Breast cancer statistics show that over 1.2 million persons will be diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide this year, according to the World Health Organization. For breast cancer
and prevention, it has long been known that regular physical activity has been shown to decrease the likelihood of having breast cancer. What has not been known or studied has been the effect of regular physical activity on the breast cancer survival rates or likelihood of death in women that already have breast cancer. That is, until now.
The breast cancer statistics and findings as reported by the American Medical Associations Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in May 2005 were astounding! Certain
participants in the study of women with Stage I, II or III breast cancer achieved a 50% reduction in the death rate from breast cancer.
Here are these breast cancer statistics: the journal reported that in the study 2,987 female registered nurses had been diagnosed with breast cancer during the years 1984-1998. What the study found was that the women who had physical activity equivalent to walking at a steady pace of 2.0-2.9 miles per hour for 3-5 hours a week had a death rate of only 50% of the death rate of women who had physical activity equivalent to walking less than one hour a week. The conclusion of the breast cancer statistics in the study was that physical activity after breast cancer has been diagnosed may reduce the risk of death
from breast cancer. The study found that there was little evidence of any relation between increased physical activity and increased benefit.
It’s time to dust off those walking shoes!
As a physical activity, walking can be done almost anytime by anyone anywhere. All that is needed is a good pair of walking shoes. Walking is fun and reduces stress. As for injuries,
walking has the lowest injury rate of all the various kinds of exercise.
You can walk with a partner, friend, family member or dog, maybe even a neighbors dog. Or you can walk with your favorite headset and music. If you are walking outdoors with a headset, keep one ear open to hear the sounds around you.
As for basic walking tips:
· As you begin regular walking, take it easy. Standard advice is to check with your physician before starting any exercise program. If it has been years or decades since you walked
regularly, perhaps you can begin with 5 minutes of walking and slowly increase your time and distance.
· Walking at a pace of 7595 steps a minute will have you walking at a speed of about 2-3 miles per hour.
· Walk with your head up, looking out in front of you. Do not walk looking down right in front of you except to navigate any obstacles.
· Really take it easy the first 5 minutes of walking to warm up. Afterwards, gently stretch for 510 minutes while your muscles are warm.
· Practice good walking form. Your arms should swing naturally in the direction you are walking, not from side to side across your body. Your foot should strike the ground on your heel, then a rolling motion forward toward the ball of your foot, then pushing off with your toes.
And here are some basic walking shoes tips:
· Buy your walking shoes from a sporting shoes store with large selections. Doing so will give you plenty of choices. And buy your walking shoes later in the day when your feet will be larger.
· Buy cushioned, supportive walking shoes. To see if a shoe is supportive, do this test: take a shoe and turn it upside down. Holding each end of the shoe, try to fold it. If you find the
shoe bends in the middle, then that shoe is not a supportive shoe. A supportive shoe should bend where your foot normally bends, near your toes.
· You should allow the width of your index finger between the end of your shoe and the end of your longest toe, or about one-half inch.
· Buy two pairs of walking shoes, one for home and one for the car or workplace. And if one pair gets wet, you can use the other pair that day.
Walking is the closest thing to the perfect exercise. In today’s fast-paced society, regular walking can be a welcomed break from the stress of the day. Maybe you will get to know
your neighborhood or neighbors better. There may be walking trails you have never seen but wanted to.
Wherever and however you choose to walk, not only can the experience be fun, you will know you are being good to your body in a variety of ways. Besides the incredible breast cancer statistics and findings of the breast cancer study, walking
helps with weight control and bone strength, elevates mood, helps build and maintain healthy muscles, joints and heart.
With so many great health benefits, why not get started walking today!
Copyright 2005 InfoSearch PublishingOlinda Rola is President of InfoSearch Publishing and webmaster of http://www.safemenopausesolutions.com - a website of natural treatments for a variety of health problems. For information about preventing breast cancer, breast cancer treatment and related articles, visit the website to read more.
Article Source: http://www.articlepros.com
Saturday, June 30, 2007
The View from The Aisle: Attending A Trade Show
The View from The Aisle: Attending A Trade Show
by Susan Friedmann
How many teams does your company send to a trade show?
Unless you work for the very largest of Fortune 500
companies, the answer is probably one. It's very rare for a
company to send two teams to a show. Instead the same small
group of staff members have to pull double-duty at the trade
show, acting as both booth staff and gathering relevant
information.
You've spent lots of time and effort concentrating on how to
be the very best exhibitor. But are you prepared to be an
attendee? Getting the most out of a trade show requires
careful preparation.
With two important tasks -exhibiting and attending - to
balance, planning becomes even more important. 39% of all
trade show attendees spend less than eight hours visiting a
show - and exhibitors who have a booth to man have a mere
fraction of that time span available.
To get the most from attending a trade show, you have to
have a clear strategy in mind. Knowing what you need to
accomplish before, during, and after the show is the first
step toward success.
Before the show:
Make a list of the goals you want to achieve by visiting the
show. Include your own personal goals and those of your
company. Every subsequent decision that you make should put
you closer to achieving your goals.
Read through the trade show promotional materials carefully.
Use the knowledge you've gleaned to make a plan for
attending the show. Include a list of 'must see' booths and
'want to see' booths. Spend a little time researching the
vendors, so that you'll have a clear idea of who you need to
see, and what you need to learn from them. That way you'll
have useful questions to ask, and will have to waste a
minimum amount of time with small talk.
Decide how much time you want to spend at the show, and then
allot an appropriate amount to each booth, making sure to
schedule the 'must see' booths first. That way if your day
is abruptly cut short, you won't miss the most vital
exhibits. Consider making appointments with those
exhibitors you really want to meet with.
If co-workers are attending the show with you, divide the
show up into sections. Each team member can sit in on
different seminars to maximize the amount of information
gathered by the entire team.
Once you've decided who you need to see, get a map of the
show floor and prioritize your route. Walking a trade show
can be an exhausting exercise, so make it easy on yourself
by securing a hotel room close to the convention center.
Booking your room well in advance will allow you to enjoy
discounted rates.
When you're packing, be sure to bring a comfortable pair of
walking shoes, a lightweight outfit, and plenty of business
cards. Additionally, develop a lead form to record vendor
names, products, contact information, and any follow-up
notes you'll want to remember after the show. You'll want a
light carry-all bag for the materials you gather during the
show. Avoid plastic bags, as they will cut into your hands
and become unbearably heavy after hours of walking.
During the show:
Upon arriving in the convention city, obtain a map of the
locality. It will make your life much easier and save you
valuable time.
The next thing you'll want to do is consult the latest
version of the trade show directory and revise your
carefully made plans. Exhibitors may have dropped out or
arrived unexpectedly, or seminar times may have changed.
Check your coat and bags before stepping onto the show floor
- you won't want to lug them around for hours.
Don't just grab every brochure that's offered to you.
Collect the information that is of interest to you or that
could be valuable to others in your company. Many
exhibitors will gladly mail literature and samples, which
relieves you of having to carry them around the exhibit
hall. Use your lead forms or a small notebook to record the
most vital information.
Let exhibitors know that you are on a tight schedule. They
want to make the best use of their time as well, and will
gladly cut to the chase with you. You might have to push a
little bit to get the answers for questions you really want.
Sometimes booth staff simply do not have the answers you
require. In that case, ask who you should contact at their
firm for follow up.
Trade shows are the ideal opportunity to gather information
about what your competitors are doing. It's often the first
glimpse you'll get of new product releases, special
programs, or fresh marketing initiatives. Make a point to
talk with the booth staff, but don't ask overly technical or
pointed questions. More likely than not, the exhibitors
won't be prepared to answer them, and you'll be tipping your
hand as a more-than-casually interested attendee. A simple
"So, what do you guys have in the pipeline?" may reward you
far more than any carefully-worded queries about technical
specs.
Don't be shy about by-passing booths that do not interest
you. The exhibitors won't mind. They want to devote their
time to potential customers.
At the same time, keep your eyes open for networking
opportunities. Industry leaders haunt trade shows, and
they're great people to know. Be social at workshops - now
is the time to hand out some of those business cards you've
brought along.
Take regular breaks to hydrate and make notes. The notes
will help you write your trip report, and the water will
keep you healthy and moving. Convention centers are
notoriously dry, hot environments - be prepared.
After the show:
Long hours on the trade show floor are enough to wipe
anybody out. But before you flop down on the bed for forty
well-deserved winks, take some time to organize the
information you've gathered. If it's for co-workers back at
the home office, sort it into envelopes and address them to
the relevant person. If the information is for you, sort it
by priority, affixing sticky notes to jog your memory after
you've returned from the show.
Take a moment after the show to make note of any exhibits or
displays that you thought were particularly effective. What
did they do that you could implement in your own company's
marketing campaign?
Be sure to follow up with new contacts and vendors after the
show. Having a clear plan of action will make sure that the
time you spent at the show was a worth-while investment.Written by Susan A. Friedmann,CSP, The Tradeshow Coach, Lake
Placid, NY, author: "Meeting & Event Planning for Dummies,"
working with companies to improve their meeting and event
success through coaching, consulting and training. For a
free copy of ExhibitSmart Tips of the Week, e-mail:
susan@thetradeshowcoach.com; website:
www.thetradeshowcoach.com
Article Source: http://www.articlepros.com
by Susan Friedmann
How many teams does your company send to a trade show?
Unless you work for the very largest of Fortune 500
companies, the answer is probably one. It's very rare for a
company to send two teams to a show. Instead the same small
group of staff members have to pull double-duty at the trade
show, acting as both booth staff and gathering relevant
information.
You've spent lots of time and effort concentrating on how to
be the very best exhibitor. But are you prepared to be an
attendee? Getting the most out of a trade show requires
careful preparation.
With two important tasks -exhibiting and attending - to
balance, planning becomes even more important. 39% of all
trade show attendees spend less than eight hours visiting a
show - and exhibitors who have a booth to man have a mere
fraction of that time span available.
To get the most from attending a trade show, you have to
have a clear strategy in mind. Knowing what you need to
accomplish before, during, and after the show is the first
step toward success.
Before the show:
Make a list of the goals you want to achieve by visiting the
show. Include your own personal goals and those of your
company. Every subsequent decision that you make should put
you closer to achieving your goals.
Read through the trade show promotional materials carefully.
Use the knowledge you've gleaned to make a plan for
attending the show. Include a list of 'must see' booths and
'want to see' booths. Spend a little time researching the
vendors, so that you'll have a clear idea of who you need to
see, and what you need to learn from them. That way you'll
have useful questions to ask, and will have to waste a
minimum amount of time with small talk.
Decide how much time you want to spend at the show, and then
allot an appropriate amount to each booth, making sure to
schedule the 'must see' booths first. That way if your day
is abruptly cut short, you won't miss the most vital
exhibits. Consider making appointments with those
exhibitors you really want to meet with.
If co-workers are attending the show with you, divide the
show up into sections. Each team member can sit in on
different seminars to maximize the amount of information
gathered by the entire team.
Once you've decided who you need to see, get a map of the
show floor and prioritize your route. Walking a trade show
can be an exhausting exercise, so make it easy on yourself
by securing a hotel room close to the convention center.
Booking your room well in advance will allow you to enjoy
discounted rates.
When you're packing, be sure to bring a comfortable pair of
walking shoes, a lightweight outfit, and plenty of business
cards. Additionally, develop a lead form to record vendor
names, products, contact information, and any follow-up
notes you'll want to remember after the show. You'll want a
light carry-all bag for the materials you gather during the
show. Avoid plastic bags, as they will cut into your hands
and become unbearably heavy after hours of walking.
During the show:
Upon arriving in the convention city, obtain a map of the
locality. It will make your life much easier and save you
valuable time.
The next thing you'll want to do is consult the latest
version of the trade show directory and revise your
carefully made plans. Exhibitors may have dropped out or
arrived unexpectedly, or seminar times may have changed.
Check your coat and bags before stepping onto the show floor
- you won't want to lug them around for hours.
Don't just grab every brochure that's offered to you.
Collect the information that is of interest to you or that
could be valuable to others in your company. Many
exhibitors will gladly mail literature and samples, which
relieves you of having to carry them around the exhibit
hall. Use your lead forms or a small notebook to record the
most vital information.
Let exhibitors know that you are on a tight schedule. They
want to make the best use of their time as well, and will
gladly cut to the chase with you. You might have to push a
little bit to get the answers for questions you really want.
Sometimes booth staff simply do not have the answers you
require. In that case, ask who you should contact at their
firm for follow up.
Trade shows are the ideal opportunity to gather information
about what your competitors are doing. It's often the first
glimpse you'll get of new product releases, special
programs, or fresh marketing initiatives. Make a point to
talk with the booth staff, but don't ask overly technical or
pointed questions. More likely than not, the exhibitors
won't be prepared to answer them, and you'll be tipping your
hand as a more-than-casually interested attendee. A simple
"So, what do you guys have in the pipeline?" may reward you
far more than any carefully-worded queries about technical
specs.
Don't be shy about by-passing booths that do not interest
you. The exhibitors won't mind. They want to devote their
time to potential customers.
At the same time, keep your eyes open for networking
opportunities. Industry leaders haunt trade shows, and
they're great people to know. Be social at workshops - now
is the time to hand out some of those business cards you've
brought along.
Take regular breaks to hydrate and make notes. The notes
will help you write your trip report, and the water will
keep you healthy and moving. Convention centers are
notoriously dry, hot environments - be prepared.
After the show:
Long hours on the trade show floor are enough to wipe
anybody out. But before you flop down on the bed for forty
well-deserved winks, take some time to organize the
information you've gathered. If it's for co-workers back at
the home office, sort it into envelopes and address them to
the relevant person. If the information is for you, sort it
by priority, affixing sticky notes to jog your memory after
you've returned from the show.
Take a moment after the show to make note of any exhibits or
displays that you thought were particularly effective. What
did they do that you could implement in your own company's
marketing campaign?
