MLM Training - How One Person Sold One Billion Dollars Worth of Products

If you want to increase the profits in your MLM Business, a good starting place is to sell more product. There are hundreds of different "selling tactics" being taught, but I have always found this one specific approach to work like magic.

How in the world could ONE person sell a billion dollars worth of products? He knew his product...and he knew it well. The one thing that snagged my attention was how well he knew his product.

Which comes first? Knowledge of your product...or selling a billion dollars worth of it? Obviously knowledge of your product comes first.

This MLM training article is about the very important Communication Quality called, "Know what you're talking about."

The reason I mention this is because there is a group of characteristics an MLM business professional must possess in order to truly have success in speaking with customers and selling products.

I call these characteristics the 10 Communication Qualities. Once you're fully knowledgeable about these qualities and have the proper and correct MLM training to learn them, you will be amazed at how many prospects and customers will be interested in your MLM business and/or products.

I was watching a TV infomercial not long ago of a guy who was selling cutting knives. I became greatly impressed with the knowledge of the sales person. By the way he presented his knives I could tell he really knew everything one could know about knives.

I'll admit, in the beginning I was listening, trying to find a hole in what he was talking about.

The more I listened the more I could see and hear, "This man knows about knives!" There wasn't one part of a knife he didn't know about - and he demonstrated to me why he was right...and he discussed it so clearly that anyone could have understood it.

He did several demonstrations with his knives - everything from cutting a can in half to cutting other knives in half with his knife. He did everything without making me feel stupid for my lack of knowledge about knives. He did this without being too assertive (Communication Quality #4). In fact, the more I watched this man the more I realized he was using all 10 of the Communication Qualities.

Very rarely have I seen all the qualities in one person. Now, I didn't personally talk to him to see if he was "truly interested in me." But in the way he delivered his knowledge to me I could tell that he had researched everything about his knives. He explained what a good knife was, and then told where the largest cost is in a knife and why you (the listener) didn't need to have that in your kitchen knives. He gave a "no questions asked, money back guarantee." That certainly sounded like he was "interested" in me.

I bought the knives. The whole set.

Intrigued with his charisma, I started researching him. Ha! Guess what I found? He has sold over one billion dollars worth of goods! NOT through a downline of thousands of people...or a company with hundreds or thousands of stores...but he personally has sold a billion dollars worth of goods!

His name is Ron Popeil. His mother and father split up when he was three. Neither parent wanted him or his brother. So he grew up on the streets in the Bronx (a neighborhood in New York City). At 16, he visited his dad in Chicago and got a job working in a small kitchen appliance factory. One day walking home he walked past a place in Chicago called Maxwell Street. It was the equivalent of a dirty flea market today.

The main things sold on Maxwell Street were stolen goods - hub caps, steering wheels and car radios. As he watched the people selling their stolen goods and people buying them, he got an idea. The next day he bought some of the items from the appliance factory where he worked at wholesale (same price as a store would pay). He then went to Maxwell Street and sold them. As he describes it, "I had never been loved as a kid - I finally found love. It was with my customers. I made a connection with them."

He then found out about state and county fairs...and mastered those. He then volunteered to do live demonstrations inside of stores that carried the manufacturer's products. He mastered selling products live in stores. Then he went in front of cameras on television networks that sold products. You've probably heard his company name before; Ronco. He's the man who came up with, "It slices and dices..., but wait, that's not all...you'll also get...," and "If you order now you get absolutely FREE..."

To date, he has personally sold over one billion dollars worth of products.

You see, because he was the one working in the factory making those knives he KNEW HIS PRODUCT!

My whole interest in this was stimulated by his knowledge of knives. It was THIS quality of "know what you're talking about" that jumped out and grabbed my attention. When you know what you're talking about, prospects really admire it because your knowledge can help them get what they want.

Your downline will also greatly admire you if you know what you're talking about...and they will follow you. If you invent answers to their questions (instead of knowing what you're talking about) - they quickly learn you will say anything (truth or not) to get them to buy the product or sign up in your downline...and they won't.

This doesn't mean you have to work at a manufacturer to know all about the products you sell in your MLM business. It also doesn't mean you have to have a master's degree in nutrition to sell a nutrition product. The thing that impressed me the most was that Ron Popeil talked in such simple language that everyone could understand it.

He never tried to impress his audience with big words. He would say things like, "The steel this knife is made out of is tough - look how tough it is"...and then he would demonstrate it. He didn't try to explain the difference between anodizing (pronounced an'a-diz') and case hardening (two processes used to make steel hard and durable).

He instead would demonstrate for you what he wanted to communicate. It's the sign of a true communicator - to know everything about something, but to communicate it simply to make it very easy for the prospect to make a decision.

Be knowledgeable about your MLM business. Know everything there is to know about the products you sell. Then, when you find people who can benefit from your business and/or your products, you can confidently help them get what they want. It's this kind of knowledge that really pays you in network marketing.

Tim Sales helps network marketers gain the confidence and skills to be an MLM success. Discover what you must know to become a true network marketing professional. Sign up for his free MLM training newsletter and listen to free training at http://www.brilliantexchange.com.Gwendolin Blog16153
Gaynor Blog56609

Want To Start A Website? The Basics...

