Widget
Subscribe To
Posts
All Comments
Blog Links
blog income tutorials
Everything Directory for Blogs
How To Prevent Bed Bugs
GooLinx
Quality Web Directory
Free Web Directory
Deep Link Directory
Add Your Links, Free Directory, Link Submit, Free Link Exchange
BLOG DIRECTORY, Submit blog free, Promote Blog, Best directory
Dreamhost coupon code
www.Hypersmash.com
11:34 AM
All my GLBT people and supporters - I would like to be the first to let you know Sunny.org is giving away free calendars for 2011. All you have to do is visit the website http://www.sunny.org/rainbow/planner/ and fill out the form for a 18-month calendar with vibrant photos, GLBT events leading up to the 2011 IGLTA Convention in Fort Lauderdale.
Don't forget to take advantage of the many other offers Sunny.org (the official website for Fort Lauderdale, Florida attraction has to offer)
9:12 AM
All of us have. So, with the holidays coming up, there's no better gift than something that will make day-to-day tasks at work or home simpler, faster, and less stressful.
Below are six time-saving products along with examples of how much time your gift can save a working professional on your gift list. Based upon annual salary information provided by salary database PayScale.com, you'll see how much money the greater time efficiency from your gift will earn, too.
1. CardScan Executive -- $259.99
Time saved = 1.5 hours for every 100 business cards
Though everything else seems to have gone digital, nothing can replace the old-fashioned business card. But the contact information needs to make the digital leap. CardScan Executive quickly scans business cards and synchronizes the information with all of your contact management systems. It completes 15-30 business cards in a minute, while you work on other things.
So, if it would normally take one minute to enter the information on each card, for every 100 cards, that can equal about $30 in time saved for an experienced executive assistant with a median annual salary of $43,000. Any business professional or job seeker will find this a great gift and one that is also sure to reduce clutter after business meetings, interviews, and networking events.
2. MissNowMrs.com -- $29.95
Time saved = 13 hours
A professional woman who wants to change her name after getting married usually spends about 13 hours figuring out the process, according to Danielle Tate, founder of MissNowMrs.com. This site provides an alternative to bureaucratic confusion with a simple questionnaire tailored to the bride's location. When the bride has finished, she prints out the correct package of completed forms to sign and then submit to government offices, banks, and all the places that need to know her new last name.
"You don't have to make too much an hour for $29.95 to make sense instead of wasting a day or two off work getting it done," says founder Danielle Tate. For an elementary school teacher earning $42,000 a year, those 13 hours are worth about $260.
3. Bento for iPhone -- $4.99; Bento 3 (Desktop version) -- $49.00
Time saved = 1 hour per week
The Bento App for iPhone is a one-stop organizer and tracker for all of your files. This app easily stores and can sync your files up with the Bento 3 (or earlier version) desktop program. It comes with a wide variety of templates, and it is built to be flexible so you can create your own storage templates. It's hard to find anyone who couldn't use this app.
A stay-at-home parent can use it to plan meals, track holiday gifts, or plan parties, while a marketing project manager can use it to connect projects back to specific customers, customize internal data, and track the progress of the team. This application allows you to keep all relevant files linked together, so you spend less time toggling between deep folders, potentially saving you an hour per week with the added efficiency. For a marketing project manager earning just under $60,000 annually, that time is equivalent to almost $1,500 over the course of a year.
4. Timed Coffee Maker -- $80-200
Time saved = 75 minutes per week
"One of the simplest [time savers] I recommend for people is to get a coffee pot with a timer," says Elizabeth D. Bowman, productivity consultant and president of Innovatively Organized, a professional organizing company. A good coffee maker with a timer allows you to set everything up at night and have fresh coffee ready in the morning -- and you don't have to spend 15 minutes at your local coffee shop every morning on the way to work. That can add up to 75 minutes every work week.
Models range widely in price, but you can find a good model for under $100 if your budget this year is tight. And although it may not be paid time that's saved, the equivalent cost at work for an early-rising construction manager earning about $62,000 a year is about $35 per week.
5. AP Stylebook App -- $28.99
Time saved = 5 minutes per week
AP style is used by most professional writers and journalists as a punctuation and spelling guide for written work. Many marketing and communication experts also use it for branding material. The printed version is no pocket-sized manual, however, and most journalists and writers don't spend all their time in one spot. Enter AP Stylebook App -- this app gives you a mobile version of the stylebook so you don't have to wait to get back to the office to maintain your branding guidelines when "tweeting" on the go.
If this app saves just five minutes per week for a journalist earning about $43,000, over the course of the year, that time is worth about $90 -- at least enough to get a nice massage.
6. zBoost Cell Phone Signal Booster -- $179.99-$399.99
Time saved = 5 hours per month in saved commute time
More and more professionals are doing at least part of their work outside of the traditional office. Whether that's from the freeway or your home office, cell phone signals don't always reach your location as clearly as desired. Fortunately, zBoost has a variety of products that can be set up in your home or car to improve signals by one or two bars, drastically reducing dropped or missed calls for a radius 1,200-2,400 square feet, depending on the model.
This product saves time for any professional who can reduce a commute by working from home with a clearer signal. For an average IT project manager earning about $70,000 per year, the gift will pay back its worth in time saved in just under six weeks.
Source: All salary data is from PayScale.com. The salaries listed are median, annual salaries for full-time workers with 3-5 years of experience and include any bonuses, commissions, or profit sharing. Hourly rates are calculated by dividing the yearly salary by 2080.
Also on Yahoo! HotJobs
9:00 AM
- Put grandparents on the map! Did you know that kids call their grandmothers "Nonno" in Italy and "dziadek" in Poland? Visit MyGrandPlace.com to see the names that kids around the world use for their grandparents. Next, print off a free world map from Eduplace and color it. Write the grandparent names that you have learned inside the outline of the appropriate country. Mount the map and give it to grandparents to let them know that they are the best grandparents in the entire world.
- Learn to say "grandmother" and "grandfather" in American Sign Language. Have children prepare a video for grandparents with a special message.
- Write a note in braille for the grandparents. You can find the braille alphabet and numbers on the AFB website. Use dots of glue and sprinkle with sand or salt to create texture. If your grandparents don't read braille, be sure to provide a written version of the message that they can understand.
- Have kids learn a special Grandparents Day song to perform. The Holiday Zone has songs to choose from.