Be sure to follow up with new contacts and vendors after the
show. Having a clear plan of action will make sure that the
time you spent at the show was a worth-while investment.Written by Susan A. Friedmann,CSP, The Tradeshow Coach, Lake
Placid, NY, author: "Meeting & Event Planning for Dummies,"
working with companies to improve their meeting and event
success through coaching, consulting and training. For a
free copy of ExhibitSmart Tips of the Week, e-mail:
susan@thetradeshowcoach.com; website:
www.thetradeshowcoach.com
Article Source: http://www.articlepros.com
Looking to Sell Your Book for a Good Price?
Looking to Sell Your Book for a Good Price?
Marshall Masters
Many self-publishing authors plan on eventually selling their
book to a large publisher at a good price. The fast track way to
achieve this goal is to push up the market value of a book with a
push v. pull strategy. This article shows you how to do exactly
that, using a simple Internet strategy that any self-publisher
can afford.
PUSH v. PULL EXPLAINED
Books with push like Harry Potter push customers through the
doors, and the registers go kachink, kachink. With self-
published titles, booksellers must pull customers through the
door and that costs money. Put yourself in their shoes. Giving
preference to books with built-in push makes sense.
Remember this formula: push stacks chips on your side of the
bargaining table and pull sweeps them away. With a transferable
Internet presence strategy, you can stack chips to the ceiling
just like the big boys do.
WHAT THE BIG BOYS ARE DOING
The push is on with major publishers to build market value for
their intellectual properties with the Digital Object Identifier
(DOI) system.
A DOI is a permanent Internet address for your book. No matter
how many times ownership of a book changes hands, the DOI
Internet address is permanently bound to the book, just as
tightly as the binding. This is why hundreds of big publishers
have registered over 16 million intellectual properties with the
DOI system with millions more on the way.
Who fueled the creation of the DOI system? Computer experts?
No. From a market asset valuation standpoint, that makes as much
as sense as going to a Sushi Chef for a vasectomy. (Better idea
- get the Sushi afterwards!)
Rather, it was senior publishing executives and their financial
gurus who pushed for the creation of the DOI system. When you
sit down at the bargaining table with a DOI, you'll be talking
their language.
PLAYING WITH THE BIG BOYS
The Internet is like an elephant, it remembers everything and it
can remember a lot! You can always include your email address or
your web site address but these things point to a business
identity - not the work, itself.
Use the same DOI on every web page, ezine article, review, blog
post, etc. and it becomes a 24/7 market value builder that
follows the work. If something changes, like your email or web
site address, one simple update is all it takes. No more
annoying "page not found" or "no such e-mail recipient" errors.
Use your DOI the right way, and every little stitch of web
presence marketing you've done becomes one more chip on
bargaining table. Remember, the big guys speak DOI.
DOI BENEFITS ARE IMMEDIATE
Getting good book reviews is so miserably hard these days,
especially for self-published authors. What if your book finally
gets that fabulous review you've hoped for long after
publication? Will it be orphaned from the book marketing
information you've already published on the Internet? No.
One quick update of your DOI and everything that it references on
the Internet will immediately begin broadcasting your fabulous
review to the online world.
START ADDING MARKET VALUE TODAY
Each day, try to add more market value to your book. A blog post
here, an ezine article there. These things cost nothing, and yet
they can push huge amounts of sales-generating traffic at your
book.
As a self-published author, you've got to keep your eyes on what
the big guys are doing, and when you can emulate them on the
cheap, you do it!
WHEN TO GET YOUR DOI
The best time to register your DOI is after your books are
available for purchase on Amazon.com and other online bookseller
sites. This way, you can create menu options in your DOI that
link to online bookseller pages for immediate sales results.
Be sure to ask your publisher or vanity press if they offer a DOI
service. One that does is Your Own World Books (Yowbooks.com).
Their Author Advantage program includes a transferable DOI.
If your publisher does not offer a DOI service, that's OK. As
the copyright holder, you can register your DOI with an
independent DOI hosting service like DOIeasylink.NET. The annual
cost of a DOI is comparable to one-month web site hosting fee.
Plus, you get a 1-page Internet response page and descriptive
menus with multiple Internet links.
USE A DOI TO HIT CRITICAL MASS
If you remember only one thing from this article, let it be this.
Think like the big boys. Use this strategy to add more market
value by continually broadcasting information on the Internet
with your DOI. Eventually, you'll hit critical mass. People
will buy your book, and large publishers will see this and be
impressed! DOIeasylink.NET: We Add Value to Your Book
Learn More: http://doieasylink.net
http://dx.doi.org/10.2122/doieasylink
Marshall Masters, President
http://dx.doi.org/10.1572/marshall.masters
Marshall Masters is a publisher, self-published author, radio
personality and Internet technologist. His published titles
include Godschild Covenant: Return of Nibiru, Gold Fever, Indigo-
E.T. Connection, and Orange Blossom. He founded DOIeasylink.NET
to make the DOI system available to self-publishers and small
presses. Drawing upon his decades of consulting experience with
notable firms such as AT&T, Oracle, HP, Lockheed and Sun
Microsystems, he created a simple, affordable DOI solution self-
publishers and small presses.
Article Source: http://www.articlepros.com
Marshall Masters
Many self-publishing authors plan on eventually selling their
book to a large publisher at a good price. The fast track way to
achieve this goal is to push up the market value of a book with a
push v. pull strategy. This article shows you how to do exactly
that, using a simple Internet strategy that any self-publisher
can afford.
PUSH v. PULL EXPLAINED
Books with push like Harry Potter push customers through the
doors, and the registers go kachink, kachink. With self-
published titles, booksellers must pull customers through the
door and that costs money. Put yourself in their shoes. Giving
preference to books with built-in push makes sense.
Remember this formula: push stacks chips on your side of the
bargaining table and pull sweeps them away. With a transferable
Internet presence strategy, you can stack chips to the ceiling
just like the big boys do.
WHAT THE BIG BOYS ARE DOING
The push is on with major publishers to build market value for
their intellectual properties with the Digital Object Identifier
(DOI) system.
A DOI is a permanent Internet address for your book. No matter
how many times ownership of a book changes hands, the DOI
Internet address is permanently bound to the book, just as
tightly as the binding. This is why hundreds of big publishers
have registered over 16 million intellectual properties with the
DOI system with millions more on the way.
Who fueled the creation of the DOI system? Computer experts?
No. From a market asset valuation standpoint, that makes as much
as sense as going to a Sushi Chef for a vasectomy. (Better idea
- get the Sushi afterwards!)
Rather, it was senior publishing executives and their financial
gurus who pushed for the creation of the DOI system. When you
sit down at the bargaining table with a DOI, you'll be talking
their language.
PLAYING WITH THE BIG BOYS
The Internet is like an elephant, it remembers everything and it
can remember a lot! You can always include your email address or
your web site address but these things point to a business
identity - not the work, itself.
Use the same DOI on every web page, ezine article, review, blog
post, etc. and it becomes a 24/7 market value builder that
follows the work. If something changes, like your email or web
site address, one simple update is all it takes. No more
annoying "page not found" or "no such e-mail recipient" errors.
Use your DOI the right way, and every little stitch of web
presence marketing you've done becomes one more chip on
bargaining table. Remember, the big guys speak DOI.
DOI BENEFITS ARE IMMEDIATE
Getting good book reviews is so miserably hard these days,
especially for self-published authors. What if your book finally
gets that fabulous review you've hoped for long after
publication? Will it be orphaned from the book marketing
information you've already published on the Internet? No.
One quick update of your DOI and everything that it references on
the Internet will immediately begin broadcasting your fabulous
review to the online world.
START ADDING MARKET VALUE TODAY
Each day, try to add more market value to your book. A blog post
here, an ezine article there. These things cost nothing, and yet
they can push huge amounts of sales-generating traffic at your
book.
As a self-published author, you've got to keep your eyes on what
the big guys are doing, and when you can emulate them on the
cheap, you do it!
WHEN TO GET YOUR DOI
The best time to register your DOI is after your books are
available for purchase on Amazon.com and other online bookseller
sites. This way, you can create menu options in your DOI that
link to online bookseller pages for immediate sales results.
Be sure to ask your publisher or vanity press if they offer a DOI
service. One that does is Your Own World Books (Yowbooks.com).
Their Author Advantage program includes a transferable DOI.
If your publisher does not offer a DOI service, that's OK. As
the copyright holder, you can register your DOI with an
independent DOI hosting service like DOIeasylink.NET. The annual
cost of a DOI is comparable to one-month web site hosting fee.
Plus, you get a 1-page Internet response page and descriptive
menus with multiple Internet links.
USE A DOI TO HIT CRITICAL MASS
If you remember only one thing from this article, let it be this.
Think like the big boys. Use this strategy to add more market
value by continually broadcasting information on the Internet
with your DOI. Eventually, you'll hit critical mass. People
will buy your book, and large publishers will see this and be
impressed! DOIeasylink.NET: We Add Value to Your Book
Learn More: http://doieasylink.net
http://dx.doi.org/10.2122/doieasylink
Marshall Masters, President
http://dx.doi.org/10.1572/marshall.masters
Marshall Masters is a publisher, self-published author, radio
personality and Internet technologist. His published titles
include Godschild Covenant: Return of Nibiru, Gold Fever, Indigo-
E.T. Connection, and Orange Blossom. He founded DOIeasylink.NET
to make the DOI system available to self-publishers and small
presses. Drawing upon his decades of consulting experience with
notable firms such as AT&T, Oracle, HP, Lockheed and Sun
Microsystems, he created a simple, affordable DOI solution self-
publishers and small presses.
Article Source: http://www.articlepros.com
How To Promote Your Online Store
How To Promote Your Online Store
Copyright 2005 Denise OBerry
OK. So you took the leap and started your online store.
But, oops, there are no customers and your store is lost in
the crowd. All is not lost. You just need to be very
creative in how you market your site. The key thing to
remember as you market your site is "people buy from
people, not companies."
To make money online: 1) You must get traffic to your site.
2) You must convert that traffic to paying customers. To
begin simply create a T-chart. Label one column "Traffic"
and the other "Conversion." Then brainstorm what methods
you will use to to make those happen and turn them into an
action plan.
Traffic suggestions for you:
* Pay per click
* Offline advertising
* Article marketing
* Newsletter
* Autoresponders
* Word of mouth
* Joint ventures / strategic partnerships
* Talks to groups
* Participation in online forums / discussion groups
Most online stores are extremely competitive (what's not
these days?) and they compete on price - one of the worst
ways to compete. What you need to do is find a way to take
the focus off the money, find your unique value and promote
it from there.
So how do you do that? First you have to know who your
prospect is so you can speak to them directly. Hint: Your
market is not everyone or anyone. Once you know who your
prospect is, you can implement tactics that will convert
them into customers.
Here are some ideas that will help your conversion rate:
* Bundled products
* Free gift with purchase
* Regular newsletter
* Autoresponder course
* Helpful content on your website
* Companion blog for your website
These should get you thinking about where you need to go.
This is not by any means a complete, comprehensive list --
just a start. Begin by putting all of your ideas together
in an action plan. Use your action plan to drive what you
do every day. Spend at least one hour on these tasks per
day. In no time you'll find you've made a lot of progress. Denise O'Berry helps small business owners take action to
grow their business. Find out more at
http://www.smallbusinessmatters.com
Article Source: http://www.articlepros.com
Copyright 2005 Denise OBerry
OK. So you took the leap and started your online store.
But, oops, there are no customers and your store is lost in
the crowd. All is not lost. You just need to be very
creative in how you market your site. The key thing to
remember as you market your site is "people buy from
people, not companies."
To make money online: 1) You must get traffic to your site.
2) You must convert that traffic to paying customers. To
begin simply create a T-chart. Label one column "Traffic"
and the other "Conversion." Then brainstorm what methods
you will use to to make those happen and turn them into an
action plan.
Traffic suggestions for you:
* Pay per click
* Offline advertising
* Article marketing
* Newsletter
* Autoresponders
* Word of mouth
* Joint ventures / strategic partnerships
* Talks to groups
* Participation in online forums / discussion groups
Most online stores are extremely competitive (what's not
these days?) and they compete on price - one of the worst
ways to compete. What you need to do is find a way to take
the focus off the money, find your unique value and promote
it from there.
So how do you do that? First you have to know who your
prospect is so you can speak to them directly. Hint: Your
market is not everyone or anyone. Once you know who your
prospect is, you can implement tactics that will convert
them into customers.
Here are some ideas that will help your conversion rate:
* Bundled products
* Free gift with purchase
* Regular newsletter
* Autoresponder course
* Helpful content on your website
* Companion blog for your website
These should get you thinking about where you need to go.
This is not by any means a complete, comprehensive list --
just a start. Begin by putting all of your ideas together
in an action plan. Use your action plan to drive what you
do every day. Spend at least one hour on these tasks per
day. In no time you'll find you've made a lot of progress. Denise O'Berry helps small business owners take action to
grow their business. Find out more at
http://www.smallbusinessmatters.com
Article Source: http://www.articlepros.com
Bad Credit Home Loan - How To Get A Good One?
Getting a home loan with a bad credit has never been easier.
Here are some of the tips recommended by experts to improve
your chances of getting a home loan:
Find a good deal on your home:
If you can snap up a home as cheaper rates compared to the
local market, you may have an easier time getting financing on
that property. To the lender or financial institution, it is as
good as having a down payment on your home. There are some
lenders who consider loan to value ratio before approving a
home loan. Ask your mortgage lender if this factor can help you
get qualified for your home loan.
Creative financing:
If the seller is motivated, ask if they are willing to carry
back a second mortgage on the home. On approval, you can set up
a contract or agreement with the seller that you agree to pay
monthly payments on the property, as a second mortgage. To make
it easy on the seller, it is best recommended to have an end
date by which you intend to pay back the amount owed. On an
average, 2 years are enough for you to refinance the second
mortgage and the seller does not feel permanently locked into
the agreement.
Make a downpayment:
You may be able to qualify for a 100% financing even with a bad
credit. However, if you pay a 5-10% down, your interest payments
will be much lower. Try to save as much as you can for your down
payment. At times, it is best advised to wait for a few months
to be able to make a down payment. If you cannot afford to have
a down payment, you may always refinance your loan later for a
lower interest rate.
