorming.

There are hundreds even thousands of profitable home-based business ideas to choose from, which will fit every type of personality and all levels of income. Some examples: from selling products, service or information on the Internet, to typing information, etc; there is a ton of money to be made, from a variety services.

Just like anything else, it is important to enjoy what you are doing in your new home-based business; this will effect your end results with a much higher success rate. So be sure to pick that home-based business that you'll enjoy running and that will keep you motivated day to day.

When brainstorming ideas use your specialty or a special interest . Focus on this specialty or interest; such as, if you enjoy math than accounting or maybe even an income tax service might be your ideal home-based business. Do you enjoy writing? Then maybe you'd like to start your own home-based advertising agency or become a ghost writer on the Internet. Are you a sales professional, maybe network marketing would be your specialty. As you can see there are many alternatives to starting a successful home-based business with great profitability from the comfort of your home.

Maybe none of these interest but you love crafts. Craft items are hot sellers at craft shows, country fairs, and even over the Internet. This is a great way to provide yourself with a substantial income. If this doesn't interest you, then why not start a laundry service or a shopping service for the elderly. Do you love animals; why not a dog sitting or walking business?

When brainstorming new ideas for your future home-based business, keep in mind to be successful you need to provide a product or service that others will actually purchase over and over again. Satisfied customers will return again and again however you need to start with a specific targeted market. If you target your market correctly they will keep you and your home-based business in business with a nice steady income.

A list of suggestions for home-based businesses has been provided below. These are just a few ideas to help you brainstorm so you can decide on an appropriate business that fits into the life style of you and your family.

Multi-level-marketing (mlm)

Day Care Service

Dog Walking Service

Vending Machine

Gift Basket Service

Income Tax Service

Accounting Service

Crafter

Typing Service

Delivery Service

Cleaning Service

The list can go on and on; just think about everyday things that others may need but may not be able to provide for themselves.

Any business you start from home has the possibility to develop and explode into a never ending cash flow for you and your family. Your home-based business will thrive as long as the demand it there either in your community or on the Internet. You will probably start off slow; as long as you dedicate your time to a regular work schedule and regularly pick up new clients you should have great success. Whats the worse that could happen; your business explodes and you have to enlist your family and friends to give you a hand to meet the high demands.

To your success!

By Lisa Burkhardt - Editor of [http://www.work-home-today.com]http://www.work-home-today.com; great resource for work at home ideas and opportunities.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_Burkhardt http://EzineArticles.com/?Finding-The-Right-Home-Based-Business&id=930483

Six Ways to Make Your Online Business Fresh

2008-01-17T11:32:00.000-08:00

By Scott Oliver

While it's no secret that online businesses are the wave of the future, doesn't it seem like some businesses are constantly staying ahead of everyone else, while others lag behind, looking out of date and irrelevant? When you're trying to create a successful online business, you can't afford to seem like you're falling behind the rest of the virtual 'pack,' so what can you do? Here are six ways to make sure that your online business stays current and fresh - no matter what you sell.

Have a Timeless Idea

Though you might be selling the latest popular products on the market right now, that's not always the best investment for the future. Because times and trends will change, you need to be selling something that will never go out of style or fall out of use. Of course, you can't guarantee anything, so you might want to simply try to address a timeless idea. For example, you might want to create a business that helps people save time - that's always something that a customer will pay for.

Change Up Your Website

When you change your website from time to time, you will show the customers that you are interested in being innovative - even if you simply just change the colors or the layout. Try to add new pictures or fresh articles to your website to help make the content new and different. This will keep people coming back to your business site to see what else you might have changed when they were away.

Update your Products

You don't have to change what you sell in order to be relevant, but you should try to update your products from time to time. For example, if you are selling customized beauty products, you might want to change the labeling or the packaging occasionally. You can also try taking out certain ingredients or adding new ingredients to help make your product better. Try listening to what your customers want (and don't want) in your products, and see how you can address their needs.

Focus on New Selling Points

With nearly any product, there are going to be several reasons why a customer should buy it. It might be the latest design, it might offer a lighter weight, etc. Create a list of the good qualities for each of your products and then be sure to focus on only one of those qualities at a time, then switch up your website writing to show this change in focus. This will make your products always seem new and exciting because they always have something different to offer a customer.

Take it into Real Life

By heading to a sales convention or a trade show from time to time, you will continue to show that your business is innovative and accessible to your customers. Show them new things that you are selling or simply give customers a chance to see who you are. These shows can not only provide you with access to new customers, but also to networking opportunities and ideas about how others are keeping things fresh.

Have Press Releases

When you announce big ideas about your business, your customers will see that you are always trying something new. Of course, you will need to follow through on what you release in these statements, but you can simply write up a summary of the newest innovations and post it on your website for your customer to view. This will show that you are always going to have something exciting to share - even if it's just a small change to your product line.

Scott Oliver offers free video coaching to help you build a profitable home business FAST. Get an hour of "Website Traffic Secrets" and "Minisite Creation Tactics" for FREE -- immediate access here: http://www.InstantWebsiteBusiness.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_Oliver http://EzineArticles.com/?Six-Ways-to-Make-Your-Online-Business-Fresh&id=932704

License to Print Money at World Internet Summit Australia 2008

2008-01-17T11:31:00.000-08:00

By Arya Saleh

Do you know that you can make money of your own anytime anywhere you want in this entire world? This is sound ridiculous because money was print by central bank, but the truth is you can make money easily.

Internet marketing is the best business model to make money for everyone. Child, teenager, housewife, retiree, employee, and even traditional business person can benefit from this business. Thousand people around the world have achieved their dream lifestyle of freedom from their 9-5 job. They don't worry about money, time, traffic jam or their boss anymore. Maybe you will ask, how could they benefit this lifestyle when most of us could only imagine ?

The answer is simple. Internet connection cost become cheap available for most of the people. The other factor is everyone has specific knowledge of something. This knowledge can be sold in internet marketing business in digital format (pdf file, software, etc). The beauty of this format is anyone can download anytime anywhere. They don't have transportation and warehouse cost.

Everyone has knowledge which needed by other people around the world. For example, people who work at tax office must have tax knowledge which paid by employee every year. He can write information of how to save tax spending when people will buy a house or car.

Some housewife has knowledge of how to make a delicious Christmas cake. She can write the recipe and sell to other people. A teenager whose hobby is playing piano can write a simple report of how anybody can learn to play piano easily. As you can see, the knowledge is not a "NASA rocket-scientist" report.

The next million dollar question is how we utilize the knowledge to make money from internet? The answer is we have to learn from people who actually "walk the talk", people who already make money from internet. They are the "expert" of the internet marketing business. These people are already having passive income to support their life.

The internet marketing business works by provide product as solution for the "niche" problems. This product can be made by the internet marketer, or the internet marketer can sell other people's product. The marketing process of product delivery is unique because there are lots of strategies in internet marketing.

Some internet marketers use web 2.0 (social network website) to attract the niche attention. The other internet marketers make money by sell other people's product called affiliate marketing. Some internet marketers use pay per click advertising to sell the product. The others use forum to drive the traffics to his/her website.

Arya Hendrata Saleh is an expert internet marketing strategiest for beginner. His vision is to teach others to make money online anytime anywhere whenever they want. You can check his site at: http://viralurl.com/arya/World-Internet-Summit-Australia

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Arya_Saleh http://EzineArticles.com/?License-to-Print-Money-at-World-Internet-Summit-Australia-2008&id=928326

Website Accessibility - The Internet for All

2008-01-17T11:29:00.000-08:00

By John Sheridan

For most people, surfing the Internet and reading copy on web pages presents no problem whatsoever, but for the visually impaired and the elderly it's another matter entirely. Unimpeded access to websites is something the rest of us take for granted, but for those with a visual disability things are not quite so straightforward.

Legal Responsibilities

The introduction of the Disability Discrimination Act in 1995 made it a legal requirement for most businesses and public areas to have disabled access and facilities as standard, and although things are moving in the right direction, there is still some way to go. However, in 1999, the law was extended to include websites as well with construction guidelines laid down to ensure that the visually impaired and elderly Internet users would find accessing and reading online content a much easier task.

Accessibility and Benefits

There are various methods employed by designers to make websites compliant. Using simple page layouts without overcomplicated use of tables will make it much easier for screen readers to use, as will the application of 'Alt' text (alternative text) on images. Traditional html sites can be built or modified to make them accessible, but one of the best methods is to build them using simple CSS code. CSS-built sites will read the text exactly as it appears on the screen and users will also benefit from ease of navigation and much quicker loading times. An added bonus for website owners is that CSS sites will generally attain better search engine positions than their html counterparts.

Potential Market

According to figures from the RNIB (Royal National Institute for the Blind), an astonishing 3 million people in the UK cannot, or have extreme difficulty reading standard printed material. Those people encounter exactly the same problem when they attempt to read website content. It naturally follows therefore, that should they wish to purchase something online and can't read what is on the website - they won't buy, resulting in not only a staggering amount of disgruntled would-be customers but a significant amount of lost sales and income.

Equality

Accessibility is not only about online spending though; that is just one aspect to consider when building a compliant website. Another, and possibly the most important factor to take into account is that whether spending or just surfing for fun and information, visually impaired or elderly Internet users should be able to access and read websites with the same ease and convenience that the rest of us enjoy and not feel as though it's a privilege or something they have to earn.It makes good sense to have a disabled-friendly website not only from a business point of view, but because not having one means denying a minority the chance to share one of the greatest communication and information systems ever invented.

John Sheridan is a professional proofreader of hard copy items and website copy. He also writes web copy and occasionally accepts small copy-editing assignments. He can be contacted via: http://www.textcorrect.co.uk

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Sheridan http://EzineArticles.com/?Website-Accessibility---The-Internet-for-All&id=931908

Reasons Why You Need A Squeeze Page For Your Home Based Business!

2008-01-17T11:26:00.000-08:00

By Joe Okoro

Do you have a home based business? Are you getting enough sales, recruits or just downlines? If you are finding it difficult to fulfil the above business building goals, then you need to re-examine your marketing strategies to see what improvements you need to make to bring your business the desired result.

The only way you can seriously boost the results of your home based business is through the use of squeeze pages.

A squeeze page helps you to maximize the returns on your investment when you are performing any traffic generating campaigns on your business. As a matter of fact the only way you can actually generate enough database of prospects is through the use of this important element.

A squeeze page is mainly for collecting the names and email addresses of everyone who visits your website and wants to get more information from your you regarding the services or products you provide.

When you have a squeeze page on your home website, you multiply the number of times people visit your home based business opportunity website by 100 or more folds. You now have the power to drive targeted traffic to your business website as many times as possible.

Unfortunately, most networkers or MLM representatives do not implemement this business building element on their website for maximum returns. In fact they dont even know what a squeeze page is.

If you are reading this article, then I assume you already know what a squeeze page is because that may be your reason for opening this article.

Let me illustrate the usefulness of a squeeze page to your business.

Imagine you are converting 1 person out of every 100 visitors to your website to either buy or join your opportunity. At the end of 30 days, you would have approximately 30 registrations which is a good starting point.

However, with a squeeze page on your site, you can actually convert up to 35% of these people per day to subscribe to your newsletter, and later redirect them to your home website. This way, you will have about 1050 subscribers that you can follow up on at the end of the 30th day.

What of if you are able to convert 10% of these people, that is 105 people against the 30 people that you would with the same traffic. Do you get the picture now?

I have just concluded a free report that you can use to quickly build your downline and develop your home business in time. You can [http://coolcashjackpot.net/gcbizarticles.htm]Claim Your Free Copy Now!

Joe Okoro is an accomplished networker who has successfully used internet marketing to grow his downline for 3 years now.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joe_Okoro [http://ezinearticles.com/?Reasons-Why-You-Need-A-Squeeze-Page-For-Your-Home-Based-Business!&id=931231 ]http://EzineArticles.com/?Reasons-Why-You-Need-A-Squeeze-Page-For-Your-Home-Based-Business!&id=931231

Retirement And Home Based Business

2008-01-17T11:25:00.000-08:00

By Mel Anderson

In todays world of global uncertainty, with increasing costs such as fuel and energy, retirement seems to be only a dream. College expenses and mortgage issues play an important role on when and if you can retire. Corporate down turns and life's ability to throw curve balls at you sometimes make retirement difficult no matter how well you plan. The opportunity to supplement your income and/or live your dreams and the lifestyle you have always wanted to live has never been easier. You can earn a massive amount of income with the help of the internet no matter what your experiences have been. You just have to ask yourself if you are ready to make the most out of retirement and do everything you have always dreamed you would. How many times have you said when I retire I am going to Hawaii, Italy, or on a cruise. The opportunities are there for you.

Getting started is very simple and fun. Do a little research on what's out there and see what it is that interests you. There are endless opportunities in home based businesses and there is something for everyone. Find a company with a product that appeals to you and that you have some knowledge of so it creates some excitement and comfort. Being comfortable is very important to your success. It is also important to choose a company the allows you to help other people. Being a part of success to others is also very rewarding. It should be the driving force in your business.

Being involved in a team or group is also very rewarding. Working together with people of the same mindset creates fun and excitement and success. You become friends even though they may live across the country or across the globe. Due your research and educate yourself about the companies you like. It will become apparent quickly if the companies you have chosen are what you thought they were and if they operate with integrity. Very important...

There will be a learning curve in whatever company you choose. It is not any different than learning new things in your career or J.O.B. Everyone has had to learn new things over the years and with the technology today, it becomes easier and more simple to do. The opportunity to earn whatever amount of money you want or need for a retirement lifestyle you have worked your entire life to achieve is right before you.

If you are looking to greatly enhance your income on line, visit Mel at http://bigtickettowealth.com

Author: Mel Anderson is a successful on line marketer and specializes in helping others become the same

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mel_Anderson http://EzineArticles.com/?Retirement-And-Home-Based-Business&id=929231

Build Up Your Trust and Credibility by Providing Quality Content

2008-01-17T11:20:00.000-08:00

By Shawn Lim

The number one reason people visit your website is because of the information that you provided for them. If you provide good quality information, the information that people are looking for, you will create trust and credibility. People will love your site and come back for more.

It is pretty much the opposite if your websites are full of junks, unwanted content. Many people did not know the power of having quality content in website. They thought that by simply creating a website, and put it live; people will come to their site and buy from them. All they want is just to get their website up and running. This is totally the wrong concept. An internet business is just like ordinary brick and mortar business in the real world. If you are not creating any values to your customers and prospects, they will not buy from you and you will not get any repeat sales.

In the internet, many people thought that by adding affiliate links in their content, people will click through and buy. Well, maybe you will get some sales if you do so, but this is not how it works. What you need to do first is to build trust and credibility with your visitors, readers, or subscribers. This is how a real internet millionaire makes their fortune. You will have to give before you receive. Hence, you need to provide your visitors with what they are looking for first, then only you recommend them your affiliate products, or your own products.

Don't worry if you are not making any money in the beginning, everything needs time to grow; it is the same for internet business. A business without proper customer relationship is not going to stay up long. I believe that you want to build a continuous flow of income than a short term income source. This is exactly the same just like if you want to buy a hand phone. I'm sure that before you get yourself a hand phone, you will first ask for other people's opinion such as from your friends. And this is where you, as an internet marketer come in. You should educate your visitors with related information they are looking for. Once you do this, they will trust you more, and thus, you can convert your sales better the moment you promote to them.

No one likes spam emails, because they contain full of promotional links. People can smell if you are just wanted to make money from them. So you can see now, you will have to approach your visitors in a friendly way before you start recommending good products to them. Before you want to sell something to your visitors, try to think of it from their view. If you are a visitor to your website, are you going to buy what you recommended? I believe that you will want to buy products from those who create more value to you right?

Just remember this, in the internet; you are dealing with humans, not computers. Computers are just the tools that connect between you and other human beings all around the world. So you will have to create more value to them if you want to achieve much more.

Shawn Lim, an internet marketer who make money from the net. You can grab all the success tips and money making guides here, [http://themillionairesecrets.net/]The
Millionaire Secrets.
If you don't act on this information today you may never get the opportunity to take this life changing step again. Just follow the link and start your new life today!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shawn_Lim http://EzineArticles.com/?Build-Up-Your-Trust-and-Credibility-by-Providing-Quality-Content&id=933460

Discover the Truth of an Internet Business

2008-01-17T11:19:00.000-08:00

By Jason Pearson

Beginning an internet business sounds exciting. Everyone is doing it and it takes little effort to make millions. It's simple and convenient that anyone can do. If you have heard these claims before, take notice and hear the truth.

The truth is that many people want to believe all of this but have not yet found it true. They have also invested a large amount of time and money and have not found their internet business to be profitable for them.

The truth is that many people are frustrated and disillusioned with their plan to having a successful online business. So here is your opportunity to realize what is really happening in the online business world.

First of all, it is not as simple as many articles might insinuate. There is not just one procedure for everyone to make it happen. You do need to have skills to make an effective web site or blog. They need to be creative and attractive to draw people's attention to them. They need to inform and meet the needs of the readers to draw traffic to them. You need to be able to find new customers and to retain past customers. The web site or blog needs to be immediately effective or you will lose either one of them very quickly.

Yes, there is a numerous variety of options to gain knowledge of how to begin an online business out there. But with so many choices, where do you begin and which ones do you trust? This can be a very frustrating challenge before you even get started.

If you do get a web site or blog created, how about getting traffic to them? Again there are many suggestions you will get but which ones really work? It would be very naive to think you can beat out all the competition. It is mind boggling to realize the widespread use of the internet and all the people out there competing with you.

Every day you hear of new methods, new strategies, and unique ways to make your business succeed. Usually this only brings confusion to the beginning business owner. For those who are brave enough to try these things, they often end up throwing away their money and efforts by not becoming skilled at the first steps of building their business. Without the knowledge and experience of what you are doing, it can turn into an expensive venture.

Internet businesses can be successful and profitable, but hopefully by knowing the truth about beginning an online business, you will not be discouraged when you run into them. This may help you to persevere and make your business a success. [http://www.squidoo.com/jason-pearson/ ]Jason Pearson is an online marketing expert who wants to share his secrets with the world. To find out more... [http://www.squidoo.com/jason-pearson/ ]Click Here To Discover More About Jason Pearson

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Pearson http://EzineArticles.com/?Discover-the-Truth-of-an-Internet-Business&id=932056

Small Business Marketing - How To Do It Right!

2008-01-17T11:18:00.001-08:00

By John A. Michailidis, Esq.

There are two broad categories of marketing - one appropriate to small business, and the other not so much so. Unfortunately, a large percentage of small businesses don't know the difference between the two and they waste money, and loose potential clients and customers because of it.

Two Types Of Marketing

Marketing can be separated into two broad types:

Image marketing.
Direct response marketing.

Image marketing is about YOU and your business. Direct response marketing is about the CUSTOMER and their concerns.

Image marketing is designed to impress the client with how great you are: how professional, fast, award winning, environmentally friendly, etc. It doesn't address the customer's needs and it is often filled with "fluff" that really doesn't have much to do with anything. You've seen the ads - beautiful sunsets, soft music, cute puppy dogs, a recital of how great the company is - what the heck that has to do with "selling widgets in Peoria" I'll never know!

The Best Marketing For Small Business

While image marketing "might" have a place if you are a major corporation with boatloads of cash to burn (I'd still argue that 'dollar for dollar' it isn't as effective as direct response) a small business typically doesn't have lots of cash to burn and must make every dollar count. Direct response marketing is designed to get potential customers to "do something specific that directly leads to a sale."

An effective direct response piece is ALL ABOUT THE CUSTOMER! The only thing relating to you and your business should be your contact information - that's it! The purpose of a direct response piece is to get the customer to TAKE ACTION NOW.

Making A Compelling Offer

The heart of an effective direct response piece is the "compelling offer" you make to your prospect. To do this well you must know your customers inside and out: their problems, their concerns, their desires, their aspirations. As one famous copywriter once said (I forget who), "Your ad copy should enter into the conversation that's already going on inside the head of your prospect."

This makes sense, because if you already know what your customers are looking for then you don't have to "convince" them to do anything. If you simply offer them what they are already looking for then you don't have to resort to fancy sales gimmicks and tricks.

By using direct response marketing to focus on your customers' needs and not your own, your marketing becomes an exercise in writing compelling offers and putting them in front of your prospects. If you know your clients well and your offers truly address their needs they will respond.

John A. Michailidis, Esq. is an attorney, real estate broker, investor, small business consultant, and author of the WealthLoop Series program, [http://wealthloop.com/wealth-cd-details/]Beginner's Guide to Personal Wealth Creation Learn more about [http://wealthloop.com]small business marketing and get entrepreneurial tips and ideas at http://www.WealthLoop.com

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Eight Tips to Get Your Home Business Ready for a Great New Year

2008-01-17T11:16:00.000-08:00

By Yvette Mason

Are you ready to get your home business going in the right direction this New Year? Having a home business can be overwhelming. There is no better time than the beginning of the year to get your business back on track. Here are some tips to help you make this year the best year yet for your home business:

1. Revisit your "Why's". Your "why" needs to be big enough for you to want to go after it. Refresh your memory on the exact reason why you wanted your own business. Creating a dream board or a dream book using pictures to represent your "why" can be a great way to remind yourself daily why you're doing what you're doing. Revisit your "Why" for selecting the type of business you decided to start. Why did you join the company you chose? Why did you choose to go into a certain type of business? Include these thoughts and ideas on your dream board/book. Place your dream board/book some place where you can see it daily. This will help your "why's" become ingrained in you.