See More: Grandparents Day with Activities and Crafts
9:02 AM
1. Apply Your Talents to a Social Cause
Whatever you do for a living, from accounting to cooking to teaching, there's a community organization that can use those skills to help make the world a better place. Why just be a nurse when you can become a citizen nurse? You may think you are too busy with your job to do good. You also may think making a difference is better left to saintly, self-sacrificing heroes like Mother Teresa and Florence Nightingale. But think again.
You have valuable talents that can be harnessed for a cause, even if it's just for a few minutes a day. Careers today are being reinvented in ways that benefit both the individuals who practice them and the society in which they live. There's a new way of thinking about work that satisfies the desire for self-advancement and personal benefit, as well as the latent idealism so many people have learned to suppress or ignore. That's what being an engaged professional is all about.
2. Find Ways to Get Your Workplace Involved in Social Activism
More and more companies are now practicing good citizenship. How can yours provide support to worthy causes through donations of time, talent, goods or services? Start by re-examining your occupation's ethical code or professional standards, or your employer's mission statement or professional standards. Think about a small way you can help lead fellow employees to follow these standards more proactively. Consider how you can help everyone in your profession to start thinking like citizen professionals and applying their professional skills to address social problems that could benefit from those skills.
If your line of work doesn't already have a recognized code of conduct or ethical standards, consider writing one. It should embody your personal ethical values and encapsulate how those values are expressed in the work you do. Share your effort with a couple of like-minded colleagues. It may stimulate some lively discussion about what you can do to incorporate social benefits into your daily work.
3. Become a Mentor
Offer your hard-earned wisdom to benefit young people in need of guidance and encouragement, from school kids in your neighborhood to new graduates just entering the workforce. Everyone is qualified to be a mentor, and the experience is just as rewarding for the mentor as the mentee. You can do this informally with someone you know or through an organized program such as Mentoring USA, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Experience Corps and New York City's Middle School Mentors program. Students, children and younger people in your industry could all benefit from your mentoring.
4. Act 2: Devote Yourself to Citizenship
As baby boomers begin retiring, some are looking back on the turbulent yet promising days of their youth, wondering what happened to their dreams of reshaping the world. Instead of winding down in retirement, today's active citizenship movement offers retirees the opportunity to apply their restless energies to the pressing needs of society. For many, the new activism may hold the answer. They can join the thousands of retirees who are shifting from the business world into the non-profit sector. They are using their talents and skills to help young people and the disadvantaged, as well as programs that support culture and the arts.
5. Become a Digital Citizen
If you are searching for ways to connect, there are thousands of worthy organizations that use the Internet to engage supporters, mobilize resources and solicit ideas. You can discover projects in your own community and around the world that excite you. You could participate in a digital forum about a public issue you care about, donate electronically to support a charity you believe in or share information about a topic you're an expert on—all for the benefit of thousands of other citizens like you.
Many not-profit organizations, citizens' networks and community groups already use the Internet to leverage their knowledge, connections and power—but many are not doing so. Take a look at the groups and causes you support, and evaluate how effective their digital presence is. If they don't have one, or if you can see ways in which their digital activities could be made more appealing, engaging and impactful, why not volunteer to research and develop those improvements? You don't need to be an expert in programming or web design. Volunteers or paid professionals with those skills can be recruited later. As long as you have imagination and a passion for the cause you're serving, you can contribute something meaningful to the project.
Jonathan Tisch is the author of Citizen You: Doing Your Part to Change the World, The Power of We and Chocolates on the Pillow Aren't Enough. He is co-chairman of the board and a member of the office of the president of Loews Corporation, and chairman and CEO of Loews Hotels. Tisch has appeared on The Today Show, The Early Show, Larry King Live, Charlie Rose, CNN, CNBC and Fox News Channel. He is also the host of the Emmy-nominated Bloomberg TV and Plum TV show Beyond the Boardroom.
Read More
6:30 PM
Nikki Beach
One Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL
305-538-1111
Kick back with a cocktail in this Ibiza beach-party-inspired outdoor lounge and bar.
Oceans 234
234 N. Ocean Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL954-426-8261
An upscale restaurant and bar just steps away from the sandy shoreline with live music and a DJ every weekend.
Timo
17624 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL
305-936-1008
This hip South Beach trattoria uses wood-burning fires to create the flavors of the Mediterranean.
Jade Garden Restaurant
244 South University Drive, Plantation, FL
954-475-2788
The food is definitely charming for the price.
Blue Moon Fish Co.
10317 Royal Palm Blvd., Coral Springs, FL
954-755-0002
Stylish seafood in Coral Springs.
4405 W. Tradewinds Ave., Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, FL
954-267-9888
Fine dining and fresh seafood on the Intracoastal Waterway
These are only a few of the restaurants in South Florida for Sunday Brunch. See additional by clicking on the source link
1:13 PM
The key, says Harry Lorayne, author of Ageless Memory: Simple Secrets for Keeping Your Brain Young, is to get your brain in shape. "We exercise our bodies, but what good is that great body if you don't have the mental capabilities to go with it?" Sure, you could write everything down, keep organized lists and leave electronic notes on your BlackBerry, cell phone or PDA. But when you don't have access to those aids, or if you want to strengthen your brain, try these expert-recommended strategies to help you remember.
Brain Freeze: "What the heck is his name?"
1. Pay attention. When you're introduced to someone, really listen to the person's name. Then, to get a better grasp, picture the spelling. Ask, "Is that Kathy with a K or a C?" Make a remark about the name to help lock it in ("Oh, Carpenter -- that was my childhood best friend's last name"), and use the name a few times during the conversation and when you say goodbye.
2. Visualize the name. For hard-to-remember monikers (Bentavegna, Wobbekind), make the name meaningful. For Bentavegna, maybe you think of a bent weather vane. Picture it. Then look at the person, choose an outstanding feature (bushy eyebrows, green eyes) and tie the name to the face. If Mr. Bentavegna has a big nose, picture a bent weather vane instead of his nose. The sillier the image, the better.
3. Create memorable associations. Picture Joe Everett standing atop Mount Everest. If you want to remember that Erin Curtis is the CEO of an architectural firm, imagine her curtsying in front of a large building, suggests Gini Graham Scott, PhD, author of 30 Days to a More Powerful Memory.
4. Cheat a little. Supplement these tips with some more concrete actions. When you get a business card, after the meeting, jot down a few notes on the back of the card ("red glasses, lives in Springfield, went to my alma mater") to help you out when you need a reminder.
Brain Freeze: "Where in the world did I leave my glasses?"
5. Give a play-by-play. Pay attention to what you're doing as you place your glasses on the end table. Remind yourself, "I'm putting my keys in my coat pocket," so you have a clear memory of doing it, says Scott.
