Business

Frequently Asked Questions About Direct Mail Marketing

2009-10-19T02:14:00.000-07:00

Junk mail. Or, as my professors at New York University's direct marketing program called it "unsolicited direct mail" (they refused to call it the "J" word). Consumers have a love/hate relationship with those catalogs, credit card offers, and coupon packages that arrive daily in their mailboxes. "Why am I getting so much? I wish they'd stop wasting trees. Oooh, look, I've been looking for a blue blazer like the one on the cover, let me see that..."

And that's why people love unsolicited direct mail.

Face it, a catalog or two has caught your eye along the way. During its heyday, using unsolicited mail or prospecting via direct mail was a common way to acquire customers. As I like to say when people want to know "why do companies do that?" - it works. With direct mail, everything is accountable and measurable. If it didn't work, companies would stop doing it. Hence the beauty of direct mail.

Based on the most frequently asked questions I get on direct mail from friends and family, here's a brief Q & A on the joys of junk mail.

How do Companies Obtain Names for a Mailing List?

Marketers rent mailing lists and use these to prospect or seek new business. They get mailing addresses from a variety of places. If you've bought something from a catalog company, they can rent your name out to another. Magazine subscriptions, charities, organizations, newspaper subscriptions and others are just a small sample of where your name and address pops up.

Do a test. Call a catalog company or go to their website. Make sure it's a company you've never done business with before. Now ask to receive their catalogs and buy something small from the first one. When you sign up, misspell your name or give them the wrong middle initial.

Copright 2009

Now watch your mailbox and see what pops up 6 to 8 weeks later with the same mistake in the address. Now you know who's buying lists. It's an interesting test, isn't it?

How Can I Stop All Junk Mail?

If you want ALL junk mail to stop, visit DMA Choice. Reputable companies use this list of people who opt-out, or state they do not wish to receive unsolicited mail, and suppress or remove your name from the lists. It won't stop all your catalogs and other mail. If you've ordered from a company, they may continue sending you marketing materials - legal and legitimate. And of course, companies that run shoddy list management practices don't bother with preference lists.

Direct Mail Just Wastes Trees

Less so than you think. Something close to 95% of all unsolicited mail does get recycled - and about that much is just reused into paper products anyway. Most catalogs are now printed on recycled paper with "green" or environmentally friendly ink. The industry is more environmentally conscious than you think. They just do a bad job promoting it.

Catalogs are Sent at Random

Nobody would invest thousands of dollars in rental fees, postage, printing and more to do something randomly. Direct mail lists are acquired based on strict parameters. The best way is to analyze your own database first, develop a customer profile to figure out who is most likely to buy, then look for lists featuring those customers. That's the really simple explanation, but that's how your name ends up on three catalogs for plus sized clothing - someone analyzed your purchase behavior and saw that you're buy 18W sized dresses and knows you're in that size bracket and that you seek professional, contemporary clothing.

As for not working, companies that work their numbers, analyze their data, and rigorously test new lists often get great results. Customers who buy through direct mail tend to buy more through direct mail. If the lists is right for the offer, it works.

Of course sometimes you just get on the wrong list. That's why I keep getting catalogs for cigars.

I'd offer you a light, but I've never smoke a single day of my life, nor do I intend to begin chomping stogies anytime soon.

Making Direct Mail Work for Your Company

I've gone through some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about direct marketing that I hear from consumers as well as business owners. There's one big question that's the elephant in the room; what is a good response rate? To answer that question, please read my Ezine article, "What is a Good Direct Response Rate" which will walk you through the basics of that very important question.

Jeanne Grunert is a well known direct and online marketing expert and the president of Seven Oaks Consulting. For 20 years, she led marketing departments in the retail, financial services, and publishing industries. She helped companies save money and increase response rates - and profits - on their direct mail and online marketing efforts. Today, Jeanne shares her experience through her books, articles, coaching and courses available through Seven Oaks Consulting, focusing on low cost, high results marketing strategies. New clients welcome. For more information and a free consultation, please visit http://www.sevenoaksconsulting.com, or call 434-574-6253.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeanne_Grunert

5 Ways Your Business Benefits From GPS Tracking

2009-10-16T21:45:00.001-07:00

Getting your business to run on 'automatic' is like gold because it allows you to pocket more profits. Reducing your highest expenses drives profit to the bottom line of your business. Sound familiar? These strategies are at the core of business operating principles. And, once the economy improves, it is unlikely that they will change.

In that vein, here are five ways that a business can benefit from GPS Tracking systems which will help increase profits.

Benefit 1: Lowers excess vehicle expenses

Do you suspect that your company-owned vehicles are being driven excessively during off-business hours? Are your employees taking advantage of not being watched closely and are using your vehicles to make daily runs to the grocery store or other locations? GPS Tracking gives you the view that you need to see where your vehicles are located, the direction they are moving and even the speed at which they are travelling. Now you can get instant feedback that can help you reduce costs by keeping a closer watch over your company vehicles. That will save money on fuel and maintenance.

Benefit 2: Lowers insurance premiums

Check with any major insurance company and you will discover a willingness to lower premiums based upon the lower risk associated with outfitting a GPS Tracking system in your business and attaching devices to each of your company vehicles and other moveable assets. The cost savings alone will pay for the units in a short period of time.

Benefit 3: Lowers exposure to loss through theft

Theft not only robs a business of a valuable asset, but also steals productivity to perform jobs based on the loss of equipment. Even several days of 'down time' are expensive. That is why attaching GPS Tracking systems to your largest, most expensive and moveable assets are worth it. With them you can have stolen items recovered in a matter of hours, days, weeks, months, years or even never.

Benefit 4: Lowers need for employees

Managing a number of assets does not require many bodies, just a real-time system using GPS Tracking devices and the proprietary software called NavIQ from Rocky Mountain Tracking. Once in place, you can check up on the location and whereabouts of your assets at a moment's notice. Run a report to show location and hours used for billing purposes. One person with a PC, an Internet connection along with the NavIQ software can easily manage hundreds of units with GPS Tracking.

Benefit 5: Lowers Business Management Activities

You will benefit by keeping a tighter control on your assets while lowering the worry associated with watching your assets go out of the door and wondering if they will return. With a few steps, you can generate inventory reports to give you a snap shot of where your assets are and if they are where they are supposed to be located. As was previously mentioned, one person can manage many, many assets.

It's time to step up to closer, better business monitoring with GPS Tracking. This is a 'no-brainer' decision which will pay off instantly and down the road. Now is the time to grab onto more secure control of your assets and keep your business profitable.

James Neely, Writer and Entrepreneur

...is a freelance writer who writes about GPS Tracking systems. Visit this link: tracking devices to find the right system to meet your needs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Neely

5 Good Reasons For Changing Careers

2009-10-13T23:54:00.001-07:00

For many people, making a change in their career is not by choice. In today's unstable economy, people can suddenly lose their jobs, even after many years with the same company, leaving them with the need to find a job whether it is in the same field or not. For others, it is a personal decision. While it isn't always the most profitable decision you can make, there are some good reasons for voluntarily making a change in your career.

1. You have advanced as far as you can, and have no way of being promoted. There may simply be no higher position that you can reach at the company where you are working. This is especially true of smaller companies who rarely lose people in higher positions. You shouldn't have to be limited by the shortcomings of your company.

2. You have achieved a higher level of education. Sometimes people work hard to get addition college credits by taking evening, weekend, or online college courses, while working fulltime. If you have worked to obtain a higher level of education, you don't want to stay in the same position you were in before. If there is no opportunity for proper advancement in your company, look for a position that is more in line with your new qualifications.

3. Something has changed that make your current job a bad choice. If you were single and carefree when you started your career but now have a spouse and kids, the same hours or benefits may not be appropriate. You don't want to work long hours, travel, or do without the insurance benefits that you need for your family. You will need to make a career move to a company that works with your new lifestyle.

4. The future doesn't look bright. If your company is in a field that is already diminishing, the time to make a change is before the company goes under. Don't wait to "see what happens" only to find yourself without a job and nowhere to go.

5. You need to make more money. If you have the qualifications for more than one type of work, then why stay with the one that offers the lowest pay? Some people do prefer to enjoy the work they want to do as opposed to making more money. However, it is up to your individual circumstances to decide if you need to move on.

Most people will tell you that if you have a good paying job with benefits and hope of advancement that you would be crazy to go through a career change. That isn't necessarily true. If you don't enjoy your work, or are bored or stressed, then it may be worthwhile to find a different type of work. Most of us spend more time at our jobs than we do with our families or anything else that we do. In order to be happier with everything, it is a good idea to be happy with your work.

Some people like to bounce from job to job for all the wrong reasons. They may not be good at settling down or they just don't like to work in the first place. Those are not good reasons for changing jobs or careers, and can hurt your prospects in the long run. If you are considering changing careers, weigh your options by creating a pro's and con's list. It will help you make the right decision.

James Copper is a writer for http://www.baol.co.uk where you can find information on changing career

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Copper

Keep Driving Out of the Recession by Focusing on Productivity

2009-10-04T21:00:00.000-07:00

As a self employed Human Resources (HR) practitioner with 15 years experience, I was recently advised by a business owner that they would never use HR as there was no value in it. Well I trotted out the usual arguments about 'preventing employment disputes', and 'your most expensive cost centre'. But there were adamant, they could not see the value in using an HR professional.

Well, as a committed HR professional (and Scottish born Red-head to boot), I was not going to rest until I had proven to them the value of HR. And that is how the following analogy came about.

Staff are like cars:

1. You need to pick the right model - the sports car looks very pretty, but isn't much good if you need to tow the trailer
2. You need to steer them in the right direction otherwise they go off track, and ultimately are liable to crash
3. You need to service them regularly, or performance will deteriorate
4. A specialist mechanic (or HR Manager) will have much greater success at fixing issues properly than the enthusiastic DIY'er
5. Trade-ins can be very costly if you haven't done steps one to four properly

It is true that the wage spend is the single biggest cost centre in virtually any business. Therefore, HR professionals can have a major impact on the bottom line of the company simply by ensuring that the right models are picked, the steering mechanisms are effective, and the servicing is done properly.

One of the most significant ways HR can impact the bottom line and help keep the momentum going to get out of the recession is through focusing on productivity. Based on international studies, there are seven key drivers of workplace productivity:

1. Building Leadership and Management
2. Creating Productive Workplace Cultures
3. Encouraging Innovation and the Use of Technology
4. Investing in People and Skills
5. Organising Work
6. Networking and Collaboration
7. Measuring What Matters

Well just in case you hadn't spotted it, there is only one thing on that list, Encouraging Innovation and the Use of Technology, which is not under the direct influence of HR.

1. Building Leadership and Management

HR has significant impact in this area by:

• Ensuring that you have correctly defined the competencies required for the leadership roles in your business
• Ensuring that the leaders have the tools necessary to do their jobs effectively.

Whenever you start recruiting for a position, or are looking at how to increase an incumbent's effectiveness in a role, particularly a leadership position, you need to clearly understand the competencies required to do the job. For example, a Finance Manager needs the skills to do accounts, but also needs the competencies of Leadership; Delegation; Attention to detail; Ability to contribute to the strategic direction of the company etc.

All too often I see a great operative being promoted into a management position. As a manager it is very useful to have a good understanding of what your team do, but, ultimately, the role of a manager is to quite different. Managers are required to monitor everyone's progress, identify where the collective effort should be focused, steer everyone in the right direction etc. Unfortunately, this is out with the comfort zone of many operatives, and as a result they may have been a great operative, but are often only an average manager.

By 'defining the right model' up front then you will have a far great degree of success at selecting the right person through an interview process. You will also be able you to identify an individuals development needs (we all have them) to turn them from an average manager into an excellent leader.

2. Creating Productive Workplace Cultures

Bonus schemes to drive the right behaviour and Performance Appraisal system that are user-friendly and add perceptible value are major tools in creating productive workplace cultures.

Unfortunately bonus schemes are often not actually encouraging the behaviour which will create the desired outcome. For example, a bonus scheme that focus's purely on turnover, but ignores profitability will result in lots of sales, but often at discounted rates. You need to clearly understand what actually generates the desired results, and reward that. For example, customer service is rarely seen in bonus schemes, but more often than not excellent customer service is the key to retaining existing clients and getting their referred business.

I often hear managers describing Performance Appraisal systems as an onerous paperwork task, which just wastes their time. It is the job of HR to:

• Critically review any systems and eliminate any negative connotations
• Provide an easy to use, clearly value add, system
• Understand any underlying reasons behind why a system is not being used, and take action accordingly.

Frequently the 'problem' with the system has more to do with a manager's reluctance to have a 'courageous conversation'. Remove the fear through training and support, and you will often see a significant change in the outcomes.

A robust tailor-able Bonus scheme, easy to use Appraisal documentation, and 1 to 5 definitions of 20 different competencies are available to download from www.hrtoolkit.co.nz .

3. Encouraging Innovation and the Use of Technology

Though this may not be under the direct remit of HR we can certainly influence this by recruiting the right people and putting in place systems to encourage the right behaviour.

4. Investing in People and Skills

Supporting managers in doing this effectively is the basic fundamental function of any HR professional.

5. Organizing Work

The purpose of an organization structure is to enable communication flow and minimise cross-over between roles. Everyone within an organization needs clearly defined roles, and clear delineation around when tasks pass from one person to the next.

Duplication of work has a significant impact on productivity. Therefore, if the delineation between roles if not clear, you end up with two people repeating the same task which wastes time and decreases productivity.

The actual cost of such duplication can very quickly add up:

5 minutes per day X 5 days X 52 weeks = 1,300 minutes per year (21.7 hours)

6. Networking and Collaboration

Providing opportunities to network is not just the responsibility of the Social club, or the sales team. Training days can be a great opportunity to get representatives from different departments working together.

The opportunities for external networking and collaboration can also be influenced by HR through:

• Encouraging it through the appraisal systems,
• Defining jobs that include a requirement for networking, and not just for sales jobs,
• Creating a culture where you pay for staff to attend networking events, as opposed to criticising them for 'skiving off early' to attend such events.

7. Measuring What Matters

See comments above under section 2. This is absolutely critical to the success of any business.

So what is the value of HR?

HR is the difference between a group average employees filling in their day, and a group of enthusiastic, productive team members wanting to do the best for you and your business.

So help make sure the world keeps going the right way out of the recession by driving your productivity.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_A_Mackay

10 Keys to Success in Pay For Performance Solutions

2009-10-04T20:59:00.001-07:00

Pay for Performance Solutions enables companies to reduce their cost of labor while increasing the average take home pay of their workforce. It's a sophisticated, end-to-end incentive system that's accurate, fair and very effective. The cornerstone of our program is a proprietary software system that handles the complexity of the incentive program and enables us to reward employees based on their own level of productivity.

The 10 Keys to Success

1. Employee Bonuses Are Based Directly on the Employee's Productivity Level
Employees have direct impact on their productivity and reward. Employees are given a Production Goal for the container, pick slip or job order at the beginning of each assignment so that they have a goal to shoot for. .

2. Daily Feedback on Productivity and Bonuses. Daily reports give employees, supervisors and managers vital performance information. An employee will know where he or she stands on a daily basis.

3. Production Goals Are Set at a Fair, Achievable Level. Setting production goals is a critical aspect of bonusing. Top performers need to be achievable and motivating.

4. The New System Removes the Status Quo. There isn't an increase in costs without an increase in productivity. Doing things as they've always been done isn't the answer. The bonusing program moves productivity levels very quickly in an achievable manner.

5. Complex Software manages the complexity of individual tracking on a daily basis. The IMS software program manages the day-to-day logistics of a complex incentive system.

6. Major Productivity Constraints Are Factored In So Top Performers Continue to Achieve. Some productivity issues are beyond the employee's control. These issues can be factored into the software and accounted for so employees remain empowered.

7. Production Goals Do Not Vary Too Much By Type of Freight. The type of freight in a container often changes productivity levels. Employees are still very productive its just hard to see. Our system takes type of freight into account.

8. Productivity Gains Benefit Individuals So Motivation Is High. The incentive program creates a bonus for the individual and small team. It impacts the people doing the work. Because bonuses are seen daily motivation for gain is very high and change is usually immediate.

9. Daily Feedback Creates Constant Awareness and Purpose. Productivity reports are provided daily. Employees and Supervisors are aware of where they stand and what they want to achieve. Goal setting becomes a very meaningful exercise when a feedback loop reports success or failure.

10. Employees Understand the System and Know How To Improve. We offer a training program for all staff involved in the program. Everyone should have the opportunity to understand the program and know how improvement can be achieved.

Contact Dean Dorcas or Dan Keto For More Information
Tel: (253) 220-2962
Email: info@imsseattle.com
Website: http://www.imsseattle.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_L_Jensen

Improving Overall Performance With the Customer Indicator

2009-09-28T22:00:00.000-07:00

One of the factors that suggest that a company is successful is tat they have a solid customer base. This is why this is one of the main priorities of every business particularly those that are targeted into making profits. Companies know that the opinions and the feedback of their customers matter so they usually have contact centers in order for the people to reach out to them easily. With the customer indicator a company will be able to determine the performance of their business in terms of the response of their clients to their products or services.

Customers are the ones who are paying for the products that you offer and availing the services that you provide. This is why you need to take care of them. If you do not do so, you will most likely end up failing in your business venture. So how do you know that you are performing well? By means of having good customer indicator, you can identify the areas that need your attention in order for your organization to boost its processes that aim in giving the best to the customers. This is what customer service is all about. But still, there are organizations worldwide that do not even heed the complaints and the grievances of the people. And this is what makes them lose their consumers. A customer will always look for a product or service that he can afford or something that he thinks is worth his money. Otherwise, he will just go for another which can provide such for him. In this case, one of the key performance indicators that you can use is for the sales you have generated.

This is a common customer indicator that helps you measure the impact of your product to the people. Here, you will discern whether they remain loyal to your brand in such a way that you will know whether there is a decline or rise in the number of sales. If you see that there is a decline you should improve on something with regards to the product. These may include the cost, the quality and perhaps the advertisement or marketing strategy. Another customer KPI is customer relationship. Usually, you can determine this by means of the performance of your employees based upon how they treat your clients. This is because they are normally the ones who face and talk with your customers. Many organizations are aware of the fact that their employees play a vital role in the attainment of their goals particularly when increasing customer generated sales. And so they decide to take care of this area by means of training and educating them to improve the way they provide service to the people.

It is important that you choose a customer indicator that can give you potential earnings through your customers. Therefore, there is a need to study the different KPI's that can be utilized today. While there are almost no boundaries in the selection process, it is necessary that you choose effective ones for your business.

If you are interested in Customer indicator, check this web-site to learn more about customer service.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sam_Miller

Outbound Telemarketing Call Center For Proactive Marketing

2009-09-28T21:59:00.000-07:00

Contacting pre-existing and prospective customers over the phone is essential for business, where every interface is a challenge. Customers are contacted directly over the phone.

One of the most successful ways of growing business is through telemarketing. One of the most essential tools is telephone. Customers are contacted with directly over the phone, to know their views right over the phone.

Telemarketing for business is one of the most used marketing equipment, and people are getting increasingly bored of it. Therefore, telemarketing requires extreme refinement in convincing customers. Most customers put down the phone within no time. Outbound call centers have a dedicated team of executives, who are equipped with sound infrastructure, lucrative database, and techniques to woo customers to convince them of their products and services.

Telemarketing techniques are in every way professional in their approach. There are no false promises on their part. Many a times, calls are recorded to judge the ability of executives delivering telemarketing services for business.

Call Center Services are custom-made, so that every service is dealt with efficiently. Pro-active and prospective customers are contacted by Call center services for varying marketing abilities. These include lead generation, product promotion, surveys, verification, fund-raising campaigns, technical support and other related services.

Efficient, state of the art services are very beneficial to customers and Companies, both. Some of these benefits include

A one to one interaction between customer and business It's a real time interaction, where customers are equipped with latest promotional techniques, leading to end to end purchase. Customers are not aware of promotional techniques, many a times. A direct interaction gives full information and update customer, fully.

When a customer is approached on phone for same information, as desired by customer, then become a boon for him.

Telemarketing is a direct link between a Company and its target customer. This is the best way of getting more sales and more customers. Moreover, target audience spread across the relevant information through word of mouth, leading to still more potential customers.

BPO Service are immaculate in their nature. They are the best and most informative way of reaching customers. Telemarketing is a boon for almost all customers.

Jack Morkel is well known author has written article on Telemarketing Call Center, Customer Support, Lead Generation Services, International Call Center and many other subjects.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_Morkel

The Six Levels of Shredder Security Explained

2009-09-18T19:51:00.001-07:00

Document security is, or should be, a major part of the life of any business. There is no better way to ensure that your most private and sensitive papers never get into the wrong hands than by having shredders on hand in your office and by using them frequently. Although there are shredding services out there, it is highly recommended that you and any of your employees that regularly handle and discard the confidential info of your customers, clients or other employees have their own desk side shredders and that they be trained in their proper use. If you are currently in the market for a shredder or shredders for your office, you may be a little confused by some of the terms that the manufacturers use. One of the aspects that can be hard to decipher is the "security level" of a given machine. Here, we discuss the six levels of shredder security.

Level 1: This is designed for low-level document destruction, such as general internal documents where nothing especially confidential is shared. The strips that are created range from three eighths of an inch to a half inch. Cuts can either be straight, or cross cut.

Level 2: When you regularly need to destroy sensitive company information or personal documents, you will need a machine that is capable of level 2 security. In straight cut machines, this means that the strips of paper that are produced are one eighth to one quarter inch wide. For cross cut machines, the dimensions are as small as three eights of an inch by an inch and a half.

Level 3: When the personal or business documents you need to destroy are what could be considered confidential, you will want to find a machine that is classified as a level 3. To fit this category, a strip cut machine must produce shreds that are no wider than one sixteenth of an inch. For confetti cut models (another name for cross-cut) this means that the shreds can range from an eighth inch by two inches to a quarter inch by two inches. Level 3 is the lowest security level that complies with federal regulations for the destruction of personal information derived from consumer reports.

Level 4: If you regularly need to destroy documents that are crucial to your company's existence, you will want to have a level 4 paper shredder on hand. Only cross cut machines fit into this classification, and they must cut documents into shreds no bigger than one sixteenth inch by five eighths of an inch.

Level 5: This is where we start getting into security levels that are required by government offices and for important research. The cross cut dimensions are one thirty second of an inch by seven sixteenths of an inch.

Level 6: This is the level of security that is for what the government would call "top secret," and is required by agencies such as the NSA and the Department of Defense (DOD). Although these machines offer the highest security, they may be a little extreme and expensive for the needs of the average business. These shredders produce such small particles that they are slower and require additional oiling to ensure optimal shredding performance.

If you are looking for a good quality Paper Shredder for your office, you might want to check out MyBinding.com. They carry the full line of Fellowes Paper Shredders as well as shredders from GBC Shredmaster, Martin Yale, Intimus, MBM DestroyIt, Dahle and HSM of America. Choose from a huge selection of cross-cut and strip-cut paper shredders all at great prices and with free shipping.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_McRitchie

How to Choose a Key Cabinet

2009-09-18T19:50:00.001-07:00

Bianca hands Tony a pen and a log sheet. As he signs his name in, she goes out back to a hidden wall, punches in a combination on a small steel box the size of a standard electric fuse box. She locates Tony's keys, takes it out and shuts the box back before heading back out front to hand him the keys.

The example above is a common enough scene in many offices around the world today. Business organisations have long since realised the importance of a safe and secure place to keep keys. Keys unlock business assets - literally. With assets that can easily be carried off or stolen, the key cabinet becomes even more valuable.

If you've worked with a firm that turns dull interiors into posh havens, classy corporate offices and stylish hotel rooms, you'd know a key cabinet does not only hold company keys; more importantly, it holds client-entrusted keys for each project site.

When dealing with personal property, the choice for particular key cabinets becomes very important. In cases where you are holding client-entrusted keys, you assume greater risk as your project contract is most likely to include indemnification clauses for losses the client suffers while your team is working on the property.

When choosing a key cabinet to hold your set of keys, consider:

The keys you are likely to store in it. Are you putting keys to company properties in this particular key cabinet? Is it for clients' properties? Do you intend to keep all keys in one place? The value of the related assets to the keys you are safekeeping, along with your calculation of risk helps you decide the level of security you'd like for this specific key cabinet. The more valuable the keys are, the more inconspicuous you'd like the box to look and the more security features you'd require of it.

The material the key cabinet is made. Most key cabinets today are made of steel. No two types are alike, however. Some are made of heavy-duty, fireproof steel, others from an inferior quality. There are also key cabinets fashioned from wood. Not nearly half as indestructible as fireproof, steel cabinets but adequately serve your purposes in certain circumstances, certainly where security is less of an issue.

Its locking mechanism. There are basically two types of locking mechanisms - key locking mechanism and the combination lock mechanism. The choice is often made based on which one suits your needs more. Recent models have dual-locking systems and digital keyless systems for added security.

Your company's policy on custodianship. For safekeeping of important assets, some companies have specific policies requiring all vaults, lock boxes, and key cabinets to have dual-locking systems. Often, this is in conjunction with a policy stating no two employees must know both combinations that would totally unlock the safe/vault/lock box.

Key cabinets minimise the risk of loss or damage. In this day and age, where honesty has become a personal policy only on paper, safekeeping responsibilities require more than trusting in the innate goodness of people; it requires minimising the temptation to steal.

Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who writes for a number of UK businesses. For Key Cabinets, he recommends Safe Security Services.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Derek_Rogers

The Environment That Boosts Labor Productivity

2009-09-16T19:48:00.000-07:00

There are many factors that contribute to workplace labor productivity. One of them is humor. Think about how high performing teams operate. There is always an element of humor present. Humor has been found to be one of the most potent ingredients in building strong bonds between people. If you consider the people you where you have the strongest bonds, think about the humor you share.

Humor is a natural human function and has an important place in today's work environment. It is an essential ingredient in relationships because it shows that we are human and contributes to building strong bonds between people. One of the most important social functions is sharing. Sharing humor is an asset in the workplace because of the important part it plays in helping to build relationships.