2. Reflect on what you've done so far with your business. What parts of the business have made you feel good? What tasks have you thoroughly enjoyed in your business? Do you enjoy the customer service, retailing, fundraising, developing new methods, coaching others, etc.? Think about the part of your business that really gets you going and focus on excelling on that part of your business. As a business owner, you have to figure out which hat fits and which does not and grow your business in the way that is most beneficial to you.

3. Create or review your business plan. By creating a business plan, you will know what you need to do to meet your goals. Having your plan and goals on paper enables you to see where you've been and where you're going. If you are not a goal setting person, commit to learning the art of setting goals and working towards them. Review your goals and your business plan monthly. Are you doing what you need to do to meet your objectives and goals? Update your plan as necessary and make any additions and/or deletions based on any changes in your desired goals. Remember the importance of planning - without a plan in place, decision making is very difficult-maybe even impossible. Your business plan is a work in progress. It will be ever changing as your business grows and develops.

4. Get organized. Okay THIS is the year you are going to get organized. The time savings of organization are incredible! Prioritize your tasks daily and weekly. Set blocks of time to perform specific tasks. Make sure you have your office in order. Have proper supplies and software available to you. Make your home office a place you want to spend time in. If you are unable to find things in your home office, chances are you will become frustrated and not want to spend time there.

5. Network with others in the same type of business. Agree to let yourself be known. Get more comfortable with promoting yourself and your business and let people know who you are and what you do. Check out a variety of online discussion groups and forums. Find ones you like and join up for lively discussions and advice. Find local chapters of offline networking groups in your local community. Networking with others can be a wonderful way to build your business and help others. Stay connected with others in your field of business.

6. Learn something new everyday. Subscribe to various periodicals and magazines that will keep you abreast of what's happening in your business field. Enroll in training courses and various other training options to help enhance your business and self-development skills. Networking is another way to build your knowledge. There are many gurus out there willing to mentor, guide, support and coach you as your reach your goals.

7. Market your business wisely. Plan your yearly marketing budget. Remember, marketing doesn't always have to be expensive. Some of the best marketing for your business can be referrals from your current customer base.

8. Improve your customer service. Your customers are the lifeline of your business. Strive to provide the best customer service that you can. Great customer service leads to more referrals. One of the easiest ways to grow your business is by taking care of your current customers and asking for referrals to more customers just like them. If you are providing excellent customer service, your customers will be more than happy to share their experiences with others.

By incorporating these eight tips into your business, you should be able to get your home business going in the right direction this New Year. Here's to making this the best year yet for your home business!

© 2008, Yvette Mason

Yvette Mason, is a wife to a supportive husband, a stay at home mom to 2 terrific kids and an entrepreneur! She has a beautiful daughter who is 11 years old and a spirited little boy who is 6 years old. Like many other mothers, her family is her focus in life. She has a successful home based business in a network marketing company. Her mission is to encourage and assist other mothers in creating a successful WAHM lifestyle. You can learn more about Yvette and sign up for her E-series at http://www.BeyondTheCandle.com

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Do Not Open A Merchant Account Until You Read This!

2008-01-17T11:13:00.001-08:00

By Oliver Mupas

If you are a business owner seeking to accept credit cards as a form of payment from your clients or if you currently accept credit cards, you must read this!

Many business owners find out too late that the fees that they were presented with for their merchant account are NOT what they end up being charged. Often they do not find out until they receive their first statement! DO NOT fall into this trap.

You want to deal with a company who leads with their best foot forward the first time. When searching for a merchant account provider make sure not only are they disclosing their best deal, but they are indeed disclosing the material facts!! Every company will "guarantee" to beat their competitor's rates, but why haggle when you should be given the best offer up front?

When you shop for your merchant account, see what information they give you without you having to ask about something. Typically all you will be quoted is a rate, transaction fee and monthly fee. What about the other fees? At that point, you should feel betrayed, as they did not keep your best interest at heart.

DO NOT sign up with another company if they do not disclose the fees below! You will be surprised how many DO NOT disclose these fees up front and how much they charge without you asking.

Make sure you find out the following fees:

Application/Set Up Fees

Qualified Rate

Mid Qualified Rate

Non Qualified Rate

Transaction Fee

Batch Header

Monthly Minimum

AVS

Interchange Pass Through Credit/Debit

WATS/Auth Fee

Annual Fee

Monthly Basic Service/Statement Fee

Contract Term

If someone tries to set up your account without mentioning these fees, check your paperwork or statement closely, you'll be surprised how much you weren't told!

Oliver Mupas

United Bank Card http://www.ipsinc.ws

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Oliver_Mupas [http://ezinearticles.com/?Do-Not-Open-A-Merchant-Account-Until-You-Read-This!&id=929771 ]http://EzineArticles.com/?Do-Not-Open-A-Merchant-Account-Until-You-Read-This!&id=929771

The Basics of Business

2008-01-17T11:13:00.000-08:00

By Sean Mcalister

Business Studies, the study of the management of individuals organizing to maintain collective productivity toward accomplishing particular creative and productive goals (usually to generate profit), is taught as an academic subject in many schools. Business that have gone "public" are subject to extremely detailed and complicated regulation about their internal governance (such as how executive officers' compensation is determined) and when and how information is disclosed to the public and their shareholders. Businesses often have important "intellectual property" that needs protection from competitors in order for the company to stay profitable.

Law

Most legal jurisdictions specify the forms of ownership that a business can take, creating a body of commercial law for each type. Different structures are treated differently in tax law, and may have advantages for this reason. The relationships and legal rights of shareholders, limited partners, or members are governed partly by the charter documents and partly by the law of the jurisdiction where the entity is organized. This means that unless there is misconduct, the owner's own possessions are strongly protected in law, if the business does not succeed.

The terms of a partnership are partly governed by a partnership agreement if one is created, and partly by the law of the jurisdiction where the partnership is located. No paperwork or filing is necessary to create a partnership, and without an agreement, the relationships and legal rights of the partners will be entirely governed by the law of the jurisdiction where the partnership is located.

Services

In economics, a business is a legally recognized organizational entity existing within an economically free country designed to sell goods and/or services to consumers or other businesses, usually in an effort to generate profit. The term "business" has at least three usages, depending on the scope - the singular usage (above) to mean a particular company or corporation, the generalized usage to refer to a particular market sector, such as "the record business," or the broadest meaning to include all activity by the community of suppliers of goods and services.

Company

Many businesses are operated through a separate entity such as a corporation, limited partnership or limited liability company. Generally speaking, shareholders in a corporation, limited partners in a limited partnership, and members in a limited liability company are shielded from personal liability for the debts and obligations of the entity, which is legally treated as a separate "person. Businesses often have important "intellectual property" that needs protection from competitors in order for the company to stay profitable.

By: Sean McAlister http://CBMalls.Blogspot.Com

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Crystal Reports and the Business World

2008-01-17T11:12:00.000-08:00

By Helen Cox

Designed for presentation quality, crystal reports is a proven, world standard solution that helps you to design, manage and deliver reports via the web as well as embedded in applications. It is a business intelligence application and was designed to generate reports from a wide range of data sources.

This leading software means users can arrange the data needed to complete a report in whichever format suits their business best. When the report is completed it can be saved as a file with an RPT extension, which means the report can be re-run at any time by re-opening the RPT file and refreshing the data within it by doing this it will demonstrate if any updates have been made. The report can then be previewed on the computer, printed or exported to a different file format such as PDF, Excel or a text document.

Whoever initially designed the report has the control and ability to open the report in the report designer in order to make changes and variations of the report. These variations can be saved as RPT files by modifying the file name. This software is bundled with ActiveX controls, which when embedded in GUI, can provide alternative interfaces. This feature allows reports to be deconstructed into their base objects.

Crystal Reports software helps customers to create flexible and feature rich reports. The powerful report design allows you to create highly formatted and interactive professional reports. It gives you the ability to design within the leading .NET and Java development tools. The flexible application development tool also allows cross platform support from Java, .NET and COM. As well as this HTML is also generated directly by crystal reports, allowing your focus to be on application business logic rather than having to hand code.

The report management and delivery features also means that reports can easily be published to the web and allows you to centralise the management of operational reporting. These three features; the powerful report design, the flexible application development and the report management/delivery features are the main aspects of crystal reports. They compose the three main and beneficial features.

This impressive feature rich application has set the standard for business reporting software with over five million copies of the software already sold and its no surprise as this advanced reporting software allows you to make quick but informed decisions, which can lead your business to increased profitability. It is also flexible in what it can produce:

•Standard reports

•Cross tabulation reports

•Mailing labels

•OLAP cube reports

•Charts

•Comma separated value files

•Excel files

This software can significantly improve the way in which reports are produced within your business. They give you highly informed information across all aspects of your business and can dramatically increase business decisions thanks to up-to-date information that is quick and easy to find within the well presented, documented and structured reports that crystal reporting software brings you. This advanced software could be exactly what your business has been looking for.

Helen is the web master for Synergy Technology, home to your [http://www.synergytechnology.co.uk/articles/showarticle.asp?article=29&cat=2]Crystal Report needs.

Please feel free to republish this article provided a working hyperlink remains to our site

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The Importance of Network in the Sub Prime Crisis

2008-01-17T11:11:00.000-08:00

By John Chng Kean Siang

The recent sub prime crisis in the financial market proves the importance of network chain in surviving the onslaught of crisis or cycles. While the global production network has been professed and the concept is not new, the recent episode of the crisis enhances the awareness of its vitality for a firm's success.

Decades ago, the influx of foreign direct investment which was mainly pioneered by North America, Western European countries and also Japan, helped the countries in the Asia Pacific region, Taiwan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and others, to establish industrial bases, which are now still exist. The main reason is to take advantage of the low cost and the government protection accorded by the local governments. Some shifted because of the infrastructure, and access to market. Throughout 1970s, 1980s and early 1990s, the bases provided vital intermediate goods to the assemblers, and to the flagship companies. However, the market for vertical integration was not well established, and most of the foreign investors were mainly the sole designers, conducted their own R&Ds, and joint ventures and local partners were rare. There were many who tried to break out the monopoly or the controlling status of the flagships by joining effort to create own property, and many have succeeded. Today they produce global branded PCs and notebooks and export worldwide. The adoption, therefore, among the local industries was strong, and many now become critical partner to the flagship companies.

The success stories of these local industries are replicated and have been helping to create strong linkages among local industries. Many newly established companies tried hard to insert oneself into the linkage or network, forming a vast networks which are vital to the country's growth, turned this industry to a generative sector. Although dot.com bubble bust in 2000 and 2001 dented the sentiment, it was mainly a small hiccup and proved to be short term business cycle. Much over capacity has been cleared and the tech business in the region is now back to normal. The strong foundation and the linkages established prove itself to be useful in cushioning the impact of the financial crisis originated in US. One indicator that tells us the importance of the emerging markets is the growth and the ability to survive unscathed the recent crisis of companies which are exposed to the emerging markets, be it production, sourcing or assembling.

Although the relocation decision in the global network context seldom rests on the cost factor now, instead the decision depends on shorter product life cycle, high capital outlays on machinery and research and its short life span, constant new innovations and etc, firms exposed to these operation management strategies prove to be more sustainable and able to compete. While the crisis dampens the demand and creates worries of potential recession, firms which have lower cost of production, possess vast network of markets and sources, create many joint venture efforts, through outsourcing and global production network, have remained modestly affected.

The notion of total decoupling of Asian markets and US will be short-lived, at least not in the near future, but the many emerging markets which prove to be more potential have reshaped the business horizon. In the not very long ago, two Asian markets, China and India created large tremor among business communities of their ability to innovate and absorb excess demands. However, the race is now joined by Eastern European ex-communist countries. While the elephants and the dragon help to cushion whatever excesses in Asia and propel the region, the Eastern European countries have proven to be more resilient. Most of the manufacturing from Western European developed countries outsourced and relocated to the areas. This is due to the similar culture and the geographical proximity of these countries. Thus, the race for foreign direct investments has increased in its intensity, which in turns, explain the more importance of firms to climb up the global chain. The recent financial episode in US has soared the price of commodities, gold has become a safe heaven to hedge in view of the decreasing greenback, the flow of money to equities in the Asian Pacific region to escape the uncertainty in US, have created large upside potential for many countries to jockey for more direct funds. These paint a picture that diversification and networking in production chain are becoming more important, and firms which are more exposed to the concept will be more successful.

As long as tech industries and demand are robust, Asian markets will present themselves as hub of innovations, demands, to the networking equipments, data processing systems and etc. The foundation built in the markets, have created vast linkages which prove to be vital for the evolution of the industry. Thus, US firms which successfully inserted oneself into the network enjoy mainly lower cost of production, proximity to intermediate goods and manufacturers, which helped them to escape the crisis in the previous years. However, if the dependence on US market is unchanged, potential in the years ahead will look gloomy. This suggests an urgent need to further slim the production and operation process to remain competitive. Similarly, countries in the Pacific region have to further prove themselves useful in the network. Overall, the crisis tells the manufacturers which depend on US market to upgrade and cut the fat to become resilient in years ahead as it will become more competitive.

John Chng

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Business Travel Takes off in 2008

2008-01-16T07:55:00.000-08:00

By Katharine Bloom

According to an October 2007 American Express Global Business Travel Forecast, air travel, accommodations, transportation and meeting facilities will see a sharp increase in demand for 2008.

Expect Travel Rate Increases

Business travel demands will continue to drive an increase in rates, including double-digit hotel increases in certain markets in the US, Europe and Asia.

This poses a challenge for business and travel managers. According to Vice President and Global Leader for American Express Business Travel Advisory Services, Mike Streit, the average domestic inclusive business trip (airfare, care rental hotel) will increase six percent, bringing the average price to $1,100 domestic and $3,171 internationally.

According to the American Express report, domestic economy travel rates are expected to increase five percent domestically and ten percent internationally. Hotel rates are expected to increase up to seven percent for mid-range hotels and up to eight percent for upper-range hotels in the US.

And That's Not All Folks

Due to the high demand and low supply, business travelers can expect changes in hotel terms as well as price. This may include a minimum or maximum stay requirements.

New Opportunities for Businesses

Due to the historic highs, stricter requirements, and challenges with keeping within a budget, travel and entertainment managers are expected to find ways to save money on meetings and events. This creates new opportunities for businesses that provide affordable travel and entertainment services, or who can offer cost saving conference or event services. Companies are also expected to increase their use of preferred suppliers to maximize benefits and savings.

The report also predicted a fifteen to twenty percent increase in the sale of compliance tracking tools, to help businesses save money.

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What Will Happen When We Run Out of Oil?

2008-01-16T07:54:00.000-08:00

By C. Jent

The dwindling supplies of crude oil will cause massive changes in our economy. Because of the rampant increase of people driving, the rising demands for gasoline alone is a monumental concern. Gas prices are influenced by many factors including the world supply of oil. The truth is that there is probably more oil to be discovered somewhere, but the costs of drilling it in far off remote areas or deep under the ocean floor will get too costly to pursue. It will be too expensive to find; we won't be able to afford it. Most likely, the rising costs will force us to develop other energy sources.

Oil companies start out exploring for oil in the easiest places, costing the least to drill and bring to the surface. They go to the areas closest to their refineries to cut costs in transportation. This enables the costs to the end consumer to be kept in line. Once the nearby places are tapped out, the oil companies go elsewhere to find oil which might be harder to harvest. If the oil supply continues to get harder and harder to find, unfortunately, it will continue to get more and more expensive.

However, there is always a possibility for surprising good news to surface too. Recently, scientists from Cornell University discovered an enormous amount of oil off the coast of Louisiana. The find is some 60 billion barrels or three times more than the current US recoverable oil of 20 billion barrels. This discovery should bring the United States total oil reserves to 80 billion barrels which is on par with Venezuela. In comparison to other finds around the world, this is twice the size of all oil ever found in the North Sea and six times larger than the estimates of the Alaskan Artic National Wildlife Refuge oil deposits.

A new method of oil discovery known as "gas washing" was used to find this area of about 10,000 square miles. It was found under layers of salt domes. With this method, geologist are able to track the movement of oil deposits by the way they interact with the flow of natural gas. It helps scientists to make extremely accurate 3D-seismic maps of deep underground oil deposits and mitigate the risk involved in drilling such deep under water wells.

A team lead by a chemical geologist from Cornell and funded by a grant from Chevron discovered the oil with information gathered from source rocks deep below the sea. Because of the devastation left by the hurricanes Katrina and Rita there is a critical shortage of equipment and manpower to do the kind of recovery work needed to bring the oil to the surface. At the present, crews are working hard to get the necessary equipment to the area to conduct more tests. It is estimated that it won't be until 2010 before oil will be pumped from the found area.

Oil companies like Triple Diamond Energy Corporation are always pleased when the new oil discoveries are made within the United States. Of course, it is discoveries like this which make the United States self sufficient and contribute to being less dependent on foreign oil. So, what will happen when we run out of oil? Maybe we won't.

Chris Jent is the Chief Marketing Officer of http://www.tdecorp.info Triple Diamond Energy Corp [http://www.tdenergy.info]Triple Diamond Energy specializes in acquiring the highest quality prime oil and gas properties. For more information, visit http://www.triplediamondenergycorp.blogspot.com

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ISDN Lines Lose Their Market Share

2008-01-16T07:52:00.000-08:00

By Ned Hughes

There are various options to getting connected to the World Wide Web. You can have dial-up connectivity, broadband, satellite Internet or ISDN connection. There are advantages and disadvantages for all of them. ISDN is a good option in places where broadband and satellite Internet are not available. ISDN connections have bandwidth speed of 128 kbps and if multiple line option is available the speed can go up to 384 kbps. The connections are expensive, and are charged on usage unlike broadband and satellite Internet connections which is a flat monthly fee. ISDN lines can be used for voice data calls, faxing, videoconferencing and high-speed data access.

ISDN is a good option to access Internet if the usage is minimal. If the usage is moderate or extensive then using a satellite Internet or broadband services would be a better option. If we try to analyze what went wrong with ISDN services, we find that there are a couple of factors that were responsible for the downside of this technology. Analysts and technologists attribute the downfall of ISDN to the three C’s. ISDN has always been viewed as a costly service. The data services are sold on a usage bases. Hence ISDN has failed to match the price war which has been unleashed by broadband and satellite Internet providers such as HughesNet. In spite of its drawbacks corporations still use ISDN facilities for their communication requirements. There are other drawbacks to ISDN services apart from the cost. Transfer of data is limited with ISDN technology; it is limited to 64 kbps. This speed was sufficient for home use some years back, but with the advent of broadband Internet connectivity speeds of 256 kbps or more have become standard for home use. All these come without the cost and complexity of ISDN technology. Moreover, ISDN technology is not easy to install. There are different manufacturer’s who produce equipment and products that are not compatible with each other.

ISDN has suffered in growth due to many reasons; and with newer technologies being developed, ISDN service providers have not been able to keep up the pace. The competition for ISDN is DSL, cable modems and Satellite Internet. ISDN facilities cannot be accessed if you are not close to the service provider’s office where all the equipment is installed. Hence it is not an option if you are staying in a place which is far away from the city. The infrastructure plays a big role in the service levels offered by ISDN service providers. The services are sensitive to unusual wiring and may be hampered if wiring is not done properly. You should have PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol) for installing your ISDN system and your system should also have the requisite software for running ISDN services.

With many disadvantages the popularity of ISDN is decreasing by the day. New technologies such as satellite Internet will slowly capture a bigger market share. Companies such as HughesNet and WildBlue are taking big strides in newer technologies to offer better services to customers. [http://www.getdsltoo.com/hughesnet.asp]HughesNet offers high speed [http://www.getdsltoo.com/satelliteinternet.asp]Satellite Internet to rural areas where DSL and Cable modem do not reach.

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Business Conferencing - A Boon For Business

2008-01-16T07:50:00.000-08:00

By Jeff Brausch

Teleconferencing has created a tremendous change in the way businesses are conducted all over the world. Teleconferences have long been in use by people to connect with friends and business associates. This business conferencing uses telephone as a dynamic business tool to keep in touch with vendors, customers or associates.

The telephone has become a predominant medium in business conferencing as they assist business owners to conduct a business efficiently. The increasingly competitive present day business scenario requires global mass marketing. It is essential that business men stay in constant touch with clients and associated all over the world. This has indeed become too critical for the survival of business. Use of a teleconferencing service is necessary to remain competitive.

Business conferencing allows the businessmen to connect with all their offices located worldwide at one time and discuss their problems at length, without having to leave the confines of their present office. A businessman can talk with anyone sitting in the comfort of his home or even during a business trip.

The business conferencing services are provided by conference call providers. A conference call provider helps companies use this system to stay in touch with their own offices as well as clients and associates located anywhere in the world. Even though the participants attending the conference live poles apart, the teleconferencing service allows them to interact with each other in one virtual location almost as if they were present in a common room.

The business call conferencing system can be used for various reasons. These services can be used by sales forces as a way to report sales figures to their managers. This will ensure that higher management is constantly updated with sales figures. Investors can use conference calls to monitor their day to day work operations to make sure that their money is being invested wisely.

