Business Industry

QuickBooks Setup Help - Which Industry Should I Choose For My Business?

2008-08-22T02:52:00.001-07:00

While going through the initial setup in QuickBooks, the program prompts users to select their industry. Sometimes, a user's industry is not clearly listed. For example, "Computer Service & Repair," is not one of the choices. I'm sure there are many other businesses that are not clearly listed in the "Select Industry" section of the QuickBooks setup screen.

QuickBooks asks for your industry for two reasons:

* So it can load a Chart of Accounts that closely matches what you need
* So it can load preset reports that closely match what you may need

If your industry is not listed, don't worry. Select an industry that is the closest match by examining the source of your business' revenue. This will help you determine a close match on the industry.

To use the "Computer Service & Repair" example above, if the majority of this business' revenue is derived from retail sales, then I would suggest to select Retail as the industry. If the majority of this business' revenue is derived from consultations and service, then I would suggest to select Consultant as the industry.

Here's why you don't need to select an exact match on the industry:

1. QuickBooks is extremely flexible about the Chart of Accounts. Even though QuickBooks loads a preset Chart of Accounts customized for each industry, accounts are easily added or modified. When you pick an industry that is a close match, you can create or delete accounts that are custom to your business.

2. QuickBooks is extremely flexible about it's reports. In fact, one of the things I love most about QuickBooks is it's powerful reporting features. Although the preset reports for each industry are nice, custom reports are easily created and memorized, regardless of the industry chosen in the setup.

I'm a huge fan of getting QuickBooks setup correctly the first time. One of the most important parts of the setup is the Chart of Accounts. But don't worry if your industry is not immediately apparent, as QuickBooks is very forgiving if the incorrect Chart of Accounts is chosen. Just add, delete, or modify accounts as needed.

About the Author: Jennifer A. Thieme is a Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor who loves to help people with QuickBooks. She brings unique insight, clear instructions, and over ten years of experience to all of her QuickBooks articles. Owner of Solid Rock Accounting Services, Jennifer's clients enjoy these same benefits on a personal and regular basis. You can too - visit http://www.jenniferthieme.com/quickbooks-help.html and get more QuickBooks help.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_A._Thieme

Why the Travel Industry is the Best Business Industry

2008-08-22T02:51:00.000-07:00

When choosing a business opportunity, it is very important that you chose one that is associated with an industry that is flourishing. The last thing you want is to have to market a product or service that is not in demand. One of the best industries you can chose to focus your business efforts is the travel industry.

Travel is one of the luxuries that won't be going any anytime soon. In fact, the travel industry is the largest commercial industry in the world. It is currently a 7 trillion dollar industry and it is predicted to double over next 8-10 years. That's crazy! The internet has really played a significant role in the growth of the travel industry. Forty-three percent of every dollar spent on the internet is spent on travel.

The travel industry is one that most business gurus are trying to get their piece off. The travel industry is so lucrative that even some of the richest people in the world are getting their piece. Donald Trump started his own travel company in 2006. Even Bill Gates has a piece. He bought a whole chain of hotels!.

Another thing that makes the travel industry a great venture are the baby boomers. The baby boomers are the largest target market out of any group of individuals. Ten thousand baby boomers turn the age of 60 each day. And with 74 million baby boomers, that's one every 8 seconds for the next 20 years. These retirees have time and money and they want to travel. With a target market that big, the travel industry is positioned to always be ahead of the pack. For more information on the baby boomers, check out my other article.

Copyright © 2008 Nate Falconer.
Nate is a professional network marketer who teaches others how to be successful in network marketing using both traditional and non-traditional methods. If you want to get in touch with Nate or learn more about network marketing success please visit:

Free Network Marketing Advice

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

Over $900 Million in CPI Projects Expected to Begin Construction in Germany in 2007, an Industrialinfo.com News Alert

2008-02-15T04:15:00.000-08:00

SUGAR LAND -- Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas). So far in 2006, Industrial Info has identified seven Chemical Processing Industry (CPI) projects expected to begin construction in Germany during 2007. These projects combined total approximately $910 million worth of investment dollars that will be poured into existing German production sites.

For details, view the entire article by subscribing to Industrialinfo.com's Premium Industry News at http://www.industrialinfhttp://www.industrialinfo.com/showNews.jsp?newsitemID=97024, or browse other breaking industrial news stories at www.industrialinfo.com.Industrial Info Resources (IIR) is a Marketing Information Service company that has been doing business for over 23 years. IIR is respected as the leader in providing comprehensive market intelligence pertaining to the industrial processing, heavy manufacturing, and energy-related industries throughout the world. For more information send inquiries to chemicalsgroup@industrialinfo.com or visit us online at www.industrialinfo.com.

Canadian Refiners Increase Planned Future Spending by 350% During Last Twelve Months, an Industrial Info News Alert

2008-02-15T04:14:00.000-08:00

SUGAR LAND, Texas -- Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas). The Canadian refining industry has always had robust capital and maintenance spending. On average, $8-10 billion in proposed refining expenditures are on the books during any given year in the country, but recent highs in oil prices have given way to a flurry of planning activity among Canada's refiners for expansions and new upgrading units.

For details, view the entire article by subscribing to Industrial Info's Premium Industrial News athttp://www.industrialinfo.com/showNews.jsp?newsitemID=81899, or browse other breaking industrial news stories at www.industrialinfo.com.Industrial Info Resources (IIR) is a Marketing Information Service company that has been doing business for over 23 years. IIR is respected as the leader in providing comprehensive market intelligence pertaining to the industrial processing, heavy manufacturing, and energy-related industries throughout the world. For more information send inquiries to oil&gasproductiongroup@industrialinfo.com or visit our website at www.industrialinfo.com.

nfoWorld's New CTO FirstMover Supplement Helps CTOs Drive E-Business Through Technology; Premiere Edition Coincides With First-Ever CTO Forum

2008-02-14T02:35:00.000-08:00

InfoWorld today announced CTO FirstMover, a special supplement designed to help CTOs compete more effectively in the Internet economy by putting business goals into practice using technology. The first edition of CTO FirstMover, available in the May 15 issue of InfoWorld, will focus on balancing opportunities and risk for companies doing business on the Internet. Publication of CTO FirstMover coincides with the first-ever CTO Forum, an exclusive invitation-only gathering of 150 of the top CTOs in the industry created by InfoWorld.CTOs are emerging as the new force in corporate America, shaping and defining the digital economy," said Michael Vizard, editor in chief of InfoWorld and CTO FirstMover. "By helping put technology in the context of business goals, CTO FirstMover reflects the CTO's entrepreneurial view of business and no-nonsense approach to technology."

The CTO FirstMover supplement includes a complete package of news, opinions, and analysis synthesized in a crisp format tailored for executives with too many demands on their time.

Each issue of CTO FirstMover will include:

-- Fast Forward -- a series of briefs on emerging technologies,

hot jobs, CTO insights, and e-business trends.

-- Cover Story -- an in-depth feature on critical topics related

to converging business and technology issues.

-- Strategies & Tactics -- concise interpretation and analysis on a variety of business, technology, and management issues

affecting CTOs.

-- Markets -- an examination of the competitive e-business

landscape, including issues and challenges, specific to key

vertical industries.

-- Pulse - original InfoWorld research facts and figures that

highlight CTO-specific issues and e-business trends.

-- From the Front Lines -- a column by Michael Vizard, editor in

chief of CTO FirstMover.

CTO FirstMover will be published quarterly. Online, CTO Zone will be available at www.infoworld.com and will include trend analysis, interviews, case studies, and features stories that pertain directly to CTOs. CTO Zone will also serve as a platform for the community of CTOs to exchange experiences and insights among their peers.

About InfoWorld

Headquartered in San Mateo, Calif., in the heart of Silicon Valley, InfoWorld Media Group publishes InfoWorld and InfoWorld.com. InfoWorld defines technology for business and focuses on editorial coverage of key technologies, products and trends to assist IT professionals in leveraging technology for business advantage. InfoWorld's $21 million dollar dedicated multi-platform, enterprise test bed -- the InfoWorld Test Center -- conducts the industry's most trusted testing of technology and products as well as provides in-depth analysis and the business ROI of the technology and implementation.

InfoWorld Media Group also publishes InfoWorld.com, defining technology for business on the web, features daily technology news, product reviews, opinions, interactive discussion forums, along with a weekly e-mail newsletter (the InfoWorld Scoop) and a complete archive of InfoWorld's print edition.

InfoWorld Media Group is a business unit of IDG, the world's leading IT media, research and exposition company. IDG publishes more than 300 magazines and newspapers and 4,000 book titles and offers online users the largest network of technology-specific sites around the world through IDG

TradePower and InfoSource Partner to Provide Customers With Advanced Services for B2B E-Commerce

2008-02-14T02:33:00.000-08:00

More Than 850 InfoSource Clients Will Benefit From TradePower's

Digital Marketplace and Web-Based Procurement Solutions

TradePower, the leading business-to-business (B2B) digital marketplace and supply chain solution for the construction industry, today announced that it has partnered with InfoSource Corporation of Central Ohio, a provider of construction software to some of America's largest contractors. Under the agreement, TradePower will provide InfoSource with access to more than 6,000 contractor customers and will facilitate relationships with the major mechanical and electrical distributors. InfoSource will provide TradePower with access to key clients located throughout North America. TradePower is positioned to provide desktop and Web-based e-commerce products and services to InfoSource and TradePower's mutual customer base. TradePower will integrate with InfoSource's Purchasing Control System, allowing InfoSource clients to benefit from the Web-based procurement service. TradePower will also have access to additional contractors who account for more than $800 million in construction purchasing annually.

"TradePower is dedicated to providing construction suppliers and contractors with an end-to-end supply chain solution. More than just an e-commerce site, TradePower provides a comprehensive suite of products and services that integrates with customers' existing business systems," said Tom McVeigh, CEO of TradePower. "We are pleased to partner with InfoSource to deliver this incremental and integrated solution to some of the nation's largest contractors."
"As a leader in the construction industry, InfoSource understands that contractors are looking for ways to streamline business processes without making major changes in their current ordering and purchasing behaviors," said Mike Ramirez InfoSource. "We chose to partner with TradePower because its solution integrates seamlessly with our InfoSource our Purchasing Control System and our InfoSource Service Tracking System, allowing contractors to realize the benefits of e-commerce without changing their business processes. By combining the power of TradePower's digital marketplace with our construction management software products, contractors will be able to spend less time in the office and more time on their job sites."

TradePower's Digital Marketplace

The TradePower digital marketplace enables real-time transactions between suppliers and contractors, empowering users to research, request and purchase construction materials through their medium of choice - the desktop or the Web. Unlike existing construction industry exchanges that target owners, architects and general contractors, TradePower is focused on the supplier and contractor relationship, where the majority of construction industry transactions occur.

TradePower's marketplace connects contractors and suppliers through a neutral, centralized and integrated environment that enhances information exchange and simplifies the purchase and sale of construction supplies. The exchange gives contractors the ability to improve business operations by reducing overhead costs and minimizing fulfillment errors. Suppliers benefit from the TradePower digital marketplace by expanding their sales channels and improving the efficiencies of their supply chains.

About InfoSource

Founded in 1975, InfoSource is a leading supplier of application software and information system services for the construction industry. InfoSource and its marketing partner Millennium Solutions, Inc focus on the delivery of high quality business solutions through the integration of new technology and graphical user interfaces with InfoSource accounting, management and control software or with the customer's legacy systems.

About TradePower

TradePower is the leading business-to-business digital marketplace and supply chain solution for the construction industry that streamlines the transfer of information and materials between contractors and suppliers. TradePower provides the tools and resources that link business processes - desktop to desktop - through a centralized, integrated and automated electronic exchange

Networking Online in Specific Industry Sub-Sectors

2008-02-02T02:15:00.000-08:00

So often we are told by Business Marketing Professionals to promote our businesses thru networking and yet some people hear this and just do not understand. For instance if you have a local business, which does business in your specific community then networking is very easy; Go to a few Chamber of Commerce Mixers, join a leads club and attend some community social functions and well you are well on your way indeed.

However consider if you are in an esoteric business and do business with folks all over the country or the Globe and do a lot of your business online, over the phone and thru the mail. Then how do you network properly? Well what is interesting is it is much the same in theory really, not much different at all. In local business social functions you are pressing the flesh so to speak and in networking online you are touching base with those who are in your industry.

It pays to be on a first name basis with those vendors, suppliers, consultants and even competitors in your industry. They need to know your limitations and strengths and you need to know who they know. You need to refer work and clientele to them and send business their way when you can. And ask for referrals from them as well. So please consider all this in 2006.

The #1 Secret to Selling any Product or Program

2008-02-02T02:13:00.000-08:00

There is one simple secret that every top business man, internet marketer, affiliate marketer, and sales person knows.

Want to know what it is?

Effective ad copy can sell anything!

Ok, simple enough, "but how do you write an effective ad copy" is what you may be asking now. It is much easier than you think.

Fact is even the best copy writers in the world follow a very basic principle followed by a very basic ad set up. You are about to learn about both.

Have you ever heard of the term AIDA before?

It's an acronym that stands for: Attention, Interest, Desire, Action. This simple acronym drives every effective ad copy ever written. Here's how it works.

1. You grab "Attention" with an interesting headline.

2. You maintain and create more "Interest" with copy that supports your headline.

3. You create a "Desire" for the prospect to want know more, buy, etc.

4. When the top three above fall into place, the prospect takes the desire "Action" to submit their info, order your product, join your newsletter, etc.

Those four basic principle drive every effective ad copy in existence. Copy writers then plug this principle into the following set up and they have an ad copy that sells, and sells, and sells. Here is the setup:

* Headline - this is the "Attention" grabber.

* Body - here is where you maintain "Interest" and create a "Desire" for the prospect to want to take your desired "Action."

* Sales link - this is your desired "Action." Here they will subscribe to your newsletter, buy your product, etc.

* Signature and contact info - brand yourself with your signature and picture and provide contact info to provide validity and security to the prospect.

That's it! Follow those steps and you can write an effective copy for any product or service.

Nick Bramble specializes in teaching people how to create passive income in order to achieve financial AND time freedom.

Its No Secret Anymore That The Mortgage Business Is Toast

2008-02-01T02:12:00.001-08:00

The economy has become very tight in certain areas of the country. It's a very sad thing to see when you go to public car fairs and all you see is brand new automobiles that are being sold by previous Mortgage bankers. This industry has made many individuals very wealthy but has left more people on the street looking for a new job. As many of you know the last 7 years has created over 3.5 million jobs in this country due to the Real Estate Industry, that is a lot of people that got involved for the "Gold Mine" but now have lost are of their gold. If an industry creates 3.5 million jobs over a 7 year span what do you think will happen the next 7 years as fewer people are able to survive in the industry?

Its very simple answer the Home-Based industry is going to shoot sky high and become the TRUE gold mine for many years to come. So your asking why home-based business? The most accurate explanation is that there is NO OTHER business out there that can put the same amount of money in your pocket consistently every month like Real Estate did, and thats a true fact.

Many people joining home based businesses are people that have not been able to adjust in the mortgage industry and have realized they can make the same amount of money right from home with the correct system. Its no secret anymore that the mortgage business is toast, so how are you going to adjust? Research a opportunity and gather the correct information, get plugged in and let the race begin once again.

Thank you.

Top Ten Tips for Participating in Online Business Expos

2008-02-01T02:10:00.000-08:00

Are you ready for a BASH? Have you ever been a vendor or exhibitor at an expo, craft show or other offline event? Well, when you are a participant in an online bash or online expo - many of the same expo tips apply. Here are the Top Ten essential business expo tips for online events.

* Business Expo Tip #1 - Welcome guests and vendors to the event - seems pretty simple, but being friendly online goes a long way!

* Business Expo Tip #2 - Introduce yourself, and give a little personal info about yourself. People love to do business with vendors they know! Do you have kids? Are you married? Do you love to knit? Share tidbits of yourself! Connections are made at online expos and bashes.

* Business Expo Tip #3 - Set goals for yourself before the event. For example, I will book three parties or I will increase my sales by $xx. Setting goals (and writing them down!) helps you achieve goals.

* Business Expo Tip #4 - Decide what games, prizes, discounts, sales incentives you will offer for the expo or bash attendees. Write the incentives down or better still, type them into a word document - that way they are ready to cut and paste the day of the online event. It will make your life easier, believe me!

* Business Expo Tip #5 - Prepare your presentation notes as well too - what products will you be featuring? Is there something new or exciting? Be sure to put all pertinent info into your word file as well. It's also a great idea to put a brief overview of your shipping info, guarantees etc into a word file for the event too. Cut and paste makes it easy!

* Business Expo Tip #6 - Promote, promote, promote! Success at an online expo or bash depends on many factors, the primary factor is you! Be sure to invite friends, colleagues, family, customers to join you at the online party. Online shopping is hot! Everyone loves the convenience of shopping from home! Be sure to let everyone know that you are a vendor at XYZ Bash and let them know the dates, times etc. Send invites to your personal contact list at least three times - a week or so before the online event, a day before the event and the day of the bash or party!

* Business Expo Tip #7 - Network! The biggest benefit of online bashes and online expos is the networking that can be accomplished. It's important and beneficial to build relationships.

* Business Expo Tip #8 - Be sure to say thank you! It makes a huge impact.

* Business Expo Tip #9 - Follow up with any guests or vendors who have requested information, who ordered, who won prizes immediately within 24-48 hours at the most! Stay in touch with those guests and vendors who have requested contact.

* Business Expo Tip #10 - Have fun! Online bashes and expos are created to be like a party - enjoy yourself, have fun!

Innovative Construction Machinery

2008-01-31T03:27:00.000-08:00

Construction machinery performs multi various tasks mostly using hydraulic power. Some of the recent innovations in the construction machinery industry carry fully computerized hydraulic control systems, energy-saving measures and features needed for comfortable and efficient operation. With the current focus on environment, most of the construction machinery is geared to perform with less noise, less vibration and low emissions.

Mini excavators are meant for use in urban areas with a dense population. They are designed for efficient functioning in narrow jobsites with safety features such as tip-over protection, falling object protection to avoid the dangers involved in urban construction.

Large Excavators are mostly used in mining. In the mining industry, heavy loads are carried continuously, the large excavators are geared for non-stop performance with durability. Cost-efficiency is one important factor in the mining industry, hence only an excavator that provides lowest cost per ton for material movement is ideal. To get significant savings, these large excavators need very low maintenance cost and a longer life. For more info visit www.construction-machinery4u.info

Where mobility of operation is the important factor, wheeled excavators are the ideal construction equipment. They can work on any terrain and can be easily controlled in different terrains.

Wheel loaders come with various options which are designed for operational ease. The levers and pedals can be operated with minimum force to achieve better control. Visibility is the important factor for wheel loaders for comfortable operations. In construction sites, the hydraulic pump motor in the wheel loaders provides easy mobility.

Articulated dump trucks are mostly used in construction sites located in hilly terrains. Because of the sloping terrain, the operator in the cabin is provided with more visibility of the surrounding area. The truck comes with diagnostic display controls and warnings for malfunctions to provide safety.

Rubber crawler carriers are good for uneven and muddy construction locations. Even when carrying heavy loads, on soft ground conditions, these carriers should run smoothly to prevent accidents. At the same time when used on a paved road, they should not damage the surface of the road. Another factor to be noted is that the rubber crawler carrier should be able to pull out of hindrances and ditches in the construction site.

Successful Network Marketing

2008-01-31T03:26:00.000-08:00

The truth is that many millions of dollars have been made in network marketing,the facts are that only two percent of marketers ever make enough money to cover their advertising and marketing costs. You see only ten percent of the population enjoy cold calling, you know you spend your hard earned money to buy those lists and then spend hours calling people who said they were interested in internet marketing when they filled out the online form. But now you have them on the phone and they tell you they have to think about it.

And the responses are many but few are committed to getting more info and taking action. You see this is the old way of doing network marketing, the sad part about all this is that a large percentage of network marketing companies still train their distributors to market this way. If you truly want to be part of the winning two percent that are making the kind of money that presidents of large corporations make then take the necessary action to see how this industry has changed ever since the internet has got involved.

Open your eyes to technology, see how network marketing has changed and is changing everyday. Are you willing to settle for hundreds when you could be banking thousands? You be the judge but give yourself an honest chance and take a good look around, talk to people in the industry,you know the ones who are making millions. Ask them about technology and what changes have happened over the years and what strategies they forsee for the network marketing industry in the near and not so far future.If they are honest respectful business leaders what they tell you could change your life and the the lives of your family and friends for ever.

Mortgage Brokers and Loan Officers Are Not Created Equal

2008-01-30T01:30:00.000-08:00

I was recently at a non-mortgage convention and something struck me as being very interesting. No matter what business you're in, different parts of the country react differently to what they are presented. I know that may sound strange, but let me explain. While at this convention, I was interacting with folks from California, Chicago, NE US, and Florida. Even though we were all there representing the same kind of industry, the talk was completely different based on where you were from. Oh, there was nothing wrong with how it was being represented, it was just different and unique to each area.

Since I do a lot of writing for internet purposes, it really got me thinking about how this applies in the mortgage business, then I realized something. Just because we are all in this business doesn't mean we all do the same stuff when it comes to mortgages. Some parts of the country are more receptive to different kinds of them. I say this not based on scientific study, not because I took a survey, but based on the different states I've lived and done business in and from the reactions I get from different things I've written and where these responses came from.

For instance, the West Coast is more keen to the Pay Option Arm than say Indiana. Florida is more reverse mortgage territory than Ohio, get it? I say this not to say you can or cannot sell differen types of them in different areas, I say this more to possibly give you some insight as to get a better understanding of your target audience. Hey, in this whacky business we call mortgage land, every little bit of info helps, if you ask me.

And now, I would like to invite you to get "Mortgage Info With An Attitude". Free weekly answers about the mortgage business called the Mortgage Mailbag. AND, you are the one submitting the questions! As a bonus you'll get the Special Report, "The 5 Biggest Myths about the Pay Option Arm and the Real Truth About Them".

The Only Way To Succeed In MLM

2008-01-30T01:29:00.000-08:00

Let assume you found the perfect mlm business, you did your homework of course, you contacted the head office and the local support, if available, asked some innocent questions and checked how fast and professional they responded.

You also tested your sponsor, finding out, how committed he or she is with the business of your life.

And if everybody passed the test, you finally join the opportunity of lifetime.

That's what I did in 1997. As I am a good talker, I had no problem finding and introducing people to this wonderful opportunity.

I searched around and asked my upline for the perfect way to organize my downline.

To make a long story short, I have come a long way, but let me explain, what IS working very well.

Please review www.info-lotto.com. It is a site of my own that I dedicate to new Euro Millions and UK Lotto players, they can become an affiliate and if they find 5 people who join the syndicate lotto, they play for free.

Well, I could register as many people as I could directly under me and receive 20 % commission, this is the first level rewards.

But instead, I transfer the new member to my second level, third level and what do I notice ?

People realize the potential that finally they will play for free and in the second phase, earn a monthly income.

In my own experience, this is the way to conduct your mlm business and you'll succeed !

It is working for me, take my advice and apply it to your own group.

Good luck.

Syneron Medical (NASDAQ - ELOS) - It's a Buy!

2008-01-05T04:56:00.000-08:00

Syneron Medical (NASDAQ: ELOS) is a small medical equipment company focused on growth. Last year they did 87 Million in sales. Earlier this month they appointed a new CEO, Doron Gerstel, to support their high growth strategy going forward. He was formerly their North American President so he knows the business and how to make it grow. In my opinion valuations are good--P/E is half of industry average, price to book is slightly lower than industry averages at 4.6, and although you aren't getting a dividend, you should still be able to make some cash on this company because according to Morningstar their forward price to earnings is low at 14.6.

Some additional info on Syneron Medical: 1Q07 results were stellar--$32.3 million out of the gate. They also have made large investments in dental lasers--This is great news for both investors and all of those who hate going to the dentist--According to their website, www.syneron.com, "The LiteTouch Dental Laser is designed to provide dentists with an alternative to the high-speed drill".

How I'd play it: I would buy some ELOS shares to add some small company exposure to my portfolio (I believe in some balance). Currently it trades in the mid-20's. So if possible i would pick up anywhere from 100-200 shares now and then buy some more. If it pulls back to the low 20's I'd say you got yourself a steal. However, I would really buy this stock anywhere between $20 and $30 per share because their financials show strength and their products are in demand

InfoPreneur Secrets - How To Use Forums To Promote Your Info Product

2008-01-05T04:54:00.000-08:00

This is one article in the series of InfoPreneur Secrets which discusses tips, tricks, techniques and secrets to be a successful info product creator and marketer. This article will discuss how to effectively use forums to market and generate sales for your info product.

To a ‘normal’ person, forums are seen as communities of like minded people where they can debate, discuss and chat about their interests. To an internet marketer, forums are seen as a powerful marketing resource where targeted prospects can be hunted down and encouraged to invest in their info product.

Forums are fantastic marketing tools, but only if used properly.

Forums should not be abused. Spammers will get no success. Marketers who contribute value and real information will reap the rewards from forum marketing.

Here are a few tips for effectively using forums to market your info products:

- Don’t use a sig file straight away – This may sound strange, but for your first 7-8 posts in a new forum, don’t use a sig file. The members will see you as ‘one of those marketers just trying to make some money from the forum members’ and they’ll carry this perception for a long while, maybe forever. For your first 7-8 posts, just provide top quality information with no links. You’ll be perceived as an expert just sharing their knowledge and the forum members will hopefully carry this image for a long while.

- Build relationships – You’ll find that many of the forum members run websites. They may be prepared to promote your info product to their website visitors and subscribers if you manage to effectively build relationships with them.

Remember, don’t abuse forums because this strategy will NEVER wor. Forum members are too clever to know when someone is after a quick buck or is there to provide real valu

Starting a Business in the Dog Clothing Industry: Is Now A Good Time

2007-12-19T22:58:00.000-08:00

Yes. Let me just get that answer out of the way. In a matter of just a few years, dog clothing has grown from obscurity into a booming industry. Millions of dog owners around the country and around the world are willing to pull out their wallets to clothe their furry babies. Even though it takes hard work, the dog clothes industry is booming, and there’s plenty of room for businesses small and large to turn a profit.

First, let’s discuss one of the less glamorous aspects of getting a dog clothing business started – hard work. First of all, you have to set up shop. These days, you can either have a traditional “brick and mortar” store or you could set up an internet business. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, but internet businesses are cheaper to run due to the low overhead. This first step can be complex and difficult, so it’s a good idea to get help and research as much as you can before going for it. An educated business owner is a successful business owner. Once you have set up your store you need to do some product sourcing. Look around for good, quality suppliers that can offer you the most for your money. For a dog clothes store, your suppliers must be able to provide fashionable clothing at a decent price and in a timely manner. If you don’t have enough money to buy a lot of inventory yourself, you might want to find a dropshipper. They will ship the product directly to your customer with your company’s info on it. It’s best if you can find a wholesale supplier that also drop ships. Getting everything started can be a daunting task the feels overwhelming, but if you stick to it, then you will be rewarded in the end.

