Autor: Chatten Name

Developing a website is important if you want to be a player in ecommerce. However, you don’t want to just develop a website any old way. Instead, you want to develop a website for your audience. When doing research online you have probably seen generalized information on how to develop a website, however it is unlikely you have found significant information on how to develop a website specifically for your audience. The following tips will be really helpful to you to develop a website just for your audience.

Tip #1 Goal

First you need a goal when you are developing a website for your audience. If you do not know what you are looking to achieve then it will be very difficult to be successful. Also, it takes a goal to drive your website where it needs to be. A goal is what allows you to develop an initial plan for your website and helps guide you in developing your website as well.

Tip #2 Audience

Your audience is very important and should be considered in conjunction with your goal when developing a website. Basically, you are developing your website for a certain audience and these are the people that will help meet your goal so this is very important to consider. Just make sure you determine who your audience is before you begin developing your website.

Tip #3 Content for Audience

Once you have determined your goal and your audience it is time to determine the content that will be used for your audience. You might not realize it, but the type of audience you are focusing on will really affect the content you use on your website. So, make sure you have your audience targeted so you know what content will work best for these individuals.

Tip #4 Update

Another important tip for developing a website for your audience is to plan when you will provide updates. This might seem like something you could consider down the road when your site needs updating, but is really not the case. You need to know when your audience will most likely be viewing your site and when they won’t so you know when to provide updates. A little bit of planning will go a long way.

Tip #5 Format

The format of your website is also a very important aspect and one that will really affect whether or not you reach your audience. Once you know who your audience is you will have no problem developing a format that will reach them. Also, your format improves your site’s message, so it is beneficial in a variety of ways.

There are several reasons why consultants ultimately lose deals they should have won. Unless your portfolio is poor, consultants lose contracts because they either didnt listen or they didnt speak effectively to convey what services they could offer, that would help the client reach their goals. Here are a few tips to help you sell your services.

Every consultant feels that if there is anything that they do well, its talking the talk. Effective speaking is more of an art than a science. If you cant effectively convey how your services are going to help the client, you wont get the contract.

Reflect Before You React
Its human nature to say the first thing that comes to our mind when we’re asked a question. Take a moment to think of what answer is best for the client. It will show that you put thought into your work and dont just plow ahead. Your clients will appreciate that. Your best reaction is not always your first reaction.

Keep It Simple Superstar
Just because you know the ins and outs of your business doesnt mean that your client will. Speak to them on their level, not yours. Keep the conversation simple and get straight to the point. If your client understands what you can do for them, they are more likely to hire you. If you try and dazzle them with industry speak, you’ll lose them, and lose the contract.

You may find that if you are speaking to a perspective client on the phone, stand up. For many people, standing makes them get straight to the point.

Let the Client Talk
If you want to learn how to best position yourself, find out exactly what the client wants and ask questions to home in on what their needs are. By asking questions, you gain a better understanding of how you can help the client, and the client feels that they are part of the solution. This gives you a chance to reflect on what you can offer your prospective client.

A Little Enthusiasm Goes A Long Way
Your client feels passionate about what they do, and if you show that you are passionate and enthusiastic about providing them the solution they want, you’ll get the client onboard. Enthusiasm will open many doors for you.

Lets Get Personal
It takes experience and a watchful eye, however, if you show your client that they are more than just another big deal for their portfolio you will learn how to best work with them. Treat all clients the same way, and you will find your schedule empty of projects. Remember that clients say things for a reason. If they volunteer that they cant talk right now because they are getting ready for Bobby’s birthday party on Saturday, on your follow up call, ask them casually how the party went. Don’t pry, and don’t send balloons. By casually asking about the party, you show that you pay attention to details. Knowing how successful the party was will prepare you on how to approach the conversation.

Remember that you need to sell to the customer’s needs, not your skills. Master this and you will have a long career as a consultant.

As with choosing any art piece whether it is a print, original painting, sculpture, photograph or collectable, you can make or break a room choosing incorrectly.

You can make quite a statement with the correct art piece! It can communicate on many different levels.

Have you ever walked into an office for the very first time and while waiting, find yourself looking around, examining everything in the room? You can get a real good feel for the people there and get a sense of what they are all about.

From your own experiences and observations you’ve probably seen people with very good taste and then again, people who do not seem to have a clue about design or even worse yet, people who don’t care a hoot about aesthetics at all!

But if you are reading this article, then I’m sure you are not one of those people in the last category! Thank Goodness! We need all the aesthetics we can get on this sometimes seemingly wacky place we live!

Tip # 1

And probably the most important, if you don’t absolutely love it, don’t buy it!

Tip # 2

If you are making the art piece the focal point of the room, build around it. All the office furniture and accessories should compliment the print.

Tip # 3

Don’t overpower the poster with too much color on the walls or furniture unless it is a very dramatic print that can carry it well! It will just disappear into the background.

Tip # 4

What is it that you want to convey to your employees, leadership, initiative, teamwork, success, confidence, determination? It’s important to get across the right message. A captivating print with an inspirational quote can be a powerful tool that can help motivate staff and impress clients who come to your place of business.

Tip # 5

Choosing the right frame can make a huge difference in the overall appearance of the motivational posters you choose. You want people to see the prints and get your message across so choose carefully.

If a motivational poster or print moves you and you feel it will motivate other who see it, then you have a winner!!!

Enjoy the research of finding what is right for your office!

We all love to receive gifts, whether it’s at Christmas or birthdays, or even a special anniversary. But in order to keep getting gifts, we have to give them to others too. And happily we like that part of the bargain almost as much as the receiving bit. Here are a few tips that may help you choose the right gift for the right person.

1. To help make up your mind you can easily read reviews of gifts you are considering buying at places like Amazon.com, Buy.com, Epinions.com, BizRate.com, etc. And of course, you can even purchase from there too.

2. Price comparison for gifts is easy if you’re switching between sites like Shopping.com, PriceGrabber.com and Cnet.com. The lowest gift price is out there. All you have to do is find it.

3. One problem with gifts that are wearable is getting the right size. You can overcome this by getting gift accessories, such as scarves, belts, hats, etc.

4. It’s obvious, but keeping an up to date list of the birthday, anniversary, etc, dates of your friends and relatives will mean that you’ll always know when it’s time to buy a gift. That way, you’ll probably receive more gifts too when it’s your turn.

5. Always think about the recipient of the gift. Your maiden aunt is unlikely to appreciate a year’s subscription to a risqué glamour magazine, and your young nephew probably doesn’t really want a pair of socks.

Gifts should not be just for Christmas and birthdays. There’s no reason why you can’t give a special gift to someone special just because you want to at any time of the year. It does wonders for a person’s self esteem, and it does wonders for you too: we all really love to give. I hope you can find the time to give to someone today.

1. Consider an income policy instead of a lump sum

Most people know that life cover pays out a lump sum if you die. But far less know that you can buy cover that pays a regular tax free income instead of a lump sum. It’s official name is Family Income Benefit and is often cheaper than the more common Level Term lump sum payout option. So why would an income be better than a lump sum?

Many people who take out a life insurance policy simply want to provide an income for their family to replace the earnings lost if they died prematurely. But many policies are bought with a lump sum benefit requiring the surviving family to find a suitable savings or investment vehicle to generate an ongoing income. In addition, the interest generated from a lump sum is taxable whereas the income from a family income benefit policy is paid tax free.

For many people not used to managing large amounts of money, suddenly having to find the right savings account or investment can prove an additional burden at an already distressing time. This is where Family Income Benefit can offer the best of both worlds.

2. Consider a reducing policy for mortgage life cover

One of the most common reasons for needing life insurance is to protect a mortgage loan. The type of mortgage you have will largely dictate what form of life insurance you need but this is often one of two types of term life insurance.

If you have an interest only mortgage then you will need level cover as the mortgage debt will remain constant unless you increase or reduce the mortgage loan. However, those with a capital and interest mortgage can opt for a decreasing term policy where the cover reduces in line with the reducing mortgage loan. As the cover reduces over time so does the risk to the insurance company making this type of life insurance cheaper than the level term option.

So if you have a capital and interest mortgage with a level term life insurance policy and only need to cover the mortgage amount, you could save money by switching to a reducing policy. The downside to this is that you will lose any surplus cover provided by a level policy as the mortgage loan reduces but the level insurance benefit stays the same.

3. Stop smoking

All insurance is based on risk and so to cut the cost you have to cut the risk. With life insurance, the risk is based upon your chances of dieing whilst the policy is in force. Insurers measure the risk by assessing your health and medical history.

Anything that increases your risk of dieing prematurely will increase your premiums. These risk factors can include your current state of health, family history, hazardous occupation or hobbies but most commonly being a smoker has the greatest impact.

Now, I know you’re not going to stop smoking to save money on your life insurance but its one more reason in a long list to quit. Not only will you save money on the cigarettes but you can also add a saving of around 40% on your life cover premiums too.

4. Shop around

Life insurance is a very competitive market and prices can vary widely depending upon where you look. The easiest way to compare lots of insurers and policies at once is to use one of the many free online comparison websites. The only caveat to this is to be aware that these sites only compare premiums and not cover, so have a firm idea of what type of cover you need first. This will help you to compare like with like and discover the true bargains.

Alternatively, you can use an insurance broker to do the shopping for you and this route can yield some substantial savings if you use a particular type of insurance broker.

5. Use a discount life insurance broker

If you know which type of cover you need and don’t require any advice, a discount online insurance broker can save you hundreds of pounds in lower premiums.

Due to the low costs and large audiences available via the internet, many life insurance brokers have launched websites offering life insurance quotes with major insurers at discounted premium rates. These brokers are able to discount cover from major insurers by rebating much of the commission they receive from these insurers to reduce your premiums.

Savings vary but can mean genuine reductions of between 10% and as much as 40% over the insurance company’s standard premiums. Many sites provide instant online quotes comparing multiple policies from leading insurance companies.

A simple Google search for discount life insurance will provide a list of most brokers or use an insurance directory like UK Insurance Index which also features customer reviews.

Home insurance is a basic term for two different types of insurance policy. Buildings insurance to cover the construction of your property and home contents insurance to protect your valuables and other household objects.

The problem is that not all home insurance policies are created equal making it difficult to compare like with like. The areas and level of cover provided vary from policy to policy along with the premiums. So having a definite idea of what you need to insure and for how much will help minimise the overall time and money spent buying it.

TIP 1: Cut the risk, cut the cost

All insurance policies protect against the risk of financial loss. So to cut the cost, cut the risk to the insurer and you’ll get a lower premium. To give you an idea, here’s a quick summary of the most effective tactics…

• Contact your home insurance company or local neighbourhood watch scheme and they will send you a list of steps to make your house more secure and less likely to be targeted by thieves.

• Fit locks to all windows and level 5 (BS3621) mortise deadlocks locks to the doors. Most insurance companies will give you up to 10% off your home contents insurance if you have these kind of locks fitted around your house.

• Having a good alarm fitted by a recognised alarm fitter, which your insurance company can recommend, can give you up to 10% off your policy. Bear in mind that these are expensive alarms which require an annual check up.

• Higher policy excess. You will usually have to pay the first £50 of any insurance claim, but if you’re willing to pay more then, your premium will fall now.

• Neighbourhood watch schemes. Some home insurers offer discounts if you live in a neighbourhood watch area; however this is less common.

• No claims bonus. As with your car insurance; a record of no previous claims will reduce your premium. If you need to make a claim, consider whether it may be cheaper to pay for the loss yourself and avoid an increase in premiums.

• Your age. Statistically, the older you are, the less likely you are to make a house insurance claim. So if you’re a lower risk this will be reflected in your premiums. Some companies offer extra benefits to those over 50 such as Saga.

• Extra security. Declare any special safety precautions you’ve made for your valuables such as a home safe.

• Your lifestyle. If you have a dog, are teetotal and don’t smoke, be sure to declare this as such factors are used by some insurers to reduce premiums.

• Occasionally applying to your existing insurer as a new customer can reduce your premiums. Many insurers offer discounts to new customers which won’t be repeated when you come to renew.

• If you can apply online you will normally get a discount of around 5%.