In this day and age, possessing a presence on the Internet is a common approach to the ever-changing trends regarding personal, social, and business ventures. For some, one can navigate the ins and outs of the World Wide Web in their sleep, while others need to familiarize themselves with the basics. When it comes to starting your own website, there are certain fundamental aspects of the process that are necessary for anyone to know. Below you will find the building blocks that will help you create your own site on the Web:

Domain Name

After you have decided the purpose of your website, you will need to come up with a domain name. This is the identity that people will encounter when searching for or visiting your site. As you think long and hard about what to call your site, you should know that many domain names are already taken. Depending on your website aim, you may be able to tweak letters, use numbers, or change the spelling in order to distinguish yourself from other websites. The domain name should also be easy to spell and remember. Before you fall in love with the name of your choice, you may check to see if it is taken by sneaking a peak at a "whois" Internet directory.

Domain Name Registration

To lay your claim on an available domain name, you must pay a fee to have it registered. Depending on the extension you choose or who you pay to register your domain, you could disburse varying costs from $9.99 to more than $500 per year. Some of the domain extensions to consider include .com, .net, or. org.

Web Hosting

After your domain name becomes registered, you will need to find a web host. A host is a server that allows you to store the data of your website so you may access it whenever you wish. Comparison shopping will prove beneficial in locating the best price for you. There are tons of web hosts looking to take advantage of unsuspecting, new web owners.

Website Publishing

In order to publish your site, you may need the help of tutorials and website wizards to assist you in creating your online presence. While some people spend time learning HTML or CSS, others turn to the ease of ready-made templates that allow consumers to simply type in their own information while enjoying a pre-scripted visual arrangement. Major businesses and those who desire a unique look for their site will hire a professional to generate their website. A variety of applications are used in this process, including Adobe GoLive, Macromedia Flash, and Dreamweaver. Some people may also create a simple page through Microsoft Word.

While the above concepts are quite basic when starting a website, others will prove more challenging. Promoting a site and generating traffic now becomes a common issue. Your next step will be to learn the ropes of getting your site listed with major search engines; marketing; and driving traffic to your site.

Gabriel AdamsHelenelizabeth Blog51142
Fredra Blog26468

Texas Schools Benefit From $9 Million Math & Science Grant

In July 2006 grants of $9 million were given to Texas Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (T-STEM) academics of the Texas Schools. The grants will go to the creation of 12 new academies and centers in the Texas Schools. T-STEM is a program that provides $71 million to various math and science projects at secondary Texas Schools.

The T-STEM project is under the umbrella of the larger Texas High School Project (THSP), which has the goal of increasing graduation and enrollment rates in public Texas Schools. The THSP is funded by both public and private funds in the amount of $261 million. Its partners include the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundations, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, the Office of the Governor and others.

Why Fund Math & Science in the Texas Schools?

Concerns that both Texas Schools and American students in general are falling behind in the areas of math and science have increased greatly with recent technology. Federal mandates from the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act have also added to pressure for Texas Schools to increase academic performance of its students in these areas. Finally, awareness of an increasing achievement gap between races and economic levels has prompted Texas Schools to make these changes.

According to Texas Governor Rick Perry, The T-STEM initiative focuses our efforts where they are needed most- in areas where there are a high number of disadvantaged students who are too often left in the shadows of opportunity. This initiative will help us close the science and math gap that exists in our schools today before it becomes a salary gap for tomorrows workers, and an opportunity gap for Texas families.

Methods For Support and Instruction in the Texas Schools

Funds from both the THSP and T-STEM will provide resources, instructional methods, and innovative approaches to better educate students at Texas Schools in math and science related areas. THSP funds are devoted to creating new and redesigned Texas high schools, training teachers, and preparing students for college. The development of five new T-Stem centers will give instructional materials to the schools, offer training to school educators, and evaluate best practices that can be recreated in other Texas Schools.

Charter schools, small schools, and a YES College Preparatory Academy will be funded with the three implementation grants awarded to Texas Schools to open T-STEM academies. Four start-up grants have been provided that will give $480,000 to four new academies that will open in fall of 2007. Educators and Administrators of Texas Schools are hopeful that the launch of the T-STEM programs in 2007 will reverse the trend of the growing achievement gap.

Patricia Hawke is a staff writer for Schools K-12, providing free, in-depth reports on all U.S. public and private K-12 schools. For more information please visit http://www.schoolsk-12.com/Texas/Harmonie Blog1895
Heloise Blog62238

Does Your Teen Need A Math Tutor?

The students who should consider a math tutor usually fall into two categories. There is the student who is working really hard, doing everything the teacher asks, and still genuinely having trouble mastering concepts and getting good grades. Secondly, there is the student who isnt applying himself, doesnt do homework, and doesnt pay attention in class. Students in both of these groups can benefit from working with a tutor, but in very different ways.

Lets start with taking a look at that first group. The student who is working very hard and not getting desired results quickly becomes frustrated, and understandably so. Using a tutor usually proves to be quite beneficial for this type student. I say usually because the decision to look to a tutor for help is a very individual and personal one. Some students view having a tutor as a status symbol while others shy away from the idea for fear of being labeled slow, stupid, or something similar. So the absolute first step in deciding whether to use a tutor should be a serious conversation with your student. Determine how he or she feels about working with a tutor and go from there. Most students in this category will be receptive to the idea because they are serious about their work, realize they need help, and welcome the relief of easing their frustration. When this is the case, it usually doesnt take much at all for a good tutor to help smooth out the rough spots. The student who is studying and working hard will be able to point out the exact problem areas to the tutor. In turn, the tutor will be able to address those problems with the student thoroughly and effectively.