These conferencing calls have become an essential way for businessmen and colleagues to come together without having to physically meet each other. Multiple users can communicate with each other at any time from any place. These conferencing systems allow the users to talk with each other and send voice and video messages instantly.

Business conferencing has become the talk of the day, worldwide. International organizations as well as SOHO companies have realized the benefits of using conferencing systems. Such systems have become a necessity rather than a luxury.

You can read more free advice on audio conferencing at http://www.AudioConferencingZone.com

Article by Jeff Brausch at http://www.AudioConferencingZone.com For more great free information on everything you should know about audio conferencing visit => conference call services and audio teleconferencing

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How To Become A Carbon Neutral Small Business

2008-01-15T23:50:00.000-08:00

By Douglas Gregory

Very few people now believe that man's carbon producing activities do not have an effect on the wider environment. It is difficult to prove a direct link between man's production of carbon and climate change, however we at Promotion Products believe the evidence suggests that we need to take greater care of the environment than we do now. We started researching being a Carbon Neutral Small Business in March 2007 - it has been an absolute revelation to us - this article is designed to share our experience and observations with you.

We have tried to set this article out as logically as possible:-

* Global Climate Change and Promotion Products

* What is a Carbon Neutral Business?

* Measuring your Carbon Footprint

* The Small Business Carbon Footprint Calculator

* Reducing your Carbon Footprint

* Offsetting your Carbon Footprint

* How much does Carbon Neutral Cost?

* Future steps - Carbon Neutral Products

* Give us your feedback and we will plant a tree for you

I implore you to read this article and share it with others of a similar mind.

Over the last few months we have witnessed the growing acceptance of our Government in Australia that climate change is a reality and that the production of greenhouse gases (mainly carbon) is driving these changes. Greenhouse gasses are produced by the production of energy - burning petrol, using electricity that comes from a coal fired power station and so on.

Many of us have suspected for a few years that pumping vast quantities of carbon into the atmosphere is not sustainable and that we in the West need to show leadership in tackling high carbon emissions. It is difficult for us in our comfortable lifestyles to face that we may need to change our ways slightly!

It could be easy for us as individuals or as small business people to feel useless in the face of this seemingly large problem. Promotion Products is a small Brisbane based business with 2 ½ employees and a small 7 figure turnover. Our business and we personally are partly responsible for the carbon problem by our consumption of goods and services.

The issue of climate change and the associated production of carbon have gone from being 'green issues' a year or two back to being mainstream issues that most people understand and understand that we need to act on soon.

What is a Carbon Neutral Business?

Carbon Neutral and Carbon Footprints (the sum of the Carbon you produce directly and indirectly) have become big news lately. Being Carbon Neutral, wither we are talking about you personally, your household or your business is actually a fairly straightforward process. At Promotion Products we could find very little information specifically aimed at small businesses who wanted to become carbon neutral, so we developed our own plan which you are welcome to use. This plan/guide is not sophisticated - it is designed to push us in the right direction. There are three very simple steps 1/ measure our Small Business Carbon Footprint 2/ reduce our Carbon Footprint, 3/ offset our remaining Carbon Footprint.

Measuring your Carbon Footprint

Most activities we undertake in our working lives produce carbon and contribute to our Carbon Footprint. Travelling to work, switching on heating or air conditioning, making a coffee, switching on a computer, travelling to see a client, sending a product sample - all of these things produce carbon - collectively these are known as our Carbon Footprint (the sum of all the carbon our small business produces). It should be noted that we are making our office and our business processes Carbon Neutral, we have a plan which we are going to implement over time to make our products Carbon Neutral.

A small business can measure it's Carbon Footprint with a 'Carbon Audit'. We need to know what activities produce carbon and how much they produce. Any small business can easily measure how much carbon it produces, here's the Carbon Audit breakdown for Promotion Products in 2006:-

Travelling to work and client visits - 57 150km (producing 14.4 tonnes of carbon)

Air travel - 28 000 km (9.52 tonnes)

Office electricity energy use - 5610 kwh (6.51 tonnes)

Office waste (0.92 tonnes)

Total carbon from these activities 31.35 tonnes

So how do you measure your carbon output? - easily! - visit the calculator page to see what your small business carbon footprint is >>> http://promotionproducts.com.au/carbon_neutral/calculator.html

Reduce your Carbon Footprint

Our initial concern about reducing our carbon Footprint was that it would impact negatively on how productive our business is. This is a concern that most business people would share. However we have found that looking at ways to reduce our carbon Footprint has some very positive effects on our business.

Ways that Promotion Products has reduced it's Carbon Footprint

Reduce Unnecessary Vehicle Travel

Travelling to work, to clients and to suppliers produced the most amount of carbon for us in 2006. We found that we could reduce travel by conducting more of our business across the internet. Instead of visiting a client we found that emailing them information and having a telephone meeting would often achieve the same result. Secondly we realised that we would traditionally check stock at our warehouse, then deliver it to one of our decoration shops, have it decorated with a client logo or message, have it sent back to us and then dispatch it to the client. Not anymore. We have negotiated special arrangements with our decorators that they now receive stock direct from the warehouse, they check the stock, decorate it and direct dispatch this to clients.

Carrying out more web transactions and having a new production procedure have both cut our Carbon Footprint and had the secondary effect of making us a more efficient business. It is not possible for all businesses to do this, the point is we looked at our procedures and saw that we could improve how we do business whilst producing less carbon.

Reduce Unnecessary Air Travel

Travelling interstate to see clients and suppliers and going to Asia on sourcing trips are very obviously activities that produce carbon!

We completely understand that drastically reducing such travel is not an option for many businesses. However we would suggest that many businesses can reduce this amount of travel. As mentioned above, web based transactions have reduced the amount of travel we do interstate. Secondly we decided to see Asian suppliers once every two years instead of every year and have asked our Australian based suppliers to visit us instead when they are in Brisbane seeing their other clients. Again we have found that this small change has made us a more efficient business.

Reduce Office Electricity

In our office we use electricity to power our computers, lighting and air conditioning. We can't not have our computers on, we need light to see what we are doing and we need our office to be cool in summer and warm in winter! If we cannot do without these things we decided to regulate how they are used. The new rules are:- computers, printers, monitors and lights are switched off every night. Air conditioning only goes on after 10 am and is switched off ½ an hour before we leave -our aim is to use 15% less power in 2007 than 2006. We can all make small changes in the way we run our office, if everyone in Australia did the same the savings would be massive.

Reduce Office Waste

Most of the things we consume in running our office produce carbon - paper, printer cartridges, packaging, brochures, general rubbish etc. Very quickly we found that we could:- use recycled paper and ink cartridges (for a small amount more), say no to excessive amounts of brochures from suppliers, not print every document and store our records electronically. We have found that actively reducing our office waste has produced efficiencies that we did not expect.

By making the changes above we will be reducing the amount of Carbon that our business produces in 2007.

Offsetting your Carbon Footprint

After calculating our 2006 Carbon Footprint (visit Carbon Calculator page) and looking at ways to reduce our 2007 Carbon Footprint we needed to offset the carbon we had produced in 2006. The most straightforward way to offset the carbon you create is to buy trees, when a tree is planted and starts to grow it absorbs carbon therefore neutralising the effect that the carbon could have on the atmosphere.

Several charities and companies offer a tree planting service - simply visit Google type in 'Carbon Neutral' and you will see a whole selection of tree planters. These various organisations charge differing amounts to offset one ton of carbon. We have found US based project charging as little as $5 to offset one ton. We have chosen a local Australian based organisation who cost almost triple this amount to offset with. There are three main reasons for using this local scheme - planting in Australia will provide local jobs and help our local environment and the schemes they run are fully audited.

Check them out here:-

www.carbonneutral.com.au

Offsetting your Carbon Footprint through your electricity provider

Many electricity companies offer 'green' electricity now. This is electricity that has been produced using renewable resources like wind and solar, using 'green' electricity is a little more expensive but will cut your carbon footprint. We use Origin Energy who have some good green electricity 'products' >>> www.originenergy.com.au

How much does Carbon Neutral Cost?

Promotion Products produced a little more than 31 tonnes of Carbon in 2006. Offsetting this cost just over $13 per tonne. At a touch over $400 becoming a Carbon Neutral Small Business has added less than ½ of 1% to our operating costs. However what these figures do not tell us is how much we will save in 2007 by reducing our Carbon Footprint. We will save money by travelling less, we will save by using the web more, we will save by having more efficient businesses practices, we will save because we are using less electricity. Our Green Energy costs a little more and recycled paper costs marginally more. On balance it is my belief (only our 2007 Carbon Audit will tell) that becoming a Carbon Neutral business (for us) is going to add $1000's to our bottom line.

Future Steps

We found it a little confusing when initially researching becoming a Carbon Neutral business. We found it difficult to work out what exactly the term meant - does it relate just to our office?, does it relate to travelling to work?, does it relate to the carbon produced by transporting our goods?, does it relate to the carbon produced in making our products?

We have found that there are two broad categories here:-

* Business processes. Every activity that your business engages in to make a sale - this includes travel to and from work, travel to see customers, paper used in the printer and all the other things talked about above. Making our Business Carbon Neutral relates to this.

* Products and their transportation. Most of the things we sell come from Asia - a lot are made of materials like plastic and metals that have environmental impacts. We quickly realised for us to calculate or audit the carbon footprint of the 10 000+ items we sell was not going to be realistic in a short time period.

We have a three step plan;-

1. Make our Business Carbon Neutral - which we have done and as you can see is relatively easy and inexpensive to do.

2. Make the freight on our Products Carbon Neutral - this is our next step. We are developing a calculator so that we can offer clients the opportunity to neutralise the carbon produced by freighting their product from the factory. We will be offering this service by January 2008.

3. Starting to audit our product's Carbon Footprint - we hope to have broadly categorised many of these by January 2008.

Thanks again for reading.

Douglas Gregory

Promotion Products

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Douglas_Gregory http://EzineArticles.com/?How-To-Become-A-Carbon-Neutral-Small-Business&id=786780

Why A Business Coach?

2008-01-15T23:47:00.000-08:00

By Lesley Geller

Why would an intelligent, hard-working, executive need a Coach? Unless you are in business for yourself, isn't that what your superiors are for? It would seem logical to assume that everyone in the corporate world has someone to report to, hence replacing the need for a Coach. What many find, though, is that the bigger the company, the bigger the challenges and the less time he/she may have for you.

So how do you know if you could benefit from having a Coach? You work hard and you are successful, yet deep inside you feel you could be challenging yourself even more. Unsure of how to get to the next level, you continue setting goals, but find that most days ultimately end the same as the day before. With a Business/Executive Coach, you would have the opportunity to bridge the gap between expectation and performance, so you don't find yourself constantly creating new goals, yet ending with the same results.

What you know and what you have done to be successful thus far, only goes as far as your own horizons, but with a Coach you can:

? Learn to work harder, but with less stress.

? Redefine what's really important.

? Create the passion to overcome challenges.

? Refine and build upon your existing skills and talents.

A Coach will focus on the strengths that already exist within you and help you to reach your full potential. A potential that you didn't know existed.

Are you ready to:

? Manage more effectively?

? Increase profitability?

? Organize time more efficiently?

? Project confidence?

? Redesign an existing career or jump into an entirely new one?

Then I would say what are you waiting for? It sounds like a Coach is just what your career could use right now!

Lesley Geller is a Business Coach. She helps successful professionals exceed their expectations of growth. She works with small business owners, as well as individuals in large corporations looking to reach the next level. Lesley graduated from the University of Maryland and is certified as a Coach through the Coach Training Alliance, which is recognized by the International Coach Federation. She is also a Freelance Writer and co-author of: 101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life. For more information about how to reach the potential you're capable of, visit her website at http://www.LesleyGeller.com or
e-mail her at [mailto:Lesley@LesleyGeller.com]Lesley@LesleyGeller.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lesley_Geller http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-A-Business-Coach?&id=229540

Accounting New York - Reorganize Your Finances

2008-01-15T23:45:00.000-08:00

By Peter Terry

Running a business successfully can be an overwhelming experience if you do not have the right people handling the different aspects of work. It rarely happens that a person who is setting up and running any kind of business is also a qualified accountant and that is why you need to make sure that you hand over the accounting work of your business to a person who is qualified to handle this. Accounting is a tough work and the ultimate success or the failure of any project depends on how this is being handled. Hiring an accountant can be pretty expensive, but you need one for handling the accounts of your business. Therefore, in such a scenario the best thing for you to do will be to hire the services of an accounting professional from the different firms that offer accounting outsourcing services to clients.

Several vendors in the city of New York offer accounting New York services and all you need to do is find out which company offers the best services to you. For this, you will have to take some time out of your busy schedule and do some researches on the firm from where you are going to hire the accountants. It is always better to check the references provided by the clients and find out how genuine are the claims made by them. Accounting is a task that requires special qualifications and all the accounting New York professionals working in these firms are qualified to handle this work. If you are really serious about your business and want to make it successful, you must make sure that you have professionals handling the accounting and other work of your business.

Keeping the accounts of your business in proper order will help you out several ways. First, you will know exactly where you stand in terms of earnings from your business, so if you have the accounts in proper order you can do this by just taking a glance at the records. Therefore, the next time you wish to make a new business deal you will not have to spend lots of time in trying to figure out what is the financial condition of your business. You will benefit the most from the services of a professional accountant at the time of paying taxes. During this time, you must have all the accounts in proper order so that you know exactly what amount you have to pay as taxes. Last minute hassles in calculating the tax amount is very frustrating and this is where the accounting New York professionals can help you out.

When you hire the services of an accountant from an accounting firm in New York or any other city in the world, you stand to benefit in many ways. First, you can hire the services at a much lesser amount than you would need to pay for hiring an accountant in-house and this can help you in saving lots of money. In addition, you can get the work done in just the way you want it to be done, so just make sure that you are working with efficient accountants.

Peter Terry has extensive knowledge about bookkeeping and knows the importance of this for running a successful business.To know more about Accounting firm NYC, NYC bookkeepers, Bookkeepers New York, Bookkeeping NY and [http://www.nycbookkeepers.com/ourservices.html]Accounting New York visit http://www.nycbookkeepers.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Terry http://EzineArticles.com/?Accounting-New-York---Reorganize-Your-Finances&id=762293

Testing and Monitoring of Networks for Security

2008-01-15T23:44:00.000-08:00

By Ryan J. Bell

Ebay, I-Tunes, PayPal – these are just a few of the places that most of us enter our credit card and personal information every day. Since the internet became an integral part of each of our lives, the treat of identity theft is a daily reality for all but the most paranoid of internet users.

While we assume that the sites listed above are secure, how many of us have in fact checked to see to what lengths these companies go to keep their user’s information safe from hackers? I’m sure very few.

Because we can’t count on our registrants to be careful when entering information onto the registration website, as event planners, we must make sure that we do the research to ensure that our registrant’s information is safe with our online registration company. We want to send potential registrants to a site that portrays our event in a positive light. This means a website designed to our specifications, with professional quality and ease of use. But, most importantly, it means knowing that all information put online for our event will be safe from identity thieves.

One of the most important aspects of a strong security system is frequent testing and monitoring of those systems. To receive the highest rank of Level 1 PCI compliance from Visa, companies must invest a large number of resources to ensure that they are as secure as major banks and credit card companies. As of yet, very few registration companies hold this ranking, but wouldn’t it be nice to know that your registration company values your registrants’ security enough to make it one of their highest priorities?

Constant monitoring and testing of security is a vital part of maintain the highest possible level of security. Some methods of monitoring include an independent daily audit for over 3,000 security checks, (exceeding the highest government standards including the FBI “Top twenty security vulnerabilities” test) and separate hourly, daily, weekly, and monthly backups that are archived for at least two years.

Other important factors to look for are the TRUSTe and Thawte logos. These companies monitor the strength and maintenance of privacy policies and information encryption. According to the website, to be certified by TRUSTe, companies must have their privacy policy open for review by TRUSTe, post notice and disclosure of collection and use practices of personally identifiable information, and give users choice and consent over how their information is used and shared.

While TRUSTe ensures that companies hold to their privacy policies and never use information without the user’s consent, Thawte verifies SSL (Secure Socket Layer) encryption., meaning that the encryption of credit card information entered on the site if of the highest level possible. However, to be verified by Thawte, companies must meet stringent checklist of qualifications including an both authentication and verification processes. For the authentication process, Thawte must confirm that the company registration details are entirely true and that the domain is in fact owned by the requesting party. To complete the verification process, Thawte uses a third party telephone listing to confirm that the authorized person requesting a certificate is employed by requesting party.

These are just a couple of the certifications to look for when choosing your online event registration system. When you send your attendees to the registration site, you want to be 100% sure that their data will be 100% safe so they won’t have to research the security, but if they do, you can be confident that they’ll like what they find.

Ryan is a member of the marketing team for RegOnline, a producer of easy-to-use [http://www.regonline.com/marketing/Products/online-event-registration-software.aspx]online registration software, and a company dedicated to making event planners' lives easier.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ryan_J._Bell http://EzineArticles.com/?Testing-and-Monitoring-of-Networks-for-Security&id=772745

Payroll Essentials for New Employers

2008-01-15T23:42:00.000-08:00

By Terry Cartwright

When should an Employer Register for PAYE

An employee is anyone who works on a full time, part time or casual basis for the business and includes company directors. Employers should register as soon as possible when a qualifying employee is appointed and may register up to four weeks prior to the first employees pay day. You should register as an employer and operate a PAYE system if your employee already has other employment, or if the employee's earnings are equal to or above the PAYE threshold. The PAYE threshold for 2007-08 is earnings of £100 per week or £435 per month at which point income tax and national insurance deductions may be required. These limits include the value of any benefits in kind that may be paid.

Employer Registration Information Required

Generally the information to be provided includes the business name, trading address, type of business, name and address of the employer, national insurance number and tax office reference of the employer, contact telephone number and email address if applying by email., In addition details will be required of the likely number of employees, frequency of payment, the date the first employee was appointed and the first payment date. Also have available the address where the payroll records will be kept and the contact details of the person responsible for the payroll. Where partners are involved details of each partner's names, addresses, national insurance numbers and tax office references will be required and the LLP number for Limited Liability Partnerships. Limited Companies will be required to supply the address of the company's registered office, date of incorporation and company registration number plus details of the directors; names, addresses, contact telephone numbers, national insurance numbers, tax office references

How to register as a PAYE Employer

Employers can register for PAYE online at the HMCE website. Click Employers - Register as an Employer - First steps as an Employer - scroll down the page until you can click email which then presents you with online registration form to complete and send. Alternatively contact HMCE Employer Helpline at 0845 6070 143.

PAYE and Payroll Records

Accurate payroll records are essential, full stop. Employers must keep payroll records for both HMCE purposes and employees. The employee records must include the name and address of the employee, national insurance number, date of birth, income tax code, all payments and benefits made and all deductions for income tax, national insurance and voluntary deductions. When registering to operate a PAYE system immediate arrangements should be made to ensure these records are maintained either by setting up the records yourself using the help and advice contained in the Revenue CD-ROM provided to all new and existing employers or employing a payroll service to produce the records or using a payroll software package. Various payroll software packages are available with different degrees of complexity. The DIY Accounting Payroll Software is an ideal solution for small employers being written on excel spreadsheets and in addition to producing the deduction calculations and payslips the payroll software also automatically completes an excel copy of the compulsory HMCE forms significantly easing the administrative burden.

Paying Employees

Employees must be paid the national minimum wage which for adults was raised on the 1st October 2007 to £5.52 per hour. Every employee must receive a payslip that shows the amount of income tax and national insurance deducted from the gross pay. In addition every employer must also calculate the employer's national insurance contribution. If you are an employer and not operating a payroll software system such as the DIY Accounting Payroll Software then you must design a payslip to give to your employees to satisfy legal requirements.

HMCE Payroll Forms

P11 Employees Deductions Working Sheet

The working paper is a record of the weekly or monthly pay for each employee and the income tax and national insurance deductions.

P14 End of Year Employees Deductions Summary

Summary of the employee income tax and national insurance deductions recorded on the P11 deductions working sheet

P35 Annual Employers Return

Summary detailed by employee of the annual totals of income tax and employee's national insurance deductions and employers national insurance liability

P45 Details of Employee Leaving

Only available from the Employer's helpline the P45 is a certificate of the amount paid to the employee and the income tax deducted during that employment. Every employee that leaves the employers employment should be issued with a P45.

P60 End of Year Employees Certificate

The P60 is a certificate of an employees total earnings and total income tax deducted during the tax year including previous those of previous employers and also the amount of national insurance deducted by the current employer and should be issued to every employee the employer has at the 5th April each year.

Each of these HMCE PAYE forms are automatically completed by the DIY Accounting payroll software which produces excel copies of the HMCE forms making the package highly suitable for both inexperienced employers and those wishing to minimise the administrative burden payroll can place on an employer.