Look at your workplace. You will probably notice that when people are in groups they tend to laugh more because they are in the company of other people who are laughing. Think about how hard it is to keep a straight face when you are in the company of other people who are laughing.

It has been observed that people who laugh a lot are much more productive than people that don't. What is there about humor and laughter that enables people to produce more without even feeling tired.

Why should happy people be more productive than miserable people? Our workplaces have changed considerably over the last 30 years. Hopefully, we no longer work doing monotonous tasks in unfriendly and dangerous environments.

"Work" has been described as the place you are when you want to be somewhere else. So how do we make a workplace that is an environment that people enjoy?

The answer lies in the environment that we create in the workplace. In an environment where humor is an essential component, people feel relaxed, supported, and behave in a much more open fashion. We know that people work better together in this sort of environment. Not only do they work better together but they are much more productive.

How often do we actively try and create this environment in the workplace? How often do we feel a twinge of annoyance when we hear laughter knowing that there is a deadline to be met?

Generally, people like working together because work is a social activity. The majority of people like to work with others. Sure, there are the odd exceptions that work best when they are alone but they are in the minority.

On the other hand, people working in a humorous environment as part of a team tend to produce a higher level of productivity. This is because they are free to explore, to play, take risks and most of all---to make mistakes and learn.

Some reasons why laughter increases workplace productivity.

Researchers have discovered that laughter creates an increase in white blood cell activity and produces changes in the balance of the blood. Their work suggested that laughter may increase the production of certain neurotransmitters that contribute to memory and alertness.

It seems that humor stimulates both the left and right sides of the brain. This means that people tend to understand the message better and remember it longer when information is given in the right environment. Studies show that humor reduces stress and in turn learning can take place. So are people more productive because they learn better in an environment that fosters humor?

To further understand the effects of laughter the researchers considered the physiological results of laughing. We always seem to feel better after a good laugh. This is because laughter is the catalyst for the production of chemical called catecholamine in our bloodstream. This chemical has a positive effect on our levels of alertness. When this occurs your brain also starts producing endorphins.

Endorphins have been called the body's natural painkillers. They are the antidote to anxiety and depression.

When humor is used in a group there is a feeling of greater acceptance and membership to that group. Humor is the thing that creates a sense of belonging and goes a long way to removing social barriers. A group operating in a humorous environment has a ready-made deterrent for aggression or bad feeling.

It has been known for a long time that humor produces positive emotions and is great at reducing stress. In today's working environment, humor can be the antidote for negative feelings. Furthermore, it has a highly positive effect on productivity in the workplace.

It seems quite clear that humor is a vital ingredient in the personality mix in today's somewhat stressed working environment.

P L Mitchell is a business entrepreneur who has helped many businesses to lift their labor productivity in the workplace at little or low cost. Peter contends that you can buy bigger and better machinery to try and boost your business productivity levels. But it doesn't make sense to spend your money on capital equipment until you have got a highly productive team of people to get the best from the machinery.

You can apply the strategies and tactics from Peter's book and use them straight away in your business. The principles are simple and easy to apply. He has focused on the practical rather than the theoretical side of changing workplace behaviour. The ultimate secret of lifting productivity levels is the ability to create change without people working harder. In his e-book The Key to Productivity he has explained in detail how he achieved this in different businesses. The book is written in an easy conversational style which will enable you to follow the processes step-by-step. You can benefit from the years of practical experience that has been packed into this guide. As you apply the principles and your business productivity starts to rise, you will also see a rise in profits.

The cost of the book is a small fraction of Peter's hourly rate as a consultant and after reading the book, you can e-mail Peter for his advice on how to overcome your productivity challenges. Go to his website NOW and download your FREE booklet on increasing workplace labor productivity. This will entitle you to purchase a copy of his e-book The Key to Productivity at a specially reduced price. Go NOW to http://www.thekeytoproductivity.com/.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_L_Mitchell

What is Disruptive Innovation?

2009-09-16T19:47:00.000-07:00

Professor Christensen discovered that in certain situations, firms revolutionize a market by pursing unusual business practices:

They make products that aren't good enough for existing customers: One of the most shocking things that he found was that established companies miss out on Disruptive Innovations because they listen to their customers and give them more of what they are asking for. Remember the weird people who bought digital cameras when they were expensive and didn't take good pictures? How could Kodak make money in what was a niche market when their customers were asking for better film?

Professor Christensen makes the point in a paradox: The most money is to be made where the product isn't good enough, once it is, it becomes a commodity and profits fall. Business schools teach that successful firms should seek profits, so entrenched companies are happy to cede these lines of business to new competition. However, as the technology improves, the new firms advance further and eventually traditional firms have no place to retreat to.

There is no profitable market for what they are offering: If there was a current market for the "Next Big Thing," it would actually be the "Current Big Thing." Established companies with big R&D budgets and large, effective sales forces would have a clear advantage in this type of innovation. Christensen calls it a "sustaining innovation" and it goes on all of the time. Big companies are actually extremely good at it.

Disruptive Innovations are so difficult for established companies to pursue because there is no money in them. However, the opportunity might be big enough for a small company and then as the technology improves, you have the "Next Big Thing."

It can't make money in the conventional way: A Disruptive Innovation represents a fundamental shift in value that requires a change in the way business is done (remember, Kodak made their money in film, not cameras). You can find fairly extreme (and exciting!) examples of this in Chris Anderson's new book "Free."

Do You Really Want to Pursue Disruptive Innovation?

So if you want to aspire to Disruptive Innovation you will need to think of something that doesn't work very well, has no market for it and no clear path to profitability (as Google did when "Search was dead"). That takes passion. If there are big budgets, nice offices or fancy cars in the parking lot, it probably either isn't disruptive or it won't be successful.

Nevertheless, the term "disruptive" has become so fashionable that even self styled "experts" are confused about it. A few years ago I attended a publishing course at Stanford University and a woman was giving a lecture on Disruptive Innovation. I asked her whether she was referring to the term in a general sense or using the Christensen term specifically. To which she replied, "Both."

I was annoyed at first but then I thought, "Hey, she's not a very good speaker, people aren't interested in what she is saying and she's not getting paid for this." Maybe she's got something there...

Greg Satell
http://www.digitaltonto.com

Greg Satell is an international media executive. Arriving in Poland in 1997, he has been working in Eastern Europe ever since, tackling assignments in Warsaw, Kiev and Moscow. He writes from the perspective of an industry insider who has managed online and offline media companies and advocates for a more rigorous approach to Digital Media issues.

He publishes a blog at http://www.digitaltonto.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Greg_Satell

Indian Textile Industries

2009-09-15T19:24:00.002-07:00

Textile industries have captured the entire world in a unique way. Everyone would be able to guess why. This is because it offers the great variety of fabric which is to be used on daily basis being it in different varieties. Garment manufacturing is the prominent one. Apart from it there are business fabrics, fashion material, shoes fabric etc.

India is moving higher on the different levels of industrialization and in regard to the textile industry, which is now a pioneer industry here, actually started getting established between 1970 and 1992, more around 1992 which was the start of liberalization. Ample of measures were taken by the government to protect the interest of the cotton farmers and labor force but they actually made the industry stand isolated and somehow hampered its prosperity.

India is standing on the second position for the textile industries containing around nine million hectares of cotton coverage. For fiber, it comes on the third position for production and sixth position for production of yarn filament which is simply remarkable. All over, it covers approximate one-fourth of the world trade in terms of production of cotton yarn. Employment sector of most of the countries including India, flourishes with the growth and development of these textiles industries. It captures around twenty percent of the total industrial development and production.

Certainly earlier textile industries were experiencing few shortcomings due to which there was a stagnant growth. As a solution to this problem, government modified some rules and regulations after which we can now witness the change in situation very clearly. One of the modifications was into the technical sector which required huge investments for change in machinery and its renovation both. Various accessories and different parts were replaced which produced much variation in the fiscal from $31.92 million to $39.71 million. These figures are majorly concerned with the situation in India, where in around 55% consumption was witness by the TMMAI, The Textile Machinery Manufacturers Association of India. But in contrast to this, the level of consumption that is demand in the country was much more so the other portion which was around $100 million was filled by the efforts of the importers.

Reversal of the movement is the necessity in order to cater the needs and demands of the textile industry and the users. This has been stated by the Chairman of the TMMAI association in his approach towards joint assessment.

The tenth plan for the improvement in the textile industry includes a few points stated below:

1. Complete rearrangement of the spinning capacity which needs modernization.
2. Renovation of the loomage that is the loom sector.
3. Improvement in the finishing sector and removal of the obsolete material.
4. Expansion along with the development of the jute, woolen, knitting and technical sector.

Both Indian and international textile industries have brought changes in their working structure in regard to the specific sector as textile is the prominent of all and is also an important requirement of the world which needs up gradation periodically.

Sava International is a textile manufacturing company India specializing in home furnishing textile manufacturing and designing.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Harry_Simons

Five Advantages of International Freight Forwarders For Export and Import

2009-09-15T19:24:00.001-07:00

Starting an export-import business is a challenging, but rewarding opportunity for both the small and large companies. There are many things which should be set in place before you ever make one business transaction. For instance, what will you sell? Who can you trust? What industries are booming, and which ones should you avoid?

And those questions are just for beginners.

Once you have determined an adequate direction for your business, you need to worry about the logistics. How will you handle shipping? What forms of payment will you accept? Have you covered all the bases when it comes to licensing requirements and tax identification?

It can all be overwhelming if you have to learn the business from the ground up, and that can be the difference between success and failure.

Perhaps two of the biggest areas where you must excel if you hope for your business to be a success are in the areas of customs and shipping - in particular, shipping. After all, not all products ship the same, and mistakes in shipping can lead to excessive fines and loss of product.

To navigate the maze, it is worth the money you will pay to hire professional international freight forwarders for the enhancement of your business.

Here are five ways international freight forwarders can really bring out the best in your company:

1. Clearance through customs: Customs paperwork is a tricky and sordid maze, especially if all you know about are the business-to-business commerce aspects of trade. Customs authorization is a complex area that will only further tax your understanding and clog your ability to take care of customers, vendors, and marketing. International freight forwarders, in addition to knowing all the ins and outs of proper shipping procedures, offer customs clearance services to aid you in simplifying your business.

2. Any and all issues arising with documentation: In order to receive your payment from a bank, there are many documents that may be required to satisfy the involved bank or financial institution. One such document is the bill of lading. A proper bill of lading will facilitate fast payment, so you can keep your business moving along with your freight.

3. Insurance: Not only do many freight forwarders provide insurance options for your shipments, they know what is best for the needs of your business, and can quickly determine the most protective and cost efficient way that you can complete each transaction.

4. Inventory management: Who better to help you with inventory management than the service that handles your freight? Freight forwarders and international freight forwarders can help ensure your product, which means you will always have a clear handle on your company's assets.

5. Logistics and supply-chain management: Logistics is, of course, the management of the flow of goods and resources between the point of origin and the point of consumption. Careful planning is a necessity of successful freight flow, and freight forwarders are professionals at accomplishing this task.

Domestic and international freight forwarders are skilled at planning and execution. Both are full-time jobs. Where will you find the time to devote to it, when you've got your own business to run? Let freight forwarders take care of you, so you can take care of the customer.

Browse trade leads - Contact International freight forwarders or freight forwarders

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darren_W_Chow

5 Creative Ways of Using Brochures For Your Pizza Parlor

2009-09-14T19:42:00.000-07:00

You can utilize brochures printing to produce cost-efficient promotional prints for your pizza parlor business. Creating brochures is an effective method that can help you come up with informative prints. The printed materials can be used in many ways to attract more clients to visit your store. These are the following ways that you can do to your pizza parlor's brochure:

1. Menu Prints: Use the prints to offer different meals and side dishes. Include the details about specific menu items like ingredients, calorie counts, and prices. You can also provide information about your catering and takeout services using the menu prints.

2. Discount Coupons: Offer at least 20 percent discount on your large sized pizza, or other meals that you offer at your store. The discount coupons can also be used for upgrades and add-ons. Instead of having a specific meal at a discounted price, a client can use the coupon to upsize a drink and order for a free side dish.

3. Free meal Stubs: Provide free meal stubs to clients who have large orders. The food stubs can be used by clients for their next visit. Make sure that the free meal stubs have expiration dates.

4. Survey Forms: Use the back side of your prints to gain feedback from your clients. Customers can answer the questions on the back of your brochures, while waiting for a takeout order. Gaining your clients' comments can help you improve the quality of your services.

5. Brochure Maps: You can use the back side of your prints to provide a location map. You can also include the different places of attraction near your pizzeria.

With these creative ideas, you can effectively present and promote your pizza parlor. Create attractive brochures with the help of a reliable printer. You can utilize online printing services for fast and convenient method of producing prints.

Online printing is a fast and convenient method of producing brochures. Visit UPrinting to learn more about brochures printing.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kat_Nocom

The Business Lessons Learned From a Trip Back Home

2009-09-14T19:41:00.000-07:00

I donated a day to return to my hometown of Crothersville, Indiana to present a lecture for an in-service meeting of the school's teachers and administrators.

I have to admit that well before the program even started I was already feeling scared to death. Sitting in the front row was one of my former teachers!

Part of the problem I experienced was caused by my memories of the tremendous crush that I had during my elementary school years on this then-cute, petite very young teacher. On my return home, I naturally looked forward to seeing her again. However, the image in my mind of her was of the way she looked when I was in the third grade. Imagine my shock to see her now -- 62 years old -- and noticing that her stretch pants had no choice!

Of course, she was just as shocked...standing in front of her was not the skinny, bespectacled eight-year-old kid with the "burr" haircut of her memories. It was a mid-40's guy with a mustache and a bit of a potbelly!

Being more that just a little nervous, I decided to start my presentation with a very standard question that many speakers and authors ask to begin a lecture to teachers. "Let's start by having you tell me," I said, "what you believe is the biggest problem is for educators in today's world."

I thought I knew the answers these teachers were going to give. Naturally, their biggest problems were going to be: 1) the discipline of the students, 2) encouraging the involvement of parents, 3) dealing with change and, 4) funding challenges in education.

Imagine my surprise when my former teacher raised her hand and declared, "Scott -- I believe the biggest problem in education today is 'Sesame Street.'" I immediately responded with a profound, "Huh?"

Calmly, my former educator asked me "Scott, who taught you your 'ABC's'?"

I answered truthfully, "Well, my mother and my grandmother."

"Of course," she said. "However, for the last 30 years, young people have been taught their 'ABC's' by 'Big Bird,' and 'Bert and Ernie.' That means they arrive on the steps of this school for their very first day of formal instruction expecting to be entertained as they are educated."

"Wow!" I thought. Then I realized, my elementary school teacher was still teaching me.

For the past three decades and more, we have taught everyone in this culture that education -- as well as training, selling, motivating, managing, serving and everything else that a business is supposed to do, and everything else that is supposed to happen in life -- will be integrated with a degree of entertainment.

In this age when most of us grew up learning our ABC's from Big Bird and Cookie Monster rather than the disciplined rote and repetition of a former time, our fervent desire for a wise person - or distinct organization -- to "tell us stories," just continues to expand.

If you want to create traction - both in the marketplace and with your colleagues, you must communicate in a manner that engages, entertains, and creates interaction! Communication is infinitely more impactful when you tell your story!

Scott McKain is a successful business professional and speaker. He is the Vice Chairman of Obsidian Enterprises, and co-founder of the Value Added Institute.

McKain is the author of three #1 business bestsellers (Amazon.com): "Collapse of Distinction," "What Customers REALLY Want," and "ALL Business is Show Business."

He is a member of the "Professional Speakers Hall of Fame" and "Speakers Roundtable," an elite, invitation-only group of twenty business speakers considered to be among the best in the world.

http://McKainViewpoint.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_McKain

Tips on Deciding 8 Page Magazine Printing

2009-09-04T19:56:00.001-07:00

Are you looking for cheap 8 page magazine printing? Whether you want to make a catalog printing periodical or news sheet journal, the budget line will remain a big concern for you. Anyhow, you don't need to be worried at all. Budgeting concerns for your printing can be determined with accurate choices and information. Below are few tips for your custom 8 page periodical printing:

First of all, you will need to decide on the best printing assortment. Periodicals can be printed in more than a few forms for instance monthly catalogs, leaflets, brochures and obviously a right weekly in the accurate journal design. All you need is to stay away from extra charges of printing your periodicals.

If you want to get cheap 8 page journals, you will need to make the best deal. How will it be possible to make a good transaction? You will barely need to ask over your close friends and relatives about the specific products which you are actually looking for. More to the point, you should conduct a good research on the internet regarding your printing needs. As a result, you will be able to find the finest online printing firm so as to make the best deal within economical price rates.

You can make your full color 8 page magazines printing cost effective by putting emphasis on the quality of cover and then leaving the internal sheets with uncomplicated tints and paper stocks. Besides, you should decide on cheap binding methods. Last but not least, you should mull over wholesale printing as this will be resulted inexpensive.

You can choose a variety of publications. If you are interested in wild lives, you can buy animals journals. If you want to know the changing trends of fashion, you can acquire fashion weekly online. Then if you are interested in art events, you can pay money for art journals. Besides, you can decide on a wide variety of 8 page periodicals printing.

I have been writing articles for last few months and found it an interesting activity. I love to think about different hot topics and write about them.

sticker printing.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Muqtada_Khalid

The True Meaning of Independence

2009-09-04T19:53:00.000-07:00

For as long as I can remember, I wanted my own business, but I didn't have a clue where to start. I knew I didn't have enough money in the bank to begin a "brick and mortar" business, and anyway, I noticed that a lot of small businesses in my town folded after a year or so, so it seemed pretty risky to me.

Still, I kept thinking how great it would be to have real independence, a way to produce income around the clock, and the ability to take time off when I wanted to without having to "ask." (It always seemed more to me like begging.)

Even though there was no shortage of people who told me the world is headed for disaster, I found out the real facts for myself. These aren't really a "secret." You just have to look up some figures. But since so many people believe otherwise, I want to make sure you know the truth:

The economy has never been better and the opportunities never greater, especially for those who are self-employed.

Here's another fact I ran across in my research. It changed my life, and it's something I think you really need to know:

Less than 20 percent of all the workers in America are self-employed, yet that small group makes up two thirds of all American millionaires.

When I read that, I realized that I was much more likely to become wealthy if I was self-employed than if I kept plodding along at my regular job. My mind was made up.

Since I didn't have the money to start a traditional business, and didn't want to take on the many headaches and risks involved with one, I realized my best opportunity to become wealthy in today's economic landscape was to start my own profitable home-based business.

You can do it too.

Instead of worrying about how you are going to make the next mortgage or car or insurance payment, you can learn how to generate a substantial income that will secure your financial future. I am offering you the opportunity to learn my step-by-step business plan. No, you don't have to do it by yourself. You'll have the guidance of others who have learned the system and who want to help you.

Of course, while the opportunity is unlimited, we do have to limit the number of entrepreneurs we can take on at one time, so I urge you to take action now. Since there are no special skills or education required, the first group of people to respond will be the ones who become part of a wealth-building phenomenon.

I'm sure you've heard the saying "It's all about attitude." Well, I've changed mine. I've learned that to get what you want from life, you just have to go for it.

I'll be back with another article soon. As you may have guessed, it will be all about attitude.

Remember, Step One is to take action. I can and will help you change your life, but you have to let me know that you want to do it. Get that ball rolling by calling me or emailing me. You will find my contact information at the bottom of this email.

http://www.5HourWorkDay.com Earn a 6 figure income working from home.

Good luck and all my best,
Dennis Rossignol
206-786-0098
http://www.5HourWorkDay.com
twitter.com/dennisrossignol

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dennis_Rossignol

All About Postal Scales

2009-08-18T23:07:00.002-07:00

Efficiency is one of the benefits of owning a postal scale. Be it for home or office use, a postal scale allows fast information on how much postage is applicable to an envelope or package. For business people, this is a good way to stay on a budget and control costs. The inconvenience of standing in line at the Post Office and waiting for one's turn as well as the time driving or going there is another consideration. There will always be long term advantages when owning a postal scale.

There are two types of postal scales:

- Manual or mechanical

These postage scales are also known as mechanical postage scales. They use a balance or spring to weigh envelopes or packages. Since this is a manual scale, the user will also manually go through the postage prices once the weigh is given. Manual scales have proven to be accurate but since users read weight from a mechanical needle, this can be prone to errors. This is one factor to be considered when getting a manual postage scale. The cost of the scale is much cheaper than a digital one so this is also a factor why people opt to get this scale.

- Digital or electronic

This type of scale uses a microprocessor which is pressure-sensing to give out a reading of the weight. This readout will then be the basis of the number given on the LCD panel. A lot of digital postage scales can be programmed for rates so the user can get the rates without referencing a table. Once the reading is made a corresponding postage price will also be given out making it convenient and faster.

Most people find it difficult to choose which type, model and brand of postal scale is going to be acquired. The number one factor when buying is the determination of need. The user must be able to identify where and for what the scale will used. One can also make decisions by going through the postal scale features:

- Security - Some models have capability to store passwords. This is a feature to watch for especially if the scale is used by authorized persons only.

- Design and layout - A scale should have easy to read LCD panels or scale numbers. One should get a model that is effortless to use and carry around.

- Capability to compare postage rates - A useful feature in most digital postal scales is the "comparison shopping option". With this option, the cheapest rate can be generated based on programmed rates by different couriers including First Class and Standard Class rates of the US Postal Service.

- Capacity - Almost all postal scales can weigh less than 2 lbs. Some can handle big packages and heavier weights. This is the first consideration when getting a postal scale. If the user foresee a diverse mix of weights and packaging then it would be best to get a scale that has options to change the weighing platform.

- Capability to connect to a postage meter - To further enhance the usefulness of the postal scale, digital types have the ability to link to directly link to postage meters. Some require special connectors and this should also be considered in terms of cost and availability.

- Accounting features - This feature is very useful when charges will be made to clients or departments. This allows automatic credit to an account as each envelope or package is weighed.

User preference should always be taken into account when buying a postal scale. The features presented will be able to help in making the right choice.

Weenie Rifareal is a home-based online worker specializing in SEO.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Weenie_Rifareal

3 Big Small Business Challenges

2009-08-18T23:07:00.001-07:00

Business owners are looking for solutions to rising costs of employing and managing their staff. Throughout the country many businesses have experienced increases in workers' compensation, health care, and employee administration. Those rising costs have, unfortunately, put them at a disadvantage in the marketplace. In addition to the time spent on payroll, the cost of taxes, human resource compliance, safety programs, offering employee benefits, managing employee issues, and fighting unemployment claims is increasing every year. Business owners need solutions to many of these challenges.

Challenge #1: Workers' Compensation

The workers' compensation system for small business owners is broken in many ways. Small employers may receive discounts on workers' compensation insurance, but one bad claims year and their company is dramatically penalized. Those discounts go away quickly and now they see large percentage increases. For example I ran into a small transportation company with 15 employees who was paying $25,000 to $30,000 a year for workers' compensation insurance, but with one bad claims year they were non-renewed and now are paying $75,000 to $80,000 in premium a year. How can small businesses withstand that kind of increase? This is one example of how the system is not set up to help small businesses succeed. Small businesses need large group purchasing power not only for the up-front discounts but for long term rate stabilization. Those same claims in a larger company will not drive the rates up as dramatically because the claims are spread out over more premium dollars.

Challenge #2: Health care and Employee Benefits

Throughout the country, cost for providing health insurance is rising so drastically that many small businesses have started to drop coverage for their employees. Double-digit increases are common. If the employers keep coverage then many times these increases are passed on to the employees through higher contributions from their paychecks, higher deductibles, and increased out-of-pocket expenses. Again, small businesses have a distinct disadvantage over large organizations because of a lack of purchasing power and expertise in finding solutions. There is a better way for small business owners to solve this huge business challenge.

Challenge #3: Employee Administration

The ever-increasing burden of employee administration has put an unfair and undo burden on small businesses. Payroll, payroll taxes, human resources, employee benefits, risk of employment law suits, unemployment claims, fraudulent workers' compensation claims, and adherence to OSHA regulations can be overwhelming for a business owner. One wrong move could cost him his business. Small business owners are at a disadvantage because many times they lack the time or ability to manage all of these areas proactively resulting in fines, laws suit settlements, and increased costs.

Many Small Business Owners Have Found Their Solution in a Professional Employer Organization (PEO)

A PEO joins many small and medium-sized business owners and their employees together to gain economies of scale and expertise. Utilizing outsourcing strategies to solve these three main business challenges, a PEO creates win-win solutions that can lead to lower costs, reduced liability, increased productivity and more time to focus on growing your business.

To learn more about how a PEO can improve your current business challenges, please contact Mark Lichty at mark@EmployerBusinessSolutions.com or http://www.EmployerBusinessSolutions.com. Mark is a small business owner and has 12 years experience in helping other small business owners meet the challenges of having and managing employees.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_S_Lichty

How to Find a Job Fast!

2009-08-12T00:36:00.000-07:00

There are times when it's not a matter of finding the best job, but finding a job period, and finding it fast. Those types of times are upon us, and using the usual means of sending your cover letter and resume out don't work if you need something quickly. So here are some tips on what you can do when you need to land a job like yesterday.

The first secret to finding a job quickly is to understand that starting at the beginning doesn't work, we need to tap into already existing circumstances in order to do it quickly.

One way that works is to look at the networks you already have; whether professional or personal. Many times these networks aren't really tapped that often or even thought of as networks because they may be people you just hang out with in general, or professional ties you connect with to let of some steam, etc.

But when it comes to finding a job quickly, forget about anything but letting people know you're looking for a job and that you're willing to work at just about anything to get it.

Remember, you're trying to get a job in a very difficult market. That requires lowering expectations in order to survive until things turn around.

The key point it to identify networks you already have and don't assume they don't have any value in job hunting. Anyone has the potential to know about a job available somewhere. Just start asking and you'll be surprised at how many opportunities start to turn up.