The payoff for all your hard work is worth it. Last year, pet supplies in the U.S. made about $34 billion. That’s a big enough pie for everyone to have a slice. There’s no sign of this popularity fading anytime soon, either. Now it’s hard to flip through TV channels without seeing something about a celebrity buying expensive things for their pets. Thanks to people like Paris Hilton, dog clothes are going to be around for a while.

Business English and the Automotive Industry

2007-12-19T22:57:00.001-08:00

There is a real challenge out there as the Automotive Industry ‘globalises’ – experts in a number of disciplines from Sales to Design, Engineering to Manufacturing are having to talk to each other across continents. This brings so many challenges, both for the business and the individual. Companies like Nissan and Renault have important alliances in place, and most automotive manufacturers are present in China, working with local industries.

The Challenge

English is the global language of the Automotive Industry

There are ever increasing demands on Automotive executives:

International Travel
International Companies & Alliances
Shared, Time-pressured Development programmes
International Meetings – face to face, on the phone, even on TV
International Communications – e-mails, letters, video conferencing
Global Experts in Design, Sales, Engineering, Manufacturing, Finance who have challenges when trying to get their expertise across.

The Personal Challenge

Imaging the difficulties posed by the following examples:

1. “He’s wrong!” – but how do I tell him that politely?

2. “That’s not the best way” – but how do I tell them what is the best way in terms that they will understand and without offending them?

3. “I’m thirsty” – but how do I ask for a drink around here?

4. “I’d really like to see the way that he calculated that” – but how do I ask him?

5. “I don’t want to eat here, I’ve heard it’s no good!” – but how do I let them know?

6. “That’s a lousy deal!” – but how do we discuss this in the kind of detail I want to go into??

7. “I really want to understand what makes this colleague / customer ‘tick’ – it would make this project / negotiation much easier” – but I’m stuck for words! English is too difficult!

The Solution

The Automotive giants and their suppliers need to get their experts ‘up to speed’, NOW. International alliances and cooperation means more travel, more meetings and more and more shared projects and platforms. There are various options available to employers to enhance their employees' skills in English, especially to those in Japan, Korea and China. The best option has to be one-to-one tuition in the UK, Australia or the US. Good training (which can also be carried out in-house, or in a language school either 'at home' or abroad) enables international experts to communicate easily and with confidence, so that a car-makers' ideas and agenda are definitely put forward.

Too often during my career in the industry I have watched Japanese colleagues struggling to communicate their point of view (and therefore that of their employers!) to people from very foreign cultures. My favourite example of this is sitting in a car in the UK, next to a Turkish gentleman, and hearing one half of a conversation he was having with a Vietnamese gentleman who was speaking from his desk in France where he works for a German company – all about a project for a French customer for parts that would be manufactured in Turkey for a Romanian factory! All of this was in ENGLISH!

How to Start a Business in Construction Industry

2007-12-19T22:56:00.000-08:00

Starting a business is never too easy and one would already know that. You have to work out several things before deciding upon a niche for your business. Moving into a well established construction industry is going to be tough with many great and reputed players already in the market. Most likely you need to concentrate on your existing contacts and try building few more, as it’s a complete “word of mouth” type business where the reputation talks for itself.

If you have planned everything and are waiting for a time to begin, then most appropriate time is after hurricanes, twisters etc is the best, when several homes are destroyed within minutes and you can earn your living by making new homes for those affected. This way you can make a reputation for yourself by providing quality service related to construction.

Do you know: historical events like the Tsunami and hurricanes like Rita, Katrina have destroyed millions of home in seconds leaving a huge amount of mess to clear along with new re-construction opportunities worth trillions of dollars? Many construction companies are still feeding on the remains of those natural calamities and have made millions of dollars for themselves by now. That’s called timing.

Technically speaking, construction work has to be first done on the paper just like traditional ways, where you will draw a blueprint of the structure that is going to be constructed. Time is changing rapidly and with the use of good construction design software’s and construction estimating software you can easily define the stages of construction along with their pricing details. Every client wants a trustworthy construction company which is sincere and punctual in their commitments and can provide quality work on a long term basis. Takeoff software gives fast, accurate cost estimates and material takeoffs.

Other opportunities lie with the retail, residential, hospitals, offices, and schools where the construction requirement is ever green. Major builders are always hunting for quality professionals who are sincere, punctual, know their responsibility and can meet up with ever growing demand. Now if you are a contractor or technology vendor or a material supplier, you should not waste any more time and seize the opportunity of this situation by delivering quality work.

The next question that comes in your mind is “How can I achieve this”? The best way of reaching these builders is by participating in the trade shows, sales shows, by handing out brochures and other marketing material which could generate awareness. You can even take appointments and do a small presentation displaying your talent in the construction business. Another way of publicity that is moving very steadily is via internet where you can submit your company’s details in the online construction directory listing. Prior to listing, make sure you have a nice looking website (with product information, delivery mode, tips and price list), that increases your chances of getting the contract.

Don’t get nervous, be confident when launching a construction business. Take good care of your baby by marketing via different means we have discussed above. Keep changing your marketing strategy to run with the current trend!

ADTRAN Demonstrates Industry's First End-to-End G.shdsl Deployment Solution; - Company Business and Marketing

2007-07-25T05:04:00.000-07:00

Publicans now on-line with new industry website - Company Business and Marketing - Brief Article

2007-07-25T05:02:00.000-07:00

The site is located at http://www.pubcentre.com and is currently offering free membership to an online shopping centre for anyone that signs up. Features of the site include a directory of suppliers and a list of weekly special offers and deals. Also there will be access to free downloadable software that may help publicans and a complementary newsletter covering breaking industry news and advice and opinions from specialists and executives.
More features are in the pipeline and are scheduled to be available in the summer. This includes the Inn-Tranet, a searchable database where publicans are able to find suppliers in such fields as garden furniture, frozen food, condom machines and karaoke.

E-business to have significant effect on Europe's economy by 2004 - report - Industry Trend or Event - Brief Article

2007-07-03T22:25:00.000-07:00

Almost a quarter, or 24%, of growth in the European economy between 2000 and 2004 could come from e-business - providing that the region immediately invests in broadband connections, according to a new report by the professional services company Andersen.

The report forecasts that between 2000 and 2004 annual European growth without the development of e-business will be 2.55% while with e-business development it could reach 3.36%. The technology industry is expected to be the number one contributing sector, with an estimated gain of 2.5% of growth.In addition the report predicts that Europe will see four fundamental changes when e-business becomes integrated into economic activities: growing customer bargaining power, pressure to focus on core business, the development of corporate collaboration and a trend towards the restructuring of traditional value chains.

UK businesses holding back on integrated e-business - study - Rhetorik report - Industry Trend or Event

2007-07-03T22:23:00.000-07:00

New research by the market intelligence company Rhetorik has revealed that British companies, from small and medium sized firms to corporates, are still cautious about the benefits of a fully integrated e-business system.

The study, which covered 361 UK businesses, showed that 97% of public and private sector organisations have a corporate web site but only 17% of the sites are transactional - revealing, according to Rhetorik, that the majority of UK organisations are holding back on adopting an e-business infrastructure.

When asked what was holding them back, almost half (45%) answered worries about security while lack of budget was also a significant factor, especially in public sector organisations. A quarter (22%) of the researched companies felt that they did not have a need for integrated e-business applications.

However, the cautious attitude of British businesses seems to be changing - 30% of the questioned businesses said they are planning to adopt a transactional web site in the next twelve months and 21% intend to set up extranets with partners and customers.

ADTRAN Demonstrates Industry's First End-to-End G.shdsl Deployment Solution; - Company Business and Marketing

2007-06-19T02:50:00.000-07:00

ADTRAN, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADTN) announced Tuesday that it is demonstrating the first complete, last-mile deployment solution for the industry's newest DSL standard, G.shdsl, using the Total Access System. G.shdsl is the draft ITU standard (G.991.2) for Symmetric High Bit-rate Digital Subscriber Line (SHDSL) technology. Carriers deploying G.shdsl will be able to deliver symmetric data rates up to 2.3 Mbps over a single copper pair at distances 15 - 20% greater than current 2B1Q-based SDSL technology. G.shdsl's spectral compatibility means no binder group restrictions, making it much easier for carriers to deploy. Also, G.shdsl works well over existing copper lines with all impairments and impedances, reducing the need for costly truck dispatches.DTRAN's G.shdsl deployment solution consists of two components: Total Access 3000 configured as a DSL Access Multiplexer (DSLAM) with ADTRAN's new 8-port G.shdsl access module, and Total Access 850 Integrated Access Device (IAD). The Total Access System with G.shdsl provides carriers a flexible, modular, end-to-end solution that extends DSL reach, is spectrally compatible with other DSLs, and is interoperable for guaranteed operation in multivendor environments. "We're pleased to offer a G.shdsl solution to the market," said Kevin Morgan, Director of Product Management for ADTRAN's Carrier Networks Division. "The potential of this new, high-speed, symmetric technology is becoming increasingly attractive to carriers. Using ADTRAN's Total Access System for G.shdsl deployment allows the carrier to capture more of the lucrative small to medium-sized business market
aDTRAN's new 8-port G.shdsl Access Module will be its fifth generation of products using TC PAM line coding, the same line coding adopted for HDSL2. The G.shdsl module is compatible with both ATM and Frame Relay networks. Configured with twenty-eight, 8-port G.shdsl Access Modules, Total Access 3000 will support 224 subscriber line interfaces in six inches of rack space. Compact enough to fit easily into a crowded Central Office (CO) or Remote Terminal (RT), and with enough capacity to handle rapidly expanding DSL service requirements, Total Access 3000 will significantly reduce deployment costs and increase revenue opportunities. Since it is temperature-hardened, it can be deployed in a wide variety of outside plant enclosures. The modular, scalable design of the Total Access System carries over to the Total Access 850 IAD, which will make supporting G.shdsl as simple as swapping a card.

Established in 1985, ADTRAN, Inc. is a leading provider of deployment and access solutions for carrier and enterprise networks. ADTRAN technologies support more than two million local loops worldwide. More than 500 ADTRAN products support all major digital technologies, including T3, T1, E1, Frame Relay, DDS, HDSL, HDSL2, DSL, ISDN, wireless transport, and network management. According to Dataquest and IDC, ADTRAN holds revenue-leading positions in the Integrated Access, Frame Relay/DDS, and ISDN Extension and HDSL/T1/E1 markets. ADTRAN customers include the Regional Bell Operating Companies, interexchange carriers, GTE, domestic independent service providers, Competitive Local Exchange Carriers, corporate end users, international customers, and original equipment manufacturers.

TriaGnoSys and 3Way Networks to introduce in-flight communications for business jet passengers

2007-06-18T22:35:00.000-07:00

A 3G in-flight passenger communications service is to be introduced for the business jet market by 3Way Networks, a provider of 3G network solutions, and TriaGnoSys, a provider of remote communications solutions.

The companies said the in-flight communications solution will enable executives travelling on business jets to remain connected to customers and the office while travelling. It will allow them to make and receive calls and access bandwidth-heavy 3G applications via their laptop computers.

TriaGnoSys said growth in the business jet market in North America and Europe has resulted from problems experienced when flying on commercial aircraft and has led to a growth in demand for in-flight capabilities on jet aircraft. Business jet travel has increased twice as quickly as the remainder of air traffic since 2001, according to EUROCONTROL, an air traffic management agency.

The services are expected to provide HSDPA rates of up to 3.6Mb/s and enable ten simultaneous voice calls, offer lower power consumption, ease of installation and maintenance and meet the needs of the business jet market.

Alliance Creates Partnership To Deploy Solutions That Enable Real-Time Access Of Enterprise Data From Info Appliances - Company Business and Marketing

2007-06-18T22:34:00.000-07:00

Centura(R) Software Corp. (Nasdaq:CNTR), a provider of solutions that mobilize the enterprise, has entered into a regional strategic alliance with Powerlan Limited, (ASX:PWR), Australia's largest publicly listed IT services company and a leading supplier of end-to-end IT&T services throughout Asia Pacific. The combination of Centura's mobile application platform with the solutions offered by Powerlan will help to deliver production quality, cost-effective mobile data solutions, which can quickly and powerfully connect to enterprise systems and existing customer business logic. Partnering with Centura, Powerlan will now be able to help corporations succeed in the new economy by providing instant, secure, real-time access to the most up-to-date enterprise information, wirelessly. The collaboration of these two industry leaders will mark a new phase in the evolution and delivery of wireless enterprise data solutionsCentura and Powerlan announced aggressive plans to become the region's pre-eminent supplier of solutions that mobilize the enterprise. Powerlan has committed to establishing a separate business consulting division that will focus solely on this fast growing market, with Centura investing the core enabling technology and associated support resources. Through the agreement, the two industry leaders will work closely together on R&D, while strategizing for the future of mobile technology. In addition, Centura is granting Powerlan preferred supplier status across the Asia Pacific region.The online, server-centric nature of Centura's mobile application platform provides open access to multiple enterprise applications on the back-end with options for connecting various handheld devices, regardless of the operating system being used on the front-end. Moreover, its real-time direct access to the enterprise eliminates the risk of duplication and removes the need to maintain dynamic data locally on thousands of devices. As changes to enterprise data are made, they are immediately reflected on all devices. Coupled with the secure local data storage capabilities or Centura's ultra-small footprint embedded database for information appliances, the integrated solution provides Powerlan with a huge competitive advantage in this rapidly expanding market

Licensee, license do: is your business ready for the boost that comes from licensing?

2007-06-07T02:37:00.000-07:00

rocuring a license is a great way to power up your business, says Antonio Sarabia II, an attorney specializing in intellectual property and contracts. To know if you're ready, evaluate your company's financial strength pre-license. If you're barely making it, it's probably not a good time to become a licensee--it's not a balm for a bad bottom line, notes Sarabia. It can, however, help take a strong startup to another level.

Licensing works for almost any kind of manufacturing business where brand recognition is important--apparel, housewares, accessories and so on, notes Sarabia. Even service businesses, like hair salons or lube and tuneup stations, can benefit from advertising an established brand name on the door. The key is to make sure the product you want to license makes sense within your industry and experience. "You need to build on your strengths," notes Sarabia.If you're dreaming of licensing a huge name, remember that large companies sometimes have long-term licensing agreements (15 to 20 years) with other companies. In that case, consider the licensing opportunities with new and upcoming brands that are growing in prominence. A licensing agent--someone who knows which companies are looking for licensees--is a good source of information, says Sarabia. Two other sources to check out are the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers'When finally negotiating the agreement, get help from a lawyer to ensure it's fair to both parties. Pay special attention to the minimum sales and royalty payments required by the licensor, says Sarabia, and make sure you can realistically make those payments. A licensor can cancel the contract immediately if you're not meeting the terms. It's more difficult for a licensee to get out of an agreement if things go awry, so make sure to examine the fine print before you sign.

Software enables IT to optimize control for business users

2007-06-07T02:36:00.000-07:00

Master data management solution, Purisma Data Hub v3.0, increases ability of enterprise business users to optimize use of integrated information about customers, suppliers, or other disparate records. Along with capabilities for team-based data governance, running what-if data scenarios, and arranging data in customized hierarchies, software offers flexibility for creating multiple views of master data for different groups while maintaining consistent, core definition of customer.

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., March 26 - Purisma(TM) today announced Purisma Data Hub 3.0, the latest version of its master data management (MDM) solution that combines high-end data accuracy with exceptional ease of use. Purisma Data Hub 3.0 increases the ability of enterprise business users, such as those in marketing, sales or purchasing to maximize their use of integrated information about customers, suppliers, or other currently disparate records. Purisma Data Hub 3.0 is available immediately ith new team-based data governance capabilities, enterprises have even greater ability to manage a unified definition of their master data across the enterprise with an easy-to-use interface that coordinates team activities. Purisma Data Hub 3.0 also provides the business with unprecedented flexibility in creating multiple views of master data for different groups while still maintaining a consistent, core definition of the customer. Moreover, the ability to run "what-if" data scenarios and to arrange data in customized hierarchies increases data visibility and accessibility for business managers and analysts who use it for planning and to drive daily business decisions. In a related release, Purisma today also announced a new family of Business Data Appliances, the industry's first software appliances for the MDM market that make it easy for enterprise departments and lines-of-businesses to instantly launch their own MDM initiatives (see "Purisma Business Data Appliances Offer Industry's First "Instant-On" Master Data Capability").

"MDM offerings continue to proliferate and evolve incrementally. One of the next major advances will be in making it easier for enterprises to govern and leverage the data that they put into these systems, so as to make better business decisions more rapidly," said John Radcliffe, research vice president at Gartner. "It's not just about investing in technology to create high quality data. It's also about how you use that data to meet business challenges and gain competitive edge."

"There has been a very favorable response to our Purisma deployment and the 360-degree view of customers it delivers," said Carlos E. Galarce, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, INFOR. "Purisma Data Hub provides our data team with immediate access to complete and reliable customer information, which is critical for maximizing our sales opportunities. A better understanding of our customers' demographics, purchase trends, and support needs contributes to our competitiveness and top-line success."

Key Features of Purisma Data Hub 3.0

Team Based Data Governance

Solving the master data management challenge requires more than just great technology. MDM projects must also address the people and process side of the equation. For many large companies, this may require large teams of data stewards that are working together cooperatively. Purisma Data Hub 3.0 enables several key concepts required by industry best practices in data governance. First, not all of an organization's customers are of equal importance and therefore not all customer records should be given the same attention. Purisma enables business users to prioritize workloads to get the best return for their efforts. The solution also allows users to delegate tasks across a team of data stewards with different degrees of expertise and provides a workflow approval process that insures that only approved changes take effect. In addition, Purisma Data Hub provides a central location from which all MDM decisions and issues can be documented and tracked. And Purisma's data governance solution is versatile and can scale to meet any data management need-from companies that want to invest minimal data stewardship to companies that want to equip and manage large teams of data stewards.

Tell and show: RFID chips revolutionize the way you get info about products, even before you open the box

2007-06-07T02:35:00.000-07:00

F THE INTERNET REVOLUTION HAPPENED because millions of computing devices got connected, will an even bigger revolution occur if billions of razor blades, shoes and other items get connected to computers?

That's the intriguing question about Radio Frequency Identification, or RFID. RFID embeds tiny data-packed radio transceiver chips into all kinds of goods and containers. Like a talking bar code, an RFID chip can talk to a scanner several feet away and tell it far more than a printed label, even from inside an unopened carton. RFID has been around for decades without revolutionizing much, but that may change soon under simultaneous pushes from government agencies such as the Department of Defense, which uses RFID to unravel its massive logistical puzzles, and giant companies like Wal-Mart, which in the next few years will begin requiring suppliers to RFID-tag every carton shipped to the world's largest retailer.

When RFID really arrives, look out, says Mark Roberti, editor of RFID Journal, an industry publication offering news and analysis. "This is an innovative technology similar to the Internet," says Roberti. "When that happened, we saw a wave of innovation from small companies. This is far more dramatic than connecting computers. You can now make any object smart."

RFID goes back to World War II, when air forces began using radio transponders to identify aircraft. Transponders are now nearly ubiquitous on aircraft. RFID got a bump in the 1980s, when governments worried about mad cow disease began to require detailed tracking of cattle from feedlot to refrigerator case. Tens of millions of cows now bear RFID tags.
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In the early 1990s, automakers turned to RFID to deter theft. Most new cars today can be started only by keys equipped with appropriate RFID chips. RFID is also used to time recreational runners, enable monthly toll-card purchases so drivers can breeze through turnpike booths, and allow drivers to purchase gas by waving a key fob at the pump.

RFID does have costs, limits and risks. The tags may someday cost less than a nickel apiece, but today, they're 50 cents or more, according to Bill Allen, marketing communications manager for the RFID division of Texas Instruments, the leading maker of RFID tags. Scanners may run $50 to $1,500, depending on whether they're handheld or used on a conveyor belt.

The tiny chips' signals can be gathered from, at most, a few feet away at this point, and this range may be reduced by environmental factors such as the presence of metal building frames, filing cabinets and the like. Standards for making RFID interoperable are a big sticking point, too, since most RFID systems are proprietary, and the technology won't take off until all can work together.

Finally, RFID has attracted the ire of privacy groups. They fear businesses and even criminals could secretly tap into a great deal of personal information were RFID to become commonplace.

If you'd like to try RFID now, start by looking for a point in your internal operations--Allen calls it a "pain point"--where RFID is most likely to give big benefits fast. If, say, you have employees opening cartons to hand-scan bar codes on lots of individual boxes or the items inside, RFID may be able to gather all that information and more in a single pass.

At least start thinking about RFID. Wal-Mart's mandate will create a ripple effect among suppliers, to its suppliers and their suppliers. A similar wave of adoption put bar codes on seemingly every flat surface today.

Info-X, Inc - People - appoints Carl H. Bertrams Jr. as senior vice president of business development - Brief Article

2007-06-02T02:51:00.000-07:00

Mr. Bertrams has been appointed senior vice president, business development, Info-X, Inc., Chicago. Previously, he was senior vice president, corporate development, Payerpath.Com, Naperville, Ill.

Improving the odds: component manufacturers that integrate their business models and embrace whole—building concepts will have the best chance of winn

2007-06-02T02:50:00.000-07:00

For the last year, the components manufacturing industry has been in "heads-up" mode because the way we do business is rapidly changing. There is an important trend taking place revolving around integrating our industry's truss design work into the building design process and what that means to all involved in the construction of buildings. You probably have heard all the terms that are typically used: "whole-house design," "whole-house software," "whole-building design," "parametric design," "integrated design software," and "model the complete structural frame." But beyond the buzzwords, the real issue is how the whole-building design concept will eventually interrelate with component design, component manufacturing, and framing.

Ultimately, it is going to be up to component manufacturers to determine what path they will choose to take with their business models as changes in the design, manufacturing, and installation methods of components affect their unique circumstances. These industry models include those in use today, which can be a highly fragmented combination of independent component manufacturers, lumber dealers, truss designers, building designers, framers and installers, and builder-developers; or they may evolve to be more streamlined to have direct coordination among component manufacturers, truss designers, building designers, and framers to meet the specific needs of the building owner/developer. Still another possibility--which may represent the best structural framing solution--would be for component manufacturers/suppliers, truss designers, building designers, and framing crews to create joint ventures or single companies to work collectively as "one-stop shops" for builder owner/developers.

Unfortunately, predicting where whole-building design will take the industry in the future is not a simple process. Component manufacturers have vastly different ways of adding value to their products. Some deliver a product with virtually no engineering behind it but instead have mastered production and made processes as efficient and cost-effective as possible. Others provide added value through design and engineering. The best predictor usually comes down to economics, and while local markets will dictate both the speed and direction of change, it is probably likely that a good percentage of houses will eventually have component design integrated with building design as the best structural framing solution.

In the market today, there is a continual push to eliminate steps in the distribution process or to consolidate to improve profitability. Few would argue that the choices are difficult and the stakes are high, but the future of the industry is in the hands of component manufacturers everywhere. The key question to address is: Which marketplace structure will provide the best structural framing economic solution for specific builders/owners?

Component manufacturers that are already offering heavily engineered products are likely to be the ones that will eventually have a head start in selling whole-building design, and are going to be more likely to prosper long-term than those that turn their focus only to manufacturing or distribution. Moving toward a vertically integrated supply chain can only streamline and improve the components manufacturing industry because, in this case, holding more of the cards improves the odds of winning more business in their favor.

Editor's note: For more information on the evolution of the component manufacturing industry, including a graphical representation of the business models described above, visit www.woodtruss.com and www. sbcmag.info (August 2004 and Sept./Oct. 2004 articles titled "The Next Generation of Structural Building Components Design" parts 1 and 2, respectively), or attend the Building Component Manufacturers Conference (www.bcmcshow. com), Oct. 12-14, 2005, in Milwaukee.

Kirk Grundahl Executive Director WTCA, Madison, Wis.

Control Panels for Identifying Switches and Controls

2007-05-01T03:29:00.002-07:00

Control panels are used to identify switches and controls on equipment. May cover membrane switches, and have holes for switches or screws, clear areas for indicator lights, etc. Usually printed on Lexan pr Lexsaver. Because control panels are often subject to physical contact - whether due to use of membrane switches, or due to proximity to connectors and control knobs--the most durable materials are usually used in their construction. For practical purposes, this generally means one of three types of material compositions: Lexan® 10 mil, LexSaver™ or Polyester 2 mil - Gloss White or Clear.

Lexan® 10 mil UL RECOGNIZED: This is the most common construction for electronic control panels. 10 mil clear Lexan® (polycarbonate) with a velvet finish on the top surface is subsurface printed (printed with mirror image) on the back side. A 2 mil or 5 mil adhesive (usually crystal clear adhesive; we use 3M 467MP or 468MP) is laminated over the printed back, and the control panel and its internal cutouts are cut from the Lexan. The printing is protected by the 10 mils of Lexan, and the velvet surface masks minor surface scratches keeping the control panel looking like new for years. Clear (non printed) windows can be designed in for display panels, or LEDs. Adhesive free areas ("patterned adhesive") can be designated if necessary under certain switches or display window areas.

LexSaver™ UL RECOGNIZED: In the LexSaver™ process, a substrate material (usually 2 mil white or clear polyester), which has a preapplied pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) on a release liner, is printed and then overlaminated with a 5 mil velvet surface Lexan overlaminate. The outer shape of the control panel and the interior cuts are then "kiss cut" (cut through just to the release liner). The excess material is stripped away leaving the control panels in place on the roll of release liner.

The LexSaver™ process can be less expensive than subsurface printing 10 mil Lexan®, especially if there are a large number of internal cutouts on each control panel. It can also save money if a white substrate material can be used, since white will not have to be printed. (If the control panel requires clear or translucent areas, then a clear substrate material would be required.)

A LexSaver™ control panel has the additional advantage of being more flexible, and less prone to minor cracking that can occur when the control panel is used over membrane or microswitches. There have been tests on the Polyester/Lexan® combination and was found it particularly be well suited to membrane switch applications. In addition, if polyester is used as the substrate, all components of the control panel are UL recognized materials.

For special applications, other substrate materials can be used in place of polyester. Reverse printing black on Glow-in-the-Dark vinyl will produce a control panel with text or graphics which can be seen in the dark. Reflective Vinyl, Fluorescent Vinyl, or Removable Vinyl might also be used.

Polyester 2 mil - Gloss White or Clear UL RECOGNIZED: For less demanding applications, white polyester can be a durable, low cost alternative to the two Lexan® constructions above. Since it is less rigid, it is slightly more difficult to align and apply, so is best suited for smaller control panels. Can be used on areas of equipment that are not likely to be seen as much, such as behind panel doors. For additional protection, or a high gloss or matte finish, use the appropriate overlaminate.

The Process Of Using Industrial Strapping Tools and Strapping Machines

2007-05-01T03:29:00.001-07:00

Industrial strapping tools have long been used to help improve speeds and insure uniform strap placement, as well as the integrity of products. They are used to make the process of strapping many materials easier, and have served to decrease production time, while increasing the overall quality of the product. These machines have also taken on a number of uses.

There are various lines of power strapping equipment frequently used in the metal industry, as well as many others. The numerous tools that make up these lines are designed to perform multiple tasks quickly, while improving the overall productivity of item packaging and security. Below are a few examples, and how they can benefit many companies.