7. Make it a habit. Put a small basket on a side table. Train yourself to put your keys, glasses, cell phone or any other object you frequently use (or misplace) in the basket -- every time.
Brain Freeze: "What else was I supposed to do today?"
8. Start a ritual. To remind yourself of a chore (write a thank-you note, go to the dry cleaner), give yourself an unusual physical reminder. You expect to see your bills on your desk, so leaving them there won't necessarily remind you to pay them. But place a shoe or a piece of fruit on the stack of bills, and later, when you spot the out-of-place object, you'll remember to take care of them, says Carol Vorderman, author of Super Brain: 101 Easy Ways to a More Agile Mind.
9. Sing it. To remember a small group of items (a grocery list, phone number, list of names, to-do list), adapt it to a well-known song, says Vorderman. Try "peanut butter, milk and eggs" to the tune of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star," "Happy Birthday" or even nursery rhymes.
10. Try mnemonic devices. Many of us learned "ROY G BIV" to remember the colors of the rainbow, or "Every Good Boy Deserves Favors" to learn musical notes. Make up your own device to memorize names (Suzanne's kids are Adam, Patrick and Elizabeth, or "APE"), lists (milk, eggs, tomatoes, soda, or "METS") or computer commands (to shut down your PC, hit Control+Alt+Delete, or "CAD").
11. Use your body. When you have no pen or paper and are making a mental grocery or to-do list, remember it according to major body parts, says Scott. Start at your feet and work your way up. So if you have to buy glue, cat food, broccoli, chicken, grapes and toothpaste, you might picture your foot stuck in glue, a cat on your knee looking for food, a stalk of broccoli sticking out of your pants pocket, a chicken pecking at your belly button, a bunch of grapes hanging from your chest and a toothbrush in your mouth.
12. Go Roman. With the Roman room technique, you associate your grocery, to-do or party-invite list with the rooms of your house or the layout of your office, garden or route to work. Again, the zanier the association, the more likely you'll remember it, says Scott. Imagine apples hanging from the chandelier in your foyer, spilled cereal all over the living room couch, shampoo bubbles overflowing in the kitchen sink and cheese on your bedspread.
Brain Freeze: "What's my password for this website?"
13. Shape your numbers. Assign a shape to each number: 0 looks like a ball or ring; 1 is a pen; 2 is a swan; 3 looks like handcuffs; 4 is a sailboat; 5, a pregnant woman; 6, a pipe; 7, a boomerang; 8, a snowman; and 9, a tennis racket. To remember your ATM PIN (4298, say), imagine yourself on a sailboat (4), when a swan (2) tries to attack you. You hit it with a tennis racket (9), and it turns into a snowman (8). Try forgetting that image!
14. Rhyme it. Think of words that rhyme with the numbers 1 through 9 (knee for 3, wine for 9, etc.). Then create a story using the rhyming words: A nun (1) in heaven (7) banged her knee (3), and it became sore (4).
Brain Freeze: "The word is on the tip of my tongue."
15. Practice your ABCs. Say you just can't remember the name of that movie. Recite the alphabet (aloud or in your head). When you get to the letter R, it should trigger the name that's escaping you: Ratatouille. This trick works when taking tests too.
Brain Freeze: "I just can't memorize anything anymore!"
16. Read it, type it, say it, hear it. To memorize a speech, toast or test material, read your notes, then type them into the computer. Next, read them aloud and tape-record them. Listen to the recording several times. As you work on memorizing, remember to turn off the TV, unplug your iPod and shut down your computer; you'll retain more.
17. Use color. Give your notes some color with bolded headings and bulleted sections (it's easier to remember a red bullet than running text).
18. Make a map. Imagine an intersection and mentally place a word, fact or number on each street corner.
See Article Source
1:09 PM
The City of Fort Lauderdale and Ford Motor Company invite you to the Fourth of July Spectacular on Fort Lauderdale Beach! The celebration includes a full day of activities from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. As the sun goes down, watch the sky light up with the City’s annual fireworks presentation at 9 p.m. off of A1A and Las Olas Boulevard. For more info call (954) 828-5363 or visit www.fortlauderdale.gov.
11:00 AM
SunTrust Sunday Jazz Brunch is an ideal way to relax and enjoy Fort Lauderdale’s scenic Riverwalk. This free, live, outdoor concert series brings the area’s best local jazz artists. Listen to the soulful sounds on four different stages on the first Sunday of each month from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The 2009 series marks 19th anniversary of the SunTrust Sunday Jazz Brunch. Everyone is welcome to attend, including well-behaved, leashed pets. There is plenty of room to set up chairs, blankets and picnic baskets to experience the fabulous entertainment. Patrons can also stroll along the historic brick-lined walkway to enjoy live music while browsing items from local merchants and enjoying food from area restaurants.
The SunTrust Sunday Jazz Brunch is sponsored by SunTrust and is produced by the City of Fort Lauderdale’s Parks and Recreation Department.
Read: 2009 Jazz Brunch brochureFor more information, please call the Special Events Hotline at (954) 828-5363 or e-mail Stephanie Brady at SBrady@fortlauderdale.gov to request a brouchure.
1:44 PM
For Only $18 , You Can Ride The Trolley Bus on the designated Fort Lauderdale Bus Loop Route,
Receive A Free Drink At Each Participating Venue , and
Get On And Get Off The Trolleys At Any Location Along The Loop Route As You Wish
100% of all proceeds benefit the Bus Loop Charities !
Do Not Drink and Drive ! If you live anywhere within walking distance of the designated Bus Loop Route or any Sun Trolley route operating that night, you can find your way to the Bus Loop Check-In without ever driving ! If not, we encourage taking taxis or using a designated driver to get to and from the check-in location.
2010 Bus Loop Schedule*
Friday, April 30
Friday , June 18
Friday, August 27
Friday , December 3
Visit: http://www.busloop.org/ for more information
11:57 AM
Dan Schawbel is the author of Me 2.0: Build a Powerful Brand to Achieve Career Success (Kaplan, April 09), and owner of the award winning Personal Branding Blog.
Looking for a job? Consider creating your own. There are a number of social resources to help you connect with other entrepreneurs and get your business ideas off the ground.
Here are the top 10 social networks for entrepreneurs. Each helps entrepreneurs succeed by providing them with the guidance, tools and resources they need to setup their company and gain exposure.