PAYE Payments and Online Bonuses

Deductions of income tax, employees national insurance and employers national insurance must be paid to HMCE each month, the standard final payment date being the 19th of the month following the payroll month. If monthly payments of income tax and national insurance deductions including employer's national insurance are under £1,500 per month then employers have the option to pay the amount due to the HMCE on a quarterly rather than a monthly basis. Payments of income tax and national insurance to the HMCE can be made online electronically. At the end of each financial year, 5th April, every employer must submit the P35 Annual Employers Return .to HMCE detailing the amounts paid to each employee and the deductions made for income tax, employees national insurance and employers national insurance with the amount that has already been paid to HMCE in respect of the income tax and national insurance contributions. Employers with less than 50 employees are eligible for a tax free online bonus when the P35 Employers Annual Return is submitted online which has been a tax free £250 and £150 in recent years.

Terry Cartwright is a qualified accountant in the UK designing accounting and payroll solutions for small to medium sized business of [http://www.diyaccounting.co.uk]Accounting Software and [http://www.diyaccounting.co.uk]Payroll Software specifically for self employed and limited companies in the UK that produce a fully automated final set of accounts on excel spreadsheets.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Terry_Cartwright http://EzineArticles.com/?Payroll-Essentials-for-New-Employers&id=772227

Dubai Real Estate Where Man Made Islands Exist

2008-01-15T23:40:00.000-08:00

By Nicholas Marr

As Dubai continues to set new records for building and growth, its man-made islands are some of the more exceptional projects to behold in the Emirate. The Palm Islands are three sets of man-made islands, each shaped in a variation of a palm tree, while the World is a collection of 300 man-made islands forming a map of the world. The projects' unique qualities has set them apart from the numerous Dubai building projects.The first of the Palm Islands to be conceived and constructed, the Palm Jumeirah, is currently the largest man-made island in the world. It has a trunk, crown with 17 palm fronds and a crescent surrounding it. The first phase of the project, 20 Shoreline Apartment buildings on the trunk, is nearly complete. Individuals and families began moving in late last year and the handover of properties continues.

Individual homes and villas located in the fronds are nearing completion and will be ready for the first owners to move in soon. 28 beachfront hotels are in the works for the outer crescent, including the Atlantis Hotel, a 1,500 room resort and water park. The Trump International Hotel and Tower will be the centerpiece of the trunk. The premier Marina Residences will consist of six towers at the very tip of the trunk. The Marina, Residences, which will have 940 apartments and 40 townhomes, is expected to begin handover to the new occupants and owners by the end of 2008.

The Palm Jumeirah

The first of the Dubai Palm Islands to be conceived and constructed, The Palm Jumeirah is also the smallest at 5 km in diameter. This island contains hotels, villas and apartments as well as retail shops and a marina. Each frond will make up a distinct, private neighborhood. The outer crescent will form a breakwater and have a number of luxury hotels and restaurants along its 11 km length in addition to residences. The trunk of this island is 2 km long and contains luxury hotels and residential apartments surrounding a 7.8 hectare park. The whole island will be connected by a monorail to whisk residents and visitors to their intended destinations on and off the island.

The Palm Jebel Ali is located in the Watefront Project near the Dubai-Abu Dhabi border. This area will be the home to 1.7 million people when complete in 2020, and the first island properties are expected to be ready in 2010.

The Palm Deira will take over as the world's largest man-made island, according to the developer, Nakheel. It will reach over 12 km into the sea and have a width of 7.5 km, with residential space for over 1 million people when complete. Approximately 20% of the land reclamation has been completed for this project.

The final man-made island development is The World. 300 islands are taking shape in a map of our planet, with each one being sold and developed to private interests. Many will be turned into resorts and have properties for sale, while some will remain the exclusive domain of the lucky, and well-off, owners.

Nicholas Marr is a lifetime property investor and CEO of Marr International Ltd a UK based property marketing company that is responsible for one of the worlds leading overseas property web sites at http://www.homesgofast.com/home/Dubai/
and http://www.dubaihomes4sale.co.uk/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nicholas_Marr http://EzineArticles.com/?Dubai-Real-Estate-Where-Man-Made-Islands-Exist&id=779039

Laser Surveying Equipment

2008-01-15T23:35:00.001-08:00

By Paul Abbey

Although surveying equipment has been around since the times of the Egyptians it is only in recent years that the use of lasers has been introduced to make the process of measuring things that much easier and simpler to achieve. In this article we will be taking a closer look at some different pieces of laser surveying equipment many construction companies now use.

1. Laser Levels

There are many different types of laser levels now being used in the construction industry and depending upon the demands of the task to be carried out will depend on which kind of level is used. But when it comes to choosing a laser level do you choose one that is able to self level itself or one that you have to level manually.

Certainly the biggest benefit to be gained from using a self level laser over a manual one is that it can find its own level without the person actually having to do any adjustments to it. Whilst as a manual one would suggest you have to make sure the level is even yourself which can often take some time to achieve.

2. Single or Dual Grade Laser

This kind of laser surveying equipment is used in order to measure as well as define the gradient of a slope. However the disadvantage of the single grade version is that it can only calculate what the gradient is on one particular plane whilst the dual version can do so using two different planes at once.

3. Rotating and Straight Line Lasers

The rotating laser produces a beam of laser light from a beacon which is able to rotate and so can produce a level plane right across 360 degrees. Whilst the straight line laser when used in surveying puts out either one or more laser beams and is able to perform the function which allows the surveyor to produce a cross or plumb line.

4. Pipe Lasers

This particular piece of surveying equipment is most often used when new pipes, drains or sewers are being laid (installed). Once one section of the pipe has been laid the laser will be placed inside it so the next pipe can be aligned and graded in line with the one already in place. Using this helps to ensure that the pipes being installed are done so with a great deal more accuracy.

5. Laser Receivers

This particular piece of equipment is often used with the laser level (which we have mentioned above) and is able to cover a much wider area of land that needs measuring. Also it enables the user to use the laser level both outside and when the sun is bright. The receiver works by being able to pick up the beam from the laser level and will adjust its height until such time as the right level has been found. As soon as this is achieved the receiver will emit a constant sound.

But as well as their being laser surveying equipment that the construction industry now constantly use a person is able to buy much more affordable ones they can use at home. In fact some are so small they can fit into a person’s pocket and the prices range from around $20 and can cost as much as $300.

P Abbey owns and operates http://www.surveyingequipmentguide.com/lasersurveyingequipment.html - Laser Surveying Equipment

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Abbey http://EzineArticles.com/?Laser-Surveying-Equipment&id=781919

Tips For Starting High Profit Business

2008-01-15T23:33:00.000-08:00

By Akhat Maneshev

IN THIS ARTICLE I tried to summarize my vision of how people can start high profit business, and gave innovative medical products as an example. The article is quite detailed that is why I CAPITALIZE SOME WORDS to make the text better organized and convenient for reading.

Our contemporary business world is HIGHLY COMPETITIVE. If you want to win the market, you face many others who also want the same. You either have to be more flexible as a small company, or you have to STRUGGLE with the competition, growing slowly towards a bigger company.

That is a steady way of growing business; however, there is ONE MORE OPTION. It is more profitable, but also risky and rare: you may work with INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS. WHY IS IT RISKY? It is because consumers many times prefer known products to anything else, and it is reasonable because they cannot fully trust anything else.

I work for a Russian medical company, which has been very successful on the Russian market. We invested much in MARKETING TECHNOLOGIES and in advancing innovative medical products, and now we know how to overcome the risky side of working with innovative products.

I want to share tips on how we manage innovative medical products.

WHY innovative MEDICAL devices? Our company decided to use innovative medical devices due to at least two reasons: 1. they help people live better, and that is why they always have very high demand; 2. it is easy to start working with them even with little initial capital.

The BEST types of medical devices are OVER-THE-COUNTER medical products because such products can freely circulate without medical prescription. And among over-the-counter medical products, the best are NON-pharmacological products because they are extra safe, have little contraindications, and generally have more trust among consumers.

0)

HOW start? Once you found innovative medical devices, which are new to your region, or – better – to your country, you need to introduce them to your home market. First of all, you need to define your target audience. You also need to make sure that the products are truly good, i.e. that they indeed solve health problems well. If that is true, people will search for you themselves, and the most effective and inexpensive advertisement by ‘the WORD OF MOUTH’ will work for you better and better.

1)

Although the word of mouth will perfectly work for you in this case, you have to accept that REGULAR ADVERTISEMENT is also inevitable. First of all, there is no other reliable way just to let people know that your products exist. Secondly, NON-pharmacological products, which we are considering, have excellent effect, but rarely they have immediate effect; it may take several weeks before changes, and you need to remind people about that because sometimes people are lazy. Everyone knows that eyesight exercises are worthy, but do you know many people who practice them?

If you already have enough resources, it is generally good to start advertising in regional press. Of course, advertising itself is a whole long story, and you need to do it correctly. If however, you lack resources, you may use free ways such as: free informative articles about products in local and regional press. ONCE YOU DEFINED YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE, you shall have known which newspapers and magazines your consumers read. Surely, you need to get published in these media.

Also, because you market NON-pharmacological products, you may work with representatives of alternative medicine (involving herbal treatment, yoga and related exercises, etc.) and get published in their sources too. Thus, you may use three types of media: special media, widely popular media, sources and media of alternative medicine. You may also use other free adverts sources and surely Internet.

2)

Keep in mind that you constantly need to extend your target audience; that is why the more you invest in letting people know about your NON-pharmacological devices, the more you sell, having better profits and healthier people. That is why when you reach higher sales volumes, you need to be unsatisfied and keep going further. DO NOT STOP GROWING! You need to use more expensive advertisement in more convenient newspapers and magazines. If you are a doctor yourself, or you have good medical specialists on board, it is also reasonable to participate in medical conferences educating other doctors about your devices and their effect.

It is also a good idea to get in touch with different societies (such as asthma society, hypertension society, etc.), which match with your target consumers. Such societies usually have a large network through all the country, and your helpful devices will have an additional distribution channel.

3)

You also need to understand that growing larger and larger means that your general structure will change and increase. You will have to hire more employees and advance managerial skills. Be ready for that. Everything you do will become larger. Thus, you will come to the point when you will afford advertising on state TV and Radio.

Operating in non-competitive environment with innovative NON-pharmacological medical products is one of the most convenient ways to grow high profit business. The PROBLEM however still is that there are NOT so MANY innovative NON-pharmacological medical products on the market, and it is hard to find them, or it is hard to be the first who brings them to your local market.

IF YOU HAVE innovative medical products, please contact me, and we will be able to do successful business as we are willing to market them in Russia.

IF YOU WANT to FIND innovative medical products, please contact me as we currently market internationally TWO innovative high profitable NON-pharmacological devices. We are looking for INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTORS, and we are ready to share our marketing strategies with them. Please contact me at the email below.

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More about us:

I work for Dinamika Co., Ltd. We started with little sales volumes and local advertising, now we have reached the point when we advertise in Russian nationwide media, e.g.: weekly newspapers with circulation of 5 million; local and specializing media; state national radio, and most popular TV channel. We now work with more than 20,000 pharmacies and with all major pharma companies operating in Russia.

We are expanding worldwide at the moment, and I welcome your questions about that to my email [mailto:331@012.ru]331@012.ru

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Akhat_Maneshev http://EzineArticles.com/?Tips-For-Starting-High-Profit-Business&id=776917

The Difference Between Business Mission and Vision

2008-01-15T23:27:00.000-08:00

By Janet Schieferdecker

I am frequently asked the question "What is the difference between business mission and vision?"

In a nutshell, a business Vision Statement describes WHERE you are going; while the Mission Statement tells WHY.

The Vision Statement is about how you'll know when you are THERE. As in "we are taking the business to new heights". OK, where exactly are those new heights and what does that mean? Some business experts advocate that an effective Vision Statement answers the question: "What Business Are You In?" I would like to add that it should be exciting and inspiring. When you write a Vision Statement that works, you know it instantly. It sends a clear message to the universe of exactly what you would like to achieve, and you are able to look at it and think "now that's a worthy challenge, yes, I/we want to do that."

In my first business, I didn't have a plan or write out a vision, I just wanted to set up a successful practice and I couldn't understand why I seemed to be locked into one operating level . This time I vowed it would be different. So I sat down and thought through how I wanted to live, how big the business would have to be to support that, and as I planned and visualized, I realized that this was big, a whole new level, and that there were many reasons that went far, far beyond self interest why I should do it. When I'm feeling lethargic or low for some reason, thinking about my vision helps me refocus my energies and get back into motion. If your Vision Statement is very wordy, or has become part of the furniture, it's time to re-energize it. My Mastermind workshops operate on the principle that the Vision and the rest of the plan need to be worked and re-worked regularly, and that doing this in community with others is exceptionally powerful.

While this article would be too long if I included the exercises and questions to help guide you towards articulating a Vision Statement, one tip I would like to include is the use of Vision Boards or some kind of visual representation. Include your team while you are creating this graphic. You might try employing the services of a graphic recorder/facilitator. When a vision is shared by many people and they are all holding clear images of their roles and perhaps how things might be different, real magic starts to happen.

The Mission Statement communicates to your stakeholders (employees, partners, shareholders, customers, raving fans . . .) WHY you are going THERE. It helps people who may (or may not) wish to join you in achieving your Vision, decide if their values are in alignment. When a potential partner of mine read my Mission statement and realized I was all about helping creative entrepreneurs set up their own small business profitably; she realized she wasn't interested in joining the business, it just wasn't close enough to her personal sense of purpose which was more around corporate culture change. It was disappointing, but much better to know before we made any contractual arrangements.

Most of us address the question "What is my purpose?" at some time in our lives. Aligning your company with your personal sense of purpose and communicating that alignment, respects everyone's sense of purpose. A well written Mission Statement is something that speaks to people, customers included, of who you really are, and can provide a sense of meaning for you and others if the going gets rough.

Sitting down to write a Mission Statement, or communicating one out loud for the first time, can be anxiety producing for people. In our society it is still a bit unconventional, even for personal growth workshop junkies like myself, to say these things out loud. My business training using NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) workshops help people access information they may be holding at an "other than conscious" level, while the support and witnessing of the group makes it possible to create a meaningful business Mission Statement. The best tip I can give small business owners and creative entrepreneurs for creating a useful Mission Statement is to work with some sort of group.

Still have questions? There is more information and examples on my website under the "Resouces" tab. Please go to http://www.artemiscp.com/ for help on how to articulate your company's Vision and Mission and to find information about the 2008 Artemis Master Mind series.

Janet Schieferdecker is a business trainer, strategic facilitator and coach. As the founder and CEO of Artemis Consulting Partners, she created business visioning and action planning workshops to help small business owners and new venture developers grow their companies exponentially.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Janet_Schieferdecker http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Difference-Between-Business-Mission-and-Vision&id=784276

Is Google The Next Berkshire Hathaway?

2008-01-15T23:25:00.000-08:00

By Marcus Langford

Google is an incredible company; a phenom if you will, in this age of technology that is powered by the Internet. Google has single-handedly put a stronghold on other search engines making them nearly obsolete. You commonly hear the term "Google it.....", when was the last time you heard someone say "Yahoo! it...." or "MSN it.....". Exactly! You will NOT hear it and even hearing it does not sound right. Google has just worked its way into the language appearing in the dictionary as a standard definitive word. It's truly incredible how much this relatively young company has shaped the Internet and life as we know it.

To match the rapid growth of the company and its influence on pop culture, Google's price-per-share has also grown at the speed of light it seems like it. Unless you have been living under a rock and if you are true business person, then you know that Google's share are climbing to the $650 mark. This too is even more impressive as Google's price-per-share was a humble $85 when the company went public in August 2004. Just a tad bit over three years later, Google's share price has increased sevenfold and is continuing to climb as they make more high-dollar acquisitions. Launching partners Sergey Brin and Larry Page are both worth around $19 billion and their individual dollar value skyrockets as their company dollar value does.

The Google stock is growing to news leap and bounds and pretty much only one other company has had a stock skyrocket so steadily: Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway. Now, Mr. Buffett took over this textile firm in 1965 when he was around 34-years old. Though I am unaware of what BH's share price was when it first went on the market, today the shares are about $123,000 a pop; that's a hefty price to pay to be associated with the world's greatest investor, but I am sure his shareholder's feel it is worth the buck.

I wonder if we will see the day when Google's price-per-share cruises into the six-figure range. This truly wouldn't surprised me.

Kudos to Google!!!

An architectural project manager by profession, I Founded Langford Internetprises, an Internet Affiliate Marketing conglomerate.

Feel free to check out my [http://www.mind-of-marcus.blogspot.com ]'Mind Of Marcus' BlogSpot. If you feel at home at my blog, then [http://feeds.feedburner.com/MindOfMarcus ]Subscribe to 'Mind of Marcus' and share your thoughts.

See you around!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marcus_Langford http://EzineArticles.com/?Is-Google-The-Next-Berkshire-Hathaway?&id=776488

Filing Your Federal Income Tax Online

2008-01-15T23:23:00.000-08:00

By Craig Thornburrow

It's nearly that time again, when many of us will be filing our federal income tax and hoping for a sizable refund. While filing your federal income tax forms can be a nail-biting experience, receiving a nice tax refund, deposited directly to your bank account can take some of the sting out of it.

Filing your federal income tax online seems intimidating at first, but is actually the fastest and easiest way to file, and you'd be amazed how quickly you can receive your tax refund by filing online. If you're not exactly a "Internet person," you may have reservations about filing your taxes online. But never fear, the process is actually much simpler than you might expect, and you will have a full record of your filing and all the necessary paperwork to prove you have properly filed your return.

The decision to accept online income tax returns has helped to streamline the IRS's operations at tax time. This benefits us as taxpayers in several ways, and the most important of these and that we can receive our tax refund quicker than ever before, and deposited directly into our bank account. Not bad!

In this article we will guide you through a few important tips for filing your federal income tax online. Once you get used to the process, you'll wonder how you ever managed to file your taxes the "old-fashioned" way. Now, let's get started.

1. The first step is to locate a tax filing web site to assist you in filing your return online. There are many of these to choose from, and the best among them offer a trial of their services at no charge. It is recommended that you go with a company that offers this free trial so you can determine if the site meets your needs and has proper documentation and online help available. It's not enough to simply "take their word for it," but rather, you need to actually use the online service for yourself to be sure you are comfortable with it. That's why choosing a web site with a free trial program is so important.

2. You also want to find a tax filing web site that has adequate federal tax information readily unavailable on the site. Many tax filing web sites have huge online databases that users can access. Some even offer optional live chat programs, so you can ask your questions directly to a tax expert. These services tend to cost a bit more, but if you are new to the process of filing online, or have a more complicated tax return to file, the live chat option could provide you with the peace of mind you need that your taxes are being correctly prepared.

3. Ease of use is incredibly important online, and nowhere is this more critical than with filing your federal tax return. Look for a web site that has clear, easy to follow instructions, and an interview-type entry form to gather all your pertinent information.

4. If you are receiving a tax refund this year, you will get your money much quicker by having the refund deposited directly into your bank account. Look for web site that offers information about direct deposit tax refunds. The refund itself should be in your bank account 10 to 14 days after you file your electronic tax return. Receiving a refund check, however, can take twice as long in many cases.

Follow these for simple tips to file your federal income tax return online and receive your refund quicker this year.

Craig Thornburrow is an acknowledged expert in his field. You can get more free advice on federal income tax and a [http://www.federalincometaxhelp.org/investing-your-federal-income-tax-refund.php]federal income tax refund at http://www.federalincometaxhelp.org

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Craig_Thornburrow http://EzineArticles.com/?Filing-Your-Federal-Income-Tax-Online&id=801029

Obtaining A Business Loan With Bad Credit

2008-01-15T23:12:00.000-08:00

By Pauline Go

Bad credit need not always be a hurdle for achieving one's dreams. You can obtain a business loan even when you have a bad credit score. There are several independent finance agencies offering business loans to customers with bad credit. You need to just explore different possibilities for obtaining a business loan with bad credit.

Banks issue business loans only on the basis of personal credit scores of the applicant. Hence, banks are not an appropriate funding source to approach in situations where the applicant has a bad credit record. Other alternatives include approaching community lenders, private lenders specializing in bad credit business loans, using home equity as collateral for obtaining a business loan, considering friends and relatives as investors, and SBA.

Community lenders and local banks consider business credit scores while approving a business loan. You can obtain a business loan at a lower interest if the business credit scores are outstanding.

Lenders specializing in bad credit business loans provide funds at a higher interest rate. These agencies require property or equipment in the form of collateral. This form of business loan is called as secured business loan.

Utilizing home equity value as an investment is also a useful option. You can obtain large amounts of money at lower interest rate through home equity loans. However, this option is risky because if the business goes into a loss, you may get into the danger of losing ownership of not just your home but also the business.

Another interesting option is to include friends and relatives in business matters. They can be included into the management as investors provided they offer financial assistance to run the business. However, there are certain disadvantages involved in including family members, relatives and friends.

One can even obtain a business loan through Small Business Administration or SBA. SBA acts as a guarantor, thus providing the lender with necessary assurance against any possible money loss.

About Author:

Pauline Go is a professional writer for many website like newbiemommy.com. She also writes other great articles like [http://www.easyonlinefunds.com/predatory-lending/index.html]Settlements For Victims Of Predatory Lending, [http://www.easyonlinefunds.com/]Guaranteed Personal Loans With Bad Credit Tips, [http://www.easyonlinefunds.com/loans/car/index.html]How to Get Best Free Refinance Car Loan

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pauline_Go http://EzineArticles.com/?Obtaining-A-Business-Loan-With-Bad-Credit&id=817454

Declining American Dollar Damages Foreign Policy

2008-01-15T23:11:00.002-08:00

By Murad Ali

Saudi Arabia and the United States have been friends for some time. To the average public within the country most Americans view Saudi Arabia as sponsors of terror citing the countries Muslim background. However, Saudi Arabia regularly supports the United States and has done so again in the last round of OPEC meetings.