Power strap feeders have been shown to significantly increase production for efficiency for hand tool strapping applications. This is done by automatically treading the strapping around the product. This not only provides a quick means by which to secure the product, but also saves time and eliminates unnecessary work. Once threaded, the product goes back to the operation to be strapped.

Slit coil packaging systems are designed for metal service centers, and are ruggedly built to endure many uses. The maintenance operation on such machines is usually low. Many come equipped with a manipulating table, or are designed for integration with this type of accessory. This device is very important in the strapping process.

Bar and tube bundling machines may be installed in a fixed position or on the top of a transfer car to accommodate round or square products. These products are then strapped in such a way that the straps will hold and the products will remain secure. This device is used in a variety of strapping applications.

Industrial Strapping Tools and Steel Strapping Machines are designed for strapping large diameter flat rolled steel coils with a horizontal axis. This axis is in-line with conveyer travel, as well as coils that are perpendicular to conveyer flow. This is yet another tool that helps make the process go more smoothly.

Through-the-eye coil strapping is performed by strapping machines that feature a retracting strapping head carriage and pivoting strap shoots. These shoots help provide in-line strapping to large diameter steel coils. This makes the overall process more convenient, as well as enabling a wider variety of items to be strapped. These many units can all be used together on a production line when producing different products or components.

Melbourne Laboratory Equipment - Essential Items For A Reclusive Industry

2007-05-01T03:28:00.001-07:00

You might not realise that Melbourne has a considerable number of businesses that deal in laboratory equipment. But there are at least 85 such businesses, if Melbourne’s Yellow Pages are anything to go by.

And given the degree of accuracy required in this industry, it’s reassuring to that such a large number of businesses deal in this relatively small sector of the market.

Laboratory equipment tends to fall into the categories storage, instrumentation or workplace safety.

Storage facilities and equipment

Chemicals, tools and a variety of samples need to be stored correctly. Even substances that aren’t dangerous need to be stored in a manner that ensures the safety of staff, and the accuracy of results. Accordingly, storage equipment needs to be able to contain an array of chemicals, without reacting to, or polluting their contents. They also must be able to withstand any corrosive or deforming effects of the contained chemicals.

Instrumentation

Although most people would envision high-tech laboratory equipment, some mechanically or hydraulically assisted, even devices as simple as the humble pair of scissors, forceps, and clamps are essential to the proper operation of an accredited laboratory.

Under the banner of instrumentation, of course comes calibration, which is vital to the accuracy of lab results, and the safety of staff. Calibration is integral to storage, extraction and instrumentation facets of laboratory equipment.

Workplace safety

The potentially toxic gases can be a hazard to laboratory employees. For this reason, fume cupboards, extraction systems and fans are used to remove noxious gases from the workplace. Depending on the gases involved, fume cupboards can either be ducted or ductless.

Also, the use of protective clothing and eyewear is critical.

So what services do Melbourne laboratory equipment businesses perform?

The majority of these businesses deal in the supply, installation and (where required) the calibration of various types of laboratory equipment. Some also rent out surplus equipment.

And for companies that were looking to “start from scratch,” a number of businesses also assist in the design and construction of new laboratories

Conclusion

Melbourne has quite a comprehensive number of businesses that specialise in the area of laboratory equipment. So regardless of what type of equipment you’re looking, you’re sure to find it in Melbourne.

Exclusive Leads - SEO Strategy - VoIP Web Conference - Keys to Industrial Sales

2007-05-01T03:27:00.002-07:00

The development of exclusive leads based on a well though out SEO Strategy using VOIP Web Conference technology are keys to success in promoting industrial products over the Internet.

It has been claimed that any successful Internet Marketing campaign must find a consistent way to refine or qualify leads in order to find interested prospects that can become customers. When manufacturers market on the Internet, it would be wise for them to borrow a page from the successful Internet Marketers handbook.

Many Internet sites are set-up as a simple “squeeze” page or what is essentially a push-button method transform prospects into customers. Successful and ethical Internet marketers realize that the eye-ball grabbing method is not always the magic formula to gain long term repeat customers for industrial products. The most successful SEO strategy is to consistently pursue numerous avenues for leads, over a period of time, and follow a proven system to develop exclusive leads from a large pool of potential prospects.

Regardless of the lead generation used to generate traffic to a given web site, attention must be paid to the overall SEO Strategy. The key to Internet promotion is closely tied to the search for information. There are so many ways to market a a company or particular products over the Internet, but in everything is it wise to consider an SEO Strategy based on keywords. This is the method that will allow Internet users to find the information that they are looking for that will link back to the company's web site.

Any site or traffic portal can be used for this purpose. Any marketing system that can develop “exclusive leads” that come to their members' mailbox only, can be used. It is highly recommended not to buy or rent e-mail lists. It is also critical to use a double opt-in verification system for any e-mail sent over the Internet. Even when a prospect fills out a contact form on your site, that submission must be validated. Without a confirmation e-mail there is no way to determine if the information is legitimate or not. This is the gold standard for e-mail marketing that will gain credibility, and avoid e-mail complaint problems and complications.

Another new and highly successful technology that is gaining great momentum on the Internet is VoIP Web Conference technology. This technology is on the leading edge of a trend that will eventually transform the way business is done on the Internet. There are numerous advantages to the use of this technology. Sales presentations can be done on-line in real-time. Voice, Power point style presentations, even video on demand can all be offered on the same site. Direct customer service, training, and many other possibilities exist for the use of this technology.

How to Choose a CAD CAM System

2007-05-01T03:27:00.001-07:00

The selection of a CAD/CAM system is an important one for any design or manufacturing company. It has ramifications all the way from the beginning of the product concept phase to the end of the manufacturing process. It is likely that, only a single CAD or CAM vendor will be chosen, (although multiple stations may be procured). For most companies, a CAD/CAM software purchase decision is a one-time event. Because of this fact most companies have somewhat limited experience in the purchase of a CAD CAM system. A reliable CAD CAM consulting firm can be an important ally in the process of system selection.

This review will consider five important criteria. These criteria are listed in order of importance. Most companies place a great emphasis on initial cost and the list of features / benefits first. In this recommendation, ease of use is listed first.

1)Ease of use - productivity

2)Vendor stability and longevity

3)Features – functionality

4)Cost – total cost of system

5)Maintenance / upgrade and training costs

1) Ease of use

In practical terms, the ease of use of the system will have the most significant return on investment. It is often forgotten that design or manufacturing personnel may spend anywhere from 100 – 2000 hours per year on the system. (Estimate based on 2 hours part time per week, or 40 hours per week on a full-time basis.) The average cost of this labor is many times greater than the cost of the CAD CAM system itself. Even a 10 % reduction in time spent to complete a particular task could have a savings of over $ 5,000.00 in labor costs, the first year alone ! This is more than the entry price of most CAD systems !

Note: This estimate is based on use of the system on a full-time basis with a conservative calculation of a $ 25.00 / hour labor rate. Ease of use as it relates to productivity, is the single most important criteria to evaluate, and yet it is also the most difficult of the criteria to quantify.

Benchmarks: some companies attempt a timed benchmark between various systems, to evaluate this measure of productivity. This is problematic, however, since these types of competitive benchmarks are just as easily influenced by the individual skills of the CAD or CAM engineer, as they are by the software system itself.

It is wise to ask the vendor to demonstrate the creation of a particular part that is similar to others that you have designed or manufactured in the past. It is much easier for you to compare systems on a part that you are already familiar with than a “canned” demo on a part the vendor chooses.

2)Vendor stability

Make sure that the company chosen has a stable financial base, and has been in the industry for at least 10 years. One of the worst things that can happen to CAD/CAM customers is to lose the support and upgrade path for their software, because their CAD/CAM software vendor has gone out of business. This leaves customers stranded, and eventually their software will become relatively obsolete.

3) Features and functionality

Many prospective CAD/CAM customers try to calculate the value of their software based on a long list of features, and try to compare to other systems. The difficult of this is that the terminology used to describe certain functions varies from system to system. Vendors may also unintentionally or intentionally obfuscate this point, by claiming unique functionality which is really just a question of semantics.

For most customers, the CAD/CAM software industry is sufficiently mature to have more than enough functionality to satisfy even demanding customers. If your job requirements are highly specialized, or unique to your industry, then you may need to carefully examine specific functionality to make sure the software you choose can meet your needs. In terms of CAD software, this might be libraries of standard components particular to your industry, or it could be a unique type of warpage calculation, etc. For CAM systems, pay particular attention to specialized turning machines that are not simple 2-axis plus C-axis milling. Screw machines, multiple turrets or rotary turrets on a lathe, can be problematic. For milling machines, 4-axis and 5-axis applications can be very tricky to evaluate and can present special challenges for the machine tool manufacturer, and software vendor.

Again, a CAD/CAM consultant can be invaluable to scope out specialized requirements, and assure the the software meets the specific intended application.

4) Cost

This is the easiest criteria to evaluate, but one caveat emptor needs to be addressed. Most CAD/CAM software is sold on a modular basis. No company should purchase more CAD/CAM modules than they need. There should always be an upgrade path open for a later purchase of additional modules if needs expand or change. Buyers also take note that this industry is extremely competitive, and in general customers really do get what they pay for. Prices are stable and well established, and there really are no fire sales, or steep discounts available. One further note: it is usually wise not to purchase software that has been licensed to another company, without expressed written consent from the software vendor. Many software purchase agreements prohibit transfer of a particular license from one company to another, (unless the software has been transferred as a result of a company buyout or merger.

5) Maintenance, Upgrades, and training and support

Users should not be shocked to find that software is regularly upgraded, at additional cost. This is true across the entire software industry. Since CAD/CAM Software is generally more costly than other type of software, is should also be no surprise that software upgrades are also more expensive than other types of software. Upgrades should be available on a regular basis. It is good to ask what the time period was between the last several upgrades. Most CAD/CAM software should have an major upgrade every 12-18 months. Users should not be penalized for failure to upgrade. They may find, however, that reasonable restrictions may be placed on support for badly outdated software.

Support hours should be reasonable, and at cover business hours, with some consideration to start and finish times within the time zones. Training costs should not be exorbitant. Group training for several employees at one time, or on-site training may also be available.

The use of good buying common sense and informed decision making using the above criteria can make the difference between a smooth CAD/CAM installation and something less than desirable.

Business Kissing

2007-04-17T04:48:00.003-07:00

Have you noticed how suddenly everyone’s kissing. I’m not talking continental kissing, pecking one cheek, and then the other. I mean a bit of a hug then a kiss on the cheek or the side of the face at least. And it’s not just extended family and very close friends here. Though certainly they’re at it too. No, I mean kissing in a business context. Seems to me the rule is, if you have ever met the person before even just once, then you greet them with a kiss. Male-female kiss, yes. Female-male kiss, sure. Female–female absolutely. Male-male, actually I’m not sure. Maybe my readers can enlighten me.

Everyone’s doing it. Bank manager and customer. Boss and employee. Next door neighbours. Client and accountant. Any old colleague. They’re all welcoming each other with a little muffle and a scuffle around the cheek and lip area. Granted, not a full smackaroony, I’m talking fuzzy, huggy, apologetic, crushing of cheeks, lips or anything else around the upper head region. Where has this come from? It’s stolen upon us insidiously. What was once an occasional phenomenon 18 months ago when I was still with Ernst & Young, is now rife throughout the world, business and otherwise.

What’s your take on this? Mine is a bit of awkwardness. If I don’t do it first then I get treated to muffled hug-like I’ve forgotten. Or when the other party is more inhibited, I find we are looking at each other with inadequately covered discomfort, knowing what we should do but not quite mustering up. And the uneasiness sits with you throughout the meeting, like a thinly veiled sensation of indigestion.

Well, I’m having no more of it. From now on I’m sticking to the rules – as I have perceived them. From this day on, whoever you are, if you know me, expect a kiss. The only exception being those I am meeting for the first time. But that’s your only ever opt out, next time you’ll get one, just like everyone else. Brace yourself.

Catering Advice - Working with a Catering Consultant

2007-04-17T04:48:00.001-07:00

Having worked in the Catering trade for some years, within that time I would have never thought of calling for help from a consultant. Why you ask well its very simple really, I thought they would be very expensive, take up to much of my time, I had loads of good ideas of my own and the main reason would be I had my pride.

However that’s not the case with a catering consultant, it’s certainly not the case with Complete Catering Advice the company I set up over 4 years ago in France. I would visit friends within the trade and help them where I could, friends within the UK and France. I enjoyed helping them and seeing their profits increase was even better, it should be said we had great fun, and that’s just how it should be.

When hiring a Consultant try and get the first meeting FREE, we offer this to all our clients no matter how far away. You should know that they can help you and that you have a good working relationship with the consultant. You should also try and make sure that the person you are meeting will be your consultant, there is no point in meeting and bonding with someone that’s not going to be doing the work with you. Try and find out a little about the company they work for ask them if you can contact past clients to get references. Introduce them to the staff and see how the consultant handles the staff, if they spend time with them then your on to a winner that person cares, if they are more interested in you then that person is selling not caring. Try and remember that the consultant is there to help you make more money and give you more time to do the things you want to do in life, like holidays etc.

Once you've had that meeting give it a few days and see if they follow up on the meeting, take note that if it’s the person you had the meeting with. If it is and they were interested with the staff then they care if it’s not that person well you guessed it their selling. You want someone that is going to care about the out come of the contract and will be there on the phone at any time with a helping hand. We always spend a day working within your business, trying to work in most areas.

You should try and remember that the consultant isn't there solely to make you more money, they are also there to streamline your working practice, setting operations into place that will save you money over time. Try not to think of the pound signs that you are going to make a consultant isn't a miracle worker, they are a person just like you. However they should have the ability to see an opportunity and market it also see where things can be streamlined.

So it’s not as scary as you think and it shouldn't cost you an arm and a leg, over the scale of time. I hope that you can now feel a little more comfortable picking up that phone and getting some answers that will take your business to the next level, your business can never stop growing there is always room for growth.

Change Your Life In One Pivotal Moment

2007-04-17T04:47:00.003-07:00

Everyone is looking for more...for a better life...an EXTRAORDINARY life. The following 'gems of wisdom' that we are delving into below are brilliant gems from some of the most intelligent and evolved souls that ever lived and will give you the tools you are looking for to create more abundance in your life! This information will change your life forever and will help you begin living the life you've always dreamed of. This profound wisdom is exhilarating, inspiring and motivating for people who are looking for a more intelligent way to live and will help you to master all the circumstances in your life. The gems contained in my new book, "Change Your Life In One Pivotal Moment" are what I like to call the 'best of the best' of over 150 books on spirituality and philosophy that I have read over the past 15 years. It is my hope that they will resonate within you and get you excited about creating more abundance, prosperity and success in your life right away!

It's time to take your life back and realize that YOU are the expert in your life and no one else. It's time to put yourself on a path that includes a bigger life for yourself as well as a more self-directed life that contains much more happiness, success, harmony and peace of mind. Your good IS seeking you and the potentiality of one is the potentiality of all, so let's get started!

Listed below are a few of these wondeful 'gems of wisdom' found in my book. Let's take a look at them and delve much deeper into their meaning AND their ability to help you to tap into the power you already possess within! This new knowledge will absolutely help you to accept and create much more abundance, prosperity and success in every area of your life.

1. 'Argue for your limitations and they're yours.' Definition: YOU are the person that determines your level of success and no one else. 'It's not very crowded on that last mile,' is a familiar saying in business. It's easy to give up and list all the reasons why something cannot be accomplished or why YOU cannot do it. The most successful people in the world are problem-solvers. They are presented with obstacles and they continually and confidentally look for ways to overcome those obstacles. Don't be someone who gets easily discouraged and gives up. Nothing worthwhile is ever handed to us. If you tell people you can't do something, they will take you at your word and move beyond you and onto someone else who is determined to do it! Begin being a confident problem-solver and look at ways to overcome your obstacles. Don't accept what you perceive to be your 'limitations' because once you do, they will become a part of your experience. Your affirmation should always be, "I can and I will!"

2. 'Thoughts are things and your thoughts create your reality.' Definition: You are what you think about all day long! Our thoughts and beliefs will always create our outer reality. How you are feeling about something is how you are perceiving it. If you are thinking thoughts about your success and prosperity that is indeed what you will draw to you as your 'energy' or 'vibration' will be at the level of your thoughts and beliefs. (You MUST be in harmony with something to attract it!) Conversely, if you are thinking thoughts of lack and limitation, THAT is what you will be drawing to you no matter what you may be 'saying' to the contrary. It is never what you are saying that becomes the reality in your life, it is your BELIEF about someone or something that will be what will be reflected in your life. We have what's called, 'free will' which means that we have the freedom to choose whatever thoughts we concentrate on most each day. Therefore, we MUST take responsibiity for our lives as they are, because WE have chosen our thoughts and beliefs each day and have created the life we are now living. However, if you don't like your life as it is, you CAN change it. Remember the great Universal Law which is 'Change your thoughts and change your life!'

3. Pray to God, but row to shore. -A Russian proverb. Definition: This is one of my favorite sayings of all times. It is ok to be spiritual and pray to God for help, but as human beings on this earth plane, we need to also do the work! You cannot get something for nothing.

4. "A man is about as happy as he makes up his mind to be." -Abraham Lincoln. Definition: It's true, YOU decide how you will react to the things that happen in your life and that, then, will determine your happiness or unhappiness each day. Many people, unfortunately choose to be unhappy no matter what the circumstances are in their lives. They also mistake things outside of themselves for bringing them their happiness, when the fact is that happiness is an INSIDE job. There is another saying that there is nothing outside of you that will ever make up for the emptiness that you feel inside. Make a promise to yourself today to focus on happiness inside and out...for you can only truly be happy if you are happy WITHIN!

5. "The levels of thinking that got you to where you are now will not get you to where you dream of being. -Albert Einstein. Definition: Most people get to a point in their lives where they think they've 'made it' and then they want to stay there and not experience any more change. That is impossible. One of the only guarantees in life is that change will continue to happen. It never stays still. We need not fear change. Change keeps our life fresh, it helps us to continue growing forward toward an even greater good. We are not here to stagnate in our jobs or our relationships. We are here to 'make a living,' not 'make a dying,' but so many people hang on so tenaciously to dead-end jobs that give them very little in return. If that is you, it's time to reassess your condition and start believing that you are a spiritual being having a human experience and not the other way around. You are here to prosper and to thrive in every area of your life. Tell yourself that you will no longer live a life that is merely 'status quo!'

6. "It's time to stop wishing for fewer problems, and start wishing for greater wisdom." -Robin Sharma. Definition: Problems and challenges are a part of life. That is a fact. It is much better to start cultivating greater wisdom to help you overcome your challenges with ease and grace instead of wishing that challenges will cease altogether because we know that will never happen.

Through these 'gems of wisdom,' you CAN have greater wisdom which will help you to successfully overcome all your challenges. I hope you will delve further into getting many more intelligent answers to some of life's toughest questions though the 100 quotes and sayings in "Change Your Life In One Pivotal Moment!" God Bless!

What to Look For in an Oil Analysis Lab

2007-04-17T04:45:00.000-07:00

Most industrial plants in need of oil analysis services might begin their search on the web. While this is a common and effective place to begin the evaluation process, it definitely will not tell the whole story. Knowing the right questions to ask after the initial search is completed is crucial in uncovering a superior provider from an average oil analysis provider.

While the discerning potential customer may ask questions regarding testing capabilities, process and protocol, and price there are other questions whose answers may mean the difference between a seamless interaction and a laborious one. It is these questions that are most commonly overlooked and most important to understand.

With your time and money on the line, and so many oil analysis labs to pick from, how do you choose the right company? Here are five critical questions to ask when evaluating an oil analysis laboratory to ensure a successful long term oil analysis program.

1. What is your normal turnaround?
Contrary to popular belief, there are oil analysis laboratories out there that have the capability to provide high quality results and reporting in 24 hours. If the lab you’re working with doesn’t provide this, at least make sure expectations are defined up front. Know exactly what you’ll be receiving, and when. Do “days” include weekends? What about business hours?

While sample turnaround varies, just asking this question up front can give you a good idea of the overall process efficiency. No matter what the turnaround time, there should always be notification systems in place so that you know when your samples have been received and when your samples are finished. The samples you pull contain time sensitive information which should be conveyed to you in a prompt fashion. The sooner you get your results the better your program runs.

2. Is there an open line of communication?
It’s important to know you won’t be left high and dry in the event you need answers or support immediately. Often times pressing machine problems arise unexpectedly and your search for help may take you back to your oil analysis report. Do you get a human voice to talk to when you call? Is there any on line communication available? How quick does someone get back to you? What sort of expertise do the lab personnel maintain? These questions are best asked directly.

3. Are Web-based management reporting tools available?
Web-based management tools make managing and administering your oil analysis program much easier. With web based tools you can view reports, order supplies, print labels, monitor your sampling activity, import data, and many other functions. The time you’ll save and aggravation you will avoid using a web-based interface makes the answer to this question critical in your decision-making process.

4. Does the lab automatically include analytical ferrography?
Ferrography is a technique for analyzing the wear particles present in fluids that indicate mechanical wear. Performing ferrography enables the analyst to see the whole picture. It is important that your lab takes testing to the next step by performing analytical ferrography on abnormal samples. Ask the lab if and when they perform ferrography and what they charge for the test. It’s important to determine whether a lab offers ferrography because there are some instances where the standard tests uncover problems but may not be able to quantify the extent of the abnormality.

5. How are alarm levels compared?
In assessing machine condition, it is essential not only to look at the machine’s current and past data, but also compare that particular machine with the “family” that the machine is a member. Families can be made up of machine types, manufacturers, models, and sump capacities depending on the level of information provided by the user. Statistics are calculated by looking into the database and extracting previous test results of “family” data. Family alarming produces tight limits which provide great value to the oil analysis user.

Another alarming method is to use customer specific limits. When a customer has previous knowledge of machine fault levels, it is beneficial to provide these hard limits to the lab. They can be utilized at either the machine or customer level to trigger appropriate alarms. If there is not enough information identifying a machine but there is historical information for the specific sampling point, alarms can be set by using linear regression.

Moisture Removal from Transformer Oil Conservator Tanks

2007-04-14T02:10:00.003-07:00

The oil reservoir (conservator tank) found on industrial and commercial hydraulic, lubricating and electrical transformer systems all suffer the common ailment of water. It is well known that water can accumulate in these conservator tanks to contaminate the oil and whether this happens in a short period or gradually over time the end result is the same, the equipment suffers from rust, corrosion and reduced lubrication. Transformers have even been known to explode from the loss of dielectric strength in their insulating oil. To a great degree this problem is caused by the water being condensed from the humidity in the atmosphere around the conservator tank that then accumulates in the oil.

In an attempt to solve this problem and maintain "dry" oil in lubricating and hydraulic oil systems, water-removing oil filters were developed that can remove water from the oil via a flow stream through the filter. However, filtering does not solve the overall moisture problem but only addresses the water after it is in the oil of transformer systems. In additon, it is difficult to filter oil in transformers as for the most part they are designed as static reservoirs and do not have oil flow streams to connect to. What is needed is an affordable method of preventing the water condensing from the atmosphere.

The cutting edge technology of spin-on air filters solves the problem of water condensing from conservator tank atmospheres. These unique filters have been designed to remove water from an air stream as it passes through the filter and when used as a conservator breather system it will not only remove particulate from air, but will also remove any water vapour. This new technology positions negative valiant chemistry within the filter in such a manner as to cause a valiant bond to form with any positive valiant H2O molecules that may be passing through with the air and trapping any water vapour within the filter. These breather systems have demonstrated the ability to lower moisture levels in hydraulic oil reservoirs to below condensate dew points and offers a replacement for various static-functioning silica-gel breathers. These water-removing air filters perform in a superior manner, as silica-gel breather’s efficiencies are limited to approximately 40% relative humidity environments due to silica-gel being a ridged structure incapable of expansion.

Silica-gel only holds water as a permeating vapour that enters under the principal of vapor pressure differentials that may exist between the granule and its proximate atmosphere. Whereas a spin-on air filter’s superior performance is due to its unique water-absorbing structures that are able to expand as they accommodate and hold incoming water under hydrogen bonding principals. I have seen numerous examples of spin-on air filters being installed and used to lengthen the life of existing silica-gel breathers by as much as 6 months. Hopefully many power generation companies will take notice of this new technology and see the cost advantages of spin-on air filters. As a result of their water retention ability these filters will be found much more efficient in static-air desiccation of transformer oil conservator tanks.

Maintenance Secrets

2007-04-14T02:10:00.001-07:00

Today in the Maintenance industry, as in all others there are universal issues and problems that are encountered by Management. Your success as a manager depends on your ability to analyze and correct these issues and problems. In order to effectively do this you must first have a positive relationship with your team. Maintaining a positive working relationship with your co-workers is fundamental for a successful manager. As issues and problems arise your team will want to help contribute and assist you in correcting the issue at hand.

At this day and age in the maintenance field networking with others has become a major source of sharing industry knowledge. By receiving advice and tips from piers, by word of mouth, blogs or newsletters today's maintenance professional can locate the information they need much faster than searching threw manuals or surfing on the net for countless hours. By subscribing to online newsletters and blogs you can effectively find the answers you need from others in the industry and avoid losing valuable down time due to a machine or line being down. "As maintenance professionals we need to find the most cost efficient tips out there. It can prove to be a real benefit to already know the answers or where to find the answers for a particular issue, rather than having to go search for it. Avoiding costly down time, is the number one priority.

"I have seen some really great tips out there. Simple suggestions that you or I just hadn't thought about." said Chuck Mize a Senior Maintenance Professional and Instructor. "Tips that can save you or your workers alot of time" Mize goes on to explain "Use the plastic double stick tape hooks, place one on each Air Handling Unit and exhaust unit, in your mechanical room, and always have a spare belt hanging there. Additionally, the belt number is on a sticker on the AHU, near the hook." Yes, this is very simple. But it also saves quit a bit of time, knowing exactly where your spare belts are and what the part number is. These are the kind of tips I'm talking about" explained Mize. " There are just so many maintenance professionals out there that would love to share trade secrets that they, themselves have come across threw the yrs. As a maintenance professional myself, one of the greatest assets i feel we have today is our access to the Internet. It allows us to interact with others in our field and the opportunity join or subscribe to helpful websites such as, blogs, newsletters and groups."

HVLP Spray Guns The Smart Choice

2007-04-14T02:09:00.003-07:00

What if you could cut your finishing time by more than half, and get a super-smooth finish to boot? You can! Stow that brush, and enter the spray age with an HVLP low-overspray system.

If you never tried your hand at spray finishing, it has never been easier, cleaner, or safer - thanks to the high-volume, low-pressure (HVLP) sprayers.

Why spray? You complete more work in less time; benefit from fast-drying finishes that are far less susceptible to nibs from settling dust, such as water-base, lacquer, and shellac; and consistently produce smooth, professional results. And, as your spraying skills improve, you can use techniques like toning and shading (adding color between finish coats) that bring depth and sophistication to your finishes.

You could get those results using a conventional spray gun powered by an air compressor. But they operate at high pressure and create a hazardous fog over-spray. As much as 80 percent of the finish that leaves a conventional spray gun bounces back off your work piece, and winds up on every exposed surface, including the shop floor, walls, shelves, and tools making a big mess and reducing air quality.