Now lets take a look at the second group of students possibly in need of a tutor; the student who really isnt applying himself to the course work. This student may be entirely capable of understanding and mastering the concepts and getting good grades without a tutor. The problem lies in the fact that the student hasnt attempted enough work to know whether or not he is capable. Working with a tutor can benefit this type student in a couple of ways. First, having a regularly scheduled session for one-on-one tutoring forces the student to focus on the course work for at least the time of the tutoring session. Secondly, the student who isnt applying himself will quickly fall behind, which is a major concern in high school math courses. Math concepts build on one another. Even if a poor student suddenly decides to apply himself, he will have trouble if past concepts havent been mastered. Starting to work with a tutor early, when poor performance is first detected, can help prevent the student from falling too far behind.

It should be noted that students sometimes feel that having a tutor automatically equates to instant success. I have sometimes had students in my classes who would not stay on task during class time assignments intended for drill, practice, and understanding. When I would attempt to steer them back on task, I would get replies such as Oh, my tutor is coming tonight. Ill get it done them. Parents should keep an eye out for that kind of attitude and try to guard against it. Working with a tutor should be supplemental to, not instead of, regular class work supervised by the teacher.

Linda Hinkle is an educator, having taught high school mathematics for 29 years. She wishes to help empower parents of high school students struggling with mathematics. Find more information about high school topics and sign up for her free newsletter at http://www.highschoolstuff.com.Florinda Blog42695
Fredelia Blog47698

Design Trends: Diamond Engagement Rings

From the grace of halo to the sophistication of micro pave, design trends in diamond engagement rings and wedding band settings are changing, reflecting today's busy lifestyles. Ergonomic designs reign supreme in today's market, no longer does pure panache determine the design that leads to 'I Do.'

"Some brides prefer an ergonomic design that can comfortably be worn day in and day out," says Brian Gavin, Executive Vice President of Whiteflash.com. "Others look for added style in an intricate or trendy setting; which, unfortunately, can be limiting when it comes everyday wear," adds Gavin. Whiteflash.com is an e-jewelry boutique specializing in Hearts & Arrows diamonds and custom-designed engagement rings.

Here's a peek at the up-and-coming trends in engagement rings according to the boutique's jewelry designers:

Myth: solitaires stand tall

Not true of today's diamond solitaire settings, says Gavin. "Solitaire settings are traditionally upswept, raising the diamond to make a very bold statement," he adds. "However, people are also choosing settings where the center diamond sits down low, creating a look that is extremely elegant and also ergonomic." With the diamond down in the setting, brides-to-be are able to wear the engagement ring in everyday work and play situations long after they say their "I Do's.

Halos make a comeback

The likely reason for that comeback, according to Gavin, is that the halo-style diamond engagement ring makes the center diamond appear larger than it really is. "And the appearance of a high carat weight in the center stone is extremely important for many who are headed to the altar," says Gavin. Whiteflash.com has introduced several halo designs to its line of diamond engagement rings in the past year, including one with beaded diamonds along the shank as well as around the center stone, Increased sales prove the design's resurgence and staying power.

A toast to the 'Champagne' setting

One design stunning even to the most fashion-savvy is the diamond 'Champagne' setting. "Those who desire this setting know exactly what they're looking for...and that's something unique," says Gavin. "The Champagne style of setting has an unmistakable following." The designers at Whiteflash.com deserve a toast of the bubbly for their interpretation of the Champagne-style bubble design in their U-prong Champagne engagement ring...among others.

Gavin says the company's Champagne fashions have produced a great deal of spin-off custom-design work, much of which incorporates Whiteflash.com's exclusive 'A Cut Above' (ACA) melee diamonds. "The design of the Champagne diamond setting intermixes several components...it's these combined features that really draw[s] people to it," he says.

"Often people ask us to replicate one aspect or another of the Champagne design into a custom project, and of course we don't hesitate to do so." According to Gavin, the U-Prong, domed shank and accent diamonds are examples of features that can be applied to any custom piece. "Our 'A Cut Above' (ACA) melee diamonds have been adopted into thousands of projects, and are a stunning complement to any setting style," comments Gavin.

Delicate pave and micro-pave designs

The old debate: Delicate versus complex, which is better? According to the designers at Whiteflash.com, this season the style leans more heavily towards delicacy rather than complexity.

The diamond pave setting is widely admired for its refinement. To give the setting its simplistic, yet exquisite appearance, beads of metal are raised to create secure channels where the diamonds sit securely in the ring. According to the craftsmen at Whiteflash.com, the raised metal of the band (or ring) is used to create the tiny prongs that hold the petite diamonds in place.

Center stage: Eternity bands

The pave and micro pave diamond engagement rings come into play when customers are looking at smaller diamond settings like the eternity band. According to Gavin - who is also a fifth-generation cutter from the world's largest diamond center (South Africa) - there has been a recent push for smaller diamonds in settings. "In some cases even solitaire engagement rings are being replaced with semi, and even full diamond eternity bands," he says. The trend is likely a response to the aforementioned movement towards dainty-looking styles and those that offer daily wear. Eternity bands traditionally are set with diamonds anywhere from one to three points (carats).

Brides trade up

The 'trading-up' trend will never fade into obscurity. "We've found that it makes a difference in the design process if the bride-to-be is involved up front," says Gavin. "If the groom chooses to go it alone, he typically gravitates toward a simple design with a smaller-than-desired diamond. And what happens next? The bride-to-be upgrades the size of her diamonds, even adding side stones, and looks for a setting more suited to their tastes."