If you're too fussy at a time like this, then in reality, you're really not trying to get hired quickly, you're acting like we're in a normal hiring environment, which we're not. So you must be flexible in this type of economic situation, and if you're not, you're going to end up having to be one way or the other. Better to do it right away than be brought to the place of having absolutely no option but to take the first thing that comes your way.

How about your neighbors

If you have had some contact with neighbors, they can make an excellent source of information for possible job openings. They also talk to one another a lot, so if you ask one about it, they can spread the word around the neighborhood and you're sure to get a hit quickly.

Local pals

We tend to put our net way too far at times we're looking for jobs, and if we have the time to do that, it works great, but when we need a job quick, local is probably the best place to spread the word.

So any of your friends can be sources for job opportunities, and don't fail to let them know you're looking. Almost all of this is about communication, and the more you communicate locally, the better chances at getting a job quick.

Organizational Ties

Most of us belong to some type of organization or another; whether church or what have you, and there are a lot of people you can let know that you are job hunting, and that can very quickly generate legitimate job possibilities in a hurry.

Just get the word of mouth going and get out of the way.

Former managers or supervisors

Assuming you're on good terms with former bosses, they are a great source for job openings; not only for where they work, but they are always in contact with other businesses and managers that are looking for people. You never know, if you left on good terms with them, they offer you a job then and there.

Let your fingers do the walking

Yes, the yellow pages are still around, and they offer up plenty ideas of jobs you can look for. Remember, local will provide you a job much quicker than national searches, so look through the businesses to find places you can contact immediately.

This one almost always works

I've had to apply this strategy to my job searches in the past when I was getting desperate, and that's to go to a local mall and start applying.

Many times you don't have to go store to store, but can find an answer desk where any store in the mall that is looking for workers has that information available.

While that's what I would try first, I would still try individual stores if there's not much there, as many stores don't immediately post job opportunities, and so you could walk into one without any competition to battle for the job.

This can be one of the fastest ways to get a job if you are getting right down to it.

Online job searches

You would have thought I would have listed this first, but with needing a job quickly, the Internet, in many cases, is much slower to respond, and you may have to go through many hoops to get something.

So because the parameters we're talking about is securing a job quickly, we can't rely on the Internet for that.

Now having said that, I would still put out my application, but I would it in conjunction with my local networks and searches. If you don't you'll find yourself getting deeper in financial trouble waiting for an online opening or response, which probably is the most competitive and time consuming out there.

Follow these numerous strategies and you should be able to get a job quickly and start bringing in some much needed income.

Find a Job Fast

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ellen_Stevens

Business Writing, Presentation Skills Training Brings Out the Effective Communication Thinker in Us

2009-07-27T22:27:00.000-07:00

Writing: An Opportunity, Not A Chore

"I write entirely to find out what I'm thinking, what I'm looking at, what I see and what it means." Joan Didion, author

The lady's right on the money. I drive the point home in all my business communication (writing skills and presentation skills) training: Writing is thinking. Don't view it as a frustrating technical exercise in grammar, a series of hurdles to trip over as you dump your jumbled thoughts on a blank legal pad or screen, hoping that they'll eventually come together in some loose confederation.

Writing allows you to think -- really think over time -- about what you know and what you might need to find out before you put your thoughts in some logical order. Please indulge me as I offer an example close to home:

I have a 19-year-old son named Will. He's a promising sophomore baseball pitcher at a fine public liberal arts college in Maine. (Fortunately, he's adopted. Had be been our biological child, he'd probably be third-string Chess Club.) Will is a decent student -- nothing exceptional, but shrewd enough to use the English language in ways that satisfy his professors.

When he was in high school, we used to talk back and forth about his pitching tactics, which I found riveting because baseball is far and away my favorite sport. But talk is usually spontaneous and anecdotal, and doesn't always frame itself into a context that takes in precedents and projects future behavior.

Now our contact is mostly by email, which turns Will into a practical (non-academic) writer who knows that the usual abbreviated electronic lingo young people pass back and forth won't work for someone of my generation. So now when I ask him how baseball practice is going, he has to think, which led last spring to the best "conversation" we've ever had about pitching. Here's what he wrote after I inquired about a practice session:

"I was receiving a lot of advice and help from older guys, so I needed to filter the stuff that was going to help me and the stuff I could fix another time...I just kept the fastball knee-high, outside corner, which has got me here. I have also gained enough confidence to throw inside...I messed around with some grips, so now I have a tailing fastball and a running fastball, sort of like a cutter/forkball...My changeup sucked yesterday...I need to work on the grip and [get] more practice spotting it.

"So to answer your question, the last guys I started with curves or outside or inside fastballs. Then worked a harder fastball up in the zone or maybe another curve outside. Then I would just blow one by or maybe throw a deuce [curve] that would fall in for a strike. They were all strike three-looking, so they watched the fastball or then watched the curve."

Never before in the six or seven years he's been pitching competitively has Will put so much thought into any discussion we've had on mound tactics -- itself a form of on-the-spot analysis matched in sports only by golf when it comes to creative judgments. (Again, the crucial element is having the time.) The writing challenge allowed him to put it all together and think about where he is and where he wants to be.

Email does the same for all of us. It turns us into writers, an unmatched opportunity to show just how smart we really are.

Stop Yelling At Me

That's right. I'm not looking to buy a used car at unbelievable rock-bottom prices or send in $19.95 for an amazing gadget that'll suck food residue out of the bottom of the dishwasher and double as a self-administered dental hygiene device. Shouting may work (it must work; else why would they keep doing it?) for car pitch men or guys with British accents hawking the latest techno-mop on cable TV, but that doesn't mean you have to yell.

No, when it comes to presentation or public speaking skills, what I teach in seminars is straightforward: Be yourself.

I recently sat through a breakfast meeting presentation by a renowned local motivational speaker who irritated the stuffing out of me. So excited was he about his secrets of small business success that his voice quickly turned into a hoarse rant well beyond the acoustical limits of a medium-size church hall.

It didn't stop there. As he turned to and from a flip chart in a frenzied rush, he couldn't keep his hands from jerking up in tandem with every point he made. Inside 10 minutes, he was reaching for a handkerchief to wipe perspiration from his face on what was a cool late-summer morning.

As you may have guessed, I was distracted and lost track of his message. The gestures, the pace, the visible results of exertion, they all kept me from listening closely to what were probably valuable lessons about management.

(By the way, I do give him credit for using the flip chart. Had he throttled back on his tone and gestures and kept eye contact around the room, we would have followed him with eyes and ears as he turned to the flip chart to make key points. That's a far cry from PowerPoint, where the lights go down, eye contact fades into the gloom and the speaker stands there, transfixed by the need to keep turning away from us and reading from the huge, domineering screen.)

The key, again, is to be yourself. Not too long ago, I guided a VA hospital CEO in the Midwest through a videotaped "60 Minutes"-type interview, with a few "gotcha" questions thrown in for good measure. Being a quiet, almost bashful professional, she found that she could relax and speak in a normal tone of voice that projected self-assurance and competence. The result pleased her and she came to accept and control her natural nervousness.

Please visit my website at http://www.davegriffithscommunications.com, where you'll find that I've worked with a variety of government, nonprofit and private-sector clients on business communication skills -- from effective writing to presentation skills to media relations.
I travel widely to do writing and media and presentation skills training for clients ranging from the U.S. Coast Guard to the Red Cross to the Department of Homeland Security to the Veterans Administration to the National Nuclear Security Administration to Navy SEALs to senior executives at a variety of federal agencies to businesses that need help with technical writing and written sales proposals.
My professional background is journalism, having reported for the Kansas City Star and covered national security for several publications, including Business Week magazine. After leaving Washington, I was a member of the Penn State journalism faculty for six years. I have a degree in English from the University of Virginia and a masters in journalism from the University of Missouri, and served as a U.S. Army field artillery officer in Germany and Vietnam.
I live with my wife and two sons in a small town in Maine, where I publish a municipal newsletter and chair a school board.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Griffiths

Seven Reasons Why Many Small Businesses Fail

2009-07-24T22:26:00.000-07:00

Starting your own business can be an amazing adventure. But today more than ever you need to be aware of why so many small business start ups fail to prevent you from making the same mistakes.

It is an uncomfortable fact of business life that four out of five start-ups end in failure, this can be for a multitude of reasons; however, the underlying issues are surprisingly common.

Give your new business venture a fighting chance by taking care to avoid these fatal errors:

Reason 1 - Cash Will Always Be King:

When money is tight and business may not be as abundant as it once was, conserving your cash resources is critical. Keep an eye on expenditure and watch credit control carefully. Make sure money owing to you is paid promptly.

When I send out an estimate, I always have our terms stating 'All work MUST be paid on day of completion'. When we know we are about to finish a job, I give our invoice to the customer on that day. We don't allow 30 days credit. Thankfully, up to now, it has worked.

Reason 2- Location, Location, Location:

Location is critical to the success of your businesses survival. A decent location can cost more but it can make the difference between just getting by and turning a decent profit. Don't let a cheap lease tempt you into opening your doors in the wrong neighbourhood if your gut is telling you it's not right.

Things to consider when choosing a location:

• Where are your customers based?

• Traffic, accessibility, parking and lighting

• Location of competitors

• Condition and safety of building

Reason 3- Keep Purchase Prices Low:

You need to know how to get the least expensive price on everything you purchase. This can make a huge difference. Use the internet to check prices, and then negotiate prices down with suppliers. Do not just accept the first price they give you.

Reason 4 - Never Stand Still:

An old mentor of mine once told me - if you never change anything, everything will remain the same. It is business insanity to do the same thing this year as you did last year and expect a different result.

Successful businesses innovate and change all the time - those that don't are simply left behind.

Reason 5 - Don't Give Up Too Quickly:

Any new business will be lucky to break even in their first year. Many people new to business often assume that they are going to make a fortune within 12 months. In reality less than 80% of new start-ups make a profit in their first year. Do NOT give up too easily.

Reason 6 - You Need A Website:

Simply put, if you have a business today, you need a website. Period.

At the very least, every business should have a professional looking and well-designed website that enables users to easily find out about their business, their products and services? Later, additional ways to generate revenue on the website can be added; for example selling ad space on your website.

Remember, if you don't have a website, you' will probably be losing business to your competitors that do. Make sure that your website makes your business look good; -- you want to increase revenues, not decrease them.

Reason 7- You Need To Get Your Name Out There:

You need to advertise, customers can not walk through your front door if they don't know you're there. Learn how to cost-effectively advertise and promote your business through such tried-and-true methods as ads in local newspapers, Web sites, blogs, even by sponsoring a local little league team. The number of advertising and promotional ideas that exist is only limited by your own creativity.

Mike Zane has put together a complimentary report on offline advertising that holds some amazing tips, it could save you thousands. To download instantly please visit http://www.fastadboost.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Zane

Top 10 Tips For Startup Businesses

2009-07-24T22:25:00.000-07:00

1. Affordable office space

There are many affordable places to start a business. If you chose an up and coming place to base your business at then your overheads will be less. Many technology business for instance can work from anywhere because the majority of their services can be provided over the internet.

2. Gain expertise from experts

Business mentoring is absolutely key to the success of the entrepreneur. You don't know everything and so need experts around you to aid you. A common mistake that young businesses make is trying to do everything. They secret is to kind other people to compliment your own weaknesses.

3. Networking events

Network events allow you to find work and other businesses to compliment your work. Valuable leads can be found at both the free business networking events and the more specialized fee based business events.

4. Cashflow is key

You've heard about profitable businesses going under right. This is because they ran out of cash. They had got enough leads and business but could do the job because their cashflow can dry. This is because they didn't plan properly.

5. Planning

You've heard of a business plan. Well, you need one. The business plan isn't a static document either. It changes throughout a businesses life cycle. If you fail to plan you plan to fail.

6. Pricing

Your price must reflect your experience. As your experience grows so will your earnings. At first work may be scarce but try not to deviate from the specialization. It is ok to do the odd job which is not par of your specialization but stay focused on your business plan.

7. Marketing

You must get word out that your product or service exists. But more importantly you must use your available resources informing the right people that your product or service exists. This is where market research comes into it.

8. Sales

So you've started to get interest in your services but you're having difficulty closing that sale. Are you asking the right questions? Don't push too hard. Make friends with them. Ask them about there business. Find out what they want.

9. Quality

Do a good job and deliver your product to a high standard and your customers will refer their associates to you. Do a bad job of inferior quality and your ex-customers will tell their associates not to use you.

10. Get paid

If you don't get paid then your Cashflow will suffer (see 4), if should be part of your business plan (see 5) to maintain your cashflow. If you don't get paid then you will fail.

For more information visit http://www.enterprisingbarnsley.co.uk.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_J_Greenwood

International Relocation - Overcoming the Barriers

2009-07-22T20:01:00.000-07:00

Although the expatriate assignment package has been trimmed back in recent years as organisations strive to become more competitive, the contents still provide a number of benefits that aim to encourage employees and their families to relocate abroad.

When employees and their families are asked to relocate abroad, the prospect of living in a foreign country may seem daunting, even overwhelming. The reality of an expatriate lifestyle is far removed from dreams of tax-free income and life by the pool. Setting up one's home and functioning effectively as a family during times of upheaval requires considerable employer support. As we'll see, expatriate policies do typically provide a wide range of benefits to help families settle down, and for employees to become as productive as possible quickly.

In addition to the financial elements that comprise an international relocation package - salary, premiums, incentives (such as mobility premiums, compensation for living in remote locations or other regions deemed 'hardship'), and provision to deal with tax, pensions and social security - there are a host of other elements of support typically made available to the relocating employee and family. These are considered here.

Preparation

Prior to relocating, employees and their partners (and sometimes the children, too) are typically offered a pre-assignment trip to enable them to see first-hand the new location and to decide whether to accept the assignment. The trip may also (or alternatively) be used to look for housing and schooling in the new location. In addition, before the move takes place, employees and their partners are typically offered briefing on their new destination country, cross-cultural training and language training. The aim here is to reduce culture shock and aid the settling-in process. Being able to speak the local language helps employees and family members to reduce barriers in their everyday living and working environments.

Assistance is also generally provided with immigration, in terms of obtaining visas and work permits. Although clearly required as part of the employment process for the employee, this is often extended to help support the spouse, partner and perhaps even older children in their search for work, or to enable them to pursue further education opportunities as appropriate in their new country.

Housing

Living abroad clearly necessitates the provision of suitable accommodation. Housing assistance in the form of home search, assistance with renting (both in terms of costs and in dealing with the formalities and legalities) is therefore also included in the package.

Help with managing the home-country property may also be included in the relocation policy by some employers. This may include assistance with finding and meeting the costs of rental agencies or home management/maintenance services.

Health and stress issues

Health is a major factor when living and working abroad. As a result, employers typically ensure that employees and their family members undergo thorough medicals before the assignment, and also provide health insurance cover while away. Life assurance and other risk benefits are also included, together with emergency evacuation cover.

In dangerous areas, secure housing (usually in a compound) and drivers are provided. In such situations, it may be advisable for the assignment to be undertaken on an unaccompanied basis.

It is important to establish social ties and to network in the new location, and so contributions may be made by employers to the cost of joining social or sports clubs. Building a sense of community is important for expatriates and their families, in terms of reducing stress and fostering a sense of belonging. Building stronger links with locals also helps to reduce culture shock for employees.

Shipping, travel and leave

Shipping of personal and household goods is usually included, with a mix of sea and air freight as appropriate. Storage at home may also be required, particularly if the alternative of furnished accommodation overseas is offered instead. The cost of transporting pets abroad may also be met, although this is less common nowadays, as organisations trim back relocation packages. However, there is usually scope within the disturbance allowance given to employees for them to meet the costs of the odds and ends involved in moving home, and this could cover pet removal (assuming a normal domestic pet of course!).

Although it is not normal practice for employees to ship their cars with them to the overseas location (unless in Europe, where they might choose to drive to their new location from the UK), a car or a car allowance is normally part of the package. Cost of travel to and from the destination location (air fares) are the norm, with payment for home leave typically offered once a year. In remote or more insecure regions, rest and relaxation trips are usually provided, with air fares and hotel costs met.

Education and careers

One of the key barriers to relocation is children's education, and as a result there is usually significant emphasis on the provision of assistance in this regard. School fees may be met in full or in part (depending on cost), and the services of a specialist education consellor used to assist in locating suitable schools. This may be combined with home search during the pre-assignment trip - or carried out within the first few weeks after arrival in the new location. Alternatively, children may remain in the home location and the costs of boarding schools and trips to and from the destination location in the school holidays may be met, in full or in part.

Another critical potential barrier to moving rests with second careers. Increasingly, employers have policies to assist the relocating spouse, including help with job search for him or her, visa applications, interview training, CV preparation, education and retraining assistance via the payment of course fees, and so on.

The international move is usually seen as being career enhancing for the employee - but this should not be taken as a given. As organisations face rapid organisational change, so the expatriate assignment may change from being a preparatory step along a career ladder into a potential career gamble. To combat this problem, and to encourage employees to relocate internationally, career development planning is an essential part of the relocation package - typically including mentoring and sponsorship arrangements. The aim of these initiatives is to keep employees in touch with developments at home, and to ensure that their careers are managed purposefully. Career management arrangements may also potentially be extended to cover spouses, partners and even older children accompanying the employee on the assignment.

Repatriation or localisation

The return home also needs to be managed, and repatriation assistance (including briefing, cultural preparation and job review) should be provided for both the employee and accompanying family members as appropriate. Clearly the costs of returning are met as part of the expatriate allowances and benefits package - air fares, shipping, and so on.

If the assignment is extended and the employee and family remain in the destination location, localisation may be required. Employers do not typically shut off all expatriate benefits - though it is certainly more usual for continuing issues such as housing and schooling to be subject to a phased reduction - although expatriates cannot expect all the elements of their package to remain intact indefinitely. The key rests in clear communication of the outcome of localisation prior to the family going on the assignment.

For more information on relocation issues such as health, travel, housing and education, please visit Re:locate Magazine at http://www.relocatemagazine.com/index.php/international-assignments/370-overcoming-barriers-to-international-relocation

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sue_Shortland

How International Shipping Rates Are Calculated

2009-07-22T19:59:00.001-07:00

People who have shipped an item anywhere in the world know that costs often vary per shipment, but just how are these costs applied?

Well, international shipping rates have many determining factors and rates of calculation. Below are a few of the ways in which a parcel or freight handling service will calculate these international mailing rates.

1. Weight of shipment - An item's weight will greatly determine the cost of sending it to it's target destination. Defining this shipping weight is a rather simple process that combines mass properties with the height of the item. Most shipping services use a scale that automatically determines these factors. Crated items are of course, assessed a bit differently. These items are priced by determining the length, weight and height of the property (L x W x H). On other words, it is appraised by total cubic meters as well as the weight. An individual can also choose to have their shipment placed on a pallet instead of a crate. Pallets are generally calculated based on "load". For example-is it less than a truck load (LTL) or less than a (plastic) container load (LCL). In the end, the manner and method in which you choose to ship an item will depend on what it is and how much you can reasonably spend to ship it.

2. Target location and shipping address - international shipping rates are also classified by the destination of the parcel. It may cost far more to ship to Singapore than it would to ship an item to Quebec. Again, dimensional weight and height are factored into the overall costs when considering location; however travel difficulty and distance can factor into pricing as well. When considering shipping your item, try to research the location that you intend to ship to so you can understand a bit more about how the international mailing rates are applied.

3. Type of item being shipped - cars, furniture, and other fundamentally large structures will cost a bit more to ship internationally than baggage or clothing. A large portion of this cost will be due to having to crate the items. The cost of crating itself can be a bit expensive, with a shipment as large as a car pricing at $5,000 or more. You could of course, shop around a bit to locate the best deals in regards to international shipping rates, however, when it comes to important properties, like your automobile, it would pay to ship with the best of the best.

Additional Pricing

Additional costs can be added to international shipping rates depending on if you need certain supplies to help send your package. For instance, if you need a box or envelope, the price is added to the overall costs. It pays to be prepared and acquire these things prior to your visit to the Post Office, Parcel or Freight Shipping Company.

Know Before You Go

The Internet is an invaluable resource when it comes to investigating your options in regards to freight shipping and international mailing rates. The savvy shipper will utilize the web to find out about his options, carefully planning his budget so he can get his parcels to the appropriate destinations on time, every time.

Courier delivery service company offering overnight shipping and air freight delivery. Visit our website to find out more about our services and cross border shipping rates.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amy_Nutt

The Amazing Benefits of Industrial Hemp

2009-07-21T22:17:00.000-07:00

There are many benefits to pursuing hemp as an industrial crop. For far too long, hemp has been suppressed, and while it flourishes in many other countries, the United States refuses to embrace this amazing plant. Because of the United States strong influence in the world, its policies affect many other countries, and unfortunately this is the situation with hemp. If the United States and the international community would fully embrace hemp, this world could change in revolutionary ways.

The first great thing about hemp is its abundance and renewability. You can grow upwards of ten tons of hemp on just one acre of land, and it only takes four months to yield this amount. No other crop comes close to these kinds of statistics. Also, hemp is actually good for the soil and does not drain it, making it a great soil builder for crop rotation. There is no shortage of hemp, just as there is no shortage of the uses for it.

A revitalized hemp industry would create millions of jobs and spark a struggling economy. The potential for hemp industry is endless. You can make hemp paint, hemp rope, hemp foods, hemp building materials, hemp fuel... the uses go on and on. With this new source of products, businesses would emerge that would find new and more efficient uses for hemp. Some industries would be hurt by hemp existing as a competitor, but that is simply because hemp is better than many other materials, and why should we hold back something great because it would eliminate something less great? Isn't utilizing hemp the very definition of free marketing competition? They never said hold back planes because they would put trains out of business; sometimes, something needs to die for something better to take its place.

Ultimately, the net gains from hemp would far outweigh the costs. Many more jobs would be created than lost, and as stated, those that are lost are because those industries are inferior. More importantly, totally embracing hemp will result in a cleaner, greener economy that could result in reversing the greenhouse effect and saving the planet (when hemp grows, it removes massive amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere). With all the incredible advantages that can be gained from growing hemp, it is horrifying to think that we deny ourselves such fortune because the THC-laden version of hemp happens to be an "intoxicant", and a miraculously medicinal one at that.

One day, the world will look back at the period of hemp Prohibition, and weep at what was lost and what could have been. This statement applies more to the medicinal aspect of cannabis, but everything that has been destroyed is truly terrible.

The author, Suzaku Kururugi, blogs about a lot of hemp information on his website hemp protein health.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Suzaku_Kururugi

The Many Uses For Calcium Chloride

2009-07-21T22:13:00.000-07:00

There are many uses for calcium chloride. It can be used in the industry, food, and can also be used in medicine. It is as basic salt. There are very common uses for CaCl2. It is used in the brine for refrigeration plants it is also used for ice and dust control for the roads and it is also in concrete.

Because it is able to absorb the water materials from its surroundings it has to be kept in a container with a lid. But because of its ability to absorb the water molecules it works great in the industry. The industry uses the CaCl2 to remove moisture. It is commonly used to pack drying tubes, because it excludes atmospheric moisture from a reaction set-up while still allowing gases to escape. The CaCl2 cannot be used to dry alkaline gases like ammonia because it forms addition things. It also added to liquids to remove delayed or dissolved water. This is just some of the uses that the industry uses it for.

The CaCl2 is also helpful in the food industry. The food industry uses it for many things but we going to go over a few. It is allowed by the European Union for additives to food. The US Food and Drug Administration also generally recognize the CaCl2 as safe.

It is used as an electrolyte in sports drinks. It also helps to keep canned vegetables firm. With the CaCl2 in the canned veggies it helps keep it firm without raising the sodium level. When it is used for brewing beer the calcium chloride is sometimes used to fix the mineral deficiencies in the brewing water. It also affects the flavor and the chemical reactions during the brewing process and it also affects the yeast function during the fermentation.

Now for the pharmaceutical industry it does help with many things. The calcium chloride can help with insect bites for example it can help with the bite from a Black Widow Spider. It also helps hypocalcaemia, which is a low serum calcium level in the blood. They can inject the calcium chloride intravenous therapy.

It can be used to quickly treat Calcium Channel Blocker toxicity, from the side effects of some drugs. The water form of calcium chloride is used in the genetic transformation of cells. It does this by increasing the membrane permeability; influence the competence for the DNA uptake. Allowing DNA fragments to enter the cell more readily.

There are so many uses for calcium chloride it is used in just about every field.

Calcium Chloride, corrosion inhibitor

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_McKernan

The 5 Big Mistakes New TEFL Teachers Make

2009-07-17T21:40:00.000-07:00

Seven years ago, I accepted a teaching job in Seoul, South. Korea. It was a big move for me as I was travelling alone and had never really been anywhere....other than Spain!

What was even more scary was that I didn't have any teaching experience or TEFL training under my belt. Not one bit!

The director of studies assured me that teaching was easy and they would give me full training. As it turned out, I got no training at all. When I arrived the DOS gave me a pile of books and told me to prepare a lesson plan for the next day. I didn't even know what a lesson plan was!

Before I knew it, I was standing in front of a class of 25 bright faced students trying to teach them grammar. I soon realised that my lesson plan was a bit short on material ( around 1 hour short) and I had to think on my feet.

My accommodation was another story. The job ad promised me free private housing as part of my package. My apartment was a small, rustic room with a mattress on the floor and the smallest toilet/washroon I had ever seen.

I somehow managed to stick the job and I got better at planning lessons. The truth is, I included as many games as i could think of. I think I spent more time in the internet cafe looking for lesson material than I did teaching. I just had to get through each day which was extremely difficult.

When I got my first pay check I moved into my own apartment even though it was relatively expensive. The apartment block had around 7 other western teachers living there and I soon hooked up with the group and made some good friends.

I can't tell you how much of a difference it made having my own space and a group of friends to hang out with. My experience went from being a complete nightmare to being amazing.

I loved my students and the I eventually started to enjoy going to work. My first month however, was brutal.