HVLP sprayers, on the other hand, use a large column of air at low pressure to break up, or atomize the stream of finish leaving the nozzle into a fine mist. This method greatly reduces finish bounce-back, saving you both money and time cleaning up.

To earn the HVLP designation, a spray gun must transfer at least 65 percent of the finish to the surface, but transfer rates upward of 80 percent are possible. Therefore, if you are committed to going green, HVLP sprayers are more environmentally friendly because of the reduction in material waste and air pollution.

General Construction Site Safety

2007-04-14T02:09:00.001-07:00

There are a number of specific dangers linked to construction sites; the major hazard is falls from high places, although there are significantly more hazards, including those related to scaffolds, confined spaces, and electric equipments and lines near water sources. Construction workers often put their health at risk as well, with the materials they use and handle, such as lead. The irony is that the protective equipment worn by construction workers to reduce their exposure to lead and other toxic substances can actually increase accidental incidents by reducing vision, clarity, hearing ability, and dexterity, and increasing heat stress.

Even the safety of non-workers in and around construction sites is put at risk—particularly for drivers making their way past road construction sites who can come into contact with barricades and safety signs, causing accidents and injuries.

How can accidents in construction sites be prevented and thus reduced? In the U.S., safety and health standards in the workplace—including construction—are put in place and enforced through the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). Accidents are almost always caused by either unsafe acts or unsafe conditions, so it stands to reason that the best way to prevent and reduce accidents is by attempting to eliminate unsafe conditions and unsafe acts.

Eliminating unsafe conditions begins with a general understanding of what types of conditions can cause an accident, and then removing those conditions. Learning that workers are more at risk for accidents when unprotected and then making sure all construction workers are wearing the necessary protective equipment and gear is an example of becoming aware of an unsafe condition and then working to remove that condition.

Accidents are also caused by workers themselves acting in unsafe ways. Construction workers can help reduce the number of accidents and injuries that occur onsite by working carefully and safely, doing the job right, acting alert, and by being conscious of the particular environment and conditions in which they are working. A construction company can help in this manner by making safety awareness and training a mandatory part of the job both as part of the hiring process as well as on an ongoing basis. If there are safety manuals for certain construction jobs or equipment, have them serve as required reading for all staff.

Construction safety essentially boils down to accident prevention and reduction, and this is best accomplished when construction workers—both as a team and individually—act proactively rather than reactively. Reactive workers only take action in response to a problem as (or after) they occur, whereas proactive workers can anticipate crises and potential accidents before they happen, and then take the appropriate steps to prevent them from happening in the first place.

Industrial Thread Sealants – High Temperature Sealants and Others

2007-04-14T02:08:00.000-07:00

In order to rectify the situation of leakage in a liquid system, the threaded points are sealed with a thread sealant. Most machinery has threaded points in it—the larger the machine, the more threaded joints there will be, especially if piping is involved.

Industrial thread sealants come in a wide variety of products that can be applied to reduce the weakness of thread joints, either in liquid or a tape form. The liquid form of industrial thread sealants is often a very thick and gooey substance that is applied to one side of the threaded joint before it is put together. The tape variety of industrial thread sealant is applied as a tape and is often made of Teflon.

The industrial thread sealants have quite the job to do and depending on the machinery that they are used in can include being impact resistant, heat resistant, water or liquid resistant, corrosion resistant, rust resistant, pressure resistant and chemical resistant.

Think of machines and what they are used for—everything. In most machines, there are threads that add parts to the machine, threads that connect pipes to each other to cover distance and more. Every threaded part in a machine has to be sealed to prevent damage, leakage, corrosion and wear.

In a machine system that passes liquids, regardless of their chemical make up, whether its water or highly corrosive chemicals, you don’t want leaks to happen at threaded joints for a variety of reasons. Primarily, damage and injury can occur from leakages as well as considerable loss of product and functionality of the machine.

In a system that uses gas, such as compressed air or steam to work the machinery, an un-sealed thread could result in loss of functionality of the machine. Many machines require high pressure gas build-up to function and a kink or leak in the system could cause complete malfunction or loss of productivity.

In a dry product moving system, threaded joints that are not sealed properly can leak as well. Not to mention that the dry material, such as fine particle dust, can get into the joint and cause rust, corrosion and damage which can result in the requiring of both ends of the threaded joint to be replaced. If you are dealing with a large machine, replacing two parts can be quite expensive, where as industrial thread sealants are actually quite inexpensive in comparison.

In most cases, the industrial thread sealant only needs to be applied once—when the two threaded joints are put together. The thread sealant will continue to do its job for years on end, depending on the system. Other systems require that the thread sealant be replaced and replenished more often. The pressure in a system can sometimes be very great, so the industrial thread sealants need to be pressure and liquid resistant, all while protecting the joints within the machinery system. Many problems can arise with improperly sealed threads in a machine, so finding the appropriate industrial thread sealant is of paramount importance to engineers.

Be A Pro With Your Logo

2007-03-26T06:26:00.002-07:00

Want to bring recognition and credibility to your company? Obviously the answer is yes, but how do you do it? The most recognizable feature of most products is the logo. It’s best to make this feature stand out because a logo is more than just a symbol, it’s a statement.

Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines a logo, or logotype as: an identifying symbol (as used in advertising). When consumers see your logo, you want them to recognize what it is, and what it represents. No matter the size of your business, logos are one thing where the playing field is level for everyone. Small mom-and-pop shops can have as good of a logo as the largest corporation in the world. It’s more about what the logo represents than the actual design.

The company logo should represent the image that you want to portray. Whether that is cutting edge with flashy graphics and bright colors, or simple designs which represent tradition and reliability. The logo can say whatever you want it to, that’s the beauty of it. It should serve as a reminder, or extension of what your company is about.

A great example of this is the Apple computer company logo. The image of an apple with a bite out of it is a reference to the biblical story of Adam and Eve. The apple represents the same one eaten by Adam at the tree of knowledge. This identifies the Apple company as a key to knowledge.

To be fair, there probably aren’t a lot of people that are aware of the meaning behind the Apple logo. But, there aren’t many people who could see the logo and not know what company it represents. In reality, Apple has been around for a long time, but the current image is that of cutting edge and new. The newest version of the Apple logo keeps the same traditional shape but fine tunes the appearance. They have added an almost chrome looking exterior to appear “new-age” and in style. They tie this into their advertising and new products by making Apple computers appear more advanced than the traditional PC.

This logo works because traditional Apple users will identify the shape of the logo as the same from before, while younger generations will identify with the new sleek look. Apple can maintain the tradition that the logo carries with it and at the same time seem new to consumers. This proves the importance of a logo and its ability to adapt with time. A good logo can pass through different generations and still appeal to everyone.

Now remember, we’re still just talking about a simple symbol. But, as you can tell, it’s more than just that. The logo tells a story, and hopefully a good one. When your consumer sees your logo, they should be able to identify you with the service you provide. A positive brand image and being recognizable can go a long way in helping consumers see your logo and know you’re someone they can trust. Help your customers out and remind them that you’re here for their use. Give them a reason to identify you and position yourself to stand out above the rest. Be a pro with your logo.

Small Business Branding - You Can't Avoid It

2007-03-26T06:26:00.001-07:00

Tips on Brand Management for Small Business

You can't avoid branding, so make it work for you, not your competitors. Many business owners believe branding is only for the big guns, for major companies with large marketing budgets. People that run small and medium sized businesses often have a reluctance to invest in branding. But branding isn't about what you believe. It's what your customers and potential customers believe.

EWO Consulting can help you build and promote your brand to your strategic advantage. We have graphic designers in-house so we can start with a blank sheet of paper and support you throughout your branding journey.

Here's the secret:

In the hearts and minds of your customers, you have a brand whether you strategically create it and nurture it, or not.

Therefore branding is relevant to any business no matter how large or small.

So what is a brand?

A brand is more than a name - it's a perception in the market about what your company or products represent. Since the early 70s branding and positioning have been inextricably linked.

"Positioning is not what you do to the product. Positioning is what you do to the mind of the prospect." Al Ries (1972; "Positioning: The Battle For Your Mind" by Jack Trout and Al Ries).

It's easier to understand branding and positioning if we work backwards. Every company or product has its position in the market. Your customers have their own perception of your position. For example, they might perceive you as:

o The established leader a strong number two

o The most experienced a new player with potential

o Good with small clients the biggest operator

o Premium quality cheap alternative

o Most reliable product best service support

o Stable and proven most innovative

The list is endless and it varies depending on the market you are in. Your company or product might fit in to more than one, but there's usually one element (positive or negative) that resonates in their perception of your company or product. It 's a position that your brand occupies in the mind of your customer.

Is this perception rational or emotional?

Extensive studies in recent years have shown that most decisions we make are emotionally driven. We may be able to support them rationally, sometimes with amazing intellect and logic, but they're born in emotion.

University of Washington: "Brain scan imaging supports the idea that every time you have to make a choice in your personal life, you need to feel the projected outcome of each choice - subconsciously or intuitively. You then make that choice according to the projected feeling."

Michael Newman, Creative Director of ad agency DNA and author of "The 22 Irrefutable Laws of Advertising (and when to violate them)": "Human decision making is emotional, spiritual, political and, perhaps least of all, rational. The truth is, we aren't really rational beings. We are more human than that."

It's worth repeating:

In the hearts and minds of your customers, you have a brand whether you strategically create it and nurture it, or not.

If you have ignored branding, for whatever reasons, then the good news is there is an untapped marketing edge you can explore in your business. For a business with minimal marketing budget and tight market, branding can provide a cost-effective edge over your competitors.

So is a strong product or business name important to good targeted branding?

Yes, a relevant and memorable company or product name is important to a strong brand. But so is almost everything else you do in your business. Anything that may affect the perception of your customer affects the value of your brand.

A simple but important key is to know the values and image you want your brand (company or products) to represent. It's surprising how many small to medium businesses ignore this basic step in building their business.

Then it is important that your staff, bank, customers, suppliers, competitors and alliances all have the same perception. Like most business principles, establishing and maintaining a good branding isn't rocket science. It just requires some focus.

Every business, no matter how small, will be a stronger business with the right approach to branding. EWO can help you quickly analyze your brand and positioning and work with you through the process of creating, re-aligning or building your brand strategy.Tips on Brand Management for Small Business

You can't avoid branding, so make it work for you, not your competitors. Many business owners believe branding is only for the big guns, for major companies with large marketing budgets. People that run small and medium sized businesses often have a reluctance to invest in branding. But branding isn't about what you believe. It's what your customers and potential customers believe.

EWO Consulting can help you build and promote your brand to your strategic advantage. We have graphic designers in-house so we can start with a blank sheet of paper and support you throughout your branding journey.

Here's the secret:

In the hearts and minds of your customers, you have a brand whether you strategically create it and nurture it, or not.

Therefore branding is relevant to any business no matter how large or small.

So what is a brand?

A brand is more than a name - it's a perception in the market about what your company or products represent. Since the early 70s branding and positioning have been inextricably linked.

"Positioning is not what you do to the product. Positioning is what you do to the mind of the prospect." Al Ries (1972; "Positioning: The Battle For Your Mind" by Jack Trout and Al Ries).

It's easier to understand branding and positioning if we work backwards. Every company or product has its position in the market. Your customers have their own perception of your position. For example, they might perceive you as:

o The established leader a strong number two

o The most experienced a new player with potential

o Good with small clients the biggest operator

o Premium quality cheap alternative

o Most reliable product best service support

o Stable and proven most innovative

The list is endless and it varies depending on the market you are in. Your company or product might fit in to more than one, but there's usually one element (positive or negative) that resonates in their perception of your company or product. It 's a position that your brand occupies in the mind of your customer.

Is this perception rational or emotional?

Extensive studies in recent years have shown that most decisions we make are emotionally driven. We may be able to support them rationally, sometimes with amazing intellect and logic, but they're born in emotion.

University of Washington: "Brain scan imaging supports the idea that every time you have to make a choice in your personal life, you need to feel the projected outcome of each choice - subconsciously or intuitively. You then make that choice according to the projected feeling."

Michael Newman, Creative Director of ad agency DNA and author of "The 22 Irrefutable Laws of Advertising (and when to violate them)": "Human decision making is emotional, spiritual, political and, perhaps least of all, rational. The truth is, we aren't really rational beings. We are more human than that."

It's worth repeating:

In the hearts and minds of your customers, you have a brand whether you strategically create it and nurture it, or not.

If you have ignored branding, for whatever reasons, then the good news is there is an untapped marketing edge you can explore in your business. For a business with minimal marketing budget and tight market, branding can provide a cost-effective edge over your competitors.

So is a strong product or business name important to good targeted branding?

Yes, a relevant and memorable company or product name is important to a strong brand. But so is almost everything else you do in your business. Anything that may affect the perception of your customer affects the value of your brand.

A simple but important key is to know the values and image you want your brand (company or products) to represent. It's surprising how many small to medium businesses ignore this basic step in building their business.

Then it is important that your staff, bank, customers, suppliers, competitors and alliances all have the same perception. Like most business principles, establishing and maintaining a good branding isn't rocket science. It just requires some focus.

Every business, no matter how small, will be a stronger business with the right approach to branding. EWO can help you quickly analyze your brand and positioning and work with you through the process of creating, re-aligning or building your brand strategy.

Minding Your Own Brand - If They Come, Have You Built It?

2007-03-26T06:25:00.000-07:00

Every time I watch television I see ads which depict the most wonderful places to shop. One particular ad depicts a home improvement superstore full of friendly, helpful, knowledgeable staff in every department. The ad goes on to explain how this staff is there to assist you in every facet of home improvement and repair. One day I needed a part for my kitchen faucet and a new cordless drill, so I set out for that store.

Upon arrival the only person who acknowledged my presence during my first ten minutes in the store was the “greeter” who was trying to get me to fill out a credit card application. The staff who were standing in the plumbing aisle shuffled me to the next person who “knows more about this department.” After talking to three associates and spending fifteen more minutes searching, I finally bumped into the fabled “plumbing expert’ who would know just what part I needed. Unfortunately he was new and the “other guy” who “knows all this stuff” was not here today. He pointed me to where I could look for the part on my own and “maybe be able to figure out what is needed.”

After wandering around the store for thirty minutes, I left empty handed and frustrated. I ended up buying my part and the drill at the small local hardware store.

Why is it that companies paint such a wonderful picture in their ads only to disappoint the customer when they come to shop? It is not only the big box stores who do this. I recently read an ad for a local home heating company claiming that they “provide superior personalized service.” This was the same company who gave me the runaround when I first tried to set up my fuel contract. They told me “the person who handles that is too busy” to take my call and to “call back tomorrow morning when they might have more time.” In that case, I went with one of the “big boys” and I have been very pleased with the service.

Either big or small, my point is that if you say it in your ad make sure you can and are delivering it 100% of the time or else you are setting your current and potential customers up for a big disappointment. A disappointed customer may or may not come back, but either way they will talk and tell everyone about their negative experience.

Wouldn’t it be better to exceed the expectations you set out in your advertising and have the resulting word of mouth advertising be positive? As the line in the movie Field of Dreams goes, “if you build it, they will come” – if it is extraordinary, they will tell their friends. After all, word of mouth advertising is the most effective form of promotion, especially if it expands the reach of your paid advertising.

Companies must remember that the first rule of setting expectations in your advertising is – If they come, have you built it?

Logo Design - A Pivotal Part of Your Companies' Image

2007-03-26T06:22:00.000-07:00

Logo is the symbolic representation of a company. It’s a unique combination of characters and graphics creating a single design that is used to recognize a company or a business. Logos are normally used to advertise a company in order to draw attention to visitors, win their faith and build firm brand acknowledgement. Therefore a logo should be created as such it should set a striking picture in people’s mind what services and products you provide or sale. You can make your company popular and easily identifiable among people and a chosen one among your competitor with a well-designed logo.

For getting an instantaneous recognition, your logo must be unequaled, unusual from others, based on fundamental design principles of color, space, consistency, form and clarity and should represent your business or company suitably. Your logo is so significant because it's a unique graphic image, your visitors' eyes will naturally be drawn to it both on the web and on your printed materials.

Logo design is very subjective. A design liked by one, may not be attractive to the other. Just cerebrate some of the all time eminent logos, Adidas, McDonalds', IBM, Nike, Microsoft- the minute you see their logos, the first thing that comes to your mind is the name of the company. This shows how strong an effect their logo leaves in our mind. A logo comprehends all the feeling and personality behind a company.

Paying for a logo design is well worth the money, because it's a question of high importance for any company to have a professional designed logo, that separates the company from its competitors and projects its image. A professional logo design always makes the difference between an expert image and "just blending in”. You can create an entire corporate individuality around a logo design. It can even form the base of a professionally designed website, letterhead, business cards and even an indoor or outdoor sign.

Always design a logo that is simple and easy to think of in order to leave a intense long lasting impression on your consumers mind. Companies often make the mistake of thinking that perplex artistic design might work well for them, while the reverse is true, in most cases. It is essential that you have a right marketing strategy and something unparalleled about your company for having a custom logo design. Having a logo design that represents what you do is very crucial to today's business. A well-designed logo that relates your company's personality and professionalism will establish resonance between you and your prospects, and will in turn boost business. In order to really capture a prospective client's attention and gain their respect, your logo is your best bet.

So, if you intended to keep your foot forward in virtual market and are in need of professionally designed logos, look for logo design firm or hire designers with creative ideas, conceptual, skilled and technically proficient. Professional designers can create high quality corporate logo design at affordable rates to small or large business websites.

Brand Reputation Optimization - The Future of Online PR and Marketing

2007-03-26T06:20:00.000-07:00

“Brand Reputation Optimization” (BRO for the acronym lovers!) is a concept I have been thinking a lot about and terminology I decided to coin. Brand Reputation Optimization refers to how an organization best positions its brand for long-term sustainability and success. Success in this case refers both to the bottom line and to applying socially responsible business practices sometime referred to as corporate social responsibility. Since the web is now the preferred method by which people receive and digest information, BRO focuses primarily on online practices though it often complements, or is a catalyst for offline engagement.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) taught us that we can be proactive in helping people to discover companies and information online. However, now that every company has established an online presence, and given that the internet is increasingly the medium by which people receive their information (thus evolving their perceptions and first impressions) the “key test” becomes that of brand distinction and differentiation. As it turns out, like search engine optimization there are best practices and concrete actions that can be taken to distinguish and optimize your brand.

The most important aspect of BRO is to recognize that people build brands and brands drive revenues. Many a company and business fails to capitalize on its most valuable asset – its own people. Social networks have taught us the power of passionate users and social media tool have helped us to unleash the power of collective intelligence often by breeding innovation organically. Passion drives engagement.

Brand Reputation Optimization has two central applications: Internal and External. Traditionally (and bound to continue going forward) is the primary focus of brand optimization on the external (such as interactions with media, the public and customers). Still it is important to reiterate that brands are in fact internally driven. If an organization’s own people to do not believe in the underlying objectives and ethics, the brand will never flourish.

External optimization can be further segmented into Proactive and Reactive Actions. Traditionally, brand development has focused more on reactive actions such as responding to customer complaints, providing warranty services after the sale, or increasing transparency practices after Sarbanes Oxley. However, thanks to new technologies (in particular social media) we now have the opportunity to focus on building brands proactively.

This new era in brand building is largely made possible by an unprecedented ability to provide online engagement in a way never before possible (think Ajax interface and social media functionality). Following Metcalf’s Law, “the more people using a given system, the more valuable it becomes.” Now that much of the World’s population is embracing the internet as their primary medium for interactions (shopping, dating, research, collaboration, etc…) the need for organizations to humanize and to appeal to people on more of an emotional level (as opposed to simply through the use of static text and image) is paramount.

Business Basics - How To Develop A Successful Business

2007-03-22T04:39:00.001-07:00

The word business used to drive fear into my heart. It seemed like such an overwhelming and complicated process, that required years of study to understand its full implications. As I have grown up, I have come to develop a different understanding of the word business. To me, business basically means giving people what they want, and charging them for it in some way. In this article, I'm going to shed light on what the word business is really about, and what it takes to develop a successful and profitable business.

What Is A Business?

A business is the ongoing process of supplying products, or services, to customers, and charging them for it in some way.

How To Develop A successful Business

A few things are required to develop a strong, long term, and viable business idea

1) A Large Target Market

Always develop a business idea around an area that is in high demand. For example, if you were to develop a weight loss business, you would certainly have plenty of customers who would be interested in your services. If you were to open a second hand black door handle shop, you might get some customers, but most likely, you won't get very many. Second hand black door handles aren't a very high demand product.

2) Excellent Service

I remember going to a cafe and getting terrible service. It almost felt like I was committing a crime ever time I ordered something to eat. That was the last time I ever went back to that cafe. If you want people to keep coming back to you, then you must treat them very well. With so much competition out there, you cannot afford to risk treating your customers in any other way.

3) Determination

Any successful business requires lots of hard work, and plenty of determination. Never give up, even if you aren't doing very well. Work hard enough, and surely you will become a success before you know it. If success came easily, then we would all be successful.

Most Valuable Asset

2007-03-22T04:38:00.000-07:00

What is the most valuable asset that your firm possesses? Is it your technology, trade secrets, credit line, or customer base? Although we realize the importance of these, most of us believe that our people or our leadership teams are most valuable to us. However, there is another asset that may be even more important as your business matures. A good name or reputation allows your firm to attract quality leaders, excellent employees, key customers, and financing.

Proverbs 3:4 tells us that we should desire the favor of both God and Man. We are reminded that a good name is more valuable than great riches (Proverbs 22:1). In a business environment in which we demand performance quarterly and we exchange CEOs more often than our cars, a good name is a rare commodity.

In recent months I was reminded that a good name can produce investment returns for many years. Last year, our three-year-old marketing firm was looking for key brokers to represent our new product to the nation’s larger retail chains. Our Vice President was interviewing a broker to call on the world’s largest retailer. The broker asked him about the owners of our firm and the Vice President shared my name. The broker immediately volunteered to take our line. He shared that 15 years ago he had worked as the buyer for that same retailer. Because of the instigation of a policy to buy direct, he took the business away from my distribution firm. Within three months he knew that the decision was wrong. When he went to his boss to change the decision, he was prohibited from doing so, but he continued respect our distribution firm and me as leader. He now welcomed the opportunity to represent our young firm. When our Vice President shared the story with me, I was shocked. In 1988 we had lost 34 percent of our business, and it took us 2 years to make it up and survive as a firm. That heartache could now give us a new business opportunity in a different firm because I had maintained a good name. A good name may be working in ways that you are never allowed to see. How is your reputation even with the clients that you have lost?

Last month I was speaking to a conference of Korean Christian business leaders from around the world. As I was introduced the first evening, Henry came to my table to introduce himself. He asked if I remembered him; I did not. He then gave his firm’s name and I remembered it as one of our suppliers back in the seventies. Henry explained that he was not a believer at that time, but several times a year our firm would use holidays to share Christ in various ways. My open testimony had a large impact on him as one of the many circumstances that eventually brought him to Christ. A good name has a tremendous impact for years. Do your suppliers know about your faith?

When my brothers and I purchased our parents' firm, we had a name that was outdated. “Jack’s Service Company” sounded like a corner gas station, but we retained it because with that name came the excellent reputation of both my parents and the company. Within two years we lost the existing business. We retained only three employees and a few small customers. That name and our limited experience were all that we possessed. With God’s blessing, that was enough. Eventually, the firm grew nearly 30 times in size. The “Jack's” name became known, within our country’s largest grocery, drug, and discount chains, as one that meant excellence, service, and integrity. Today the name is no longer used, but its reputation remains. So does the reputation of its owners, leadership team, and employees.

In business and in life your name is a treasured possession. Paul writes in I Timothy 3:7 that we should look for leaders with a good reputation with those outside of Christ’s body. Are you a leader who understands what influence that your firm's name or your name can have in your community or industry? Your name is something of rare value and you must endeavor to present it to God as one that seeks to glorify Him. What are you doing today to protect and elevate the name on your business card?

Need More Money Start A Home Business

2007-03-22T04:34:00.001-07:00

The Internet is a new tool in which making money is a very real thing. People have been told that the Internet is a place where they can make money without working to hard and without spending much money. Your will need your own PC, a telephone line and Internet access account from your local Internet Service Provider. One prevailing Internet myth--now soundly debunked has been that once people discover your website, the money rolls in.

One thing you can count on is that you won’t become a millionaire overnight, unless you have an idea for the next super site like eBay or Google that takes cyber space by storm. Links are the way to do this, and the theory is not complicated; the more links that you have to your site with keywords relating to your site, the better your ranking.

So, rather than competing with companies that have been around for many years and may have greater advertising and financial resources than you have, you will want to dig a little deeper and find a niche that you can focus on while building your business. There are tons of ways to make money online; home business opportunities, telecommute positions, becoming a webmaster, promoting affiliate programs, taking surveys for cash, playing poker and the list goes on.

If you can create a product, an e-book, software, any other digital products, you can create a website, write a good sales copy and market it. Market the products and keep trying until the sales are directly dependent on the free search engine rankings. The internet is loaded with get rich quick schemes and marketing tactics that lead you to believe that you can make thousands per month for doing nothing don’t believe them. If you search the internet you will find many gurus that say they have made $20,000 in 3 weeks, use my method. You buy their e-book for $30, 40 or $50 and there is no real method on how they actually did it. They give a couple of good suggestion but nothing real. Find the sites or forums that show you the correct way of marketing a site, look for e-books that cost $4-$7 this way you are spending a minimal amount of money.

There are mentors and coaches that specialize in building websites and the marketing training to teach you what to do to get traffic to your site. There are many different work at home online which are scams so when searching be careful when choosing the program. Make your own dream job, use your mind and think up a new business.

How to start your own business on the internet, here are a quick couple of steps.

1. Find a books, e-books or forums that can help with your learning curve
2. Think of an idea.
3. Find the product you are going to sell
4. Think of a name and then buy the domain name
5. Create the website, if you don’t know how hire someone
6. Market your site, build links, build content
7. Join forums and promote your site

Need More Money Start A Home Business

2007-03-22T04:34:00.000-07:00

Growing Your Business and Your Bottom Line Through Minority Certification

2007-03-22T04:33:00.001-07:00

Are you leaving money on the table? If you are a business owner who is a woman or a member of a minority and you have not become certified as a Minority or Women-Owned Business Enterprise (known as M/WBE), you may be missing out on opportunities.

Reasons to Become Certified

Why do you need certification? Well, maybe you don't. Certification lets others know that your company is what you say it is-a minority and/or women-owned business. Chances are your average customer is not going to ask you for certification. Certification is required, however, when you want to do business with companies or government agencies that have supplier diversity programs and want to ensure a level playing field for women, minority, or disabled-veteran owned businesses. While you may not have considered this as an avenue for your business, you will want to be ready to seize an opportunity, should one arise.

M/WBE Certification will also give you the ability to expose your business to potential customers that you may not have considered nor had access to before. Many of the qualifying agencies create meet-and-greet opportunities, directories and notify you of upcoming opportunities. This alone makes the sacrifice of time and minimal fees, when going through the certification process, well worth it.