Venezuela and Iran wanted to open discussions about valuing oil against a new currency standard then the dollar. They were hoping the move would be symbolic that the world should move away from seeing the United States as a leader and move towards some other supper power like China or the European Union.

The 12 member OPEC dignitaries flew into Riyadh and Saudi police and helicopter blocked roads, and protected the sky with helicopters and the dignitaries made it to their place of residency. The meeting was called to discuss oil exports and the cost of oil. In addition, the meet is to ponder ways of reducing emissions.

A secret broadcast came around which showed that Venezuela and Iran were behind the move to change how oil is priced into another currency. Venezuelan representative Angela's de Morais stated, "The weakness of the dollar is affecting us all" and "But that's a global-scale problem. It's not for an individual organization to tackle." He was referring to Saudis insistence on keeping the American dollar.

Saudi Arabia doesn't want to see the American dollar collapse as much of its economy is based on the American dollar. They have hundreds of billions of dollars invested within the United States and removing the dollar as the oil pricing standard may make it decline further which is likely to hurt Saudi Arabia further.

The dollar has declined significantly over the past few years. This decline is up to 15% against the Euro in the past 12 months alone. As the dollar deflates American buy less products from overseas which hurts our allies and business partners. In addition, the decline in the dollar reduces the value of investments made by foreign countries in the Euro.

When countries purchase American dollars or make investments in American dollars they can find that the dollar is deflating which means they are losing money on their investment. Each dollar is worth less then it was a few years ago and therefore their investments have shrunk. To counter this a number of countries have begun to diversify their holding in foreign currency to more stable currency like the Euro.

The declining value of the dollar is a double-edged sword for the United States. On one end the declining dollar increases American exports because American products become cheaper but on the other end America has less foreign influence because countries aren't selling as many products in the United States.

The current crisis the country has to face is the amount of dissention that a number of disgruntled countries are beginning to show now that their economies are not so tightly tied to the U.S. We may see a growing trend of countries attempting to hurt American interests and business partnerships around the world.

Murad Ali is a three-time book author , a human resource professional, a doctoral candidate and a business professor. He runs Article-Agent, or which is designed to help business increase visitors, exposure and rank higher among search engines. For more interesting articles visit http://www.thenewbusinessworld.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Murad_Ali http://EzineArticles.com/?Declining-American-Dollar-Damages-Foreign-Policy&id=838480

Tips for Mom's Starting a Home-Based Internet Business

2008-01-15T23:11:00.001-08:00

By Kathy Tyson

If you are looking for three amazing points to having your own Internet business, then this article is for you.

What do mom's really want?

*They want to spend more time with their families

*They want to make more money

*They want to quit their jobs

Starting a home-based Internet business has the possibility of giving you all of these things. The only requirements are the desire to be successful, willingness to put in some effort and time to get it off the ground, patience, and persistence. I know, because I wanted out of the rat race. Starting my home-based Internet business was one of the best things I have ever done. It is not that difficult and it offers unlimited reasons for doing it. Just take a look again at the three benefits above.

Those three things alone were worth me taking the leap. I haved loved every minute of it! What type of business did I leap into? Ty Coughlin's Reverse Funnel System. The unique part of this system is that it is totally automated. All you have to do after signing up is follow the step-by-step instructions that you will be given by your team and you will be making money. You don't need to make phone calls or attend any meetings. Everything is done from home.

The Reverse Funnel System supplies all the tools that are needed to generate huge incomes. Your team is there for any kind of support or questions. I never dreamed I would be able to do something like this, just like a lot of you are probably thinking. I can tell you that RFS made this system so simple that ANYONE can follow the step-by-step instructions and be successful too. It works like "Simon Says". You do what they tell you to do. You don't need any prior Internet business knowledge. I didn't. I just had the desire and determination. If you have those two qualities then you too will succeed.

My hope is that after reading this article it will have taken you one step further in appreciating what operating your own Internet business can do for you. If you would like more information then click on the Reverse Funnel System link below and you will be redirected to their website.

Remember that any home-based business worth pursuing requires effort to be successful. Good luck with your adventure.

Discover how a lazy surf bum unlocked the $100K a month code with the [http://www.reversefunnelrevenue.com/ ]Reverse Funnel
System at http://www.ReverseFunnelRevenue.com today. Also, be sure
to check out the [http://www.reversefunneljournal.com/ ]Reverse Funnel System
review blog

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathy_Tyson http://EzineArticles.com/?Tips-for-Moms-Starting-a-Home-Based-Internet-Business&id=835763

Different Types Of Medical Transcription Services

2008-01-15T23:08:00.001-08:00

By Greg Heslin

The field of medical transcription has been on the rise in recent years, providing high-quality health records to hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities. There are several accredited service providers in existence that aid medical organizations in maintaining and creating their health records.

Before searching for the best medical transcription service, companies or individuals need to make sure that the service is compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). HIPAA was established in 1996 to set a national standard for anyone involved in with health records. The act also promotes security and privacy of all health data and strives to improve the proper use of electronic data. It is extremely important that any service provider is compliant with HIPAA standards, which is required through the Department of Health and Human Services.

There are a variety of services available, which all offer unique skills and expertise for medical transcription. SpectraMedi has been a leading service provider since its small start in 1999. With offices in New York and India, SpectraMedi has been able to establish a system that allows for speedy turnaround and high-quality service. SpectraMedi employs well-trained MTs and systems professionals who work seven days a week and are all well-trained and highly proficient in this industry. SpectraMedi is HIPAA compliant and employs over 300 transcriptionists all over the U.S. According to SpectraMedi's website, the company meets any transcription needs imaginable and customizes each job according to the individual's needs. The company claims that it is one of the most cost effective providers, mostly due to the quick turnaround. SpectraMedi's MTs work with the most modern technology that includes dictation systems, HL-7 interfaces, automated printing and organizing services, and much more.

VIVA is another HIPAA compliant medical transcription service provider that is based in California and caters to medical professionals in the U.S. and Canada. Some of the services offered by VIVA are quality transcriptions delivered in one business day, strict compliance with HIPAA, and high-tech security provided by GeoTrust, which protects over 100,000 companies all over the world. Since VIVA is a web-based company, clients can access their files from virtually anywhere. VIVA boasts a state-of-the-art online filing system that opens up office space and allows for all files to be accessed from a computer through a system called VIVA-Locate, which allows individuals to search their records in a fraction of the time.

MxSecure is another popular provider. According to the website, MxSecure is the number one medical transcription service in the U.S. The company works with over 500 organizations nationwide to provide the best services to clinics, physicians, and hospitals and offers two different options for service to comply with nearly any group. MxTranscribe Express offers digital dictation, easily downloaded software, access to files 24/7, and unlimited customer support. MxTranscribe EHR offers everything from Express with the additional perks of EMR integration, STAT capabilities, unlimited file storage and backup, and HIPAA compliant e-mail. There are also no long-term contracts required for either service.

TransHealth is a good option for someone looking for a smaller and more personal organization. The Nashville-based company is one of the fastest growing providers of medical transcription, specializing in serving hospitals and outpatient clinics. TransHealth prides itself on the ability to establish long-term relationships with clients. The company's most well-known clients are Community Health Systems, Inc., Health Management Associates, and VHA Southwest. TransHealth requires a minimum of three years experience in this field for all employees, securing high-quality work.

Although these services are the most popular and well-known, there are many others that provide the same services, often for less money. There are websites available that offer free searches and price quotes for medical transcription service providers. BuyerZone is a popular site that offers searches in a variety of areas such as primary care, hospitals, and clinics.

There are so many different types of service relationships that can be established through these various organizations, and it is easy to find one that fits any organization. Each service offers different perks and benefits, but all of them offer high-quality medical transcription. Not only are these services helping medical professionals build a more efficient and productive business, but they are also working hard to establish safer and more secure health records all over the world.

Greg Heslin is a best selling author on various legitimate work from home opportunities. To learn more about real work from home opportunities and see "check proof" of how some people are making $1,758 a day working from home, you can visit his web site at: http://www.Work-From-Home-123.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Greg_Heslin http://EzineArticles.com/?Different-Types-Of-Medical-Transcription-Services&id=862544

Time for the Business Plan

2008-01-15T23:07:00.001-08:00

By Bill Broich

That old saying "plan your work and work your plan" is a constant reminder on the road to success. The problem is the plan that we want to work has to be relatable to our approach to business and marketing. Ask yourself the question: what report card is meaningful and what can I relate to in tracking my performance?

Each year I make my business and marketing plan for the coming year. There are several ways of doing this and over the years I have based it on many factors. The one that works best for me also tells me if my work level is sufficient.

A good business and marketing plan starts with your previous year's accomplishments and a comparison of goals reached or missed. I see nothing wrong with not making a goal as long as we are truthful with ourselves.

For me it is all about activity and how many people I see in a year. I call this group "new seens" and it how I measure my success. Most years I will see about 700 new seens in a work year and for me this number has substance and meaning.

Setting goals is essential to building and running a business. By examining your success in relationship to your goals allows you to keep a running total on your years activity. Most work years will only have about 40 weeks that matter. If my goal is 700 new seens a year and I plan a work year of 40 weeks then it is easy to see if I am on track. If I do a check up at the first quarter and find I am behind, I do not try to catch up with super activity. I merely adjust the goal and try and keep on track with my weekly and monthly new seen goal. Trying to catch up with past lower numbers is not possible and makes the tracking system less than accurate.

I always write my plan down and keep it updated so I know my numbers and can compare them against my desired goal. If I find myself ahead I will take another week off as long as I know I will reach my numbers. I would schedule this week off at a time when it would have meaning and not just for the sake of not working.

If you haven't planned 2008 yet try my method and see how it would make sense for you. To me the more activity I have makes the most sense for my planning. If you decide on an alternative approach to your annual business plan make certain it becomes part of your daily and weekly business life.

Bill Broich is thirty year annuity salesman who helps agents generate annuity leads and sales. To discover more visit his website: [http://www.annuity.com/annuity_agents.cfm]Selling Annuities.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bill_Broich http://EzineArticles.com/?Time-for-the-Business-Plan&id=870330

The Complexity of Oil Refineries

2008-01-15T23:03:00.000-08:00

By C. Jent

The black as tar substance that is extracted from the ground known as crude oil needs to be refined before it is delivered to the end consumer. Meeting the consumer demand is complicated. Refining a barrel of crude oil involves a series of complex processes. In order to produce the gasoline or any of the many other different products demanded by consumers, the crude oil has to go to the designated refineries.

Once the barrels of oil are at the refinery, the first step is the distillation where the oil is heated and then broken down according to different boiling points. When the vapor turns into liquid form, it is separated into its varied component parts. Subsequent processes, often referred to as conversion, focus on transforming lower-valued products into higher-valued products. One example of conversion is removing impurities, such as sulfur, to make higher quality diesel fuel. Another example of transforming a lower-valued product into a higher-valued product is changing bunker fuel suited for ships into different grades of gasoline used in automobiles. It is the size and scope of these various conversion processes that distinguish the differences in refineries.

The United States refining capacity stands at approximately 17 million barrels produced per day. Different refineries will prefer different types of crude oil. At the beginning of 2005, this capacity was spread across 55 refinery companies operating 144 refineries. Vertically integrated operations involving the production of crude oil and independent refiners with little or no crude oil production involved are among the 55 companies. Operations, both large and small, range in scale from millions of barrels produced per day down to thousands of barrels per day. No one refinery can own more than 13 percent of the total U.S. refining capacity.

The refinery segment of the oil industry has been on the decline due to the negative economic returns. The trend in profitability has, until the past few years, been consistently moving downward. As a consequence, the market has seen a decline in the ownership of refining capacity on the part of major oil companies in the United States. During the 1990s, the major U.S. oil companies reduced their ownership of refinery capacity from 72 percent to 60 percent of total U.S. capacity. The fast-growing independent refiners increased their refinery capacity from 8 percent to 23 percent of the total U.S. capacity. The largest independent refiners are now in competition with the major oil companies in their capabilities to meet the nation's growing concerns and demands for cleaner transportation diesel fuels. Competition from imports is also increasing, as more than 10 percent of the daily U.S. petroleum products consumption now comes from outside the United States. In their efforts to meet the increasing demands for petroleum products, oil companies like Triple Diamond Energy Corporation face these changes and purchase or lease the necessary amount of refineries.

Chris Jent is the Chief Marketing Officer of [http://www.tdecorp.info]Triple Diamond Energy Corp [http://www.tdenergy.info]Triple Diamond Energy specializes in acquiring the highest quality prime oil and gas properties. For more information, visit http://www.triplediamondenergycorp.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=C._Jent http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Complexity-of-Oil-Refineries&id=873079

Business Centers in Dubai

2008-01-15T22:58:00.002-08:00

By Nivedita Nagpal

Relocating to Dubai cannot be harrowing, as the set up rules are simple for every kind of business by the government. For some entrepreneurs, the existing business centers are providing excellent world class facilities. The city has become the commercial hub for many multinationals and every conceivable business. The available suites in business districts are competitive. The rentals keep changing hence market prices have to be considered before choosing an office space. Every district has its own advantages for doing business. The business centers are well equipped. All the services are functional and prepared with all administrative requirements. These include common services like telephony, internet and telephones. Some of them also provide human resources, like well trained secretaries and receptionists for various jobs.

The areas where main business centers are located include:

• Dubai World Trade Center (Sheikh Zayad Road)

• Dubai German Business Center

• Dubai Internet City

• Gulf Business Center

• Kinko's (Bur Dubai)

• Regus Instant Offices Worldwide

• Servcop- Emirates Towers (Sheikh Zayad Road)

• UB Business Services

• Alliance Business Centers

• Business Time

As there is boom in all sectors in UAE, business centers are in demand in many locations. They are popular elsewhere in the world also. There is no capital investment, cost of set-up, or buying them either. They can be leased, as long as business requires them. Elaborate and up market business centers also have meeting rooms, conference facilities and special suites. They also have full offices, virtual office, hot-desking suites, training rooms, video conferencing, IT and telecom packages. All the business centers are well decorated and have optimum office furniture. This way most of the business clients do not have many overheads. Getting the right business center is easy. One can surf online and check out the rates and locations of these centers before starting work. Private suites, work stations, trained clerical staff, impressive lobbies, areas for multimedia presentations and courier facilities are also available.

All the companies doing business in UAE need to respect the labor laws of the land. Many international businesses also operate successfully in the business centers. Business Time has membership packages for businessmen. Even local citizens are availing of the benefits of such business centers. Along with the other facilities, it provides legal consultancy also. It handles paper work of migrants, all visa formalities, hotel transfers, airport transfers and every other logistical support. With real estate activities doing very well, the best of infrastructures are being developed in UAE. Business centers allow many new entrepreneurs to do hassle free transactions. The economy will still grow and as new laws are being formulated, some outdated ones being changed, they will help the country to get more revenue. As all businesses are registered with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry one can get a fair idea of what works well in the region. With the free zone becoming a hot bed of major activity, many men have made the right decision of relocating to Dubai.

Nivedita Nagpal works as a freelance property correspondent with [http://www.propertyadvicedubai.com/]Dubai Property. [http://www.propertyadvicedubai.com/]Property in Dubai. [http://www.propertyadvicedubai.com/]Property in Dubai.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nivedita_Nagpal http://EzineArticles.com/?Business-Centers-in-Dubai&id=887642

Telling is Not Selling - Selling is Definitely Telling

2008-01-15T22:58:00.001-08:00

By Constance Knieper

Recently a conversation took place with a seller who spent the entire time explaining the details of a particular process. When a question was asked the same process was explained all over again albeit with different terms. How would you respond? Who do you think carried the conversation? Use your conclusions and observations to become more successful in selling your products and services.

In order to learn anything from this or any other experience you must look at it objectively from both points of view. As the buyer, the seller implies more interest in himself and the business than meeting the needs of the client. He also appears to have poor listening skills, a lack of knowledge, or he is just plain not interested.

Change modes from buyer to seller and look at it again. What could have been done differently to improve the experience? There is one thing that definitely would have made a more positive impact on the buyer; empathy.

The only way to empathize with another person is to listen and ask questions. Whether or not you agree doesn't matter. What matters is learning and understanding the client needs and wants in order to meet their expectations.

After you learn and understand the client's expectations, tell them how you can help them. Keep it simple; offer the solutions you can provide to solve their problems. Listen long and talk short. Don't waste their time or yours with information they don't need and are not interested in learning.

In the event you don't understand the question or lack the knowledge to answer, find someone who can. There is no shame in not knowing the answer. People are much more appreciative if you admit it and help them get the answers they seek.

Poor listening skills are intensified when there is no interest in the client. If you plan to be successful in sales you absolutely must find a way to overcome disinterest. Consider a career change if you cannot overcome it.

With regard to the original experience; much of the conclusions made could have been completely changed had the seller listened more and talked less? Telling is not selling; but selling is most definitely telling.

Successful strategies to achieve goals. A customer focused approach to increasing growth and profits. Supplying standardized systems that unite your goals with client goals capitalizing on customer service.

To learn more visit: http://www.goalachievements.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Constance_Knieper http://EzineArticles.com/?Telling-is-Not-Selling---Selling-is-Definitely-Telling&id=893336

How You Can Benefit From Sales Training

2008-01-15T22:49:00.000-08:00

By Jeff Stripp

Sales training courses are important tools that will help your company meet its sales goals. Whether you have new hires that need to learn the ropes or existing employees that can use a refresher, these courses are an effective tool in your company's arsenal.

Sales training courses can be adapted to your company's overall needs. You can focus a course on dealing with customers or clients. These lessons are very useful for new employees, especially if they have never worked in your industry before. Simple and proven methods of handling customers and clients can easily translate into higher sales.

Other sales training courses include how to up-sell products or services. Up-selling is an incredibly important way to increase overall revenue almost painlessly. The customer or client is already prepared to make a purchase and the opportunity is there to work with them. Add-on sales courses are also very useful for many different sectors. These are very useful for employees who work on a commission based basis.

Even managers and high level CEO's can benefit from taking part in a sales training course. It is important to keep in touch with the latest techniques and trends so that you don't loose track of your company's goals. Going through the same classes as your employees can help increase moral and give you more insight into what your employees are going through.

If you don't have the time or resources to develop your own sales training course, it is a good idea to contact a professional that specializes in creating custom packages. They can work with you to create training materials that are specific to your particular company and industry. These materials can be very useful if you need to educate an entire group of new hires or if you need to bring a new employee up to speed quickly.

Basic sales training courses are also available that are specialized for a particular industry. These tend to be more general in nature but they are still very effective in helping employees understand the basics. Look for classes that offers a few different levels of skill education to keep it interesting and useful for employees who have been with your company for some time.

Once you begin implementing these ideas in your company, it is a good idea to require a refresher class every twelve to eighteen months. This can help your employees can stay on top of new sales techniques and trends. They can also revisit areas that they may have missed the first time around.

The expense of creating a sales training course for your company or purchasing a standard class package will be offset by the education your employees receive and the benefits of increased sales and more satisfied customers.

Insight Bridge, the most complete online [http://www.insightbridge.com]self growth website connects you to success secrets, self-growth lessons, goal setting techniques, [http://www.insightbridge.com]personal improvement resources and self help advice to support your life goals and fulfill your dreams.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Stripp http://EzineArticles.com/?How-You-Can-Benefit-From-Sales-Training&id=906776

10 Tips For Buying Domains on eBay

2008-01-15T22:46:00.000-08:00

By Peter Gibson

There are bargains to be had buying domain names on eBay. I buy a few every week and bid on lots more. Here's a few tips for a successful domain buying experience on eBay.

1. Know the Value of What Are Buying

There are lots of resources on the internet to check the value of domains. If you are buying 3 character domains 3character.com provides a price guide each month. Another great source of historical price data is EBay itself. At EBay.com click on Buy tab. In the search box type in 'domain names' and click on the Search button. The brings up the following navigation:

Computers & Networking > Other Hardware & Services > Domain Names > .com

Click on the Domain Names link to get a list of all domain names. Now click on the Advanced Search link. Then next page click on the checkbox near the top that says "Completed Listings Only" and ensure that the 'In this Category' pick list reads 'Domain Names'. Now scroll to the bottom and click on the 'Search' button. You should now see a listing of recent selling items. The items in red are those which failed to sell and the green items are those which did sell.

2. Check Buyer Feedback

After each EBay transaction both the buyer and seller are invited to rate the performance of the other. This provides a valuable rating tool that allows you be comfortable that the seller will carry out their oblgations after you pay them for a domain. On the far right of each EBay listing is a section that says "Meet the Seller". To the right of the sellers name is a number in brackets - this indicates the number of unique feedbacks by other buyer or sellers. Below this is the percentage of positive feedbacks. Personally I look for unique feedbacks of at least 10 and percent positive feedback of 100% or at the least in the high 90's. You can click on the feedback number to see the individual comments of other EBay'ers who have bought or sold with your potential seller.