Comparison shopping does help:
It is important to do a comparison shopping and get loan quotes
from multiple lenders. If you have a bad credit, you will be
surprised how much the interest rate varies. Let the loan
lender know that you are getting multiple offers and you are
considering the lowest rates. Lenders will squeeze their
margins to win your business.
Work on improving your credit score:
Request a free credit report from any of the credit bureaus. If
you were denied credit recently, you can get a free report.
Report any inaccuracies as soon as possible. Now it is easier
to report inaccuracies on the websites for each of the three
credit bureaus. Too many credit cards can negatively affect
your credit score. Close the accounts that you no longer need.
Don't let bad credit stop you from owning a home. There are
plenty of lenders out there to get a piece of your business.
Apply with multiple lenders and compare their offers. @Copyrights - Bill A Smith is a credit
counselor for Ameri credit counseling and credit management
agency. Visit us at http://www.americreditservices.com/ for
credit counseling.
Article Source: http://www.articlepros.com
Here are some of the tips recommended by experts to improve
your chances of getting a home loan:
Find a good deal on your home:
If you can snap up a home as cheaper rates compared to the
local market, you may have an easier time getting financing on
that property. To the lender or financial institution, it is as
good as having a down payment on your home. There are some
lenders who consider loan to value ratio before approving a
home loan. Ask your mortgage lender if this factor can help you
get qualified for your home loan.
Creative financing:
If the seller is motivated, ask if they are willing to carry
back a second mortgage on the home. On approval, you can set up
a contract or agreement with the seller that you agree to pay
monthly payments on the property, as a second mortgage. To make
it easy on the seller, it is best recommended to have an end
date by which you intend to pay back the amount owed. On an
average, 2 years are enough for you to refinance the second
mortgage and the seller does not feel permanently locked into
the agreement.
Make a downpayment:
You may be able to qualify for a 100% financing even with a bad
credit. However, if you pay a 5-10% down, your interest payments
will be much lower. Try to save as much as you can for your down
payment. At times, it is best advised to wait for a few months
to be able to make a down payment. If you cannot afford to have
a down payment, you may always refinance your loan later for a
lower interest rate.
Comparison shopping does help:
It is important to do a comparison shopping and get loan quotes
from multiple lenders. If you have a bad credit, you will be
surprised how much the interest rate varies. Let the loan
lender know that you are getting multiple offers and you are
considering the lowest rates. Lenders will squeeze their
margins to win your business.
Work on improving your credit score:
Request a free credit report from any of the credit bureaus. If
you were denied credit recently, you can get a free report.
Report any inaccuracies as soon as possible. Now it is easier
to report inaccuracies on the websites for each of the three
credit bureaus. Too many credit cards can negatively affect
your credit score. Close the accounts that you no longer need.
Don't let bad credit stop you from owning a home. There are
plenty of lenders out there to get a piece of your business.
Apply with multiple lenders and compare their offers. @Copyrights - Bill A Smith is a credit
counselor for Ameri credit counseling and credit management
agency. Visit us at http://www.americreditservices.com/ for
credit counseling.
Article Source: http://www.articlepros.com
Women Entrepreneurs Guide To Financing A Home Based Business
Women Entrepreneurs Guide To Financing
A Home Based Business
(C)2005 BB Lee
It's a fact, over 66 percent of new business owners are women.
And did you know that women entrepreneurs are 75 percent more
successful than their male counterparts at managing and profiting
with their own home based business.
One problem women entrepreneurs often encounter is where to find
funding for their business venture. Check out the following list
for a few ideas.
Job Revenue: That's right. Don't quit that day job just yet.
Many women start their home business part time while still working
at a full time outside job.
Personal Savings: Many women home business owners look to
finance their venture with personal bank account. Or other personal
resources such as savings bonds, stock, etc.
Credit Cards: More women than you might think fund their startup with
their credit cards. This is risky, but a quick way to fund your
business.
Friends and Family: Many women entrepreneurs look to friends and
family when starting a new business. Often, money is loaned interest
free, which is to the business owners best advantage.
Banks, Credit Unions: Prepare a good business proposal. The bank
or credit union might consider you a good loan prospect and fund your
business. This might be a long shot because many of these
institutions
will not consider the business owner unless they have a proven track
record or an established business.
Garage Sales: Start spring cleaning. Clear out those attics,
basements, closets, of all unwanted items. Garage sale profits might
easily fund your complete startup cost.
Ebay Profits: Register with Ebay, the online auction site. Your
trash
could easily be someone's treasure. Heh, you might even consider
starting a business selling items on Ebay!
More Resources For Funding Your Home Business!
Free Money and Help for Women Entrepreneurs
Over 5,000 Government Sources Of Grants, Loans,
Venture Capital, Management, Technical Assistance
and Marketing Help.
http://www.smallbizbitsnews.com/advert2.htmlBB Lee is editor/publisher of SmallBizBits Newsletter
http://www.smallbizbitsnews.com/
mailto:smallbizbits@yahoo.com
subscribe:46401-subscribe@zinester.com
Article Source: http://www.articlepros.com
A Home Based Business
(C)2005 BB Lee
It's a fact, over 66 percent of new business owners are women.
And did you know that women entrepreneurs are 75 percent more
successful than their male counterparts at managing and profiting
with their own home based business.
One problem women entrepreneurs often encounter is where to find
funding for their business venture. Check out the following list
for a few ideas.
Job Revenue: That's right. Don't quit that day job just yet.
Many women start their home business part time while still working
at a full time outside job.
Personal Savings: Many women home business owners look to
finance their venture with personal bank account. Or other personal
resources such as savings bonds, stock, etc.
Credit Cards: More women than you might think fund their startup with
their credit cards. This is risky, but a quick way to fund your
business.
Friends and Family: Many women entrepreneurs look to friends and
family when starting a new business. Often, money is loaned interest
free, which is to the business owners best advantage.
Banks, Credit Unions: Prepare a good business proposal. The bank
or credit union might consider you a good loan prospect and fund your
business. This might be a long shot because many of these
institutions
will not consider the business owner unless they have a proven track
record or an established business.
Garage Sales: Start spring cleaning. Clear out those attics,
basements, closets, of all unwanted items. Garage sale profits might
easily fund your complete startup cost.
Ebay Profits: Register with Ebay, the online auction site. Your
trash
could easily be someone's treasure. Heh, you might even consider
starting a business selling items on Ebay!
More Resources For Funding Your Home Business!
Free Money and Help for Women Entrepreneurs
Over 5,000 Government Sources Of Grants, Loans,
Venture Capital, Management, Technical Assistance
and Marketing Help.
http://www.smallbizbitsnews.com/advert2.htmlBB Lee is editor/publisher of SmallBizBits Newsletter
http://www.smallbizbitsnews.com/
mailto:smallbizbits@yahoo.com
subscribe:46401-subscribe@zinester.com
Article Source: http://www.articlepros.com
Friday, June 29, 2007
Five Easy Steps To Potty Train Your Baby
No…Don’t let your child pee or poop every where and make your life miserable. Try to potty training your child since baby. Starting since newborn is not a bad idea. Some mom say the sooner you potty train your baby the better you find the result. Thus, parents who will let nature take it course will find that it will take a very long time for their child to be dry at night.
But it is also understood if parents feel that they baby is not ready for potty training. Potty training is a learning process, so you and your child should all be ready. Your child has to understand what you want, and then has to learn how to do it.
1. Those who succeeded in potty training since baby said they started by wearing their baby a clothes diaper. It saved so much money since you don’t need to use expensive disposal diaper. Cloth diapers are made of an absorbent material, such as cotton. Cotton is the best natural fiber for absorbency. When the cotton fibers comes in contact with a liquid, each fiber will absorb as much liquid as it can hold, then pass the remaining liquid to the next dry fiber until all the liquid is absorbed. Baby who wears clothes will feel uncomfortable wet feeling and the knowledge that they can prevent it. Most babies will wake up dry in the morning at several months of age, demonstrating that they are physically able to "hold it".
2. The second step is to make your baby understand more about his body. It's only natural during this development stage that your child notices the parts of his body. He may be able to name some parts like his eyes and feet. He knows his eyes see. He knows his feet walk. Now, he's beginning to know what the beginning of a bowel movement or bladder feels like. Since that he realizes what happened to his body and why he needs to go to the bathroom, he will understand that potty training is important. By that time, it will be easier for you to potty training.
3. After your baby gets bigger take him into the bathroom when you go. That way, they know what's going on in there. Talk to them about what toilets are for. If you are a woman at home all day with boy children, encourage Daddy to show them how it's done.
4. For the continuity of potty training, buy 3 or 4 of those cheap little molded plastic potties and put them around the house. At least, one in each bathroom and one in the kitchen or the room where you spend the most time with your child. Stick a towel underneath for the sake of your carpet if said child is a boy.
5. Last but not least, always give your baby appreciation for what he/she has done. One popular method is to give stickers and a calendar to keep track of his/her successes. Every time he/she goes to the potty, your baby gets a sticker that he can then paste onto the page.
If your child starts to lose interest but is well into toilet training, you may want to consider offering other rewards. Amy Fadden is a mother and a book writer on newborn, potty training and other family matter from home. She likes to read book while taking care of her children, house and the whole family. You can visit her Website at http://www.pottytrainingtoddler.info
Article Source: http://www.articlepros.com
But it is also understood if parents feel that they baby is not ready for potty training. Potty training is a learning process, so you and your child should all be ready. Your child has to understand what you want, and then has to learn how to do it.
1. Those who succeeded in potty training since baby said they started by wearing their baby a clothes diaper. It saved so much money since you don’t need to use expensive disposal diaper. Cloth diapers are made of an absorbent material, such as cotton. Cotton is the best natural fiber for absorbency. When the cotton fibers comes in contact with a liquid, each fiber will absorb as much liquid as it can hold, then pass the remaining liquid to the next dry fiber until all the liquid is absorbed. Baby who wears clothes will feel uncomfortable wet feeling and the knowledge that they can prevent it. Most babies will wake up dry in the morning at several months of age, demonstrating that they are physically able to "hold it".
2. The second step is to make your baby understand more about his body. It's only natural during this development stage that your child notices the parts of his body. He may be able to name some parts like his eyes and feet. He knows his eyes see. He knows his feet walk. Now, he's beginning to know what the beginning of a bowel movement or bladder feels like. Since that he realizes what happened to his body and why he needs to go to the bathroom, he will understand that potty training is important. By that time, it will be easier for you to potty training.
3. After your baby gets bigger take him into the bathroom when you go. That way, they know what's going on in there. Talk to them about what toilets are for. If you are a woman at home all day with boy children, encourage Daddy to show them how it's done.
4. For the continuity of potty training, buy 3 or 4 of those cheap little molded plastic potties and put them around the house. At least, one in each bathroom and one in the kitchen or the room where you spend the most time with your child. Stick a towel underneath for the sake of your carpet if said child is a boy.
5. Last but not least, always give your baby appreciation for what he/she has done. One popular method is to give stickers and a calendar to keep track of his/her successes. Every time he/she goes to the potty, your baby gets a sticker that he can then paste onto the page.
If your child starts to lose interest but is well into toilet training, you may want to consider offering other rewards. Amy Fadden is a mother and a book writer on newborn, potty training and other family matter from home. She likes to read book while taking care of her children, house and the whole family. You can visit her Website at http://www.pottytrainingtoddler.info
Article Source: http://www.articlepros.com
"More work, more money -- and a lot more pressure!"
Q. A bigger job and more money ...but also more work and
less leisure. How do I manage the balancing act? Or should I
retreat instead of advance for now?
A. Whether you're growing a business or accepting a
promotion, overwhelm goes with the territory. Clients often
wonder, "Should I turn down the opportunity? Or seek a
lower-level job with less stress?"
Often a lower level job (or cutting back business) brings
more frustration and pressure - not less. You're trying to
second-guess your boss (after all, you did her job last
year!). You may have less freedom and organizational power.
Boredom can breed stress. Instead:
1. Use money to buy time.
Often successful, high-earning professionals continue to
perform chores they could easily delegate.
When I ask clients, "How are you spending time?" they often
realize they're mowing lawns, painting garage doors,
cleaning houses, taking buses instead or cabs and updating
their own websites. They lose energy, leisure and momentum -
and feel increased time pressure.
Imagine that you live in a small apartment with just one
crowded closet. When you buy something new, you're forced
to toss something old to make room.
Time works the same way. As your job or business grows, your
calendar gets crowded. Time to toss the non-essentials - or
get help.
2. Use money to buy support.
As you move in a larger arena, you're on-stage more often.
You can't afford to share fears. Personal disclosures can be
misunderstood. A surprising number of professionals,
business owners and corporate executives find their own
sounding boards for confidential conversations.
For many years, "consultants" would be hired to fill this
function unofficially. Today professionals increasingly
acknowledge the support of coaches, mentors and consultants.
Support also comes from family, sports, friends, and
creative activities. But as time pressures increase, often
these resources are the first to be crossed off our
calendars. That's like tossing your parka out of a crowded
closet when you live in snow country: takes lots of room but
it could save your life in a blizzard.
3. Investigate limits and boundaries.
In a new job (or newly expanded business) you can find
yourself responding to all sorts of demands that seem to
come from nowhere. Over time, you discover what can be
safely ignored.
And you find ways to set limits. You may be able to say,
"No!" more often after you've been on board (or in business)
for awhile. You recognize permissible* trade-offs: "I can
attend this meeting - if I don't have to make the
out-of-town presentation."
Each situation has unique rules that aren't immediately
obvious. Before concluding "too much pressure," allow time
to learn the score.
4. Think "out" -- not "down" -- if you're ready to jump.
I've met many professionals who sought lower-tier jobs "to
get less pressure." Nearly all regretted these moves. "Low
pay and status" does not necessarily translate to "low
stress." In fact, often the opposite is true.
Instead, think of a major career shift. Take your time and
move on your own terms, which may mean months or years.