Certification Requirements

In order to be eligible for certification, the basic requirements are:

" The business must be at least 51 percent owned, controlled and actively managed by minority group members (Native American, Black, Hispanic, Asian- Indian, Asian-Pacific, Aleut, Eskimo, or Native Hawaiian)

" In business for at least one year

How long is my certification valid?

Recertification practices, as well as fees, vary according to the certifying agency. For example, the state of New Jersey requires recertification upon your one-year anniversary. However after that first recertification, your status is valid for five years provided you submit your supporting documentation by your anniversary date each year.

Certifying Agencies

Choosing a certifying agency should depend upon your type of business and the opportunities you want to seek. Your city and state government offices have certification processes, help and opportunities. There are a myriad of other agencies as well such as the NY/NJ Supplier Development Council (formerly known as the NY/NJ Purchasing Council). As per their website, "The Council strives to expand business opportunities for minority-owned suppliers by linking them with purchasers in the public and private sector. As an advocate for both its suppliers and corporate members, The Council fosters relationships between corporate decision makers and targeted minority suppliers." Are All Certifications Recognized By All Agencies And Companies Seeking M/WBEs?

With all these certifying agencies, you may want to know if all agencies and companies recognize all certifications. The short answer is not necessarily. You must check with the requesting agency or company.

For example, in New York there is an agreement between the NYC Department of Small Business Services and The NY/NJ Minority Supplier Development council called the New York City Fast Track Certification

As posted on their website, "The New York & New Jersey Minority Supplier Development Council, Inc. ("The Council") and the New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS) are now promoting "Fast Track certifications" that will enable Council-certified suppliers to increase their contracting opportunities in the public sector. The City and The Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in an effort to increase the certification of minority-owned businesses. Under the agreement, businesses certified by The Council as a Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE) will receive expedited approval of their certification applications with the City… Council-certified suppliers will have greater access to contracting opportunities, better preparation to compete for City contracts, and extra navigation in the public procurement process. "

This partnership is great news for a small business looking to expand its opportunities. Many such opportunities exist, but be sure to ask the certifying agency where the certification will be recognized and question the companies providing opportunities what certifications will be accepted. Be sure to do this before making a commitment to become certified with any agency as many fees, if required, are not refundable.

Getting Help
The process of applying for M/WBE Certification may be daunting for some. It may require more focus and time than you are able to spare, but don't give up. There is a tremendous amount of assistance available for you on both a free or fee basis. Each agency provides its own sources of assistance. In New York City at the official website, www.nyc.gov, you can find applications, help documents, email addresses and contact numbers for assistance. They also provide monthly training seminars where you can get help from trained certification specialists for free. To get help and information on M/WBE certification in your locale, begin with your city and state government. Check their websites or call for help. Your local libraries will be able to assist as well. The internet is a cornucopia of information. Use any of the various search engines such as Google (www.google.com) and Yahoo (www.yahoo.com). Changing the word phrases as you search, i.e. minority certification, mbe agencies, or minority business opportunities, will pull up different results giving you a wider array of information. There are also tremendous local organizations that are ready and willing to give you assistance. Begin with the Small Business Administration and their local arms known as SBDCs or Small Business Development Centers, often times located within the city colleges (http://www.sba.gov/localresources/index.html). Your local library is a tremendous resource as well.

There are times when all you need is someone to pull you through the process. An executive, administrative or virtual (remote) assistant can work wonders in this area, from researching the qualifying agencies and fees to helping you to complete each step of the application. Choose someone thorough and detailed because a detained application can cost you time, money and missed opportunity.

SSI - Why and How to Use Server Side Includes

2007-03-22T04:32:00.001-07:00

What is SSI?

SSI actually covers a number of features to improve your website. I am going to speak here of just one critical improvement, referred to as an “include” file.

Essentially, an “include” file is a separate file that your web page can include as if it was part of the page file. Let’s take a real-life example. My site at http://www.vitamin-supplements-store.net uses SSI in a number of places.

If you are used to using FrontPage or have recently learned HTML, you probably assume that every web page is a single html file. The example above is actually five files. There is the main HTML file for the page. There is a style sheet (CSS) and there are three SSI “include” files — one for the left navigation menu and two for the two navigation menus across the bottom. I could have, perhaps even should have, used more “include” files, but you can be the judge when you’ve finished reading this article.

Why use SSI??

SSI makes it easy to bring changes to your website. There are some changes you will need to make to every page or to every page in a specific section. Your website might start out with just 10 pages, and you might figure that it is no big deal to cut-and-paste a change to the navigation menu 10 times.

But each time you add a page, you have to update that menu. And with each new page added, you have to paste one more time. When you reach 50 pages (Never thought your website would grow that big? You’re not alone.) it becomes very tedious to update.

For instance, when I wanted to add the website monitoring logo and the link to the navigation menu at http://www.thehappyguy.com, I had to change just one file, and — presto! — the change appeared on every page of the site bearing that navigation menu. It was so very much easier than past updates before I began using SSI.

There are two other benefits to SSI “include” files. Because a single line of code replaces what might have been several dozen in each HTML file, your files are much smaller, taking less space on your server. And, because the “include” file has already been loaded with the first page a visitor sees, the next page is much quicker for visitors to load.

How to set up SSI??

You need three things to set up SSI.

1. Configure your server for SSI
2. Set up your “include” file
3. Call up your “include” file into your web page HTML file

First, you need your server configured for SSI. Ask your web host if this has already been done. Also ask if it has been set up to parse .html extensions to read SSI.

If your server has been set up for SSI, you are one step closer. If it has also been set up to parse .html extensions to read SSI, you are two steps closer.

Not all hosts support SSI, but most do. If yours does, but it has not been set up for your account, look for the .htaccess file in your root directory (where your index.html or home page file is stored). In my experience, this is not usually viewable using an FTP process; you have to find it through your control panel.

The .htaccess file is a text file. If you do not already have an .htaccess file on your server, you can create one in NotePad or even in Word (just save it with a .txt extension), but whatever you do, make sure not to write over a .htaccess file already on your server. If it is already there, just add the following lines to the file, being careful not to erase anything that is already there:

AddType text/html .shtml
AddHandler server-parsed .shtml
Options Indexes FollowSymLinks Includes

So far, so good. But this will recognize only .shtml files for includes, and you probably don’t want to change the .html extensions to .shtml on all your pages, if for no other reason because it will mess up all your inbound links to those pages.

So add this line. In theory, it should be the second line, but careless me has gotten it to work at the end, too:

AddHandler server-parsed .html

Save the edited .htaccess file to the root directory of your server.

As an aside, there are several ways to configure your server for SSI. This one has worked for me across several hosts.

So much for the techie stuff, now you need the second element: the “include” file itself. Suppose your “include” file is the navigation menu. You don’t need “head” and “title” and “body” tags. Just type in your text and code just the way it would appear in your webpage. It’s that simple. Save it as an HTML file, and load it to your route directory or to its own directory.

All you need now, is to call up your navigation menu in each file you want it to appear in. To do this, a simple line suffices where a whole column of code and text once stood.

Here is the line to place in your code:?

This assumes that nav1.html is the name of the “include” file and that it is in the same directory as the page it is being inserted into. If you place the file into a directory called “nav”, you would have to include code like this in your web page file:

Hope above information will helpful for you.

Work At Home Opportunity Or Stick With The Corporate World

2007-03-22T04:31:00.002-07:00

Considering one's career path could be one of the most stressful times in a persons life. This is of course a scary thought for most people who face their worst fears, they lost their jobs. For most of us, its compounded by dread of the thought of going on a job Interview again and convincing some employer how you are the best candidate for the job. I've heard horrible jokes in the corporate lunch rooms about not hiring a perfectly qualified candidate who was over 45 because they didn't want their HMO group plan rates to increase by hiring older employees. I couldn't believe my ears. Its appalling, but a reality for many of you that are searching into corporate companies that offer the Safe & Secure jobs. They may just not exist anymore.

So now your unemployed and you need to start a new job search, The most important thing you don't want to do is stay in a career that doesn't suit your personality, you'll become overwhelmed, unhappy and burned out. No one wants a job they hate. So instead of choosing a career based on what you think you should do, you want to find a job that fits you and will make you satisfied. One that gets you up in the morning.

Think about how you felt at your past job, did you dread getting out of bed and to go to work? When you got there did you just coast along looking at the clock, doing the bare minimum that will keep your boss off your back, yet at the end of the day still feel exhausted?

If this emotional let down sounds familiar, you may be burnt out. Signs of burnout are a.

Your co-workers are avoiding you. You come in late and want to leave earlier. You not satisfied and have no enthusiasm for you job tasks. Thinking about work makes you feel physically sick.

Job burnout happens over time. It begins with small warning signals. If unheeded, these feelings can get worse until you dread going to work. Burnout also can spread to all aspects of your life. It's hard to find a person who is feeling burnt out at work, yet happy at home. Before this happens to you, take control of the situation and your life. A new job path may be in order or perhaps, it may be time to start your own home based business.

If your desire is to work for someone else the number of job search sites can easily lead to information overload, especially with the myriad of sites to choose from. So be organized and selective about the career sites you choose. When your ready to begin your employment search, a site such as the job search website 2jobsearch.net powered by careerbuilder. is a great place to begin your new job search. Their huge database of available opportunities will increase your chances of success. A online job site lets you locate jobs by location, company name, keyword, job field or job title. Use all their research tools and helpful advice to make your job search more successful. And don't forget to post your current resume for recruiters and employers to find and keep it updated often.

So what else is there? Should you consider a home based business as opposed to waiting for the perfect job?

Starting a work from home opportunity can be very satisfying when you begin making money online out of the comforts of your own home. If you've always wanted to be your own boss, then a work from home opportunity will provide you with just that opportunity. Working at home means you can set your own hours without the hassle of unreasonable deadlines and constant interruptions.

Another benefit of having a work from home business is that you don't have to miss out on precious moments with your family by spending all your time at work and getting home too tired to do anything enjoyable with them. However, working at home means that you must discipline yourself so that you don't end up spending too much time with your family when you should be working.

And there is another positive of having your own work from home business If you've found yourself dreading the hours spent commuting to and from your current office then with a work from home business, your longest commute will be from your bedroom to your computer. Just think about how much money you'll save in gas, that alone could be a huge savings per year.

Understand though, starting a work from home business is a major decision. Make sure you look into your options and make the correct choice.

There are many legitimate services out there that offer genuine work from home business opportunities. When searching for any legitimate work from home business, make sure they are listed on a creditable work from home business directory such as homebasedbusinesslistings.com . The reason for this is because many work from home business directories that allow advertisement on their sites require a site inspection of the home business opportunity to insure there is no illegal, multi-level-marketing, Pyramid Schemes or No Win Situations that will hurt the directories good name.

Whichever course you decide on, home based business or corporate world, you should always find something that will ultimately make you happy and successful.

5 Mistakes to Avoid While Building Your Small Business

2007-03-22T04:31:00.001-07:00

In my years helping small business start-ups, I’ve seen the same mistakes repeated over and over. Many of these mistakes are the same ones I made with my first business two decades ago. They’re really easy to avoid for start-up entrepreneurs who are willing to learn the secrets and short cuts of other successful entrepreneurs. With each, I’ve included the rationale behind the mistake and how you can avoid it. Depending on where you are in the start-up process, use this information to avoid unnecessary struggle, wasted time and money.

1)No business plan

Before you start your business, you need a simple, written business plan, even if you’re solo. The plan should explore:

Your products and services

Your pricing

Your projected year one gross revenues

All your projected expenses

Your market research

Your marketing plan and budget

Your projected gross profit (profit before taxes)

You need these plans so you’re in control of your business; otherwise your business is being run on default and you end up spending money without a clear strategy. Many small business owners don’t have written plans because they think writing them will take too much time. The ones who do, succeed. Why not join them?

2)Under funding

Even if you’re starting a home-based business, you need some money to start up. If you plan on hiring employees, purchasing inventory and leasing space, it’s obvious you need seed money, but you may underestimate how much.

For a small service home based business, you’ll need office furniture and supplies, marketing and branding materials, a strategically planned website, some technology (software) and a healthy marketing budget. If you’re bricks and mortar, you’ll also need money for expenses like equipment, supplies, six month’s rent, payroll etc.

To avoid underfunding, refer back to your business plan. How much money do you need? Funding is available from many sources: family, friends, personal savings, credit cards, home equity, independent small business loans, the SBA and through Prosper.com. Figure out how much you’re willing to invest in yourself. What are you telling others if you’re not willing to invest in your own business? If you set a budget and develop a smart plan for how you’ll spend that money to launch your business, you’ll get the results you want.

The next mistake is made often by under funded start-ups.

3)Amateurish marketing materials

Don’t hire the first graphics or web designer you meet. Worse yet, don’t entrust your business’s marketing image to high school or college students because you’re trying to save money. How you’re perceived in the world will depend heavily on your business graphics, logo and website.. It’s important to think about how you want your business to be perceived, what colors will reflect that image, and what marketing materials you really need. Certainly you need business cards. But, do you really need letterhead and envelopes? Not everyone does. Do you need a brochure? Uniforms? Signs? How will all of this work together to present a unified image.

The key again is planning. Look carefully at the work of any graphic designer you’re considering using. See if you really connect with it. Speak with a minimum of five professionals, comparing price and style before deciding. Ask for recommendations from other businesses that have a “look” you find appealing. Finally, don’t skimp on your marketing materials. They represent your business.

4)Wimpy Website

The wimpy website was usually done by a start-up web designer who may create something pretty and charge you very little. The website hangs out there in cyberspace collecting cyber dust and you end up disappointed because it’s not generating leads or sales.

You need to do a lot of research before beginning to build your website, like keyword and domain name research. Writing content that’s compelling to visitors and search engine optimized is key. Constructing a map of your website with all the navigation options well thought out is also important. I discourage clients from building their website until they understand the tactics that will make it a magnet for prospects, and a profit center in their business. I’m sure you don’t want to waste hundreds, even thousands of dollars on a website that doesn’t give you a return on investment.

5)Poor time management

We aim to become entrepreneurs because we want to be our own boss and be in control of our lives. But when we first start, we suddenly realize that no one but us is structuring our time each day. So many start-ups have told me that they work all week and don’t seem to get anything accomplished, or that they sit at their desks not knowing what to do next.

If you have a clear vision of where you want to be in a year and a detailed roadmap for how to get there, you just need to follow the directions! It’s easy to get distracted by daily tasks or new ideas and opportunities. Set aside time each week to review these opportunities to see if they serve your vision. Otherwise file them in an idea folder for the future and stay tightly focused on those priority activities that will grow your business now.

Be a smart start-up; get ahead of the curve by avoiding these discouraging and costly mistakes. You’ll experience less stress, reduce the first year learning curve, and increase the bottom line.

How to Bust Bureaucracy

2007-03-22T04:29:00.003-07:00

"Bureaucracy - any administration where action is impeded by unnecessary procedures"
- Collins Concise English Dictionary

In your own organisation, do you ever think "Why are we doing this?" or "Why aren't things moving as planned or desired? Do you notice people becoming more difficult to deal with? Do you sense a rising level of frustration? Has your workplace lost its shine? Perhaps it's becoming or already is bureaucratic.

Often unnoticed in an organisation's growth is a tendency towards bureaucracy. It's rarely intentional, yet very common.

Here are some other symptoms of bureaucracy:

• Ineffective meetings - too long, too frequent, too little value.
• Less direct and personal communication - too many emails or "memos".
• Ever growing procedures and operations "manuals"
• Defensive, protective and internally competitive decisions and behaviour. Shows as fear-based thinking - "we better do this in case…" or "we better not do this in case…"
• Growing sense of mediocrity in human performance.
• Gradual loss of original purpose.

Bureaucracy is cancer of the organisation - unnecessary growth that becomes self-serving.

Because the bureaucracy grows within the culture of the organisation, it is seldom noticed by those within and rarely effectively dealt with by those within - after all, they are the unintentional cause!

Treating bureaucracy requires awareness, courage, determination and correct action with the full commitment of leadership.

Like most cancer treatment, the common approach is to cut burn and poison. The results too often are "It grew back again" or "We cured the bureaucracy but the organisation died".

Bureaucracy is best prevented and treated by leaders ensuring the culture has these characteristics:

• All systems are simple, connected and serve the prime purpose of the organisation.
• A high level of functional direct personal interaction and communication throughout the organisation.
• Continuous though careful pruning of the unnecessary.
• Always challenging procedure with the "Why" question. If the answer is defensive, protective or fear-based - seek to prune it.
• Avoidance of complacency and blind acceptance of any routine. If anything requires "rationalisation" or "justification" it means something is already not working.
• Well managed yet adventurous risk taking for innovation, simplicity and above all, to best serve the prime purpose of the organisation.
• Allow appropriate time and training for new processes to be properly learned.
• Ensure crystal clear unambiguous communication of correct and useful processes.
• Continuous challenge of continuous growth - it's not natural! More often it's actually cancerous growth currently disguised as more profit, more opportunity, diversification etc.
• Stepping outside the organisation frequently to review it holistically.

Experience has shown that executive team meetings designed to eliminate the negative aspects of bureaucratic process are best facilitated by an independent external facilitator, capable of respectfully challenging the discussions.

Experience has also shown that most organisations have no processes designed to minimise bureaucracy, and in fact have processes that unintentionally create it.

Can you imagine the return on investment for designing and implementing a bureaucracy busting process?

Should You Allow People To Use Your Freebies

2007-03-22T04:29:00.001-07:00

Should you allow people to use your website and promotional freebies to promote traffic for themselves? Let’s get straight to the point. The answer is yes, unequivocally, yes. Why? Simple, the answer is traffic which can equal money. I don’t understand why anyone would want to keep a free brand all to themselves, especially if it is actually branded. By this I mean the product shows an undeniable reference to you, your site and other products you are promoting. If you don’t understand viral marketing then you probably won’t make it in any industry, Internet or not.

The reasons to allow anything thing you have that is branded to be used and reused, free of charge is that it will not only bring traffic to those who use and reuse it but it will eventually bring more traffic to you when they realize the source of the branded product or service that they are using. Think about it, why use second hand when you can get it first hand for the same deal? Why deal with an intermediary when you can deal with the creator, or technician, him or herself?

This is why I am pro and not con for allowing anyone to reprint my articles, redistribute any ebooks that I may create and any other branded product. It will bring you traffic!

Viral Marketing is all about exponentially increasing your chances of exposure for you, your company, your product and your service. To not participate in some type of viral marketing campaign is tantamount to business suicide. Take for instance Google. Even though their search engine works well it doesn’t work any better than any other search engine theoretically. What made Google so huge was its unobtrusive viral marketing campaign that made it a house hold name. It allowed everyone easier access to ranking and search engine statistics by essentially being more accessible. Everywhere you look today you see google, because in the beginning they gave it away and it paid off in the end.

I study viral marketing and the Internet in general but by no means am I an expert. I can only go by what I have personally witnessed and what I saw and continue to see is that google will allow you to download just about anything that is branded with their name in the name of promoting your business while simultaneously promoting theirs. Its a win win situation. Imagine if you had one product that you could get every website on the Internet to promote, the thought brings visions of grandeur, I knwo but not visions that are unobtainable. These dreams can be realized as also shown by Nike, Adidas, Pepsi, Yahoo, Paypal and The great Microsoft. The list goes on but mostly unnoticed. By its very nature viral marketing is free after any inception cost.

On the downside, the proof of viral marketing can only be shown after the fact and there is plenty of proof around. On the plus side, people will pass it on for free, which means lower costs and the fact that most people perceived viral brands as cool and coming from a well put together product. Why else would others sponsor it? Surely not plain popularity but usually so. People like to jump on band wagons, especially those that may seem to be able to further their goals.

When developing your viral (brand) marketing campaign, it is crucial to entice those in similar and related fields to use your brand to promote yours, otherwise what would be the point? If I sell widget's, I don’t want to promote gadgets. Another key factor is to make sure that their is some inherent benefit to the sponsor. Free traffic, free products, association recognition , these or just some of the point to keep in mind when entering the arena of the viral marketer.

I like to write so I offer my articles for free. This increases traffic for my site(s) in which I can then have the chance to sell or at least get the potential customer exposed to my product. Even though they may not buy, they are now aware and may possibly pass on the information to someone who will purchase my product or service. This is how the exponential factor of viral marketing comes into play. Suppose you promote PC security software that cleans the PC registry. You may want to promote a free software product in the same field just to get potential buyers to your site and possibly get the free promotion along with your product. I often use may, possibly and potential because nothing is written in stone. You can never really keep ahead of the consumer trend or buzz but you can put yourself in a position to ride the current wave and hopefully any following ones.

One thing is for certain, which history shows. No exposure, no sale. The easiest way to get the most exposure is to let others do it for you. Also, make sure you have a quality product or service to offer or all of your planning and work will eventually be in vain as consumers come to realize that your product or service is not exactly what its cracked up to be. If you put a so so product out on the market you can be forgiven so long as you don’t make a habit of it. If you put a bad product out on the market you will soon find yourself cut off. No one wants to deal with a company, product, or service that turns customers away.

One final piece of advice, take your time. Nothing worth anything comes quickly. Plan your moves wisely, it will pay off in the end. If you need things to pay off now, get a job but if you want to have control over what you produce and make, nurture your ideas and your plans as if they were your own children because in a sense they are. You may not see direct results right away but you will see results sooner than you think. Just keep plugging away.

Roles of a Merchant Account to Receive Payments Online

2007-03-22T04:28:00.000-07:00

A retail business has special needs to handle their all the transaction when it comes to accepting credit cards it is very necessary to chose the best services of Merchant credit card services. There are number of service providers available in the market, before choosing out of them one should always take precautions. Today, it’s very easy to take the services of Online Merchant Account. To manage all transactions needs, an array of the latest equipments and software those meet all the particular needs of all types of businesses and more. It's no happenstance that one has complete answers for market requirements.

As a retail Merchandiser, We should know what we are acting when it comes to selecting online Merchant account provider and a POS Software terminal solution. Choosing the wrong merchant account provider services can make us paying high priced services on Credit card receivables terminal that our business does not in need of, and forced to pay high monthly fees. Beware of these types of surprises! Here my aim is to aware you all about merchant account, to help in selection of a Merchant Account Provider and Selection of the right Terminal through this article.

What is a Retail Merchant Account?

Before you go to choose a right merchant Solutions provider, you should know what a merchant account is and how it works? Internet credit card processing needs an account called Merchant account that can be opened for a business to receive and process the credit card. When a customer swipes his credit card through a given terminal, all the information of customer transferred securely to a processing bank. The bank which is responsible for this process checks the customers account information whether the required credit amount is available in customers account or not. And if credit amount is available, then they deduct the appropriate amount from the account. If there is not enough credit amount available, then card is rejected to process further and terminal screen displays message regarding problem. If the credit is available, then the money is transferred to merchant’s Account within 48 to 72 hours.

In this process, bank also checks the status of the credit card i.e. whether card is not reported expired, theft or lost. If any of these problems occurs, transaction immediately rejected.

How to settle Your Retail Storefront?

When you are going to settle your Retail Storefront before taking the services of a merchant account provider. It is very important to decide where exactly you want to install the credit card processing equipment. Some of the aspects to decide where to install credit card processing equipment are:

1. Need of customer friendly access terminal
If you are going to accept debit cards, you need to install PIN Pad. In this case you require a terminal called PIN Pad to enter the pin or password.

2. Speed of Credit card processing
When it comes to the speed of processing, Customers never wish to wait that’s why place your terminals in the easily accessible area of your shop. Because of your service turns a new customer in to a permanent one.

3. Installation of telephone jacks
and always makes sure that terminals should be placed near to telephone jacks for connection. Ask your local telephone company to install jacks where you will be installing credit card processing equipments.

4. Types of equipments Available
Always try to go for all in one terminal instead of separate equipments. As per your requirement you can choose the equipments from wide range of verities available. E.g. All-in-One Terminal/Printers, Printers, POS Software, Wireless Terminals/Printers, Pin Pads, Terminals, Check Readers etc.

Collect Your Past Due Accounts Receivable by Using the 3 F's

2007-02-14T23:42:00.001-08:00

When I see many small businesses trying to collect past due receivables, I also see mistakes. Mistakes in how they handle their customers. In most cases, these mistakes fall into three categories:

1) Being too easy,
2) Being too hard, or
3) Avoiding the task altogether.

At first glance, you may be asking, "Well if some are too easy and some are too hard, what is the answer?" Well, that's the $64,000 question, is it not? Depending upon the size of your business and the magnitude of your past due problem, you may very well be about to read the $64,000 answer!

The answer to the perplexing question is that every customer and every customer communication should be handled with the "3 F's." The "3 F's" are:

1) Firm,
2) Fair, and
3) Friendly.

You see, unless a customer is has communicated with you his unwillingness to pay due to some type of disagreement regarding the quality of the product or service, it is highly likely that being firm, fair and friendly will not only speed up the collection process this time, but also in the future. When customers are struggling, they appreciate being able to hold on to their dignity. Being inflexible, condescending, or making unreasonable demands or threats will often lead to even worse relations and a conscious or subconscious decision to put you at the end of the payment priority list.

On the other hand, it is also important that you be firm. Do not allow customers to push you around. And most of all, do NOT be embarrassed to contact them to ask for YOUR money. If they have taken delivery of your product or service and their is no issue regarding its quality, then this receivable and the underlying dollars belong to you.

As I have stated on several other occasions, I allowed two of my customers way too much slack. I allowed them to dictate the terms of the payment. I allowed them the opportunity to get "back on their feet" rather than being firm and asking for MY money. It cost me dearly. Nearly $40,000. Now, depending upon the size of your business, $40,000 may be a drop in the bucket or it could be a huge deal. For me, it was a VERY expensive lesson and one that put a crimp in my business's cash flow. Thankfully, it was not fatal and actually helped me to develop a system for collecting my receivables.

Not only did this experience lead me to find a better way to collect past due receivables, but also to develop a system to catch as many as possible before they become seriously past due. The only way to consistently keep your receivables under control is with a system.

The beauty of a system is that you always know exactly where you stand and you always know exactly what the next step is and when. You also know the type of communication that works best at each stage and you know when that communication will take place. Your customer also knows that this is not a "one and done" contact, but simply a step in a process. You'll never have to worry again about what to do at what point.

Sadly, most small businesses simply manage accounts receivable by the seat of their pants. They run their past due report once or twice a month if they think about it or if the bank account gets low. They call a few, send a letter to a few, and then lose interest when the bank account gets back up to a comfortable level. This is a temporary fix at best and will have to be repeated again and again while past dues are never properly managed. Only the bank account is managed.

The good news is you can HAVE a system. It may take a little time to develop it in the beginning, but it will be well worth your time and effort in the long run when you spend only a fraction of the time you normally spend trying to collect and in addition you collect the lion's share before they ever even become a problem. And that makes for a bigger bank account!

Being an Innovative Entrepreneur

2007-02-14T23:41:00.002-08:00

Of all the qualities that entrepreneurs possess one you will always seen in varying degrees is the ability to be innovative. You will see entrepreneurs:

• coming up against a problem and actively deciding to find a solution to solve it

• subconsciously struggling with one of lives irritations only to have a ‘eureka’ moment when a better way suddenly strikes them

• using a service or product everyday and starting a business by adding a slight twist to make it even better than before

You may look upon these innovators with a feeling of envy but don’t despair, there is no reason why you cannot be an innovative entrepreneur! Not convinced? Here are some steps you can take to fuel your innovativeness.