Before you carry out any security improvements to your home, always check with your home insurance company first. They will confirm which improvements will have the biggest cost cutting impact.

TIP 2: Know what home insurance you need

Working out an accurate figure for the buildings and contents insurance value can be awkward, which is why a lot of homeowners are either under insured or paying for levels of cover they don’t really need.

Buildings insurance covers the re-build cost of your property not its market value. The re-build value of your home is the cost of re-building it in the event that it is destroyed by fire or subsidence for example. The re-build value of your home can usually be found on your mortgage agreement, or property deeds. The Building Cost Information Service (BCIS) of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) produces a range of detailed information on the cost of rebuilding houses and flats together with a re-building cost calculator.

Alternatively, you can opt for a policy that has an unlimited or high standard buildings sum insured so you don’t have to worry about insuring the right amount.

Then there is the home contents insurance which covers almost everything else you would take with you if you moved house. Make a list of the rooms in your house and write down all the items contained in each with there value. Then, total the individual amounts to see what contents insurance protection you need. Remember to value items such as music CD’s, videos and clothing as their total cost is often missed or under insured. Whether your wardrobe is full of jeans or designer labels, make sure you include the cost of replacing them.

TIP 3: Look at separate buildings & contents insurance

If you need both buildings and contents insurance, get quotes for separate policies for maximum potential savings. Most insurers do provide them as separate policies and just because one is cheap for buildings cover doesn’t mean they are equally competitive to insure the contents. Find the cheapest providers for each component and consider buying each from different insurers.

TIP 4: Shop around for home insurance

Shopping around will yield the biggest savings on home insurance.

Firstly, don’t simply opt for the home insurance supplied by your mortgage lender. They can be convenient when your busy sorting your mortgage but they’re often over priced and chances are they won’t have been compared against other policies on the market.

When shopping for insurance you basically have three options; go direct to the insurer, browse the web or use a broker. If you have the time and commitment you can do all three, but the fastest and most effective route is to log on and use the reach of the internet.

The best insurance websites compare dozens of brokers and home insurance companies in minutes. You only have to fill in one form to get a list of premiums displayed on your screen from major insurers and brokers. However, if you have unusual or very specific requirements the final premium may increase when confirmed direct with your chosen insurer.

TIP 5: Ask for a bargain

Home insurance has a margin of profit built into it which can be negotiated down if you’re armed with the right information. Not all insurers will buckle and concede an additional discount but if you don’t ask you won’t know.

• First, find the cheapest quote after using internet comparison sites and phoning a few brokers.

• Select the cheapest quote and contact your existing insurer first asking them to beat it. If they won’t budge contact the second cheapest insurer and do the same.

• If after your best efforts, the insurer won’t budge, ask them to throw in some extra cover to sweeten the deal or move on to the next home insurance company and repeat the same steps.

Genuine handcrafted silver jewelry is as beautiful as it is unique. Whether you’re looking for pieces to add to your collection or are shopping for gifts, there are excellent online sources for handmade earrings, pendants, rings, barrettes, and necklaces. For a wonderful buying experience, follow these five tips.

1. Find a reputable source. This may go without saying, but don’t confuse commercially manufactured jewelry with handcrafted silver jewelry. The latter is made by artisans that take great pride in their work. It’s helpful to look for a company that has been in business for decades, and that has been selling online for at least five years.

2. Take advantage of customization. When jewelry is handmade, it can be customized in any number of ways, from the lengths of chains to the types of gemstones used in pendants and rings. You don’t need to settle for „almost good enough.“ Instead, you can get the piece you’ve always dreamed of, in exactly the right size.

3. Measure carefully. Because customized pieces generally aren’t returnable, it’s important to make sure that the handcrafted silver jewelry you order will fit. It only takes a few minutes to get a good measurement, and doing so will ensure that the necklace or ring you order will be exactly what you want. For rings, ask a friend to take a piece of string, put it around the knuckle or largest part of your finger, and mark the string. To determine the size, hold the string against a tape measure and compare your measurement to the website’s sizing chart. If you’re in between sizes, it’s best to go with the larger size. You can also use string to measure for bracelet, necklace, or anklet lengths.

4. Do your gemstone research. The best online jewelry sites have a wealth of information on gemstones. Before you order, read up on the gemstones you are considering. It’s important to know, for example, that aquamarine can be cleaned with dishwashing detergent, but that ultrasonic and steam cleaning may damage the stone. Similarly, you may know that pearls are delicate and can easily absorb liquids, but you might not know that turquoise is also porous and can easily become stained.

If you’re going to order jewelry with gemstones, it’s also crucial to know whether the stones are natural or if their colors have been enhanced. Reputable artisans will freely share this information. Don’t be alarmed, however, if the stones have been heated or irradiated to intensify or change their colors. Naturally colored rubies, sapphires, and topaz, for example, are extraordinarily rare; it is an accepted practice within the jewelry industry to enhance gemstone colors.

5. Invest in the real thing. Silver jewelry is gorgeous, but only if it’s real silver. Make sure that the online source you select uses either sterling silver (.925 or 92.5 percent silver) or fine silver (99.9 percent pure silver). When you invest in handcrafted silver jewelry, you’re not only buying a piece you will treasure, but one that is likely to become an heirloom for future generations.

It’s never been easier to purchase custom vinyl decals and other types of custom signage. From custom wall lettering and magnetic signs to boat lettering and registration numbers, you can design your own signage or have a team of designers do it for you with a few simple clicks of the mouse. Here are five tips for buying vinyl graphics online:

1. Look for Versatility

A good online custom sign shop should be able to fill a variety of types of orders. When it comes to custom vinyl decals, for example, they should provide everything from auto decals and bumper stickers to rear window decals and custom wall graphics. Using a full-service online sign company will enable you to get all of your signage needs met, including those for custom signs, custom banners, vehicle lettering, and digital decals.

2. Timeliness is Key

The most reputable online sources for custom signage will make a commitment to providing the fastest on-demand printing at the best prices. An online sign shop should be able to ship your order within three days of your acceptance of the final proof. For large orders, the shop should be willing to give you a shipping date and work with you to accommodate your needs.

3. Guarantees are a Must

There are many inferior products in the marketplace, so the sign shop you choose should stand behind what they sell. Although the lifespan of custom vinyl decals and other signage can shortened by adverse weather conditions, you should receive at least a limited one-year warranty against peeling, fading, or failure.

4. Simple Design Steps

The sign company you select should make it easy for you to design your own custom vinyl decals. They should have a friendly user interface that you can use to enter text and choose options like fonts, sizing, spacing, color, border, shadow, and other effects. You should also be able to upload your logo, images, and other graphic elements within the interface. As you’re creating your design, you should be able to preview it to make sure it’s exactly what you want.

5. Straightforward Installation

When you receive your custom vinyl decals, you should also receive easy-to-follow installation instructions. The best online companies provide you with some of the materials you need when your order exceeds $30 or so. Similarly, the company should provide you with instructions on how to remove custom vinyl decals, as well as how to care for your vehicle lettering.

Using custom vinyl decals and other forms of signage are a terrific way to advertise your business, express your personality while accessorizing your vehicle, and give friends and family members personalized gifts. Once you find a reputable sign company, you can take advantage of the latest technology and use their online tools to create your own masterpiece from the comfort of your home or office.

Whether you are shopping for accounting software to help budget your personal or business expenses, you may find that managing all of your files with a single program helps you to save time and know exactly where your money goes. If you are familiar with the accounting process, you already know how complicated ledgers, account statements, debits and credits can be. In an effort to simplify the accounting process, a number of manufacturers have created software specifically designed to help make your life a little easier.

Before deciding on any one particular accounting software program, keep the following tips in mind:

$Because many popular online software specialty stores allow for product feedback from customers, you will have the opportunity to read reviews that may help to make your decision easier based on the experiences by others who have already used the accounting software in question. Pay close attention to customer reviews when shopping for software.

$When you consider the purchase of any type of software, including that of accounting, you will want to make sure that it is compatible with your computer and that all PC requirements are met before purchasing the product. Many software programs require a specific type of processor, available memory, etc. In order for the software to function properly your computer will need to be able to handle all of the applications contained therein. By being familiar with your computer’s configuration, you will be able to make a better selection when it comes time to purchase your new accounting software.

$When shopping for accounting software, read about the program’s description and capabilities. You will need to make sure that you are either already familiar with the application or that you will be comfortable in learning how to use it. The reason is because many retailers will not accept software that is being returned if it has already been opened. So, before you buy, consider downloading a trial version or purchase an accounting software program that you are already familiar with.

$Purchase your accounting software from a company that has been in a business for awhile and one that has a good reputation. This will ensure prompt customer service, reliability, product assurance and a timely shipment. By purchasing software from a reliable and established business, you will also gain the peace of mind in knowing that the title is authentic and not an illegal copy. The most effective way of checking out a business’s reputation is through the Better Business Bureau.

$Learn about the company’s return, refund and/or exchange policy. Although most retailers will not refund the purchase if software has been opened, they may be willing to exchange it for the exact title if the program is defective or damaged.

5 Tips for Buying a Laptop

Buying a laptop is a major investment decision. As such it is not one that you should make lightly. Below are 5 tips that will help prepare you for making the best and most well informed decision when buying a laptop.

Tip #1 Size Matters

Buying a laptop is a matter that requires some thought. Consider the size and weight of the laptop. How often will you be carrying your laptop? Your answer will help determine which size and weight will best suit your needs. If you will be carrying your laptop frequently, a lighter model will be preferable.

The keyboard is another area to consider when buying a laptop. Why is the size of the keyboard important? A larger laptop will have a slightly larger keyboard area. But keep in mind that if you worry about your fingers or wrists taking on too much stress from typing on a keyboard that is too small, you may want this to be a main factor in your purchasing decision,

Tip #2 Choose Your Mouse

A laptop it will come with a built in touch pad, an alternative to the mouse, whereby the pad is controlled by the user’s finger movement. For some people, this type of pad is uncomfortable and not easy to work with. Before purchasing a laptop, determine what mouse options are available. Test each one and determine which one best meets your needs.

Tip #3 Wireless Options

Today, when many people think laptop, they think “wireless”. No doubt people want to make sure that their laptop computer will be able to access the Internet with a wireless connection. Many try to account for this by ensuring that their laptop has potential upgrade options, such as room for an expandable PC card or a USB port. However, since so many laptop users are looking for wireless connections, many of today’s laptops come pre-wired for wireless Internet. All you need to do is activate your wireless Internet service, and your laptop will take it from there. So depending on your needs, choose your laptop whether it is capable of expanding or if it is already configured for wireless Internet.

Tip #4 Check for Ports

Peripheral equipment will be connected to your laptop through USB ports. You will make your life much less complicated by ensuring that your laptop has adequate ports. Connecting equipment such as printers, scanners, and digital cameras will be much simpler if you have the ports readily available. If you are not sure, thoroughly read the specs for any laptop that you are considering purchasing.

Tip #5 Check Your Budget First

Finally, when buying a laptop, beware that you do not overspend. First create your budget and stick to it. When you think that you have found the laptop that you want, do not rush into it. Wait a day and check over your budget, requirements, and see if you are still as excited about the laptop in the morning, as you were when the sales clerk was showing off its specs. If you still feel that it is the laptop that you want to purchase, then go for it.

With over 10 million residents and a rich and fascinating history, Moscow is the center of Russia’s economic, cultural, and educational landscape. As a result of the country’s steady economic growth and virtually unlimited potential, an increasing number of multinational corporations have set up shop in Moscow, bringing an unprecedented number of business travelers to the city. Yet the city’s size and complexity, combined with the country’s unique language and culture, make Moscow hard to navigate for foreigners. Here, then, are some tips to help ease the way for business travelers.

1. Carefully Choose Your Accommodations

Where you choose to stay can make the difference between a successful and a disastrous business trip. Your best bet is to select a business class, fully equipped, serviced apartment rental in Moscow. A short term rental will provide you with familiar Western comforts, while giving you access to the equipment you need (like Wi-Fi Internet; a computer printer, scanner, and fax; and free local calling) to stay connected and get the job done. Many come with a fully equipped kitchen and a washing machine, which will help you settle in and concentrate on the business at hand.