1. Entrepreneur Connect
Entrepreneur Media, the company that produces Entrepreneur Magazine, started a social network over a year ago specifically for entrepreneurs and small business owners called Entrepreneur Connect. Like all social networks, you have the opportunity to create your own profile, explore the community, share ideas with other entrepreneurs and network. Unlike most social networks, this one frowns upon too much self-promotion and applauds idea sharing.
You can use this network to connect to service providers, suppliers, advisers and colleagues. Just like LinkedIn and Facebook(), there are professional groups that you can join or create. Another cool feature is that you’re able to start your own blog and possibly have it appear on the main page. This is similar to what Fast Company has done with their website.
2. PartnerUp
PartnerUp is a social network for entrepreneurs who are searching for people and resources for business opportunities. Anyone can join, but business partners, co-founders, executives and board members will get the most out of this one. In this network, you can ask or offer advice, find commercial real estate and find service providers like accountants and marketers for your business.
The big differentiator with this social network is the commercial real estate “MoveUpSM” program that serves entrepreneurs who have experienced a hard time trying to find office space for their business. They also have a Resource Directory that allows small and mid-sized businesses to advertise their services.
3. StartupNation
Most social networks neglect the content aspect that makes StartupNation so useful. With articles, forums, blogs, on-demand seminars, and podcasts, entrepreneurs will be better prepared for their ventures and have the resources required to make better business decisions.
There are a wide range of topics being discussed on StartupNation right now, including business planning, marketing and web-based business. The site also offers a series of competitions, such as a dorm-based 20 contest and an elevator pitch competition. If you’re an entrepreneur or hope to become one, this site is definitely one you can’t miss out on.
4. LinkedIn
It’s difficult to leave LinkedIn() off of any social networking list because it’s so useful for anyone who’s either searching for a job, is trying to network with like-minded individuals, or building a company. LinkedIn offers many resources for entrepreneurs, such as groups, including the very popular “On Startups” group that has over 54,000 members.
Entrepreneurs on LinkedIn should brand themselves properly so they can attract the right kind of business opportunities, and perform searches to find service providers or partners. As an entrepreneur, you should also be looking to participate in LinkedIn Answers, events and applications to spruce up your profile and become a valuable member to your community.
5. Biznik
This isn’t another LinkedIn clone. Instead, Biznik brands itself as a social network that “doesn’t suck.” The Biznik community is composed of freelancers, CEOs, and the self-employed. Like the other networks, this is a place for you to share ideas, instead of posting your resume. It is mandatory for all members to use their real names and provide real data, and Biznik editors actually review all profiles to ensure compliance with that policy. There are three levels of membership, including basic, active ($10 a month for an enhanced profile) and supporting ($24 a month for increased visibility).
6. PerfectBusiness
If you want to meet thousands of serious entrepreneurs, experts and investors from a variety of industries, then Perfect Business might be the perfect social network for you. The type of people you’ll find are potential business partners, potential clients and advisers. Additionally, the site has leading business partners like Entrepreneur and Virgin Money.
business plan builder and even an investor center, you’ll have most of the resources you need to create or regenerate your business. There is a free basic membership and a gold membership that costs $29.99 per month.
Read Full Article: Top 10 Social Networks for Entrepreneurs
List of Top 10 Social Networks
1. Entrepreneur Connect
2. PartnerUp
3. Startup Nation
4. LinkedIn
5. Biznik
6. Perfect Business
7. Go Big Network
8. Co Foundr
9. The Funded
10. Young Entrepreneur
7:28 PM
Between work, raising children, managing household chores and taking time for yourself, your everyday life can easily leave you overwhelmed and exhausted. Leo Babauta, author of The Power of Less, offers seven steps to quickly de-stress your life.
Breathe Deeply
Concentrate on your breathing for five breaths, Leo says. "If you're feeling stressed, close your eyes and focus on each breath as it comes in and then goes out," he says. "Focus on the breathing and let any other thoughts drift away."
Take a Walk
Getting up and moving around gets your blood flowing and calms you, Leo says. Try walking around your office building or going outside for 10 minutes to get some fresh air.
Focus on One Thing
Instead of trying to do everything at once and multitasking, learn to do one task at a time, Leo says. "It's less stressful and more effective," he says.
Choose 3 Tasks
Instead of trying to tackle a laundry list of tasks and projects, pick the three very important tasks that you want to accomplish today, Leo says. "Focus on doing those before anything else," he says.
Simplify Your Schedule
If your schedule is packed with appointments, meetings and tasks, it's stressful, Leo says. "Try to schedule less, which means getting out of less important commitments," he says. "Leave space to breathe."
Live in the Moment
Worrying about what might happen or replaying things that have already happened are stressful ways of thinking, Leo says. "Instead, focus on what is happening now," he says. Practice in five- to 10-minute intervals at first, and you'll begin to improve, Leo says.
Read Original Article: De-stress Your Life Instantly
2:06 PM
The Real Deal: The 84-room Ocean Point Beach Resort in Pompano Beach is offering a fourth-night-free special for Learn to Dive month, being celebrated in June by Greater Fort Lauderale.
Guests pay for three nights at the $75 per room per night rate and stay the fourth night free of charge. Plus, many of the area's dive outfits are offering discounts for dive certifications and packages throughout the month.
For a complete list of diving specials, check the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau Web site.
Read Article: Fort lauderdale,FL From $75 a Night
9:25 AM
In the current state of our economy, more than 15 million people are unemployed. That's 15 million people who are all looking for a little help, whether it's in the job search, writing a résumé, interview advice, networking or even finding a new career path.
Many times, people who need job-search help enlist a professional. Career coaches and counselors are usually certified professionals who focus on career exploration or choice, changing career paths or helping you beef up your résumé and perfect your interview skills.
In the 2009 International Coaching Federation Global Coaching Client Study, 15 percent of coaching clients said career opportunities are the most important reason to enlist a coach, compared with business management (14 percent) and self-esteem or self-confidence (13 percent). The study, which included input from more than 2,000 coaching clients in 64 countries, also cited more than 80 percent of respondents indicating a positive change in areas such as interpersonal skills, work performance and team effectiveness.
Costly counseling
While career coaches can definitely be a useful resource, good advice doesn't come cheap. In a 2007 study by the coaching federation, which focused on coaches rather than clients, the average fee for a career coaching session was $161 per hour. Depending on your financial situation and employment status, considering you're likely to want more than one session, that's a hefty investment.
See Article: Career Coaches: Are They Really Worth the Investment?
6:52 PM
SunFest is opening this year with a new backdrop.