Like most teachers, I soon got tired of Korea and headed off to Thailand. I had some savings so I decided to invest in a 4 week TEFL course in Phuket. This was an eye opener. I was completely blown away with what I leant. If only I had known half of this stuff when I started teaching in Korea, it would have been a breeze. Instead it was the most stressful period in my life.

I simply cannot imagine how anyone can go overseas to teach without first taking a TFEL course. The DOS in Korea couldn't care less. All he wanted was a western face in front of his students, so his school would get paid by the parents. As for the kids learning English? So what.... as far as they were concerned.

The TEFL industry can be a minefield. Follow my advice and you will avoid the 5 big mistakes most new TEFL teachers make.

1/ Enrol on a recognised, 4 week TEFL course and learn how to teach, manage a classroom, plan lessons, and gain the confidence to walk into a classroom and face 20-50 students. Make sure you get teaching practice with local students. It's much better (and cheaper) to take a course overseas than at home.

2/ Don't accept a teaching job before travelling to a country and checking out the school, staff and local area. Take a TEFL course in or near the country of your choice and look for work while on the course. You're virtually guaranteed a job on completion on a decent TEFL course.

3/ Don't accept free accommodation (or flights included) deals. I have seen dozens of examples where teachers are placed in some crap hole. Most staff in Asian schools have no idea of what westerners expect for housing. Ask for an allowance instead and assistance in finding your own accommodation.

There's a good reason why these schools are offering flights and accommodation. They're desperate to get teachers and the teachers they do get, don't stay too long.

4/ Make sure you have some other western teachers to talk to. Otherwise you will feel like the loneliest person on the planet.

5/ Think carefully about WHY you want to teach abroad. The money in Korea and Japan is great but the lifestyle is expensive and you therefore spend most weekends at home. Also the people in Korea are not the friendliest. Thailand offers the most amazing lifestyle and it's cheap, safe & friendly. You'll earn enough to live on but you wont get rich. You can spend your weekends in a beach hut for next to nothing.

Teaching English abroad can be a life changing experience for the right and wrong reasons.

Follow these 5 tips and you'll probably have the time of your life.

Lisa Walker is the program director of the UK based group, Teach Abroad Thailand. You can contact Lisa via the website at http://www.TeachAbroadThailand.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_A_Walker

Preparing to Accept Credit Cards in Your Shop

2009-07-14T20:30:00.001-07:00

Most store owners know that taking cash or checks from their customers is the most profitable since you don't have to pay anyone else for the privilege of getting that money. Credit cards are a different story: your customers will certainly ask for them and you should know that your business will certainly pay dearly for the privilege of accepting these cards. The credit card companies will make accepting credit cards as easily as possible. In no time at all, they can set you up with a credit card machine and a merchant account: they are excited to do it because they know that you will be a huge source of easy revenue for them for as long as you are their customer. Each day, you will slave away to make sales with your customers, and then they will take their 3% to 5% without doing barely any work at all!

It really does not feel good to store owners but it's generally considered a necessary evil in this new world. It's worth shopping around and not taking the first credit card company you find since the fees can very widely and it can save you a lot of money over time to 1% less in fees by doing a bit search work. Another idea is to accept only debit cards since these will cost you less in processing and most people are carrying a debit card. It does require your customers to enter their secret codes, but then they don't need to sign anything after in the great majority of cases.

Jason Stevens recommends a credit card processing terminal and a cheap merchant account.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_H_Stevens

Job Satisfaction - 10 Tips To Boost It

2009-07-12T22:43:00.000-07:00

Frenetically busy, many executives find themselves feeling empty, depleted, and totally unfulfilled. Despite big salaries and prestigious titles, they wonder how they can enrich their daily experience of managing from the top. Are YOU one of these who are disillusioned by the rat race, heavy burdens, and other people's off the charts expectations? If so, take a look at the following ten tips for increasing your job satisfaction:

1. Identify your personal values and those of your organization. Discover how well or how poorly they actually align.

Amazingly, some executives are unclear about what they truly value in life. Until you get clear about this, you can count on wading through meaningless days. If you are already in touch with your values, congratulations. Now you are in a place where you can live them. However, you may not be working for a company that honors your personal values. Do you know what your organization values? How do those values mesh with your own? If there is a significant gap between your values and those of your workplace, watch out. You are on a slippery slope. Either you are compromising your personal values for the sake of the company, or you're trying to live your values in an environment that rejects them. Whichever is the case, you probably feel unhappy. When a notable dichotomy exists between the two sets of values, it's best that you leave and find employment with an organization that mirrors what you hold most important. Ignoring this reality has both short term and long term consequences.

2. Clarify your personal and professional priorities.

You have to know what you value before you can establish priorities. Values drive priorities. For example, if developing people in the workplace is one of your professional values, you are going to make employee growth opportunities a priority on the job. The two go hand in hand. If you value managing with integrity, then you communicate with others in a way that shows them you say what you mean and mean what you say. If parenting is a priority for you, then you most likely choose attending your son's baseball game on Tuesday over staying late at the office that day. Valuing your marriage may manifest by honoring your wedding anniversary in a way that pleases your spouse. You cannot say you value your marriage but then ignore your anniversary. To do so would be a huge disconnect between what you SAY you value and how you decide to behave. When your priorities mesh with your values, you automatically increase your level of happiness.

3. Examine your use of time and make necessary changes.

Your values and priorities shape your calendar. Think about it. There is really no mystery about why your schedule looks like it does. Your schedule reflects what you are choosing to value most and what you have concluded are your priorities. If you don't like how your calendar looks, then you are allowing other things to usurp the places of what you honestly believe is most important. Here's what usually happens: people say that x,y, and z are the most important things to them, but their schedules fail to indicate that. Most of us are running around from meeting to meeting, task to task, without giving a thought to how those items actually fit into our value system and stated priorities. That is why so many folks are miserable too much of the time. Is this why YOU are miserable? Are you filling your days with a hundred obligations, few of which align with your values and priorities?

4. Focus on energy enhancing projects and tasks.

As you assess how you spend your days, can you say that most of what you do actually energizes you? Or is it true that most of what you do drains you? To stop playing the drain game, you have to know what does energize you. What gets you excited? Motivated? Inspired? Juiced up? What would get you to jump out of bed when the alarm clock rings each morning? It may not be what you're doing now. It may very well be something else. The point of this paragraph is not necessarily to nudge you toward quitting your current job. It could be, but more likely it's to push you toward gaining clarity of focus within the work you are doing now. Get focused, and then arrange your days doing things that support that focus. Eliminate dull tasks and meetings that really serve no purpose for you or the organization. Try fresh approaches. Employ different strategies. Energy flows from engaging in things and methods that result in something worthwhile.

5. Know your strengths and then use them.

Too often people get hung up on what they don't do well. They spend enormous amounts of time agonizing over the skills they lack or have not mastered. Instead, zero in on all of your strengths, and you will feel great. Everybody has multiple skills that can truly make a difference in the lives of individuals and the lives of companies at large. If you are an excellent listener, employees may forgive the fact that you can't design a computer program. If you successfully inspire others with whom you interact, people are likely to overlook the fact that you forget little details occasionally. These few examples make the point. This does not mean that you shouldn't develop and expand your skill set. But minimizing or under using the skills you do have hardly serves others. Use them everywhere you can-all day-with folks who can benefit.

6. Deal with conflict as it unfolds.

Ignoring conflict-both real and perceived-guarantees trouble for both you and the company. Most people don't like dealing with conflict, but as an executive you absolutely have to do it. Conflict is like cancer: it only grows bigger and uglier if intervention doesn't take place. If you lack the ability to handle conflict directly and swiftly, tap into resources that can enhance your skills in this area. Do not delay. Conflict brews every day with somebody somewhere. Convincing yourself that you can wait until you feel more ready is an illusion. The truth is that you will never be ready. You cannot wait another day to alter your situation. Executives owe it to their employees, Boards, and stakeholders to develop strategies for facing conflict and then coping with it effectively. If you shy away from all or most conflict, perhaps you are not executive material. When you deal with conflicts as they arise, life seems cleaner.

7. Learn a new skill or acquire new knowledge.

One of the most rewarding ways to boost job satisfaction is to proactively seek ways to "grow" yourself. What skill or knowledge would make your job easier? Serve people better? What have you been putting off for a long time? What addition could hasten that promotion you've wanted? What skill may catch somebody's attention and make you stand out? What could help you feel better about YOU? Growing yourself has the same effect upon your life as spices and herbs have upon food. Taking conscious steps to increase your professional attractiveness enhances your stature in your own eyes too. That is no small thing. When you feel good about YOU, you tend to exude greater confidence. As a result, others have more confidence in you. It's a big, beautiful snowball rolling downhill scenario.

8. Treat others as they want to be treated.

This is known as the platinum rule. Have you ever heard of it? It actually goes beyond the Golden Rule because it focuses more on the other person. Keep in mind that the way YOU want to be treated may not necessarily be how your employees or CEO want to be treated. Take time to find out how they want you to treat them. Get to know them. Show that you care about them as human beings, not just as production agents. Never delude yourself by thinking that people don't notice how you interact with them. They do in fact notice, and often in detail. They tend to have elephant memories too. You cannot mistreat someone even once and get away with it. You may believe you got away with it, but that is only a fantasy in your mind. How you treat others in the workplace carries more weight than a paycheck. Once last note: how you treat others is a direct reflection on YOU-even if you think they deserve your cold shoulder, your wrath, or your inappropriate words.

9. Add value to individuals' lives and the organization at large every single day.

As an executive and as a leader, your main job is to build people. When you invest in your people, they and you accomplish great things for the company. The organization cannot reach or exceed its potential if your people are stagnant, uninspired, and bored. Give your employees the opportunity to grow. Nurture them. Talk with them. Ask them for their ideas. Use their ideas when you can and let everybody know about it. When you are building people, those folks feel it. And they respond to it. They get excited. They start believing they can do fantastic things. When that happens, they allow themselves to stretch. When that happens, YOU succeed along with them. Your best asset in the workplace is your people. Never forget that. Pumping more and more value into them is ultimately what makes an organization shine. Along the way you get to smile.

10. Visualize your future both within the company and outside of it.

Most executives are so busy running from meeting to meeting, obligation to obligation, that they rarely if ever sit down in a quiet place to assess where they are and where they are going. They're just grateful to survive another day. Unfortunately, the days lack purpose and direction when you don't consider where you want to end up. Do you want to stay with this particular company? If so, how long and for what reason? If not, why not? If not, where might you seek employment? Or maybe you're ready to retire. What can retirement be for you? An opportunity to do things you always dreamed of doing? A chance to relax for the first time in thirty-five years? A time when you can rediscover your relationship with your spouse? Schedule some dreaming time each week to clarify what you truly want out of your work experience as well as your personal life. Set aside fifteen minutes and let your mind wander. You have to give yourself permission to do this. This may challenge you in the beginning simply because you are not used to it. Keep doing it, and you'll find that you actually look forward to those brief "do nothing" periods that invite you to connect with the real you.

Sylvia Hepler, Owner and President of Launching Lives, is an executive and career coach/advisor based in South Central Pennsylvania. She connects with clients primarily by phone with in-between emails if desired. Her ideal clients are senior level corporate executives and nonprofit executive directors who are willing to commit to working steadily and diligently to move from their current status of stuckness to greater clarity, improved self-confidence, increased skill, and deeper sense of purpose. Her mission is to support executives as they get unstuck, reduce unnecessary suffering, and increase balance in their lives.

Ms. Hepler's background includes: teaching, public speaking, retail sales, freelance writing, and executive leadership of a 14 county nonprofit organization. She has a working knowledge of staff supervision, Board development, Quality Management, SWOTT Analysis, the hiring and firing of employees, mission/vision development, networking, and organizational collaboration. Ms. Hepler demonstrates keen insights into human behaviors, exceptional ability to prioritize projects and tasks, and bulls eye skill around matching appropriate communication strategies with particular situations. Her deep empathy coupled with a no-nonsense approach yields swift, noteworthy results with most coaching clients.

PRODUCTS:
Ms. Hepler has written a "Special Report" entitled, "FIVE FATAL FLAWS in EXECUTIVE THINKING", produced an audio CD on "making change", and launched a monthly tele seminar series called "Solutions By Sylvia".
CONTACT: Sylvia@launchinglives.biz
717-761-5457

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sylvia_Hepler

The Importance of Strategic Planning During Difficult Times

2009-07-10T21:14:00.001-07:00

An increasing number of businesses expect sales, profits, employment and capital investment to weaken in the June 2009 quarter, according to the latest Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) Business Expectations Survey.

Findings show 53% of firms anticipate declining sales with 60% having similar profit expectations. The same downward trend is forecast for employment and capital investment, while 24% of businesses expect staff cut backs with 10% anticipating a need to decrease capital investment.

Despite these doom and gloom figures, fresh research reveals that relatively few directors and business managers truly understand or, more importantly, practice long-term strategic planning. Consequently, they also lack the tactical agility so often necessary for an organisation to flourish and survive in today's fickle markets.

What many business leaders think of as strategic planning is often little more than forecasting and budgeting. Alas, anyone can jot down figures which, all too often, have no bearing on a company's real problems and opportunities.

Simply playing around with company finances tends merely to propel the current business model unchanged into the future thereby creating a form of corporate "tunnel vision". This can sound the death knell in today's swiftly changing, sometimes 'panicky', markets.

Of far greater importance is an ability to swiftly revise tactics to meet changing requirements of constantly moving, oft times shrinking, consumer demand. Businesses that ignore this challenge do so at their peril.

In a recent US study, 93% of industrial goods manufacturers did not, by their own admission, produce anything approximating an integrated, coordinated and internally consistent plan for their marketing activities.

The study also revealed that companies which were profitable without an effective planning system invariably operated in buoyant or high-growth markets. When markets turned sour, however, they were far less successful than comparable businesses which planned for the future.

When rationalizing to improve efficiency, managers often find they are too late to do anything about previously overlooked opportunities. Missed chances most frequently cited are, in order:

1. lost profit situations

2. meaningless numbers in long range plans

3. unrealistic objectives

4. lack of actionable market information

5. inter-departmental strife

6. management frustration

7. proliferation of products and markets

8. wasted promotional expenditure

9. pricing confusion

10. growing vulnerability to environmental change

11. loss of control over the business

Recent Australian research clearly demonstrates that inadequacies in the objective-setting process are usually at the heart of corporate problems. Since a company's very survival depends entirely on finding and maintaining profitable markets, establishing clearly defined targets is the key function for any successful organisation.

Contrary to this sell-evident fact, businesses often assume that to be commercially successful, management need only set profit targets, decentralise the organisation into groups of similar activities, then make departmental heads accountable for achieving those profits. Middle management will somehow make everything come right!

Such 'loose' delegated procedures may be adequate in the good times. But what about when markets and opportunities are in a constant state of flux and contraction as they are right now? Organisations, big and small, are in strife simply because these decentralised units are invariably geared only toward maximizing current profit and loss accounts. Let the future take care of itself.

Compounding the problem is the fact that few businesses correctly identify what it is that they do better than their competitors - their Unique Selling Proposition (USP). Or how a "distinctive competence" must meet the true needs of their particular target audience.

Financial objectives, while essential measures of company performance, are of little practical help on their own since they say nothing about how the outcomes are to be achieved. The same applies to sales forecasts and budgets - which encompass neither marketing strategies nor tactics.

Ironically, it is because managers are evaluated and rewarded on the basis of short-term profitability they find difficulty in concerning themselves with the long-term corporate future. It is safer - and usually more rewarding - to simply concentrate an existing product range aimed at an already established customer base in order to achieve budget.

Budgets and sales forecasts, while necessary, rarely include the most important element of all ... precisely what must be done to achieve them.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_McAnderson

Business Planning - Latest 3 Popular Secrets to Accelerate Planning For Your Business

2009-07-07T22:20:00.000-07:00

Ask yourself some simple questions about your business. Do you know what you're doing? Do you know what your goals are? Are you achieving them? These are all questions you can answer by following a plan. When you follow a plan, you can more easily control the outcome. Keep reading to learn the latest 3 popular secrets to accelerate your business planning.

1. Achieving goals can be easy when you have a plan to follow to get to where you desire to go. Just as you can easily enjoy expected results from following a recipe for baking a cake, by following a plan, you can greatly increase your chances of experiencing a desired end result. Businesses can succeed. When you plan to achieve.

2. A business plan can be a very simple document. The library has books on writing business plans. Hire a business coach to help you fine tune your business plan. As long as you know what you'd like to achieve, writing a business plan is vital so you can keep aiming for your goals until you achieve them.

3. Associated to a business plan is a marketing plan. Marketing will be one of the activities you do the most in your business. So, it stands to reason that you also need to create a marketing plan. Be creative. Be smart. Plan and enact your plans. You can get all the tools in the world to succeed in your business. But the bottom line is this: you are the decision maker. Decide to achieve by following your plans.

Do you want to learn more about how I do it? I have just completed a brand new free guide. Download it free here: Internet Marketing

Do you want to learn how to use articles like this to drive targeted traffic to your site? Click here: Article Writing Guide

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Sean Mize teaches coaches, consultants, and small business owners how to package their knowledge and sell it in high priced coaching, consulting, and online class packages, and is an expert at using articles like this to drive traffic to his website, and has taught hundreds of clients his secrets. Sean says, "If you have an existing marketable service or skill that you can teach others, I can teach you to package it into a high-priced class or coaching program, guaranteed."

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sean_R_Mize

Promotional Products - Economical But Effective

2009-07-06T21:43:00.000-07:00

Every marketer faces a budget crunch every year but this year it is going to be different. This year, marketers will probably not even get the usual quota of their budget spend and may have to do with very little, thanks to the recessionary trend. However, they need to show the same enthusiasm and enterprise to make sure that the brand image is not compromised and enjoys top of mind recall with the customers. This is a test and it is going to take all the ingenuity and creativity to come out a winner.

The good news is that it is not impossible and you can take the help of promotional products as a very viable alternative to conventional advertising to meet your objective. With these products, you are sure to be able to sustain the visibility of the brand within the budget allotted to you as there is a wide choice and budget is never a constraint for picking the right giveaways.

The variety and price points allow you to play around with different merchandise and optimize your budget spend. You can also fall back on trusted and time tested gifts that you have been distributing over the years to do the trick for you this time also.

You can also look at the following options:

1. Distribute lesser quantities of the product that you have been always giving, but to a reduced number of customers selected by you. You could do an A, B, C classification of customers according to revenue, tenure for this purpose and then choose the customers who should be receiving your chosen items.

2. Distribute a lesser priced alternative product to the left out customers. This way you will not disappoint anybody and will have also served your purpose. Care needs to be taken to however ensure that there is no compromise on the quality of the product, as that will really set you back a lot.

3. Look for an equally functional but lesser priced and durable quality alternative to the ones you have traditionally been distributing. Here, you are not disturbing the utility value of the product, but just presenting an alternative, resulting in some cost savings for you.

The above measures will help you to tide over the problem this year. Customers also understand the constraints that everybody is facing and are not likely to be fussy about what you are giving them. The objective behind this is to just ensure that your brand does not suffer due to the economic downturn and by distributing these promotional products, albeit low on profile, you are doing your best to sustain the interest in your brand and company. More importantly, you are not allowing competition to make an easy entry and walk away with your customers through this brand building exercise.

Lottie Carrot works in the promotional products industry for Argon Promotions, the leading company in terms of innovative business gift ideas. Lottie works closely with businesses to help market their products and services by providing information and help in the selection of suitable promotional products for their advertising campaigns.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lottie_Carrot

Exporters Expecting a Good Package in Budget

2009-07-05T21:26:00.000-07:00

With the Union Budget for the current financial year just around the corner, the Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO) is hoping that the government will offer a good package for the cash-strapped export sector in the Budget.

According to the federation, the government has to address the prime concerns of the sector, including high interest rates, static refund rates and inadequate market and product support to trade and industry.

Dominated by SMEs, the domestic export sector plays a key role in driving the national economy. However, the sector suffered heavy losses during 2008-09 due to the global economic crisis, which resulted in a drastic decline in demand for goods worldwide. The country's merchandise exports have dropped for 8 consecutive months, compelling several exporters, particularly small players, to cut down their activities to stay afloat.

Resumption of queries

However, the FIEO has reported that some exporters have started getting queries recently. If orders keep coming in, the sector can bounce back strongly and achieve a 7-8% growth in 2009-10 over the $168.7 billion it earned in the last financial year.

At the same time, converting the queries into firm orders is not going to be an easy task, opines SA Kumar, Director of Biligiri Granites, a small-sized granite exporting company in Chamrajnagar, Karnataka.

"Countries like China, Bangladesh, Vietnam and Thailand are posing stiff competition to the Indian export segment by selling their goods at much lower prices," says Mr Kumar.

To overcome this challenge, domestic exporters need assistance from the government. "While an improvement in the market scenario is imperative for business revival, small players like us also require adequate support from the government. We hope that in the upcoming Budget the government addresses the pressing issues facing the export segment," says Amudan M, proprietor of AV Exports, a small-sized steel and stainless steel products exporting firm in Chennai.

Indian exporters, especially SMEs, would now look forward to July 6, 2009 and hope to get a good deal from the government in the Budget.

David Parks is a well known author and has written articles on Chemicals Manufacturers, B2B Portal, Trade Leads, suppliers, Manufactures and many other subjects.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_K_Parks

Why Not Open a Business in Iraq - Now is the Time to Get in on the Ground Floor!

2009-07-05T21:20:00.000-07:00

The United States Military has handed the keys over to the Iraqi forces, and the Iraqi government is now under control. They have a free country that they can build into whatever they want. In the future it may be the greatest nation in the region. It has an incredible amount of oil resources and strong-willed people that refuse to quit. This combination of income and human capital is a winning ticket.

Many Iraqis that have exiled themselves due to the sectarian violence and dangers are now returning. The small business class is coming back, so are the entrepreneurs and businesspeople. This is the time to open a business in Iraq and some of the top leaders of the country are telling people; "it's safe to come back now." Investment Capital is also starting to flow, and the people in Iraq are celebrating.

Why not open a business in Iraq, after all now is the time to get in on the ground floor. Once the business community comes back there will be jobs for everyone and as unemployment goes back down the violence will become less and less. Eventually it will once again a peaceful nation, only this time it will be free from tyranny, as it will not have a dictator it will have a democracy.

It is a wonderful thing that the United States has done for this country, history will prove that. It looks like President Bush's plan did work, no, not exactly as planned, but nevertheless, it worked. Of course, nation-building never does, and it never has. Please consider all this.

Lance Winslow - Lance Winslow's Bio. Lance Winslow is also Founder of the Car Wash Guys, a cool little Franchise Company; http://www.carwashguys.com/history/founder.html/.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lance_Winslow

6 Actions + 8 Tips For Increasing Super Zoomer Organizational Power & Influence

2009-07-02T20:36:00.000-07:00

Most of us Super Zoomers -- over 60 and still contributing gobs of value in the workplace -- did not have a good experience with getting or giving feedback when we were growing up. Every Super Zoomer that I have Mentored either breaks out in a sweat or has to work up to a "mad" to muster enough "oomph" to give or receive feedback.

But we must learn to do this well if we want to have appropriate organizational power and influence. It is also a "must do" to maintain our health and well-being. Bottling things up is not good for our soul.

"Blowing one's top" is probably worse for our hearts. Could cost us our job.

So here are 6 actions:

1. Prepare for the conversation with the intent that I am helping the person or group to improve. Make notes. Focus on behaviors.

2. Assume that people want -- and need -- ongoing, feedback to learn and grow. Help them identify opportunities. Even when people resist, push back, or get ticked off -- recognize these are fear-based reactions because of their negative experiences with criticism, not feedback.

Oh yeah! Most of us, for all our life have been on the receiving end of criticism, not feedback.

Criticism is delivered with the intent that the person is bad, stupid, wrong or in some way personally deficient. In every one of my professional trainings as a city planner, psychologist, and MBA, presentations were criticised by pointing out what was wrong, not from the intent of "What did I do well?" What is missing?" Or "What can you learn from this?"

The result: my armpits still break out when I have to give or receive feedback.

3. Specify: "This is what I see you doing."; "These are the outcomes of those behaviors (effective or not)."; "Let's figure out how you can improve."; "Need any help?" or "How can I help?"

4. Be candid. No beating around the bush. Maintain respect for the person. Stay within my sphere of decision-making responsibilities. Do not make promises I cannot keep. Do not let people off the hook. Hold people as able.

5. Accept, acknowledge and communicate that as their leader, I have the ability and willingness to help them achieve -- should they choose to take the assignment. People will stay or leave a job based on their satisfaction or dissatisfaction with me as their leader. The company will keep inviting me to stay or tell me to leave depending on how well I am helping people to improve their performance while building their sense of joy and abundance.

6. Challenge people to bring out their genius within. Enter into crucial, ongoing, two-way feedback conversations. Always, always recognize and express my appreciation for their contributions.

I can leverage my Super Zoomer, life-long, hard-earned assets for people's continued growth and satisfaction.

In doing that I assure my valued, powerful, influential place in the organization so I also experience more joy and a sense of abundance.

Overcome "ageism" -- ramp up your Super Zoomer organizational power and influence, with these 8 tips.

1. Ask: Ask co-workers for feedback. Asking sends a message that I value others' opinions and observations about my performance.

2. Absorb: Listen to what they say. Hold off on evaluating whether they fit or not. Accept their input as their perception of reality. Curb my defending of my actions. People will shut down if I get defensive.

3. Consider: Their input before responding. Count to 65. Say, "I need to think about what you said, give me ---(a time). I'll get back to you." Get back to them when I say I will.

4. Thank: Say my appreciation for the feedback. Letting me know what they think is an act of courage. Personally say "thank you."

5. Respond: Feedback requires a response. Consider, then let them know the areas which I plan to change. Let the person know in which areas I think the feedback doesn't fit -- thank them for that too.

6. Involve: them in the change process. Ask for help. Enrol them in my change process. Ask for their ongoing feedback.

7. Act: Do something about the feedback. Write down 1-2 areas for change. Keep them front of mind. Monitor my behaviors daily.