'Trading up' need not always be done up front. Many couples consider upgrades for important milestones like anniversaries, birthdays and holidays. "While her diamond engagement ring was [current] as a newlywed, many years later she might change or modify her setting to reflect transition in her own life or to keep up with current jewelry trends," says Gavin. "Even if she keeps the setting forever, there is a chance that down the road she may require a larger diamond. We have many repeat customers who upgrade their diamonds with us," he finishes.

Whiteflash.com anticipates change as a constant and has made it simple for customers to upgrade with a unique guarantee: Every certified diamond sold at Whiteflash.com comes with a lifetime trade-up option. The company will accept the return of any original purchase and extend full credit in the amount of the original purchase price. The credit can be used to purchase a different diamond.

"Marriage is a lifetime commitment," Gavin says. "When you choose Whiteflash.com, we'll be there for a lifetime with you."

About Whiteflash

Whiteflash.com is the first company in the U.S. to offer an exclusive brand of Hearts & Arrows diamond and bring the sheer beauty of "super ideal cut" to the Internet. Brian Gavin, a 5th generation diamond cutter, and Debi Wexler, a computer entrepreneur, together founded Whiteflash.com in 1999 bringing an expansive selection of loose diamonds to the Internet, including an exclusive brand of Hearts & Arrows diamonds. 'A Cut Above' (ACA(TM)) is unmatched in its brilliance, fire and sparkle and remains the only Hearts & Arrows diamond sold online with advertised standards and a "true patterning" guarantee. Whiteflash.com also offers original, handcrafted platinum and gold settings, diamond engagement rings and wedding bands, custom diamond ring designs and specialty jewelry.

John Pollard is Director of Consumer Education http://Whiteflash.com - a company specializing in Diamonds, http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/1.htm and http://new.whiteflash.com/golden-wardrobe/whiteflash-design.aspxFrankie Blog70923
Fionnula Blog14898

Choosing Personalized Christmas Gifts

By personalizing your gifts to each person, you are sure to find gifts that will delight. Use their interests and hobbies to find a perfect Christmas gift

Christmas gifts season is just around the corner and most of us are looking for that way to show our friends and relatives that we care. A personalized Christmas gift is a great idea for almost anyone and there are many different ways that you can create your own personalized Christmas gifts.

Your computer offers you many different personalized Christmas gifts possiblities. By using digital pictures and graphics you can create all different kinds of gifts, including mugs, Christmas cards, or even emailed Christmas greetings. Each of these ideas would be a great personalized Christmas gifts idea.

Learning more about your friend or relative is essential to choosing the right gift for them. What kinds of hobbies or activities do they enjoy. Are they a fisherman, golfer, or hunter? Do they enjoy music or books? Do they love opera or ballet? You can see what Christmas gifts that you can come up with simply by using their interests.

You want to choose Christmas gifts that show feeling and interest in the person that you are purchasing a gift for. Buy them something that helps them enjoy their life or activities more. Don't just choose a commercial, meaningless gift.

For example, a golfer would enjoy a selection of golf markers, golf balls, or a great book describing golf courses or tips. A book lover may enjoy an embossed leather journal to write their own stories or a book on how to write their own book.

A fisherman or hunter will love tools and gadgets that they can use while hunting or fishing. Search your imagination and see what you can come up with to allow them to enjoy this pasttime even more.

An opera or ballet lover would love tickets to a performance. A book celebrating the history of ballet or opera or even a DVD of one of their favorite performances would be a great choice as well. Themed Christmas ornaments also make another great Christmas gifts idea.

No matter who you are buying for they are sure to have interests. Think about what they enjoy doing and then determine what would make them feel loved and appreciated. Just by putting yourself in their shoes, you will be able to find perfect Christmas gifts for every person on your list.

Adam Peters is a syndicated writer of http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com . For additional information regarding ornaments or gifts go to http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com/christmas/christmas-gift.html.Flss Blog66226
Hyacinth Blog95140

Cosmetic Dentistry, Dentures Designed For That Natural Looking Smile

If you are looking for a relatively easy solution to replace your missing death, regain your confidence and give you a smile that makes you look and feel good again then tale a look at how cosmetic dentures have moved on in recent years.

Dentures are removable prosthetic devices which are designed to replace all or some of your teeth. Dentures dont just improve appearance and personal confidence but provide facial support and have a working function in that they restore peoples ability to chew certain foods. It has been said that dentures are the dental industries answer to a face lift!

With an increased interest in cosmetic dentistry, denture technology has significantly moved on in recent years with dentures being designed for comfort and natural appearance. Current technology enables dentists to provide you with dentures that actually blend in with your features taking on the appearance of your natural teeth.

Long gone are the days when dentures are seen as belonging to someone who has passed their sell by date. New and exciting cosmetic dentistry advancements means that your dentist can provide you with natural teeth that everyone will think are your own. Dentures now fulfil their intended function enabling you to enjoy your food, be proud of your smile and remain blissfully unaware that you are sporting false teeth.

Cosmetic dentistry now enables you to design and choose your dentures alongside your dentist, making you feel part of the whole process and helping you to contribute towards your final perfect smile. You can now wear your dentures with pride safe in the knowledge that you look and feel good.