Along with the 50 bands, floating nightclubs and the works of 165 artists, another main attraction will be West Palm Beach's new $30 million downtown waterfront.
The waterfront made its debut in February, after more than two years of construction, creating a vast open space with water features, an unobstructed view of the Intracoastal Waterway, docks, a beach area and a pavilion.
SunFest organizers have always played up the coastal location, calling it the festival "where music meets the waterfront." Now, the renovated digs provide a lot more to brag about.
"It has changed the ambience and the setting," said Melissa Sullivan, SunFest spokeswoman. "It's a very different space now."
The five-day festival kicks off Wednesday with Weezer and up-and-coming bands We Are Scientists, Crash Kings, Constellations, These United States, Locksley and Gringo Star.
About 275,000 people attended the festival last year.
The city and its designers made sure SunFest and other major events, such as the Palm Beach International Boat Show, were accommodated in the redeveloped waterfront, said Joan Goldberg, the city's project manager.
Big events would be held in the commons area -- the former site of the city library -- with a large lawn and water gardens while a promenade and docks provided every day, recreational space for residents.
"[SunFest] needed that big, open space," Goldberg said. "Without it, they wouldn't be able to have that festival."
SunFest organizers weren't disappointed. The festival now has a completely new look.
"When people see it, they're going to be blown away," said Paul Jamieson, SunFest executive director. "They won't be disappointed."
The redeveloped waterfront created some logistical challenges for the festival, Sullivan said. Organizers had to work around landscaping and water features to make sure they weren't damaged.
They also moved the Bank of America stage, the northernmost stage. But that move ended up being for the better because it is surrounded now with lush, tropical landscaping and has an incredible view of the Intracoastal, Jamieson said.
Last year, the festival took advantage of the city's new docks to provide access to three barges that act as floating nightclubs.
"People have always said that SunFest's location was one of the jewels of the festival," Jamieson said. "Now, they've done this facelift…It's fantastic."
SunFest's ticket sales are up 25 percent so far this year. And city officials think the new waterfront can take some credit for that.
"I think it's a combination of very good entertainment and people wanting to come to the waterfront," said Mayor Lois Frankel.
Source: West Palm Beach, Florida SunFest
4:08 PM
2-4-1 and Wine Tasting Events Tuesday
* Sublime Restaurant and Bar, 1431 N. Federal Highway., Ft. Lauderdale, offers two-for-one beverages and a deal on appetizers during Vegan Drinks Night.
The events are 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month. The next is March 2. Appetizers during the event are offered as buy one, get second half off deals. 954-615-1431
* Free Wine Tastings at Hollywood Vine, 2035 Harrison St., Hollywood, Tuesdays 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., 954-922-2910
2:06 PM
Google announced that they had redesigned the Small Business Network to not only help small business owners stay informed about new legislation, but to also include a small business toolkit. The Toolkit was designed to help SMB owners learn about the free Google products available to help them connect with colleagues and run their businesses more efficiently.
The goal of the Toolkit (other than just heavily promoting Google’s complete line of services) is to help entrepreneurs and small business owners learn about Google products and to enable them to exchange ideas and best practices with other entrepreneurs. Essentially, it makes it brain dead simple for SMB owners to solve some of their biggest business concerns.
For example:
Need help finding customers? There’s Google Local Business Center
Tired of your computer crashing? Check out Google Apps
Want to map delivery routes? Create your own Google Map
Make good on your advertising dollars? Try Google AdWords
Can’t afford an IT specialist? There’s Google Analytics
Worried about federal or state policies? Join Google’s Small Business Network
Is there anything Google can’t do?
Maybe not. At first glance, the Toolkit comes off as a double dose of Google Kool-Aid, but the truth is, if you’re a small business owner the products and services offered by Google are likely exactly what you’re looking for. You don’t have to search any further and, even if you did, you still probably wouldn’t find a better solution. Google’s products are free, easy to use, and they pack a pretty powerful bunch. Good on Google for giving small business owners everything they need in one place.
Google will also be traveling around the country offering free workshops called Small Business 101s to help entrepreneurs become more familiar with the tools offered by Google. The next workshop takes place today (Tuesday, Sept. 22) in Pittsburgh, PA. If you’re interested in attending, you can still sign up.
I was really interested to see Google giving small business owners an easy way to stay up to date on public policy issues via an email sign up on the Small Business Toolkit page. With instances like the one concerning Carl and BJ Streko where the government kicked their SMB to the curb and put them out of business, it’s becoming increasingly important that small businesses know what’s going on around them and that they are proactive about protecting themselves and the companies they’ve started. Dell did something similar with their Small and Medium Business Solutions Center when they offered information to SMBs on how the new Stimulus legislation affected them. The more information put into the hands of small business owners, the better.
[It’s probably worth plugging that Business.gov also offers a Web gadget to help SMB owners stay up to date on legal issues and governmental services. It’s worth checking out.]
Read Original Article: Taking Advantage of Google’s Small Business Toolkit
1:46 PM
Get ready for a closeup: your next job interview might be on webcam. Looking to save time and money, companies are turning to video-chat software as a cheap, low-hassle way to vet job candidates. That means a growing number of people looking for work are meeting their prospective new bosses not at the office but in the comfort of their own home.
What's the draw? Largely money. Last year, as executives at online retailer Zappos.com looked to cut expenses, they noticed how much the firm spent on travel. In HR alone, it easily cost $1,000 a pop to fly out job candidates and put them up for the night. The firm had used Skype internally, so about six months ago, recruiters started trying it for interviews.
Their opinion: a video link does a pretty good job of replacing an in-person meeting — and in a way that a phone call can't. "If you see facial expressions and body language, you have a different sense of what a person is saying," says recruiting manager Christa Foley. Now, instead of flying out 20 finalists for a job, the company first screens with Skype and then brings in only the best two or three candidates.
Job seekers are hopping on board too. Last spring, after Stephen Bhadran got laid off, he quickly realized there were more openings for computer programmers in Dallas, Atlanta and Los Angeles than in South Florida, where he lived. So he cast a wide net — and got a bite from the University of California, Los Angeles. The university wanted to interview him but wouldn't pay the airfare. "I was laid off and running out of funds," says Bhadran. "I couldn't fly on my own dime." He suggested interviewing by Skype. He got his request — and the job.
(See the best social-networking applications.)
Things don't always run smoothly. Bobby Fitzgerald, a restaurateur who has been interviewing job candidates by Skype since March, has had his share of amusements. For instance: the candidate who leaned forward while he spoke, giving Fitzgerald an intimate view of his nose. Another, a college senior, didn't bother cleaning up his dorm room before the interview; the mess was painfully visible in the background.