8. Check in: with my colleagues every 2-4 weeks. Ask people, "How am I doing in those specific areas?" When they express the changes, they "get" that I am changing. In those areas in which they see no change, I need to do something.

To get your FREE Instant Copy of -- A TASTE of GENIUS -- go to http://www.subject2change.ca
From Dr. Jim Sellner, PhD.,DipC. -- Helping Zoomers & Super Zoomers find more joy and abundance while increasing our power and influence in the workplace.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Jim_Sellner_Ph.D.

Project Management Strategies Series Article 4 - Sword Analysis, Swot With an Edge

2009-07-02T20:33:00.000-07:00

In my previous article in this series, Change Management, I wrote about the importance of exploring alternatives.

In this article, I discuss a structured method for exploring alternatives that will help you and your customers understand the options, pros and cons for each, and help you drive to consensus quickly.

Becoming skilled in this exercise means you'll never have to say the words, "no" or "can't" to your customers. Instead, you can collaboratively review a lot of different options, and make informed decisions that will work for everyone.

Before we pull out the SWORD, let's review the SWOT.

The SWOT analysis is an industry standard tool used to describe several options, and detail the (S)trengths (W)eaknesses (O)pportunities and (T)hreats associated with each option. The SWOT analysis is the foundation of my SWORD analysis.

Why not just use SWOT? It limits the decision making to a single option. Too often, I found myself stuck using this analysis because people could not come to agreement over a single option. The beauty of my SWORD analysis is it brings people out of the box, and allows for flexibility, and, more importantly, creativity.

We covered the SWOT acronym so what does SWORD mean?

Strengths - List the strengths (pros) for each option.
Weaknesses - List the weaknesses (cons) for each option
Opportunities - List any opportunities that the option creates. This ones a little challenging and takes practice.
Risks - How does the option affect the quadruple constraint for the project? Scope, Schedule, Cost, and Quality
Decisions - This is the key difference in the SWORD analysis. Instead of limiting decisions to a single option, this element allows the CCB to pick and choose different elements from each option and ultimately drives to consensus quickly.

OK - so how do you do it?

1. Create a table with the following columns

Option
Strengths
Weaknesses
Opportunities
Risks
Decisions

2. Call a meeting with your key stakeholders

3. Fill the cells in the table in together

Of course, steps 2 and 3 are not always viable options. In that case, take a crack at filling the grid out first by yourself (leave the Decisions column blank). Then, send it out to everyone as a "straw man" and request feedback. Then bring everyone together to complete the Decisions column.

I guarantee, this will make coming to a decision a breeze.

Keep reading and I'll keep writing!

Steve

Steve Yuhas is an accomplished project manager with a focus on efficient software engineering through data driven process improvement and simplification. He has applied his skills to a variety of industries, and has most recently begun some personal ventures like MarketCastle.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephen_Yuhas

I Need a Job Now

2009-07-02T02:04:00.000-07:00

As we have all noticed, jobs are very hard to come by, especially with everything that is going on with the economy. Everywhere you go, there is sure to be someone talking about how just a couple of years ago, things were just fine. We didn't have these high gas prices, job losses, and tax increases that we are faced with today. It seems as if every time we turn on the television or hear a radio news broadcast, there are more talks of job cuts and layoffs. "I need a job now" is becoming one of the world's most frequently used phrases.

There is no doubt that time is running out for those who are on unemployment. After all, it only lasts for so long until there is none left. If you have been saying to yourself, "I need a job" then you are in luck because there is work out there, you just have to know where to look. One of the best places to look when trying to find work is a website by the name of Craigslist. This is a classified ads website where people go to post ads for just about everything you can think of. They have a very broad job selection that is updated every day of the week.

If "I need a job now" is an overused phrase in your vocabulary, you might want to think about searching for work online until you can return to work out in corporate America. Some of the best places to look for work from home jobs are online job forums. They are not hard to locate, and the best ones will be most up to date. There, you can find a wide range of call center, blogging, writing, freelancing, and internet marketing opportunities. Most work at home jobs do not require much experience and pay very well. Working from home can completely eliminate the phrase, "I need a job now" from your entire vocabulary. Oddly enough, many individuals never return back to work once they have experienced the freedom of working from home.

Another place to look for a job outside of the home is the popular job finder websites, Monster and Career Builder. All you have to do is type in your city and state along with the career you are interested in pursuing. Once you have typed in the information, your results will pop up on the next page. Just pick what you are interested in, and apply. It is quite simple.

Since "I need a job now" is one of the most overused phrases in the world today, finding work from home can be beneficial. Jobs from home can provide you with the income you need in order to get by until your next big career. But just remember that some work from home jobs pay enough for you to not have to work outside of the home. The best part about all of this is that there are opportunities out there, you just have to know where to find them. Looking really is the hardest part, but once you have a good idea of what is out there, where it is, and how to find it, your outcome will be bright.

For a Free Exclusive Report CLICK HERE

Here's an Information on How to Replace Your Income with Twitter CLICK HERE

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Seriosa

Relocating to North Carolina? Where to Find a Job in NC

2009-07-02T02:01:00.000-07:00

North Carolina - The Fastest Growing Eastern State

North Carolina is the fastest growing state to the east of the Mississippi river and the fourth fastest growing state in United States. This phenomenal growth is due to the booming economies in its major metropolitan regions, Charlotte and Raleigh. Relocating to NC has been a popular trend for a long time. When manufacturing was in it's prime in the Tarheel state, professionals from all over the country came to NC for manufacturing jobs. There has been a steady decline in this sector due to jobs lost to globalization and outsourcing to places like China. Though this has hurt the smaller towns and cities in the state, it has not impeded the impressive growth of Charlotte and Raleigh. The explosion of finance and banking, as well as technology and research has contributed to the tremendous growth in these flourishing areas. People have been relocating to North Carolina from various parts of the country and from around the globe, making it one of the most populated states in US.

Living in North Carolina

The cost of living in North Carolina is slightly lower than the US average. Real estate is fairly affordable with the average price of a home in the Raleigh-Durham area closing in around $200k in Q1 of 2009 according to the National Association of Realtors. The household income is slightly below the US average at $44,772 according to the latest US census information in 2007. Educational opportunities are excellent as the state houses some of best universities in the nation. The climate is fairly mild and varies depending on which part of the state you reside in. The state offers a variety of atmospheres and activities with the scenic Atlantic ocean in the east and the beautiful mountainous region in the west.

Where to Find Jobs in North Carolina

Use Job Search Engines to Find NC Jobs

If you are thinking about relocating to NC and need to find a job, one of the easiest ways to start searching for what job openings may be available in your career field is on the Internet. There are a multitude of job search engines online available for use free of charge. Take advantage of these job search tools as much as possible. Make sure to sign up with each to receive email notifications when jobs that fit your search criteria are posted so you don't miss any job opportunities you may be interested in. Some of the best job search engines to find jobs in NC are below.

• Beyond.com: North Carolina Job Listings

• Jobing.com: North Carolina Jobs

• SimplyHired: NorthCarolina.Jobamatic.com

Where to Find Banking Jobs in NC

The state's largest city, Charlotte is the largest banking center in the United States after New York, NY. Some of the largest banks in the world - such as Bank of America and Wells Fargo - are headquartered in Charlotte. BB&T is another one of the nation's largest banks and is headquartered in Winston-Salem. The growth in the financial and banking sector has not showed any signs of slowing down. Visit the sites below to find banking jobs that are currently available in NC.

• Bank of America Jobs: Careers.BankofAmerica.com

• Wells Fargo Jobs: WellsFargo.com/Careers

• BB&T Jobs: BBT.com

Where to Find NC Research & Technology Jobs

Raleigh is another large city ripe with promising job opportunities, especially in information and biotechnology space which has seen predominant growth since the establishment of Research Triangle Park (RTP) in the 1950s. RTP houses around 170 educational institutions and companies in the campus and is the oldest and largest science park in the US.

North Carolina Research Campus is a new science campus that is being built in the Charlotte area and the Piedmont Triad Research Park in the Winston-Salem area is under expansion. Investments in building new technology parks and the expansion of the existing ones means that the current companies are expanding and newer companies are relocating to NC. This means more jobs in the research sector will be coming soon, opening the doors for more and more people to start relocating to the state. Visit the sites below to learn more about the research parks and search for job opportunities.

• Research Triangle Park: RTP.org

• Piedmont Triad Research Park: PTRP.com

• North Carolina Research Campus: NCResearchCampus.net

Best of luck to you in your North Carolina job search!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alyssa_McIntier

How to Make the Most of Your Franchise Business

2009-06-30T22:27:00.000-07:00

Thinking of a new business to venture into? Want something that is small, affordable and that won't require many staff? The franchise business may just be the right solution to your problem.

Franchising is one of the most popular trends in business today. But while this has gained much popularity only in the recent years, franchising originated way back in the 1850s. Isaac Singer, the man behind the famous sewing machine, pioneered this method of business. His efforts to distribute his sewing machines were considered the very first type of franchising.

You do not have to choose a major franchise such as the McDonald's or Burger King because they will require a big budget. You can always start small. Start with something you are very passionate about or one you can properly handle by yourself or just with one partner.

There are advantages to having a franchise compared to starting an original business from scratch. With this method, you are given the opportunity to do business using a brand that's already been tested in the market. This means that the brand name has established its own following which makes it easy for you to market to potential customers.

Business oriented people who want to have total control of their enterprise are the major beneficiaries of franchising. If you want to be the boss and you want to establish your own business, getting a franchise may be a great option for you. Because of the independence you can get from this type of business, you have the freedom to work at your own time and pace and yet feel more secure than being stuck in the corporate world.

The training aspect is another advantage. Most franchisors offer training which can either be free or paid. The fee for the training can be included in the total franchise fee or can be charged separately to the franchisee. With this training and continued support, franchise owners are given the proper guidance from the experts themselves. And should their business succeed in the future, they can always expand by adding more outlets.

In addition, a small franchise business has the ability to easily recover its return on investment (ROI) depending on how you are able to manage it. This can be attributed to the established brand name but it will also depend on the service you provide to your customers. But then again, there is no guarantee that it will be a total success.

Before jumping into this trend, make sure that you do your research. Find out what type of franchise business do you like and if it suits your budget. Consider one with a proven track record, easy and affordable to manage as well as one that can be duplicated. You may also choose one that has no geographical limitation and has a unique appeal.

Finally, the success of any business relies on hard work and dedication. If you're planning to get into franchising, do your best to promote it to your target market and provide service that is a cut above the rest.

For information on party franchises in your city, visit Partyland.com one of the largest party store franchises worldwide.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kalyan_Kumar

Three Immediate Steps to Managing Your Job Search

2009-06-30T00:19:00.000-07:00

Every day when I begin work with a new outplacement client there is the first moment of panic, the fear of being overwhelmed by the sheer immensity of the task that is facing people today in their search for the next position.

To deal with that initial fear I proscribe three simple steps that start them on the road to success. Everyone facing a search requires a direction and the following three steps are a good starting point.

Step 1 - Identifying the answer to either of the questions "why are you no longer with_____?" or "so what happened at ______ then?" It is very rare that this question is not asked and often at the very beginning of any interview so the answer is critical to setting the scene and tone for the rest of your conversation. The answer you provide must be short, factual and non-critical, preferably you should be able to move directly from this answer to a more positive item that focuses on "what I can do for you".

Step 2 - Developing the resume is our next step on the path to success. Decide on your focus, use either a functional, chronological or reverse chronological style to support the job choice you have made going forward. Remember the three audiences for the resume, The Recruiter, The Hiring Manager and The Software. Each of these groups has needs that should be addressed; make sure that each section of the resume has the appropriate key words and accomplishments. Look for job openings that meet your needs and use those to analyze the key words and skill groupings.

Step 3 - Preparing yourself for the networking and interviews requires that you think carefully about your positioning and your answer to the question "tell me about yourself". Think about all the different versions of this response that you will require, the short 30 second "elevator pitch" the longer networking explanation that helps you position yourself and ask the question "who else should I be talking to?" and finally the targeted response that is for the job interview where you are providing a pitch that is designed to clearly sell you and make you stand out from the pack.

These three steps are the basics for a job search, use them in conjunction with all the other tools available to get moving on the road to success.

Barry Simpson
- Your personal job-search assistant.

http://www.virtualjobcoach.com
Follow me at http://twitter.com/DBarryS

VirtualJobCoach is the premier web site dedicated to helping people find jobs faster. Combining development of resumes, cover letters, position tracking, and networking management.

Simpson has extensive experience of working with people at all levels in Fortune 500 companies and other organizations with the goal to help them land a new and rewarding position. I am, with my colleagues translating much of that expertise and knowledge into our offering at Virtual Job Coach

If you are looking for a new position or simply interested in managing your career come over, visit our site and try it out for free. Contact me if I can help bsimpson at virtualjobcoach dot com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Barry_Simpson

Import From China - Bicycles

2009-06-28T22:53:00.000-07:00

Despite various bicycle shops proclaiming one bicycle brand over another, it appears that not one of the brands of bikes mentioned is made in Britain. This surprised me when I went looking for a new bicycle. Since I ride a great deal and having done so for over twenty-five years, I am fed up with what I call the, "cheap bikes" - the ones where I constantly have to get new parts fitted. I have had a good number of bikes over the years - none of them expensive, but all imports - the last one from Tunisia. That isn't to say that bicycles aren't made in the UK today, high-street bicycle shops and independents alike can identify some manufacturers, but they are not what you would call, 'off-the-shelf'. They are nearly all made-to-order. By contrast China manufactured over sixty-three million bikes complete in 2008.

To buy a British-made bike, a punter will, more than likely, need to have it made-to-measure and hand-made. This is fine if a person can afford the sort of price that you would expect to pay for hand-made luxury. But supposing someone only has a few hundred pounds to spend (or less!). Are we, then, destined to buy only imported machines? Sadly, the answer seems to be yes. In years - or perhaps decades - gone by, it would have been specialist bikes that would have been imported from, say, Europe, and other, cheaper varieties imported from the Far East, like China. But 'globalisation' has stripped many manufacturing industries from British soil and sent it overseas. So, what constitutes 'British-made'? Is it a Good that is designed and built in its entirety by British workers or simply a Good that is assembled by British workers from imported components? If a bike is imported from overseas because it is made in a country on an assembly line where the labour rates are much cheaper than those of the UK, why are these machines still so expensive? If a hand-made bike can be made in Britain in a week for a couple of thousand pounds, is it beyond the realms of possibility to have an assembly line in the UK that can utilise British workers making bikes for the same 250 GBP to 1,000 GBP that we are already prepared to pay for an import?

Maybe it is a reminder back to the days of British Leyland in the 1970's and 1980's when British made cars were just no competition for their Japanese counterparts. Yet, when the likes of Honda and Toyota brought manufacturing expertise into Britain, it was British workers that were, and still are - current credit-crunch aside - the labour force behind these facilities. So, does that make their products (in the UK) British-made?

Britain is slowly being stripped of its engineering heritage. Trades like Fabrication, Coded-Welding, Fitting, Sheet-Metal Working just to name a few, are on the decline, with some colleges unable to attract young people back into these skills. It is a Catch-22 situation. It is good to know that highly skilled engineering companies still exist in Britain, able to make hand-made, quality bicycles, so why cannot we bring affordable bicycle manufacturing production lines back to Britain?

Import from china

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_E_Blakesley

Tips For a Job Interview

2009-06-26T22:11:00.000-07:00

Job interviews can be stressful for first time job seekers. You are unsure of what to wear, how early to arrive and what questions to ask. Take a deep breath, as you're not alone. Here are some job interview tips to help prepare you for an interview effectively.

Research the Company

The first step towards a successful job interview is to research the company you are going to interview with. Ensure to review company profile, annual reports, mission, vision and other relevant information.

Practice

If you have never interviewed before, try to practice on frequently asked questions. Practice in front of a mirror or with your friends, family members or an expert. They can provide feedback of what to do and what not to do during job interviews.

Dress for Success

Ensure to wear a clean and suitable dress for the interview. One must have fingernails and hair well groomed for the job interview. If you typically wear a lot of jewelry, it is advisable to remove and tone it down for the interview. Being neat, clean and professional goes a long way towards making the first impression a good one.

Arrive on Time

Try to arrive on time for the interview. That means at least ten minutes early. It is actually better to give yourself time and arrive early than to rush to your job interview. If you are going to be late, call as soon as you get to know.

Relax

Relax and stay as cool as possible before the interview. Be sure to have an eye contact with the interviewer. Before answering, be careful to listen to the whole question.

At the end of the job interview, be cordial and thank the interviewer for his or her time.

For more tips on successful handling of job interviews, you may log on to http://www.business-floor.com

The Author is the owner of http://www.business-floor.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Giora_M_Magal

The Value of Employee Engagement Surveys As Part of a Change Management Strategy

2009-06-24T20:30:00.001-07:00

One of the things that continues to surprise me is that when times are bad organizations still spend money on employee engagement surveys. A general look around the office or factory and tea room discussions would make it obvious to all that wanted to see it that employees are not so much engaged as they are worried about their jobs. This leads us to two major issues to consider during tough times, the first is how we inspire confidence and innovation in an organization that appears to be in freeze mode. The second is what you should measure as an indicator of employee engagement.

Let's deal with inspiring confidence and innovation in your organization. Well this boils down to a change management strategy that focuses on getting employees actively involved at all levels in understanding the business and how their ideas can have a positive impact. Here's an example of what you could do.

1. Take real business data and share it with groups of employees at all levels that deal with customers in specific sectors.

2. Ask employees for ideas on improving or innovating just one aspect of your service offering or product line and test in a specific market segment on a small scale, say a sales territory or state.

3. Then after testing those ideas for a six week period ask employees to examine the business results.

4. Take those ideas that have shown a substantial improvement in sales and implement either state wide or nationally depending on your organization.

5. Design a reward and recognition program around the impact of these ideas on the business outcomes and start to energise your workforce.

It really is that simple, treat employees with respect, stop telling them what to do instead listen to what they have to say, put some rigor around the framework for ideas and reward outstanding results. This is how innovation happens and how you can energise an organization to respond quickly to changing market conditions.

Another key is to ensure that whatever change management strategy you design it has specific activities and responsibilities for management. Often we forget that managers are just as concerned during tough times about their job security, but their team members are looking at them for direction and support. So when we design change strategies ensure that there are key responsibilities and clearly defined activities for all levels of the organization. So practically what does this mean with our example above? Well you would design specific activities such as;

1. Managers would identify the real business data and share it with their teams

2. Managers would be responsible for selecting which ideas would be selected for testing in a specific market and they would decide which test market

3. Managers would obtain the business results at the end of the six week test period and organise briefings with their teams

4. The hierarchy of managers would then decide which tests produced the best result and decide which to implement and project plan that implementation

5. Together with human resources the management team would decide on a reward and recognition program and share it with their teams.

So what about employee engagement surveys? I say save your organization the tens of thousands of dollars they cost and invest your time in a well thought out change management strategy like that outlined above. This will ensure a climate where communication is open, ideas are valued and actions are implemented. All these steps are indicative of a workforce that is focussed, has purpose and feels a greater level of confidence about the future of their organization and therefore their role because they are actively involved in designing the future, not being told what do and when to do it. If you just change the paradigm from budget cuts, budget cuts and budget cuts to opportunities, growth and involvement your organization's business results will be your barometer of employee engagement, no survey required.

Marcia Xenitelis is a recognized authority on the subject on change management and has spoken at conferences around the world. For access to case studies and more information on the types of strategies you can implement to engage employees visit http://www.changemanagementtips.com for a wealth of free informative articles and resources.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marcia_Xenitelis

Leadership 101 For Small Charities

2009-06-23T22:11:00.000-07:00

After a quarter of a century in the third sector, charities, nonprofits, or whatever the current buzz word is; I have learned a powerful lesson. One person cannot change the world. BUT...one person can change their neighborhood. And if enough people made the commitment to change their communities, then the world would change.

I have learned this powerful lesson over the past three months. Three months ago, my youngest child developed a serious illness that means I cannot work outside of the home. Of course, I have my writing and occasional consulting. But after a decade long career in fund raising, I find it hard to just sit at home even chasing adorable little three year old girls around the park.

So I decided to volunteer...close to home. I am actively involved in two projects; a community garden on our council estate and my daughter's nursery that have been such a blessing to us. What I have discovered both shocks and pleases me. Although I have been the one to kick things off in both cases, I have been surprised at the number of talented and enthusiastic individuals, who have stepped forward.

But it is a bit disappointing when I start to wonder...why did none of them, some of whom are as qualified or more so than me, start this a long time ago. The lesson is that there are a lot of talented, giving followers in this world. If you have the guts and drive to step out in faith and begin something, then you won't be alone for long. I dare you to try it and see if I'm not right.

With over a quarter of a century of leadership and fundraising experience, Terri is passionate about helping small charities (those with less than 250K income) achieve big results. She is currently completing an e-course on leadership, management and fundraising for charities. By completing the course, charities will acquire all the basic tools and skills to improve their fundraising capacities, including trusts, major donors and corporate partnerships. To find out more about this e-course or to receive monthly newsletters, visit her blog BLISS-Charities.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Terri_Porter_O'Neale

Part Time Jobs For Teens - The Secrets to Success

2009-06-19T20:10:00.000-07:00

Part time jobs for teens are in abundance. For the most part, they are available within 5 to 10 minutes of where you live. You just have to know where to look.

What is the secret to getting a part time job? It's a combination of a few things.

If you are a teenager looking for part time work, don't overlook the option of working in the fast food industry. Future employers will love seeing these jobs on your part time job application when you apply at their company.

The reason why most employers like hiring potential candidates that have experience in working with these popular fast food chains is because they have great training programs, they teach their employees to work under pressure with a great attitude, they teach their employees how to handle the cash register and balance "the til," they teach their employees to work as a team and strive for a common goal.

Part time jobs for teens will come in all ranges. From cashier jobs, retail, sales, flipping burgers, bagging groceries, waiting tables, or even dressing up like a chicken.

A major secret to success is this: There's an old saying that rich people are willing to go out on a limb and do things that other people won't do.

They take chances. They aren't afraid to make fools of themselves if they have to in order to get the job done. And so must you!

Did you know that famous celebrity actor Brad Pitt once worked for a fast food restaurant in Los Angeles called El Pollo Loco? It's true! He would dress up as a giant chicken and stand on the corner to attract customers.

Actor and comedian Chris Rock used to work at The Red Lobster and singer Gwen Steffani worked at Dairy Queen.

Here's another secret: "Success comes to those who make it happen, not let it happen."

Go out on a limb and make it happen!

There are some popular fast food job applications like McDonalds job application, the KFC job application, the <>

Part time jobs for teenagers are designed to give you experience in the working world. Get all of the experience that you can at your age, even if you have to dress up like a chicken or wear a funky uniform to make lemonade.

Be aggressive. Set goals each day on how many online part-time job applications you will fill out before you leave your house and hang out with your friends.

Hanging out with your friends won't lead to a bright future. You must be proactive with your time. Getting ahead in this world is up to you!

Keep going until you reach success, because success means that you will start getting regular paychecks!

Jobler.com is the leading resource for online part-time job applications for hundreds of local part-time jobs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tony_P

The No Degree Necessary Jobs in a Recession

2009-06-19T20:09:00.000-07:00

There are still plenty of jobs in recession that do not require a degree. When times are tough and you need work, here are a few jobs that you can fall back on.

Maids and Housekeepers - Finding work as a housekeeper is best done in your local neighborhood through reputation or posting your credentials in libraries. There is a lot of manual labor but if you develop a relationship with the homeowner, you might get more referrals from their friends.

Lawn mowing - This type of work is done pretty quickly if you have a bunch of people who can separate the jobs. Get a worker for mowing, one for putting fertilizer and another for raking the grass. You might be able to finish a job in less than 30 minutes and move on to the next.

Taxi and Chauffeur - If you enjoy driving and are good with traffic routes, you can work as a chauffeur or taxi driver. The hours can be long and you might get some unruly customers, but once in a while you get a good tip for driving people to airports or farther destinations.

Security Guards - There is a bit of risk involved as a security guard but it usually only requires a background check and willingness to take on late hours. This is a difficult job to take on if you have a family or are responsible for other people with morning hours. It will also be initially hard to adjust to the sleeping times.

Fast food cook - There is guaranteed employment as fast food cook. The reason is the 300% turnover rate in this profession. Many people quit their fast food jobs for various reasons and you can take advantage of the opening. It does not take too long to learn the techniques and guidelines for how food is cooked and served.

Bad Economy Jobs is a website dedicated to job searching and helping you get a job. Most of these jobs only require a strong back and a desire to learn and train on the job. You can also read the job descriptions for these no degree necessary jobs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lucas_Clarke

Top 10 Salaries For UK Jobs

2009-06-16T20:37:00.001-07:00

Although there is no definitive 'Top 10' in terms of salary, since many companies offer good salaries and then top up the salary with bonuses or company shares, increased pension pot etc, there are some jobs that are definitely well paid, although they can be hard to secure an opening in!

The key issue to note here is that this is the top 10 list of salaries, so salaries are for staff/company directors etc. Celebrities and entrepreneurs do not tend to have salaries, they share the profits or simply take the profits, so this list does not include pop stars or general celebrities, it is more focussed on 'real' jobs!

Chief Executive or Managing Director of a company has to be the most lucrative salary, with some banking bosses still taking in well over a million pounds per year, with all sorts of golden handshakes on offer as well.

Salaries paid to very successful media stars such as Jonathan Ross and his ilk are again in excess of £1 million per year.

However, there are only a very few people paid these kinds of salaries, so which career options offer more realistic openings?

Well next on the list is barristers, who at the top of his/her profession is virtually able to name their own salary and may be headhunted from company to company. Although extensive training is involved, it is a lucrative, although highly competitive career.

Doctors, surgeons and consultants will all earn around 6 figure sums and often do not have to work a full week, with on call time being set off against their working week.

Plastic surgeons operating within the private sector can also earn phenomenal amounts, since they can set their own operating charges.