When selecting Moscow rentals, be sure to look for rentals in the upscale Arbat area of Moscow, within the Garden Ring Road. This is a very safe area, and one that is close to supermarkets, embassies, stores, restaurants, financial institutions, and nightclubs. Furthermore, unless you’re fluent in Russian, choose to work with a company that is Western owned and operated. An English-speaking staff will go far in ensuring that your stay in Moscow goes smoothly and is stress-free.

2. Getting through Passport Control

When you arrive at Domodedovo International Airport or Sheremetyevo 2 International Airport, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the lines and procedures at passport control and customs. The best serviced apartment rental companies can also arrange for full airport VIP services, Fast Track check in, and business lounge access.

3. Visa Registration

Russia has very strict regulations for foreigners visiting Russia. Not only do you have to register upon your arrival in Moscow, but if you visit other cities, you have to register there as well. If you are staying in a short term rental, the Western company that manages the rental should be able to assist you in complying with the myriad visa requirements.

4. Airport and Train Transfers

Many business travelers are overwhelmed by the logistics involved in going to and from Moscow’s airports and train stations. There are four major airports and nine train stations in the city, as well as the world’s most extensive Metro system. Although it’s possible to negotiate Moscow’s transportation system on your own, it’s much less of a hassle to book an airport or train station transfer with the Moscow rentals company you select.

5. Taxi and Transport Services

Whether you need to get around Moscow or are going to one of the many popular tourist destinations in Russia, it’s important to select a reliable taxi and transport service. Again, it’s helpful to be able to rely on Westerners, who can arrange for you to book an hourly taxi.

With the right planning, business travel in Moscow can be both productive and enjoyable.

When you come to move into college it can be an exciting and some testing time, especially if you are serious about your weight training and bodybuilding. As you’ll no longer have access to your favourite gym or all the healthy food you’d normally be able to have at home and you’ll probably find that sharing fridges and kitchens can be a headache.

You’ll need to be dedicated and motivated

It might take you a week or two to get settled in and it can be daunting starting at college, however once you find your feet, if you have high levels of commitment and drive you’ll have no problems keeping in shape and getting that perfect toned body. However there are a number of essentials tips that’ll help you on your way.

Set goals and plan ahead

Before you start college it is essential that you set out clear and specific goals and devise a training program for the year and make a commitment to stick to it. Don’t forget this includes your nutrition and diet as well as your workouts.

Get the right nutrition

If possible try and stay in self catered accommodation so that you can have maximum control over your nutrition and ensure that you’re eating the right foods. If not you are going to have more of a difficult job, as college food in catered accommodation is average at best and most certainly not ideal for packing on muscle and burning off fat. If you find yourself in this situation don’t over do your eating on the college food, especially if its food your body isn’t used to, instead save up for a small fridge for your room. Budget for some healthy food week and stock up your fridge with good nutritious food which your body will thank you for.

Stock up on protein shakes and healthy snacks

Before you go to your lectures or classes each day, make up a healthy lunch for yourself so that you can avoid the canteen, take some protein shakes or snakes as well to ensure you don’t go hungry and your body stays fuelled. If you have to go into the canteen, don’t be tempted by the unhealthy food, it’ll just undo all the good work you’ve been doing down the gym. Try to stick to the food options you’d normally go for such as chicken, eggs, pasta, tuna, salads and cottage cheese.

Find your local gyms

As soon as you get there spend some time orientating yourself with the area you are staying, find the local gyms, have a look around and see which ones are best suited to your needs. Speak to some of the instructors and find out the best routes for running so you can get your cardio training in. Don’t forget to check the opening times of the gyms and their prices, many will give you a student discount on membership, so make sure you ask.

Form good habits and avoid the booze

Watch your habits and try and form good ones, make sure you get enough sleep and organise your time so that you get your work and training done, as well as making the most of the social activities. Try to avoid the drinking as you’ll be throwing your training away; if you are just bodybuilding for fun and to look and feel good don’t feel bad about having a few drinks at the week end, but remember drink in moderation and be responsible. If you are bodybuilding for competition then there is no way any alcoholic drinks should be getting past your lips. As alcohol lowers your testosterone, dehydrates and will cause you to put on fat. Abstain from drinking and your friends will soon respect your for discipline and commitment.

There are a variety of reasons why people consider becoming a home worker. In some cases, people who are retired need some extra income. In other instances, a stay-at-home mom might need money to supplement the family income. Sometimes, a person decides to launch a home based business in order to achieve a specific financial goal, such as a family vacation or home repairs. Other times, people simply get tired of the grind of commuting, answering to a boss, and working predetermined hours.

There’s no doubt that a home based business opportunity can provide extra income for retired people, money for moms, and the extra cash for a family vacation. It can even replace a primary income so that a person can quit his or her day job and make his or her own hours. Unfortunately, though, making the decision to become a home worker is only the first – and the easiest – step. The next step is succeeding in your home based business. Here are five tips to help ensure you succeed in your quest to become a home based worker:

1. Set aside time each day for your home based business. Although there are many home based opportunities that will earn revenue with a minimal amount of work, the more time you put into your business, the greater your financial rewards will be. Designating a certain number of hours per day (or per week) will help keep you on track.

2. Minimize distractions while working. If the kids are running around, your friends are calling, or you keep getting up to do laundry or other household chores, it will be difficult to sustain your home business. Create ground rules to minimize distractions, and have the discipline to stick to them.

3. Have patience. Despite „get rich quick“ promises, the typical home based business opportunity will not provide you with immediate income. Have patience at keep at it to reap financial rewards, but make sure you have a revenue „bridge“ that will keep you going until your business begins to generate returns.

4. Diversify your revenue streams. The successful home worker generally has several – if not many – revenue streams. This way, if one aspect of the business falters or has a slow period, others can fill in the gap. Take a building block approach: start with one home based business and add another when the first starts generating a steady income.

5. Make bookkeeping a priority. Oftentimes, a home worker will let bookkeeping go by the wayside. Revenues from his or her business will be intermingled with personal finances, or his or her recordkeeping will be less that pristine. The Internal Revenue Service keeps a close eye on home businesses, so it’s crucial to keep your business income and expenses separate from your personal income and expenses. It’s also important to keep and record all receipts for expenses. If you keep good financial records throughout the year, it will be much easier to do your taxes when April rolls around.

Being a home worker is immensely rewarding in terms of income potential, making your own hours, and doing work that interests you. Success lies in choosing the right home based business opportunity, sticking with your commitment, and keeping good records.

Most people understand how difficult it can be to balance their work and home lives once they get married and have children. Somehow it seems that work life or home life is always encroaching on the other and causing problems at work, at home, and many times both. However the following five tips are great options to help with balancing work and home.

Make a Schedule

The best thing to do when trying to balance work and home is to make a schedule. Know how much time you have and schedule your work time and your home time. Then, you will know when you need to schedule work and home events. This will make your life significantly easier and you will know which activities fit into which time frame. Just make sure you stick to your schedule.

Share Responsibilities

Many times work and home responsibilities can become overwhelming because one spouse is handling more of the responsibilities than the other. So, learn to share responsibilities at home and each spouse can be responsible for their work. Also, older children should have some home responsibilities as well to help parents balance work and home.

Leave Work at Work

Balancing home and work can be difficult because it is so easy to take work home. If you really want to balance work and home then you will always leave work at work and keep home a sacred place for family and home activities.

Dedicate Weekends to Home Activities

A great way to keep home and work separate is to always focus on home activities during weekends, or at least on days off from work if you happen to work on weekends. When certain days are home days and other days are work days then it makes balancing work and home considerably easier.

Plan

The best way to balance work and home is to always make a plan. There are tons of tips that will help you, but there is nothing like making a plan and then following the plan to really balance work and home. It might be difficult, but if you have it planned out and follow the plan you will be surprised how easy you can find a balance.

Affiliate program is the starting place for a big majority of home entrepreneurs and beginners in Internet Marketing, because of the small amount of work involved. There is some elements that you must absolutely look for before you start promoting an affiliate product…

Tip #1. Promote a unique product to get better results.

Promoting a product which is already being sold by hundreds or affiliates will not give you the same results as if you have a unique proposition. A different product that only some affiliates distribute. That kind of program is a little bit difficult to find because it is not in the interest of the merchant to do so in the short term.

Tip #2. Powerful and effective affiliates tools.

When you are ready to promote, you may be lost if you are new to affiliates marketing. Actually, most of the beginners take months to make their first sale, because the merchant doesn’t help them in their hard work. So be sure to find a powerful and clear affiliates resource section. That will skyrocket your chances of success. Also, a good communication with the merchant is hard to find, but it is a must.
Try to find these resources, or some of them.

Tip #3. Example of effective resources:

* Brandable ebooks to give away or sell at a little price with your own affiliate ID links to generate leads… and sales.
* Sales letters provided.
* Templates of the emails to send to your list(s), pre-writen email or even better.
* Free promotional tips provided, to make money without spending thousands in the beginning (a must for beginners)
* Advices and tips for paid promotional techniques (don’t loose all your money in something that don’t bring results).
* Redirect links through your own website. For example: www.yoursite.com/theaffiliatesite/
* Banners

Tip #4. Good Tracking software.

It is a very important part. You must be able to monitor almost everything in your resources section:
you must be able to track your sales, how many visitors came to your site and to the merchant site, by which page they enter to the merchant site(here is the importance of the redirect links).
You must be able to view your payment history, and also how many people signed up underneath you if it is a two tiers affiliate program.

Tip #5. Cookies plus IP addresses.

Today, it is a common practice by Internet users to clear their cookies daily or weekly. So if you spend money on PPC or any other paid advertising to get a customer, you do not want to see another affiliate get the commission you should have received. So try to choose an affiliate program with a tracking software which take also the IP address of your future customer. By the way, recurring commissions are a must.

Last but not least, try to find associate programs with generous compensation plan, and give a preference to the two tiers affiliates programs because you will be paid on two levels. Good promotion, and enjoy your affiliate life.

Business opportunities are all over the Internet. You can do any one that you feel is right for you. However, making money with them is not as easy as everyone leads you to believe. There are a few things that you need to know if you are going to make money online. By following these tips you will be able to achieve the financial freedom that you have always dreamed of.

Tip 1: When looking for a business opportunity you will need to find one that has great products that you know everyone will want. They also need to have a marketing system that can be easily duplicated. This will provide you with training on marketing that will help you start making money.

Tip 2: When you find the opportunity that you are looking for. You will need to educate yourself on Internet marketing. This is one very important thing that you do not want to neglect. This will be your key to achieving the financial freedom that you want. You will never stop learning as there is so much that you need to know. Just remember that education is something that you need for any business.

Tip 3: You will need to be persistent and be able to motivate yourself. It will be up to you to make money with your own business. No one can do this for you so you will need to be able to do a little something on your business every day. No matter what you will need to be persistent in your advertising. It may take you a while to get where you want to be but by doing a little something every day you will be able to get your business started.

Tip 4: Don’t ever give up. This is one mistake that a lot of people make when they don’t see results right away. It will take some time to make the kind of money that you want to. There will also be a learning curve when you first start your business. So do everything you can to become a success and don’t ever let anything stop you.

Tip 5: Find a mentor who can teach you what you need to know. There are a lot of people out there who are successfully making money on the Internet every day. Most of these people will be able to show you how they did it and will help you every step of the way.

These are just a few tips that you will need to follow if you are going to achieve the financial freedom that you want. It can be done but it may take you some time. Don’t let this stop you from making your business a success.

Summary: Financial freedom can be achieved when you have your own online business. You just need to follow a few simple tips to help you on the road to success. It is up to you to make your own dream of financial freedom come true.

Behind every successful public school student is a great public school teacher. And great teachers make great public schools. But teachers can’t do it alone.

The research is clear: Students perform better in school when their parents are actively involved in their education.

„Teachers help students soar and make their hopes and dreams come true,“ said Reg Weaver, president of the National Education Association. „And when parents are involved in their children’s education, they will go farther – and the schools they attend are better.“

NEA, which represents 2.8 million teachers, education support professionals and other educators, offers five easy ways for parents to get more involved in education year-round:

1. Check in with teachers on a regular basis. Be proactive and don’t wait for a problem or challenge to arise before taking action.