And then there was the dog that wouldn't stop barking. Fitzgerald cut the interview short and said he'd have to reschedule. Did the disruption influence his decision? "Well," he says, "a big part of management is handling problems as they arise."
Source: How Skype Is Changing Job Interviews
8:08 AM
Protect Yourself From an Audit
You have your no. 2 pencil, a calculator and this year's W-2. Now what?
That's the thought that crosses many self-preparers' minds as they get ready to tackle their taxes. Veteran CPA Steve Duben says it's a tale as old as time. "The truth of the matter is that the law is complex and not easy to understand," Duben said. "The IRS claims that the average tax return self-prepared will take an individual 21 ½ hours to complete. This includes information gathering and understanding and preparing the return."
If you're willing and able to put in the time and effort to prep your own taxes this year, Duben gave MainStreet a list of the most common tax mistakes he's encountered and how to avoid them.
Forgetting to Report All Income
Did you do some freelance work while you were looking for the dream job you finally landed in September? You still need to report that income in your 2009 return.
"Some taxpayers feel that if they did not get a 1099 form then they do not have to report income received," Duben said. "The IRS has a long arm and seems to know what was and was not reported. To avoid this take your time and review all sources of income."
Source: The Most Common Tax Mistakes
3:26 PM
For years Towanna Freeman put her daughter, Jenesis, first. After being sideswiped by a divorce more than a decade ago, the 39-year-old management consultant and author (Purposeful Action: 7 Steps to Fulfillment) cut back on her hours--reducing her income by 50 percent, so she could focus on motherhood.
There were a few lean years, but disaster never struck, in fact things got better. Freeman revamped her career to suit her needs and even found time to pursue her passion, life-coaching. Despite all of her success, there was one things missing: a man. That all changed three years ago when she met Byron Freeman, a Colonel in the US Army. Freeman talks to ESSENCE.com about her transition from life as a single lady to being "the Mrs."ESSENCE.COM: You weren't always a single mother. Tell us how your life changed when you split from your ex-husband?
TOWANNA FREEMAN: My daughter Jenesis was 3-years-old when I divorced my first husband. I had to make a lot of changes going from two incomes to one, but I was motivated because I knew I had a mouth to feed. I didn't want my daughter to come in second. I was a project manager for the CIA but I downsized--everything. My shopping had to change, vacationing, even getting a new car, were now all luxuries that I couldn't afford. My priority was making sure my daughter was in school and I could pay for aftercare.
ESSENCE.COM: After raising your daughter alone for 10 years you recently got married. How did you know he was the one for you?
FREEMAN: My husband had to woo two women, my daughter and myself. Once our relationship got serious--and I knew I could trust him--I let him spend alone time with Jenesis so they could bond. For example, we'd all go to the arcade, but I'd let them go off and play games while I watched from afar. I'd check in with her to see how he treated her when I wasn't around. I believe it's important for parents to listen to their kids-- because they see things we don't--and not just focus on what our mates say. Lastly, I made sure to talk to him about his views on parenting because I knew integrating families would require a lot of a man who didn't have children.
ESSENCE.COM: Many women who've been single for a long time find it challenging to open their hearts and minds to co-existing, though they want a mate. Did you find it difficult?
FREEMAN: As a woman I'm naturally a nurturer, but after being single for so long I was used to bringing home the bacon and frying it. My challenge was allowing someone to take care of me. I had to learn to relax; I had to drop my defenses. It was like a changing of the guard. I had to acknowledge that my husband is capable. He's a man whose decisions I can trust, so I had to learn how to stop asking for details. I don't always need to be in control.
ESSENCE.COM: Money is a big issue for couples, especially since many Black women are also the primary breadwinners or may be entering into a relationship after already amassing significant savings. Are you and your spouse co-mingling funds?
FREEMAN: Yes, my husband has a successful career but I make more money then he does. Communication is important. All of our income is combined because we are working towards a common goal. I don't taut the fact that I make more than him and he's not competitive. We both respect our contributions to the household.
It's important to get rid of that individualistic mentality the day you take your vows. Respect your mate. Most importantly, let the person who is naturally better at handling money manage your household's finances. My last tip is don't keep money secrets.If you have funds that you plan to keep aside, be upfront about it.
Source: Essence.com
10:58 AM
Upcoming Networking Events
Biz To Biz Networking has your covered...from Palm Beach to Miami
CLICK HERE TO VIEW
Boca Raton - Wednesday, April 28th 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Saba Sushi Restaurant - 499 South Federal Hwy.
In The Royal Palm Plaza - Boca Raton
Source: http://www.biztobiznetworking.com/
Pembroke Pines - Thursday, April 29th 5:30pm - 7:30pm
RA Sushi Bar Restaurant
Located at The Shops at Pembroke Gardens
201 SW. 145th Terrace Pembroke Pines
Boca Raton - Tuesday, May 4th 5:00pm- 7:00pm
Ruth's Chris Steak House - 225 NE.Mizner Blvd. Boca Raton
Deerfield Beach - Wednesday, May 5th 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Oceans 234 - 234 North Ocean Blvd Deerfield Beach
North Miami Beach - Thursday, May 6th 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Racks Italian Kitchen - 3933 NE 163rd St. In The Intracoastal Mall
Between NE.35th Ave. & Ocean Blvd. North Miami Beach
Fort Lauderdale - Tuesday, May 11th- 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Chima Brazilian Steakhouse- 2400 East Las Olas Blvd Ft Lauderdale
Hollywood - Thursday, May 13th - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Aizia Restaurant and Nightclub - 3660 S. Ocean Dr., Hollywood
LOCATED AT THE LANDING ACROSS FROM THE WESTIN DIPLOMAT
1:47 PM
EARTH DAY DEALS / FREEBIES
Earth Day is turning 40 this year. To celebrate, many businesses are offering consumers free stuff, chances to win valuable prizes, and some good deals.
Here's a sampling of Earth Day freebies:
Gain free admission into all 392 U.S. national parks now through Sunday, April 25.
Trade in six plastic bottles or soda cans for a free hat made from recycled bottles at the Disney Store on April 22.
Babies R Us will give you a free reusable tote bag if you bring a valid coupon (PDF) into its stores through April 22. Plus, you'll get a 25% discount off all the clothing and shoes you can fit into the bag.
Evos is giving away free organic milkshakes served in biodegradable cups on Earth Day. The healthy fast-food chain has locations in California, Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina.