Of course you can never eliminate the risk that seller will not perform but knowing your seller you can signficantly limit the risk. I have done hundreds of purchases on EBay and my losses from non-perfoming sellers - less than a dollar.

3. Double check the domain extension

If you want a .com domain make sure that check that its what you are buying. A few times I've read through the domain description too quickly and ended up buying a .net domain or .info domain when I thought I was buying a .com domain. Ouch!

4. Check for handling charges

A few domain sellers charge a handling charge for transferring the domain to you. Read the EBay listing carefully to see if there is a handling charge. If there is a handling charge deduct this amount from the maximum that you are willing to pay for the domain.

5. Check the Registar

If you have a favourite registrar where you want all your domains to be located make sure that the domain is already at that registrar. Or if you are willing to accept a domain at a different registrar - ensure that registrar offers a free push. Among the registrars offering a free push of a domain to a new account are GoDaddy, Moniker, ENom, Fabulous, Dotster, DynaDot, DomainSite and NameCheap.com. If its a different registrar make a quick check of the web site to ensure that a free push is offered.

6. Check the Expiry Date

Once you buy a name you will be responsible for any renewals. Some sellers place names on EBay which are about to expire. You may still decide to buy but you need to be aware of the upcoming renewal fee. Best place to check both the registrar and the expiry date is a whois checker like [http://whois.sc ]Whois.sc or very often the registrar and expiry date are listed in the item description.

7. If it looks to be good to be true...

If you see an extremely valuable domain being offered for pennies on the dollar be cautious - fraud does happen on EBay - you don't want to be the next victim. A couple of things you can do. One is simply to forget the listing on the theory that it simply is too good to be true. Alternatively you could contact the owner of the domain using the whois information and confirm that the owner is for selling on EBay. Or you can is contact the seller via their EBay listing and ask if they will accept payment via Escrow.com - see suggestion below.

8. For large amounts

If you are not comfortable paying the anticipated price because of the potential for fraud an option is paying through Escrow.com. You will need to contact the seller to confirm that they will accept payment via Escrow.com and to discuss who will pay the escrow charges. Normally the escrow charges are either paid by the buyer or split between the buyer and seller. If the buyer won't accept escrow - move on to the next domain - there's lots of opportunities to buy.

9. Use sniping software

Sniping software is used on EBay to automatically place bids just a few seconds before an auction ends. The advantage of sniping software is that you avoid bidding early which would tend to drive up the price of the domain. By using sniping software you get to bid in the final seconds of the auction without having to be at your computer when the auction ends. The sniping software that I use is Auction Defender - available at AuctionDefender.com. A free trial version of the program is available. Cost of the program is $14.95 with a charge of $9.95 per year after the first year if you want to continue to receive support and upgrades.

10. Be selective on the auctions you bid on

While there are a few gems there are also a lot of junk domains listed on EBay. Domains that are poor names, the wrong extension or just overpriced. You will be a lot better off buying focusing on quality rather than attempting to every domain on the list.

These suggestions may seem complex but after a few days of reviewing EBay listings you'll be bidding like a pro.

Peter Gibson is web master for [http://www.NameSlam.com ]NameSlam.com. NameSlam offers resources for buying and monetizing your domain names as well as offering a selection of high quality names for sale.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Gibson http://EzineArticles.com/?10-Tips-For-Buying-Domains-on-eBay&id=796560

Small Business Payroll Solutions

2008-01-15T22:37:00.001-08:00

By Andrew Stratton

If you were to gather a room full of small to medium sized business owners and ask them what task they least like and understand, payroll would be at the top of the list for almost everyone in the room.

Because most business owners are not accountants and were not math majors in college, the responsibility to pay your employees while being compliant with government regulations is generally confusing and cumbersome. All of the current state and federal regulations can give you a real headache.

Thankfully, for small to medium sized businesses, there are services that offer outsourced small business payroll solutions. Businesses can choose to outsource just their payroll accounting, and payroll processing, to firms who specialize only in this field.

Payroll service companies can easily handle small business payroll tasks with ease and accuracy, allowing small and medium sized business owners to better utilize their administrative time growing their businesses and making more sales.

Payroll accounting is one area where you, as a small business owner, can really benefit from the outsourcing trends of today. Payroll processing, through outsourcing, insures that the job is done correctly with all of the latest rules and regulations taken into account.

Payroll accounting companies devote their time and care to keeping up to date on all of the latest requirements. Because this is their area of expertise performed daily, they do it very well.

While many of us think of payroll as simply a paycheck, there is so much more to the task. Payroll accounting includes: payroll checks, direct deposit, debit cards, federal and state withholdings, tax liability registers, check registers, unemployment taxes, tax forms, and so much more.

By outsourcing this responsibility, you can free up your time and still stay on top of all of your reporting and filing deadlines. The payroll service company will keep you apprised of everything you need to know and make sure that you stay in compliance. That is what you pay them to do for you.

In the online age, no matter your location, from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Juneau, Alaska, an experienced small business payroll service company can serve you wherever they are based.

Another wonderful benefit to contracting this job out is that you can have a bookkeeper to process your accounts payable and accounts receivable, while at the same time they do not have to have the specialized knowledge required to process and file your payroll.

This means your bookkeeper can be paid substantially less, and this is an efficient savings for your bottom line. Payroll service companies charge very reasonable rates and are well worth you considering.

No matter what industry you are in, if you have employees then you have a need for payroll to be processed. By attempting to do your own in-house you might find that your bookkeeping staff will be expensive and still will miss something that they were simply not aware of.

By outsourcing your payroll services you can insure that the job is done correctly and in a timely manner. Your payroll accounting company will insure that you meet all guidelines and timelines as well.

If payroll efforts keep you from more productive, revenue producing activities, there is a cure. Payroll Rx is a small business payroll service company - on time, easy to understand and personalized for you. We have a plan for every size business and every payroll need. http://www.payrollrx.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Stratton http://EzineArticles.com/?Small-Business-Payroll-Solutions&id=722957

Accounts Receivable Financing - Secrets

2008-01-15T22:34:00.001-08:00

By Gregg Elberg

The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines "secret" as:

"1 a: kept from knowledge or view : hidden b: marked by the habit of discretion : closemouthed c: working with hidden aims or methods : undercover (a secret agent) d: not acknowledged : unavowed (a secret bride) e: conducted in secret (a secret trial)2: remote from human frequentation or notice : 3: revealed only to the initiated : esoteric 4: designed to elude observation or detection (a secret panel)5: containing information whose unauthorized disclosure could endanger national security".

As used in this article, secret means: revealed only to the initiated; kept from knowledge or view; and designed to elude observation or detection.

The first secret- "revealed only to the initiated" relates to the fact that most schools, even business schools, do not teach the subject of factoring or purchase order financing; most banks do not offer these financing facilities as products. Therefore, it is not surprising that many businesses are unaware of the cash potential that lays dormant in their business invoices.

Let's suppose you own a small to medium business and you depend on customers paying invoices within a 45-60 day period for your working capital. In essence, you are extending credit like a bank to your customers. For that period of time your cash is tied up in your invoices- your accounts receivable. This limits growth and may create problems regarding meeting payroll and paying your suppliers. Accounts receivable financing is the process of selling your invoices for cash as soon as they are issued which allows you to make more effective use of your assets. Purchase order financing is the process of obtaining a third party commitment to pay your suppliers as soon as products are received by your clients (in advance of payment by you or your client), based on the surety of an accounts receivable financing arrangement.

All businesses are limited in their growth and profits by the amount of capital and cash flow available to take advantage of business opportunities. The availability of virtually unlimited cash creates a powerful paradigm for potential growth. It also can expand your thinking about what business is possible and how you might go out and develop new business.

The second secret- "kept from knowledge or view" relates to the practice of non-notification factoring. Some business people are concerned that working with a factor, an accounts receivable financing company, may not be viewed favorably by their customers. In many cases it is possible to structure a transaction legally so that the accounts receivable financing is transparent to the ultimate customer.

The third secret- "designed to elude observation or detection" has to do with your business plan and how the way you think about the world can affect your success. In 2006 Prime Time Productions produced a film and a book called "The Secret". The film dramatically describes the "Law of Attraction" which asserts that people's feelings and thoughts attract real events in the world into their lives. Can your feelings and thoughts attract more business and success? Is the visualization of what you want an aid for manifesting your business goals? Is The Secret "just a new spin on the very old (and decidedly not secret" The Power of Positive Thinking (a book by Norman Vincent Peal written in 1952) wedded to 'ask and you shall receive' -as opined by Karin Klein, editorial writer for the Los Angeles Times? Did The Secret fail to discover the real roots of powerful thinking?

In the book, "The Diamond Cutter", Geshe Michael Roach examines The Budda on Managing your Business and your Life. Roach graduated from Princeton University with honors, studied the ancient wisdom of Tibet and traveled to the Tibetan Lamas at the seat of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. In 1983 he took the vows of a Buddhist monk.

His teacher encouraged him to enter the world of business. Mr. Roach choose the diamond business. He hid the fact that he was a monk and maintained a façade of a normal American businessman on the outside. The business developed from nothing to a one hundred million dollar per year business.

The original book, "The Diamond Cutter" is the "oldest dated book in the world that was printed rather than being written out by hand. The British Museum holds a copy that is dated A.D 868." It is a written record of Buddha teachings from over 2,500 years ago. In brief, the central principles are: 1) business should be successful and make money in a clean and honest way; 2) you should enjoy the money and stay in good health; and 3) you should be able to look back ay your business and say your years of doing business had some meaning leaving some good marks in the world. I highly recommend "The Diamond Cutter" vs. "The Secret".

The bottom line: accounts receivable financing and purchase order financing may be the secrets to your business' financial success. If you read and follow the principles of "The Diamond Cutter" you can expand your opportunities for exponential growth based on the 2500 year old teachings of Buddha, as explained by Mr. Roach.

Copyright © 2007 Gregg Financial Services

Mr. Elberg is a licensed attorney and licensed real estate broker. Gregg Financial Services is a full service brokerage for commercial finance companies and banks that fund B2B businesses. Mr. Elberg arranges funding from $25,000 to $50 million per month at competitive pricing, and works to reduce your financing costs as your company grows. For more information about GFS, please visit our website: http://www.greggfinancialservices.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gregg_Elberg http://EzineArticles.com/?Accounts-Receivable-Financing---Secrets&id=921079

Make Your Own Websites Easily

2008-01-15T22:28:00.000-08:00

By Claude Labadie

A website is very much like a house, it requires:

Real estate or land, in the World Wild Web it's called web space or web hosting

An address, called a domain name

A house or other construction, called the Web Site or Pages

The Web Site (construction) is the part everyone can see at the designated address. The "Real estate" is totally invisible but it's size determines how big your website can be, how much content it can hold and deliver on the web.

Domain names (addresses) are provided by "Registrars"

Web Space is provided by "Hosting Services"

For the website itself there are a multitude of option to choose from. The best solution depends on your needs. The most common are:

Automatic Site Builders

Content Management Systems (CMS)

Website Templates

HTML Editor Software

Design and Programming Services

Very often you can find all of these services with the same provider or you can choose to buy them from different specialized sources. Most of the time "Registrars" also offer Web Hosting, Site Builders, eMail services and many other options. Hosting Services often offer Domanin Names Registration services, options like Site Builders, Content Management Systemsand many other. Most Design and Programming Services will also offer Domain Name Registration, Web Hosting and all related services.

With "Automatic Site builders" you choose design, colors and fill in the blanks with the information you want to show on your site. It is the quickest and easiest way to make your own websites but you will have to make many compromises if you choose this solution. Layout choices and features will be very limited and a quick look at your website will reveal your choice for this cheap solutions.

A Content Management Systems is a Software that runs on your website and allow you to make your own websites and add to it an incredible number of advanced features. Anybody with basic word processing skills can easily learn to add or edit content, update images, and other data to show on the site. It takes a bit of learning but it allow for a quick start, unlimited growth and easy management. You can also easily change the layout of the site with already made "templates" and modify them to your liking.

Website Templatesare design layouts you can modify with a text editor to insert your own content and images, save to your PC and then upload to your web hosting account. Here it gets more technical so it requires more time to learn and to produce but there is no limit to what you can do with your website.

HTML Editor Software make creating a new website or modifying a template much easier. It still requires some technical knowledge but it eases the learning curve as HTML Editors are usually fitted with numerous shortcuts. Making your own websites this way is time consuming and require a lot of testing to make sure your site works as expected.

Design and Programming Services are the easiest solution but it may become very expensive. Then you have to provide them with ll the necessary information and make sure they clearly understand your needs as you will likely see the end result at the end of the cycle.

You are welcome to reprint this article any time, anywhere with no further permission, and no payment, provided it stays complete and unchanged including the following paragraph.

The author, Claude LaBadie is an Information Technology and Internet expert with over 25 years experience providing services and creative solutions to small and medium businesses. For information on making your own websites, a step by step guide and recommendation about the best services available please visit http://www.MakeYourOwnWebsites.info/more

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Claude_Labadie http://EzineArticles.com/?Make-Your-Own-Websites-Easily&id=918247

Event Planning In Washington DC

2008-01-15T19:36:00.001-08:00

By Art Gib

Washington DC is a city stands for many things to many people. Whether it is the great history of the city and our country or the political troubles and triumphs that have occurred throughout the years or the great landmarks that stand as endearing symbols of freedom, democracy and independence, our nation's capital is a powerful city and creates powerful emotions for most Americans. It is also the backdrop for a city that is ever-increasing in its commercial and corporate infrastructure as businesses are thriving in Baltimore and the northern Virginia.

It is this corporate and commercial growth that is creating an increase in the need for destination management companies in Washington DC, and companies specializing in event planning in Washington DC and the surrounding areas. Corporate event planning in Washington is growing because the history and beauty of the city center - with its monuments, landmarks and government buildings - creates an atmosphere that is desirable to natives, but also to visiting business interests who may be inspired by the aesthetics of the area.

Planning Special Events in Washington DC

A good Destination Management Company (DMC) can make a huge difference in the success of your corporate event. Choosing a destination management company in DC can be as easy or as difficult as your level of understanding dictates. A few things to keep in mind when choosing a DMC in Washington DC - which can obviously be translated to other cities across the U. S., are as follows: price (value), reputation, and convenience.

Although a good company can make or break your event, they could also break the bank if you go too extravagant and are not careful to keep the event within the realm of your available budget. Creating chatter and excitement from your attendees is great, but (as with any aspect of your business) you cannot afford to live beyond your own means.

Secondly, research the company to find out what events they have facilitated in the recent past and get references from companies that have used their services. Make it very clear to them what you are looking for and ensure that their vision and yours are one and the same.

Convenience is perhaps the most important factor in choosing destination management services in DC and beyond because in incorporates the company's ability to work with your needs as well as their over desire to satisfy their clients. While it may be worth your while to work around the availability and location of a truly remarkable DMC, it should not become a burden on your plans. It is not worth the potential stress, confusion, and inconvenience that it could cause.

A successful corporate event can be an amazing opportunity for company morale, team building, and company promotion and finding a DMC or event planning company can be equally as important. Just keep in mind the notions of price, reputation and convenience, and the right company will emerge to make your event special and memorable.

GEP Washington http://www.gepwashington.com is the Washington DC based branch of Global Events Partners, a collaboration of DMC's centered on quality destination management and corporate events planning Established in 1998, their partners consist of 70 of the top DMC's around the world.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Art_Gib http://EzineArticles.com/?Event-Planning-In-Washington-DC&id=899430

Avoiding the 70 Hour Work Week

2008-01-15T19:33:00.000-08:00

By Andrew Brown

Owning your own business can be an all-consuming affair. As most small business owners know, it is not just a job, it's a lifestyle. It's not unusual to find entrepreneurs seeing their work days expand to fill 10-12 hours a day, seven days a week. In fact, many feel guilty about abandoning their business tasks if they choose to take time for themselves or their family.

Basically, there just doesn't seem to be enough time for everything we need and want to do. Working long hours takes a toll emotionally and physically. But what about the toll it takes on the business itself? Think about it: when we're tired, we're not focused. Inevitably this leads to burnout and bad decisions, which if consistent, can lead to an eventual demise of everything we've worked so hard for. It's more risky than we know.

But there is light at the end of the tunnel. Although life will always provide us with inevitable twists and turns, once we learn to manage our time wisely, much of the day-to-day chaos in our lives can be reduced or even eliminated.

Extreme Jobs: The Dangerous Allure of the 70-Hour Workweek. In the December 2006 issue of Harvard Business Review, authors Sylvia Ann Hewlett and Carol Buck Luce describe what is termed "extreme jobs," which entail workweeks of 60 or more hours and have at least five of ten characteristics-such as tight deadlines and lots of travel-drawn from the authors' research on this work model.

The research outcome and authors' insights present an intricate picture of the all-consuming career. A strong majority (66%) of extreme professionals in the United States say they love their jobs, and in the global companies survey, this figure rises to 76%. However, this type of work pattern and overarching style, which can be rewarding for some, brings with it inherent dangers to individuals and society. In particular, the authors note that women are at a general disadvantage, as they are not matching the long hours of their male counterparts. In this case, employers have an opportunity to better leverage the talents of women who are committed and responsible, but are unable to work the long hours.

8 Practical Steps for Getting Your Balance Back

There are some practical steps you can take to ensure that you maintain the balance that is not only essential to your personal health, but also to the health and vitality of your business. While you may have heard some of these before, we can't emphasize enough how critical these tips are for keeping the backbone of yourself and your business thriving.

1. Develop a work schedule: Your work schedule should include time for yourself as well as time for the maintenance of your business. Schedule in time for responding to email, for a cup of tea, for returning phone calls, for working on specific projects. Make time for daily exercise. Remember that we don't operate on two separate channels - work and personal - these are integrated and each requires the same level of attention in order to achieve a productive balance.

2. Seriously prioritize your tasks. After you've determined the fundamentals of your workload, prioritize them by identifying significant deadlines, routine maintenance items, and relaxation time.

3. Start with the most troublesome task. This will reduce your anxiety level for the next task. Working "downward," in this sense, can provide a sense of accomplishment as you get complex or annoying tasks out of the way early.

4. Be conscious of your stress threshold. When you've reached your limit, take the break you need. There's no way around it - too much stress, whether caused by personal or professional issues, will undoubtedly result in decreased productivity.

5. Stay organized. Take time either at the beginning or the end of each day to organize your workspace and make reminder lists. For many, keeping an online list of tasks with associated timelines is helpful; others may prefer the "physical" nature of a notebook. Either way, it's vital to keep the list up to date and prioritize it regularly.

6. Build flexibility into your schedule. Your availability to family and friends depends on the flexibility you build into your schedule.

7. Assess the relationship between your business and personal life. Keep in mind what is most important to you, as an individual. This means being honest about your long-term business and personal goals as well as your personal or business partner's goals. Find out if these goals are in sync or in conflict and decide how to best address each to achieve them in the least stressful ways possible.

8. Have fun! It's essential to have fun while working. Keeping a good sense of humor leads to a natural adjustment in perspective. All of your organization efforts will bear no fruit if you are not balancing your personal and professional life well, even if you have to schedule it in.

Each of these elements is related and works together to bringing you the balance you deserve. Remember to revisit these on a regular basis to make sure that you are achieving the balance that is essential to both personal and business success.

Andrew Brown and Small Business Guru provide Coaching, Inspiration and Practical Advice for Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs. Subscribe to the free, weekly newsletter at http://www.small-business-guru.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Brown http://EzineArticles.com/?Avoiding-the-70-Hour-Work-Week&id=904793

An American Business Parable

2008-01-15T19:32:00.000-08:00

By Chris Reich

HotShot Inc. is closed. Too bad. In their glory days HotShot had $200 million in sales, great margins and terrific prospects for the future. The only evidence remaining of the company's existence are a few lawsuits yet to be settled.

In the early 90's, HotShot brought an interesting new product to market. Sales boomed and the company suffered from the usual growing pains. In spite of the expansion from a handful of dedicated employees to a workforce of over 400, the company culture remained true to the founding principles of producing a quality product, taking very good care of their customers and continuing to innovate. HotShot took good care of their employees though they weren't known as the highest payers in their industry. The benefits were good and the company treated their people like family.

HotShot was noticed. They were treated favorably by the media. Their latest product line received great reviews. Competitors noticed too. When WongTech introduced a competing product priced 20% lower than HotShot's flagship item, things started to go wrong.

To protect market share, HotShot cut prices by 25%. To be accurate, they didn't immediately cut prices. Instead, they introduced a host of rebate programs. Then they increased the company's advertising exposure so people would know about the 10%, then 15%, then 20% savings. The response was good at first. HotShot still had a good brand reputation and customers were excited about the savings. But new customers weren't that enamored with HotShot and particularly didn't want to wait 6-8 weeks for a rebate check. Those people bought from WongTech. Eventually, HotShot's management decided it was best to face the reality of declining sales and to cut prices.

That's when HotShot experienced its first money-losing quarter. Management was surprised at the loss but attributed it to a softening of demand. The following quarter was worse and bit deep into the company's cash reserves. Management had to act fast or the remaining cash would be gone within 90 days at the current burn rate.

For the first time in HotShot's history, they let workers go. It was a painful move that harmed morale but reduced the rate of cash consumption. In the third quarter, the sales dropped at a much faster pace. HotShot secured a credit line to restructure the company. It was time to face the reality of a changing market.