I doubt few people will disagree that despite recent denture advancements dentures still take some getting used to with initial speech issue to overcome (very short term) and the possibility of mouth irritation and sores (normally being as a result of poor denture hygiene).

However, unlike some other cosmetic dentistry procedures, dentures are suitable for most people although there are some instances where your dentist may advise an alternative route with one being if you lack saliva as a result of a dry mouth.

When you first loose your teeth you will be provided with immediate dentures which will help you through those early months when shrinkage and changes in your bone structure and gums will occur. Your main denture plates will be created approximately 9-15 months after your teeth have been extracted and the relatively stable structure of your bone and gums can be used to create the mould.

It can sometimes prove difficult to keep lower jaw dentures in place in which case your dentist may advise the use of mini implants to help keep your denture in place. Mini implants are much less invasive as full tooth implants and can usually be placed into the jaw within an hour allowing you to walk out with your dentures safely snapped into place.

Dont make the mistake of many and assume that dentures last for life. Even if you have a full plate you will still need dental care. Cosmetic dentures arent designed to last for ever and the American Dental Association recommends that you replace your dentures every 4 7 years. Dentures wear out and can become loose and ill fitting. Old dentures can cause gum irritation, facial pain, reduced ability to chew, digestive problems and in some instance can cause pre-cancerous mouth and gum lesions. If you have worn the same dentures for a long period of time your denture problems cant always be completely fixed so always go down the safe route and get your dentures checked on a regular basis.

Unlike some other cosmetic dentistry procedures your new dentures should be covered by your dental insurance. The cost of dentures is significantly less than many other cosmetic dentistry procedures with the prosthetic plates costing as little as $500 with an upper limit of around $2,000 - $3,000. In addition to the cost of the denture you will also have to pay your dental fees which are likely to range between $400 and $1200 per plate.

Terry Ross is the author for and creator of http://www.1st-4-teeth.comHetti Blog3467
Guinna Blog95169

Website Basics-Fine Tuning a Domain Name

OK, so now youve found the domain name you want, but someone else owns it. Can you still get it? The answer is a qualified YES. You can still possibly register that coveted name even if someone has beaten you to the punch. In the next article we will discuss how to go about registering a domain name that is already taken. But for now, lets look at some alternatives to that:

Hyphenated Names Sometimes it is a good strategy to just take the same domain name and hyphenate it as in turning bobsautoparts.com into bobs-auto-parts.com. Is it always the best strategy? Yes and no. If you are dealing with an already well known name, generally the answer would be no, as most web surfers would usually just enter the non-hyphenated version in, and end up at your competitors website instead. Not a good strategy. Also, the longer the name you have chosen, the more tedious and error prone it becomes for the surfer to type in the name correctly, again foiling the chances that they will end up at your website. Definitely shorter is better. But if the name you have chosen is already taken and there is no chance of getting it from its owner, and the owner either has no website or a poorly designed one with little traffic, this can be a good strategy in purchasing a name.

Longer or Shorter Domain names can be up to 67 characters long. At 63 characters, thelongestdomainnameintheworldandthensomeandthensomemoreandmore.com claims to be the longest domain name in the world, and it may very well be. But who would want to type it into a browser? Our website, www.StartMyWebsiteToday.com features a name that in a few words encapsulates the purpose of the site. It is helpful also with search engines. In as few characters as possible the name of the site, the purpose of the site, and the keywords of the site have all been neatly put together in a domain name. Shorter is better here. Nuff said.

Brand Name or Generic The answer here is it depends. If your business is your brand, of course it is the best possible strategy to try to register that domain name. For instance, Nike.com is a well known brand name site, although there is nothing in the domain name to suggest that it is a site about shoes. Still, Nike is such a well known brand name to the public that people automatically know what they will be shopping for when they get there. If your brand name is well known, definitely try to obtain your brand name as a domain name. But if you are Nike or Coca Cola dont discount the idea of buying shoes.com or soda.com if they are available as well. People often search the web using generic terms, more so even than brand names. A person is more likely to search the internet for shoes or footwear or sneakers than to search by a single brand name, even one as big as Nike. So if possible cover all the bases, but a generic name if your business is new or not yet well known can get better results, if you can find a good one.

In the next article, we discuss strategies for buying a domain name that has already been taken.

StartMyWebsiteToday.COM (Richard James's company) is our recommended resource for domain names and other necessary tools for the creation of websites. To start your website today, visit http://www.startmywebsitetoday.com This article is copyrighted, please do not alter in any way.Gabrila Blog56446
Hatti Blog37792

Imagine How She Will Reward You When You Surprise Her With Flowers!

Every Girl, Women, Female... Be It Mother, Daughter, Grandmother, Aunt, Best Friend, Girl Friend or Wife ( the only exception being those who are allergic... and for them there is always gift baskets, balloons and cookie bouquets or antihistamine!) So when it comes to gifts, special, occasions, valentines day and surprises You Can Not Go Wrong With Flowers!

When In Doubt Keep It Simple

If you do not know what your doing with flowers, especially when choosing them for someone else, then keep it simple, to much color, or crazy flower varieties may detract from what could have been a beautiful gift! A Rose is always a classic, particularly red, a bunch is good, but never under estimate the power of a single red rose.( Check out http://www.abc-of-florist.com/rose-flower.html For More on Roses)

Don't Be Afraid to Seek Professional Assistance

When it comes to Flowers, a Florist can be your secret weapon in finding a gift. You can find out about popular arraignments, flowers that are in season, fashionable colors and varieties... remember they play with flowers all day, so they know about these things.