Be Curious

You cannot be innovative unless you are curious about life, about what happens around you. Resolve to start looking at your experiences differently. Constantly questions things that happen to you. Why did it happen that like that? What would need to be done if I wanted a different outcome? What would that outcome be? How could that outcome be achieved?

Open up your eyes and your mind and start being curious.

Be Open to New Ideas

Being open to new ideas means putting yourself in situations where you can receive stimulation. You may not be seeking inspiration or a solution to problems but make sure you are regularly mixing with other business owners. Get into networking groups; seek out people who can give you fresh insights even if they are not within your sector or industry; read magazines and journals which are unrelated to your business.

Be Just Plain Weird!

Innovation rarely happens if you act within accepted norms. Deciding that something can’t be done because it has never been done will not win you any prizes. Being innovative means being prepared to act against accepted or conventional wisdom; being prepared to challenge the unchallengeable is the way innovators succeed. In a nutshell … go against the crowd and be weird

Be Ready

Innovative ideas can strike at any time of the day or night or in any place. Don’t assume that ideas will pop up when you are sitting at your desk. As we saw in the previous point y their very nature innovative ideas are weird so expect them to surface in weird places! To capture them before they fall into the recesses of your mind always carry a notebook, Dictaphone, or PDA.

However outlandish the idea may seem write it down and resolve to look at it when you are in your most innovative frame of mind!

Be Persistent

Being innovative means being persistent. Whilst you may find a solution to your problem immediately but it very rarely happens that way. Solutions are out there, it just how long you are prepared to wait for them to appear.

Be Willing to Share

Whilst an innovative idea can strike and you can immediately take action invariably it takes someone else to fill in the missing pieces. Don’t stumble around in the dark; find someone you can trust, someone who has the qualifications necessary to help move your idea forward.

Innovation in Action

One great example of innovation in action was the development of the Post-It Note – its evolution demonstrates the key principles of innovation. In 1968 Dr Spence Silver when working for 3M was researching new versions of adhesives. He came up with one was slightly sticky but not sufficient to bind itself to anything. He knew it was unusual but could not find an immediate use for it.

It wasn’t until 1973 that having shared the concept with another person it went to the next level. His partner within the company, Geoff Nicholson championed it as a way of sticking items on notice boards but the idea still didn’t capture anyone’s imagination.

Finally another 3M employee, Art Fry, upon seeing one of the many presentations began to see the light. He also saw something in the product but like everyone else was struggling to make the final leap. His ‘eureka’ moment came when he became frustrated at how the bookmarks for his hymn book kept falling out – the unstickable adhesive had finally found its purpose!

See how the development of the Post-It Note fits in with the principles of innovation – curiosity; persistence; sharing the discovery; preparing to accept the plain weird (glue that doesn’t stick??). It’s all there in the development of this simple yet highly useful product.

Conferences-Tax Deductions & Business Benefits

2007-02-14T23:41:00.001-08:00

Depending on the industry you work in, there are several conferences that are held throughout the year that you can attend. Let’s take the industry I work in as an example. I am a web developer/internet marketer and the types of conferences I can attend range anywhere from computers, programming, web marketing, and design. There are several tax advantages as well as business benefits to the self-employed individual when it comes to conferences.

Tax Deductible
The great thing about conferences is that they are typically held in another city or state. Sometimes even in other countries. That means that you are able to deduct your lodging costs if the conference is far enough away that would require you to stay overnight. You can even deduct a portion of your meal costs as well. Just remember that the conference must be business related. Keep a paper trail by keeping expense receipts and tradeshow workbooks. Use common sense and consult with your accountant if you are not sure what is deductible and what isn't.

Networking
Conferences also provide a great way to network with other professionals in your industry. You will pass out tons of business cards and receive just as many in return. You may land potential new clients as well and you will definitely get your name and business out there. Free marketing never hurts and you may meet people that can also help your business grow.

Education
Many conferences are held to teach attendees new techniques or more efficient ways of growing your business. In my case, the web is in constant flux. The conferences I can attend are usually displaying the newest software or programming language that could increase my productivity. Conferences provide one centralized place for a meeting of the minds. Take plenty of notes and soak it all in!

Fun
Since conferences are typically held out of state, they are also typically held in fun cities. Popular venues include San Francisco, Boston, New York City, etc. If you have never been before, what a great opportunity to take in a little sight seeing while keeping most of your trip tax deductible!

Why You Need to Know Your Customers Better

2007-02-14T23:39:00.002-08:00

When was the last time you took a customer out for coffee?

I know. You're busy. You might have trouble remembering when you last had a real lunch break. You're managing a store, and there is always something that needs to be done yesterday.

If you are not regularly spending time with customers, you're missing the boat. And I don't mean just helping customers on the sales floor. I mean getting to know them better and asking for feedback about your store.

Independent retailers, like you, have the advantage of being close to the consumer. Often you know many of your customers personally. One of the most important things you can do to attract more customers, is to build on this strength.

Work to improve your relationships with your existing customers. You will learn more about what your customers need, and they will start to tell their friends about you.

Knowing who your customers are and what they are passionate about is crucial to getting more shoppers in the door. Too often I speak to retailers who have no idea who their customers really are.

You cannot appeal to everyone. If you try, you will end up with a watered-down store identity and experience that doesn't appeal to anyone. You'll be just another generic store that looks like all the others.

To create a shopping experience that is truly unique and exciting, you need to know your customers and what they want. Then you can create a dynamic store atmosphere that your shoppers will love!

The best way to get to know what your customers want is to ask them. Start asking your customers about what they think. Make it a habit to ask your customers questions.

This works for two reasons. First, knowing what your shoppers want helps you create a store that gets attention.

Second, questioning is a great sales technique. Customers want you to be genuinely interested in them. By asking questions, you begin to develop a relationship with the shopper. The sales process begins to flow naturally as you get to know the customer better. She doesn't feel pressured when her needs are the focus, not yours.

Your favorite customers will be your best source of feedback. Your goal should be to attract more customers like them. Focusing on your best customers will help you develop a clear vision and direction.

Ask your best customers what they think of your store. Ask them what they like. Ask them what you could improve. Make it clear that you appreciate their feedback. If you are asking for a lot of information, or asking them to write down their responses, think about offering a small gift or discount as a thank you.

When you receive new products, ask your customers for their opinion. Tell them you are trying a new product and would like to know what they think of it.

You could create an elaborate system with suggestion cards, or surveys. Often in a small store, coming up with a process and system for soliciting feedback is just too complex. Before long you are bogged down in setting up the system and frustrated because it is difficult to get shoppers to respond. Soon you've set the whole idea aside and have decided that getting more feedback from your customers is just too hard.

Instead, just start talking to your customers even more than you are now. In a small store, you have the advantage of having a personal relationship with the customer. In a chain store, you can also create a personal relationship and solicit feedback, but the disadvantage is that it is harder to get that feedback to the decision makers.

You can translate feedback into new ideas almost immediately. You don't have to go through a long approval process, or write a proposal. To get feedback, just get in the habit of asking questions and talking with your customers. Teach your sales staff to do the same thing. Keep a notebook to jot down customer comments throughout the day. Review the book once a week and brainstorm new ideas.

Making Money by Enjoying Making Craft in Low Cost

2007-02-14T23:39:00.001-08:00

If you enjoy making various craft and you spend a lot of you day hours making craft, why don’t you make your hobby as your money making machine?

There has been for a long time people searching for something that working for making money but keep staying in pleasure. It is hard for many people to have those opportunity run at the same time. But if you have a skill making craft, that is the great opportunity to make money in pleasure.

How could you do those matters at the same time? Easy. Keep creative in making craft, create something unique that no other people could imagine. Produce one model for each item for one idea and take the picture of it. Give code number for each model in order to remember the model you have ever created. Make some models that really your creation and very unique. In this way you don’t need to produce many items for each model as stock. This time you only have model as samples, you just produce 5 to 10 for each model. If your customer desire to order the product, you just produce the product in mass amount.

Now is time to convert your models into profit. Make a list for your models with some columns for Product name or ID, dimension size, price, other important information you can arrange. You use this list as catalogue for your craft.

Promote your product to some magazines, newspapers or brochures around your local area. Reserve for ads places for some circulation to make people see your ads for several times. It usually it takes some cost for promotion.

You can use internet as promotion. Just build a website or just a blog, and you can start promotion your product without spend much money. You can learn how to build a blog in “How to Set Up Your Blog Using Blogger“ and reading other articles how to get traffic to your website. Using internet or online promotion as promotion tool is more effective than offline promotion. You such open your store 24 hour a day and no closing day or day off. Because your visitor can see your product anytime, anywhere even international.

Provide contact form as communication tool for your visitor in order to ask for some questions or taking order. FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) link suppose to be a mandatory link in your website to facilitate your visitor to common asked question. Describe you and your business in profile page to make your visitors as your prospects know who you are and trust to your business.

Customer Loyalty Means Bigger Profits – 5 Tips For Repeat Business

2007-02-14T23:38:00.002-08:00

I always buy my fresh fruit and vegetables from a little corner market, even though it's right near a big supermarket that sells at cheaper prices.

Why am I a loyal customer despite the fact I have to pay more?

It's because they remember my name each time I shop there, and if my bag is too heavy, they'll deliver it to my home. The big supermarket does none of these things.

If that small business didn't look after their customers, they'd be forced to close their doors within a month. Repeat business is absolutely essential for their survival. It's essential for the survival of every small business.

So as a small business owner, how do you make sure your customers become repeat customers?

1. Say “Thank you”

It's so simple, so effective, and unfortunately so rare to be thanked when you purchase from a small business. We all like to feel special and so do your customers.

I'm not talking about the mindless, 'Thank you shopping at the XYZ store' as you go through the check out. Be sincere and make your thanks specific. "Thank you for buying your weekend newspaper from us. Did you realise you've been coming in for a year now?"

You can also send a thank you through the mail. Make it easy by having some cards printed up with your logo and contact details on one side, then hand write a thank you note on the other. Nobody does this anymore so it will have a high impact.

2. Send Reminders

Any small business that provides a service or sells a product that can be upgraded can send out reminder notices. Here are a few examples:

* The mechanic who services my husband's car sends a reminder notice every six months.
* My dentist sends me a card every six months telling me I'm due for a check up.
* Our accountant reminds us at the end of each year to see him about our tax.
* I often get emails from software companies reminding me that it's time to upgrade to a newer version.
* A chiropractor I interviewed sends reminders to patients who haven't visited for six months to come in for a free spinal check up.
* A printer ink supplier emails customers to remind them that their printers might be low on ink. The email provides a link to their on-line store.
* The termite inspection company that checks our house sends a reminder notice each year.

3. Be Reliable

This is such a basic rule, but it's surprising how few small business people get it right.

I interviewed the owner of an award winning electrical firm that gained all of its clients from word-of-mouth advertising. The owner said that the quality of their work was no better than other firms'. How did they do it? The secret of their success was their scheduling method which allowed their employees to always be on time. Word got around very quickly.

It's very simple: turn up when you say you will. If you are going to be delayed, have the courtesy to call BEFORE you're late. Allow the customer to make a choice of whether they'll wait for you or reschedule.

If you tell your customer their goods will be delivered by Friday, make sure they are.

On the other hand, if you find you're running ahead of schedule, call first. Your customer might not want the new office furniture you're delivering to clutter up the reception area if they're expecting a visit from an important client.

It's almost too obvious to talk about returning calls and emails.

Make a commitment to be reliable and your customers will buy from you again and again.

4. Reward the Gatekeepers

By gatekeepers I mean the receptionists, secretaries and personal assistants who may or may not give you access to the boss.

Years ago I worked for a big company as a personal assistant to the Managing Director. He used to be given all sorts of freebies from suppliers such fruit baskets, tickets to the opera and bottles of wine. One Christmas, David the owner of a training video company gave me a beautiful diary instead of giving it to my boss. After that, when David called, I always put him straight though to my boss and I'm sure this contributed to his company becoming our preferred training video producer. He upgraded to a BMW, all because of a diary.

Gatekeepers are important for your business success. Look after them.

5. Don't Discount – Value Add

Christine, who owns a day spa and massage therapy business that I write brochures and advertising copy for has a policy of never, ever discounting. There are seven other similar business close by, so competition for customers is fierce. Over the years we've seen a number of these businesses discounting to the point where they're barely able to make a profit. It doesn't take long before they're put up for sale.

Discounting attracts customers who chase cheap massages. So how does Christine's business maintain a solid base of repeat customers who gladly pay full price?

Value adding. She rewards her repeat customers with add-on services. For example, a loyal customer may receive a gift voucher that entitles them to a free 10 minute hand pamper with their next one hour massage.

What's more, the customer often enjoys the extra treat so much that they're happy to pay for an add-on service next time.

Remember my corner market? They don't even try to compete on price with the big supermarket. They value add by making home deliveries for their customers.

The Truth About Drop Ship Gift Basket Vendors And How You Can Start Up A FREE Gift Basket Business

2007-02-14T23:38:00.001-08:00

Have you always wanted to start up a home based gift basket business? Some people have done it. But most people don't have the money to start one up.

If you lack the capital to start up a home based gift basket business, of course you could borrow money from family and friends, get a loan, refinance your house, sell your car, etc. But then you'd have to pay it back.

So you'd be starting your business owing money. Not a good way to start out. Starting a new business and drumming up income is hard enough without bills hanging over your head.

Also there's a learning curve on how to make gift baskets, and how to make them so they're professional and presentable to sell in the marketplace. Deciding on what type of baskets to make and what themes would be the best for you are more decisions to make. Then buying all the necessary supplies and equipment to make them is a big expense.

You must have an adequate supply of gift baskets made up before you start marketing your gift baskets. You must have a lot of room to make and store the gift baskets also.

There are shipping boxes, containers, packing, postage and shipping expenses. Shipping gift baskets isn't like simply shipping a book. It's more complex. There's so much to think about.

However, drop shipping the gift baskets will eliminate the need for all of this.

To eliminate going into debt, and learning how and what gift baskets to make, a great idea is to find a FREE drop shipper to work with. One that will not cost you an arm or leg to connect with.

Besides finding the right gift basket drop ship vendor, here's a big secret about why it's a very good reason, providing you're not coughing up any money to start. And that is, as you market the gift baskets, you'll develop a nice list of buying customers.

They'll all be YOUR customers.

You can then think about making and selling your own gift baskets and marketing them to your ever growing list. You'll also know what themes they're most interested in and you'll want to keep good notes on this. Once they've purchased from you they'll be more likely to purchase from you again.

Okay, so here is where you have to be careful. There are just a small handful of gift basket drop shippers out there.

Most of them charge enrollment fees, monthly fees, expect you to meet quotas, charge start up fees of various kinds and tie you to a contract. You don't want to do any of that. You don't need to.

There are a couple of drop shippers out there, with quality gourmet gift baskets that don't charge ANY upfront fees, any start up fees, any monthly fees, expect you to meet quotas monthly, etc.

When choosing a drop ship vendor, you want one that carries a broad range of gourmet and specialty gift baskets, not just one specialty or theme. This is because you're really narrowing the market when you do this. You want to have the broadest range possible.

They may also have other lines too like, candy, chocolates, gifts, wedding capsules, ready mixes, baby items, etc. You get the idea.

Also the free gift basket drop shippers give you a free website too. Your customers quickly access the website and assume it's yours.

So you market the website by placing the entry to it on a web page somewhere and they enter and reach the entire gift basket shop. And when they purchase, all the shipping and paper work is taken care of.

Yet you collect your commissions and the name of the customer. This is the ideal home based or small business.

I don't know of too many home based businesses you can start up for free and have a fantastic inventory of easy to sell professional gourmet gift baskets.

Some of the gift basket drop shippers even charge your credit card if you DON'T meet monthly quotas.

Please read the fine print of these contracts. You have to be very careful if you're handing over your credit card for them to charge willy nilly on each month. I read the fine print on a dozen and I was alarmed and shocked that they could do this.

Also, most if not all, these drop shippers don't offer you a website. When you sign up, you put individual gift baskets on your website. This can be frustrating and time consuming. Better to have your customers easily access your free website.

So you're saving time, space, inventory and money by choosing the right drop shipper; one that you don't have to sign any contracts with or cough up any money.

Most people don't know that this is possible since so many of the drop shippers do charge heavy fees. These drop shippers also give out smaller amounts or percentages of commissions.

You can hardly go wrong when connecting with a drop shipper who isn't digging into your pocketbook. This gives you time to think about your marketing, you can breathe easy. No pressure to sell or credit card charges.

Another thing is if the drop shipper has other lines of products like gifts, candy, chocolate, wedding capsules, ready mixes or something else, then you have a broader market to sell to. Just an added benefit.

How To Start A Wholesale Business

2007-02-14T23:36:00.000-08:00

The in-demand question is how to start a wholesale business among many popular e-business popular forums. Whether you have 18, 24 or 60 years of age you understand that there is room enough for starting a wholesale business right now without excuse. Past time childish hopes are back again with many confirmations that it can be done thanks to many successful eBay power sellers and e-commerce mini-malls stores own by regular like people like you and I.

So what are the first steps for starting a wholesale business as of today? In a nutshell article answer, quite simple but maybe hard initial work. It has been said that comes along easy goes alone way more easier- so lets look at many experienced facts as of 2007:

Education: How many times have you start a new project or form some kind of initiative without having a clue at what the potential outcome might be? It has been tested for decades that the element of born talent is just a myth without some kind of deliberate practice. Without practice and taking action, there is no way you can get better at a task.

While you might have a splendid agility like Michael Jordan had for his basketball years. It has all been tested. If you ask, Tiger Woods, Alex Rodriguez or even Bobby Fisher- they did not have a born talent to do their job, they had and many of them still have, a remarkable agility for performing. So talent for achieving greatness is total nonsense, education, practice and agility get you to achieve greatness in any project or labor work, performed. Never confuse agility with talent, getting education and performing a task will develop your talent and therefore, later on- your agility.

Educate yourself from the industry and then and only then, start a wholesale business. Starting a wholesale business is not difficult and neither easy- it can be simple if starting on the right foot.

Mentor: Do you know someone that is currently doing what you want to achieve in very similar ways? If so, why not contact him and ask him for his help? Right, is not the difficult?

Finding a mentor is easy and simple. If your motto also is- whatever it takes, then here is one of my secrets: work for the guy for free. Yes, you work for the guy for free in whatever his or her company needs are for such day, every day- part-time or full-time.

I can almost hear it, as I did receive it many of my customers- I do not work for free! If the ego in you tells you to skip this one, go ahead; however, do understand that it is empirical to advance faster to your goal. Build rapport on his needs and offer it to the company or the business owner with security and with guarantees.

Action: Procrastination is the mother of all start-ups. Do not procrastinate your daily, weekly and monthly goal actions and get things done better every day. If you work in your PC half of your day, it is easy to skip to fall prey to distractions.

Whether YouTube, MSN Messenger, Emails or downloading music from the Internet can easily take away hours of your daily regimen. Do not let that overcome your duties, take action and get the job fully done, then and only then- go answer emails or hit the YouTube search with the new Britney Spears video scandals.

Step #2 on how to start a wholesale business is vital. The vital three for profiting are mentioned. So by now you should understand that starting a wholesale business takes some work, the long-term results are fantastic- but will you accept initial hard work for securing your future?

Heroes and the Evolution of Comic Books

2007-02-09T22:18:00.003-08:00

Heroes came out of nowhere at the beginning of this TV season and has turned into a runaway hit show. This was not entirely unexpected; NBC had a lot of confidence in Heroes from the beginning. However, no one could have legitimately expected Heroes to become the top 15 hit and ratings phenomenon that its become. Why, I suppose, is the question. Why has Heroes become such a great hit? What is the shows appeal?

Heroes is a comic book story, through and through. Regardless of what comic you believe it to be knocked off of, all comic are derivative of something or other, and Heroes certainly has its unique qualities anyway. What Heroes does better than any of the comic book adaptations before it, is actually act like a comic in its execution. Of course, Heroes is the first real comic book story to make its way to prime-time live action TV. Smallville might be considered, certainly now, but that show, from the very beginning, considered itself a teen drama. Only now is it getting deep into DC mythology.

Heroes, on the other hand, is paced like a comic book. Every episode is an epic adventure, serial in nature, that covers a wide array of characters in a methodical manner. The writers are taking their time with the story, allowing the characters and relationships to develop in a way that we haven’t yet seen in comic books.

Why haven’t we seen it, however? Why haven’t there been more attempts to bring the comic book aesthetic to television? Have there been fewer break out comic books in the past ten years? The BuddyTV article examines this question with great insight and precision.

Making the Most of Business Trip Hotel Stays

2007-02-09T22:18:00.001-08:00

For many of you who are businessman and businesswomen, traveling becomes second nature. As you jump from city to city, it gets to the point where people ask you what you do for a living and you have to refrain from saying, “I’m a Nomad, what about you?” Traveling for business can certainly be a pain in the bags, but with a few simple changes, you may find the transition from home to away to be easier than assumed.

There are several things you can do to improve a business trip. From taking a picture of your family and placing it on the hotel room desk to making sure you’ve packed a portable phone charger so that your cell phone will never be dead in times of homesickness, little things add up to a successful trip. The following is a list of things that can make your business trip feel less like work.

Unpack: If anyone were to take a survey on the amount of people who actually unpack while staying in a hotel, they’d probably find that most people don’t. Ignoring the hotel closet and hotel dresser, many people simply plop their suitcase on the floor and pull things from its crevices on an as needed basis.

This may initially seem time saving, but, in the long run, it succeeds in making you feel as if you are living out of a suitcase, and not out of a hotel room. Taking a few moments to fold your slacks and place them into a dresser drawer, hang your suits in a closet, and adorn the bathroom counter with your toiletries is the first step in starting to feel more at home, even when you know you’re not.

Take Advantage of the Free Breakfast: Ah, breakfast. Giving it the Most Important Meal of the Day title has gone to its head, leaving us inferior seekers forced to search aimlessly through pantries and cupboards for that ideal box of cereal. In a perfect world, this wouldn’t happen; in a perfect world, breakfast would come to us. Well, when you’re staying in a hotel, chances are it does.

Most hotels offer a complimentary breakfast, with a wide selection of juice, coffee, bagels, donuts, muffins, fruit, and even waffles. Breakfast, when you’re on the road, is not only the most essential meal of the day, but it’s also the freest. Take advantage of it.

Go to the Gym: Gyms. In home life we might not have time for them. They are a far drive. They are overly crowded. They have monthly dues. In hotel life, however, the gym is only a few floors away: the excuses fly out the penthouse window.

Some hotels might not have a fitness center – or have a fitness center that consists of little more than a 1980’s exercise bike and a ten pound weight – but more and more hotels have jumped on the exercise band wagon and, these days, many hotels have state-of-the-art fitness centers on the premises. Spending a half hour or an hour in the gym each day on your business trip is not only good for your health, but it’s also good for your mind, helping to relieve any tension working on the road may cause.

See Some Sights: A business trip may take you to a place with very little to see. It may take you to cities of darkness and cities that always sleep rather than cities that are exciting. Still, whether you admit it or not, a business trip is a way to see the world, especially on the company dime.

Sure, you’re there to work, to wheel and deal, but businessmen and businesswomen also need some time to play. Taking a business trip to the UK or Canada or Roswell, New Mexico may be the only time you ever go to these places in your entire life. At least take a few hours, get out of your hotel room, and see some sights: eat at a famous restaurant, take in a local band, buy a souvenir for your kids or, if you’re attempting to climb the corporate ladder, your boss.

The Fear Of Succes Is Much Greater Than The Fear Of Failure!

2007-02-09T22:17:00.002-08:00

The fear of Success is much greater than the fear of failure.
There is no such thing as failure, just results.
Everyone gets undesirable results everyday.

The fear of failure is a phobia. A phobia is a false fear.
It does not exist. People create phobias to avoid success.
Procrastination is the fear of success!

Our greatest fear is who we are!

The reason the fear of success is greater, is because when you are successful in any endeavor, you are more responsible to take care of who you are.

You greatest challenge is to take care of who you are.

It's easy to play it safe.
I don't have to take care of who I am as much, when I play it safe

Your gift is who you are. What you do with who you are is your gift back. You are expected to take very good care of your gift at all times.

Problems are just opportunities to re-focus on taking better care of who you are. Go for it!

Upgrading Your IT Data Center Affordably

2007-02-09T22:17:00.001-08:00

Your IT data center is the heart and nervous system of your business. Almost every transaction depends on having reliable, supportable technology. Servers, storage devices, routers, switches, cabling, telecom systems, even the simple KVM switch all play important and mission critical roles in making sure your business can run like a well oiled machine.

All businesses with data centers are constantly juggling the competing demands of price and functionality. How can you provide a stable, secure, and robust IT infrastructure while not spending too much money? Finding affordable solutions is always a top priority.

One of the best solutions is to buy refurnished products from top-quality brands with a proven track record. That way, you can have the latest Cisco switch or HP server, and not break the bank. This equipment is refurbished and tested to the highest OEM specification. Refurbished IT data center equipment can be supported by the manufacture so it will be easy to find the help and documentation your IT team depends on to keep your IT data center running smoothly.

Your IT data center relies on a variety of different types of equipment from enterprise servers to cabling. The key to an affordable solution is finding a one-stop shop for all of your equipment needs. A good IT data center equipment dealer will be able to help you choose the best solutions and provide refurbished equipment when it will save you money. Rather than spending your valuable time evaluating each manufacture, a good dealer will help you sort through the variety of options. Should you buy a Dell, IBM, HP or Sun server? Find a dealer that will listen to your business needs and help you choose the most affordable and effective product.

Networking equipment, like routers and switches, can seem foreign to many IT departments since they do not support them every day. There are so many options and it can be difficult to choose whether the CISCO WS-C6509 with 9 slots and Maximum PoE Scalability is a better choice than the Cisco Catalyst 2924 LRE XL Switch with Long Reach Ethernet. A good equipment dealer will help you choose and can provide refurbished CISCO equipment at a fraction of manufactures retail price.

Upgrading your IT data center is a continuing process and finding affordable solutions an integral part or your business budget. A quality IT equipment dealer who can provide refurbished equipment for pennies on the dollar will be the best vendor to help you navigate the variety of choices to build a reliable and robust IT data center.

Commercial Flooring NY Gives Your Office A Professional Look

2007-02-09T22:16:00.002-08:00

Flooring defines the output that you are getting from your business or company. The look of your entire commercial outlet is important if you want your business to do really well. In today’s hugely competitive world, it is very important to be successful. To succeed one must do all that he can possible do from his end and doing up the office, company or other commercial outlet properly and putting the right type of flooring is a good way of going about doing this. So if you have your business, company or commercial outlet in NY or any other place, you need to use good commercial flooring in NY to make your office presentable.

There are different types of flooring that you can use for your commercial place. The types of flooring can range from tiles, carpets, laminated floorings and area rugs. Depending on the kind of business or commercial outlet that you have, you can make a choice of the type of commercial flooring that you want to put in your office or commercial premises. It is very important that you make your office look very professional if you are serious about your business and want to be successful in it.