HotShot closed most of their domestic manufacturing operations and set up shop "overseas". We all know overseas means China. The move saved a lot of money. HotShot was able to let more employees go. They were now competing on the same footing as WongTech so things were sure to improve.

Quality issues popped up. The customer service department was flooded with complaints about faulty products. They couldn't keep up with the torrent of customer issues and service suffered. Sales continued to drop. The margins gained by the overseas move were off-set by the quality issues and problems associated with losing direct control over manufacturing. It was easier when the factory was down the street. Management insisted that if given more time things would get better. After all, this was a big brave move and it takes time to get a foreign operation on a solid footing. Soon, HotShot would once again introduce products the market wanted and return value to its stakeholders. There was more cost cutting.

Progress on the quality issue was slow. Too slow. HotShot was in trouble. Managers who had been with the company for years, quit. The replacement team of "new thinkers" immediately went to work on solutions to HotShot's problems. The new management team knew that a problem cannot be fixed unless it can be measured. So they set up measurements for everything. They measured calls per hour to the service center and demanded employees handle calls faster. Soon, the hold times went from 2 hours to 30 minutes. Instead of 5 calls per hour, the service reps were handling 10. The management at HotShot was pleased with the progress. That, after all, is a 100% improvement in service.

The sales decline finally bottomed out. The loss for the quarter was no worse than the previous quarter. Managers congratulated each other. If they could cut cost to match the latest loss, they'd be back in the black. A few more employees were let go. Some quit. Management took a pay increase in anticipation of the turn around.

One day, soon after the most recent "head reduction", someone smelled smoke coming from the basement. Management assembled to discuss the odor. They decided to "stay the course" because no one could actually see smoke.

An hour later smoke was rising up through the ventilation system. Management met again. They decided to measure the temperature at various points in the remaining offices. Sure enough, over the next hour a rise temperature was noted. The CEO ordered everyone to open a window. That was brilliant because the data showed the temperature immediately decreased when the windows were opened.

But after another hour the temperature again was rising. Flames were seen in the stairwell leading to the basement. The CEO decided it was time to get another point of view so he called 911. The fire department rushed to the scene and upon arrival ordered HotShot headquarters evacuated. The CEO demanded the fire be immediately extinguished. But it was too late. The fire department was only able to contain the fire from spreading to other businesses in the immediate vicinity.

HotShot was finished.

Today, WongTech is doing well in spite of 3 new competitors entering their market.

In the distance, smoke could be seen rising from yet another American business.

Chris Reich, Author of TeachU's Business Talk Blog Chris@TeachU.com

Chris Reich has been a professional business consultant for over 20 years. He writes the widely read "TeachU Business Talk Blog" and has won awards for website design. Chris is also an amateur astronomer.

Chris can be reached through his website at http://www.TeachU.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Reich http://EzineArticles.com/?An-American-Business-Parable&id=923946

Benefits of Using a Website Template

2008-01-15T19:15:00.000-08:00

By James Kronefield

One of the fastest and easiest ways to set up a website is by using a website template. This is simply a "ready-made" website that you can use instead of trying to design one from scratch. It allows you to have all the features of a great high quality site without having to pay a web designer to create it for you. This makes it a lot cheaper and easier to have a design that gets you the attention you deserve. What does a website template have to offer? Basically, everything you need to get your website up and running without a lot of hassles.

Due to the fact that you can get your site set up faster it will help you to increase production. You will have more time for other important details that need to be taken care of. Since there are so many different template designs available for you to choose from, it is normally easy to find the one that suits you the best. It eliminates a lot of the hassles and aggravations that accompany trying to start up a website from the ground up. What's even better is the fact that all the kinks and so called "bugs" have already been worked out for you so you don't have to worry about dealing with these.

Other advantages of using the website templates are being able to receive regular updates that can keep your site compatible with all the others. If changes are needed this can be done easily without changing the layout of your pages. It is also easy to use because when you choose the website template you want, you will also receive directions on how to use it correctly. You will find that everything you need to create a high quality web design will be made available to you so you can have the website you have been searching for. This makes everything quick and easier than you thought possible.

By using a website template you can take something that is considered a difficult process and turn it into something simple. It makes designing a professional website so much easier and you don't have the expense of hiring a professional designer to do it for you. You can modify the template to make it unique so it will reflect your personality and the image you are trying to reflect. This gives you the opportunity to have a great professional website without all the hassles and added expense of hiring a web designer. There is no reason to put it off any longer, you can get started today.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Kronefield http://EzineArticles.com/?Benefits-of-Using-a-Website-Template&id=928855

How To Best Utilize Giveaways At Trade Shows

2008-01-15T19:14:00.000-08:00

By E.S. Cromwell

The usual scenario at trade shows are booths upon booths chock full of giveaways, and of course innumerable amounts of people lining up to get their hands on whatever freebies are available. Individuals walking around with over-stuffed bags, practically bursting with promotional items and giveaways are everywhere; it's a scene all too familiar to regular trade show goers, especially a booth worker.

From a booth person's perspective, those bursting bags aren't just full of silly amounts of promo items, they're also overflowing with flubs and failures. Yet, there is actual truth to such a statement. It is known that many companies use ill-planned and awfully orchestrated promotional campaigns at trade shows. Yet, not all do. Some have the upper hand and achieve prosperity. And those who are successful at trade shows with their giveaway items follow the following, rubric, if you will, to instill means to finely-tune and well-engineer their giveaway campaigns.

To position your company's giveaway procedures ahead of other trade show booths and avoid contributing to bursting attendee bags, ask yourself the following questions:

What Is Your Item Achieving?

If your answer is nothing, that's not good. What your premium item should seek and hopefully attain for company betterment are undertones of memorability, effectiveness in communication or motivation, positively-driven promotion and augmented admission. Messages that fail to communicate are ineffective, indefinitely. Be sure to make your message clear. Tailor a product that influences both through tangibility and sensibility.

What Item Is Best Suited For "Campaign X?"

The options are endless, but this doesn't mean just any item will do or turns out to be perfect. Before selecting an item a defined intention must be underlined. Consider what your campaign is attempting to do with this prospective item. Is it intended to compliment a unified marketing theme, convey a particular or meaningful message or educate giveaway receivers for specific reasons?

By knowing exactly what your item's purpose shall be the easier your selection process for a promotional item will pan out.

Who Will Be Getting Your Giveaway?

Better yet, ask "who would your company prefer distributing their promo item to?" Answering this question will better specify a target market or particular demographic to which a focus can be concentrated toward.

By honing in on specific people to target while at trade shows, a refined premium item can be selected and tailored as seen fit. And clearly, different targets will call for varied promo specifications. But, it is important to cater to these requirements, simply to not waste company investments and gain heightened target appeal come trade show unveiling.

How Much Is Enough, or Too Much?

Budgeting is important, but buying items of higher quality and thus higher value proves beneficial for any company on the hunt for that perfect and successful premium item.

Concerns for a budget plan should factor in promotional ordering issues such as quality, quantity and specialty requirements and/or requests. If saving money is preferred, as I'm sure it is, opt to order in bulk and recycle purchased promotional items for multiple trade show exhibits.

The above questions you should be asking for your company's sake are only a few of the concerns that should be taken into account for successful premium undertakings at a trade show. These giveaway basics are great for foundational and preparatory purposes to utilize in initial campaign setups. Do the above and steer clear of supplying meaningless promo items to already stuffed attendee bags at your next trade show event.

When researching and shopping for your next batch of [http://www.gimmees.com ]promotional products, keep success in mind for your company.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=E.S._Cromwell http://EzineArticles.com/?How-To-Best-Utilize-Giveaways-At-Trade-Shows&id=923117

Networking Your Way To Greater Success

2008-01-05T00:42:00.000-08:00

By Sharon A. Michaels

Networking is the ability to know people, who know people, who know people, who know people who can help you succeed. Networking is your personal and professional success tool. But there's a catch - networking is as much about giving as it is about receiving.

True and lasting success comes from helping as many people as possible achieve their goals. It's based on what is called the Law of Reciprocity. The more people you help succeed, the more you succeed.

Networking is much more about giving than it is about receiving. Many people join a networking group with the attitude, "What can I get out of this relationship." A true networker asks, "How many ways can I help the other person achieve her/his goals?"

The Law of Reciprocity states that the more you give, the more you get. Give of yourself and time wisely. Give wisely, but not selfishly. Give of time, intelligence and experience without expecting something in return. The giver will end up the winner.

With that said - Start your networking with friends, family and associates. Ask yourself, "Do my friends, relatives and social contacts really know what I do for a living or what my goals are?"

Prepare a one-minute infomercial about yourself, your career and how your network can help you succeed. When you meet someone new, you'll have a minute infomercial ready to help get your point across effectively. If you can't condense what you do into a one-minute infomercial, you may not be clear about what you want or how your network can help.

Sit down right now, and make a list of twenty people who can help you go forward with living your life's mission. If they can't help you directly, they may know someone who can.

Be sure to keep your network posted about all your career moves and changes. When your goals change, professionally and personally, let your network know.

Remember too, that you are a part of network too. That's a responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly. Actively help make contacts, referrals, and connections for your network. Not only will you feel personally satisfied, but also you're building a foundation of mutual respect, benefit and support.

You're not alone. There are people you know - right this minute - who want to help you live your life's mission. You, in return, can help them make their dreams come true, too.

I always remember a quote by Denis Waitley, "Cooperation is a two-letter word - WE."

Sharon A. Michaels is an e-mentor to women who want to work for themselves. Sharon has over 20 years of business, speaking and writing experience on issues of ending self-sabotage, living in abundance and wealth and making money in network marketing. Sharon offers books, webinars and tele-conferences on how to give yourself the power to succeed.

You can learn more about Sharon Michaels at http://SharonIsMyMentor.com

Sharon A. Michaels is also the Editor of the Abundance and Wealth site on BellaOnline.com To read more of Sharon's articles and sign up for her weekly newsletter go to http://abundanceandwealth.bellaonline.com

Copyright Sharon A. Michaels - When using this article please give full credit to Sharon Michaels and use the bio as written above.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sharon_A._Michaels http://EzineArticles.com/?Networking-Your-Way-To-Greater-Success&id=903094

Benefits Of Business Networking

2008-01-05T00:40:00.002-08:00

By Louise Yates

Are you starting a new business? Or maybe you already have a small business? Whichever is the case you will no doubt have made business plan, forecast your cash flow and probably frightened yourself as to where all your money has gone.

In order to generate new business it's essential to market your business and certainly this can be a very costly business. Advertising is seriously expensive and in my mind it works best for those already with an established brand because it's about recognition and repetition, so unless you're already in the league of Coca Cola it's probably not a good solution.

Business networking is not about a closed shop where everyone gives each other work, it's much more powerful than that. It's fundamentally about the act referring business to people that you have grown to know, like and trust, and for them to do the same for you. Understanding how to give a quality referral is an art itself and something that I cannot cover today so for the time being let's just consider the benefits of business networking.

It is not a well known fact but 70% of new business that your company gets is through word of mouth. Networking allows you to formally explain what your business is about and as fellow networking business people get to know you so you will naturally start to win new sales leads because people like to pass business to people that they know.

Simply attending a networking event will raise your profile especially if you network on a regular basis. Remember my earlier point about advertising; recognition and repetition, attending a regular networking event achieves this.

Not only do you have the opportunity to present your business, you also get to meet with a lot of business people from other walks of life that will inevitably be able to help solve some of your problems. And you will be able to do the same, it's all part of the relationship building process and at the end of the day it's this relationship that counts when recommending someone's services.

You'll also get to know an awful lot of people that will be able to help you when you have a problem. Have you ever picked up the yellow pages and looked for a particular service? How do you choose? It really is hit and miss. By getting to know reliable contacts who can provide you with what you want and who can be trusted is worth so much in terms of your time and money.

Likewise, if there's no one in your network who can help, the chances are that someone knows someone who can and will recommend them. Suddenly you find that your business is moving forward at a much more rapid pace. Your confidence will soar!

Sharing experiences is also part of the game. Just talking to people about their experiences, their goals and their problems will stimulate lots of new ideas and open your mind to new opportunities. All of a sudden you have a completely new approach to doing something or even a new business venture that you may never have otherwise thought of.

Last but not least it's amazing how much satisfaction we all get from helping others.

There are many business networking techniques to learn in order to make the most of this style of marketing but once you've understood the basics, give it a little time and I'm sure that you'll soon understand the true power and benefits of networking.

Learn [http://www.business-networking-techniques.com]business networking tips and advice for word of mouth marketing, generating referrals and free sales leads. [http://www.clear-perspectives.co.uk]Executive coaching information for a clear perspective on your business performance, life and career development.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Louise_Yates http://EzineArticles.com/?Benefits-Of-Business-Networking&id=923379

Sales Performance Improvement

2008-01-05T00:39:00.000-08:00

By Bob Francis

Each year companies need to improve their performance in sales not only because of cost pressures but more importantly because they will lose between 5-20% of their customer base each year. This means that in 3 years they will be less than half the size they are now if they do nothing else!

Due largely to companies going into receivership, mergers and takeovers or exit, it is nonetheless a critical factor in the success or otherwise of any business. Just to stand still every company needs to find more business from existing customers as well as finding new ones. The need to improve sales performance is self evident.

Under these circumstances most business owners exhort their sales staff to work harder as if somehow doing more of the same thing will result in better figures when doing more of the same thing brings in more of the same results. It is important to recognise the need to work smarter and not necessarily harder.

So how can we bring about these "smarter" results?

There are a number of areas that can be considered in improving sales performance, not all of them may apply to your situation.

Focus

Are your sales staff focusing on the right customers with the right products? Do they assess customers and prospects potential? Or do they just rely on what they did in the past?

Motivation.

It is important that they understand their role in the business. Often this is not the case. If in doubt ask them! The vision you have for the company should be shared by everyone to promote involvement and motivation.

Objectives

Their objectives should be aligned with that vision. It is surprising how many companies do not do this. For instance, there was one case where a company needed growth but the sales team were targeted with maintaining existing customer business.

Cross-Sell and Up-sell

Every opportunity should be taken to cross-sell and up-sell. Cross-selling (other products) and up-selling (superior product, higher grade service) increase the take from the customer for little or no increase in costs of selling to that customer.

Skills

Ensure the sales force is trained in the latest sales techniques because you can be sure the buyer is trained in how to combat them! Training, development and reinforcement of the skills they learn as well as feedback on their performance is vital to ensure that you are getting the best out of the work force

Prospecting

Does the sales team spend time on prospecting? This is the feedstock of your sales pipeline. If they do not, you are running on empty. Do they know which markets to tackle, where and what type of customer the company needs.

Needs and Offer

Do your sales team identify you customers' needs or do they just sell the features of the product or service? Do they consider the whole of your offer or just the products and services? In many cases customers are persuaded not just by the product but by other items such as delivery, terms and conditions or just want to deal with you!

There are of course many other areas to be discussed in an article such as this but simply asking yourself and your team the questions posed above will put you and your business on the road to Sales Performance Improvement.

Bob Francis is an experienced business consultant spending most of his time helping clients with sales and marketing issues. His expertise lies primarily in strategy, sales and marketing and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing. He is an expert at sales performance measurement and improvement.

For a free business healthcheck please go to http://www.abio.ltd.uk and he can be contacted at [mailto:bob@abio.ltd.uk]bob@abio.ltd.uk

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bob_Francis http://EzineArticles.com/?Sales-Performance-Improvement&id=908149

15 Ways to Motivate Your Employees

2008-01-05T00:36:00.002-08:00

By Howard Shore

In today's business environment, it is essential that we find ways to make our organizational resources more productive. In many organizations, the most prominent and expensive resource we have is our people. As a result, a lot of time is spent on creating processes and conditions that drive and motivate our employees.

Over the years, I have observed leaders trying many ways to motivate their people to higher levels of performance. Even the best leaders have experienced the frustration of trying to lead someone who seemed to refuse to live up to expectations. Ironically, their people were probably feeling the same way. The reason: Motivation develops internally from a personal desire to achieve goals that are important both to the individual and to the organization. Motivation is the force that prompts you to take action. If you are having trouble getting someone to achieve your goals, you are probably failing to understand what theirs are.

A lot of research has been conducted over the years to identify the factors that have the most dramatic impact on productivity. While pay, fringe benefits, and working conditions are important, research has shown that absence of these factors produces a lack of motivation, but their presence has no long-range motivational effects. Long-range motivational factors are recognition of a job well done, sense of achievement, growth, participation, challenge, and identification with the company's goals and vision.

In spite of these facts, leaders and managers spend a lot of time trying to find ways to motivate employees through fear and incentive. The very essence of fear is negative and over time has diminishing effects as employees develop attitudes that lead to a decrease in quality, commitment, and productivity. Fear can be highly motivating, but does not produce positive results for any length of time. Incentive, on the other hand, is a positive motivator, that is, a reward in exchange for a specific behavior. This also has diminishing returns as employees expect fair compensation based on their contributions, and, many times, there is a disconnect between what the employee desires and what the employer is willing to pay. Over time, employees start gravitating toward desiring more of the intangible rewards such as respect, growth, knowledge, prestige, and recognition (to name a few) that ultimately govern their internal motivation. The challenge lies in recognizing each individual's unique desires.

Here are 15 ideas proven to provide for long-term motivation:

1. Create a clear vision. Identify the organization's mission and goals, and make sure that everyone understands the rationale behind them and how they contribute toward achieving them.

2. Clearly communicate departmental objectives, and solicit input from your employees on what they can do to help achieve them.

3. Make an effort to compliment each of your direct reports on at least a weekly basis.

4. Make employee development and retention a primary objective of each manager and leader and reward their success accordingly.

5. Ask employees for advice in areas where they have expertise.

6. Involve everyone at all levels in the goal-setting and planning processes, particularly if they are responsible for the results.

7. Let people know what is expected of them, and do everything you can to make them successful.

8. Develop a "servant leader" attitude, and be there for your people rather than having them there for you.

9. Treat everyone with dignity and respect.

10. Stand behind your employees and back their decisions.

11. Show the courage to let your employees learn from their mistakes.

12. Take time to listen carefully to other people's interests, opinions, concerns, and goals.

13. Meet individually with your employees; help them clarify their personal goals and values; and assist them in identifying the skills they need to achieve their goals.

14. Find ways to enrich the jobs of your employees by increasing their authority or span of control.

15. Encourage employees to expand their comfort zone.

Review our website at http://www.activategroupinc.com to understand how an executive coach or business coach can help you increase the success of your career and business, or contact Howard Shore at (305) 722-7216.

Howard Shore, Executive and Business Coach

Activate Group, Inc.

Accelerating Performance

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Howard_Shore http://EzineArticles.com/?15-Ways-to-Motivate-Your-Employees&id=922116

Top Home Based Business Opportunity

2008-01-05T00:33:00.000-08:00

By Darren Webb

Are You Ready To Start An Online Home Business?

A dream come true for virtually anyone who owns a computer is the notion of being able to make money with this computer. Who would not love to be able to turn on the computer, spend a few hours in front of it, and make some money? In the early days of Internet commerce, a top home based business opportunity of this notion was exemplified with the downloadable bits of software that would place ad driven search bars on top of your screen which would reward you for every hour your surfed the 'Net while having up the search bar and viewed the ads being displayed. Obviously, this mode of making money while surfing he 'Net went by the wayside, but not until there were quite a few individuals in a top home based business opportunity who were able to get some sizeable checks!

Fast forwarding to today, the online home business market is booming! Sadly, so are the scam artists who are seeking to take advantage of those who are dreaming of working from home and would like to use their computer doing it; fortunately, with a bit of common sense, they are easy to spot. First and foremost, if you are ready to start an online home business, do not sign up for anything that is advertised on a website that seems to go on forever and even by the time you have scrolled down past the ad for the e-book and the various testimonials from satisfied clients who are allegedly raking in the dough, you still do not know what the business is all about. It is most likely a scam and not worth your time, effort, or money.

Consider using your talents and abilities to be used online. Are you an artist? If so, there is always a market for graphics; put together a portfolio and shop it around. Are you a dog trainer? Set up your own website, and sell your online course, e-book, or whatever else you may be able to do online. Are you a savvy webmaster who knows how to optimize websites to make them search engine friendly? If so, you have just found your business. If you have a store or a garage full of used items in great condition, open up a storefront on eBay and see what you can do. As you can see, starting an online home business is not as hard as you may think and many of your talents and skills are easily transferable into the virtual realm which is the 'Net.

Overall, when you are ready to a top home based business opportunity, the Internet is ready and waiting. It requires a bit of ingenuity and the ability to think outside the box, but by and large this is the least expensive way of starting a work from home career that will leave you able to spend time at home with your friends and family, set your own hours, and utilize all the skills you already have. You are in complete control of how little or how much you work and for those with otherwise demanding schedule this is a great way of making a little extra money, while those who have a lot of time may soon find that this online business is replacing their full time day job!

I've been an internet marketer for over 5yrs. I love to help people succeed in life and that's what I do when people look at the business opportunities I recommend.