Dentistry and veterinary surgery are also two good career options, where realistic salaries may start at £30-40k, but soon after you can be looking at £100,000 upwards.

A career in local government or the Civil Service can also be full of rewards to the chosen few, with many earning in excess of £100,000 per year, but in reality for every officer who earns that there are thousands who don't!

Finally being a head teacher will earn you around £50 k upwards, which is a relatively tidy sum, but on the other hand, there is fierce competition for most head teachers jobs and the work can be quite demanding.

But with such varied careers offering such good salaries, at least there are plenty of options to consider!

Recruitment agency solutions spanning temping in London, contract and permanent office jobs we specialise in placement and recruitment in London and the Uk from PA Jobs, Secretarial Jobs, Receptionist Jobs Admin Jobs, Customer Service Jobs and Data Entry Jobs

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amanda_Pavis

How to Prepare and Apply For Part-Time Jobs

2009-06-16T20:36:00.001-07:00

Part-time jobs are in great supply for those looking to supplement their income while looking for full-time work or to help build up a family's income. Some of the top job industries consist of Administrative & Office Support, Sales & Marketing, Social Services, Retail, Healthcare, Legal, Customer Service, Government jobs, including work at home job positions. Part-time jobs could be from any industry from administrative/clerical duties, web design, internet marketing and more. There are even jobs available for those interested in working from home.

Using popular search engines help to find many of these jobs locally to be the potential employee. Use keywords to help filter out the searches and information found.

It is also very important to send out cover letters and resumes to potential employers. With just like full-time employees it takes a commitment to prepare a top-notch resume that will attract interested Human Resources Managers. The resume must focus on the most important duties that were completed in previous jobs. The resume must have the most achievements and any awards that were presented. However, while updating the resume avoid mentioning the words "duties" or "responsibilities." Instead use action words such as verbs like "Completed." Try to keep the resume all on one page if possible, try to keep it at a maximum of 10 years of employment history. Try to avoid mentioning college graduation date if it has been over 10 years. Do keep the skills section short but concise at the same time. Proofread and edit the resume to ensure it is correct.

It is also nice to mention references being available upon request and also listing the references of past employers. The reference information is more personal and best to be shared when the potential employers request them.

Dustin Heath recommends that you visit http://www.ProfitCrusader.com to learn how you can start your own home-based business earning multiple streams of income with a Plug-In Profit Site - Complete Money Making Site Setup FREE!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dustin_Heath

Leadership Lessons - 7 Top Ways to Understand Organization Culture

2009-06-15T20:23:00.001-07:00

Women in leadership need to know a very important factor about companies; that is the organization culture. Organization culture exists in every business if you recognize it or not. The culture of the organization is the normal way things happen. It shows the business values, habits, behaviors and expected activities. An effective leader will recognize the organization culture and know how it affects each of the company operations. These 7 tips will help you recognize and understand organization culture.

1. Basic Language. People in companies have a particular way of talking. They use certain words or acronyms to describe operations or activities. This way of talking will differ according to your business and industry, as well as the norms and behaviors in the company.

2. Dress. Clothing styles will be different in different businesses. Observe how new people look when they first enter the company and how they start to change their dress as they stay longer to get an understanding of the spoken or unspoken dress code.

3. Meetings. Does your company conduct long or short meetings or do the people meet at all? Each organization will have its own way of gathering people to meet or not.

4. Communication. Is it common for everyone in the organization to know what's going on at all times or does the communication stay at the top levels? Some companies freely share information while other workers always feel left out when it comes to communications.

5. Chain of Command. Culture lets you know how to address senior level people in a company and also tells you whom you can address directly or not. For some, you can go straight to the President's office while other companies are very stick about who talks to whom.

6. Office. What you see in office spaces can tell if a company is casual or formal. There might be closed doors or no doors to close which makes the atmosphere different in either case. This also controls communication patterns and interactions.

7. Groups. Are there groups that form strong cliques in that only allow certain members into the inner circle? Are you a member of those cliques? Those on the inside often overlook the many people on the outside. This can have an effect on the trust levels in the business.

These 7 quick tips can help you look for the patterns in your business that form a part of the organization culture. When you can recognize the culture, you will be able to better interact with more people and understand how to form organization change and growth strategies.

Consuelo Meux, Ph.D. coaches professional and executive women to build the confidence and communication skills to start and grow a small business that generates elegance and financial freedom. Get a free business plan template, resources and other support at her website. Enjoy monthly teleclasses on Communication Skills for Business Women for only $9.95 a month. Private fast track coaching is available for the woman who are is ready to move into her success - fast. http://www.consuelomeux.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Consuelo_Meux

7 Tips - How to Write a Million Dollar Special Report That Makes You Money Like Crazy!

2009-06-15T20:22:00.001-07:00

If I were to tell you the number of new customers and leads for your product that you can get from a simple special report, you would probably not believe me. If you were to take the time to write a basic/easy-to-read document that was no more than 20 pages, you would find that this will produce results in response than any of your other marketing that you've put into motion.

You would be chasing people away that are beating down your door wanting to give you money to hire you out if you were to distribute this special report. By the way, it is also known as a 'white paper'.

The great news is this: it's really not brain surgery putting this special report together if you know your product and/or services. And if you are among those who hates to write, there is a simple and fast solution for you if you follow this outline that will guide you. All you'd have to do is give an answer to some basic questions and presto, your special report, a.k.a,. white paper, can be ready for you to start handing out to your prospective customers. It will work as an automatic sales machine that keeps going and going, even while you're sleeping.

Alright, I'm going to guide you with some questions that will lead you into creating this special report. Here it goes:

Point 1. What is the greatest challenge facing your audience?

The first thing that you want to do in the beginning of your special report is connect instantly with your target audience/reader. They need to know right away that you really do know what keeps them up at night with worry, anxiety, and concerns.

Get to the very core problems that they are dealing with, but don't just leave it at that. You want to 'feel their pain', so to speak, by letting them know that you genuinely care and that you can empathize with the annoyance they must feel having to carry this problem around like an unwanted monkey on a back.

Point 2. What kind of money leak is this challenge creating?

Be sure to paint a very loud picture of this problem as you're creating your special. I know. I know. That sounds like a rough thing to say. If it's any consolation to you, your readers will thank you in the end. Why? Because you will show them in very plain language that you hold the key to putting an end to their suffering.

You do have the solution to their pain, right? Well, since that's the case, don't be shy about letting them know it. Your solution could be the very thing that stops the money leak in their financial lives. Your answers may put these leaking funds to better use such as buying a brand new (fill in the blank) that is desperately needed by your target audience. You'll have to ask yourself what will happen if you don't boldly share how it is that you can remedy their situation.

Could your solution to their problem be the very thing that can help them save more time? Are they hurting their chances of getting a higher paying job without your solution? These are the kinds of questions you need to hold in front of you whenever you're tempted to NOT rub their pain in their faces as you write your special reports.

In the end, you're doing your target audience a HUGE favor when you put pen to paper and just write.

Point 3. What is the overall solution here?

There are a couple of roads that you can take when presenting your special report. The first one is this: paint a very clear image of what the big picture looks like before you jump in and start sharing the keys to your solution. You want to give them all the things that can be done, all the things that are possible. The next step is to do a little research on those who have not been successful in applying other solutions and then explain the reasons why they fell flat on their faces.

What you are doing is very smart, as it will position you as being the ONE who can really help, the ONE with the REAL solution.

Makes sense, eh?

Point 4. What is your detail-by-detail remedy to the problem?

This is the time for you to give your very own basic, step-by-step formula, in the writing of your special report. The meat of your special report lies right here. Do you have a 3 point method that keeps acne away? If so, you need to write it out in plain language, but don't give away too much information. The only thing that is necessary is for you to tell your targeted reader what needs to be done, not HOW to do it.

Why?

You do want them to sign up and hire you out, correct? I mean, isn't that the end goal of the special report? It's perfectly alright to be generous with all kinds of tips and strategic methods they can employ that will begin to remedy their pain. When you do this, you will be seen as someone whom they can trust simply because you're giving away so much useful information that can be put to work immediately.

The "Do-it-yourself-ers" will just love ya!

Point 5. What kind of evidence do you have that your system actually works?

Do you have clients that you've done some work for that used your formula or system? If so, can they share how it has produced tangible results in their lives? Ask them if you can use their story in a case-study format. Testimonials are great, however, they work best in sales letters. That said, you can still plug in a testimonial here and there, but it would serve your special report far better if you treat the writing of it as would a magazine writer.

In magazine articles, you find that the writer tells you a story and then gives you some kind of proof. You can write your case study in this way: Problem. Action. Result. Present what the problem was that your customer had before they hired you out to fix it. The next step would be for you to illustrate the very action that was taken (of course, feel free to let the reader know how you were a lifesaver!).

Lastly, give the exact results that were yielded once your client implemented your solution-oriented system.

Point 6. Give a reason why listen to you?

Reinforce your credibility. You can do this several ways, such as putting it in a one page bio that has your credentials or write details of how you got to be as successful as you are now. Let your targeted readers know how you came to put your system together. Did you find it by accident?

If so, explain it in details. When you follow these steps, you are cementing your expertise and authority on the subject matter.

Point 7. Okay, now what?

Whatever you do, don't mess up on this part because it's the most important of them all in your special report. Your readers ought to be on the edge of their seats - shaking with great anticipation as to what the next step is - once they get to this part.

They are foaming at the mouth to learn what they need to do. Now, move closer, because you don't want to miss what I'm about to say. Listen up, you have your readers right where they need to be. Make them an offer that they can't turn down, a.k.a., an irresistible offer, one with a limited time frame to take you up on what it is that you are selling.

If you've reached this far, guess what?

You're done!

All you'll have to do at this stage is to go over your special report and strip away any kind of language that sounds too technical and stiff. You want to write the special report as if speaking to a good pal - who just happens to be in your target audience - as if the two of you are sitting on a porch drinking a tall glass of iced-tea. Be open with your own experience without coming off as sales-y (is that even a word?!), and simply lead your readers to how you can solve their pain.

Keep in mind the goal of your special report is to connect with your prospects in such a way that they feel as if you are a friend of theirs.

You are building a relationship here so that you can get them to know, like, and trust you, to the point where they'll feel comfortable buying what it is that they need from YOU and not from one of your competitors.

STOP! Pay Close Attention Right Now.

Listen very carefully. Take 2 minutes to read the next page. You will discover a simple, yet powerful, paint-by-numbers formula that will show you how to quickly write a special report that will sell your products and/or services and make you more money than you can imagine - Guaranteed. I strongly advise you to go here before the page is taken down and you miss out on how to make money writing a special report - Click here: Special Report Club.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jane_Boss

10 Recession Proof Businesses to Start in 2009

2009-06-14T21:39:00.000-07:00

With the recession showing no signs of blowing away, most business getting back to their original growth path has become wishful thinking. In this scenario, economists and their forecasts have not been of much help and survival, especially for the small and medium enterprises, is fast becoming a critical issue. If most already haven't, most of these business owners are looking at better and more fruitful options and giving a serious thought to start a recession proof business in 2009. With job security hitting a new low, many employees are also thinking in the same lines. Here are a few options from which one could select the right one commensurate with their skill set and interest.

Selling video games: This is a huge market in the USA with 2008 seeing a turnover in excess of $21 billion. Despite the recession, entertainment is a big industry and many Americans use it to "take a break" from the stress. This would be good business to start in recession if you can get your hands on used video game machines.

Hollywood: Hollywood has always had the reputation of being recession-proof since people still watch movies during recession. With a lot of studios around the country, starting a business that offers support services is a great option. Again, this service has a lot of specific areas that you can select from.

Dating: Another necessity of recession is love and online dating is geared to grow by an awesome 50% this year. It is time to get your foot in the door since this is another recession proof business.

Baby industry: Baby toys and accessories in good condition are always in demand. If you can get yourself into this business, parents always look for good deals and you could make a killing even with the recession.

Weddings: Wedding services are not prone to recession. People still get married. You can start a wedding service business in the areas of planning, photography, music or catering.

Death: Sounds morbid, but this is another business that is recession-proof and has a lot of potential (sic!). Operating funeral homes, pre-selling burial lots and body preparation for burial can be a few options here.

Bed n Breakfast: Recession hot people look for short holidays and you can turn this into an opportunity if you can open a bed n breakfast in your town, of course you should be close to a few local attractions.

Home Products: Moving home products like soap, toothpaste or razor blades are always in demand. If you can wholesale and distribute these items between the manufacturer and the retailer, you can be recession-proof for life.

Design: Logo design and rebranding are some exercises that most companies undertake during a recession. If you are a logo designer, have aesthetic design skills and are comfortable working form home, you can market yourself a little and make a small fortune, if you can throw in marketing or sales brochure design in addition to logo design.

Cosmetics: Women will be women and recession does not hit them as hard. They still want to look beautiful and will keep spending on cosmetics. In fact, many cosmetic companies have grown during the recession, so there is no reason why you cannot.

Recession is always temporary but there is no forecasting how long it can last. If you get into any of the above businesses, they will do well during a recession and will do better once it passes. So, these are no-risk options worth exploring.

Joe Daley
CEO and Logo Designer at Logomyway.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joe_Daley

Seven Exercises That Help Develop a Business Mission and Vision Statement

2009-06-14T21:37:00.000-07:00

Mission and vision statements generate a lot of attention in the business world, ever wonder why? Building a successful business is part of the motivation. After all, you should understand exactly why you are in business. Your employees should not only reflect this but deliver on that understanding and of course, the marketplace should be taking you seriously. All that from mission and vision statements you ask? Yes. Understand that developing your business mission and vision statements is your guide to accomplishing your future business success. We have all heard the adage "there is no such thing as a free lunch." There is no one else that can speak to your business as you can. That means the work to develop these statements is primarily yours.

The following exercises speak to your mission (starting point, or reason for existence) statement and vision (your future destination) statement.

1. In this first exercise your job is to list the strengths and expertise of your business or organization. If you are starting your business list those aspects for your proposed business. Write your answers down. Keep it simple but thorough. Remember your employees or marketplace cannot read your mind.

2. Describe your business in detail. Make your mission statement broad enough to include future products/services but detailed enough to be realistic.

3. Honestly describe why you are in this business. The answers listed here are often eye opening and serve as the anchor words for your statement.

4. What products or services are you going to provide in this business, and who is your market? Be sure to speak to your business product or service and its effect on people.

5. What values will you practice? What does your business offer that will make a difference to your employees, your clients, your community, your industry, your partners?

6. What is your business' measure of success?

7. Does your vision statement reflect your business with clarity, commitment and provide the ability to communicate with your employees, your clients and the marketplace?

When you have completed these exercises you will understand exactly why you made your decision to become a business; or create your organization; why you chose to offer a service, or your product. You will also find a true appreciation for the mission and vision statements of successful businesses around you and the opportunities you have in joining their ranks.

Don Midgett is the author of Mission and Vision Statements: Your Path to a Successful Business Future, 81 pages in digital format (pdf) at http://www.missionvisionstatement.com

Don is the managing partner for the GenesisGroup, helping organizations and leaders discover their full potential. Don specializes in workshops on mission and vision, strategic planning, and team building.

To begin your path to success, write your mission and vision statements! Need help? You can find it at http://www.missionvisionstatement.com - visit NOW - subscribe to our free newsletter, Mission Vision News, to learn more. Ready to go? Then purchase my e-book on mission and vision for one of the best business purchases you will make!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Don_Midgett

You and Your Business at the Top - Seven Success Strategies to Take You There

2009-06-14T21:36:00.000-07:00

Great health, wealth and success! We see people striving for these things every day. Do they reach their pinnacles? Sadly, no. What's holding them back? What separates them from the 'Donald Trump's' and 'Richard Branson's' of this world? To gain the answers, one must study and master the ways of the world's leading business people. How did they pave their way to millions and in some cases billions of dollars? Some from humble beginnings, some from privileged, but they all had one thing in common - an innate desire to succeed. They didn't care who laughed at them, they had a single-minded determination to reach the top and did not give up until they were there.

Extensive research into the strategies and thinking of the top business moguls showed the following:-

1) Goals - they set them clear and they set them big!

2) Action plans - they created realistic and achievable plans and stuck to them!

3) Mindset - they all had in common the success mentality that catapulted them to the top.

4) Passion - they loved their business and nurtured it as it grew.

5) Determination - nothing kept them down. If they fell, they got right back up again.

6) Mentors - they mixed with and learned from high achievers and top business advisers.

7) Education - they constantly adapted and kept their finger on the pulse of change and latest wisdom.

The rise of the internet has given more opportunities to the ordinary person than never before in history. Huge success stories have been well documented through websites, blogs, forums, articles, newsletters, etc,etc. The ordinary person has been handed the golden chance to practice and master the strategies of the greatest business minds. Immense wealth could be within their grasp and yours too! By owning a laptop and access to the internet, the possibilities are endless.

One would become overwhelmed and confused and possibly scammed without the right guidance. This is where a legitimate and credible mentor is needed. The reviews of online money making programs are endless. Discussion forums like warrior are an ideal way to weed out the fraudsters from the genuine schemes. I have found the most legitimate and top earning program. If you would like to try out the above 7 success strategies, read my review and decide if you want to join me and make it to the top too!

Binita is a member of The Online Coaching Club, Maverick Money Makers, run by Mack Michaels and is specializing in Affiliate Marketing. See her review of the club on http://www.wealthylifereality.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Binita_Patel

10 Things To Do Before Hiring a Locksmith

2009-06-11T20:50:00.001-07:00

1. Find out if they have a physical address. This is imperative. It is estimated that about 92% of the locksmiths that appear on search engine maps don't actually exist. In fact, the chances of finding a legitimate locksmith in your town are extremely slim. Call around and ask for their retail location, if they can't give you one, don't give them your business.

2. Ask if they are a member of the Associated Locksmiths of America. This association is the closest way for a locksmith to become licensed. The locksmith should be able to give you their rating and provide some kind of accreditation.

3. Ask for a quote over the phone. Legitimate locksmiths in Boston, in most cases, should be able to give you a very accurate price over the phone. The locksmith trade is usually very standard and prices do not vary often. If the price over the phone sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

4. Find out if they are driving a company vehicle. Locksmiths require a lot of different tools and parts to do their job properly, so for the most part they will drive something big enough to accommodate all of it. If they show up in a small car, holding a drill, ask them to leave, because chances are they are just going drill your locks and make you break the bank.

5. Do not let anyone convince you that your locks are high security. Very few households in Boston have ACTUAL high security locks on their doors. If the locksmith claims that your locks are high security and he has to drill them, he is likely not telling the truth. Drilling your locks is a last resort, a legitimate locksmith will try picking and bumping before he drills.

6. Inquire about company identification. A professional locksmith should have a uniform, a commercial vehicle and some sort of I.D or business card. If they can not provide any of these things, watch out!

7. Looking for something "bump proof?" Get all the facts first. Yes "bumping" does exist and it most certainly can be prevented, ask about primus cylinders. Don't be fooled by someone claiming that a lock is bump proof, ask how it works and why it's bump proof. Most locksmiths are more than happy to explain how it works and it's not as complicated as you might think!

8. Inquire about Master Key Systems. If your looking to change the keys that operate your business or even your home, a master key system can save a lot of hassle and it's not expensive. Instead of having multiple keys for multiple doors, it is very possible to have one key fit everything, while each door has it's own individual key.

9. Pay attention to how your phone call is answered. If your call is answered with a monotonous "locksmith" and nothing more, hang up! They should at least specify the company name when answering the phone.

10. Get informed. Scrupulous locksmiths are a nationwide problem and thousands of people just like you have been taken advantage off. This is a large scale problem and it's not going away any time soon. When it comes to the security of you business or home you need an actual professional who will make sure you are truly secure. Don't under estimate how important your locks are.

A Local Boston Locksmith

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brett_McMenimon

You and Your Business at the Top - Seven Success Strategies to Take You There

2009-06-11T20:40:00.000-07:00

Extensive research into the strategies and thinking of the top business moguls showed the following:-

1) Goals - they set them clear and they set them big!

2) Action plans - they created realistic and achievable plans and stuck to them!

3) Mindset - they all had in common the success mentality that catapulted them to the top.

4) Passion - they loved their business and nurtured it as it grew.

5) Determination - nothing kept them down. If they fell, they got right back up again.

6) Mentors - they mixed with and learned from high achievers and top business advisers.

7) Education - they constantly adapted and kept their finger on the pulse of change and latest wisdom.

Binita is a member of The Online Coaching Club, Maverick Money Makers, run by Mack Michaels and is specializing in Affiliate Marketing. See her review of the club on http://www.wealthylifereality.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Binita_Patel

Islamic Banking in Malaysia - Presentation of Financial Statements

2009-06-10T20:24:00.000-07:00

Since accounting is very much to do with providing information to assist users of financial information to make sound decisions, financial reporting needs to be different in order to serve the different users.

Major groups of financial report users for a financial institution are:-

Shareholders
Account holders and depositors (Clients of the bank)
Borrowers and others who transact with the bank
Regulatory bodies.

Now that Islamic banking uses a different set of accounting principles, mainly due to their different product characteristics and participation levels, it is just natural to expect different disclosure requirements within the financial statements for Islamic banks. This does not mean a reject of conventional accounting and reporting standards but rather requiring disclosure of additional information for the different sets of users.

In addition to the many user groups mentioned above, there are 2 additional distinct groups of users who are specific to Islamic banking, namely (i) Holders of investment accounts and (ii) Zakat agencies.

Given the many user groups, reports within the financial statement of an Islamic bank need to be broad enough to address the different requirements of these groups. They can be summarized to 7 sets of reports:-

Income Statement
Statement of Financial Position (Balance Sheet)
Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity
Cash Flow Statement
Statement in Changes in Restricted Investments and their Equivalent
Statement of Sources and Uses of Zakat and Charity Fund
Statement of Sources and Uses of Qard Fund

While the first 4 reports seemed the same as conventional banking, presentations are rather different mainly because of certain distinct definitions of items within Islamic banking environment. The last 3 reports are unique to Islamic banking.

KL Management Services is a business process outsourcing company, offering company secretarial services, human resource, debt recovery & credit control, accounting and taxation and corporate advisory services to corporates and companies in Malaysia and Asia Pacific.

The people behind KLM are elites in their own industries, having years of experience and key figures in many public listed companies in Malaysia. Find out more about KL Management Services, who they are and what they do at http://www.klmanagement.com.my/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ken_Low

How to Save Money in Business Accounting

2009-06-10T20:17:00.000-07:00

Whatever the nature of your business, its sole purpose is to earn maximum profits. The question is what are those actions you can implement to earn profits and have highest returns? Simple, either by increasing revenue or by reducing costs! Increasing revenue demands a lot of brilliant strategies put into practice, whereas cutting costs will require a much little effort on your part. Here are some simple tips that can be a lot handy in saving your money.

Cost cutting approach for small or newly setup businesses: Being a small business, your goal should be to stretch your dollars as much as you can, so you could embrace all the activities within those financial limits. You have to stop your money from flowing outside the door as much as possible. The following actions may to help you avoid overspending:

• Spend your money only on items that you need most, avoid expenses on unnecessary items.

• You may have many expenses, but know when to spend and when to save.

• Always try to get things at the most economical rates. Bargain before settling on a certain price. Sometimes, getting things in bulk can be a good way of lowering costs.

• Prefer using fax and email to disburse important information, this will save you from costs of paper.

• Monitor the correct usage of office supplies, such as electricity, telephone, stationery etc. this may save you the extra buck too!

Outsourcing accounting tasks

Outsourced accounting services can be a great help for businesses. They are not only cost-effective but also makes businesses gain more accountability and transparency and better manage their overall labor resources. With the latest accounting software in use, accounting tasks can now be easily and safely outsourced by any company. It has been noted that the savings companies make and the costs they reduce through outsourcing are extremely amazing.

Increase accountant efficiency:

Another thing you can do to lower your accounting costs is by organizing and properly arranging all the data that needs to be handled by the accountant. Many companies pay accountants on hourly basis-so the less the fuss, the less will be the hours, and ultimately lesser will be the costs. You can manage the data on the computer in form of tables, spreadsheets, charts etc.

Hire professionals:

Many would suggest you to hire temporary bookkeepers and accountants because it will not cost you much. The fact on the other hand is totally opposite! It's always better to let professionals handle your numbers. Firstly, it will avoid you from wrong calculations and secondly, it will save you from many legal penalties which in case of latter might cost you too expensive.

About Author:
Bryan Williams has been working closely with outsourcing industry and has years of experience in helping business startups in their payroll outsourcing. He has worked mainly with accounting firms in Virginia. If you're looking for an advice regarding Virginia accounting, Virginia Payroll and Virginia Tax Preparation, you can contact Bryan freely.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bryan_Williamz

Land Your Dream Job in 60 Days - Follow These 5 Steps

2009-06-09T20:19:00.000-07:00

Are you trying to find a job in today's tough economy? If so, then you've certainly heard all about the rising jobless rate and the lowering hiring rate. Perhaps you've even experienced for yourself the frustration of searching for months and still being without a job.

While it is a tough economy, it's not a dead economy, and companies still need to hire good people who can stretch company dollars and prove their value quickly. Believe it or not, opportunities still exist to land the perfect job while getting a pay raise. Finding these opportunities, however, requires looking under bushes that most people don't look under.

5 Steps

So how can you find that perfect job in 60 days? These 5 steps will get you where you want to be, assuming you have the qualifications and persona that make you worth hiring. These steps require some hard work and diligence-bushes that many people aren't willing to look under.

Step 1

Understand that the internet is a tool.

The broad reach of the internet has provided us amazing access to information, including information about available jobs. The downside of the internet is that for many, it has become the accepted way to search for a job. Most people will scour the online job boards and advertising, check company web sites for job openings, post a resume all over the place, and wait for the golden call to come. In most cases, that call never comes. Used in this way, the internet can be one of the least effective tools you have for a job search. It is imperative to understand that the internet is a tool, not the tool. Use it, but don't live only by it.

Step 2

Know who you are, and know what your target is.