2. Get to know the guidance counselors and other school employees. Education support professionals generally know all of the students in the school, and their relationship with your children will continue as they move from one grade to the next.

3. Attend school events. Open houses, parent-teacher conferences, dances or other school activities provide good opportunities for parents to connect with teachers and school employees.

4. Volunteer at the school. Make time in your schedule to help out with school plays, act as a classroom helper or chaperone field trips.

5. Keep the lines of communication open. Whether they are your children’s classmates, friends or neighbors, get to know others – especially parents who have children attending the same school. Form support groups to work on problems and issues of mutual interest.

„The home is an extension of the learning that takes place inside the classroom,“ Weaver said. „When parents get involved in their child’s education, everyone wins.“

5 Tips For Having A Memorable New Year’s Eve Party!
by John Jaworski
„Happy New Year!“
That’ll be the words on just about everyone’s lips at midnight this December 31’st. Hopefully your guests will be talking about your New Years Eve party until next New Years Eve when you’ll have a chance to top yourself! Here are few things you can do to ensure your party isn’t a snoozer!
1. Make it original – New Years Eve is a Special Night!
New Years Eve is a really cool night. It’s the one time of the year when we can leave behind the heartaches of last year and open up our dreams and aspirations into next year. We also look back on all the cool things we did, new friends we made, vacations we took and successes we had!

Make your party YOUR party! Add your flair to it. It’s not difficult to do. Think back on what happened in your life last year that was memorable. Did you take an awesome vacation, maybe get married? Did you get a promotion at work or meet the love of your life? Now what does that memory conjure up? Warm tropical breezes or maybe the chill of the Antarctic? Does it make you feel romantic or even powerful? Base the theme of your party around one of those feelings.

If you remember the feeling of the tropical breeze on your face, make it a tropical theme. Remember Tropical can be either goofy and fun sort of cartoon-ish, or suave and sophisticated, sort of like a beach party in a James Bond Movie, you remember, tuxedos and martinis etc!

If it’s been a romantic year for you, make it a romantic party, again it can be goofy and fun, with couples games that always seem to place one or the other in lets say… ahem…compromising positions! Or Sophisticated with Roses and wine tasting.

The most important thing is that you make it personal. You’ll be surprised how what seems like your memory will be echoed by your guests!
2. Create a new Cocktail for your Party!
Just about everybody likes to try a new colorful cocktail. Recently I had a party and the menu was based on Cuban influences. Instead of serving Mojitos, I created a MoJohnny! It was limeade, with vanilla rum and a splash of seltzer. I then rimmed all of the glasses with some „Mojito Rimming Sugar“. These babies were an incredible hit! I get requests for them all the time! You can find a link to the special rimming sugar at the weblink below!

Don’t underestimate creating a signature drink for your party. If you watch the Apprentice, this past season Rebecca created the „Yahootini“ for her High End Party with Yahoo.com. It’s a fun way to add your signature to the party and tasty!
3. Give out a „Cool“ Party Favor!
Everybody likes to take something home. Not only does it give them something to take with them as a keepsake (other than your good silverware) it also makes sure that every time they look at your „gift“ or „party favor“ they’ll remember your New Years Eve party!
One of the newest never fail items is the light up ice cube. These are plastic non-toxic cubes that have an LED light inside. If you need a quantity of them you can even have the name of your party or company printed on the cube. They come in a bunch of colors so finding something to match your theme and cocktail should be easy. You can even get some that will blink, strobe or change color! See more about them at the link below too!

Glow Necklaces are always fun, personalized shot glasses are cool too. You can get a ton of things personalized these days. You can have wine bottles made with your label, golf balls with your name or logo, even playing cards with your picture on them! The sky is the limit, just remember to keep it close to your theme and have fun with it!
4. Create Theme Music for your Party
This is a lot easier than it sounds. These days just about every computer has the capability to „burn“ a CD.

All you need to do is come up with a dozen or so songs that are special to you or the gang you invited for the party.

I’m a big fan of Jimmy Buffett so I would put on some of his music as well as other „tropical“ sort of songs.

My wife has songs like the Weather Girls „It’s Raining Men“ that cause her girlfriends to jump up and down and scream as soon as it comes on! That would be a must for our party!

Everybody has songs that bring back memories. Now you just have to create a CD with all those special songs on it. If you don’t own them, there are tons of places to purchase and download the songs. I’m a fan of Itunes myself!

If you are having a DJ play the music, ask him to slip them in every now and then wherever he thinks is appropriate. If your just letting your 5 disc CD player be the DJ, set it to random and it will grab a „favorite“ song whenever it feels like it.

Here’s another cool tweak on that idea! Burn a CD for each guest. What a cool party favor! Hey that’s 2 ideas in 1!
5. Nothing Screams Happy New Year Like Confetti!
Don’t you just think, „Happy New Year“ every time you see confetti falling. It always reminds me of Times Square in New York City on New Years Eve. !

There are a number of ways to add confetti to your party. Confetti Flick Sticks are really cool party favors. You just give them a flick of the wrist and voila, an instant burst of confetti.

For bigger parties you can add Hand Held Confetti launchers. They’ll do a similar effect to the flick sticks, just a lot bigger!

For large events you can even rent professional confetti cannons, again they all launch confetti, it just depends on how big a burst you need
You can get a lot more of information on them at http://www.x-streamers.com

Most importantly, have fun. Once the party has started, if you forget a side dish, or the DJ isn’t playing the music „exactly“ as you thought he would, relax. Michael Cerbelli „Entertainer Of The Year“ of Total Entertainment in New York once told me his secret was „Never Let Them See You Run Across The Dance Floor“! Truer words were never spoken.
Most of the time whatever goes wrong will only be noticed by whoever planned the party. Period. If you try out one or two of the above tips, relax, enjoy yourself and have fun with your friends. You’ll be certain to have a New Years Eve party that’s a hot topic for weeks, and memorable!
John Jaworski

One rule of thumb that every aspiring entrepreneur should remember is that to make huge profits, you should know how to do it by yourself—and not rely on other’s efforts. Being independent from other people will help you determine what things are best for your business.

Such rule applies on all types of investments, including foreign currency trading, or mostly known as Forex trading. It cannot be denied that Forex is the largest existing market around the world, which is estimated to have an excess of 2 trillion U.S. dollars worth of foreign currencies are traded each day. It is larger than the magnitude of the New York Stock Exchange, which is approximately 50 billion U.S. dollars. Thus, Forex market exceeds all combined equity markets around the world.

With such huge wealth circulating around the Forex market, one of your financial goals is to grab a major slice of that $2 trillion average daily turnover in the market. How you will be able to get a substantial portion of that average turnover if you do not know how you will handle your Forex business? Although you cannot live in the market alone (you need business partners and/or financial advisers to help you along), only you can determine what the best Forex business there is for you.

To get huge profits out of your Forex trading career, you need to build your own profitable system—a trading system that will bring your not just hundreds but thousands of dollars worth of Forex revenues. Such trading system is available on the market, but as previously mentioned, you need to be independent—and you need to have your own Forex trading system that will help you achieve your financial goals.

For new traders, it is difficult for them to device their own trading system since they do not have too much knowledge about the Forex market. However, even a neophyte trader can device a trading system that will fit on his personal preference and needs—in just five easy steps!

Before we discuss the five easy steps towards a profitable Forex trading system, you need to learn first the three main characteristics of a successful Forex trading system. These are as follows:

1. A successful Forex trading system is simple. There is no need for a complicated trading system with too many rules. It is a proven truth that simple systems work better than complicated ones, and they have higher chances of success despite of the “brutal” characteristic of Forex trading.

2. A successful Forex trading system cuts losses and runs profits. Keep in mind that you need a trading system that gets the huge possible profits and eliminates losses quickly, if not instantly.

3. A successful Forex trading system follows long-term trends. You will never cover your losses if you are just generating small profits. Keep in mind that the Forex market is worth $2 trillion U.S. dollars, thus there is no point in trading in exchange for just small profits if you have the opportunity to make trades for larger revenues. Focus on long-term trends and you will be able to see better results.

Now, here are the five easy steps in building a profitable Forex trading system:

1. As previously mentioned, your trading system must be as simple as possible. Integrate few yet essential rules and an extensive investment management system.

2. Always look for long-term trends (preferably on a weekly basis), then shift to daily charts and to time entry. This will help you analyze market trends efficiently.

3. The ideal way of trading foreign currencies is through breakout method.

4. Always watch for any break that you will note on your chart, which is commonly confirmed by stochastic crossed with bearish divergence. This will be your great timing tool whether you will enter a certain deal or not.

5.You must integrate effective time management within your system. Time is gold and is one of your precious resources. Design a trading system that is time efficient—where you can maximize the potential of your time resources to generate huge profits.

Get away with complicated systems; it will just ruin your entire Forex trading career. Build a simpler one and see for yourself how profitable it is.

With all the hype surrounding dropship wholesale products and using those products to run a successful home business, it’s important to know the following tips which will make your life easier as a home based entrepreneur.

First we’ll describe what dropshipping is and how it can be useful for a home based business. Dropshipping uses three entities: you, the customer, and the dropshipper. You advertise products that the dropshipper offers, and when customers would like to buy the product, they contact your. This can be done through traditional means such as newspaper or the more current trend with mediums such as web sites or auction sites. You never actually purchase the inventory until the customer pays you for it. This gives you the capital to buy the product and take your cut of the profits before the dropshipper. Once the dropshipper receives the order, they ship the product directly to your customer, with your return address listed. The customer thinks you shipped the item and usually has no idea the item was dropshipped.

Now that you have a better understanding of what dropshipping is, the tips below will help you avoid some of the pitfalls that usually occur when using dropshipping in your home based business.

Check the Inventory

You definitely don’t want to sell a product from a dropshipper only to find out the dropshipper doesn’t have the item in stock. This is one of the most common problems in the dropshipping business. Some dropshippers use an available stock field in their product description allowing you to see how many items they have available for immediate delivery.

Careful With Shipping

Most people new to the dropshipping business don’t think much about shipping costs and how it can cut into their profits. Remember your shipping charges and be sure to pass them on the your customer. Some use a flat rate shipping charge that can cover most and provide a small profit when more shipping charges are collected and not used.

Dropshipping Charges

Different dropship companies have different fees for dropshipping. Each individual item may have a dropshipping charge even if the order is for more than one item. Others charge a monthly or annual fee. It’s important to know the fees associated with using each dropshipper.

Saturation

When choosing a dropshipper, you don’t want to choose a dropshipper that has a saturated market. The supply and demand principle is still true even in the online world. If hundreds of people are selling the exact same product as you, you’ll need some sort of incentive for them to buy from you. Or find a niche dropshipper that can provide unique products at good prices.

Beware the middleman

If you have never written a business plan before, you may have difficulty getting the project started. It will seem as though you have an awful lot of blank pages staring back at you. But don’t worry use these tips and you’ll get your business plan on the fast track.

1. To get the plan moving, start with the section that is easiest for you, or of most interest. If you are enthused about the technical superiority of your product, write the product attributes section first. If marketing is your forte, then work on promotion. Many people like to start by writing the history of the company, or how they got the original vision to start the business (possibly because most people enjoy talking about themselves). When you begin to see words on the page, you will get a feeling of making progress, and then you can proceed to the more difficult parts of the plan with less trepidation.

2. People often underestimate the effort and energy it takes to write a business plan. They try to write it at night or when everything else at work is finished, in other words, when they are mentally and sometimes physically exhausted. A better approach is to write the plan when you have energy available to put into it: go in early and think and write for an hour before the phones start ringing.

3. Business plans are essentially works of fiction–documents that talk about what you imagine or hope may occur in the future, not what has already occurred. This type of writing is difficult for everyone. You’ve heard of „writer’s block“. The problems you are having keeping the words flowing are precisely the ones faced by the great writers, except many of them have to keep going because the publisher has given them a unreachable deadline and they’ve already spent their advance, but you of course, have allowed plenty of time to finish the Business Plan–so there’s no reason to feel pressured. Right?