5. Track your marketability.
Every month (or more often) review your resume. Have you
added new skills? Met new challenges? Will these updates add
value in the job market, should you decide to move?
While the answer is "yes," you're probably on the right
track, even if you never intend to change jobs. If the
answer is "no," it's time to ask questions about the
relationship between work and reward.
Not sure? Your priority becomes, "Research the market to
make informed decisions."
And what if your responsibilities grow - but you're not
earning enough to buy time or support? What if you're
working harder while getting less marketable?
I never advise anyone to leap without a net. But maybe it's
time to start building a bridge to a new career.Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D., helps midlife professionals create
small, medium and huge career changes, start a business or
start over.
Fr^e Report: Ten secrets of managing a major
life change. mailto:subscribe@cathygoodwin.com
Contact cathy@cathygoodwin.com or call 505-534-4294
Article Source: http://www.articlepros.com
less leisure. How do I manage the balancing act? Or should I
retreat instead of advance for now?
A. Whether you're growing a business or accepting a
promotion, overwhelm goes with the territory. Clients often
wonder, "Should I turn down the opportunity? Or seek a
lower-level job with less stress?"
Often a lower level job (or cutting back business) brings
more frustration and pressure - not less. You're trying to
second-guess your boss (after all, you did her job last
year!). You may have less freedom and organizational power.
Boredom can breed stress. Instead:
1. Use money to buy time.
Often successful, high-earning professionals continue to
perform chores they could easily delegate.
When I ask clients, "How are you spending time?" they often
realize they're mowing lawns, painting garage doors,
cleaning houses, taking buses instead or cabs and updating
their own websites. They lose energy, leisure and momentum -
and feel increased time pressure.
Imagine that you live in a small apartment with just one
crowded closet. When you buy something new, you're forced
to toss something old to make room.
Time works the same way. As your job or business grows, your
calendar gets crowded. Time to toss the non-essentials - or
get help.
2. Use money to buy support.
As you move in a larger arena, you're on-stage more often.
You can't afford to share fears. Personal disclosures can be
misunderstood. A surprising number of professionals,
business owners and corporate executives find their own
sounding boards for confidential conversations.
For many years, "consultants" would be hired to fill this
function unofficially. Today professionals increasingly
acknowledge the support of coaches, mentors and consultants.
Support also comes from family, sports, friends, and
creative activities. But as time pressures increase, often
these resources are the first to be crossed off our
calendars. That's like tossing your parka out of a crowded
closet when you live in snow country: takes lots of room but
it could save your life in a blizzard.
3. Investigate limits and boundaries.
In a new job (or newly expanded business) you can find
yourself responding to all sorts of demands that seem to
come from nowhere. Over time, you discover what can be
safely ignored.
And you find ways to set limits. You may be able to say,
"No!" more often after you've been on board (or in business)
for awhile. You recognize permissible* trade-offs: "I can
attend this meeting - if I don't have to make the
out-of-town presentation."
Each situation has unique rules that aren't immediately
obvious. Before concluding "too much pressure," allow time
to learn the score.
4. Think "out" -- not "down" -- if you're ready to jump.
I've met many professionals who sought lower-tier jobs "to
get less pressure." Nearly all regretted these moves. "Low
pay and status" does not necessarily translate to "low
stress." In fact, often the opposite is true.
Instead, think of a major career shift. Take your time and
move on your own terms, which may mean months or years.
5. Track your marketability.
Every month (or more often) review your resume. Have you
added new skills? Met new challenges? Will these updates add
value in the job market, should you decide to move?
While the answer is "yes," you're probably on the right
track, even if you never intend to change jobs. If the
answer is "no," it's time to ask questions about the
relationship between work and reward.
Not sure? Your priority becomes, "Research the market to
make informed decisions."
And what if your responsibilities grow - but you're not
earning enough to buy time or support? What if you're
working harder while getting less marketable?
I never advise anyone to leap without a net. But maybe it's
time to start building a bridge to a new career.Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D., helps midlife professionals create
small, medium and huge career changes, start a business or
start over.
Fr^e Report: Ten secrets of managing a major
life change. mailto:subscribe@cathygoodwin.com
Contact cathy@cathygoodwin.com or call 505-534-4294
Article Source: http://www.articlepros.com
Grow Your B2B Small Business Without Marketing
Summary: Want to grow your business-to-business small business
without chasing after new clients? Expand with new value-added
services that complement your existing offering. Find out how.
If you have a business-to-business small business, some of your
clients inevitably will go out of business, get bought out,
undergo management shake-ups, or just get seduced by a new
vendor. You have to grow your business just to stay in
business. But how?
. Undertake costly and time-consuming marketing and networking
projects to get new clients to make up for the inevitable
attrition.
. Ask your existing clients to refer new clients. This is
always a good idea, but it's not the fastest or most reliable
way to get new business. You could wait months to see results.
. Don't get new clients at all. Instead, expand your offerings
to your existing clients.
Choosing Your New B2B Small Business Offering: What to Look for
Expanding your B2B offering might sound like a bit of a
headache and that is a possibility. You have to select your
expanded offering carefully. Here's what to look for:
Complements existing offering
In case you're tempted to branch out too far, keep these
factors in mind:
. Market. If your expanded offering complements your existing
offering, your existing clients will provide a ready market.
. Credibility. "Jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none:" it's a
cliché, but people instinctively believe it. Which would you
trust more: a shoemaker who also sells wristwatches or a
shoemaker who also sells socks?
. Skills. You will inevitably need new skills for your new
offering. This includes the softer skills of selling and
servicing the offering. The fewer skills you have to acquire,
the smoother your rollout will be.
Modest investment to start
The only guaranteed way of minimizing your risk is to minimize
your investment. Remember: investment doesn't just mean money,
but also your time and energy. Choose an expanded offering that
won't be all-consuming.
Strong existing demand
Face it: your small business already has its hands full with
its existing business. You can't afford to break ground on
something the world doesn't know about yet. Look for an
unfulfilled demand on the part of your existing client base.
Hypothetical Case Study: B2B Service Expansion
Lisa is a virtual assistant who has expanded from data entry to
helping her clients organize their internal records. But
offshore companies are taking away record-keeping clients just
as they did with data entry. Getting new record-keeping clients
would be an uphill battle against offshoring.
What does Lisa do?
1. Lisa gets into a few long telephone calls with her favorite
clients. One client mentions his secretary is tired of handling
payroll. Another says he is fed up with being put on hold with
his current big-name payroll processing company.
2. Lisa researches payroll processing outsourcing. She finds
it's a business where offshore companies have not made great
inroads. Domestic businesses have not glutted the market,
either. Traditionally, the technology needed to run a payroll
process business was so expensive that only a few large firms
could compete. The new software that allows any small business
to offer payroll processing services has only been on the
market a short time. Meanwhile, the cost of startup is only the
cost of the software, plus a portion of her sales. Best of all,
the only training she needs is to read up on a few payroll
manuals, and do a test run with one or two of her most
supportive clients.
3. Lisa gets a few of her clients on the phone and asks them
point-blank if they would be interested in outsourcing their
payroll processing to her. They sound interested.
4. Lisa finds a reputable payroll processing software company
founded by someone with extensive experience in the field. She
calls the company up and confirms that they have not sold a
franchise in her area yet.
5. Within six months, Lisa has taken over the payroll
processing of about one-fifth of her existing clients. Though
she has lost two large clients to offshore virtual assistant
services, her business income has grown by fifteen percent,
since she has gotten more work without having to invest in
marketing.
Of course, Lisa's success took hard work. But she was able to
maximize her effort by choosing an offering she could expand
her business into easily. Payroll processing is one example of
a value-added service that many B2B small businesses can
transition into smoothly. But whatever new offering you go
with, just make sure to choose your new offering carefully.Joel Walsh recommends you check out this site
for expanding your business with payroll outsourcing:
http://PayClerk.com/?%20payroll%20outsourcing [Publish this
article on your website! Requirement: live link for above
URL/web address w/ link text/anchor text: "payroll outsourcing"
OR leave this bracketed message intact.]
Article Source: http://www.articlepros.com
without chasing after new clients? Expand with new value-added
services that complement your existing offering. Find out how.
If you have a business-to-business small business, some of your
clients inevitably will go out of business, get bought out,
undergo management shake-ups, or just get seduced by a new
vendor. You have to grow your business just to stay in
business. But how?
. Undertake costly and time-consuming marketing and networking
projects to get new clients to make up for the inevitable
attrition.
. Ask your existing clients to refer new clients. This is
always a good idea, but it's not the fastest or most reliable
way to get new business. You could wait months to see results.
. Don't get new clients at all. Instead, expand your offerings
to your existing clients.
Choosing Your New B2B Small Business Offering: What to Look for
Expanding your B2B offering might sound like a bit of a
headache and that is a possibility. You have to select your
expanded offering carefully. Here's what to look for:
Complements existing offering
In case you're tempted to branch out too far, keep these
factors in mind:
. Market. If your expanded offering complements your existing
offering, your existing clients will provide a ready market.
. Credibility. "Jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none:" it's a
cliché, but people instinctively believe it. Which would you
trust more: a shoemaker who also sells wristwatches or a
shoemaker who also sells socks?
. Skills. You will inevitably need new skills for your new
offering. This includes the softer skills of selling and
servicing the offering. The fewer skills you have to acquire,
the smoother your rollout will be.
Modest investment to start
The only guaranteed way of minimizing your risk is to minimize
your investment. Remember: investment doesn't just mean money,
but also your time and energy. Choose an expanded offering that
won't be all-consuming.
Strong existing demand
Face it: your small business already has its hands full with
its existing business. You can't afford to break ground on
something the world doesn't know about yet. Look for an
unfulfilled demand on the part of your existing client base.
Hypothetical Case Study: B2B Service Expansion
Lisa is a virtual assistant who has expanded from data entry to
helping her clients organize their internal records. But
offshore companies are taking away record-keeping clients just
as they did with data entry. Getting new record-keeping clients
would be an uphill battle against offshoring.
What does Lisa do?
1. Lisa gets into a few long telephone calls with her favorite
clients. One client mentions his secretary is tired of handling
payroll. Another says he is fed up with being put on hold with
his current big-name payroll processing company.
2. Lisa researches payroll processing outsourcing. She finds
it's a business where offshore companies have not made great
inroads. Domestic businesses have not glutted the market,
either. Traditionally, the technology needed to run a payroll
process business was so expensive that only a few large firms
could compete. The new software that allows any small business
to offer payroll processing services has only been on the
market a short time. Meanwhile, the cost of startup is only the
cost of the software, plus a portion of her sales. Best of all,
the only training she needs is to read up on a few payroll
manuals, and do a test run with one or two of her most
supportive clients.
3. Lisa gets a few of her clients on the phone and asks them
point-blank if they would be interested in outsourcing their
payroll processing to her. They sound interested.
4. Lisa finds a reputable payroll processing software company
founded by someone with extensive experience in the field. She
calls the company up and confirms that they have not sold a
franchise in her area yet.
5. Within six months, Lisa has taken over the payroll
processing of about one-fifth of her existing clients. Though
she has lost two large clients to offshore virtual assistant
services, her business income has grown by fifteen percent,
since she has gotten more work without having to invest in
marketing.
Of course, Lisa's success took hard work. But she was able to
maximize her effort by choosing an offering she could expand
her business into easily. Payroll processing is one example of
a value-added service that many B2B small businesses can
transition into smoothly. But whatever new offering you go
with, just make sure to choose your new offering carefully.Joel Walsh recommends you check out this site
for expanding your business with payroll outsourcing:
http://PayClerk.com/?%20payroll%20outsourcing [Publish this
article on your website! Requirement: live link for above
URL/web address w/ link text/anchor text: "payroll outsourcing"
OR leave this bracketed message intact.]
Article Source: http://www.articlepros.com
Business Branding
Branding is very important to a business, whether it is an
online or offline business. Your brand will be the first
impression the public has of your business and could very well
be the most important one. The goal in business branding is to
give consumers a visual image of your company. Business
branding is very important to a business because it allows the
public to identify your company name on sight.
There are several elements of business branding, the first of
which is your logo. It is a good idea to use a professional in
creating your company logo. A logo designed with clip art and
unprofessional graphics can make your business seem
unprofessional. Your company logo should appear in as many
places as possible including emails, letterhead, pens, and
notepads. The image your company projects should be
professional and memorable.
Another important feature of business branding is your slogan.
A slogan identifies the values and mission statement of your
company. A slogan should emphasize the message you want to
convey to the public. You should choose your wording carefully
and create a short slogan that is easy to remember. Business
branding is very important to any type of business and you
should include your logo and/or slogan in your web site design
and signage. In creating the perfect brand for your business
you need to determine who your customers are and how your
business can fill their needs, and who your competitors are and
why your business is a better choice for consumers.
Business branding must be highly visible and easily
identifiable to the public. Your branding logo and slogan
should be consistently displayed in all your company
advertisements and correspondence. The image your company
projects is just as important as the quality of services and
products you provide.For more information about home based
business go to http://www.mommysplace.net
Article Source: http://www.articlepros.com
online or offline business. Your brand will be the first
impression the public has of your business and could very well
be the most important one. The goal in business branding is to
give consumers a visual image of your company. Business
branding is very important to a business because it allows the
public to identify your company name on sight.
There are several elements of business branding, the first of
which is your logo. It is a good idea to use a professional in
creating your company logo. A logo designed with clip art and
unprofessional graphics can make your business seem
unprofessional. Your company logo should appear in as many
places as possible including emails, letterhead, pens, and
notepads. The image your company projects should be
professional and memorable.
Another important feature of business branding is your slogan.
A slogan identifies the values and mission statement of your
company. A slogan should emphasize the message you want to
convey to the public. You should choose your wording carefully
and create a short slogan that is easy to remember. Business
branding is very important to any type of business and you
should include your logo and/or slogan in your web site design
and signage. In creating the perfect brand for your business
you need to determine who your customers are and how your
business can fill their needs, and who your competitors are and
why your business is a better choice for consumers.