What makes you marketable? What skills and experience do you have to offer a future employer? What makes you stand out from hundreds of other applicants? If you can't identify your strengths, then a future employer won't be able to either. Once you've identified what you have to offer, match your qualifications with a select number of target companies. Don't waste your time with a broadcast approach to job hunting. Target quality companies, research them, decide how you can benefit them, and then go after them. Make sure these companies fit into your long-term career plan. Sometimes you're better off to not take a job just to have a job. Be patient and target quality companies.

Step 3

Develop a strong networking team.

A job search can be very lonely, so surround yourself with others who can be a support and help you find the hidden job market you're seeking to get into. This networking team must include a coach or a mentor, someone who can guide you, lift you, and get you back on course after a tough day or week. This coach could be a spouse, but be careful, sometimes a spouse can be too close to the action. Develop a team to network with, and find ways to advertise yourself to others in a conversational way. Remember, everybody knows somebody, so everybody can be of help to you. This networking team will be one of your most important tools. When used properly, this will be a key factor in finding the right job in 60 days. Use it wisely.

Step 4

Have strong support documents.

These documents include your resume, cover letters, thank you letters, and other written communication tools. These documents will be mini interviews for you every time they are used, so be very professional. Keep them simple, clean, and to the point. Use wording that denotes action and strength, and be certain they are tailored to the company you are applying to. Remember, you're targeting certain companies and you have done your research, so you know what each company is looking for. These will provide your "paper trail", make sure they are representative of your quality.

Step 5

Stay positive.

Your job search is a process, not a one-day event. As with all processes, there will be good days and bad days, it's important for you to stay positive through each day. Believe in yourself and what you have to offer. If you become negative, that negative attitude will show when you work with your network and when you work with prospective employers. People don't like negativity, and they don't like to hire negativity. Again, surround yourself with others who can lift you, and who you can lift. Sometimes the best way to shed the negative you feel is to help others as they struggle. Stay positive, and this process will end with positives.

Follow these 5 steps and you'll find the right job for you, a job that will be a stepping stone along your career path. As a recruiter, I always felt that the best candidates were the ones that I had to work to find, the same is true for the job seeker. Your best job probably won't be with companies that come knocking at your door. Decide what you want, and go after it. Your dream job awaits.

An executive recruiter since 2001, Scott is also a professional employment coach and resume writer. This article is the first part of a 6 part e-course by the same title. You can subscribe by visiting Scott's blog at http://www.powermyresume.com/Blog

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_Pingel

Changing Your Life and Your Career

2009-06-09T20:16:00.000-07:00

If you have a passion for the law but do not want to have to spend many years and tons of money becoming a lawyer then you are not out of luck yet. Have you ever heard of a court stenographer? This is the person that sits in the courtroom and takes down all that people are saying. And after about three years of court stenographer training you will be able to finally utilize your passion for the legal world by being right in the middle of it. Want to learn more about how you can work in the legal world without having to become a lawyer?

A court stenographer or rather, a court reporter will take notes of any legal proceedings so that a formal and legitimate record will be made for future reference. For example, when a jury is deliberating a case they will often ask for specific information from the trial. What they get is the transcription from the case to read as it gives an accurate and exact report of what went on in the courtroom. Furthermore, you will find that your stenographer training will also have you helping to organize and prepare information in a court scene as well as take the notes in depositions for a case.

The possibilities are really endless when you choose this career and the fact that it is also one that is in high demand at the moment you will be amazed at how many jobs you will have to choose from. But that is not to say that it is not a very demanding and exhausting job. In fact, one of the biggest requirements will be that you work well under pressure. Just imagine an extremely hard court case you will have to be able to quickly take down what everyone is saying while not getting involved in the case itself. But this type of quality in a person cannot be learned at court stenographer classes.

In fact, you will be hard pressed to find a stenographer out there that is the nervous type or even the nosy type. These people are all very professional and have an innate ability to not only work under extreme pressure but also to detach themselves to the actual details of what they are transcribing. But even those solid individuals had to get in lots of court stenographer training in order to do the mechanics of the job. For instance, one of the methods you will be trained on would be in the use of the stenotype machine.

When you see a stenographer hard at work on the keyboard you may be surprised to hear that it is not your typical keyboard. Instead, if you were to look at it you would see that it is a mix of symbols that represent actual words. This is just one of the reasons why it takes many years of stenographer classes so that you can memorize and learn to use all these keys. Are you ready for this type of challenge? Get more information today to change your career.

Karl Timpkins is author of this article on Court Stenographer Schools.
Find more information about Stenographer Schools here.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Karl_Timpkins

Power Words and How to Use Them

2009-06-09T20:14:00.000-07:00

One of the questions we get asked most is about "Power Words," and how and when to use them.

This quick guide should give you some tips on the proper use of power words when speaking to a prospective employer, whether in interviews or through networking.

Power Words are simply Action Words that carry a stronger weight than every day words which most of us use. For example, instead of saying "I made a phone call", we might say, "I placed a phone call." Using the word "placed" instead of "made" is a very simple thing, yet the word "placed" carries a stronger action than the word "made."

Power words also carry a stronger sense of professionalism. A future employer will want to be confident in your ability to speak professionally, whether with clients or with fellow employees. Those who have the ability to speak professionally are able to convey more precise thoughts more quickly, and are able to move others to action.

The challenge is to be able to use power words in a comfortable, non-forced conversation that doesn't seem as though you've been practicing. If a future employer feels that you are trying to impress through the use of power words or phrases, it may quickly backfire on you. When combined with trying to also use power statements, STAR responses, or power phrases, you can really get yourself confused and in trouble. Be natural, be confident, and practice.

Practice using power words in every day conversation. Raise your level of speaking to avoid sloppy speech, speed talking, week speak, and the use of filler words such as umm, ah, you know, ok. Speak professionally, and others will respond professionally.

Below is a list of some Power Words that we have put together. This isn't a complete list, but it's a good beginning. These words denote action, confidence, professionalism, and the ability to get things done. Combine these words with power statements or phrases about your accomplishments, and you'll be amazed at the positive difference it will make. You will be the one that others seek out when they hear how you stand out.

A
Accomplished, advertised, arranged, achieved, advised, assembled, acquired, analyzed, assisted, adapted, appraised, audited, adjusted, approved, augmented, administered, arbitrated, authored adapted, addressed, allocated, analyzed, applied, appointed, appraised, approved, arbitrated, assembled, assessed, assigned, assumed, assured, awarded

B
Budgeted, built, briefed, broadened

C
Calculated, conceived, coordinated, catalogued, conceptualized, copyrighted, charted, conducted, corrected, closed, consolidated, corresponded, coached, constructed, counseled, compared, consulted, created, compiled, contacted, cultivated, completed, controlled, composed convinced chaired, changed, combined, communicated, compiled, composed, computed, concluded, consulted, contracted, controlled, converted, convinced, corrected, cut

D
Debugged, detected, discovered, decreased, determined, dispatched, delegated, developed, distributed, delivered, devised, documented, designated, diagnosed, designed, directed, defined, demonstrated, designed, directed, doubled, drafted

E
Edited, enhanced, examined, elicited, enlarged, exceeded, eliminated, established, executed, empowered, estimated, expanded, engineered, evaluated, explained, earned, effected, endorsed, enlisted, ensured, entered, estimated, expedited, explored, expressed, extended

F
Fired, flagged, formulated, founded, filed, filled, financed, focused, forecast, found,

G
Gathered, generated, guided, granted

H
Headed, hired, halved, handled, helped

I
Identified, initiated, interpreted, ignited, innovated, interviewed, implemented, inspected, invented, improved, installed, inventoried, increased, instituted, influenced, instructed, incorporated, indexed, instituted, insured, introduced, invested, investigated, issued

J
Justified, joined

K
Kept

L
Lectured, lobbied, logged, led, launched, learned, leased, licensed,

M
Maintained, mediated, motivated, managed, modified, manufactured, monitored, matched, measured, met, modified, moved

N
Negotiated, named, navigated

O
Obtained, ordered, overhauled, operated, organized opened, oversaw

P
Patented, prepared, programmed, performed, presented, promoted, persuaded, presided, proposed, placed, processed, provided, planned, produced, purchased, posted, proficient, participated, perceived, posted, procured, proficient, prohibited, projected, published, pursued

Q
Quantified, qualified, questioned

R
Recognized, reorganized, researched, recommended, repaired, restored, reconciled, replaced, reviewed, reduced, reported, revised, referred, represented, regulated, rescued, raised, ranked, rated, received, recorded, recruited, redesigned, rehabilitated, reorganized, replied, resolved, revamped,

S
Scheduled, sold, suggested, screened, solved, supervised, selected, steered, supplied, served, streamlined, systematized, simplified, studied, saved, serviced, shaped, shared, showed, sorted, sought, sparked, spoke, staffed, started, strengthened, stressed, stretched, structured, submitted, substituted, succeeded, suggested, summarized, superseded, surveyed,

T
Taught, tracked, transcribed, tested, trained, translated, traced, tackled, targeted, terminated, toured, traded, transferred, transformed, transported, traveled, treated, trimmed, tripled, turned, tutored

U
Updated, utilized, uncovered, understood, understudied, unified, unraveled, upgraded,

V
Vended, validated, verbalized, verified, visited

W
Won, wrote, waged, weighed, widened, worked

Good luck in making these words a part of your every day vocabulary. You will find that people treat you different when you use these power words and raise your level of speaking. It really does make a difference!

An executive recruiter since 2001, Scott is also a professional employment coach and resume writer. To learn how to use power words in your resume, and for other career tips, visit our blog at http://www.powermyresume.com/Blog

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_Pingel

Choosing a Career Guide

2009-06-09T20:11:00.000-07:00

Choosing a career seems like an easy decision, doesn't it? For some people it is. But for others, they need more of a definitive career guide when it comes to choosing a career path they want to travel down. Almost all of us have dreamed of what we wanted to be when we grew up. Many don't get to realize those childhood dreams. At the very least, they put them aside because they need to earn a paycheck. You see, not everyone gets to realize their childhood dreams. However, there's really no reason why we have to give up on them.

That's where a career guide can be especially helpful. A career planning guide can tell you everything you need to know about your dream career. That includes what schooling you will need, any special training that is required, and what to look for when trying to find a job in your chosen career field. Choosing a career guide is really a simple process, but it is also one that is very important when you are looking for your dream job.

Many career guides can be found online, but be wary when you are choosing which one you want to follow. Make sure that the people or company that has written the career guide is qualified to give advice when it comes to career paths. You don't want to base you career decisions on a guide that is written by someone who has no experience or education in guiding someone down the right career path.

Choosing a good career guide depends on finding one that will give you objective information. That includes the bad and the good of any particular career. If a career guide you are reading says nothing but positive about a job, you will want to pass on that one and move on to another. After all, we know that every single job has its ups and downs - its positives and negatives, if you will. Any career guide that glorifies all jobs as God's answer to the perfect career is one that isn't credible.

We all need advice when it comes to choosing the right career path. Who couldn't use a guide along that career path to make sure that we don't take a wrong turn? Just take care when choosing a career guide and then take the advice that is offered to heart. Then you just might find yourself living your childhood dream working in a job that you always wanted.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Norm_Kistler

Career Change Guide

2009-06-09T20:03:00.000-07:00

When you are looking for a career - whether you are choosing a career for the first time or making a switch to a new career - finding a good and reliable career guide can mean the difference between finding a job you like and job you love. A good career guide will give you information about all sorts of jobs that are available to you and what those jobs entail so that you can make an informed decision when it comes to what type of job you want to do in the future.

When you are looking to a career guide for advice, be sure that you are looking into careers that are conducive to what you like to do and are able to do best. That might mean taking a career interest test first. You can find all sorts of tests like these online at various websites. They can help analyze the jobs you are best suited for based on the answers you give to certain questions. You will then be presented with a list of careers that fit your personality, abilities, and talents. After you get that list, you need to look it over and decide where you think you would be happiest.

Then you need to do some research. That research can be found in many different career guides available to you in a variety of places. The Internet is a great place to start. There are all sorts of career guides available on websites all over the Internet. They are usually separated out into categories which is why you should take the career interest test first - so you can know which category to look into.

After you know what category to look into, the career guide can tell you in-depth information about a specific career field. It can also tell you what type of schooling and/or special training you will need to get into that job field. That will help greatly when you are planning your career goals - which you should do as soon as possible.

Career guides are meant to lead you into the career path that you think you might be best suited for. Use them wisely as you start to delve into the business world, but be sure you get your education first. Nothing compares to a good education. When you use the career guide as a way into a career, you are likely to find that they can be indispensable and actually quite helpful to not only get you into your dream job, but also to help you succeed in that job beyond your wildest dreams.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Norm_Kistler

Top 10 Paying Jobs in USA

2009-06-07T23:33:00.000-07:00

Normally the annual list for the Top 10 paying jobs is quite accurate although there is a disagreement among experts on the public labour and the private sector. When a new specialized profession comes out to the marketplace which is well paid and with high requests for few professionals available, generally this one jumps almost instantly onto the list.

Every year comes out a new list with just a few changes from the last years Top 10 Paying Jobs list. Certain jobs are always going to be on the Top 10. As expected these jobs are highly specialized and always in demand no matter what the current financial climate or location the survey is conducted like CEO's, Doctors, Surgeons and Lawyers, for an example. These jobs are for the highest paid professionals in the United States of America.

Some lists will break out jobs into sub-categories like 'Doctor' could make the list multiple times for Psychiatrists, Obstetricians and Surgeons, for an example.

Let's take a look at a few different lists of the top 10 paying jobs in the USA for 2009.

1. Physicians and Surgeons

2. Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

3. Engineering Manager

4. Podiatrists

5. Investment Banker

6. Computer and Information Systems Manager

7. Air Traffic Controller

8. Lawyer

9. Marketing Manager

10. Natural Sciences Manager

According to the Sources used to make this Top 10 statistic, these are the best paid and highly requested jobs in the marketplace. I hope this information is helpful if you are going to fit in one of the above professions and that you can benefit from this article.

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Can you afford to wait that long?

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pedro_R_Sousa

10 Things To Do Before Hiring a Locksmith

2009-06-07T23:30:00.000-07:00

A Local Boston Locksmith

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brett_McMenimon

10 Tips For People In Top Positions

2009-06-07T23:29:00.000-07:00

If you are running a company or an organization, incorporate these ten tips into every work day and reap the fruits of increased productivity, greater efficiency, and improved quality of life:

1. Approach every meeting, task, and project realizing that peers and subordinates are constantly watching you-even when you think they aren't noticing a thing. Model the behavior you want to see copied.

2. Establish an environment in which employees thrive, not stagnate or die. Nourish people, and they will eat out of your hand.

3. Seek regular input and feedback from your employees, colleagues, Board, and stakeholders. Incorporate reasonable ideas into your daily operations and strategic plan.

4. Recognize and reward exceptional work. This motivates staff in powerful ways.

5. Demonstrate a willingness to embrace rather than resist change. Show people that you welcome the opportunities that come with hard times and special challenge.

6. Take definite steps to develop yourself professionally and personally. Assess your skills, behavior, and character honestly, and ask others who are close to you for input.

7. Create, implement, and regularly monitor progress around an organizational strategic plan. Involve representatives from all layers of your organization in these processes.

8. Build authentic relationships and solid partnerships with other people. Phony, false relationships can only haunt you and hurt your business.

9. Say what you mean and mean what you say-no exceptions. Communicate clearly.

10. Be transparent with your Board, colleagues, and employees. Secrecy undermines your credibility and perhaps even your future.

If you commit to living these ten tips, you generally succeed in getting others to trust you. Gaining trust is like owning gold-and lots of it. If folks don't trust you, they don't really care much about your impressive educational background, previous prestigious leadership/management experiences, and supposed skill set. They need to believe in YOU. When they do, they choose to follow you just about anywhere.

By Sylvia D. Hepler

Sylvia Hepler, Owner and President of Launching Lives, is an executive coach based in South Central Pennsylvania. She connects with clients primarily by phone with in-between emails if desired. Her ideal clients are senior level corporate executives, nonprofit executive directors, and business owners who want to get unstuck, increase skills, create greater work/life balance, and clarify their sense of purpose.

Ms. Hepler's background includes: teaching, public speaking, retail sales, freelance writing, and executive leadership of a 14 county nonprofit organization.

Ms. Hepler has created several products to support executives: two special reports, an audio CD on "making change", and many articles.

CONTACT:
Sylvia@launchinglives.biz
717-761-5457

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sylvia_Hepler

Galvanizing Your Customer Relationships

2009-06-07T23:27:00.000-07:00

Today's customers are savvy and independent. They seek reliable and speedy customer service, but don't want to be bombarded with superfluous information, or overloaded with unnecessary content. By adopting CRM (Customer Relationship Management) technologies and practices, the most adept businesses can find an even balance that solidifies long-lasting customer relationships. Here are 10 ways businesses can develop loyal customers using their customer service call center ...

1. Two-way communication

While providing prompt response, answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) and knowledgeable customer service representatives (CSRs) is important, outgoing contact is just as crucial. Targeted direct mail and e-mail campaigns are an excellent way to establish two-way communication. Alerting loyal customers to special sales, offers and news establishes a tighter bond between customer and company.

2. 360-degree view of the customer

Today a call center will only succeed if it also is a contact center. Serving as an important customer touch point, the contact center must integrate online and off-line customer interaction. The foundation for building a customer conversation history and achieving a 360-degree view of the customer is creating a single-threaded conversation. A single-threaded conversation tracks all customer interactions across multiple channels, enabling multiple CSRs to conduct a continuous personalized dialogue over time and across multiple communication avenues. To maintain this continuous dialogue, every interaction a customer has with a company needs to be recorded in a single software system accessible to both CSRs and the marketing team.

3. 360-degree view of the company

No matter how customers contact your company - whether by e-mail or telephone - it should be easy for them to get all of the information they need. Your systems should integrate smoothly enough so they come across as a single system to the outside world. That seamless integration needs to be conducted through all communication channels as well as an outbound e-mail campaign management system.

4. E-service portal

An e-service portal presents a "single face" to customers that is customized to provide all information, history and knowledge that customers need for purchase decisions, account management, or customer service and support. The e-service portal harnesses the single-threaded conversation, customer databases, as well as customer profile information to deliver content tailored to the needs of the customer.

5. Self-service

Sometimes the best approach to customer service is "hands-off." Although self-service lacks personal contact, it offers several important benefits to customers, including unlimited access and the ability to avoid long telephone queues. Self-service also allows consistent access to knowledge without

forcing a customer to face a disparity of information across different customer service agents.

6. Garner feedback and react

The most successful businesses today have grown by listening to their customers' requests. These companies seek customer feedback from the Web site and off-line communication tools.

7. Expert customer service

A problem customers have with contact centers is that they often are not able to answer customer inquiries. Customers are sometimes passed to two or three different CSRs before getting their questions answered. With a workflow management system for e-mail and telephone correspondence, companies can route each customer inquiry to the appropriately trained CSR, resulting in a quicker response time.

8. Personalized marketing techniques

Using a solid knowledge base built with analytic technologies, companies now have the power to recommend products to shoppers based on their previous purchases. The ability to cross-sell and upsell based on historical data specific to a shopper can increase profit and encourage the shopper to return.

9. Accurate and customized responses to queries

By creating standard answers to FAQs, e-mail response is streamlined. Using intelligent e-mail notification systems, typical customer inquiries can immediately be answered with automated responses. Unique questions are passed on to trained CSRs, who then have more time to provide better service to these customers.

10. Multichannel contact

Never before have there been so many ways for a customer to interact with a business. Inevitably, each customer will prefer a different method of communication and it's up to the company to offer the highest level of service possible regardless of the communication channel. Without a streamlined process in place for both inbound and outbound messages from each communication tool, it becomes difficult to monitor customer interaction.

Regardless of the communication channel, the company needs to provide extraordinary customer service at each customer touchpoint to survive in today's marketplace.

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Michael McCann is a 25-year veteran of developing unique and professional business development programs that create tangible results for individuals and companies. Let him help you instantly...free!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_McCann

General Ledger Software

2009-06-04T21:12:00.000-07:00

The general ledger software helps in generating a balance sheet and an income statement; it checks the status of each account thereby ensuring proper balance. Thus, the software helps in maintaining an integrative application between these accounts while maintaining a check and balance.

Therefore, whether they are revenue expenditures or capital expenditures, relevant account balances are maintained on a daily basis and same goes for the child account too where the account name needs to be changed with that of the child account relevant to the head account.

Similarly, the ledger module is a standalone module and gives an added benefit of being integrated with other modules. Moreover, it gives an ease of producing all financial entries through entries that had been made in the journal. Therefore, they can be directly transferred to the general ledger module. These in turn can also be updated from other modules. Likewise, comparative analysis is done based on historical records of the previous year's data, comparison is easily facilitated through this general ledger software.

Furthermore, this software contains the account head and transaction column followed by debit or credit entries in it.

The sum of the transactions gives the aggregate balance which goes for the child account as well.

Moreover, this software provides extra security based on the task users are performing, the account number they are using and even the 'inquiry only' access. Therefore, there are three main aspects of providing security in the form of task based access, account number based use and inquiry only access.

The General Ledger software collect posting from various account modules such as:

• Accounts Receivables (Debtors),

• Accounts Payable (Creditors),

• Fixed Assets,

• Job Cost,

• Payroll,

• Expanse Accounts etcetera.

Other than this, the bank reconciliation statement collects, checks and posts data from the general ledger itself as part of the reconciliation process.

Some of the feature the General Ledger Software has are as follows:

• Complete audit,

• Ease of reversal entries,

• Statistical modifications,

• Interface to spreadsheet,

• Integration with other application,

• User defined statements and allocations,

• Module sufficient to accommodate up to a thousand companies.

The RTS - Advantage General Ledger module is one such type of software most readily in use. In this, the user can have numerous postings and an unlimited number of accounts that result in many key numbers that keep track of relevant postings made in the ledger. At the same time, multiple entries could be posted within the same time period while the net profit figure could also be posted manually or referred to the system for automatic generation once calculated by the ledger. This as a result paves way for automated generations for different departments and account.

Prior entries are then tracked and credited to historical accounts and present ones are updated to keep all the financial data as current as possible.

Thus, the General Ledger Software helps in keeping track of all account entries made and net profit generated accordingly.

Accsoft specializes in business, toronto canadian accounting software, financial software and systems.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Masood_Mehmood

Why Bookkeeping Matters And How to Make it Easy

2009-06-04T21:08:00.000-07:00

Your accountant will much prefer orderly information. It will save time for them, and may even help bring your fee down too. If your records are already complete it makes preparing your end of year accounts and tax return quicker and easier.

Good bookkeeping has other benefits to your business:

Good financial information can help obtain a business loan.
Having a reasonable estimate your profits makes it easier to plan for tax you have to pay.
This can make it easier to avoid unnecessary tax penalties or interest.

Unfortunately, bookkeeping is time consuming. Or it can be. In the past it was all done manually, but thankfully those days are gone - most bookkeeping is done on computers now.

Most simply you can use something like Excel to create a simple spread sheet. If you know how to use them, these can work for simple figures. For more detail though, they are limited.

The next step up is dedicated accounting or bookkeeping software. This has lots of benefits;

You can see your records easily at any time
Changes can be made easily, and mistakes rectified
You keep your records in a standard format
All the calculations are done for you
There is a record of all your transactions that you can refer to easily
Reports can be created instantly

The problem is, most of this software was designed for the accountant, and it can be hard to use. It also suffers from the disadvantages that all 'traditional' software has, such needing lengthy installation and becoming obsolete quickly.

Recently there has been move to online accounting software.

It works quite differently from traditional software. The crucial difference is that the program is held centrally, on a large server, and is accessed over the internet.

The way accounting software works - you enter information and save it for later - is ideally suited to this type of method. Amongst the benefits of any online system are:

You don't have software to install
It's always the latest version
Backups are automatic, so your data is safe
You can access your records from any computer at any time
It is very secure
It is generally much cheaper

Don't forget though, that all the usual benefits to your business of using accounting software still apply.

In summary,

Every business or sole trader needs to keep records
Any form of bookkeeping (if done well) is better than none at all.
Using computers is much more efficient than manual books.
Accounting software can help but is complex and has limitations.

Online software solves many of the problems of traditional software, but retains the benefits.

This may sound too good to be true, but it isn't. Online accounting is here and available now. It could really help your business and save you money.

Julian Shaw is the Web Marketing Executive at Arithmo Accounting Solutions.

To find out more about online accounting software and small business accounting software visit http://www.arithmo.co.uk

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julian_Shaw

When is it the Right Time to Terminate Your Bookkeeper, and Save Money Too?

2009-06-04T21:06:00.002-07:00

There comes a time for any business, no matter what the size, that it's time to replace or eliminate an employee's position. This article is written for the business owner who has a bookkeeper and has given some thought to this topic. As business owners, we need to make tough decisions all the time. Perhaps one of the hardest decision involves eliminating or reducing the hours of an employee.

Let's face it, nobody likes to terminate an employee, especially in this economic environment. We all know, that it's important to always care about other people, so this type of decision is special and often hard to make. Sometimes your perception of the problem is blocked by your feelings for the employee. So instead of making a decision, your perception creates a series of thoughts about the problem that results in no decision. This is article is written to help you realize that it's time to make a decision.

It's tough to make this type of decision, because there is no one to talk too, especially if you are a small business owner or you really haven't had the time to devote to this problem. Here are 10 reasons or indicators to help you make that decision or to reinforce your decision to terminate or reduce the hours of your bookkeeper. If you can identify with a couple of these reasons or perhaps just one, and you believe that the problem cannot be fixed, then it's time to terminate your bookkeeper or reduce their working hours.

1. Financial information is always received late and when received it has mistakes.

2. You are computer savvy and willing to invest some additional time to do the bookkeeping.

3. You wife, your parents, your in-laws or other family members lost their job and you need to replace their income.

4. You are too dependent on the bookkeeper and your bookkeeping doesn't seem as complex as they make it out to be.

5. You have been fair, discussed this problem with the employee and it can't be fixed

6. You don't understand what the bookkeeper is saying.

7. Your bookkeeper is always too busy to give you the answer to your questions.

8. Your bookkeeper seems to have a lot of extra time.

9. You think you have too many people employed.

10. Self Realization - A little birdie or an inner voice tells you that it's time to terminate your book keeper or reduce the bookkeeping hours.