Origins is offering a trade-in program on Earth Day only. Bring one of your current skin-care product bottles -- empty or full, from any brand -- to an Origins counter and receive a free full-size cleanser. Choose from Checks and Balances Frothy face wash or Perfect World antioxidant cleanser with white tea.
Get a chance to win a $20,000 green home makeover by registering on the Purex website by April 30.
Enter a sweepstakes to win 1 of 10 smart fortwo vehicles by making a pledge to help protect the environment on Safeway's website through April 27.
Sign up for the Drive Home Green sweepstakes on Target's website through the end of the month. The grand prize is a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. You could also win bicycles, electric scooters, a national park trip, and other prizes.
Add a green pledge to the Sierra Club's Earth Day map for a chance to win a trip for two to Hawaii.
Source: Earth DayDeals
9:31 AM
EARTH DAY
Earth Day is a name used for two different observances, both held worldwide annually. While some people celebrate Earth Day around the time of the vernal equinox, others observe the occasion on April 22 each year. Earth Day aims to inspire awareness of and appreciation for earth's environment. It is currently observed in more than 140 countries around the world.
What do people do
The April 22 Earth Day is usually celebrated with outdoor performances, where individuals or groups perform acts of service to earth. Typical ways of observing Earth Day include planting trees, picking up roadside trash, conducting various programs for recycling and conservation, using recyclable containers for snacks and lunches. Some people are encouraged to sign petitions to governments, calling for stronger or immediate action to stop global warming and to reverse environmental destruction. Television stations frequently air programs dealing with environmental issues.
Public Life
Earth Day is not a public holiday and public life, with regard to transport schedules and opening hours for schools and businesses, is not affected.
Background
The April 22 Earth Day, founded by Senator Gaylord Nelson, was first organized in 1970 to promote ecology and respect for life on the planet as well as to encourage awareness of the growing problems of air, water and soil pollution.
Some people prefer to observe Earth Day around the time of the March equinox. In 1978, American anthropologist Margaret Mead added her support for the equinox Earth Day, founded by John McConnell. She stated that the selection of the March Equinox for Earth Day made planetary observance of a shared event possible.
Symbols
Symbols used by people to describe Earth Day include: an image or drawing of planet earth; a tree, a flower or leaves depicting growth; or the recycling symbol. Colors used for Earth Day include natural colors such as green, brown or blue.
The “Earth Flag”, which was designed by John McConnell, has been described as a “flag for all people”. It features a two-sided dye printed image of the Earth from space on a dark blue field, made from recyclable, weather-resistant polyester. Margaret Mead believed that a flag that showed the earth as seen from space was appropriate.
Resource: EARTH DAY
7:18 PM
•Each year millions of high quality plants go unsold and are destroyed.
•Thousands of workers with disabilities need jobs.
• We locate unsold plants, have them packaged by those workers, and...
The Plants are Yours Free!
You pay only for processing packing and shipping
You get free plants, help stop a huge waste, and workers with disabilities get jobs. Everyone wins! Cheryl
More About This Project: http://www.freetreesandplants.com/
4:10 PM
By this date, summer may seem like the longest season of the year. Here are some new eco-craft books available at bookstores, online or (hopefully) at your public library that will fill some time and your home with beautiful crafts made from items destined for the dumpster...
Eco Craft by Susan Wasinger (Lark Books)
Make gorgeous vases, wall art and more from dumpster destined supplies.
Green Crafts for Children by Emma Hardy (CICO, ages 2+)
Kids can turn kitchen ingredients and recycling supplies into jewelry, animals and other crafts.
The Big-Ass Book of Crafts by Mark Montano (Simon Spotlight)
This MacGyver-esque craftsman will have you creating your own switch plates, headboards and more. 150 different projects to choose from!
Read original article: Great eco-crafts for kids and adults to beat boredom
by Green Business Examiner
.jpg)
3:31 PM
What do people do?
Administrative Professionals Day and Administrative Professionals Week are widely observed in many workplaces in the United States and other countries around the world. Many employers and supervisors arrange events to show their appreciation of the work carried out by administrative professionals, to highlight their importance to the organization and to enhance their work-related skills.
Public life
Administrative Professionals Day is an observance but it is not a public holiday in the United States.
Background
During World War II, there was an increased need for skilled administrative personnel, particularly in the United States. The National Secretaries Association was formed to recognize the contributions of secretaries and other administrative personnel to the economy, to support their personal development and to help attract people to administrative careers in the field. The association's name was changed to Professional Secretaries International in 1981 and, finally, the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) in 1998.
These changes in name reflected the changing nature of the tasks, qualifications and responsibilities of the members of the organization. IAAP now has an international orientation and continues to provide education and training and set standards of excellence recognized by the business community on a global perspective. The organization's vision is "to inspire and equip all administrative professionals to attain excellence".
The first National Secretaries Week was organized in 1952 in conjunction with the United States Department of Commerce and various office supply and equipment manufacturers. The Wednesday of that week became known as National Secretaries Day. As the organization gained international recognition, the events became known as Professional Secretaries Week® and Professional Secretaries Day®. In 2000, IAAP announced that names of the week and the day were changed to Administrative Professionals Week and Administrative Professionals Day to keep pace with changing job titles and expanding responsibilities of the modern administrative workforce. Many work environments across the world observe this event.
Resource: Administrative Professionals Day
12:30 PM
Benefits of having a Concierge Service or Personal Assistant work for you? (even during a recession)
How Can A Concierge Or Personal Assistant Save You Money?
Concierge services or a personal assistant (A Sense Concierge) has the ability to create more time within each day for busy professionals and business. Among busy professionals, one of the most precious resource is TIME.
Having the best time management skills is not equivalent to having enough time in the day for completing day-to-day tasks.
Busy professionals are usually flustered with meetings, conference calls, management duties, reports, and several other tasks that take up the majority of their time. Concierge services and personal assistants are skilled and often specialize in relieving them of these duties.
Some responsibilities of a personal assistant include (but not limited to):
Setting Appointments & Making Reservations
Special Reminders: Birthdays, Anniversaries, Religious Holidays, Appointments, etc.
Household Management: House Sitting, Home Organization, Waiting Services
Event Planning: Corporate Meetings, Social Gatherings
Personal Shopping: Purchasing Gifts & Wrapping
Grocery Shopping: For those who find it difficult to leave home or don’t have time
Administrative: Filing, Organizing, Mass Mailing
Administrative: Filing, Organizing, Mass Mailing
Pick up and Delivery: Documents, Bank Runs, Dry cleaning, Last minute items and
Special Requests
How much time can a busy professional really save by having a concierge work for them?