If you feel blocked, don’t worry. It’s all part of the process. The key is not to quit. Put a few words down on the paper, then a few more. Jot down concepts rather than trying to do complete sentences.

4. You may think the first draft of your plan will undoubtedly resemble incoherent ramblings–jumbled stream-of-semi-consciousness ideas that look nothing like what you had hoped it would. Don’t be disappointed or frustrated. Just put the draft away for a few days, come back to it fresh, and begin revising and rewriting. Magically, after several more revisions, the ideas will all come together and the language of the plan will flow.

5. A good mental exercise to use when writing the Plan is to imagine that you are telling the story of your company to a good friend. Don’t get too wrapped up in the formality of the language, or the seriousness of the project, or the need to impress. Just talk. Express your hopes and dreams for the business. Why it is important to you personally to succeed.

Handy features can save you time and money

Most people don’t use every feature built-in with their software applications. We tend to pinpoint those we find helpful and call it a day.

Here are five features within Microsoft Word, the word-processing software in Microsoft Office that I use in my business to save time and money.

1. Create and design your company’s letterhead, choosing from an array of free clip art from Microsoft. One thing every business needs is official letterhead. You don’t have to buy it. If you know the design you want, you can create it in Microsoft Word and save it as a template to use time after time.

   Creating a letterhead doesn’t have to be complicated; it can be as simple as the company name, address and telephone number. Word provides a wide variety of fonts, and you can vary type sizes.

   You may want to add art to your letterhead. You can scan in your logo and use it in your letterhead. Or there is another option.

   Microsoft maintains a huge collection of free clip art. For instance, if you want to add a flower, Microsoft has more than 1,000 designs. The clip art collection is available to registered users of Word. You’ll find it at Microsoft Office’s Design Gallery Live.

   Microsoft also offers free templates for letters, labels and forms. They’re located in the Template Gallery. (Most run in Word, although some require other software programs. For example, the project management templates require Microsoft Project 2000 or a later version.)

2. Send the same letter to many people without addressing each separately. Sometimes you need to make an advertising pitch to all of your customers. Or you want to announce a change in your staff. This can seem daunting but it doesn’t have to be. Word’s Mail Merge tool simplifies things greatly.

   Basically, Word uses a list of names and addresses from a table. The table can be created in Word, in Microsoft Access or even in Microsoft Outlook. All are part of Microsoft Office.

   This obviously works best with planning. You’ll probably need a database and Access is the better way to go for that. But the learning curve here is much steeper than putting everything in Excel (also part of Microsoft Office). I’ll use Excel as the example but keep in mind that you have more choices.

   Start this process with your letter. The same letter goes to everyone; you can’t do a lot of customisation. When you write the letter, leave space for the person’s address and the salutation.

   When setting up Excel, you obviously need the person’s name and address. You’ll also need a salutation field. If Rocky Jones is one of the people receiving the letter, you might want the salutation to be Dear Rocky. If your relationship with Dr. Rocky Jones is more formal, the salutation might be Dear Dr. Jones. So the names in the Salutation column would be „Rocky“ or „Dr. Jones.“

   Next, open your letter. Click Tools > Letters and Mailings > Mail Merge. Follow the wizard’s directions on the right side of the screen. To select recipients of your letters browse to your list of contacts in Excel, Outlook or another database.

   In addition to letters, you can address envelopes and labels with Mail Merge. It can make life a lot easier.

3. Add a watermark to a document so everyone knows that it is a draft. If you are circulating a proposal to your staff, you don’t want it mistaken for the finished product. A good way to avoid that is a watermark that says „Draft,“ „Confidential,“ „Sample“ or anything else you’d like.

   A watermark is clearly visible on the document, but does not damage the legibility of the writing. You can even establish it in a variety of colours.

   You can also use a picture for a watermark. Suppose you run a flower shop. You can use a drawing or picture of a flower that would appear on everything you print. How cool is that?

   To use the watermark, click Format > Background > Printed Watermark. Make your selections and click OK. If you expect to use a watermark regularly, create a template (see No. 1 above).

   Remember that there is a fine line between cool and irritating. If people must struggle to read the document because of the watermark, they may give up. Be sure you have „semitransparent“ or „washout“ selected.

4. Keep an eye on changes that people are making to documents. When a sales plan or another document is returned to you, it is sometimes difficult to see changes made by others. Word has a simple way to show them to you.

   Here are the instructions for Word 2002/2003: First, open the newer Word document. Click Tools > Compare and Merge Documents. Browse to the original Word document. Click it once to highlight it. In the lower right corner, click the drop-down box and select „Merge Into Current Document.“

   For Word 97/2000: Click Tools. Go to Track Changes. Click Compare Document. Find the original Word document and click it once so it is highlighted. Click Open.

   Sometimes, the development of a document is so arduous that we lose sight of what we’re trying to do. Looking back at previous versions can help.

   That’s easy to do in Word. Click File > Versions. Select „Automatically save a version on close.“ Every time you close the document, that version will be saved.

   When you want to look at an old version, follow the same path. All of the versions will be listed in the box. The most recent will be on top. Highlight the version you want and click Open.

   You can turn off this „versioning“ feature by clearing the check mark from „Automatically save a version on close.“ Or, you can delete individual versions. Just highlight the ones you want to dump and click Delete.

5. Use a shortcut for many of your tasks. For some tasks, I can work faster using the keyboard than the mouse. You probably know the standards: Ctrl+C to copy, Ctrl+V to Paste, Ctrl+Z to Undo, Ctrl+A to Select All and Ctrl+P to Print. But here is a list of other shortcuts you might find helpful as you use Word.

Keystroke	Result
Alt+Ctrl+C	Copyright symbol
Alt+Ctrl+Period	An ellipsis
Alt+Ctrl+R	Registered trademark symbol
Alt+Ctrl+T	Trademark symbol
Ctrl+B	Bold text
Ctrl+E	Centres a paragraph
Ctrl+End	Skips to the end of a document
Ctrl+Enter	Inserts a page break
Ctrl+F	Opens the Find menu
Ctrl+G	Go to a page, bookmark, footnote, table, comment, graphic or other location
Ctrl+H	Opens the Replace menu
Ctrl+Home	Skips to the beginning of a document
Ctrl+I	Italics text
Ctrl+N	Creates a new document
Ctrl+S	Saves a document
Ctrl+Shift+F	Changes the font
Ctrl+Shift+P	Changes the font size
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Are you looking for a diet to lose belly fat? Here are five tips that can help you. Remember that the key to having a flat stomach is to lose the amount of fat you have overall. The stomach fat is just the last to go, so it’s the toughest. Here’s a diet to lose belly fat.

First of all, you need to eat more fiber. The major reason women are getting fatter these days is that they do not have enough fiber in their diets. As we eat more processed foods and less whole grains and produce, the natural fibers in our diet are becoming scarcer. An average person should try to get at least 25 grams of fiber per day. People who are serious about a diet to lose belly fat should get 35 grams of fiber.

Secondly, realize that carbs aren’t the devil that some diets make them out to be, but too many calories from carbohydrates can increase your middle mass. Carbohydrates should make up no more than 60 percent of your calories when you are on a diet to lose belly fat. But, make sure that they are at least 45 percent of your diet. As you can see, balance is the key here. Most of your carbs should come from fruits and vegetables and you should avoid high carb, empty calorie foods like cupcakes.

Third, drink your water. Many people mistakenly believe that drinking a lot of water will give them puffy abs. But, water actually flushes sodium out of your system which reduces puffiness. Here’s a couple of ways to tell if you have enough water. Are you thirsty? Then you are already dehydrated. Don’t ever lack water so long that you feel it. Another way is to monitor the color of your urine. If you’re drinking enough water, your urine will be close to colorless.

Fourth, limit your sodium intake as it leads to puffiness. A woman only needs 500 mg. of sodium a day for the body’s natural functions to work. But the average American woman gets up to 6,000 grams! A Chinese take out entry can have 3000 grams by itself. You can limit your sodium by choosing fresh, natural foods. That’s one way to be on a diet to lose belly fat.

Fifth, have a small dinner and shut the kitchen down afterwards. Having your calories during the day when you are actually burning them is key to losing weight. Evening eating is often mindless eating. You sit down in front of the television with a brand new bag of chips and before you know it, half the bag is gone. Another benefit of eating light at night is that you’ll wake up hungry for a good breakfast. People who eat good breakfasts are more likely to lose weight.

If you are wondering how to get a flat stomach, monitor what you are eating. When you eat healthy, natural foods, you are going to develop the body you want. And, that’s the guidelines for a diet to lose belly fat.

The stock market is an untamed animal, a wild beast. Sometimes, it is a raging bull that lifts and throws all stocks upwards into the sky. Sometimes it is a marauding bear that beats all stocks into the ground with brute force. And if you are entering the stock market, you have to ride this beast. It can be a rough ride or it can be smooth one depending on how you handle yourself. But, hey, you can take your precautions and plan your investments well if you keep these five factors in mind:

1. There is always a limit: Every player on the stock market must not play beyond his means. The bottom line is that if you play beyond your financial capacity, and something goes wrong, you will end up with a loss of face and your family will feel the aftershocks. It’s better to control risk appetites and adventurism while playing the stock market – after all, it is a market, not a jungle that needs to be explored.

2. There is no room for emotions: Never ever get emotionally attached to any stock. Stocks are an asset class and you must look at them as such. If you don’t, and you keep holding a stock no matter what, then you will lose out on many opportunities to make money.

3. Book profits, stop losses: Profit is like a burglar – if you don’t catch it, it will run away. Loss is like an insurance salesman – if you don’t shake it off, it will stick to you. Therefore, you must always book profits and cut losses in the stock market – all the big guns have done it and they’re human beings, just like you. So, why shouldn’t you? Get the point?

4. No one can time the market: You have to be God to predict the market movements, which you aren’t. So, be happy when you get in, be happy when you get out, don’t regret, don’t fret and SMILE no matter what you do, provided you do it right.

5. It pays to know: It will pay you well if you understand the stock you are buying into. What are its finances? Is it making profits or losses? Is the market price right? Is the management clean or are they sons of Enron? Does the industry have a bright future? Look, you will make a load of money if you know what you are doing in the stock market. So, get savvy with figures and with the economic and global trends. Analyze all the factors affecting a stock and then act.

Well, these are some basics you have to understand before you enter the stock market. Obviously, you will make mistakes, but that’s normal – every stock market player does. Just take care to play the market by the book and that will ensure that you will ride on the booms and weather the busts.

1. Money is made at the buy, not the sell of your flip. When flipping a house your money is made at the purchase not at the sell of the house. So, many times people buy a house with the intensions of making a huge profit only to find out that they could not make any money after all the renovations because the purchased price of the house was to high. When you purchase your property you need to be sure that you buy the house with enough money to make renovations, have carrying cost, and add about 5 $6,000. Now, cost is at $147,000, and that is if everything goes as planned. Profit is under 10,000 dollars. The mistake was made at the purchase at the home, not the sell.

2. Get an inspection on the home – Get a complete inspection done on your property. By, spending a few hundred dollars on this expense you can save thousands in problems that you cannot see. Foundation, Pest, Wood Rot, Etc… By, getting a full inspection you can rest assured that you know every thing that is wrong with the property before its to late. In the contact for the house you need to make sure that you have 7 days to have a inspection preformed, and if the inspection finds problems that are going to cost more money that you are willing to spend you can get out of the contract with no penalties.

3. Don’t do the work yourself: – Get a contractor or several sub-contractors and have the work done quickly. You need to have you house flipped ASAP, so that you can get it on the market and get it sold. When I started flipping my brother and me did a house together, and we did all the construction. I had a construction background and figured it would save thousands, but it took us over 4 months to get the work done that a contractor could have had the work done in a month. But, we trying to save money on our flip did all the work on our time off and after work, and it just took to long. On our 2’nd flip we used contractors for almost everything and had the house completely flipped with a new roof, new air conditioning, new hardwood, and much more in only 3 weeks. We did not have to spend all our time working on the property and were able to spend that time looking for the next deal. This is how you get rich in real estate.