Suppose your business deals with such a thing for which you and your employees need immense concentration, then going for carpets for the flooring of your office will be a very good option. Your business needs immense attention and concentration, so even the slightest of sound can cause disturbance. Thus choosing carpet for your commercial place will be just perfect for you.

Carpets for commercial flooring come in a wide variety of color, make and design. Make a wise choice of the color, do not end up choosing a color that will make your office look dull and shabby. Carpets that you will use for your office have the capacity for masking the sounds of footsteps which can disturb your concentration and work.

Another choice that you can make for the commercials flooring of your commercial place is laminated flooring. If the commercial outlet that you own is a restaurant this is the best type of commercial flooring that you can use. Using laminated flooring will give your restaurant a stylish and sophisticated look. You can find the commercial flooring of your choice from many stores in NY. You simply have to find the kind of commercial flooring that you want from the collection at the store of dealers who sell commercial flooring.

Most dealers of commercial flooring have professionals working with them, who can help you in taking proper estimates. You can make a choice of the type of commercial flooring that you want and the professionals can help you out by making estimates. Through this you will be able to work out properly and know beforehand the exact amount of money that you will have to spend for putting commercial flooring in your office or business and commercial outlet. Make sure that your take proper care of your commercial flooring if you want this to last for a long time.

Serviced Offices-Easing The Business Move

2007-02-09T22:16:00.001-08:00

Businesses are regularly changing - it's simply in their nature and a requirement in today’s dynamic markets. Whether such change involves expansion, downsizing or sourcing specialist means of support, business owners undoubtedly have some big decisions to make along the way. Many companies, for example, will find they have to move office at some point in their business life due to changing circumstances - a transition which takes a great deal of organization, time and thought. However, with the right kind of support, any firm will be able to accomplish this task with ease and minimal disruption. Serviced offices provide just that kind of support and take the hassle away.

The benefits of a serviced office for a company going through change are immense. In fact, they often largely surpass the offerings of a conventional office. While a serviced office provides all the components of a conventional office, it actually offers a lot more in the longer term. It gives the freedom and flexibility needed to make a business grow in the way required. In addition, serviced offices combine all the costs of a conventional office into one simple monthly payment, saving up to 60% of the total cost. Serviced offices can also cut back on wasted time by saving business owners and employees the trouble of having to commute back and forth between multiple locations. As a result, it's no wonder that so many business owners are currently turning to serviced offices for support.

If you're planning to move your business, consider all the advantages of a serviced office. You will have a dedicated, professional team of reception and administrative staff, who will give your business clients not only a great first impression, but a lasting one. Comprehensive IT support, maintenance and specialist assistance will be on hand, and a range of support on how to get the most from your business - from one-to-one business advice to networking groups. You will also have the freedom to hire board or smaller meeting rooms - along with state-of-the-art equipment like video conferencing - as and when you need them. This will save you the trouble of having to pay monthly rent for a space that you may only need for a few hours during the month. Ultimately, serviced offices provide comprehensive, flexible business services for a fraction of the cost.

The Serviced Office Is A Comprehensive And Economical Business Solution

2007-02-09T22:15:00.002-08:00

When it comes to gaining comprehensive business support, an increasing number of companies are moving to serviced offices as their solution. So, why is this a growing trend?

Serviced offices provide a resourceful approach to business which, in many respects, exceeds conventional offices. As an extension of your company, a serviced office will cater to your firm's unique needs and adapt according to your changing circumstances - whether this involves start-up processes, growth and development, new locations or individual project support.

What exactly do you get with a serviced office? Basically, everything you would get with a conventional office, but with greater efficiency, flexibility and at a lower cost. Simply put, serviced offices place more control into your hands; so you can decide how you use it to build your business.

Conventional offices require individual monthly costs as well as capital costs. These expenses include numerous features such as buildings insurance, utilities, furniture, rent, maintenance, IT infrastructure and even reception staff. However, serviced offices combine all of these costs, and more, into one simple monthly payment. And, importantly, it can reduce your total costs by up to 60%. In addition, many serviced office providers do not charge start-up costs, making the deal of optimal value. You get all you need: from project management and support to security services; all for a fraction of the price of a conventional office.

However, serviced offices do not only save you money - they also save you time, something that everyone is short of in business today. When you choose a serviced office, you will not need to search for company support, such as secretarial staff, facilities management, or IT connectivity, because they will all be included in your business package. After all, when it comes to managing a business, your time is valuable. Spend time developing a business strategy and plan, rather than worrying about basic infrastructural and basic day-to-day office management. In summary, that is what serviced offices are all about. They allow you to focus your efforts where they matter most and will have maximum impact.

Serviced offices are also known for flexibility, enabling you to expand or downsize your business as required and at your own pace. Obtain short or long-term agreements; opt for specialised types of support according to your specific company requirements. You'll even find different serviced office types to suit your specific needs: Whether you require support for a start-up, a growing business, a project team office or a temporary office, a serviced office can be just the resource you need; and no matter where in the UK you take your business, you will have a tailored means of support.

While serviced offices supply a comprehensive set of benefits, many serviced office providers also offer a range of individual services designed to help your business grow - from virtual offices and meeting venues, to shared offices and hot desks. When you take into account all the advantages of serviced offices and related services compared with conventional offices, including a potential cost saving of 60% per month, serviced offices make business sense.

How To Select Your Boss - A Three Pronged Selection Strategy

2007-02-09T22:15:00.001-08:00

Jane had been out of the country for over a year and returned home to start a new job as a physiotherapist in a family run business. She was excited about the new role as the husband and wife team who ran the practice had been asking her for some time to join them as a full time employee.

During the first week, Jane did not have as many patients as others, so she was asked to work less hours. This seemed fair as it does take time to build a personal clientele: However in her second week, it became obvious that Jane's full time job was to be part time. Her bosses were setting her up to work part time hours. She also started to get a bit uneasy about her new boss' management styles. Firstly they seemed unwilling to talk about her hours. Then, she found her patient files had been examined without advising her, nor had she been given any subsequent feedback, either positive or negative. Jane is someone who likes to be involved and communicated with. Her ideal job had started to lose its shine.

Have you had an experience where you found out after starting in a new role that your boss was not all that you thought he or she might be? Or maybe you are in the process of applying for a new job right now? Perhaps some of the following will be of help.

When applying for a new job, we are (rightly) concerned about putting our best foot forward and making sure that we are selected. Often we neglect the fact that it is a two way street – they select us and we select them. Unfortunately, the consequences of not selecting the right boss only become obvious once we are in the new role. My research clearly shows that people do not leave an organisation, they leave a boss! It is therefore vital that when you apply for a position, you not only look at the organisation and the role, but you also interview your boss with as much thoroughness as he or she interviews you.

How do you interview your prospective boss, particularly when the focus of the employment interview is the other way round?

Well, before you even get to the interview, it is very useful to jot down what your selection criteria are for an effective boss. You should do this in much the same way as you would if you were a manager selecting a new employee. Everyone's "ideal" will be different, but here are some points to help you develop a profile of your ideal boss. Add your own to the list.

• Think back to previous good bosses that you have had. What made them "good" for you?

• Conversely, think of the reasons why some previous bosses have not been so good. Avoid these at all costs.

• How much autonomy do you like in your job?

• How much feedback do you like to get about your performance? How do you like this feedback given?

• How much responsibility do you like to be given?

• Are you a very practical person, or more creative? How should your boss manage this?

• How do you like to be trained and coached?

• How do you like your boss to communicate with you?

When you have drawn up your selection criteria, place them in priority order. This is so that you can make a sound and realistic assessment of your potential boss' ability to manage you in the style which bests suits you.

Once you are clear on your criteria, weave them into the following boss interview process.

1. Look for clues during the interview.

You may get some idea of how your future boss operates by the way the interview is conducted. For example . . .

• Did it start and finish on time? Is this important to you?

• How courteous was your prospective boss? Did this have an impact on you?

• Did he/she allow you the opportunity to put your point without talking over the top of you? How well listened to did you feel?

• Did he/she discuss examples of previous employees in a confidential manner?

• Did he/she explain the performance requirements of the role? Did you gain a very clear idea of what will be expected of you in the role?

• Was the room layout formal or informal? Did this matter to you?

• Finally, from the examples and explanations given, what management style do you believe your prospective boss has? Does this match your ideal?

2. Find out what your prospective boss' ideal employee looks like.

When the interview gets to the "Do you have any questions?" stage, here are some questions you might like to ask. The aim here is to get him/her to describe their ideal employee.

For example, you may ask:; "You've probably had some very good employees working for you. What is it about them that made them so good?" Of course, you can also ask about his or her poor employees as well.

These questions may sound as if they are looking at the employee and in fact they are. However, the answers the boss gives will be about the things he or she looks for and judges their employees on and most importantly, how he or she manages them. Look for signs during their answers that tell you about your selection criteria, such as autonomy, responsibility, initiative, communication and so on.

3. Assess your boss against your selection criteria.

You should have a question ready for at least each of your three most important selection criteria. For example, if "autonomy" is a key need for you, your question may be something like "Autonomy is important to me as I find it very motivating. Can you please give me an example of how you manage the level of autonomy you give your people?" Or perhaps if "training" is important for you, your question might be "I like to learn as much as I can about the job and the organisation. Can you please give me an example of the training or coaching you provide for your people?"

In all of your boss selection questions, keep asking for examples to illustrate. Examples describe what the boss does and says with his/her employees. With enough examples, you can develop a very good idea of your prospective boss' management style.

Finally, if your interview throws up some doubts in your mind about the prospect of a positive relationship with your prospective boss, my advice would be to "pass" on this role and look for another opportunity. Try not to become too seduced by the excitement of the role, the salary or the conditions. Ultimately, all of these will pale by comparison with the ongoing relationship you have with your boss.

How to Get Along with Your Boss

2007-02-09T22:14:00.000-08:00

My corporate career, excluding my VA experience, spans some 25 plus years. I've had government office bosses, travel industry bosses, airline bosses, coachline bosses, hotel bosses, engineering bosses, manufacturing bosses, sales and marketing bosses, human resources bosses, small office bosses, large state and country wide business bosses, editing bosses, medical bosses, magazine bosses and probably some others I can't remember. I've experienced a wide range of personalities wearing the Boss hat, and I've come to this conclusion: If your Boss hates you, you're in trouble. If your Boss doesn't understand you, you won't fare much better. Doesn't matter that you’re a Sister Theresa clone, if your Boss doesn't like you, don't expect any favors.

What you have to remember is bosses are human, and as with all other humans on the planet, there are going to be those that you cannot get along with no matter how hard you try. Some people are like that. They are very hard to please. You can disregard the fact that they are highly regarded by upper management and have excellent experience and qualifications because you'll find that despite that, they've never had any specific "people skill" training. They have absolutely NO idea how to be a "Boss". Simple as that. And is that your fault? No. But you do have to live with it. It might not be your fault, but it can be your problem.

The truth is the Boss holds your future prospects in his hands. He can make or break you. He can make your work life a joyous experience, motivating you to dizzy heights, or he can make each day "resignation day". It all depends on his people skills and what training, if any, he has had in dealing with staff. If you doubt that is significant in this day and age, consider this: you can miss out on advancing up that corporate career ladder if your Boss has it in for you. Bad Boss-employee relationships are one of the main reasons for high staff turnover.

Your Boss isn't only your supervisor – the head honcho. He is supposed to be that person best equipped to assist you and the entire department to achieve set goals. One would expect he has some kind of understanding about the job you do. Chances are, he hasn't a clue. However, he should know what the company's goals are and where his department fits into the scheme of things. He should also know what the company looks for in its executives. He should know how your future career aspirations fit into this overall picture – and even if you have a future there. Cultivate a healthy relationship and this same boss can even help you up that corporate ladder. A right word in the right ear can make all the difference. You know what they say… it's not what you know, it's who you know. As corny as that sounds, sadly, it's often the truth.

Don't despair – this is not a one way street. Yes, you do need your Boss on your side, but believe it or not, he needs you in his court, too. How can he accomplish his departmental goals without your cooperation? You can make him look good or bad. Mind you, if you make him look bad, perhaps you shouldn't even be worrying about how to get along with him. Perhaps you should be looking for a new job!

But let's assume you would like to establish a healthy working relationship with your Boss. How do you go about it when he is the Ogre to beat all Ogres? The key is in communicating with him.

Study him. Know him. Understand his priorities and what is expected of him. When you know that, think about how you can help him achieve that. You want to make him look good, because by making him look good, you make the department, of which you are a member, also look good. You want to look good, right?

Know his work style. If his instructions have confused you, ask for clarification. Don't be afraid to ask for feedback, and if he roars, count to ten and accept his roars with gracious dignity. (Honestly, if he is the bear you believe he is, he will be found out by management in the end, and his days with the company, or at least in your department, may well be numbered. You can outlast him!) Not all bosses are so scary, and let's just assume your Boss is merely inexperienced. So let's have some compassion and persevere here. If he believes you are sincere in your work efforts, he may be more inclined to help you and try to understand your own aspirations. You might not be able to expect "friend" status, but if he understands you and accepts you, you're half way there!

So, get to know your Boss' priorities and goals. No, go further than that. Anticipate his needs before he asks. Impress him. Do your job well and help him look good doing his job well. Will he appreciate this? You betcha!

Of course, there are also the personality clashes which are a bit harder to handle, so what can you do? Well, for starters, what is his personality type? Is he informal or conservative? Does he use an open door policy or does he prefer you make an appointment to speak to him? Do you have to call him Mr, or does he prefer you use his first name? What little idiosyncracies does he display that you can use to your advantage? Does he appreciate someone sharing a joke with him? Does he prefer a deadly silent department where a pin dropping sounds like a bomb explosion? Know your Boss!

Always show respect. Yes, even if he doesn't deserve it in your eyes. As the Boss, he automatically has the upper hand. Try to eliminate habits and behaviours that you know rile him. Show initiative and interest. Don't wait to be told to do something you know needs doing. Respect your boss’ time. And most of all, never bad-mouth your boss to others. Regardless of how trustworthy you believe the gossip recipient to be, badmouthing always gets back via the notorious office grapevine.

Remember, your boss is only human, like you. He will have his off days, like you. He will make mistakes, like you. And as with all professionals, some Bosses are "naturals" and others struggle because it's not their strong point. And you never know… maybe his boss is a pain in the neck to him! Maybe upper management are hard to get along with and make his life miserable.

I've emphasized the need to get along with your boss, but it is important that you do not become a "yes" man. Yes men are phoney and very obvious, and nobody, not even an ogre boss respects such a person. So forget any false flattery if you want to be respected and taken seriously.

Also, don't try to be "buddies" with your Boss. This may well make him feel awkward and uncomfortable. He may feel his position is being compromised or that you will no longer respect him or that you will expect special treatment. Besides, this can also backfire on you. If this Boss likes having you around and comes to rely on you too much, do you think he is going to be keen to see you promoted out of his department where he will have to manage without you?

Keep your nose clean, do as is expected of you and a little bit more, don't abuse sick days, be respectful, cooperative and trustworthy, and prove you are a valuable team player. Okay, maybe you are already all of these things and you are working for a true bear whose management style needs a major overhaul. Maybe despite your best efforts, your head Bear growls at you and makes your life miserable. If you have done all you can do to get along with him and do your job you can now do one of two things.

You can approach the H.R. department and ask for a departmental divorce on the grounds of incompatibility. Or you can decide how important working in that particular company is to your future goals, because if it doesn't look like your Boss is moving on anywhere soon, you might have to consider doing so yourself. Maybe you have to look for a new job either in a new company or a new department.

Dialing For Dollars

2007-02-09T22:11:00.000-08:00

This concept is not out dated or an old dinosaur. It still works just as good as any other strategy that people have. Many people think that in the high tech world that we live in today old strategies has no place. What sounds better and empty wallet or an open cash register?

Why Cold Calling?

Many people often ask me why cold calling? My reply is always why not. Most sales people have a misconception of cold calling. Everyone has fears but if you expect to be the best at what you do you must overcome your fears. Cold calling has place in your business somewhere. It is not a waste of time. You can use cold calling as a way to measure the effectiveness of your prospecting.

A warm prospect can still be a cold call. I can hear you asking yourself how. If a real estate agent cold call on FSBO’S every morning as I once did he is already dealing with a warm lead. However this is still going to be a cold call because you have never spoken to them personally. All cold calls do not have to be made to people who are not expecting to be contacted.

Work Warm Leads

Make sure the prospecting tools or methods you use produce warm leads. It is much easier to cold call someone who you know need your product even when they have never heard of you or the company you represent. Clients are everywhere you turn but you are missing them because you are afraid to call people that you do not know. In sales when you need a raise you must find new clients. The easiest way to do that is to pick up the telephone and dial for dollars.

My former coach Larry Horn once told me, “The difference between great sales people and average sales people, is know how to give you a raise”. Today’s trend in sales seminars is to focus on referrals. I agree with that idea however you must still call them and usually they will not know who you are. How many raving fans do you have? Are you calling all of their friends and offering your products.

I do not want to badger you on this point. However, I will say if you won’t call them someone like me will. While your sales are in decline and your business expenses climbing because you purchase unnecessary sales techniques. I will make sales that you could have for less cost. Cold calling should cost you less than a cup of coffee a day. Give it a try and see if you make more money the old fashion way.

Diverse Companies Earn More Profits

2007-01-21T22:49:00.002-08:00

Diversity of large organizations is synonymous with increasing profits. Diversity is not a “feel good” program but is a major contributor to competing in a global world. Companies that engage in diversity run more efficiently, have higher sales revenues, and increase their market share.

Work forces that are diverse have significant advantages over non-diverse work forces. A study by Huckfeldt Herring shows precisely why this is. Homogeneous workforces of one particular ethnic, racial, or religious background doesn’t function as well as others.

According to Huckfeldt Herring’s study, “Does Diversity Pay?: Racial Composition of Firms and the Business Case for Diversity,” found that companies with racial diversity had higher sales revenues, a stronger customer base, higher profit margins and larger market shares (Huckfieldt, 1983).

Herring states, “These results suggest that not only is having a diverse workforce a good and socially responsible thing for companies to do, but in addition, organizations that broaden their pool of qualified workers also reap material economic benefits from doing so,”.

According to the study the average sales revenues of companies with low diversity earned on average $3.1 million, medium diversity earned $3.9 million, and high diversity $5.7 million dollars. Similarly high diversity companies had an average customer base of 45,000 when compared to low diversity companies with 23,000. Likewise market share of high diversity companies was 72% when compared with 52% of low diversity of employees.

Thus it becomes easy to see that diversity is more than a “feel good” program but has a unique and worthwhile place in building strong business positions. Customers preferences become a major concern when developing a business. Companies must have large customer’s bases in order to succeed. When a company hires people of different backgrounds they are able to attract a more diverse and larger customer base.

Smell It - Buy It!

2007-01-21T22:49:00.001-08:00

I always knew lemon scent reminded me of something and I am not thinking about lemon :) There is much deeper understanding in scents (and flavors)– they take back to the past and dig deep into your brain. Remember Marcel Proust ritual consumption of tea and biscuits?

It is just too bad (?) we can't smell though screen ;)

Researches say smells can affect a shopper's behavior. For this reason they have made significant strides in analyzing how consumers respond to scents. Melon draws nearly universal feeling of friendliness, youthfulness and happiness; Americans think vanilla brings out feeling of comfort, while French consider it elegant and feminine. Consequently, stores are trying to put consumers in a spending mood and for this reason spend more and more money to determine what scent is most appropriate for their consumer type.

For example, 'Select comfort', a nationwide U.S. chain of bedding stores decided for following scent: mix of cashmere wood, amber, cardamom, cinnamon and bergamot. The scent supposedly conveys quiet response. Casinos and hotels use scents that evoke serenity and tranquility, like blend of green tea, geranium, green ivy, black cedar and freesia. Sonny on the other hand settled with the blend of orange and vanilla with a hint of cedarwood added to the mix. When we talk about scents and what most people like, we are talking about average effects: not everyone like certain scent- some people might think it is delightful, but somebody else might get a headache because of it.

Nevertheless, retailers claim they are not trying to manipulate people: scent they use is subtle and it is there to make people feel more comfortable in their store or casino... and consequently of course to make a purchase. For example, upscale ice cream chain Emack & Bolio's recently adopted a waffle-cone smell to attract consumers and their sales shot up for more than a third! Consumers typically stop noticing a scent after minute or two, thus scents should be truly subtle and not aggressive.

Unions Paying For Abuse Of Power - 1978 Editorial

2007-01-21T22:48:00.002-08:00

Unnoticed in the spate of dramatic labor union events of the past week is a sudden acceleration in the "de-unionization" of America.

The 111-day-old coal strike ended in a Pyrrhic victory for the miners - another such win will price them out of the energy market once again.

The Firestone Rubber Company of Akron announced the closing of its passenger car tire operations there, throwing a thousand workers into the ranks of the unemployed.

The White Motor Company closed down its truck plant in Cleveland because of "high labor costs, obsolete plant, and a declining market."

These are not isolated incidents.

Coal mining dwindled to token production under the impact of higher costs relative to gas and oil. It became competitive only when the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) rescued the industry with even higher, monopoly prices.

Youngstown Sheet and Tube has begun moving its operations to an automated steel plant in Indiana employing 5,000 less workers. Goodyear cut back its Akron work force late last year by a thousand workers. Chrysler prepares to close its original factory in Detroit.

It should be noted that these companies are not going out of business. They are cutting their dependence on unskilled and semi-skilled labor. They are moving to areas that give them tax breaks. They are hiring non-union workers and resisting efforts to organize employees into monopoly unions.

There is a major restructuring of American industry under way and, so far, the traditional labor union is not a part of it.

U.S. labor unions hit their high-water mark of influence shortly after World War II when slightly more than half the private sector employees were organized. Public service unions represented only about 10 percent of workers in that sector of the labor force.

Since then, "blue collar" unions have been losing members. Membership in the AFL-CIO, the largest labor union in America, has plummeted a half million in the last two years.

Today, only one of every five workers in private companies belongs to a union, and those are in declining industries.

There has been great growth, however, in unions representing government, school and hospital employees.

AFL-CIO officials predict gloomily, in private, that within another decade union membership will be back where it started in 1930-a mere one-eighth of the work force unionized, and those in stagnant industries.

While blue-collar labor unions have declined in membership, labor leaders likewise have suffered in their ability to command respect and obedience. The coal contract negotiated by Mineworker President Arnold Miller was twice rejected by his rank and file, and now there is a movement to recall him.

A recent opinion poll conducted by the Roper Organization disclosed that union officials have fallen to the bottom of the leadership totem pole. Only 48 percent of Americans have "confidence" in the integrity of union officials, a figure that has been slipping for years. Among union members themselves, barely half of them "have confidence in the system of organized labor" according to Roper.

It is no coincidence that employment is slipping in the northeastern states where unionism grew into a powerful giant, and increasing in southern states that have adopted "right-to-work" laws.

Many Ohioans who fought for progressive right-to-work measures 20 years ago now are proclaiming bitterly, "I told you so." Unions that triumphantly maintained their lock on employers then are singing the blues today.

Forced employment was outlawed a century ago. Forced unionism is dying the slow death of starvation.

There are some, even many, who are glad to see unions grow weaker. There is no doubt that powerful unions have abused their ability to take by force what could not be justified by contribution of effort. That half of the work force employed by un-organized small businesses was robbed of their fair share of the economic pie by labor bullies.

The Critical Need For Critical Thinking

2007-01-21T22:48:00.001-08:00

In the depths of the Second World War the allies were taking punishing bomber losses in the European Theater. It was not just the loss of aircraft but of trained crews that created grave concern. The allies could not replace crews at this staggering rate.

A research project was started to discover ways to avoid these losses. The boffins (scientists and engineers) studied the aircraft coming back from raids over Europe. Some of these planes were horribly shot up. Ailerons hanging off, tailplanes riddled with bullet holes, flack holes ripped throughout the wings and fuselage.

The boffins seemingly tried everything and added more armor to various places but the losses continued. Nothing was working. The allies still lost crews and bombers at an alarming rate.

The breakthrough was made when someone realized that they were studying the planes that came back, not the planes that didn’t. So they studied the areas of the bomber that were not damaged. Why? Because maybe the planes that were getting shot down sustained damage where these bombers did not.

They looked for reasons why the bombers returned and discovered that the hydraulic system was in the undamaged areas. More armor was placed around the fuselage to protect the hydraulics. The loss rate improved. They had found the solution!

How a Bad Hire Can Hurt Your Business

2007-01-21T22:47:00.002-08:00

What’s worse – hiring the wrong person or not hiring anyone at all? Companies can become almost desperate to hire someone, but filling a position with a “warm body” can be worse that leaving the position vacant.

I once worked at a not-for-profit where a management position was vacant. The company was small, resources were limited, and they were having a very difficult time filling the position; they just couldn’t find the right person. Finally a gentleman was hired, but he only stayed a few weeks. He had taken the job even though he hadn’t really wanted it, and when another position came along, he took it. Ironically enough, he left right about the same time that his business cards arrived. It sounds funny, but it was a devastating situation.

Now, we’ve all contemplated settling for a position while we kept our eyes open for the one that we really want, but what impact does that have on the company? In this situation, the company spent time and resources on a search to fill the position, training and orientation, business cards and other supplies, salary, and work not completed – only to have to do it all again.

When this happens, it’s difficult to go back to your original applicant pool. The finalists have been told that the position was filled, and they have likely taken another position or stayed where they already were. Realistically, I’m not sure that anyone would like to be called back and told that the first choice didn’t work out – would they like to give it a try? The search had to be started over causing the company to incur the time and cost of another search, more work went undone, and more stress was placed on the staff.

In another instance, I worked for a company that needed to hire a secretary. I was particularly interested in getting this position filled, because that person was meant to support me as well as the Director. We interviewed and interviewed, but we just couldn’t find the right person. No one clicked. No one “fit”. Finally, we settled. We hired someone that three of us interviewed late in the day at the end of the week. We were tired, and she did okay in the interview. We thought with a little guidance, she’d work out. Long story short, she did not work out. She was one of those hires that you deeply regret. We tried to help her, guide her, change her duties to better suit her skills, but nothing worked. She wasn’t capable of keeping up with the work load. She spent a lot of time on the phone or on email, and she tended to mess up the things that she did do.

She actually took up more staff time than her duties would have if we had just left the position vacant. This situation is easy to relate to. We’ve all seen those people. We’ve even wondered how they got hired, well, this is how. We settled on someone we thought would work out with time. We went against our better judgment, and it’s a mistake that I would never make again.

The cost of hiring can include recruiting (if necessary), orientation and training, and the time and resources used throughout the hiring process. When the person hired turns out to be the wrong person, you also have to include the time and work that is either not completed or done wrong, the damage to employee morale and customer loyalty, and the cost to replace the bad hire. Some of these costs are quantifiable, and some are not. I assure you that the measurable costs add up, but most of the time, it’s the harder to measure costs that take the most toll on the company.

So, how can you keep this from happening to your business? Here are five suggestions:

1. Work on increasing your retention rates. Once you’ve got good employees keep them! Make sure that your wages and benefits are competitive, but even more, make sure that you provide a good working environment. Find out what your employees really need or want and help them get it.