Remember, sometimes these indicators are a matter of dollars and sense, and you need to save the dollars and it makes sense to internalize the bookkeeping within the family, assuming the replacement person is computer literate and/or is willing to learn.

Sandor Lenner CPA,MBA and a Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor who works as a part-time consultant with Susan Missal Lenner, P.A.
http://www.sl-cpa.net
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sandy_Lenner

Accountancy Software For Small Businesses

2009-06-04T21:06:00.001-07:00

Accounting is perhaps one of those areas of business about which people tend to be less than enthusiastic. Perhaps the idea of breaking out of the humdrum office existence and forging an entrepreneurial career, or perhaps working from home or buying into a franchise opportunity all sound fantastic, but when reality kicks in and the tax man comes knocking, accounts have to be in first class shape.

Often, to begin with, this isn't too difficult, with either hand written ledgers or perhaps a simple, basic spreadsheet set up to take care of the basic incomes and expenditures. But gradually, little by little as time passes by and your business continues to expand and your workload becomes increasingly important, the accounts can become patchy, with errors, omissions and issues occurring that can be hard to consolidate with the figures represented by the bank balance.

It's often all plain sailing until things start to go wrong, or the smooth running of the business starts to crumble a little. Perhaps you take on someone to help out, and have to alter your accountancy methods to take in to account the money paid to them. On the other hand, perhaps you needed some more equipment and had to take out a loan, and now have to manage regular payments out as well as those coming in. Perhaps even one of your clients or customers hasn't paid, and money you were expecting isn't forthcoming and you now need to start working out creditor costs.

These are just some of the issues which can easily come into play when a home business or small business starts up, and there seem to be three possible solutions. The first is simply to continue with handwritten account information, or to use a home built spreadsheet. Clearly, these two options are only viable if the business is one which is run only by you, and has a very small turnover, with basic incomes and expenditures, regular contracts and no complications or problems to calculate in.

However, anything more complex than this arrangement and you will be looking at one of two other possible options - either pay for the services of a qualified accountant to regularly check over your business accounts, bank statements, receipts, invoices and bills, or bite the financial bullet and purchase some accountancy software yourself.

For many people the idea of turning to a software solution, learning how to use new, perhaps complex software and trusting all their business accounts to a computer, might seem rather worrying at first, and so they prefer to opt for the seemingly safer alternative of a real live human being.

The trouble is that a real live human being, whilst reliable, is also very expensive, and this can be difficult for a small business or a home business that doesn't have a huge turnover. Certainly as far as cost effectiveness is concerned, using accountancy software is one of the best options you can go for. However, how complicated is accountancy software really these days, and how hard is it to learn? You might also be curious as to how expensive the software is, and how stable and well supported it is once you have bought into the solution.

The truth of the matter is that although many accountancy software solutions provide a wealth of tools and facilities, these may not necessarily be needed for many home businesses or small businesses. The only aspects of the software you will need are those which you're already managing in various ways. You will clearly need to track your bank accounts, with incomes and payments. You do this already, probably by printing out your bank statement and scribbling in the margin. Accounts software can often allow you to import data in from your online account statement.

You will also probably have a list of clients or customers - possibly in a database, a spreadsheet or a notebook, along with invoices generated or delivered. Again, software can allow you to manage this much more effectively, cross checking the invoices with your bank records to check that money really has been paid in full and received.

Clearly, you will need to be able to track expenses, although too often home business users don't keep records of these. Not keeping such records can make it very difficult to prove your earnings and expenses when the tax man comes to call, so having one central repository where your receipts and costs can easily be entered makes it much easier to see at a glance where the money is coming in and where it is going out. This in turn allows you to analyze the efficiency of the business, identify patterns or trends, and even make forecasts as far as estimated earnings over the next few months or year is concerned.

There are actually a large number of free accountancy software products available, including Microsoft's own version which is fully compatible with their office suite of software. Many others provide 30-day trials, and cost no more than an office chair or a meal out. You'll almost certainly already understand most of the features and options, such as invoices, bank statements, balances, expenses and so forth, and by keeping these up to date, you'll be able to gradually pick up an understanding of the other features which allow you to use those centralized cross checked figures in ways that no notepad or cardboard box stuffed full of paper could ever hope to achieve.

Naz Daud is the founder of CityLocal. This Franchise Opportunity is for people who would like to work from home and be their own boss.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nazir_Daud

Evaluating CPA Firm Lead Generation Providers

2009-06-04T21:04:00.001-07:00

If your firm is considering retaining an outside vendor to assist with lead generation it is important to find the right provider for your firm. Making the mistake of retaining a firm that does not have the right credentials, experience or poor synergy with you/your firm can end up being a costly mistake and set practice growth plans back. Regardless of the type of lead generation services you are seeking there are a number of criteria you should assess to determine which firm is the best fit for your firm.

To help Marketing, Business Development and Marketing Partners find the best firm for their needs; we have identified six basic questions that should be asked of every lead generation provider. These include:

How many CPA firm clients do they have? If the firm does not specialize in the accounting profession then this is a must ask question. It is important to know how many CPA firms they work with because if the company focuses primarily on products and non-financial sales they will likely have an increased learning curve. If the company does have accounting industry clients, be sure to ask for references and review them closely. If the references are not similar to your firm in size (revenues, employees or specialty areas) there may be a small adjustment period. The safe bet is to work with a firm that has experience in the accounting industry serving firms like yours.
Are there any areas the firm has specific experience in? Some lead generation firms have experience in certain niches. The accounting industry is a broad label that covers many areas such as IT consulting, international tax, transfer pricing, non profits or SEC reporting. These are all different and require a specific approach, knowledge base and skill set to properly design, implement and manage a campaign. The concepts critical in "speaking to" a CFO at a SEC registered company is completely different than those critical in "speaking to" a CIO at an insurance, payroll or data processing company. Be sure to find out what experience the lead generation firm has and how it can benefit your efforts.
How experienced are the firm's professionals? Engaging C level executives in meaningful conversations is one of the cornerstones of an effective telemarketing program. If you are considering a lead generation firm that does not have the experience or resources capable of professionally representing your firm then I recommend moving on. The chances of success are significantly reduced if the account manager does not understand key concepts about the service they are selling. In the end this may end up making your firm look bad to the prospect. What impression would it leave with you if a company calling to sell you advertising knew very little about ad sizes, pricing, or positioning in the medium? Not a good one I am sure. The key is to prevent this from happening to your firm. As a result, it is critical to determine who is making the calls; how long they have been doing so and how often they work in your specific focus area.
How does the calling process work? If you are retaining a firm to conduct telemarketing ask for specific information about the calling process. Some firms prefer to develop and send out mailers before the calling engagement. Find out who is responsible for creating, editing and sending out the piece. Determine how many times calls are made, how opportunities are qualified and transitioned to your organization. Do they work from a script of general talking points? Do they set appointments for your firm? Some telemarketing firms have flexible telemarketing programs where they are willing to customize programs based on your needs, while others have a set pattern they use to guide the engagement. Regardless of the format it is in your best interest to find out as much as possible about the process.
How often do they communicate? What type of reporting do they offer? If it is a telemarketing service what type of weekly/monthly communications do they provide to keep you and other stakeholders informed? It is also important to determine whether the information being provided is qualitative, quantitative or both. It has been my experience that marketing and business development professional prefer quantitative reports, while partners prefer qualitative metrics. If they are conducting email marketing consider how reporting on opens, click through and other relevant metrics will be communicated. Part of well run lead generation engagement includes consistent and regular communication on all activity.
What are typical results? This is an important question to ask because the answer given will speak volumes about the organization. I have come across certain companies that guarantee a certain dollar amount in new business as a result of using their company. This is a great guarantee but I have no clue how anyone could possibly make this statement. There are too many variables that affect whether a prospective opportunity turns into new business. Moreover, it is truly outside of the hands of the lead generation firm because (generally speaking) they have no involvement in the sales process once they transition the lead to your firm for follow up. They also have no control over your firm's brand awareness, market strength or relationship base which are critical factors to success in lead generation. As a result, when searching for vendors the best ones are likely those that provide averages but make no guarantees. It may not be as appealing of an answer as the guarantee, but at least they are being honest about what they can produce and you should expect.

No lead generation firm will meet every need your firm has. However, the more questioning, research and due diligence your firm conducts on the front end the fewer surprises you will have when the engagement is executed. Remember that it is okay to ask a lot of questions. As potential customers to these lead generation companies they should be happy and forthright about their services, processes, areas of specialization and overall ability to help you reach growth goals.

Brian Swanson is a partner with Flashpoint Marketing- http://www.flashpointmarketing.biz His firm specializes in providing business development, lead generation and practical marketing solutions for CPA firms. He has experience working with firms of all sizes to help achieve growth goals. If you would like additional information on how to implement successful lead generation programs for your firm please contact him at bswanson@flashpointmarketing.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brian_Swanson

Profit and Loss Statements As Planning Tools

2009-06-04T21:01:00.000-07:00

It is very important for any business owner or investors in companies to have a working knowledge of how a profit and loss statement is structured and generated. In this article these issues are clarified and explained.

The new businessman and investor normally do not have a lot of in depth knowledge of financial statements, thereby increasing their risk of failure significantly. To be really successful when starting a business or becoming serious about investing this needs to change. A comprehensive understanding of how a profit and loss statement is constructed will become one of the primary tools when interpreting it.

The profit and loss statement, also sometimes referred to as the P&L statement or the income statement is basically used to reflect all the income sources as well as all the expenses for the given period. In other words it lists the revenues and expenses, and reveals the profit or loss of the business for the reporting period.

Most business people and investors have probably seen a formal income statement for a business or have paid an accountant to prepare one. To create an income statement for a small business is not difficult. There are a number on spreadsheet templates available for this purpose that can be used as a basis. It is recommended that such a template be used as a basis and adapted to suit individual needs.

Constructing a Basic Income Statement

Before attempting to interpret an income statement it would prudent to understand the construction and composition in detail. It is a good idea to utilize a spreadsheet template as a basis as it can be adopted easily. After entering the income and expense amounts the spreadsheet template could automatically calculate all the subtotals and totals ready for you to calculate ratios and interpret them.

The first step in constructing the income statement is to record the net revenue. The net sales or revenue are the gross revenues generated from the sale of products less any returns or credits given for cancellation of order and allowances such as the reduction in price for discounts passed on to customers. This is done by noting the gross sales and deducting from that all sales returns, discounts and allowance to arrive at the net sales.

The next step is to determine the cost of goods sold. This is the direct cost associated with manufacturing of the inventory items. It includes all raw materials used, the direct production labor, the salaries of the production manager and all production supervisors, freight charges and all other costs associated with operating the plant that produces the items the company sells. In order calculate this value, the value of the opening or starting inventory needs to be determined. Then add to this the value of items such as purchases of raw materials, the cost of freight to get production materials to the production facility, direct production labor and other indirect expenses associated with the production of the sold goods. This will provide you with the value of the available inventory for the reporting period. Now deduct from this the value of the closing inventory to arrive at the cost of goods sold.

The standard layout of a Profit and loss statement then requires the determination of the gross profit or loss. This is simply done by deducting the cost of sales from the net sales value. The gross profit corresponds to the amount of direct profit associated with the actual manufacturing of the products.

The next step is to consider other expenses, sometimes also referred to as overheads. This includes costs associated with items such as (in alphabetical order):

Advertising

Amortization

Bad Debts

Bank Charges

Charitable Contributions

Commissions

Contract Labor

Depreciation

Dues and Subscriptions

Employee Benefit Programs

Insurance

Interest

Legal and Professional Fees

Licenses and Fees

Miscellaneous

Office Expense

Payroll Taxes

Postage

Rent

Repairs and Maintenance

Supplies

Telephone

Travel

Vehicle Expenses

Wages

Adding all this type of costs together and deducting it from the Gross profit provides you with the net earnings before interest and tax, sometimes referred to NEBIT. In some companies any special items are first accounted for before the NEBIT is calculated.

Using the Income Statement as a Planning Instrument

As can be seen from the above, the profit and loss statement of a company can be used as an important financial management planning instrument. When using it as a planning instrument the statement is constructed using the expected periodic monthly and/or annual income and expenditure. This calculation should be based on realistic forecasts and estimates of sales, expenses and overheads. The forecasts and estimates are normally a reflection of the objectives and targets contained in the strategic plan of the company.

The planning department will record the agreed upon estimate values on the forecast profit and loss statement of the company. As actual operating results become available the financial department will record these on the profit and loss statement. It is the duty of the line managers to compare these two statements to detect difference between the estimated and operational numbers, and to implement appropriate remedial measures to rectify any significant deviations that could result in the company not achieving its financial goals.

Conclusion

A wide variety of benefits can be derived from an efficient and efficient financial planning process. A company that utilizes the income statement as a financial planning instrument is clearly concerned about the profit of the company. Using this instrument helps to eliminate unnecessary expenditure and sets the stage for an improved monitoring regime of cash flows. It is also evident that companies utilizing the P&L statement for planning purposes are able to maintain a better balance between their income and expenditure. Another benefit is that these companies are capable of maximize their return on investment (ROI) through the use of this planning tool.

It is strongly recommended to assess the financial planning tools a company utilizes before considering to invest in it. Companies not utilizing their profit and loss statements as a planning tool should be very carefully scrutinized before investing in them.

Dr. Carl Marx completed his Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA). He was awarded the best financial student award at the completion of his MBA. He has extensive experience in providing multi cultural clients with business solutions.

He is widely published in the printed and electronic media in fields as diverse as Financial Management, Risk Management, Safety Management and the Law.

Dr Marx have extensive experience in providing successful solutions to clients in more than 14 Countries, including China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papa new Guinea, Australia, South Africa, Uganda, Ghana, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Mexico the US and the UK.

You are welcome to contact Dr. Marx at drcmarx@gmail.com for any help or support needed.

Additional information and resources can be found at http://financialsupport.weebly.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carl_Marx

Start Small Business - How to Get Started Super-Fast

2009-06-02T22:11:00.001-07:00

It is easy once you know the right internet business formula. What if you discovered easy step-by-step system to strike it rich online starting today? Do you want to know what it takes to earn massive loads of easy cash? Here are 3 simple steps to get you started.

Step 1 - Find a system that you will follow.

Step 2 - Setup your goal and step-by-step action plan.

Step 3 - Take action and track your end results.

The purpose of this article is to get you started making big money on the Internet step-by-step. Here are step-by-step details that you can apply quickly and easily.

Step 1 - Find a system that you will follow.

There are many money making methods online, all you need to do is choose one and get started with it without getting confused. Once you have the right mode make sure that you study it and have the right knowledge and tools using which you can get started instantly. Now you need to set up a goal, list the steps you will use and include an action plan.

Step 2 - Setup your goal and step-by-step action plan.

It is important to set up your goal before you move on with your business. Your end achievement will keep you focused and motivated to put in the necessary efforts. With this in mind you need to write down the procedure you will use to allow you complete the end result you want to achieve. Once you know what you want and have a plan to follow here's what you need to do.

Step 3 - Take action and track your end results.

Set up a daily timetable and make sure that you put in the necessary efforts to get your daily action steps done. Once you do this you will soon find that you are reaching towards your goal by following the steps you established and this will help you to achieve complete Internet business success.

Do you want to learn more about how I do it? I have just completed a brand new free guide. Download it free here: Internet Marketing

Do you want to learn how to use articles like this to drive targeted traffic to your site? Click here: Article Writing Guide

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sean_R_Mize

Start a Small Business - A Secret Cash Flow Formula

2009-06-02T22:01:00.000-07:00

What if you discovered easy step-by-step system to start your first Internet business? Do you want to know how to make it big with your profitable website starting today? Here are 3 simple steps to get you started.

Step 1 - Build your list, here's your easy formula.

Step 2 - Build relationship and offer products.

Step 3 - Drive massive loads of targeted website traffic.

Here are step by step details that you can apply quickly and easily.

Step 1 - Build your list, here's your easy formula.

List building is the key to massive long-term Internet success. If you follow the advice and start building your list today you will make tons of money in the long run. Building your list is pretty simple, all you have to do is give your visitors a free gift and get them to subscribe to your list. Now you can easily promote them your products and services and make money in the long run. Relationship building is the key once you have built a strong subscriber list.

Step 2 - Build relationship and offer products.

It is extremely important to build a strong relationship with your subscribers if you want to make a long time income. All you have to do is provide them quality content and make sure that you help them out on regular basis by providing them quality offers and product recommendations. Once they trust you they will easily do business with you for a long time to come. Make sure you get started driving traffic starting today.

Step 3 - Drive massive loads of targeted website traffic.

Driving traffic to your website is extremely important if you want a constant flow of sales coming in. All you have to do is write articles and submit them to high traffic article directories like Ezine articles and you will soon see that your website keeps getting constant flow of traffic.

Do you want to learn more about how I do it? I have just completed a brand new free guide.

Download it free here: Internet Marketing

Do you want to learn how to use articles like this to drive targeted traffic to your site?

Click here: Article Writing Guide

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sean_R_Mize

Corporate Governance and Small Businesses

2009-06-02T21:59:00.000-07:00

Let's start with some review of what types of companies primarily drive the US economy. We know that there are about 16,000 publicly traded companies represented on the NASDAQ, NYSE and the AMEX. The key economic driver in the US is the 27 million small businesses. The Small Business Administration 2008 Presidential Report on The Small Business Economy clearly communicated "the economy generated 1.1 million net new jobs in 2007. In the first quarter of 2007, 74 percent of the net new jobs were in small firms with fewer than 500 employees and 22 percent were in firms with fewer than 20 employees." Yet, the gross amount of attention in the media and the federal bureaucracy is around what is happening in the Markets. This is understandable with the volumes of dollars transitioning in this public environment. The economic recovery program is not addressing the core of the economy, small businesses. More than ever the public market environment is being questioned about corporate governance. The new legislation being considered for public companies has sections that may very well trickle down and require the small businesses to adhere to similar if not exact rules on Corporate Governance.

A simple definition of Corporate Governance for the small business:

Corporate governance simply refers to the set of internal policies, rules, and procedures that a company follows on a regular basis to ensure that it operates in a fair, equitable, and appropriate manner for the benefit of the company, its management and its shareholders. A corporation usually has a board of directors and a senior "C" level management team. Most small businesses do not have these organizational entities clearly defined and functional. For private companies that are registered as a corporation and have investors, the various states require these entities to have a governing board. Yet many small businesses incorporate for tax issues and do not necessarily pay attention to the concepts of corporate governance.

How does Corporate Governance apply to small businesses?

All businesses should look at their organizational structure and continually assess what will allow the company to perform in an optimal way. The simplest way to implement this is to have an advisory board. The advisory board is non-paid individuals that have business or industry specific backgrounds that can contribute ideas or mentor management. In more formal and traditional cases a small corporation has a board of directors comprised of the founders, a spouse, an employee and maybe - just maybe an outside director. The focal point of corporate governance within small businesses is that all businesses need to set company strategic goals, provide the leadership to put them into effect, supervise the management of the business, and if the company has stockholders, report to the stockholders on their stewardship. For those small businesses that do not have the hierarchical structure in place to implement formal corporate governance plans, it is recommended that regular self assessment of the company will be the starting place for accountability, to enhance performance, grow the company and be a greater contributing force in the economy. At the end of the day, if you follow some set of policies and procedures and are reporting your stewardship of the company to someone even if it is your dog, then you have accountability that is key to corporate governance practices.

Will the government impose its will and definition of Corporate Governance from the public markets into the small business environment?

This imposition of government from the public market companies to privately held companies is making its way through the halls of congress. One idea being tagged onto present legislation is to extend Sarbanes-Oxley down to privately held companies. Anyone that knows anything about SOX is aware of the high cost to implement the documentation processes and the reporting. Pushing this down to the small business environment would be cost prohibitive and stunt economic growth. The general politics of mandated corporate governance is to wait and see how new legislation will affect the small businesses driving the US economy.

As a final note, every company, no matter what size it is, will see the positive effects of implementing the principles of corporate governance. The facts remain that there are 27 million plus small businesses in the US who are the job creators and the drivers of the economy. The greatness of US business is that it performs the best when individuals come together in a free market environment to meet the needs of the economy and society. In the end, best practices of corporate governance can be freely implemented to benefit the company or corporate governance can be instituted by the government, which can cost more in resources, planning and profit. Take the time to assess how your small business views corporate governance and how this will enhance your growth in the market place.

Tom Niewulis, Jr. is passionate about small business. He works with small businesses to develop management teams in implementing organizational strategic vision decisively by using good judgment and initiative to lead and develop organizational teams. As a member of the National Association of Corporate Directors, Tom brings insights to companies regarding leadership, risk management and corporate governance such that they grow in efficiency and market opportunities. He shares the inner workings of business from years of in the trenches experience and presents knowledge with levity.

Check out the podcast and articles of the Real Life Lessons Learned series for the small business environment at http://www.ncdcs.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Niewulis_Jr

Interchange Pass Through - What it is & Why You Need to Know

2009-06-02T21:57:00.000-07:00

I've written a few articles on the important subject of interchange and it's slow but steady rise in popularity as the preferred merchant account pricing structure. The demand for interchange pass through pricing has been fueled by the rapid spread of information online that has led to increased merchant awareness. Interchange is a complex topic, but simply understanding the basics of how it affects the credit card processing fees that merchants pay is vital knowledge for any business owner or manager.

Interchange pass through is a term used in the bankcard industry to describe a certain type of pricing applied to a merchant account. The term sounds a lot more intimidating than it actually is once you understand the fundamentals behind.

Everything in the credit card processing world revolves around something called interchange. Basically, interchange represents a percentage of a credit card transaction that an acquiring bank pays to an issuing bank when a cardholder makes a purchase from a merchant. That's all well and good if you know what an acquiring bank, issuing bank and the like are, and truth be told, most merchants don't. To understand interchange, you need to know how a basic credit card transaction happens and the players involved - so here goes.

When you're approved for a credit card an issuing bank gives you a line of credit that you can access by using the card. Think of the issuing bank as the cardholder's bank.

When a business applies for a merchant account, they're also asking for a line of credit but in a slightly different way. When businesses apply for a merchant account they're essentially asking a bank to take on the risk associated with their acceptance of credit cards. This bank is called an acquiring bank. Think of an acquiring bank as the merchant's bank.

A helpful way to differentiate the two types of banks is to think of them for what they are. An issuing bank issues credit cards to cardholders so they can make purchases. Merchants use an acquiring bank to open a merchant account so they can accept or acquire credit card transactions.

The common element between an issuing and acquiring bank is the cardholder, and that's also where interchange pass through enters the mix. Interchange is a laundry list of different percentage and transaction fees that an issuing bank charges an acquiring bank to process one of their cardholder's credit cards. A common misconception is that Visa and MasterCard profit from interchange, which is not the case.

There are hundreds of different interchange fees, but that's not vital knowledge for the average merchant. What is important is to understand that interchange is essentially the wholesale rate that banks charge each other in order to process a credit card transaction. In order to pay the lowest fees when processing credit cards, a merchant's goal is to pay as close to interchange as possible.

A merchant account that uses an interchange pass through pricing structure applies processing fees by adding a small percentage to the actual interchange (wholesale) rate for every transaction. This method is referred to as interchange plus pricing. This ensures that a merchant only pays the wholesale rate in addition to a small mark-up that goes to their merchant service provider.

While interchange pass through is the least expensive type of merchant account pricing, it's also the hardest to get. Many providers are still holding out and offering only tiered pricing while others are only offering interchange pass through pricing to established merchants that can prove a certain processing volume. Online comparisons sites like CardFellow.com are a good resource for merchants looking for interchange pricing but aren't currently processing.

This article and more merchant account information to help businesses find the best credit card processor is available at the MerchantCouncil.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ben_Dwyer

Change is a Small Business Certainty - Embrace It!

2009-06-02T21:54:00.000-07:00

Change is something that any small business is always certain about. It is always there. Change can either be dreaded or embraced by the small business. The choice is up to you the small business owner. The outcome of how this change is approached can have a major impact on your business.

One often hears the old expression that "change is as good as a vacation". This is true of the small business too. If one can embrace change and if the business is nimble enough, the latest technologies, the latest goods that are hot right now can easily be incorporated into the business and move the business forwards.

The small business owner must be prepared for change to occur. He will nearly always not know what this change will be, or the form that it may take. What he must be able to do is be in the position to wrap his head around the change and if need be, reposition his business to take advantage of the change that is coming. One might turn around and say, how the heck can I do this? I have a small business and it may seem unreasonable to expect me to make drastic changes to my business. I would counter this argument by saying that this is not true.

What does the business do when the government changes tax laws or the local authorities make changes to local by laws. What do you do then? Curl up and die? Close up shop? In almost all cases, the small business adapts and quickly too. He has no choice, but to make the necessary changes and in the time that the authorities determine too. So why not treat change in the same light.

The small business owner should have the mindset that change will occur, and in fact he should go looking for the change itself. Change is about growth and today adapting to changing fast paced conditions is almost a necessity. Embrace change, rather than try fight it. In the long run trying to fight change and trying to keep doing what has worked for so long has led to the downfall of many of the largest businesses. Take a look at the US auto industry for a good example of not embracing change and adapting to it and the result of not making the necessary changes. Perhaps if they had adapted to change in time, the US auto industry may have been a lot stronger than it is today?

You can either be left behind or ride the wave.

For my FREE REPORT on 50 Frequently Asked Small Business Questions , visit http://www.startupmysmallbusiness.com

For other FREE and interesting information on small business issues, visit http://www.startupmysmallbusiness.com/blog

Mark Bergman has 25 years in business experience, covering areas of consulting in strategic planning and software and general business consulting. He also has started up a number of small businesses which he successfully ran and sold off. He has formal qualifications in both business and computer science.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Bergman

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