4. Place the property 1 to 2 percent below market value: If you are wanting to flip real estate and make money the object is to buy and sell the property as quickly as possible, so that you can move on to the next house. If you purchase a house and try to sell it at top dollar to make and extra couple of thousand dollars on your flip, and end up holding it for 6 months you are loosing money. Get the house on the market at a price that is going to blow the competition away, and you will sell it no matter what the market conditions. On our second house the market for selling house went down do to the housing market as a whole, and the tightening of the loans across America. We were told that you could not sell a property in this market, but we went ahead anyway and flipped our house. After 3 weeks on the market we had 3 people wanting to buy the house. Why, because we offered it at such a great deal that people wanted to jump on it. That is what you have to do especially if the market is slow.

5. Use a real estate agent – Do not try to sell you house on your own. Harness the power of a real estate agent and the power of the MLS system. When you do a FSBO you are depending on people driving by your house and seeing you sign, with a real estate agent you have some one actively marketing you house to get it sold. Once again this will free up more time for you to look for more great deals. If you want to help the process I have found that craigslist and listing you house in google adwords help to, but I use these tools with the help of a agent to make sure I have all my bases covered.

I hope this article has been helpful with the basics needs of flipping a house. If you will study and learn you will make money. But, do your homework before you purchase a house, and make sure that you can pull a profit on your deal. Then, make it happen!

At the rate how mailboxes are bombarded with credit card offers, it’s probably amazing for anyone not to have considered these cards at least once. Nonetheless, credit card companies now make it even easier for consumers to apply for a credit card through instant approval card applications. There are a few things you should know before actually making a card application online or through the phone.

1. You need a good credit history

In order for quick approval, it is essential for a potential user to possess a good credit history. This means that the user pays his bills on time and does not have any financial hiccups in his credit report. The credit report is obtainable from a credit bureau, which will be contacted by the card company at the time of the application. If all goes well, the credit card will be approved within minutes.

2. Interest rates corresponds with the health of your credit report
If your credit history is not something you are proud of, there is a slight possibility that your application will not be instantly approved. You don’t have to worry if this occurs though, as these companies may make allowances for you due to high competition in the credit business. Most of the time, they will just charge you higher interest rates as you are of a greater risk. Also, due to the extra qualification process, the arrival of your card may be delayed.

3. You need to wait a few days for the card to arrive
A common misconception with these cards is that the applicant will instantaneously receive the card upon approval. No matter how fast your Internet connection is, the card is delivered in an envelope, not in bytes. Thus, it is not a very good idea to have an urgent transaction depend on these card applications.

4. You need to do your research
Do not let the convenience of getting a quickly approved credit card cloud your judgement on your selection of a credit card. It is not worth making higher payments in exchange for a shorter wait for a credit card.

5. You need to find a secure connection to submit your personal information.
As with all forms of online transactions, you should never use a public computer to submit your personal information. With the recent spat of identity thefts, it is wiser to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to credit cards.

Applying for an auto loan? We’ll sooner or later we will. So I wrote this short guide as basic must know guide to arm ourselves when the time for an auto loan comes.

1) Shop Online – Shopping for auto loan online is a great time saver. By comparing from different sites you can get the best deals. Applying also is easy and even some sites will give you information you need within minutes.

2) Know Thyself! – You must know the basic criteria for applying for an auto loan. Basic criteria includes that you must be above 18 years of age. Best if you earn at least $2000 a month. Also needed is residence and employment history.

3) Get Approved First – Don’t have make the mistake of looking for a car before being approved. Get approved first then they will give you a voucher of how much you are allowable to loan. Doing this will save you future frustration and disappointments.

4) Down Payments – This varies from lender to lender, and some don’t even require. But typically its about 10% of the price or $1000 whichever is the lower number.

5) Interest Rate – Interest rate is not fixed as most people think, and yes it can be negotiated. If you have a good credit score and good negotiating skills you can have a lower interest rate. But some factors are way out of you’re control such as the state of the economy.

There you have it. We’ll that’s not all, there’s lot of other things you need to know. But what I’ve enumerated are the vital essentials before applying for that auto loan. One thing also is ask advice from an authorized dealer or loan official. They’re there to help you. If there’s something you don’t understand, ask them now or you’ll might face lots of headaches later.

So you want to join in on the blogging phenomenon? Before you get started, there are a few things you should know about blogging. Blogging is a lot like an online journal. There are thousands of bloggers online posting each day. It is a trend that started in 1997 and has continued to grow steadily. If you are interesting in blogging, but have not yet began, read over these five things you should know before you begin.

You Can Be Personal

Many times new bloggers are really not sure what to post. They know that their blog is a personal space, but they are afraid to make their posts personal in any way. The best bloggers do put themselves out there via their posts. They will post what’s on their mind and their views or opinions on pressing issues. They may do so in a humorous manner or be quite serious. Sometimes new bloggers are afraid to post their true thoughts because their blog can be commented upon. The fact is however that not everyone will agree with your thoughts and posts, but you should not let that hold you back. These are people who don’t personally know you, so their comments really don’t matter much anyway. Don’t be afraid to let your true feelings show on your blog, after all, that it what an online journal is all about.

Don’t Be Too Personal

Although it is fine to be personal in your posts, you might not want to be too personal in how much you disclose about yourself. For example, including your phone number or address in a post or on your profile is probably not a good idea. You should think smart and only allow people to know things that you want them to know. For your own safety, you might not want to post your last name either. When someone has a lot of information about you, it is easier for them to victimize you through identity theft, harassment, or other crimes. So, stay safe and never post really private information.

Never Use Real Names

When you are posting, and keeping it personal and real, there can be times in which other people in your life come up in topic. Be very careful including other people in your posts. First, never use their real names. This is a huge mistake. Unless the person gives you permission to write about them, you should never do so. It will only lead to trouble. If the person you mention reads your blog, they could get offended that you are writing about them. Even if the post is positive, it can be seen much like talking behind their back. Try to keep the posts about you or celebrities or other public figures. Let everyone else’s business remain their own.

Keep It Fresh

One of the best things you can do as a blogger is to keep your blog fresh. This means that you should be posting often and changing things around when doing so. Post on different topics so your audience can stay interested. Also, post at least twice a week. People who will become fans of your site will want to read as much as possible on your blog. Updating your blog regularly will allow them to be entertained. If you only post once a month, chances are no one will remember to keep checking your blog and your traffic will not be impressive.

You Can Blog For Free

Before you pay an arm and a leg for a blogging space, you should know that there are sites where you can blog for free. Yes, for no charge at all you can set up your own blog. These sites are great for the new blogger. If you want something a little more sophisticated, you might have to pay for it. The free sites are very well maintained however. They are easy to use and offer several different templates for you to use when designing your blog. They automatically update your posts for you, which make them a breeze! Remember, you should not pay a large fee for your blog, especially if you are new to blogging. Do your research and find the free sites!

1 Know What You Buy

When it comes to acne treatment product most people just simply buying based on advertising they watch. Each people is different as well as skin, so before you buy acne treatment product make sure you know anything about your skin.

2. Acne Demand Great Deal of Patience

“You want to get rid from acne right away? Then buy this ABC product.” Saw something familiar? How many times you’d been enticed by those kind of ads, and I can guarantee 100% only disappointment you’ve get so far.

3. Never Pop Pimples!

When you get acne and see your face in front of mirror, did you hear those little sound screaming to you “Pop The Pimples!” Don’t hear that no matter how tempting it might be.

By doing so you just put yourself in long-term adversities. It will leave you scar and remove scar leaving by your “pop the pimples” act could literally consume a lot of time and money.

4. Be Careful with The Side Effect of Acne Treatment Product

Be informed about your skin type and acne treatment product you use. Easiest way to do so is just visiting your doctor and ask him/her about possibility of acne treatment product you use could occur some side effect.

A few side effects that may occur are:

– allergic reaction
– respiratory tract irritation
– flaking of the skin
– redness
– inflammation of the skin

To avoid this you could natural acne treatment product that use herb as their main material. One ingredient you will consistently find in natural
acne treatment products is tea tree oil, because tea tree oil kills bacteria.

the point here is before you use anything do some research first

5. Want to Remove Your Acne Scar and Do it Quickly and Efficiently?

Then you should consider trying acne laser scar treatment. I’m not a doctor, so don’t ask me the procedure, you can just phone the free line number of close medical center and ask for more information.

What you should consider to use this option is because it is fast, no side effect (ask your physician for confirmation) and not much pain involved.

If you have received one of these offers in the mail, you know how tempting they can be. They claim that you will pay no interest on any purchases or balance transfers in the first period of owning your card. But there are some things about these offers you need to know before you sign on the dotted line and let them pull your credit report

1. The 0 APR offer is for a limited time.

Most credit card companies that offer the 0 percent interest rate deal only offer it for a limited time. This means that you will pay 0 APR for six months, nine months, or up to a year. You need to check the fine print for this information and be careful to notice it when the time is up.

2. The 0 APR offer might not apply to everything you put on the card.

Many cards offer 0 APR on all balance transfers and any purchases made during the introductory 0 percent interest period. But some only offer the 0 APR on balance transfers, and you pay a very high interest rate on any purchases.

3. The 0 APR offer might be null and void if you are not on time with your payment.

Most of these credit card offers are contingent on your being an exemplary member. This means that you have to pay your minimum payment on time every month during the introductory period or else you automatically lose your nice 0 APR and move up to a rate that usually ranges from nineteen to twenty-one percent interest.

4. The 0 APR offer might carry a ridiculously high interest rate after the introductory period is over.

Again, the rate of interest for these cards after the 0 APR is over usually runs from nineteen to twenty-one percent.

5. The 0 APR credit card will not repair your credit.

Remember that consolidating your cards or transferring your loan balance will help you pay off the balance without interest, but it will not remove the damage already done to your credit.

1. Not all lobsters are created equal

Every company online claims to sell live Maine lobsters, but the truth is that most lobster comes from all over New England, and even some from Canada. Lobsters are shellfish, which filter water and therefore their taste is dependant on water temperature and quality. The colder, and cleaner the water, the better the lobster. It is recommended to purchase lobster form a source in Maine, New Hampshire or Canada, where the water is cold and the pollution is minimal.

2. Know what you’re paying for. Shipping or Lobsters?

If you try to compare the prices of lobster online one of the first things you’ll notice is that the prices are all over the place. Some retailers include shipping, some retailers charge a flat rate, and some charge the actual shipping cost. This can make it incredibly confusing when trying to find the best prices. To find the best price, you should calculate the price of two chicken lobsters (1.0 – 1.25 pound) with shipping. This can be hard because many sites like to hide their shipping cost until you’re just about to finish the order!

3. Lobster price and quality can differ throughout the year

New England weather, and the life cycle of a lobster, cause the price and quality of live Maine lobster to be quite different throughout the calendar year. In the winter months, especially January, February and March, the cold weather in New England hinders fishermen’s ability to catch a large quantity of lobster. As a result, the price is extremely high during those months. The price is the lowest in the late summer and early fall, when fishing is easier and the lobsters are plentiful. A lobster also molts it shell, causing the shell to be harder and softer at different times of the year. Lobster shells are the hardest in the spring.

4. Check the stores return policy because lobsters can die!

Make sure to check the return policy before you place your order. Lobsters are shipped live, and while they don’t often die, it does happen. Make sure that you can get your money back if this happens. Some websites only refund the lobster prices, and not the shipping. You may even want to call and ask what the refund policy is before you place your order.

5. Find out how the lobsters will be shipped

Shipping is a large percentage of the overall live lobster purchase. Make sure the store you buy from uses a reputable carrier. In our experience, FedEx is far more reliable than UPS or DHL. Their customer service and ability to deliver on time is far superior to any other carrier. Some stores even contract with a shipping logistics company to ensure that your packages are routed to their destination in the most efficient way. This is extremely important when purchasing anything that is alive and perishable.

In conclusion, buying lobsters online can be a large investment, so make sure you’re using the best company possible. Unlike non perishable merchandise, the manner in which lobsters are caught, handled and shipped can have a huge impact on the quality. If you make sure to follow these guild lines, you should have a great experience with live Maine lobsters.