2. Know what you’re looking for. Know what you want in your new employee. Examine an existing job description or create a new job description, if necessary. Have a good idea of the position’s duties and responsibilities so that you can find someone with the right skills, knowledge, and experience.

3. Scan resumes or applications thoroughly. Some candidates do exaggerate or lie on their resumes. If you don’t already do so, ask candidates to complete an application on which their signature confirms the information is correct. Also get written permission to perform a background check or verify portions of their work history, education, etc.

4. Don’t settle when choosing a new employee. Use an interview process that allows you to make informed decisions, and don’t allow yourself to be pressured into choosing a “warm body”. Your interview questions should be uniform and administered the same way to each candidate. Conduct interviews when you are at your best, not at the end of the day at the end of a long week. Also, be ready to dedicate time to the process.

5. Be honest about the job requirements. If there are undesirable parts of the position that you are trying to fill, be honest about it! Hiring someone who has an unrealistic picture of what their job is going to entail will only end in disaster. Let them know that they’ll be traveling 75% of the time, or that their duties include cleaning the bathrooms once a day. A well informed new employee is a happier new employee.

The Art Business: A Great Opportunity

2007-01-21T22:47:00.001-08:00

Searching for a legitimate business opportunity takes time and research. There is no business opportunity that you should ever get into that makes unrealistic demands. If there is a sense of urgency, a one time only offer that ends tomorrow, or an extremely reduced price offer, you should know that there is something wrong. There are other things to look for as well.

Illegitimate business opportunities try to pressure searching entrepreneurs into making decisions at the spur of the moment. Once they have you on the phone or you visit their website, they won’t let you leave until you make a decision. Everyone in business has a sense of urgency. We all want to get deals on the table and stir up that emotion to seal the deal. But, when a company won’t let you research the business opportunity and put the appropriate time into looking at it, that’s a sure sign you should pass on it.

If it’s a one time only offer, you should pass on it too. Legitimate business opportunities will always be there. That sense of urgency once again should be a sure sign to you that someone is nervous about letting you walk away before making a decision. If they won’t allow you to look at the opportunity to see it for what it is, then there is nothing for you to see. That means there is no opportunity.

Extremely reduced price offers are also like neon signs that you should pass on the opportunity. When someone is puffing up the value of the business while offering you such a low price that something seems wrong, it normally is. It’s ok to get a reduced price. That just makes good business sometimes. But when something is worth $5,000 and you get an offer of $197, there’s something wrong.

Legitimate business opportunities aren’t hard to find really. They are right in front of you most of the time. You just have to open your eyes and be ready when it comes. Rivky’s Art Workshops are legitimate business opportunities that provide you with so much more than a business to run. And you don’t have to be an artist to run an art workshop.

If you have business sense, you can partner with an artist in your area and really build a great workshop center together. You’ll even learn art in the process. While most people are bogged down with business details, you’ll be smiling with brush in hand and some paint on your face while everyone is enjoying your art workshop. Plus if you don’t want to partner with an artist, you can learn my art concepts in a fairly short amount of time and teach them for yourself. True satisfaction with life and you’ll be making more money than you can imagine.

Consider Doing Business in Pakistan

2007-01-21T22:46:00.003-08:00

I know what you’re thinking: why should I put my money in a place I’ve never even heard of before? Even for those who do know something about Pakistan, courtesy of CNN (and sometimes the BBC) have seen pictures of violence – people burning effigies of President George Bush, rioting, army personnel swarming over so-called terrorist camps and, of course, not to forget, a whole lot of bloodshed. No wonder it is usually confused with other places like Iraq and Afghanistan, which are actually going through very bad times.

But trust me, Pakistan is different. I know this sounds clichéd – AND you’ve probably heard it all a million times before – but the media portrays a lot of the Eastern world in a very negative light, and that is why we have had to suffer both socially and economically. But, as usual there IS the other side of the coin to look at too. With all due respect, I think we all are a little too self-indulged and over-influenced with ONE perspective (usually the media) and tend to ignore the fact that all of Mother Earth is inhabited by human beings, first of all, AND then different races, religions and nations. Ok, I know, this is getting too patronising, and you’re curious to know about the business climate in Pakistan (??), so I’ll start writing about it. Just bear with me for a few more minutes - lines rather.

Ok. Here’s the deal. I will try to introduce you to the concept, in my usual, offhand, irritating way – as you have probably gathered about me by know – that Pakistan IS, IN FACT, I dare say, a good place to do business, at the very least, from a long-term point of view. The situation of the economy, currently, is, I agree, very precarious. BUT, it is slowly and steadily gathering force and the markets down there ARE improving, especially after taking a dip post 9/11! Tell you what, did you know that alot of the surgical goods that are used in the UK AND the US and in some other European countries are imported from Pakistan? Bet u didn’t know that! STILL better, for all you football fans out there – did you know that a lot of the footballs used in World Cup football and at club level competitions are made in Pakistan?

There’s more!!

A lot of other sports goods, including cricket gear (balls, especially bats), tennis and squash rackets are imported from? YES – you guessed it – from a place called Sialkot IN Pakistan!! AND it gets EVEN better! A lot of ready made garments are imported FROM Pakistan to the US and UK.

BUT wait a second! Not just any old thing is exported. Before export, all the finished products go through the highest standard of export quality checks IN Pakistan. And believe me, this is taken VERY seriously – something as small as a wrong stitch, and the whole item gets thrown out! Well, that’s how it works; you don’t get such good quality with out many years of experience to back it up.

So those of you who want to place your manufacturing trust in Pakistan, you have my blessings! I assure you that the quality and reliability and skill are there and it’s a safe bet. I know I don’t have any figures to back what I’m saying and most of you are probably incredulous at the suggestions I have made just now, BUT these are FACTS and I assure you, you can double check with any Pakistani friend, relative, or colleague of yours. But, make sure it’s someone who has been living there, at least until recently.

Now, moving on to other business sectors. In Pakistan, the economy is currently in the state of a bubbling, frothy pot of soup. I understand the analogy is probably lost on you, but that’s what it is. It keeps having highs and lows. Right now, we’re somewhere in the middle of the graph and the curve is slowly mounting. A lot of foreign investment is taking place as of this moment – mostly in telecommunications, Information Technology, corporate law and call centres. Also, the housing sector is developing as many foreign firms have been contracted to manage housing projects – which encompasses planning, building and ongoing maintenance – and these firms spend years and years doing all this. Also, since there was only one major port in Pakistan in Karachi, another one is being built in a beautiful place called Gwador, which, as they say, is meant to parallel Dubai, the aim being to gear up for the future increase in trade. There are many skilled people who have returned back to Pakistan after working for many years in Europe and the USA, and are now pushing growth in all these sectors.

The 'S' Corporation is a Dinosaur

2007-01-21T22:46:00.001-08:00

The ‘S’ corporation is a dinosaur. It has been over-rated and overused as a ‘knee-jerk’ default entity choice when in fact its usefulness is limited to specific circumstances. Many well-meaning advisers have for years urged their clients to use the ‘S’ corporation based upon outdated case law or cocktail party conversations that were a poor substitute for continuing education. As a practical matter, the ‘S’ corporation’s utility is severely limited, primarily because it restricts flexibility, ownership choices, tax savings and liability protection.

The LLC is usually a better choice. Here’s why.

* Limited Liability Companies (‘LLCs’) do not burden you with the same formalities required of corporations under state law in most case. Failure of corporations to observe specific formalities can easily result in ‘piercing the corporate veil’, making the owners personally liable;
* LLCs do not have the severe Ownership Restrictions that ‘S’ Corporations do. This allows LLCs much better flexibility in planning for Asset Protection. Thus unlike ‘S’ corporations, LLCs can be owned by Limited Partnerships and trusts that are not likely to be pierced in a lawsuit;
* Tax court cases in the 21st Century have undermined the old argument that anything paid in excess of salary or bonus is a ‘dividend’ not subject to self-employment social security or Medicare taxes. In 2001 the court ruled all payments made to a sole officer were fully subject to self-employment taxes since it held that the payments were wages and not distributions of net income. In 2002 the same conclusion was reached when a professional accounting corporation was before the Tax Court.
* ‘S’ corporations must allocate ordinary income and losses as well as capital gains the same to all shareholders. By contrast, an LLC can allocated them to LLC members who can benefit from them, and this allocation is not required to be made to all.
* ‘S’ corporations often have loans between the corporation and its shareholders. Under state law, the board of directors are typically required to pass written resolutions to approve the particulars of loans between the ‘S’ corporation and an ‘interested party’ in order to avoid both legal and tax complications. When auditing, the IRS always asks for the documentation, looking in the corporate record book for resolutions and minutes and for the required promissory note. If the documentation is insufficient, the IRS can deem loan repayments as ‘taxable distributions’. Then ‘S’ status may be revoked, causing large negative tax consequences for the shareholders going back to past tax years.
* Limited Liability Companies do not have the same problem. LLCs members have flexibility in making capital contributions to the Company and thus they can avoid having to characterize the transfer as a ‘loan’ to the company.
* LLCs have what are known as ‘capital accounts’. Each member has one. Unlike the old ‘S’ corporation, contributions of cash or distributions of case are typically not ‘taxable events’ if guidelines are followed. An LLC member’s capital account can be increased or reduced according to whether a transaction is a contribution to capital or a distribution. Because there’s no requirement of the LLC to make distributions on a pro-rata basis, the LLC avoids stumbling over the same speed bumps and negative tax consequences.
* When an ‘S’ corporation makes a distribution of assets to shareholders, it is required to recognize ‘gain’ for tax purposes whereas an LLC is not required to recognize gain when its members receive a distribution of assets.
* When selling the business, LLCs have better flexibility in dealing with the tax and financial consequences, making negotiations with a prospective buyer more simple and less worrisome.

Starting a Metal Detecting Business? Don't Do it Until You Reads This Tips

2007-01-21T22:45:00.001-08:00

If you are looking start a business selling metal detectors you need some knowledge on the subject to make sure that your customers feel comfortable purchasing from you. If you are already knowledgeable about metal detectors than starting your own business and watching the profits come in should happen sooner rather than later.

Selling metal detectors can be extremely profitable and you can sell new, used, and metal detecting accessories. There are many people out there that are passionate about the hobby of metal detecting. In this article we will take a look at your possible customer base and how to find new ones.

If you want to sell metal detectors in larger quantities you may want to get in touch with many of the metal detecting clubs that are located in your area. Offer a discount to the club members so that they will get into your store and want to find a good deal. You may not make as much profit at first but the word of mouth and loyal customers will continue to grow. When the members are in your store they will want to take advantage of the discounts and purchase some more of the higher profit items such as accessories.

When starting a metal detecting business you will want to carry new metal detectors and you will need to contact the manufacturers that make the metal detectors. Find out if they have any co-op advertising that they can help you with. Letting people know you are open and in business is the first step to getting name recognition. You may also be able to obtain a customer listing of the people who have bought in your area. The manufacturers will have warranty information of the metal detectors in their database. If the companies share their customer base information send a letter letting them know that you will carry similar metal detectors.

Money Making Program - A Beginner's Guide To Understanding The Opportunities

2007-01-21T22:44:00.000-08:00

How do you earn a living folks? Tell me, do you often find yourself overflowing with too much dough and hardly ever stressed about paying monthly expenses especially that heating bill? For sure if this sounds familiar to you, then perhaps you're certainly not amongst the majority. The truth is the majority of the middle class residents live paycheck by paycheck. Well, for the most part anyway. It’s not as though we are running out to dole out 50 grand on a new sports car like it's no big thing. This may be one of the major reasons why some of us go all-out to find other money sources.

We all seek that sense of security irrespective if it’s a money making program or a second job of some sort. In fact there are several alternative income vehicles and money making programs at our very fingertips. With the help of the World-Wide-Web, indeed anyone can find and take advantage of an alternative source of income.

What comes to mind when you think of a money making program? For some this maybe a fine portfolio of stocks? Yes, we are aware that this is a great way to invest and prepare for the future that lies ahead. However the fact is that times flies, and hence we must be prepared to face the unexpected bumps along the way. If not, the road of life can smack us in the face. On the other hand, instead of dwelling on the countless poor possibilities, it's definitely more useful to focus on a strong and effective money making program.

Now, when I refer to money making program, I suggest anything from investing, to starting your own home business, or making some extra cash on the web. Simply think about the infinite possibilities that are available to you. Sit down and think about the things you like to do for fun. Who knows, maybe this favorite hobby could in turn bring you some profit.

Evolve your passion into a money making program. I remember a friend of mine who thoroughly enjoyed woodworking. In fact he loved this hobby immensely that he mastered his skills. I have personally seen some of his work and frankly speaking its better than a lot of the products I have seen in stores. He beautifully crafts anything from simple bird houses to dressers. I had to ask him; "Why aren't you selling this stuff?" And he retorted back that he had simply never given it a thought! Though of late he has turned his forte into a fine money making program from home. He sure makes a killing on the Internet.

Wernick Buildings contract at SD2 Development

2007-01-04T03:22:00.000-08:00

The SD2 (St David's 2) Development will completely transform Cardiff city centre. The £535m project will include a major John Lewis departmental store and a significant number of other retail outlets including nine new stores, 93 shops, cafes, restaurants, bars, 300 residential apartments, 3000 car parking spaces and other public amenities, including a new civic library. The project, which will re-create an area of nearly 90,000 sq m, will generate 1000 construction jobs, 2000 permanent jobs and is due to be completed in 2009.

SD2 will extend the city's shopping centre to nearly 130,000 square metres, making it one of the largest shopping destinations in the UK and designed to complement the Wales Millennium Centre and the Millennium Stadium.

The new civic library will be an iconic, six-storey, 5,110 sq m building, offering a state-of the art service.

The ground floor will be given over to up-market retail outlets.

The development time-table posed a problem for the library service however.

How was the local authority to continue operating the library out of a city centre location with the existing library building listed for demolition early in the re-development programme?.

The SD2 Partnership came up with the answer.

They would jointly fund the construction of a temporary modular building sited on a plot of land in Bute Street, just half a mile from the old library building.

This would clear the area for development and at the end of two years the building will be carefully dismantled and sold on.

The total cost of building and equipping the temporary library will be £3m, including the cost of a specialist company moving all the books into the building.

Neath Abbey based modular building specialists Wernick Buildings won the contract to construct and erect the two adjacent, double storey, factory made buildings, which comprise 74 modules delivered over a ten day period.

'There was a reaction from some of the companies that overlook the site when they heard that we had specified temporary buildings', stated Richard Hinton the SD2 project manager.

'However, their fears were quelled when they saw the building starting to take shape'.

'There was also concern that the lorries delivering the modules would be stacked up along the adjoining main road waiting to be off-loaded, but again these concerns proved to be unfounded because Wernick, who are very experienced at organising this type of project, managed the deliveries very well'.

The Wernick Group have more than 70 years experience in the design and manufacture of modular buildings that are suitable for semi-permanent or permanent structures up to three storeys high.

Their steel framed buildings can be finished with a traditional brick skin, or a cladding system, that together with a pitched tile clad roof gives an attractive appearance that can out perform more traditional methods in many ways.

Wernick Event Hire benefits from GBP40m investment

2007-01-03T03:21:00.000-08:00

Wernick Event Hire are all set to benefit from the GBP40m investment in acquisitions and organic growth that chief executive David Wernick is rolling out across the Wernick Group of Companies. In the third acquisition made by the company in 12 months, Brownhills based Wernick Event Hire has acquired the cabin division of SGB Eventlink. The companies have also forged a reciprocal trading agreement that will give a comprehensive and integrated hire service to their event industry customers nationwide.

Wernick Event Hire provides a range of event accommodation including portable hospitality units, toilets, showers and disabled facilities.

SGB Eventlink are suppliers of temporary infrastructure equipment that includes grandstands, fencing, barriers, staging and temporary roadways.

The new agreement will provide both companies clients with a 'one stop shop' from their extensive combined stocks.

This latest strategic acquisition increases Wernick's event fleet by more than 200 specialist units.

Additionally, over 18,000 buildings are available through Wernick Hire's 27 local depots, making them one of the largest providers in the UK.

Medieval fair relies on Rollalong service

2007-01-02T03:20:00.000-08:00

A medieval fair staged in the Surrey town of Chertsey draws vast crowds of revellers every year, necessitating long term planning and the provision of temporary facilities on a very large scale. For this event, Rollalong Hire Events has built up an excellent working relationship with the organisers since the Millennium. The Black Cherry Fair has become one of the biggest events in Surrey's social calendar attracting up to 30,000 visitors annually to the Abbey Fields Park.

Although toilet provisions would have been basic, or perhaps non-existent back when the fair started more than 500 years ago, for the past five years Rollalong Hire Events has supplied the toilet facilities to this very popular local event.

This highly successful fair, featuring many different competitions and demonstrations as well as stalls selling the black cherries themselves, is run by the Chertsey Round Table.

All the proceeds go to support local charitable activities.

A spokesperson for the organisers Anna Berry says: 'Entrance to the Black Cherry Fair is free as is entrance to the competitions, so that any body can come'.

'As something run for the community it has therefore become amongst the biggest one-day events in Surrey and regularly attracts crowds of between 15 and 30,000'.

'We have used Rollalong Hire Events for a very long time to supply the extra toilets and during all the time I've organised it there was never any problem'.

'The company has given a very good service'.

Rollalong Hire Events is able to supply a wide variety of toilet units for outdoor events offering different sizes and specifications.

The options include both self contained and mains linked units as well as luxury toilets.

They can also supply all of the consumables that are required, while staff are also available to carry out cleaning and replenishments on a regular basis throughout the hire period.

New products highlighted by Rollalong Hire Events

2007-01-01T03:20:00.000-08:00

The continuing success and growth of Rollalong Hire Events is clearly being demonstrated at the Event Show in 2007. The company has doubled its display area at the exhibition and is featuring a double stacked hospitality unit to give visitors a taste of the quality of accommodation available from the company. Following the acquisition of Elegant Toilet Hire, the extended high quality range of products now available from Rollalong Hire Events will all be exhibited.

Rollalong Hire Events' success has been demonstrated by its continuing involvement in some of the country's top events including the Flora London Marathon, The Farnborough International Air Show, and The Prince's Trust Concert.

Its association with Rugby Football Union at Twickenham has also taken on new dimensions with involvement in major live music events held there in 2006 including The Rolling Stones and The Eagles.

These associations all testify to the company's ability to supply the quality of products and levels of customer service demanded by some of the country's top event organisers.

By acquiring Elegant Toilet Hire and establishing the Luxury Division, the company is now also in a position to fully support the country's most prestigious events with a range of renowned toilet facilities that, are unrivalled in terms of product quality, internal fittings and performance.

Rollalong Hire Events' Chertsey Office and Hire Centre is at the hub of all the activities for the events industry.

Experience counts with portable facilities

2006-12-31T03:19:00.000-08:00

Neil Hickton, Managing Director of Rollalong Hire Events explains why experience counts with portable facilities. Life as an Event Organiser can be stressful enough with things such as the weather, being completely out of your control, however large or small the event being planned. Therefore, when choosing suppliers for services and facilities the right choice is imperative to ensure that the event runs smoothly and you have total peace of mind.

Choices of suppliers of temporary facilities should be based on the level and range of technical experience the supplier has along with the quality and portfolio of products they have to offer.

These all go hand in hand to provide excellent service.

Experienced suppliers are able to discuss your requirements in depth and advise on the best types of facilities you will need for the specific location and event.

It goes without saying even if the venue is regularly used, each event has different needs and facilities should be tailored to these needs.

An experienced contractor will be able to give the right advice no matter how large or small the event.

Also to be considered is the quality of the working environment, comfort, security, adaptability, durability of facilities required.

Whatever, the occasion, high standards of hygiene and reliability will be expected.

Location of mains power and water need to be considered along with realistic set up and clearing up times as all organisers are under pressure to clear the event site as soon as possible.

In today's world there are also many health and safety and other regulatory issues to be considered.

Experienced suppliers will be able to provide up to date advice to enable compliance with latest legislation and any pending changes.

Event organisers need to consider the prestige of the event when choosing the types of facilities required.

After all, these temporary facilities form an integral part of the overall visitor experience and should meet their expectations.

The supplier can recommend other specialist contractors for certain aspects if required to give that 'added value' to the package, rather than having to source them yourself.

The provision of poor facilities will have an adverse effect and impact severely on both the event and the organiser's reputation.

Events range from private and corporate hospitality at major UK locations, rock festivals, country shows to small local low key village fetes.

Rollalong hire events acquires elegant toilet hire

2006-12-30T03:18:00.000-08:00

Rollalong Hire Events, market leader in portable accommodation hire for the events industry, has acquired Elegant Toilet Hire specialists in the highest quality luxury mobile toilets for both the corporate sector and prestigious events. Elegant Toilet Hire is renowned for the quality of its product range including the Windsor, Balmoral and Sandhurst brands which are self contained fresh water flushing toilets. These have been supplied to some of the country's most prestigious organisations and events including Paramount Pictures, Pinewood Studios, Channel 4 films and the Guards Polo Club ground at Windsor.

Neil Hickton, Managing Director, comments: 'The Elegant Toilet Hire range is noted for its quality of manufacture, internal fittings and performance'.

'Our new Rollalong Hire Events Luxury range will target events and organisations which demand the best quality supported by the levels of customer service for which we are already well renowned'.

The new range will be available from the company's offices in Chertsey, Surrey and details of the new products, together with Rollalong Hire Events' existing complementary ranges, can be obtained from visiting www.eleganttoilethire.com.

Expanda products win professional builder award

2006-12-29T03:17:00.000-08:00

Featuring a stunning flat pack system, the UK's best selling unit of its type - the Expandakabin + Expandastore scooped the 'Top Product of the Year' Award from Professional builder Magazine. The candidates were generated mainly by the readers throughout the whole year and then short listed and judged by professional builders, who commended the Expandastore and the Expandakabin stating:'The significant success of the product comes from covering so many potential needs of our readers'. 'The Expandastore units can be used as a site office, for storage, or as a canteen, and with locks on the top and bottom of the door, they represent a tricky obstacle for even the most determined of thieves'.

'They are just brilliantly designed all round products'.

The flat packed, man portable office and storage Kabin can be assembled in locations that were previously inaccessible to standard portable buildings, and can be extended at any time after initial installation by the addition of further units using a unique linking kit.

Manufactured from powder coated galvanized steel, Expandakabin is as robust as it is attractive, and the simple assembly with a socket set takes about 40 minutes.

Door and window location can be moved at any time after initial assembly, giving the Kabin total versatility.

Once assembled the units can be moved by crane and forklift or demounted back into their neat flat pack form.

The Expandarange flat pack building systems offer a highly flexible and affordable solution for sites with restricted access or the need to re-site buildings using man-power alone.

Rollalong Hire goes backstage

2006-12-28T03:14:00.000-08:00

A double celebration for the 30th Anniversary Celebration concert for the Prince's Trust and the 80th birthday of the Queen, saw Rollalong Hire Events provide all of the backstage production accommodation, as well as other facilities. Rollalong Hire Events supplied a large number of backstage production cabins, administration offices and dressing rooms for the celebrations at the Palace, which included a specially commissioned play involving many characters and starring Sophie Dahl, Roald Dahl's granddaughter. The Prince's Trust celebration took place at the Tower of London where the stage was erected in the moat of the Tower, meaning that 30 cabins measuring 24ft in length needed to be lifted into position using a 200 tonne mobile crane.

Portable toilet technology - the Bettaloo

2006-12-27T03:16:00.000-08:00

When girls emerges from the 'ladies' you can tell straight away what state the portable loos are in, just look at her facial expression, it conveys all the information you need to know. There's no better test for a loo and its supplier than an open-air event on a hot day and Wernick Event Hire has the superlative model when it comes to portable toilet technology - the Bettaloo. These models are the very latest available to the UK market, with foot operated flushing and foot operated hand wash basin facilities, and no connections required to drainage and mains.

However, the crucial factor, when it comes to the wrinkled nose test, is the service that the supplier's technicians are trained to provide.

Wernick's Event crews are all trained to the PSE association (Portable Sanitation Europe) code of practice.

This ensures that all Wernick units are properly installed and maintained before, during and after an event.

And as event build-up and break-down times are always tight it's good to know that Bettaloo installation and removal is fast and easy.

Construction sector wide open to bad debt

2006-12-26T04:43:00.000-08:00

Construction sector wide open to bad debt Small and medium sized businesses in the construction sector are failing to protect themselves from bad debt, with nearly a third (31%) reporting they have no provisions in place should an unexpected debt arise, according to new research* from Bibby Financial Services. Of those that have planned for bad debt, 41% rely purely on the threat of legal action, a third would use their bank overdraft facility (34%), while 21% plan to cover the shortfall from their personal savings, resulting in any unexpected problems hitting cash flow hard and putting immediate pressure on the business. In addition, the time spent chasing late payment and the effect of dealing with bad debt is costing UK small and medium sized businesses, including those in the construction sector, an estimated 286 million man hours and nearly GBP3.6 billion per year.

David Robertson, chief executive of Bibby Financial Services, said: 'It seems that far too many owners and managers in the construction sector are burying their heads in the sand, hoping that dealing with late payers and bad debtors will not happen to them.

Unfortunately, however good the relationship with suppliers and contractors, the reality is that chasing payment and dealing with bad debt is a fact of business life which can strike any business at any time, however unexpected.

'I would urge the construction industry to consider the impact of being on the receiving end of a late payment or a bad debt and how the systems, or lack of systems, they have in place would allow them to cope with it.

Business owners risk chaos by not writing wills

2006-12-25T04:43:00.000-08:00

A leading law firm says business owners are risking enormous problems for their business partners and family by failing to make a will. Mace and Jones made its warning, after research from Lawpack revealed that almost two thirds of Britons have not made arrangements for their will. Peter Houghton, a wills and probate partner at Mace and Jones, said serious complications can arise in the ownership of the business if a Will is not made or poorly written.

'Many businesses are family run with the intention that the business should pass to another family member working in the firm,' he said.

'Often a child working with a parent in the family business will have an expectation that the business will come to them.

Where this is not covered by a Will, families can quickly fall out.

The child working in the business may be expected to purchase their siblings shares even if the other siblings have never worked in the business or contributed to its success'.

Mr Houghton said in his experience many business owners do not make a Will, which prevents significant tax savings being made.

'Businesses can qualify for an exemption to inheritance tax, the benefit of which is lost if assets pass to the surviving spouse outright,' he said.

'If a business is sold on death and if the proceeds of the sale pass to the surviving spouse they will be in their estate for inheritance tax purposes.

Careful planning can ensure that the surviving spouse can still benefit in full from the proceeds of sale but without them being taxable on their death.

Tax savings can typically be 40% of the proceeds of sale of the business.' Mr Houghton said it is important to ensure the Will fits the structure of the business.

'In circumstances where the business may be subject to a partnership or shareholders agreement care must be taken to ensure any Will is compatible with the terms of the agreements and that the agreements themselves do not prevent the tax reliefs being claimed.' Mr Houghton warned against people writing their own wills saying they can create unexpected costs as the wording can be challenged.

'The benefit of making a Will with a trust and tax specialist is that they have the experience to look at the whole picture,' he said.