Please send me an email if you'd like help in getting out of the rat race and start to live your life as its most likely not the life you'd like to live right now

My email is [mailto:info@crazyincome365.com]info@crazyincome365.com http://www.crazyincome365.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darren_Webb http://EzineArticles.com/?Top-Home-Based-Business-Opportunity&id=921549

Boost your Small Business with Computer Services

2008-01-05T00:32:00.000-08:00

By Johny Latta

Today, no business whether a start up or an established corporate has time to waste; after all, time is the biggest asset. And, nothing can be frustrating for businesspeople than the slow performance of their computers.

Unlike their large corporate cousins, small businesses feel urgency to stay in step with technology, but they need help in putting together the right solutions, arranging and leveraging them for the best benefits. This underlines the importance of computer support for businesses especially small home office.

Nowadays, there is numerous onsite computer support companies offering high quality small home office PC repair at affordable rates. They ensure your success by protecting your precious computers with preventative and proactive maintenance. You pay only for the service you get and keep your computers, the most important business tool, running at their best.

Online computer repair is one of the most cost effective and timesaving ways to keep your computer in working condition. Small home business computer support generally includes service for printers, operating systems support, virus and spyware removal and prevention. The array also covers network troubleshooting, data back-up and new installations.

In addition to small home businesses, home PC users can also take advantage of online computer support. Whether you want support for computer break down or PC optimization for high speed, you can contact any efficient home PC repair company. Whether it is a server, desktop or network issues, technicians working here are Certified System and Network Engineers and assist you either online or over the phone. They are well equipped to handle all your technical queries related to computer.

No matter you are subscribed or not, online computer support services help you around the clock, 24x7. From day-to-day troubleshooting to strategic long term planning, they cover al the aspects.

However, there are also private computer repair technicians who are in business for themselves. But, they are believed to offer expensive services. Depending on your personal preference and requirements, decide which one is best for you.

Johny Latta is an Online Technical Support Executive in iYogi Inc. iYogi provides Computer Support, PC Repair Services, [http://www.iyogi.net/]Online Computer Support, Computer Repair, 24/7 Support, Tech Support, Antivirus Support, Antispyware Support, Email Support etc.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Johny_Latta http://EzineArticles.com/?Boost-your-Small-Business-with-Computer-Services&id=923531

Search Engine Marketing Tips - Takes You Site To The Peak

2008-01-05T00:30:00.002-08:00

By Steve Waganer

Day by day competition among the online businesses is gaining momentum. Every online owner wants their site to be prominent and rank in a high position. One has to think and work in the right direction to make their site popular. Everyone wants their site to get picked up by the search engine and ranks higher in the World Wide Web. To popularize any website is a very tough job. Search engine marketing tips will help you in this regard. Any online owner is known by his site. He will fetch lots of accolades only when his site is capable of dragging innumerable visitors. Proper implementation of the marketing tips may prove wonder.

Search engine marketing tips are effectively used for optimizing websites. The tips will be very helpful for those who are in the online business and willing to boost up his site. There are many search engines marketing firm that work towards lifting your sites. Hiring an efficient marketing firm will help in increasing the traffic for your site. They adopt certain strategies which proves miracle for your site. The owners feel satisfied and relax once their site is recognized by one and all. The search engine marketing firm always implements new techniques for the betterment of the site. Those firms will work hard in lifting up your site. Search engine marketing tips are quite beneficent and almost every website is using those tips.

If you own a website and struggling to rank your site in a higher position, then search engine marketing tips will be the best option. Only proper planning can boost up your website. Once, your site is picked up by the well known sites like Google, Yahoo and MSN, you will feel that your work is almost done. The position of your site becomes stronger if it is capable of dragging more traffic. Once, your site becomes popular and well known among the internet surfers, it will be very hard to lower down your site. Only a good professional can take your online business to a great height and earn maximum profit. Every online site fights hard to make their site visible. It is not at all an impossible task and proper planning can only make this happen.

Many times, in spite of having a good content, coding, images and other elements, your site may not gets picked up by the popular sites. In this case, proper implementation of the search engine marketing tips may be very effective. It will make your website presence felt in this crowded world of websites. Then only, everyone in the World Wide Web will realize your existence. Non-existing of the website is a nightmare for all the online owners and today almost 90% of the online businesses is suffering from this nightmare. Installation of blogs on your website may prove wonder. Search engine will index blogs faster than any other pages on your website. Another method to get picked up by the search engine is to work on contents. The contents should have appropriate keywords and the length of the content should also be maintained.

Steve Waganer has specialization in web marketing. He is expert in search engine marketing, search engine marketing firm, search engine optimization and [http://www.cometsearchenginemarketing.com/search_engine_marketing_tips.html]Search engine marketing tips. To get the SEO tips from seo firm for your website to get high rank and top position in major search engines visit [http://www.cometsearchenginemarketing.com]www.cometsearchenginemarketing.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Waganer http://EzineArticles.com/?Search-Engine-Marketing-Tips---Takes-You-Site-To-The-Peak&id=922683

7 Secrets to Starting a Home Based Business

2008-01-05T00:30:00.001-08:00

By Ronald Fara

So, you've decided to start a home based business. Congratulations, and welcome to the high energy world of entrepreneurship. I have owned and operated my own home based business since 1994. While is takes some time to learn, one of the fastest ways is to role model someone who is achieving their goals. I learned fast that having a success coach or mentor will help you succeed at much faster pace. One of the biggest thrills of owning your own business is the flexibility of your work time, deciding when to work, go to the beach or spend time with your family. The financial rewards can be numerous. The nice thing about owning your own business is you get paid what you are worth.

Now that you've decided to start your own business, you might be thinking "How can I become successful, what does it take and what do I have to do?" These seven secrets will help:

1) set up a separate working area in your home. All you need is an area that you can maintain your focus in and get your work done. I remember a person whose home based business was doing 7 figures a year say to me," Ron when I work I work, but when it's time for family time it's time for family time, you have to separate the two."

2) Set Goals that you want to achieve in the coming year. Make your goals crystal clear, put them up on the wall, and set annual, quarterly and monthly goals. The clearer your goals are the better chance you have of achieving them. Put up a Vision Board in your home office, look at it everyday and see yourself accomplishing your goal.

3) Your third step is marketing. Decide who your target market is, what is the best way to reach them. Determine the best way to attract your target market. Who is your ideal client? Invest at least a week and go to your local library and read some books on marketing to see what the experts are doing. I myself invest in one marketing book at month to keep up to date on current marketing trends.

4) Time management is crucial to the success of your [http://thefastcashsystem.com]home based business. We all have 24 hours in a day but how you invest them will determine your success at the end of the year. A good thought is to work on your top priorities when you are the freshest, so you accomplish the most towards your goal.

5) Network with other like minded people. One of the fastest ways to grow any business is to promote Joint ventures with people who can introduce you to your best clients. I'll never forget one of my first joint ventures that resulted in a 6 figure income in 90 days, the feeling and financial rewards are what make owning your own business exciting.

6) Look the part. If you want to be treated professionally, act like a professional. Set up a separate bank account for your business. Have a dedicated phone line and fax line for business. Outsource the creation of your marketing materials so your business has that high tech look.

7) Automation is the key. Learn how to become a prospecting machine. The number one things most successful [http://thefastcashsystem.com]home based business has are good high quality leads. Have automatic systems in place to help you identify and attract your ideal client. Target marketing is where your profits are at. Focus on adding value to the life of your clients and you will be reward handsomely.

Click http://TheFastCashSystem.com to discover the Secret on How to Market your website and dominate your target market. See the Secret Marketing Strategy that shows how over 197 people were sponsored in less than 8 Weeks.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ronald_Fara http://EzineArticles.com/?7-Secrets-to-Starting-a-Home-Based-Business&id=912709

Online Home Based Business Review

2008-01-05T00:29:00.000-08:00

By Don Downes

For many internet web surfers the concept of starting an online home based business is really appealing no matter if it's a short term goal to make a few extra dollars or long term plan to stop working for somebody else and become financially independent. Online businesses are quite arguably the fastest growing medium on this planet.

There are various items you will want to reckon with when investigating which online opportunity is proper for you. You will notice that with the latest technological advances of today, the production of a modern, expert looking website is not that complicated at all. You can have your website up and running all by yourself in a matter of a few hours and you don't need any HTML experience. In addition, unlike a traditional brick and mortar business, you can start an online business with an investment as low as under $100.

Starting and running an online home based business is much easier and a lot less expensive than an off line business, however, success online will still require that you have discipline, a superior work ethic, and an ability to handle the learning curve. Truth be told, starting any business on your own is a lot of work and isn't easy on top of the fact that you want to make substantial profits. One of the biggest hurdles that everyone must face is how to properly advertise, how to promote using free resources, and how to sufficiently market your opportunity to people who have an interest in what you have to offer.

Your success is dependent upon driving targeted traffic to your website. Once you have your website up and running on all cylinders you can automate several of the tasks that would require your time and focus in a traditional off line business. To keep everything running evenly while earning profits, don't be lead astray and think that you can automate every aspect and just sit back and count the profits. It doesn't matter how big or small your operation is or if it's just part-time or full-time; what's crucial is to keep things operating just like it was any other type of business, be it off line or online.

One of the most time consuming aspects is researching and investigating a profitable niche that you may want to target. If you have products and services that are substandard, they just won't make it in today's capitalistic marketplace. The demand or lack thereof for your products and services is the most influential factor that will determine the success or failure of your business.

Once you gain some valuable experience earning money online, you can increase your online presence by broadening your online portfolio with multiple streams of income.

Don Downes is a top internet marketer who specializes in helping others succeed in creating 6-figure incomes in the online home based business arena. To learn more you can visit Don's [http://www.yourgbgwealth.com/]GBG website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Don_Downes http://EzineArticles.com/?Online-Home-Based-Business-Review&id=929349

Why Aren't Women Making The Big Bucks?

2008-01-05T00:28:00.002-08:00

By Susan L Reid

Women continue to open businesses in the U.S. at twice the rate of men. So why don't they have million dollar bank accounts that reflect their hard work? According to the Center for Women's Business Research, there are 10.4 million women-owned U.S. businesses. What people aren't talking about is that women-owned businesses aren't doing all that well. According to the Women Presidents' Organization (comprised of women whose businesses annually gross over $2 million):

* About 43% of all women-owned businesses have revenue of $10,000 or less per year.

* Over 70% have revenue of less than $50,000.

* Only 3% have revenue of over $1 million (compared with 6% of men-owned firms).

Today's entrepreneurial woman wants control over whom she works for, what she does, how she spends her time, and how much money she makes. Most of all, she wants to know that what she is doing is making a difference in the world. So why aren't women-owned businesses more successful? Often the barriers to business success for women are self-imposed.

What Women Do Wrong

1. They dismiss their intuition. They dismiss their inner knowing. They don't take their intuition seriously. That's not hard to do when today's business culture scoffs at women's intuition, makes fun of their intuitive knowing, and pooh-poohs intuitive insight. Intuition is not a hunch, a suspicion, or a guess. Intuitive knowing is deep, sure, and trustworthy. Know this!

2. They wait for approval and permission. Women have the hardest time with this. Instead of making a decision for themselves, they look to others for approval and permission before making business decisions. Wake up! You do not need anyone's permission to do anything. Men know this much better than women do.

3. They think something is wrong with them. When something goes wrong in their businesses, men focus on the business itself, looking for things they can change, correct, and fix. For women, however, it's just the opposite. When something goes wrong in their businesses, women look for things they can change about themselves. 4. They think other people know best. Often their inner voice-what I like to call a woman's Inner Samurai-is giving them a clear indication of what is for their highest good and greatest well-being. Yet, because that inner voice conflicts with the advice and information they are getting from the outer world (often from those around them), they discount their inner voice in favor of another's voice.

What You Can Do Right

1. Look outward for support. Look inward for guidance. Surround yourself with those who support your business vision and daily business activities. Go inward for guidance. Tap into your Inner Samurai. Understand that no one knows you as well as you know yourself. What other people think is best for you and your business is only an opinion-perhaps a well-informed opinion, but an opinion, nonetheless.

2. Say yes. This is one of the hardest words for women to say. Women like to keep their options open, check everything out, and test the waters before taking action. Stop hesitating. Say yes. Move ahead. You don't have to know how something is going to turn out before saying yes. Just say yes. You can handle whatever comes up. You can even change your mind.

3. Stop with all the positive thoughts and affirmations. Being positive and saying affirmations are not enough. You have to back those positive thoughts with focused, definitive action in the direction of what you most want to be, do, and have in your business. Fortune favors the bold.

4. Cultivate relationships. Women are naturals at building relationships and connecting to others. Connect, certainly, with other businessmen. However, be intentional about cultivating relationships with other businesswomen. Forget what they say about women being catty. Sure, some are. Most aren't. Those are the ones you will intuitively be drawn to. Connect with them to build strong, mutually beneficial business relationships.

Women have been opening businesses at twice the rate of men for many years now. However, they have not been as successful at bringing in the big bucks as men. That's because they try to run their businesses the same way that their male counterparts do - from the head down.

Women, on the other-hand, do better when they build and run their businesses from the inside out and from the heart up, firmly connected to their Inner Samurai. Running your business this way means that you are in control of your financial future, you can have the life you've always dreamed of, and you can be in the best place of all-making a real difference in the world. [http://alkamae.com]Small Business Start Up Coach, Consultant, & Author takes the fear out of starting up businesses by providing value, inspiration, and direction to entrepreneurial women transforming lives and making a difference in the world. [http://susanreid.typepad.com]Accidental Pren-her™ Blog is where entrepreneurial women come to embrace their Inner Samurai.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_L_Reid http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-Arent-Women-Making-The-Big-Bucks?&id=884152

General Overview of Business in Dubai

2008-01-05T00:28:00.001-08:00

By Nivedita Nagpal

As many investors and buyers are contemplating of doing business in Dubai, the rules and regulations need to be understood by them before making attempts. The emirate has recently renewed its policies and reframed existing laws. Get an update on entry and permits required to work and do business. As per the government laws there are seven business set ups permitted.

1. Private unlimited company

2. Joint liability company (general partnership)

3. Limited liability company

4. Private joint-stock company

5. Simple commandite/liability company

6. Public joint-stock company

7. Share commandite company

Except for those business allowed solely in the free trade zone, the others require the participation of local people also. The local businessman can have equity in the foreign company's share wanting to do business. A branch office of a company can also be based in the emirate. Most of the foreign investors chose the Dubai free zones to start the business. But all the designated free zone areas where these businesses are conducted need to adhere to the law of the land. They should be able to get forex for the country. Every respective industry has a set of laws. For example a real estate developer wants to do business in Dubai or any other state of the emirate and then he has to become familiar with the Dubai Real Estate Regulatory Authority and Dubai Land Department. They will have to be well versed with the property laws. Similarly anyone wanting to enter the medical industry will have to get all information from the Health Ministry before doing business.

Most foreign investors prefer to work in the free zone setting up a limited liability company (LLC). They cannot have public shares of this company. They cannot do business in banking, insurance or invest for third parties. The UAE currency can be converted and is secure because of the country's free trade practices. Once business is doing well there are no restrictions on profit transfer or capital repatriation. The import duties in the country are low (4%). This is also an added advantage of doing business here. In the free trade zone items like foodstuffs, agricultural products and medicines there is almost no restriction or duty. Businessmen who are already operational in Dubai know that the labor is cheap and there are no corporate and personal taxes. This is a sign of relief in this booming economy.

Dubai facilitates many business activities in tourism, real estate, telecom, construction, franchises, education, IT, media, hotels, hospitality, transport and medicine. The railways are also coming up. More immigrants and companies will benefit from this sector also. The infrastructure supports all business. Business cannot be good unless the living conditions are good. Dubai and other surrounding regions offer excellent residential complexes, resorts, recreational facilities and eating places also. It is also all round development that is making Dubai the business hub for many ventures. The region is also safe for family living. Would anyone wish to miss a chance of improving their lifestyle?

Nivedita Nagpal works as a freelance property correspondent with [http://www.propertyadvicedubai.com/]Dubai Property. [http://www.propertyadvicedubai.com/]Dubai Real Estate. [http://www.propertyadvicedubai.com/]Dubai Real Estate.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nivedita_Nagpal http://EzineArticles.com/?General-Overview-of-Business-in-Dubai&id=887636

Getting Good Value For Your Business

2008-01-05T00:27:00.002-08:00

By Kuber Vaani

The face of business has changed unrecognizably in recent years. No longer are businesses for life; indeed most entrepreneurs are looking to make a killing by selling out. Thus, securing a good valuation is hugely important, and a good number can come in handy even when one is not planning to divest.

If you're looking at selling your business, the paramount question is what you can hope to get for it. Be warned though, that this is one number that is not absolute. Differing circumstances and individual perspectives can have a definite bearing on the worth that is attached to your company.

Even if you're not planning on selling out right away, getting a credible valuation can be quite useful, especially if you're trying to rope in venture capitalists or strategic partners. Besides that, it also grounds your optimistic expectations and tells you exactly what you can hope for.

So, how does the valuation process work and how can you get a great one for your business?

Professional valuation analysts will want to look at the following before they throw up a number:

• Assets - including productive assets, intellectual property and the order pipeline

• Financial statements of the past few years

• Employees, customers and other stakeholders - to know what they think about the business

That being said, different appraisers can look at your business in totally different ways.
Therefore, who you appoint to do the job is as important as anything else you may do to make the business healthy.

Some tips:

• Get a like minded person for the job. A thoroughbred accountant is likely to give you the most pessimistic valuation, since he will be quite risk averse. If you can, appoint someone who has worked in industry, or better still, has some experience of running a business, who assigns value to opportunities.

• Get a fair price for intellectual property. A number of businesses fail to attach enough importance to their brand names, trademarks and other copyright property, which can actually fetch a good sum. Make sure they are included in your case.

• Choose an enthusiast. Look for more than experience and technical skills when you hire an appraiser. If he or she has a personal interest in your line of work, you are likely to get a better result.

• Time it right. Choose to get a valuation done when things are looking up in the economy, at the stock-market and for your industry in general. Come what may, you cannot run away from the basics, so make sure your company's future looks good at the time when the appraiser comes a-calling.

Please visit http://start-business-india.blogspot.com for a discussion on issues related to small and start-up businesses.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kuber_Vaani http://EzineArticles.com/?Getting-Good-Value-For-Your-Business&id=889641

Make Your Business Card Work Marketing Magic

2008-01-05T00:23:00.002-08:00

By Heather Dominick

Your business card is one of the BEST and easiest marketing tools you can (and should!) use to stand your business out from all the other businesses that are doing what you do.

There isn't anything that bugs me more than getting a business card and not being able to tell what the person does when I look at. It just seems like such a waste of: time, money, paper, energy (theirs that went into creating it and mine trying to remember who they are), and it does nothing to support the bringing about of more business.

Blah.

So if your business card just says your name, phone number, and website, it's time for us to amp it up!

And another thing, if your business card matches your branding that's great, but that does NOT need to be the first priority. I have never, ever, ever heard of ANYONE saying, "Oh, I couldn't hire that person because their business card just didn't match the rest of their branding. It's really too bad." Holding yourself back from networking or using your business card in any way because it does not "match," is speaking more to an inner block that's operating for you than anything else. This is an excuse. So let's shift this energy from excuse to execution and look at ways this card will work marketing magic for you, ok?

All that matters is that your business card serves as an attractor factor to your ideal client. Sometimes all you get is that one, quick opportunity to 'speak' to your ideal client. I would highly recommend you make it compelling. Simple as that.

Here are some ways to have your business card speak (and work marketing magic) for you:

* Be sure your title speaks about what you do.

* Ask a compelling question that speaks directly to your ideal client.

* Dare to use the words: You, Your, You're and the like on your card.

* TELL the reader to go to your website.

* TELL the reader what they'll get when they get there.

* TELL them it will be for free.

* Use the back of the card.

* Use embossed print (make it PHYSICALLY stand out).

* Assure the reader that you can solve their problem, e.g. 'you can,' 'guaranteed,' 'promise,' 'be assured,' etc.

Want to know a secret? I haven't once had a professional business card made! That's right. Want to know another? I'm in love with and addicted to vistaprint. The reason? Their products are of good quality (some better than others) and affordable, so I can change my business card ANYTIME I want without a major ordeal or expense and, oh, trust me, I have. :) So should you, because as an Entrepreneur you are always tweaking. I also like this service because I can do the creating myself and really fuse the card with my Core Value Offer energy while creating it.

Call To Action:

Take your business card in your hand.

Look at it.

Does it truly speak of YOU and all the uniqueness that you offer in your business? Does it look different from all the other cards out there or the same?

Now, how do you FEEL when you look at your card? Do you feel the energy of your business' Core Value Offer?

Do you feel proud when you hand someone your card or do you instantly apologize?

Make whatever changes you need to make to this simple, highly effective marketing tool, so every time you hand your card to someone your heart sings with the joy that is your business and then let that energy jump-start every ideal client match.

Heather Dominick, EnergyRICH(tm) Entrepreneur Success Coach, has over 11 years of teaching and coaching experience. Heather's primary focus is in coaching entrepreneurs to identify inner and outer sources for attracting clients and increasing business profit. To sign up to receive your free business building e-course go here now [http://www.energyrichcoach.com/]http://www.energyrichcoach.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Heather_Dominick http://EzineArticles.com/?Make-Your-Business-Card-Work-Marketing-Magic&id=891138