Secret Weapon Number Two: The Best Friend

If Anyone is going to be an authority on gift giving and lies and dislikes, it is a girl or womens best friend. Not only have they probably heard about all the best and worst presents presented to that special lady in the past... they also have a bearing of what the perfect gift is. And Do not think flowers are just for special occasions, the best flowers I have ever received have been from a friend, out of the blue, just a simple bunch of white daisy's, and I loved them!

Be Confident

In choosing and giving a gift you need to be confident, often the best thing about flowers is that they came from you, that you choose them, and went to the time of writing a note or card to go along with them.

Say It With Pizazz

Send a gift card, You can ask you florist if you are stuck for ideas, Florist Talk is a specialty at most florists, as they are frequently dealing with those in need of some note writing inspiration. Better yet just use a memory, a thank you, a private joke, or loving words. Florists make it even easier, as the best online shops will let you fill out a gift card message online, and the flowers can be delivered, with the message written on a beautiful card.

So Go Ahead And Get To Your Nearest Florist... Or Better Yet, Just Use Your Mouse And Find The Perfect Flowers, And Have Them Delivered To That Special Someone, Wherever They May Be In The World!

Check out Some Great Florists Online And Find The Perfect Gift! Best thing is You Can See A Photo and Check Out Exactly What You Are Getting For Your Money!

Lucy Ross Is Webmaster from http://www.abc-of-florist.com She knows how great it is to recieve flowers, gifts, and gift baskets! And Has Written a body of Articles on Everything to do with Florists.Helga Blog32791
Goldina Blog38900

Hanging Out Earning An Online College Degree

Could you ever imagine hanging out at home by choice, and earning an online college degree in the process? Many people think that obtaining an online college degree is something that requires frequent trips to the computer lab and ongoing technical issues. It is anything but this way when you enroll in your choice of online college degree programs. The simple fact is that with a steady internet connection you can access the most powerful and effective programs. This sounds easy, but it does take effort. For the self-motivated, online programs are great ways to get an education.

The fact is that most online college degrees are based upon the self paced method that allows students to work at the time most convenient for them. Given that most self paced online programs are still in someway regimented by a timeframe, within this timeframe one can obtain an online college degree in a manner that suits the needs of the person and can still be somewhat flexible. This means that you will literally be able to login, and deal with every aspect of your online education, and your online college degree program specifically at a time suitable for you. This will allow you to meet your personal or professional needs while obtaining your degree.

Earning an online degree can be individually structured to meet your specific timetable. You will never have to take an online degree class at a time that is not going to work for you. Essentially, you will be earning your degree while allowing lifes priorities to come first, and your education will fall into the place that is best suitable for you. This means that for most classes you will be able to work at night on your coursework if you have to work during the day, and vice versa if you have a night job. With the recent advancements in technology and broadband connections, one attending online degree programs can watch video and do coursework anytime in as much clarity as if it were being played on their television.

So what is the downside of being able to hang out and earn your online college degree at the time you prefer? The answer is that you still must do the work, which means that you must be self disciplined enough to deal with the intensity of being enrolled in college, and especially in a self paced online college degree program. This is not a great fit for everyone, as self paced does not mean no pace, and in order to earn your degree you must be prepared to work, and be prepared to make sacrifices, just as you would in any traditional college degree program

While earning an online degree is much different in scope and breadth than earning a traditional four-year degree, it is similar in the fact that both ventures require a considerable amount of work. This means that one must be prepared to give the online college degree as much effort on studies and the coursework as they would if enrolled in a traditional program. Taking advantage of the online college degree program's flexibility is the key.

Andy West is a freelance writer for Virginia College. Virginia College Online offers many online college degree programs. Please visit Virginia College Online at http://www.vconline.edu/index.cfm to select the online program that is right for you.Fran Blog66863
Frederica Blog57399

Nintendo Wii + Wii Sports - Good for fitness in children?

The Nintendo Wii it seems, puts pay to the concerns in recent years over the inactivity in children due to their interest in video games consoles. The Wii console really sets itself apart from the rest with its revolutionary motion sensitive controller, which actually requires movement in order to play the games.

The Nintendo Wii comes with the game Wii Sports, which includes tennis, baseball, bowling, golf and boxing. In tennis you will be swinging the remote as if it were a tennis racket and flicking it up to toss the ball into the air with a quick swing to serve. The other Wii Sports games work in a similar way simulating controller movements for like movements onscreen. Boxing however is the only Wii Sports game that uses the nunchuk attachment and is the most physically exhausting game of them all. In order to hit your opponent in the head or body, you will have to aim high or low with your swings.

There are three different activities with each game. In training mode, you will participate in random challenges, after which you will be assigned a fitness age, based on your performance. Sound familiar? The Nintendo DS game, Brain Training comes to mind...a physical version perhaps?

The important thing here is that gamers are becoming more physically active without even realising it - you could say it has a 'kill two birds with one stone' effect, combining video game play with physical activity. Given this 'physical' nature of the Wii, I wouldn't be suprised if parents rushed out to buy the Nintendo Wii just to get their kids off the sofa!

Another great thing about the Nintendo Wii is that it appeals not only to children and teens but to adults too, so its something the whole family can enjoy.