The idea of being mere passengers on a ship meant to sail to the farthest points does not appeal to people who like to put their destiny into their own hands. They have the desire of maneuvering the ships themselves, of being able to be the ones to take it anywhere they want to. Being aboard a ship on its way to a particularly great destination is something each and every one of them dreams of, and the knowledge that they have the capacity to steer it themselves is what makes them actually want to.

Perhaps this is the reason why more and more people are succumbing to one of the most popular businesses around – affiliate marketing. It is because in this business, there are no bosses to order the employees around. There are no deadlines to meet and no clutter of work do to. One only needs to be equipped with the tools needed to succeed in a business such as this, and he is bound to get what his heart ultimately desires.

Just what are the things needed to be able to succeed in affiliate marketing? What must one have within himself to be able to do well in this industry? There is a lot of competition involved in affiliate marketing, and to be able to rise above the norm, one must be equipped with just the right stuff necessary to propel him forward. There are five things one must ultimately possess if he wants to achieve the glory he is yearning for in this business, and these five things are a must for him to possess to be able to stand out among the rest.

The very first quality one must possess if he wants to try his hand in affiliate marketing is the willingness to learn and be trained. Treading through unfamiliar territory is scary stuff if one is not properly equipped, and he might get lost amidst a jungle of the unknown. Learning the tricks of the trade is also an important aspect of the game, and one’s willingness to know it all will give him far better advantages in the business than he could ever imagine.

The second quality one must possess is the willingness to invest time and effort even if direct results do not seem at all apparent. Although several months may pass without good news, it is important for one who has his foot in the industry to hold on and wait. It is this quality which would save him from giving up after investing a lot of himself in the business.

The third quality one must possess is self-determination. If one wants to conquer the affiliate marketing world, he must have the ability to push himself ahead. Never having to say die is a quality each and every affiliate marketer should possess, and the ability to motivate oneself into scaling greater heights is an ability which would actually take an affiliate marketer there.

The fourth quality one must possess is discipline. If one knows how to teach himself to work everyday with all the energy he can muster, then he is close to achieving what he has set his heart to having in the first place.

The fifth and last quality one must possess is optimism. Negative attitudes and hearsays should not discourage an affiliate marketer from pursuing what he has to in order to make life better for himself and for everyone concerned. Neither should anyone influence his attitude toward the business, because once in it, it is a must for him to be the captain of his ship and the master of his soul.

The ingredients to success in a business such as affiliate marketing are diverse and manifold, but the most important thing one needs to be able to make it big lies in himself alone. It is he who has the capacity to do everything to be able to realize his prospects, and the desire which fuels his heart in doing so is the gasoline which should keep the engine going.

Affiliate marketing is all about putting one’s fate into his own hands. The right attitude is the key to being able to steer one’s ship into that part of the ocean where a certain kind of serenity can be found, one that permeates the atmosphere as the ship sails calmly on.

Are you tired and worn out? Do you need a break? If so, then, there is no better place than the amazing waters of Costa Ricas breathtaking beaches and lakes. If you really want to experience the grandest vacation getaway you can ever imagine, take a plunge and explore the wonders of Costa Rica, check- in to its world- class hotels, and the rest, as many people say, is a saga.

With 46,768 species of different animals and insects such as orchids, birds, butterflies, and freshwater fishes, Costa Rica is a place where nature abundantly sits on its 51,100 sq. km. land area.

Bordering the North Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Costa Rica is home to luscious tropical rain forests, lovely beaches, coral reefs, mangrove swamps, cloud forests, volcanoes, and a large set- up of lakes and rivers. With these remarkable features, Costa Rica is one of the worlds most wonderful vacation destinations.

So if you have not yet experienced the best vacation in the world, then, going to Costa Rica will definitely make you see how magnificent Gods creation were.

With its great warm temperate climate and abundant nature, you can do many things while you enjoy your grand vacation getaway in Costa Rica.

Of course, to make the most out of your break, it is best to take note of the recommended activities in the area. These things will surely make your time in Costa Rica something worth remembering all your life.

Here are 5 things you must experience on your Costa Rica vacation –

1. White water rafting

Costa Rica provides a number of the worlds best white water rafting rivers. These remarkable types of waters will let you dive into the unknown tropical boondocks of Costa Rica.

So whether you are a novice or a skilled white water rafter, an adventurer or a nature aficionado, it is extremely important to experience white water rafting in Costa Rica. You will never know the kind of experience that awaits you if you will not try it.

2. Aerial adventures

With its abundant tropical rain forests, Costa Rica can give you one of the worlds best natural parks. Also, the best way to enjoy these extraordinary features is to try the Aerial Adventures. This refers to a chairlift- style trip that was built for optimum wildlife and bird viewing.

Aerial Adventures is the ultimate alternative to cable rides, especially if you are one of those few people who gets scared with hanging cables mounted on top of the trees.

3. Beach escapades

If you think you have already seen the best beaches in the world, think again! If you have not yet visited Costa Ricas lovely beaches, then you are nearly missing half of the bets things life has to offer.

When you have your vacation in Costa Rica, it is a must that you try and experience plunging into its exquisite beaches.

Costa Rica has a long range of glamorous beach resorts and first- class hotel accommodations. For example, in the Caribbean Coast, you can go to Cahuita, a miniature Oceanside community, with a beautiful national park attached to it. This place can give you the best snorkeling and swimming experience.

While on the Pacific Coast, you can visit Playa Samara, one of Costa Ricas stunning white sand beaches. It is blessed excellent coral reef situated in tranquil, shallow Costa Rica waters.

4. Wind surfing

With the strong Tradewinds blowing within the region, wind surfing has been one of the most sough- after activity every vacationer would like to experience.

Among the many lakes situated in Costa Rica, Lake Arenal is one of the finest windsurfing sites in the world. Compared to Columbias River Gorge and Lake Garda of Italy, Lake Arenals Tradewinds creates winds with extraordinary strength.

In fact, reports say that all through the dry season, the average wind speed amounts to 33 miles per hour. Only the professional windsurfers can manage this speed.

Hence, with great equipments and superior wind surfing ability, you will definitely enjoy this fun activity while you stay in Costa Rica.

5. Fishing and Scuba diving

Fishing and Scuba diving will never be the same again if you will experience this in Costa Rica. With its famous, Manuel Antonio National Park and Quepos, you can only be assured of a remarkable vacation near the waters.

QueposManuel Antonio is the place that created Costa Ricas world recognition. Blessed with many kinds of fishes, anglers will surely have a grand time catching the best inshore and blue water fishes in the world. You can also have a taste of fresh water fishes at Lake Arenal.

If you want a more extreme adventure, you should try scuba diving. With Costa Ricas great coral reef, you will surely enjoy your time under water.

All of these things are definitely some of the best activities you must experience on your Costa Rica vacation. Otherwise, it will just be like your other vacation trips.

With the amazing growth of the forex market, you are going to see an astounding amount of traders lose all their money. Unfortunately, they haven’t followed the simple steps I have laid out for you. Go through these steps and give yourself the greatest opportunity to achieve your goals.

1. Have Faith In Yourself

To reach the level of elite forex trader, you must trust in yourself and your forex trading education. You must be willing to make all your trading decisions, instead of relying on someone else’s thoughts or ability (or lack of). Of course, you will prepare yourself fully before every risking any money.

2. Accept Your Learning Curve

Unless you are a veteran trader, you will lose money trading the Forex market. This is a near certainty. I don’t say this to talk you out of trading. In fact, quite the opposite. You will be trading against others that fall to this reality day in and day out. You, however, will not risk a dime until you have learned the skills you need to make money trading the forex.

3. Decide What Type of Trader You Are

There are many ways to trade the forex. They range from very active to very patient. You must decide which style suits you best. The best time to learn this about yourself is while you are trading a demo account. There is no need to allow your learning curve to cost you money.

4. Get Educated

Education is the shortest path to elite forex trading. Regardless of your ultimate goals, you will reach them quicker with a great forex trading education. Take some time to review different options before deciding on who to trust with your forex trading education needs. A forex seminar will help shorten your learning curve drastically.

5. Continue to Get Educated

In order to achieve and retain elite forex trading skills, you must constantly be adding to you knowledge base. Your education should never end. In fact, one of the key points to look for in an elite forex trading course is ongoing education. It’s nice to have an ongoing relationship with the person/people helping you to achieve your goals.

What separates an elite forex trader from all others is their desire and ability to be independent. Many traders are willing to follow signals, systems, strategies, or anything else you may call them. By taking this approach, however, these traders are only as good as the people they follow.

An elite forex trader will lead. Their decisions will be calculated and analyzed to near perfection. They will make decisions with no hesitation, and handle the growth of their account in a predetermined, intelligent fashion. Take your trading to their level and you will never look back.

Buy Life Insurance – Although life insurance is not a requirement for most mortgage lenders, it is definitely something that many lenders will take into consideration when evaluating your mortgage application. By demonstrating that you have enough life insurance to cover the mortgage, there is a higher likelihood that they will approve your application, because they know there is less of a chance they’ll have to go through the difficult process of handling your mortgage if you were to suddenly pass away.

Don’t Close Any Accounts During the Mortgage Process – Since lenders are evaluating your present financial situation, the closing or canceling of any existing accounts, regardless of balance, may trigger a red flag with the lender. If you want to close any accounts or cancel any contracts, do this either before or after the mortgage application has been approved.

Request That Credit Bureaus DO NOT Accept Unauthorized Credit Checks – If you’re like many average Americans, you receive countless “pre-approved” credit card solicitations and loan ads in your mailbox every day. This is because these companies have software that scans consumer credit reports based on criteria that they feel will result in a list of good potential new customers. Although these inquiries may not directly lower your credit score, it does show up when a mortgage company pulls a copy of your report. Your best option is to prevent these companies from accessing your credit report altogether.

Don’t Move Your Money From One Bank Account To Another – Any transfer of money from one account to another generates a paper trail that will require further explanation when the mortgage company receives copies of your account statements. Even if the transfers are within your own accounts, try to avoid moving the money if at all possible. This is especially true when moving money from a savings account to a checking account because it may appear to the lender that you’re preparing to use that money.

Avoid Using “Credit Repair” Services – Many people with credit that is less than perfect are attracted to organizations that offer to fix your credit in record time and improve your overall score. This is not always the case. When lenders see on your credit report that you are working with a consumer debt counseling company they actually look less favorably upon such notations. To the lender, the only way to interpret this information is to assume the borrower cannot pay the existing bills, therefore how could they possibly afford a mortgage payment? Your best bet is to work directly with the credit card or loan companies to arrange a repayment plan.

Many people consider attending a culinary school, either because they want to pursue a culinary career or because they just want to learn to cook for their own enjoyment. Sometimes, though, people can be skeptical about whether a specialized culinary education, or even a few cooking classes, is really necessary. If you are among the latter group, here is a list of five important things you will learn in culinary school.

Basic Nutrition: Nutrition is about more than what the label on the back of a package tells you. In fact, food labels can be appallingly misleading. Your body needs a host of vitamins and minerals every day in order to maintain its good health, as well as other things such as calories and fiber. Unfortunately, food labels are usually geared to sell, and can sometimes confuse and mislead consumers.

Think, for example, about the subcategories listed under the total carbohydrates: sugar and fiber. Often, however, these amounts don’t add up to the total carbohydrates. What does this mean? How do sugar and carbohydrates differ?

In addition to confusing packaging labels, you have to worry about how to ensure that your family is getting the necessary amounts of nutrients, even though many of the vitamins and minerals we need aren’t listed on most food labels. How do you make sure that a meal is nutritionally sound, yet still delicious and satisfying?

These are the kinds of nutritional questions that an education from a culinary school can answer.

Chemistry: A cooking education will also teach you about chemistry. However, we’re not talking about beakers and smelly chemicals, like in high school. At a culinary school, you will learn about applied chemistry.

Every time you cook something, whether it is meat, vegetables, or pastries, a chemical reaction happens. That chemical reaction can change or enhance the flavor and texture of the food. For instance, the chemical reaction can be as simple as the softening of tough vegetables when you boil them in water, or as exotic as lighting the top of a pie or an alcoholic drink on fire.