Business branding must be highly visible and easily
identifiable to the public. Your branding logo and slogan
should be consistently displayed in all your company
advertisements and correspondence. The image your company
projects is just as important as the quality of services and
products you provide.For more information about home based
business go to http://www.mommysplace.net
Article Source: http://www.articlepros.com
Make Money On The Net
This is probably the most popular topic on the net, it's how to
make money while you are online.
Can you believe that over 100 home business start in a single
day? The number is actually hirer than that, as lots of home
businesses start up without counting themselves with federal
agencies. How do you compete with that? What do you do?
The question is the first step to making money on the net.
The First Step To Making Money On The Net
What do you do?
To make money on the net, you need to figure out for yourself a
good niche. It's where everyone should start. What do you like
to do? If you like music, make a music website.
But does that mean you should make a website all about music?
No! You should narrow it down. You might not like country
music, but you do dig garage bands. Make a website about garage
bands. Perhaps you like one band in particular. There are
probably others out there that like the band too. A fan website
is an excellent way to make money online.
The Next Step To Making Money On The Net
You knew it would come to this. The next step to making money
on the net, is of course, the website. You must build a website
with content that reflects your interests. Each page should have
a concentration of easy navigation and content. Perhaps you
could leave a comment box for your visitors. Find out what your
competitors are doing and mimic (Don't bluntly steal.) what they
are doing.
Once you have your content pages up, you'll have to go get some
visitors. Start by search engine optimizing your web pages and
you'll find that you won't have to do much else to get visitors
to come to you.
I know what you are thinking, how do web pages like that make
me money? Perhaps you already have your garage band music
website. What's next?
The Final Step To Making Money On The Net
Your next step is figuring out then what you want to sell.
Affiliate programs work great on fan websites. Perhaps your
website has LOTS of information for business, you could charge
a fee to get access to ebooks and articles and personalized
help.
Whatever you pick, make it match what your content is. Don't
assume you can just sell anything to your visitors. Pineapples
don't sell well to grapefruit fans. So find something that will
work well. It should be something that you would buy yourself
and sell it to your visitors. This is the easiest way to make a
little extra money online.
Just remember that the content should be kind, it's number one
on your website. You sell things around your content and it
will be much easier to sell, period.Joel Teo is the owner of the Money Making
Directory which boasts of money making tips, recommendations
and resources to help ordinary people make money online.
Signup for his free newsletter today at
http://www.MakeThousandsToday.info and receive his
complimentary "7 Insider Secrets to making money online"
Course.
Article Source: http://www.articlepros.com
make money while you are online.
Can you believe that over 100 home business start in a single
day? The number is actually hirer than that, as lots of home
businesses start up without counting themselves with federal
agencies. How do you compete with that? What do you do?
The question is the first step to making money on the net.
The First Step To Making Money On The Net
What do you do?
To make money on the net, you need to figure out for yourself a
good niche. It's where everyone should start. What do you like
to do? If you like music, make a music website.
But does that mean you should make a website all about music?
No! You should narrow it down. You might not like country
music, but you do dig garage bands. Make a website about garage
bands. Perhaps you like one band in particular. There are
probably others out there that like the band too. A fan website
is an excellent way to make money online.
The Next Step To Making Money On The Net
You knew it would come to this. The next step to making money
on the net, is of course, the website. You must build a website
with content that reflects your interests. Each page should have
a concentration of easy navigation and content. Perhaps you
could leave a comment box for your visitors. Find out what your
competitors are doing and mimic (Don't bluntly steal.) what they
are doing.
Once you have your content pages up, you'll have to go get some
visitors. Start by search engine optimizing your web pages and
you'll find that you won't have to do much else to get visitors
to come to you.
I know what you are thinking, how do web pages like that make
me money? Perhaps you already have your garage band music
website. What's next?
The Final Step To Making Money On The Net
Your next step is figuring out then what you want to sell.
Affiliate programs work great on fan websites. Perhaps your
website has LOTS of information for business, you could charge
a fee to get access to ebooks and articles and personalized
help.
Whatever you pick, make it match what your content is. Don't
assume you can just sell anything to your visitors. Pineapples
don't sell well to grapefruit fans. So find something that will
work well. It should be something that you would buy yourself
and sell it to your visitors. This is the easiest way to make a
little extra money online.
Just remember that the content should be kind, it's number one
on your website. You sell things around your content and it
will be much easier to sell, period.Joel Teo is the owner of the Money Making
Directory which boasts of money making tips, recommendations
and resources to help ordinary people make money online.
Signup for his free newsletter today at
http://www.MakeThousandsToday.info and receive his
complimentary "7 Insider Secrets to making money online"
Course.
Article Source: http://www.articlepros.com
The only seat in the world for babies who are not yet able to sit up on their own
You know how precious and tiny a newborn is, all wrapped up in blankets and showered with love and warmth. You know how carefully mother protects it.
For many years people have struggled to give an infant child reasonable lumbar support whilst feeding. Even in traditional play environments, children at certain ages would not be able to be seated upright and have a decent view of the world.
Notwithstanding the above, this would always result in the constant need for the child to be held upright, thus restricting the ability to interact properly with the infant
The Bumbo is the world's 1st and only high quality product that offers a unique concept for mothers and is probaby the only seat in the world with the most awards.
As you study this material your mind will help you concentrate and visualize how Bumbo will enhance the lives of mothers and caregivers all over the world.
The Bumbo is not affected by seasonal or environmental changes. It is so versatile it can be used indoors or outdoors in a variety of locations, on the beach, in the park, next to the swimming pool, TV rooms and lounges etc, in fact anywhere on any level surface. The product assists mothers and other caregivers in nurturing a special bond between them and the child as it promotes interaction with the child through the eye-level feeding
Bumbo is aligned with the needs of millions of mothers all over the world. Bumbo is endorsed by Pediatric and Orthopedic faculties and is used in children's homes, hospitals, day care centers, nurseries, creches and the likes, and turned out to be an award winning best selling baby seat worldwide.
The Bumbo instills a sense of pride and joy in the infant who is able to demonstrate confidence at an early age. The Bumbo can be described as the extra set of hands mothers have always been looking for "
A new baby is the beginning of all things like
wonder, hope, and a dream of possibilities
Something interesting is going to happen as you realize that Bumbo is available now in over 40 countries worldwide........and the number grows each day. The UK has sold over 60,000 units last year .........more than 150,000 this year...and this is only the beginning.
Just imagine, there is no comparable product like the Bumbo anywhere in the world.
Feel again what it is like to see babies who cannot yet sit up on their own, now being able to be seated unassisted in an upright sitting position.With any other baby chair, the baby has got to be able to sit on it's own before you can seat the baby.
In a moment you will see, the interest in what is happening around him or her is a very important factor in the development of the baby's brain. It is of value to note that, because of the size of the human brain, babies have to be born before the brain is fully developed. Parents and caregivers can contribute considerably to how well their baby's brain develops. Intelligence is directly related to the amount of stimulation a baby gets. . It has been found that babies that don't get this early stimulation are permanently intellectually disadvantaged. Babies learn more in the first year of life than we learn for the rest of our lives.
Each time you think about it you will realize Bumbo is aligned with the needs of millions of mothers all over the world.....is the extra set of hands mothers and caregivers have always been looking for.
Finally, a Baby Seat like no other at a great price! You'll love all of the great features it has. Order yours today!
If you're looking for the world's first and only Baby Seat, Baby Chair, Baby Sitter with durability, that is soft, comfortable, lightweight and portable, order the Bumbo Baby Sitter today. There's never been a better deal . . . you don't want to miss it!
Thank you for reading through my e-mail. We will continue to provide you with a quality product and service par excellence at all times.
My name is Donald.........contact me anytime on donald@bumbo.co.za
BUMBO AWARDS
o Innovation and Sustainability Awards 2004 SA
http://www.innovationawards.co.za/citations04.htm
http://www.biz-community.com/Article/196/11/4489.html
http://www.cpsi.co.za/contentfiles/tblFile/2_filFilePath_Winners%20Article%20Final.doc
o iParenting Media Awards 2003 in the USA
http://iparentingmediaawards.com/winners/1/280-3-48.php
o Best New Product 2003 Awards UK
o Best Product 2003 Netherlands
o Top Brand 2005 Korea
http://kr.news.yahoo.com/service/news/shellview.htm?linkid=42&newssetid=495&articleid=20050531142027703b3
o A Winner of Design Institute Industrial Design Award 2002
http://www.designinstitute.co.za/news/news0209B.htm
o A Winner of Design Institute Engineering Award 2002
o Winner “Chairman’s Award for Excellence” 2002
o Runner up in DTI “Business Excellence Awards”
http://www.dti.gov.za/article/articleview.asp?current=0&arttypeid=1&artid=60
o Runner up in “Most Innovative Product 2003” Awards UK
o Finalist in the Africa SMME Business Awards 2004
http://www.usb.sun.ac.za/Media/Releases/Articles/29-09-2004(e).html
o Parents a choisi France – security, innovative and practicality 2005.
o TTT Toy Tips Tested Mark of Excellence USA 2004
http://www.toytips.com/video_june2004.lasso
o iParenting Hot Awards 2003 in the USA
http://www.iparentingmediaawards.com/winners/1/280-3-48.php
o Top 10 Coolest Products 2005 – Chicago Sun Times
http://www.suntimes.com/output/lifestyles/cst-ftr-shop02.html
o Recognising Briliant Ideas- Financial Mail 2004
http://free.financialmail.co.za/innovations/3sept/binn.htm
o Dti Business Excellence Awards
http://www.dti.gov.za/article/articleview.asp?current=0&arttypeid=1&artid=60
BUMBO ACCREDITATIONS
o TÜV Certification
o Bureau Veritas Tested ( Tested according to US Consumer Safety Regulations)
o Tested by STR (Specialised Technology Resources) UK (according to British & European Standards)
o Tested according to Russian Federation Standards Authority
o French Standards Authority ( FSA) Approval
o Compliant with Australian Safety Standards (ACCC)
o CE Mark of Approval
o Responsible Care
BUMBO OTHER
o JPMA accredited Member USA
o SANEC Member ( South African Netherlands Chamber of Commerce)
o Member Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce
o State of Illinois – Approved as a Medical Device
o Missisippi State : Department of Health – provides Bumbo for use by therapist.
o Design for Export Advantage –Design Institute Award 2005
http://www.designinstitute.co.za/events/ExportForm2005Prog.htm
Bumbo is subject to the following patent applications and granted patents
Australia- Granted Application no 36747/99
Brazil-Application 9917276-3
British-Application 1176893
Canadian-Application no 2372064
Chile- Application 198525
China- Granted Application 99816616.2
European-Granted Application 1176893
German- Granted Application 69903861.8
Japan-Application 2000-614856
Mexico-Application PA/A/2001/011312
United Kingdom- Granted
USA-Granted Patent 6626487
All the facts and criteria concerning the evaluation of the Bumbo are very clear.
ü * Innovation
ü * Cost/value relationship
ü * Performance
ü * Safety and ergonomics
ü * Environmental impact
ü * Ease of maintenance
ü * Quality of materials used, manufacture and assembly
ü * Appearance and tactile aspects
ü * Marketing aspects
ü * Trade potential
Bumbo was judged on its merit as a product for use in domestic and recreational environments.
Emphasis was placed on the expressive value of the product, such as form in relation to function, ergonomics, graphic elements, colour and texture. For these reasons the Bumbo was declared a winner in the Industrial Design Category.
The Bumbo was also declared a winner in the Engineering Design category. Products intended for use in general industry, medicine, agriculture, transportation or communication. The primary function of the product serves as the predominant criterion.
The judging panel of the SABS Design Institute consisted of five Professors, Doctors, Experts in technology and innovations, among other specialists and Intellectual Property authorities.
Products deemed excellent by the above panel are endorsed with The Chairman’s Award for excellence.
This Award was bestowed upon The Bumbo Baby Sitter.
So, as much as we are, and have always been confident of the potential of this dynamic Bumbo product, it is now plain to see that as a marketer’s dream, success is ensured for all those involved in the Bumbo.
The fact that a simple practical demonstration did have some impact on the judges, this was not really necessary. Bear in mind all these tests are carried out with one thing on mind and that is CHILD SAFETY.
The TUV Rheinland’s Test marks document consistent quality and safety of products. The inspections cover specifically product related quality assurance procedures according to test standards.
Bumbo (Pty) Ltd was runner up the DTI "Business Excellence Awards" 2002 http://www.designinstitute.co.za/events/ExportForm2005Prog.htm
BUMBO
Donald Pillai
Bumbo baby sitter
Donald Pillai is the international marketing executive of Bumbo (Pty) Ltd and is responsible for creating, implementing and measuring the success of the product on offer. He is also responsible for all the organisation's marketing, communications and public relations activities and materials including publications, media relations, client acquisition and so forth.
BUMBO
Anyone looks at life differently when recognition is passed on. Recognition from the SABS Design Institute made this company look at things in a different perspective and when that happened, it opened our eyes to a whole new world out there. This discussion looked at the benefits of winning a design award.
Article Source: http://www.articlepros.com
For many years people have struggled to give an infant child reasonable lumbar support whilst feeding. Even in traditional play environments, children at certain ages would not be able to be seated upright and have a decent view of the world.
Notwithstanding the above, this would always result in the constant need for the child to be held upright, thus restricting the ability to interact properly with the infant
The Bumbo is the world's 1st and only high quality product that offers a unique concept for mothers and is probaby the only seat in the world with the most awards.
As you study this material your mind will help you concentrate and visualize how Bumbo will enhance the lives of mothers and caregivers all over the world.
The Bumbo is not affected by seasonal or environmental changes. It is so versatile it can be used indoors or outdoors in a variety of locations, on the beach, in the park, next to the swimming pool, TV rooms and lounges etc, in fact anywhere on any level surface. The product assists mothers and other caregivers in nurturing a special bond between them and the child as it promotes interaction with the child through the eye-level feeding
Bumbo is aligned with the needs of millions of mothers all over the world. Bumbo is endorsed by Pediatric and Orthopedic faculties and is used in children's homes, hospitals, day care centers, nurseries, creches and the likes, and turned out to be an award winning best selling baby seat worldwide.