Could the Nintendo Wii revolutionize the way we play video games in the future? It will be interesting to see what Nintendo's competitors come up with next - this could be a tough one to beat!

Karen BennettGwynne Blog58880
Gwenora Blog34207

The Real Deal Between Energy Drink Manufacturers And Consumers

Until now, there is still a continuous debate over those who are manufacturing energy drinks, their consumers and those that countering its use and effect on the body. Despite this fact, more and more kinds of energy drinks are being manufactured everyday. This is answer to the need of those people who are living a hectic lifestyle and need all the energy they can get.

This is one of the reasons why energy drinks have become the hottest thing ever to be manufactured. Everywhere you go, you will different kinds of energy drinks being sold. And it should not surprise you that you see consumers having one or two of these in hand.

Manufacturers of energy drinks were wise enough to present them in attractive colors, tasty flavors and fancy containers. Why a lot of persons are drawn to try out one in the first place is may be because of their appearances.

Another factor is the promise of additional energy that comes with taking these drinks. And this is besides the fact that you can get that without having to put on some calories or weight. Another plus factor to those who are body conscious and takes their diet seriously.

Energy drinks versus water.

One of the better uses for water is for good digestion and hydration. But when you need to do workouts and some hard work that make use of physical energy, water cannot substitute for the nutrients and energy that your body have lost in the process.

This is where energy drinks comes in handy. They replace the electrolyte that you lost through sweating. It can also quench the thirst you will feel on the duration of your activity. If you want to make it through the long hard day, energy drinks is the one you need.

Energy drink consumers.

Although there are a lot of people who are taking energy drinks because of its thirst quenching ability, energy drinks are highly advisable to those persons that are going through strenuous activity for long periods of time.

This is why athletes are the prime consumer of energy drinks. They are also the first person that energy drink manufacturers are approaching once they are in the process of presenting new products out in the market. Who can market their product better than those who need these energy drinks the most?

But then, athletes are not the only ones taking advantage of the benefits of energy drinks. More and more people that are doing physical labor and trying activities are turning to energy drinks for the needed supply of energy that cannot be found in other drinks.

Taking energy drinks.

The common misconception when taking energy drink is to drink them whenever they are thirsty already. According to manufacturers and experts on these drinks, that is not the perfect time. You may have already be dehydrated or tired that the energy drink will not be able to sustain for all these things immediately.

The best time to take energy drinks is when you are just starting or in the mid part of your activity. By the time you lose some of your energy, the supplied energy from the beverage will already be in the process of taking place.

As long as there are consumers in need of additional energy drive, you can expect new and more energy drinks to be manufactured and become a hit among those who need them the most.

This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more information on energy drinks, please visit http://energy-drink.articlekeep.com.Gusta Blog30702
Haily Blog55092

Understand Your Insurance Contract

All insurance contracts are governed by the concept of offer and acceptance. This requires you to fill the proposal form and send it to the insurance company. Sometimes you are also required to attach a check for the premium amount, with the proposal form.

Your filling the proposal form and sending it to the insurance company is the offer and when the insurance company accepts your proposal it is the acceptance part of the concept. The amount you pay as premium is considered as the consideration part of the contract. The concept of legal capacity also applies to insurance contracts. It requires both the parties to be legally capable of entering a contract. Your insurance contract is based on legal purpose, which means that the contact is not meant for encouraging illegal activities. The other legal principles that govern the contracts are:

Principle of Indemnity:

This principle requires the insurer to pay an amount, not more than the actual loss suffered, in case of loss. The amount paid as claim by the insurance company should not be more than the sum assured in the insurance contract. The aim is to provide a claim amount that will help the claimant to regain the lost financial position. In some indemnity contracts, the amount payable by the insurance company is subject to the amount of actual loss. Some indemnity contracts also have a provision for the claim to be paid only if the actual loss exceeds a certain amount. For example, in an auto insurance contract of 3000 dollars, you would be eligible for the claim amount only if your actual loss exceeds 3000 dollars. In case, the actual loss amount is below 3000 dollars, you would be liable to bear all the costs.

Insurable Interest

In this insurance cover, the insurance contract covers only those properties or events specified at the time of investment. For example, if you live in your uncles house and apply for a homeowners insurance, the insurance company will reject the claim, since you are not the owner of the property and do not suffer any personal financial loss in case the house gets damaged.

Principle of Subrogation

The principle of subrogation enables the insured to claim the amount from the third party responsible for the loss. It allows the insurer to pursue legal methods to recover the amount of loss, which the company has paid the insured via the insurance claim. For example, if you get injured in a road accident, due to reckless driving of a third party, the insurance company will compensate your loss and will also sue the third party to recover the money paid as claim.

Doctrine of utmost good faith

This means that both the parties are expected to disclose any information, important to the contract. For example, when applying for life insurance, it is your duty to disclose any permanent ailments that you might have. Likewise, your insurer also is expected to be clear on the illnesses that are not covered under the contract.

Once you become familiar with the principles, you will be able to understand the scope of your insurance contract. This makes you independent of the insurance advisor.

Joe Kenny writes for the UK Personal Loan Store and offer more information on UK debt consolidation loans and other loan topics available on site.Inesita Blog32988
Harriette Blog69628

Hello From Orlando - A Walk Through St. Augustine - The Oldest Continuously Inhabited City In The United States

On our way home from Orlando, a little more than an hour into our 20+ hour road trip back to Toronto, we stopped in St. Augustine, "the nation's oldest city", just north of Jacksonville - indeed the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the United States, having been founded by the Spanish in 1565.