Being able to control these chemical reactions is an important part of being a good cook. A culinary school will teach you different ways of cooking foods, and how each method can affect the taste and texture of the food.

Spices: Spices are a mystery for most people. Indeed, many people never venture beyond salt, pepper, and maybe some basil and parsley. Cooking with spices is an art, however, and can be used to change and enhance the flavor of food in any number of ways.

There are dozens of different spices to choose from, though, so how do you know what spices go best with what foods, let alone with each other? An education from a culinary school will teach you how to use spices to the food’s best advantage, enabling you to enhance flavors in ways you never dreamed were possible.

Visual Arrangement: You’ve probably heard it said before that cooking is an art. Well, the culinary art is about more than simply preparing the food. It is also about how you arrange it. The visual presentation of a dish can make a difference between your basic restaurant food and an exquisite dining experience.

Visual arrangement is a vital skill for professional chefs. A culinary school can teach you how to arrange food to look the most pleasing and artistic, delighting your guests and enhancing their enjoyment beyond mere taste sensations. Even if you aren’t going to pursue a career as a chef, however, food arrangement can be a valuable skill. Just think about how you could impress your friends and family, perhaps even coaxing a picky child into eating his or her vegetables.

Wine: Connoisseurs know that the ability to match the perfect wine to an exquisite meal is one of the finest culinary arts. Choosing wine is a study in subtlety, as every wine has a slightly different taste. The minor variance can make all the difference in whether a wine goes better with fish or pasta, steak or chicken.

It is vital for anyone in the culinary industry to be knowledgeable about wine, but many people are interested in wine regardless of their cooking skills. Wine has always been a symbol of culture, with connoisseurs attending wine tastings and collecting exotic wines in their own homes. Taking classes from a culinary school is the best way to learn all about wine, its subtleties and how to match it successfully with different foods.

As you can see, an education from a culinary school has value for many people, whether you intend to pursue a culinary career, cook for your own pleasure, or provide delicious and balanced meals for your family. You can sign up for just a few cooking classes, or for the specialized degree, but either way you are bound to learn things you never knew before.

An online marketing campaign can be an important tool for your company. It can help to bring you more clients, more interest, and more traffic, driving your company to new heights.

It is important to make sure that you are going about online marketing correctly. You need to make sure that you are taking care of the details, and that you are approaching the tool with the right mindset. These five things to think about will help to guide you down the right path for your online marketing tactics.

What Are You Trying to Do?

You need to understand exactly what you are trying to accomplish with your Internet marketing before you decide on your online campaign. You need to think about your goals: are you trying to increase traffic to your website, increase sales, or simply increase awareness? Your answer to this question will directly influence the kinds of tactics that you use in your campaign.

What Are You Trying to Say?

You need to make sure that you understand exactly what you are trying to say to your possible consumers and clients through your marketing. Think about what you need people to know after reading your marketing tools. Should they know about the quality of your business, or the success that your business can bring? Can they save money with your company, or can you offer them something unique? Whatever your goal may be, your message should be clear and concise.

Who Are You Talking To?

You need to understand exactly who you are talking to before starting your campaign. Think about your target, their characteristics, and their personality. This will help you to tailor your message to their wants and needs.

What Mediums are Used by Your Target?

You need to understand the tools that your target responds to the most when putting together your campaign. Tactics that your target will not respond to will be a waste; you need to focus on the tactics that will effectively reach your target. While emails may be perfect for some target audiences, search engine optimization may be perfect for others.

What Is Your Budget?

In the end, you need to make sure that you keep your budget in mind. How much money do you have, and how much is the campaign going to cost? You may be able to add tactics to your campaign, or you may need to remove tactics from your campaign. Knowing your budget will help you to understand exactly how far your Internet marketing campaign can go.

You simply need to make sure that you can answer all of these questions. If you know what you are trying to do, you will be able to figure out what you are going to try to say. If you know what you are trying to say, you will know who you are talking to. From that point on, you can think about the online mediums that can be used, and the amount of money that you can use. All of these questions will help you to come up with a list of tactics for your online marketing campaign. They will help to guide you, and will help you to create the most complete and efficient campaign possible.

1. Avoid Department Store Offers for Instant Credit and Don’t Open Up New Lines of Credit

„Would you like to save 10% today on your purchase today?“. We have all been asked that question when paying for our purchases. Every store under the sun would like to offer you their own credit card. This is not good for your score. The damage to your score you’ll incur by opening up a new line of credit is just not worth the few dollars you might save. Department score credit is poor quality credit and the credit scoring system frowns on it. Just don’t apply for the card. You may want or need to apply for a new car loan, a new home loan, a re-finance a home loan. By applying for store credit to save a couple of dollars, you could be hurting your chance of getting an important loan at a good rate until the middle of next year.

2. Avoid Overspending

Spending affects credit. 30% of your credit score is made up of how you manage your debt, and when your credit card balances exceed 30% of their available limit, the credit scoring system red flags you and your score goes down instantly. The logic behind this is that if you suddenly max out your credit cards, it looks to the system as though you are in financial trouble. Only charge if you can pay the balance in full before the next statement date. Plus, overspending and overcharging will also cause you to carry larger balances longer. It is best to keep your balances low at all times.

3. Pay Your Bills On Time

Payment history is 35% of your credit score. One 30-day late can cost you 50 points or more. December is traditionally the busiest time of the year. Active calendars filled with work and social commitments for family and friends and the frenzy of the season can preoccupy you and cause you to be late in paying your bills. Make staying on top of your bills a priority. Put all of your bills in a file and make sure you pay them on time. In doing so, you will save points on your credit score and ridiculous late charges as much as $39 or more. Additionally, when you are late in paying your bills, you nullify any preferential finance rate and your account will default to a dramatically higher interest rate. A ding to your credit score, a high late fee, and a huge increase in interest rates are all big incentives to make sure you are on time with your bills. I recently got a call from a customer who had been late, but not 30 days late and the rate jumped on his card to over 30% annually!

4. Take the Time to Plan and Prepare Your Gift Giving

We all do it. We walk into a store ready to buy a specific item and end up getting lured into a spending vortex. Panic spending because the store does not have the item you went in to buy; deciding that if you buy this item for this person, then you have to buy this item for another person; succumbing to the temptation of the latest must-have gadget. You can prevent this well-woven retailer trap by doing your research online. By preparing before you even darken the automatic doorstep of the alluring retail establishment, you can determine where you can purchase specific items and for what price. In doing so, you can avoid the retail traps and retain control of your spending (and your sanity). Online shopping sites have grown tremendously in popularity. Traffic to those sites is up more than 30% from just last year. There is a wealth of information on the web. In fact, www.pricegrabber.com lists all of the hottest holiday items and tells you who sells them and for how much. Remember, if you pay your credit card bill prior to the statement date, it will help your scores. www.froogle.com is another great site to find the item for less.

5. Manage Your Credit Wisely

Keep track of your credit card balances and keep them as low as possible. Studies show that as consumers increase their credit card balances, they become increasingly apathetic about their balances and even about adding new debt. By tracking balances, you will maintain a sense of control over your credit score and your finances. Write out a chart of who you owe, how much you owe, and what the minimum payment is. It will help you to get a handle on your bills, and help start planning how to pay them off.

There are times when a blogger, like any other writer, will ‚loose the muse.‘ Every idea that comes to mind seems either trite or dull or, worse still, no ideas come to mind. What’s a blogger to do? Here are five tactics that just might clear away the cobwebs and allow you to find an inspiring idea for another great post:

Start with the news! Open up your favorite news page or open a newspaper and see what catches your attention. What are the politicians up to today? Any pending legislation that worries you or flat out scares you? Or perhaps someone is running for office or proposing a law that you may want to publicly support. Some celebrity is sure to be in trouble again; have anything to say about that? Maybe you have an idea about who should be dating or marrying who. Who died? A nice memorial post for a nice person may be in order. What happened “On This Date” in past years? Some past events are worth researching and writing about. Are you into sports? Many bloggers or blog readers are sports fans and they might be interested in your take on the playoffs or the players. Don’t forget to check the editorial page and the letters to the editor — do you agree with the opinions? Tell the world why or why not.

Read some blogs! Start surfing your favorite blogs. What are they talking about? You might have a different perspective on the latest hot topic that might just be interesting to your fellow bloggers or a perspective that might make them mad (BTW, never worry about making bloggers mad — most of them love having something to gripe about). If you can’t find anything that inspires you in your favorite blog, surf through some of those blogs that always make you mad; the ones that seem to promote everything that goes against your lifestyle. Anger is always a good blog motivator but don’t get so angry you get irrational. Comment on some blog posts and then expand your comments into a post on your blog. Also try logging onto Blog Explosion, Blog Clicker or one of the many other blog traffic generator programs — there are lots of ideas out there that are worth writing about from either a pro or con perspective.

What have you been watching or reading? Have you read any good (or bad) books lately? Write about your latest read — recommend it, blast it or even write an abstract for your blog (but don’t give away ending). How about movies, the great ones or the pitiful losers might be worth some good or bad words — you could make movie or book reviews regular features of your blog. The same goes for television shows. Start a series that follows your favorite TV show, there might be quite a few fans of the same show that will be interested in your take and appreciate your summary of episodes they missed. If there is a book, movie or TV show that you thought was great there is sure to be a reviewer who panned it. Find the bad review and write a post countering the reviewer’s opinions.

What have you been doing? Your work place, your co-workers, you bosses, your home and your family members are all fair game for your blog — keep it short and amusing and you’ll have a great post. Once you introduce a particularly interesting person to your readers you may want to do some sequels. When was your last travel vacation — write a travelog about where you’ve been or do some research on some places you’d love to go to and write about them.

Do you have a special skill? If you can make something that is unique or something that is common but made special because of what you know, there may be people interested in knowing how to do it. Give away tips on cooking, sewing, cleaning, fix-it projects, pet care, child care, beauty secrets, personal care or organizing tips. Make it a regular feature on you blog. If you have a digital camera find an interesting subject, take some pictures and then write something based on the subject. If you found it interesting or comical or sad its likely to interest someone else.

If you need or want a credit card for those emergencies in your life when you have no cash, you need to be careful what credit card you apply for. It is important that you look over credit card offers carefully so you can make an educated and wise decision on which credit card to choose. If you merely choose the first credit card offer you receive in the mail, you may find yourself in trouble with a card you do not want. The following are some things to look for when you are trying to choose the best credit card for you.

0% Interest Rates
When you are looking for the right credit card, keep your eyes open for cards that offer 0% interest on purchases. Interest rates can cost you a great deal of money if you do not pay off your credit card, so finding a card that charges no interest can save you a great deal of money. If you do choose a 0% interest credit card, take note of when that interest rate may expire because often that rate is only for 6-12 months.

Look for Hidden Fees
If you are choosing a credit card, you want to be sure that you look for hidden fees that may be involved with credit cards. Some come in the form as annual fees, processing fees, and even maintenance fees. Even if the card looks like a great deal, these fees can go on your card and will cost you a great deal of money. It is usually best to avoid cards that have hidden fees associated with them. If you keep on the lookout for hidden fees when you are looking for a credit card, you can avoid paying more than you need.

Rewards Programs
Another thing to look for when you are choosing a great credit card is any rewards programs that may come with the card. Many credit cards offer rewards that are dependent on the purchases you make using your credit card. Some companies offer cash back on your purchases while others offer chances for free vacations. A rewards program that offers cash back can be a great idea when you are using a credit card often.

Cash Advance Option
If you are getting your credit card to use in emergencies, you may want to choose a credit card that gives you a cash advance option. This option allows you to get cash from an ATM if you need it. While the interest rates on this cash can be quite high, there are times when you may need emergency cash, so this is a great option to look for when choosing a credit card.

Online Payment Options
If you are constantly on the go and lead a busy life, you may not want to constantly worry about sending bills in on time. When choosing a credit card, you may want to look for one that allows you to pay your bill online each month. This is very convenient and can be helpful if you forget to pay until the last minute. This option can save you a great deal in late fees as well.