The Bumbo instills a sense of pride and joy in the infant who is able to demonstrate confidence at an early age. The Bumbo can be described as the extra set of hands mothers have always been looking for "
A new baby is the beginning of all things like
wonder, hope, and a dream of possibilities
Something interesting is going to happen as you realize that Bumbo is available now in over 40 countries worldwide........and the number grows each day. The UK has sold over 60,000 units last year .........more than 150,000 this year...and this is only the beginning.
Just imagine, there is no comparable product like the Bumbo anywhere in the world.
Feel again what it is like to see babies who cannot yet sit up on their own, now being able to be seated unassisted in an upright sitting position.With any other baby chair, the baby has got to be able to sit on it's own before you can seat the baby.
In a moment you will see, the interest in what is happening around him or her is a very important factor in the development of the baby's brain. It is of value to note that, because of the size of the human brain, babies have to be born before the brain is fully developed. Parents and caregivers can contribute considerably to how well their baby's brain develops. Intelligence is directly related to the amount of stimulation a baby gets. . It has been found that babies that don't get this early stimulation are permanently intellectually disadvantaged. Babies learn more in the first year of life than we learn for the rest of our lives.
Each time you think about it you will realize Bumbo is aligned with the needs of millions of mothers all over the world.....is the extra set of hands mothers and caregivers have always been looking for.
Finally, a Baby Seat like no other at a great price! You'll love all of the great features it has. Order yours today!
If you're looking for the world's first and only Baby Seat, Baby Chair, Baby Sitter with durability, that is soft, comfortable, lightweight and portable, order the Bumbo Baby Sitter today. There's never been a better deal . . . you don't want to miss it!
Thank you for reading through my e-mail. We will continue to provide you with a quality product and service par excellence at all times.
My name is Donald.........contact me anytime on donald@bumbo.co.za
BUMBO AWARDS
o Innovation and Sustainability Awards 2004 SA
http://www.innovationawards.co.za/citations04.htm
http://www.biz-community.com/Article/196/11/4489.html
http://www.cpsi.co.za/contentfiles/tblFile/2_filFilePath_Winners%20Article%20Final.doc
o iParenting Media Awards 2003 in the USA
http://iparentingmediaawards.com/winners/1/280-3-48.php
o Best New Product 2003 Awards UK
o Best Product 2003 Netherlands
o Top Brand 2005 Korea
http://kr.news.yahoo.com/service/news/shellview.htm?linkid=42&newssetid=495&articleid=20050531142027703b3
o A Winner of Design Institute Industrial Design Award 2002
http://www.designinstitute.co.za/news/news0209B.htm
o A Winner of Design Institute Engineering Award 2002
o Winner “Chairman’s Award for Excellence” 2002
o Runner up in DTI “Business Excellence Awards”
http://www.dti.gov.za/article/articleview.asp?current=0&arttypeid=1&artid=60
o Runner up in “Most Innovative Product 2003” Awards UK
o Finalist in the Africa SMME Business Awards 2004
http://www.usb.sun.ac.za/Media/Releases/Articles/29-09-2004(e).html
o Parents a choisi France – security, innovative and practicality 2005.
o TTT Toy Tips Tested Mark of Excellence USA 2004
http://www.toytips.com/video_june2004.lasso
o iParenting Hot Awards 2003 in the USA
http://www.iparentingmediaawards.com/winners/1/280-3-48.php
o Top 10 Coolest Products 2005 – Chicago Sun Times
http://www.suntimes.com/output/lifestyles/cst-ftr-shop02.html
o Recognising Briliant Ideas- Financial Mail 2004
http://free.financialmail.co.za/innovations/3sept/binn.htm
o Dti Business Excellence Awards
http://www.dti.gov.za/article/articleview.asp?current=0&arttypeid=1&artid=60
BUMBO ACCREDITATIONS
o TÜV Certification
o Bureau Veritas Tested ( Tested according to US Consumer Safety Regulations)
o Tested by STR (Specialised Technology Resources) UK (according to British & European Standards)
o Tested according to Russian Federation Standards Authority
o French Standards Authority ( FSA) Approval
o Compliant with Australian Safety Standards (ACCC)
o CE Mark of Approval
o Responsible Care
BUMBO OTHER
o JPMA accredited Member USA
o SANEC Member ( South African Netherlands Chamber of Commerce)
o Member Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce
o State of Illinois – Approved as a Medical Device
o Missisippi State : Department of Health – provides Bumbo for use by therapist.
o Design for Export Advantage –Design Institute Award 2005
http://www.designinstitute.co.za/events/ExportForm2005Prog.htm
Bumbo is subject to the following patent applications and granted patents
Australia- Granted Application no 36747/99
Brazil-Application 9917276-3
British-Application 1176893
Canadian-Application no 2372064
Chile- Application 198525
China- Granted Application 99816616.2
European-Granted Application 1176893
German- Granted Application 69903861.8
Japan-Application 2000-614856
Mexico-Application PA/A/2001/011312
United Kingdom- Granted
USA-Granted Patent 6626487
All the facts and criteria concerning the evaluation of the Bumbo are very clear.
ü * Innovation
ü * Cost/value relationship
ü * Performance
ü * Safety and ergonomics
ü * Environmental impact
ü * Ease of maintenance
ü * Quality of materials used, manufacture and assembly
ü * Appearance and tactile aspects
ü * Marketing aspects
ü * Trade potential
Bumbo was judged on its merit as a product for use in domestic and recreational environments.
Emphasis was placed on the expressive value of the product, such as form in relation to function, ergonomics, graphic elements, colour and texture. For these reasons the Bumbo was declared a winner in the Industrial Design Category.
The Bumbo was also declared a winner in the Engineering Design category. Products intended for use in general industry, medicine, agriculture, transportation or communication. The primary function of the product serves as the predominant criterion.
The judging panel of the SABS Design Institute consisted of five Professors, Doctors, Experts in technology and innovations, among other specialists and Intellectual Property authorities.
Products deemed excellent by the above panel are endorsed with The Chairman’s Award for excellence.
This Award was bestowed upon The Bumbo Baby Sitter.
So, as much as we are, and have always been confident of the potential of this dynamic Bumbo product, it is now plain to see that as a marketer’s dream, success is ensured for all those involved in the Bumbo.
The fact that a simple practical demonstration did have some impact on the judges, this was not really necessary. Bear in mind all these tests are carried out with one thing on mind and that is CHILD SAFETY.
The TUV Rheinland’s Test marks document consistent quality and safety of products. The inspections cover specifically product related quality assurance procedures according to test standards.
Bumbo (Pty) Ltd was runner up the DTI "Business Excellence Awards" 2002 http://www.designinstitute.co.za/events/ExportForm2005Prog.htm
BUMBO
Donald Pillai
Bumbo baby sitter
Donald Pillai is the international marketing executive of Bumbo (Pty) Ltd and is responsible for creating, implementing and measuring the success of the product on offer. He is also responsible for all the organisation's marketing, communications and public relations activities and materials including publications, media relations, client acquisition and so forth.
BUMBO
Anyone looks at life differently when recognition is passed on. Recognition from the SABS Design Institute made this company look at things in a different perspective and when that happened, it opened our eyes to a whole new world out there. This discussion looked at the benefits of winning a design award.
Article Source: http://www.articlepros.com
Refinance Your Home Mortgage Online
Refinance Your Home Mortgage Online
Copyright 2005 Jim Edwards
The largest financial obligation most people ever take on
couldn't escape the reach of the Internet. Home mortgage
loans originated online comprise an integral part of one of
the largest and most profitable aspects of the banking
industry. Unlike many shifts in big business recently, this
change actually seems to greatly benefit consumers by
increasing competition and placing more financial control
in the hands of homeowners.
To finance or refinance a home in the olden days (before
the Internet), you needed to find a mortgage lender,
broker, or banker who wanted to make a loan for you. Though
mortgage lenders always wanted to make good loans, the
process of gathering information to compare interest rates,
points, and loan programs among lenders presented a tedious
task for borrowers. Without a centralized information
source for mortgage rates, loan programs and financial
advice, most people just called a few banks and went with
the lender that seemed to offer the lowest rate for the
least discount points.
Now borrowers can access up-to-the-minute financial
information and economic indicators online. Comparing rates
and fees between lenders takes only the click of a mouse.
Loan programs and mortgage calculators quickly figure the
best strategy for everything from which loan represents the
lowest cost over time to how much money a borrower could
save by prepaying their mortgage on a monthly or bi-weekly
basis. Financial tools available online truly empower any
borrower with Internet access.
Though the Internet represents a faster and more
hassle-free way to refinance your first or second mortgage,
remember these important facts:
Loan Programs - Just because the Internet makes the loan
process easier doesn't mean you should abandon common
sense. Take the time to analyze which loan program best
meets your needs based on the big picture of how long
you'll live in the house, the payment you can handle
comfortably, and how much cash or equity the lender
requires.
Fees - All lenders don't charge equally. Many offer a lower
interest rate, but make up the discount in fees and
charges. Analyze costs between lenders by obtaining a list
of all associated loan fees known as a "Good Faith
Estimate".
Service - Obtaining a loan online won't do you a bit of
good if you run into a problem and need to speak with a
live human. Make sure your online lender maintains offline
customer service.
Rate Lock-in - The lender's website should clearly explain
their interest rate lock-in period and policy. Don't get
lured in by a lender offering a lower rate and points only
to find out the hard way that your interest rate lock
expires before you can get the loan closed.
Loan Commitment - Find out from the lender's site what
legally binding documentation they provide to document the
loan commitment once you get loan approval.
Though many borrowers use the Internet purely for research,
record numbers now go online to apply and complete the
entire mortgage process on the Web, while saving
significant money and time in the process.Jim Edwards is a consultant specializing in internet
mortgage refinance strategies and consumer home loan
information. He is the author of "The TEN Dirty Little
Secrets Of Mortgage Financing" at
http://www.mortgageloantips.com/info.html and offers a free
mortgage e-course at
http://www.mortgageloantips.com/eclass.htm
Article Source: http://www.articlepros.com
Copyright 2005 Jim Edwards
The largest financial obligation most people ever take on
couldn't escape the reach of the Internet. Home mortgage
loans originated online comprise an integral part of one of
the largest and most profitable aspects of the banking
industry. Unlike many shifts in big business recently, this
change actually seems to greatly benefit consumers by
increasing competition and placing more financial control
in the hands of homeowners.
To finance or refinance a home in the olden days (before
the Internet), you needed to find a mortgage lender,
broker, or banker who wanted to make a loan for you. Though
mortgage lenders always wanted to make good loans, the
process of gathering information to compare interest rates,
points, and loan programs among lenders presented a tedious
task for borrowers. Without a centralized information
source for mortgage rates, loan programs and financial
advice, most people just called a few banks and went with
the lender that seemed to offer the lowest rate for the
least discount points.
Now borrowers can access up-to-the-minute financial
information and economic indicators online. Comparing rates
and fees between lenders takes only the click of a mouse.
Loan programs and mortgage calculators quickly figure the
best strategy for everything from which loan represents the
lowest cost over time to how much money a borrower could
save by prepaying their mortgage on a monthly or bi-weekly
basis. Financial tools available online truly empower any
borrower with Internet access.
Though the Internet represents a faster and more
hassle-free way to refinance your first or second mortgage,
remember these important facts:
Loan Programs - Just because the Internet makes the loan
process easier doesn't mean you should abandon common
sense. Take the time to analyze which loan program best
meets your needs based on the big picture of how long
you'll live in the house, the payment you can handle
comfortably, and how much cash or equity the lender
requires.
Fees - All lenders don't charge equally. Many offer a lower
interest rate, but make up the discount in fees and
charges. Analyze costs between lenders by obtaining a list
of all associated loan fees known as a "Good Faith
Estimate".
Service - Obtaining a loan online won't do you a bit of
good if you run into a problem and need to speak with a
live human. Make sure your online lender maintains offline
customer service.
Rate Lock-in - The lender's website should clearly explain
their interest rate lock-in period and policy. Don't get
lured in by a lender offering a lower rate and points only
to find out the hard way that your interest rate lock
expires before you can get the loan closed.
Loan Commitment - Find out from the lender's site what
legally binding documentation they provide to document the
loan commitment once you get loan approval.
Though many borrowers use the Internet purely for research,
record numbers now go online to apply and complete the
entire mortgage process on the Web, while saving
significant money and time in the process.Jim Edwards is a consultant specializing in internet
mortgage refinance strategies and consumer home loan
information. He is the author of "The TEN Dirty Little
Secrets Of Mortgage Financing" at
http://www.mortgageloantips.com/info.html and offers a free
mortgage e-course at
http://www.mortgageloantips.com/eclass.htm
Article Source: http://www.articlepros.com
Un-Common Sense Search Engine Optimization Strategies
Want to reach the top of Google for your niche, or keyword phrases? Don't let it cause you stress or anxiety, simple read on...
Google, MSN, and Yahoo all use their own formulas to calculate the relevance of your pages, but here are a few common factors to guarantee you will rank above those not using them.
Start analyzing your pages today, don't forget to resubmit the changes when you are done, and the traffic will start to flow.
1) Keyword Density
You should strive to obtain a keyword density in the 3.5 to 7 percent range for each of your pages. Do not overuse your keywords on the same page, instead simply use related keywords.
2) Keyword Phrase Choices
A single keyword is almost impossible to rank high for, so you should shoot for lower demand phrases. Overture lists the keyword "coffee" as being searched 370820 times per month. The keyword coffee has a huge amount of competition, but a keyword phrase such as "coffee club" is only searched 1813 times. Of course ranking number one for coffee would be fantastic, but ranking well for many lower demand keywords should be an important part of search engine optimization strategies.
3) Original Content
Google will tend to penalize sites offering the same content resulting in lower ranking for all sites. Think about all the sites you have seen promoting the same resale rights product. They all have the same sales page. The best thing you could do is to simply rewrite the sales letter and submit that page to the search engines. This is an incredibly important Search Engine Optimization tip. Try to work in related words and phrases not just the top keywords.