The average cost of hiring a personal assistant is $35-65/hour. Consider if this is worth it by analyzing the opportunity cost of a high-paid business executive being burdened with these tedious tasks.
For example, a busy professional that earns $200/hour can be translated to his/her time is being worth $200/hr. The time it takes for the executive to complete these tedious tasks will calculate to being paid $200/hr to him/her self.
Hiring a concierge service to take on these responsibilities would only cost between $35 and $65 per hour. Consider it to be worth it, not only will the executive gain time he is saving money. In addition, a busy professional can now spend more time with family, friends, alone, or how ever they choose.
A concierge service or personal assistant is well worth the investment. Contact A Sense Concierge with any additional questions you may have.
Keep in touch with following our blog: http://blog.asenseconcierge.com/
8:44 AM
Been There, Haven't Done That!
You've seen the theme parks, the big cities and the major attractions in Florida. Here are 124 of your new favorite offbeat roadside attractions.
NORTHWEST Apalachicola
1) Apalachicola Maritime Museum and Boss Oyster103 Water St. and 123 Water St., (850) 653-2500 and (850) 653-9364, http://www.ammfl.org/ and www.apalachicolariverinn.com/boss.html
Recently reopened, the Apalachicola Maritime Museum encompasses the heritage of the Apalachicola waterfront and the Apalachicola/Chattahoochee/Flint river system. Historic sailboat trips daily. Nearby, ranked one of the top 10 oyster bars in the United States by "Coastal Living" Magazine in 2004, Boss Oyster serves up freshly caught seafood including the blue crabs and bay scallops the area is famous for.
2) The Gibson Inn and Avenue Sea
51 Ave. C
(850) 653-2191,
http://www.gibsoninn.com/
A beautiful, fully restored Victorian inn with all the charm of its era. Built in 1907, this historic inn features the award- winning Avenue Sea restaurant. Learn more about the inn and restaurant, as well as the surrounding areas, in VISIT FLORIDA's Authentic Florida Expert video about the Forgotten Coast of Florida.
Carrabelle
3) World’s Smallest Police StationUS Highway 98
www.carrabelle.org/worldssmallestpolicestation.asp
Plagued by decades of prank phone calls—the dial was finally removed from the phone—the World’s Smallest Police Station in Carrabelle has been housed in a phone booth since the 1960s. This off-beat landmark has been featured on “Ripley’s Believe it or Not!” and “The Today Show,” but is no longer in use today.
4) Dwarf cypress forest at Tate’s Hell State ForestOff coastal Hwy 98 about 5 miles west of Carrabelle (5.5 miles into Tate’s Hell State Forest on forest roads)
(850) 697-3734, http://www.fl-%20dof.com/state_forests/tates_hell.html
A 19th century legend has it that local farmer Cebe Tate went in search of a panther that was killing his livestock. After wandering the forest for seven days and nights, Tate stumbled into a clearing near Carrabelle and proclaimed, “My name is Cebe Tate, and I just came from Hell!” Today, the cypress trees at Tate’s Hell may be under 18 feet tall, but they are fully grown—and over 150 years old—at their diminutive stature.Fort Walton Beach
5) Indian Temple Mound Museum at The Heritage Park & Cultural Center139 Miracle Strip Parkway SE(850) 833-9595, http://www.destin-%20fwb.com/
The Indian Temple Mound Museum in Fort Walton Beach reflects 12,000 years of spiritual, technological and artistic achievements of Florida's native peoples. The Indian mound itself measures 17 feet tall and 223 feet across its base. Excavations have unearthed artifacts about the area's native inhabitants.
Marianna
Read More :Been There, Haven't Done That!
By VISIT FLORIDA staff July 2008
11:50 PM
Find the best wine to drink with your meal
It's always good to know what type of wine will pair well with your meal. Whether you are having guest over and entertaing for the evening or would rather have a quiet evening at home with a loved one, finding the best choice of wine for your meal is a essential.
Here are a few pointers as to how to choose the best wine for your meal. Simply answer three questions; What are you serving/eating? Do you prefer red or white wine? And last but not least what flavor wine do you prefer?
"There are no wrong matches," says Leslie Sbrocco, author of "The Simple & Savvy Wine Guide" (William Morrow 2006). "But there can be magical matches. There are no rules, but there are guidelines." Start experimenting with different food and wine combinations.
9:07 PM
Here are a few truisms can help guide you in starting your small business. (In a second column, we'll take a look at truisms that can help guide you in running your small business.) They represent lessons learned by entrepreneurs like yourself. The road to success will be much smoother by being aware of the messages they represent.
It takes a leader to successfully start, run and grow a business. The difference between managers and leaders is sometimes subtle, but when the going gets tough, it's easy to tell the difference. While consulting for a large manufacturing company, I met with the founder and owner. It was easy to see he was an excellent manager and organizer. He had effectively set up his company, found satisfactory help, and was quickly manufacturing small runs of high quality product.
When he called me, the company was in trouble. . .poor sales, decreasing order backlog, etc. The problem was determined to be that the market had been slowly moving toward a similar, more effective product type. In overlooking (or not being aware of) this fact, the owner, although a good manager, was not leading the company in a successful direction.
A business is likely to operate at a loss for the first year of operation. Make sure you have adequate resources! Plan for the unexpected. Remember that most businesses fail due to lack of capital! If possible, keep your regular job during startup.
In order for a business to be successful, it must provide a service or product that people want to buy. Pretty obvious you say? Well, it is forgotten by many. Times change and your business must change with them.
Dave, a good friend and fellow amateur radio operator, started a radio equipment and accessory retail store. Certainly not a new idea, since there are hundreds of such stores throughout the country and, in fact, there were three within 50 miles of Dave's location. However, in less than a year, he was outselling the other two stores and had acquired a good share of their former customers. Why? Dave knew he needed to provide something unique that would make his store more useful than his competitors. Knowing that communications was "going digital" and there was high interest in combining computers and radio equipment, Dave provided custom software to marry the customer's computer with the radio equipment he sold. He's still going strong.
A really good idea will not last long before someone else runs with it. If you are confident of an idea, move off dead center and get on with it! Plan carefully but get going. If you wait, someone will beat you to the market!
Business success will be directly proportional to how much you love what you are doing. Don't get involved with any business activity for the money only! This is usually a recipe for failure.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