4) Proper Linking
Make sure all your links use proper text. How many times have you seen "click here to visit" on a website? Simply changing the link text will cause your page to rank higher in all the search engines. You can also choose related phrases for link text.
5) Repeat Keywords and Phrases
Always make sure that your selected keywords and phrases appear several times in each of your paragraphs. Try to add related keywords and phrases to help boost your SEO. Do not get involved with keyword stuffing (repeating the same keywords over and over), and make sure to leave some space between keyword occurrences (once every second or third line)
5) Stay Current
Visit SEO news sites to stay current with the latest trends. The engines are always changing their strategies and formulas so it is a good idea to read the latest news at least once a week. A great place to start is http://www.seo-buzz.com
6) Alt Tags
When adding a photo or picture to your pages you should always add relevant keywords to the alt tags. This helps to boost your page rank with little work.
Taking the time to review your site, make the necessary changes, and staying current on the latest trends in SEO will help ensure that you achieve a top ranking site for your chosen keywords and key phrases.The author is a internet research specialist with an interest in hypnosis. For info about self hypnosis mp3 files visit us http://www.fear-phobia.com/self-hypnosis-mp3 and for keyword research related information at http://www.keyword-track.com/category/keyword-research/
Article Source: http://www.articlepros.com
Google, MSN, and Yahoo all use their own formulas to calculate the relevance of your pages, but here are a few common factors to guarantee you will rank above those not using them.
Start analyzing your pages today, don't forget to resubmit the changes when you are done, and the traffic will start to flow.
1) Keyword Density
You should strive to obtain a keyword density in the 3.5 to 7 percent range for each of your pages. Do not overuse your keywords on the same page, instead simply use related keywords.
2) Keyword Phrase Choices
A single keyword is almost impossible to rank high for, so you should shoot for lower demand phrases. Overture lists the keyword "coffee" as being searched 370820 times per month. The keyword coffee has a huge amount of competition, but a keyword phrase such as "coffee club" is only searched 1813 times. Of course ranking number one for coffee would be fantastic, but ranking well for many lower demand keywords should be an important part of search engine optimization strategies.
3) Original Content
Google will tend to penalize sites offering the same content resulting in lower ranking for all sites. Think about all the sites you have seen promoting the same resale rights product. They all have the same sales page. The best thing you could do is to simply rewrite the sales letter and submit that page to the search engines. This is an incredibly important Search Engine Optimization tip. Try to work in related words and phrases not just the top keywords.
4) Proper Linking
Make sure all your links use proper text. How many times have you seen "click here to visit" on a website? Simply changing the link text will cause your page to rank higher in all the search engines. You can also choose related phrases for link text.
5) Repeat Keywords and Phrases
Always make sure that your selected keywords and phrases appear several times in each of your paragraphs. Try to add related keywords and phrases to help boost your SEO. Do not get involved with keyword stuffing (repeating the same keywords over and over), and make sure to leave some space between keyword occurrences (once every second or third line)
5) Stay Current
Visit SEO news sites to stay current with the latest trends. The engines are always changing their strategies and formulas so it is a good idea to read the latest news at least once a week. A great place to start is http://www.seo-buzz.com
6) Alt Tags
When adding a photo or picture to your pages you should always add relevant keywords to the alt tags. This helps to boost your page rank with little work.
Taking the time to review your site, make the necessary changes, and staying current on the latest trends in SEO will help ensure that you achieve a top ranking site for your chosen keywords and key phrases.The author is a internet research specialist with an interest in hypnosis. For info about self hypnosis mp3 files visit us http://www.fear-phobia.com/self-hypnosis-mp3 and for keyword research related information at http://www.keyword-track.com/category/keyword-research/
Article Source: http://www.articlepros.com
DC Hair Laser Removal Washington
Laser hair removal services are provided by various specialists in professional centers in the Washington DC area. dc hair laser removal washington is a safe and effective treatment to remove unwanted hair from your upper lip, chin, legs, underarms, bikini area, chest, neck,... in fact from most anywhere.
The laser beam that is used in the laser hair removal device is directed at the hair follicles. The dark pigments in the follicle absorb the laser light energy. As the follicle absorbs more and more energy the follicle dies and can no longer grow hair. This is the mechanism on which dc hair laser removal washington works. Whatever be your skin complexion you can expect to have a good result thanks to advanced technology and professional expertise. Although it may hurt a bit both men and women are trying it out and that too successfully.
Find out your skin type and choose the laser center that is most suited for you. Try to get suggestions from those who have been through dc hair laser removal washington. Then you can surely leave all your worries behind.
Laser hair removal can also treat your problem of ingrown hair. Often men have to deal with ingrown hair in their beard area and neck. Women face problem with it mainly in the bikini area. Since laser hair removal targets hair at the follicle it's the most remarkable ingrown hair treatment. It actually removes the root of the problem. After several sessions, you yourself will notice your hair shedding and the dark spots and bumps from folliculitis disappearing.
The cost of dc hair laser removal washington varies from one specialist to another. Each case is unique and the cost of treatment is dependent on this individuality factor also.
So if you have unwanted facial and body hair I can tell you for sure that dc hair laser removal washington is the perfect treatment for you. You can check out Sona MedSpa, a laser hair removal office in the Washington DC area. Whether you are a male or a female through expert and professional care you will get yourself a new look at quite reasonable prices.
Laser Hair RemovalDiscover laser hair removal information Articles and resources for prices, cost, and treatments of laser hair removal in cities like New York, Washington DC, Toronto, and Dallas. Visit this site for the best in laser hair removal! http://www.informationonlaserhairremoval.com/
Article Source: http://www.articlepros.com
The laser beam that is used in the laser hair removal device is directed at the hair follicles. The dark pigments in the follicle absorb the laser light energy. As the follicle absorbs more and more energy the follicle dies and can no longer grow hair. This is the mechanism on which dc hair laser removal washington works. Whatever be your skin complexion you can expect to have a good result thanks to advanced technology and professional expertise. Although it may hurt a bit both men and women are trying it out and that too successfully.
Find out your skin type and choose the laser center that is most suited for you. Try to get suggestions from those who have been through dc hair laser removal washington. Then you can surely leave all your worries behind.
Laser hair removal can also treat your problem of ingrown hair. Often men have to deal with ingrown hair in their beard area and neck. Women face problem with it mainly in the bikini area. Since laser hair removal targets hair at the follicle it's the most remarkable ingrown hair treatment. It actually removes the root of the problem. After several sessions, you yourself will notice your hair shedding and the dark spots and bumps from folliculitis disappearing.
The cost of dc hair laser removal washington varies from one specialist to another. Each case is unique and the cost of treatment is dependent on this individuality factor also.
So if you have unwanted facial and body hair I can tell you for sure that dc hair laser removal washington is the perfect treatment for you. You can check out Sona MedSpa, a laser hair removal office in the Washington DC area. Whether you are a male or a female through expert and professional care you will get yourself a new look at quite reasonable prices.
Laser Hair RemovalDiscover laser hair removal information Articles and resources for prices, cost, and treatments of laser hair removal in cities like New York, Washington DC, Toronto, and Dallas. Visit this site for the best in laser hair removal! http://www.informationonlaserhairremoval.com/
Article Source: http://www.articlepros.com
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Network Marketing Recruiting- The Recruiting Success Test for MLM
by Doug Firebaugh
The Ultimate MLM Recruiter.
How good of a Network Marketing recruiter are you? Honestly?
Is it easy for you to sponsor people or difficult?
Is it a struggle to recruit for you? Or somewhere in between?
Do you even sometimes forget to mention your business when talking to people?
After 20 years in this industry, you have a tendency to learn some things if you pay attention. And after observing for quite some time, and the experience of our own team when I was active, we found that there are certain things that are done daily that highly successful MLM recruiters do.
You would be well served to take note and even copy what they do.
INFERNO Secret:
Most great Network Marketing sponsors have done some things to MAKE SOMETHING HAPPEN, instead of waiting for something to happen as many mlm distributors do.
Making something happen is the number one trait of all MLM Super Recruiters, and that is what this test is about. To see where you are as far as positioning yourself to make something happen everday, with a few tactics that have proven to produce millions in volume.
The Network Marketing Recruiting Score.
Score yourself 1-5 on each question. 1 being "rarely done" and 5 being "always done" and then 2-4 being somewhere in the middle. When you finish, add your score up.
The top score is a 35. That is HOT!
If you score that, you are positioned for MASSIVE MLM Recruiting Success. A score of 30 is good, but needs a little work. A score of 25 is fair, and a score of 20 or below is "you have some SERIOUS work to do!"
See where you are with each question:
1) Do you take brochures with you wherever you go?
This is a tactic that produced millions in volume. It gives you an excuse to talk to someone, it reminds you to talk to folks, and also is a confidence builder as you let the brochure be your silent presenter if the occasion arises.
2) Do you engage 2 new conversations a day with 2 new people for the first time?
2 conversations a day should be the minimum you do as far as recruiting. There are so many people out there to talk to, and talking to 2 everyday should be a cakewalk.
3) Do you list the 2 people everyday that you plan on calling?
This is a million dollar habit. Make a list every weekend of the 2 people you plan on talking to on Monday, Tuesday, etc. Then call them on that day. this gives you direction, and a plan to make something happen.
4) Do you hand out 2 tools a day for new exposures?
Tools help bridge the gap between inexperience and experience. Tools also are totally duplicable and say the same thing every time. Plus it FOCUSES you to make something happen that is easy and brief.
5) Do you do a minimum of 2 three ways a day?
Three ways are the single greatest tool you have in recruiting, and you should learn to MASTER them. If you are not doing three way calling, then you are working this business handicapped.
6) Do you make it a point to see and be aware of who is around you wherever you are?
The easiest way to turn your Recruiting Radar on, is everywhere you go, carry either a brochure or cd with you. This will not only PROMPT you to be more aware of who is around you, but also give you an excuse to give it to someone. This will help you develop the habit of being AWARE of who is in your Recruiting Environment.
7) Do you carry product -- or information/free trial about your services -- that you market in your car?
MLM Millionaires I have found all have product in the car all the time in case they run into the "right one." And if you market services and not tangible products, many folks I know carry with them a way to show how their service works, or a tool that does. It is called show and tell.
Soo....
How did you turn out?
Did you pass the Recruiting Test?
35 is Excellent.
30 is Good.
25 is Fair.
22 or below is Poor.
Take a look at what you need work on, and see if you can get yourself in a better position to recruit, and tell your story to people. The higher the score you have, the better positioned action wise and psychologically you are to create Success in MLM.
You also need to understand that every question and tactic is a PROMPTER that prompts you to DO SOMETHING in the marketplace, and if you continue to do those things, they will become million dollar habits.
Put yourself in the mind set and position to MAKE SOMETHING HAPPEN, instead of waiting for something to happen, like so many do in MLM and Network Marketing Recruiting.
Blessings...doug (c) 2005/ all rights reserved
PassionFire Intl
http://www.passionfire.com
http://www.passionfire.com/pf_heat_7.htmlDoug Firebaugh is one of the top MLM Network Marketing Trainers in the world. Over a million people a month
read his training ezine. He spent the last 7 years traveling the world speaking and training on Success.
He lives in Birmingham Michigan, and you can receive a
FREE subscription to his training ezine- The MLM
Success HEAT- at:
http://www.passionfire.com/pf_heat_4.html
http://www.passionfire.com
Article Source: http://www.articlepros.com
The Ultimate MLM Recruiter.
How good of a Network Marketing recruiter are you? Honestly?
Is it easy for you to sponsor people or difficult?
Is it a struggle to recruit for you? Or somewhere in between?
Do you even sometimes forget to mention your business when talking to people?
After 20 years in this industry, you have a tendency to learn some things if you pay attention. And after observing for quite some time, and the experience of our own team when I was active, we found that there are certain things that are done daily that highly successful MLM recruiters do.
You would be well served to take note and even copy what they do.
INFERNO Secret:
Most great Network Marketing sponsors have done some things to MAKE SOMETHING HAPPEN, instead of waiting for something to happen as many mlm distributors do.
Making something happen is the number one trait of all MLM Super Recruiters, and that is what this test is about. To see where you are as far as positioning yourself to make something happen everday, with a few tactics that have proven to produce millions in volume.
The Network Marketing Recruiting Score.
Score yourself 1-5 on each question. 1 being "rarely done" and 5 being "always done" and then 2-4 being somewhere in the middle. When you finish, add your score up.
The top score is a 35. That is HOT!
If you score that, you are positioned for MASSIVE MLM Recruiting Success. A score of 30 is good, but needs a little work. A score of 25 is fair, and a score of 20 or below is "you have some SERIOUS work to do!"
See where you are with each question:
1) Do you take brochures with you wherever you go?
This is a tactic that produced millions in volume. It gives you an excuse to talk to someone, it reminds you to talk to folks, and also is a confidence builder as you let the brochure be your silent presenter if the occasion arises.
2) Do you engage 2 new conversations a day with 2 new people for the first time?
2 conversations a day should be the minimum you do as far as recruiting. There are so many people out there to talk to, and talking to 2 everyday should be a cakewalk.
3) Do you list the 2 people everyday that you plan on calling?
This is a million dollar habit. Make a list every weekend of the 2 people you plan on talking to on Monday, Tuesday, etc. Then call them on that day. this gives you direction, and a plan to make something happen.
4) Do you hand out 2 tools a day for new exposures?
Tools help bridge the gap between inexperience and experience. Tools also are totally duplicable and say the same thing every time. Plus it FOCUSES you to make something happen that is easy and brief.
5) Do you do a minimum of 2 three ways a day?
Three ways are the single greatest tool you have in recruiting, and you should learn to MASTER them. If you are not doing three way calling, then you are working this business handicapped.
6) Do you make it a point to see and be aware of who is around you wherever you are?
The easiest way to turn your Recruiting Radar on, is everywhere you go, carry either a brochure or cd with you. This will not only PROMPT you to be more aware of who is around you, but also give you an excuse to give it to someone. This will help you develop the habit of being AWARE of who is in your Recruiting Environment.
7) Do you carry product -- or information/free trial about your services -- that you market in your car?
MLM Millionaires I have found all have product in the car all the time in case they run into the "right one." And if you market services and not tangible products, many folks I know carry with them a way to show how their service works, or a tool that does. It is called show and tell.
Soo....
How did you turn out?
Did you pass the Recruiting Test?
35 is Excellent.
30 is Good.
25 is Fair.
22 or below is Poor.
Take a look at what you need work on, and see if you can get yourself in a better position to recruit, and tell your story to people. The higher the score you have, the better positioned action wise and psychologically you are to create Success in MLM.
You also need to understand that every question and tactic is a PROMPTER that prompts you to DO SOMETHING in the marketplace, and if you continue to do those things, they will become million dollar habits.
Put yourself in the mind set and position to MAKE SOMETHING HAPPEN, instead of waiting for something to happen, like so many do in MLM and Network Marketing Recruiting.
Blessings...doug (c) 2005/ all rights reserved
PassionFire Intl
http://www.passionfire.com
http://www.passionfire.com/pf_heat_7.htmlDoug Firebaugh is one of the top MLM Network Marketing Trainers in the world. Over a million people a month
read his training ezine. He spent the last 7 years traveling the world speaking and training on Success.
He lives in Birmingham Michigan, and you can receive a
FREE subscription to his training ezine- The MLM
Success HEAT- at:
http://www.passionfire.com/pf_heat_4.html
http://www.passionfire.com
Article Source: http://www.articlepros.com
Easy Halloween Craft
Here is a fun craft that can be done easily in an afternoon, and with very few craft supplies! This craft is for all ages and can be as elaborate or as simple as you want it to be.
You will need:
Halloween Free Printable Frame, provided by Mom's Break at: http://halloween.momsbreak.com
Computer printer paper or card stock
Colored paper or construction paper
Colored markers or crayons
Kid-friendly scissors
Glue Stick
How To Make Your Halloween Frame Craft
Please get your illustrated, step-by-step instructions at: http://freecontent.janktheproofer.com/Halloween_Frame_Craft.doc (This will open in a new window as a Word Document, and you can print it and follow along with the instructions given below. The instructions include several photo images, so allow about 30 seconds for the entire Word Document to open, with all 8 pictures.)
Step 1. Assemble items needed to make the craft. You can include Halloween stickers, glitter, or any other craft type item you have. Be sure to visit Mom's Break Halloween page to download your free printable Halloween frames (that come along with other Halloween graphics, go to: http://halloween.momsbreak.com). The two frames shown in the illustrations are just two of the many frames available.
Step 2. Following the instructions printed on the Halloween frames, and using the dotted lines, cut off the surrounding edge of the frame, and then cut out the inside of the frame.
Step 3. Using the frame as a guidelines, mark the cardboard and cut it to be the same size as the frame.
Step 4. The cardboard is trimmed so that the frame fits over it, with no cardboard showing along the outer edges of the frame.
Step 5.Using the same instruction as Step 4, cut the colored paper to fit.
Step 6. Glue the colored paper to the cardboard, and then glue the frame to the colored paper.
Step 7. The inside of the frame can now be decorated! It can be a scary Halloween picture drawn by your child, or it can be an "I Love You, Grandma" picture for Grandma to hang up on her refrigerator! You can also cut out other Mom's Break Halloween pictures, and glue them to the colored paper. Paste stickers, glue glitter---go wild!!!
Step 8. You can also use the Halloween Frame to make a door hanger for Trick-or-Treat night! Let Trick-or-Treaters know that they are welcome at your house!
There are many other ways you can use Halloween Frames! Each frame is approximately the right size frame for a 5 x 7 photo. Take a picture of your favorite little Trick-or-Treater and frame it! Instead of gluing colored paper to the cardboard, trim the photo following Step 5, and then complete Step 6. This makes a great keepsake or gift to send to grandparents who live far away.
For another Halloween Craft Project, get instructions for making a Halloween Trick or Treat Bag at http://freecontent.janktheproofer.com/HalloweenBag.htm. This article also includes free printable illustrated instructions, and uses graphics available free from Mom's Break at http://halloween.momsbreak.com.
And now that you have a Trick or Treat Bag, you may need some ideas for what to do for Trick or Treat night! Visit "Halloween Can Be Fun" at http://articles.janktheproofer.com/Aug24/HalloweenCanBeFun.htm.
Need ideas for Halloween Costumes? Here are several great ideas for actual costumes, as well as ideas for coming up with a costume idea on your own:
http://freecontent.janktheproofer.com/HalloweenCostume.htm
For Trick or Treat treats, visit "Halloween Popcorn Balls" at http://articles.momsbreak.com/HALLOWEENPOPCORNBALLS.htm.
Halloween can be fun---and it isn't just for kids!Jan K., The Proofer is a freelance proofreader and copyeditor. Visit http://www.jansportal.com for more information about Jan’s proofreading and copyediting services and Jan's other free resources. Please visit Mom's Break (http://www.momsbreak.com/) for free printable crafts and projects. © Copyright 2005. All rights reserved.
Article Source: http://www.articlepros.com
You will need:
Halloween Free Printable Frame, provided by Mom's Break at: http://halloween.momsbreak.com
Computer printer paper or card stock
Colored paper or construction paper
Colored markers or crayons
Kid-friendly scissors
Glue Stick
How To Make Your Halloween Frame Craft
Please get your illustrated, step-by-step instructions at: http://freecontent.janktheproofer.com/Halloween_Frame_Craft.doc (This will open in a new window as a Word Document, and you can print it and follow along with the instructions given below. The instructions include several photo images, so allow about 30 seconds for the entire Word Document to open, with all 8 pictures.)
Step 1. Assemble items needed to make the craft. You can include Halloween stickers, glitter, or any other craft type item you have. Be sure to visit Mom's Break Halloween page to download your free printable Halloween frames (that come along with other Halloween graphics, go to: http://halloween.momsbreak.com). The two frames shown in the illustrations are just two of the many frames available.
Step 2. Following the instructions printed on the Halloween frames, and using the dotted lines, cut off the surrounding edge of the frame, and then cut out the inside of the frame.
Step 3. Using the frame as a guidelines, mark the cardboard and cut it to be the same size as the frame.
Step 4. The cardboard is trimmed so that the frame fits over it, with no cardboard showing along the outer edges of the frame.
Step 5.Using the same instruction as Step 4, cut the colored paper to fit.
Step 6. Glue the colored paper to the cardboard, and then glue the frame to the colored paper.
Step 7. The inside of the frame can now be decorated! It can be a scary Halloween picture drawn by your child, or it can be an "I Love You, Grandma" picture for Grandma to hang up on her refrigerator! You can also cut out other Mom's Break Halloween pictures, and glue them to the colored paper. Paste stickers, glue glitter---go wild!!!
Step 8. You can also use the Halloween Frame to make a door hanger for Trick-or-Treat night! Let Trick-or-Treaters know that they are welcome at your house!
There are many other ways you can use Halloween Frames! Each frame is approximately the right size frame for a 5 x 7 photo. Take a picture of your favorite little Trick-or-Treater and frame it! Instead of gluing colored paper to the cardboard, trim the photo following Step 5, and then complete Step 6. This makes a great keepsake or gift to send to grandparents who live far away.
For another Halloween Craft Project, get instructions for making a Halloween Trick or Treat Bag at http://freecontent.janktheproofer.com/HalloweenBag.htm. This article also includes free printable illustrated instructions, and uses graphics available free from Mom's Break at http://halloween.momsbreak.com.
And now that you have a Trick or Treat Bag, you may need some ideas for what to do for Trick or Treat night! Visit "Halloween Can Be Fun" at http://articles.janktheproofer.com/Aug24/HalloweenCanBeFun.htm.
Need ideas for Halloween Costumes? Here are several great ideas for actual costumes, as well as ideas for coming up with a costume idea on your own:
http://freecontent.janktheproofer.com/HalloweenCostume.htm
For Trick or Treat treats, visit "Halloween Popcorn Balls" at http://articles.momsbreak.com/HALLOWEENPOPCORNBALLS.htm.
Halloween can be fun---and it isn't just for kids!Jan K., The Proofer is a freelance proofreader and copyeditor. Visit http://www.jansportal.com for more information about Jan’s proofreading and copyediting services and Jan's other free resources. Please visit Mom's Break (http://www.momsbreak.com/) for free printable crafts and projects. © Copyright 2005. All rights reserved.
Article Source: http://www.articlepros.com
Housebreaking A New Puppy
Although it doesn’t sound like the most appealing job in the world, housebreaking a new puppy will play an important part in bonding with the newest member of your family. It will teach you patience and leave you with a better understanding of what your puppy wants once he has learned. In addition, he will learn acceptable behaviors and exactly what is expected of him to live happily and comfortably in his new home.
It’s important to remember that, just like a small child, a puppy’s attention span is very short. When you teach a young child not to hit, he likely won’t learn the lesson the first time, but instead, gradually after you’ve shown him repeatedly that it’s not okay. Similarly, you will have to be consistent with your dog when training him. Also, when housebreaking your puppy, keep in mind that he is not intentionally being a bad dog; he just has not yet learned what behaviors are acceptable!
Start housebreaking your puppy with a simple feeding schedule. Give him breakfast, lunch and dinner, just as you would yourself. By doing this you will be helping him become regular with his bowel movements. Once he has eaten, wait 20-30 minutes and then take him outside. Watch how long it takes before he is able to void. This will give you an idea of how long to wait the next time you take him out. (Within about a week, you should have his schedule down.) Try to never let him eat at free will, leaving food in his bowl all day, because it will cause him to have accidents and make housetraining all that much more difficult.
Despite the old rules of training a puppy, you should never hit, rub his nose in his messes, or yell at your puppy. By doing this, you are telling him it is bad to relieve himself at all! In addition, most dogs respond negatively to aggressive and mean behavior and it has the opposite effect—they regress in their training rather than advance. Instead, while housebreaking your puppy take him straight outside when he has an accident. In addition, don’t forget the praise! Every time he “goes” where he’s supposed to, praise him lavishly, and soon he will begin to understand exactly what brings praise, and what brings that disappointed face. During the process, don’t forget that full control of the bladder and bowels won’t happen until 16 weeks of age, so don’t expect too much from your puppy in the beginning.
Also helpful in housebreaking a new puppy is to buy a stain remover/ odor relief spray. Household cleaners and sprays cannot be smelled by dogs; only those made for animals will work. When an accident happens, clean the mess and spray immediately. This will cover the odor left and your puppy will not try to mark his territory there again.
Remember that housebreaking a puppy is a big responsibility that can lead to you and your puppy sharing a special bond. Giving encouragement and lots of love will make all the time spent worth your while! This article courtesy of http://www.train-your-pup.com
Article Source: http://www.articlepros.com
It’s important to remember that, just like a small child, a puppy’s attention span is very short. When you teach a young child not to hit, he likely won’t learn the lesson the first time, but instead, gradually after you’ve shown him repeatedly that it’s not okay. Similarly, you will have to be consistent with your dog when training him. Also, when housebreaking your puppy, keep in mind that he is not intentionally being a bad dog; he just has not yet learned what behaviors are acceptable!
Start housebreaking your puppy with a simple feeding schedule. Give him breakfast, lunch and dinner, just as you would yourself. By doing this you will be helping him become regular with his bowel movements. Once he has eaten, wait 20-30 minutes and then take him outside. Watch how long it takes before he is able to void. This will give you an idea of how long to wait the next time you take him out. (Within about a week, you should have his schedule down.) Try to never let him eat at free will, leaving food in his bowl all day, because it will cause him to have accidents and make housetraining all that much more difficult.
Despite the old rules of training a puppy, you should never hit, rub his nose in his messes, or yell at your puppy. By doing this, you are telling him it is bad to relieve himself at all! In addition, most dogs respond negatively to aggressive and mean behavior and it has the opposite effect—they regress in their training rather than advance. Instead, while housebreaking your puppy take him straight outside when he has an accident. In addition, don’t forget the praise! Every time he “goes” where he’s supposed to, praise him lavishly, and soon he will begin to understand exactly what brings praise, and what brings that disappointed face. During the process, don’t forget that full control of the bladder and bowels won’t happen until 16 weeks of age, so don’t expect too much from your puppy in the beginning.
Also helpful in housebreaking a new puppy is to buy a stain remover/ odor relief spray. Household cleaners and sprays cannot be smelled by dogs; only those made for animals will work. When an accident happens, clean the mess and spray immediately. This will cover the odor left and your puppy will not try to mark his territory there again.
Remember that housebreaking a puppy is a big responsibility that can lead to you and your puppy sharing a special bond. Giving encouragement and lots of love will make all the time spent worth your while! This article courtesy of http://www.train-your-pup.com
Article Source: http://www.articlepros.com
Monday, June 25, 2007
About Ruffhouse
I am currently an investigator with the Florida Ghost Hunters in central Florida. Do I believe in spirits? Yes. Do I believe EVERYTHING captured on video and audio is paranormal? No. If you have to show me where something is in a photo or tell me what it says in audio, then I have to discount it. I have been with the Florida Ghost Hunters for years and can honestly say I have never "seen" anything I would deem paranormal. We have captured many EVP but have yet to get that video evidence we all so long to acquire. I have a real skepticism for "orbs". Not that I don't believe in them, I simply believe most of them are dust, mist, rain, bugs and other contaminants that are being passed off as spirit beings.
S.W.I.N.G.E.R.S.
Succulent, Sensual, Wild Women Invite Interesting Nicely Naughty, Great Guys.... Electrifying Experiences! Real Rendezvous! Spectacular Sex! Swinger I looked up swing in a dictionary recently. There were 22 different definitions, some verbs, some nouns. My favorite one is "to live in a lively, modern, relaxed style." A swinger has all these attributes. He wants to live life, not watch it or let it pass by. She's a forward thinker, able to think outside the box. Swingers really appreciate the pleasurable, physical, part of life. This relaxed attitude allows them to connect with others in meaningful ways.
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