St. Augustin's founder, Don Pedro Menendez, came ashore on September 8, 1565, and chose to name the settlement after the patron saint whose feast day coincided with the day of landing. Of course, before the Spanish ever set foot on Florida soil, the Timacuan Indians had already been here and they watched Menendez and the roughly 1500 colonists and soldiers settle here. Over the last few centuries the city experienced governments from different countries, including Spain, Britain, and since 1821, the United States.

The real rise of this community came in the late 1800s when Henry Flagler (1830 to 1913) built two hotels and took over a third as part of the Flagler hotel chain. Flagler was the co-founder of Standard Oil, and although not as well known as some of the other early magnates of capitalism, he was one of the wealthiest individuals of his time. Flagler had a major impact on Florida: he founded the Florida East Coast Railway as a means of transporting guests to and from the north to his hotels in St. Augustine, Palm Beach, and Miami. A honeymoon visit to St. Augustine in 1881 with his second wife inspired Flagler's vision to transform this sleepy town into a winter playground for the rich.

Three of Flagler's former St. Augustine hotels are still in use today: Flagler College (the former Hotel Ponce de Leon), the Lightner Building - St. Augustine's City Hall (the former Alcazar) and Casa Monica, redone as a county courthouse in the 1960s, and reopened in 1990 as the restored Casa Monica Hotel. During the late 19th and early 20th century Flagler also developed a residential neighbourhood called the Model Land Company tract.

Within a few short years Flagler's dream of a resort town for northerners faded and he, and the wealthy northern visitors, moved further south. He continued to develop the Florida East Coast Railroad down the peninsula, into and across the Florida Keys, creating hotels and communities along the way.

St. Augustine is centered around the Plaza de la Constitucion, which anchors the Lightner Museum / City Hall, Casa Monica and Flagler College, three stunningly beautiful structures. Located in the former Alcazar Hotel, the Lightner Museum houses collections of legendary hobbyist and antiques collector Otis Lightner.

St. Augustine has a wealth of other historic and architecturally interesting structures. The most historically significant structure in St. Augustine is the Castillo de San Marcos, built by the Spanish between 1672 and 1695. The 19th century Lighthouse Museum is located in the St. Augustine Lighthouse on Anastasia Island east of town across the Bridge of Lions. St. Augustine also houses the oldest store in town dating to the turn of the last century. Talking about old buildings, St. Augustine is home to the Gonzalez-Alvarez House, dating back to 1727, known as the "Oldest House Complex", a National Historic Landmark.

The Mission of Nombre de Dios is located on the west bank of Matanzas Bay, and it is said to have been the site of the first Catholic Mass in what is today the United States. The Spanish Quarter Village is a living history museum composed of a collection of colonial period houses where guides recreate the dress and lifestyle as seen in 1740.

Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth National Archaeological Park exhibits foundations and artifacts of the first St. Augustine mission and colony. It also houses the Landmark Spring, Explorers Globe and Navigators' Planetarium. St. Augustine also houses the Oldest Drug Store and the nation's Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, built more than 200 years ago while Florida was under Spain's rule.

Unfortunately we did not have a chance to explore St. Augustine in detail, but our brief excursion into this historic city quickly proved what a unique destination St. Augustine really is. As a matter of fact, the city welcomes around 2 million visitors every year who come to discover a unique historic part of America. A settlement with authentic Spanish roots, complete with Castillo and all, is a truly unique sight in the U.S. and it was definitely worth the detour.

Here is a collection of websites for further information on St. Augustine:

- the City of St. Augustine,
- the St. Augustine Visitor Guide
- Visit Florida's information page about St. Augustine
- the St. Augustine Historical Society
- the City of St. Augustine's Department of Heritage Tourism

This entire article including photos is located at http://www.travelandtransitions.com/stories_photos/orlando_st_augustine.htm

Susanne Pacher is the publisher of http://www.travelandtransitions.com, a web portal for unconventional travel & cross-cultural connections. Check out our brand new http://www.travelandtransitions.com/ebooks.html FREE ebooks about travel.Illa Blog32199
Harmonie Blog1895

National Health Insurance In America Part 1

President Clinton did not and now President Bush will not address health care reform in a way that deviates even slightly from the HMO and Managed Care Industries that have given large sums of money to both campaigns to keep them quiet. Thus these special interests maintain the status quo of the for profit health insurance corporations that have taken over the health care system in America.

Every day, approximately 100,000 people lose health insurance coverage in the United States. Over forty-four million Americans do not have health insurance at all. The people who have HMO's as their only choice of insurance routinely face rejection of payment when serious health problems arise. The doctors employed by HMO's make decisions about a person's health without laying hands on the patient. They do not examine, listen to or have any contact with the patient about whom life and death decisions are made regarding their health.

This is a human rights abuse in a civil society such as ours, or any other society, for that matter.

There are over 1500 insurance companies in America with different rules of what services will or will not be funded. Our facility has hired two people just to handle the health insurance questions that arise every day. They often have a frustrated and perplexed look in their eyes as they undertake to find solutions to problems, and then have to contact a faceless bureaucratic entity about whether or not a service will be paid for.

Health care providers must also take the time to speak to these people, to convince them to pay for proposed services. Letters must be written to convince the HMO/Managed Care bureaucrats to take a second look at what needs to be done for patients, to ensure good quality medical care.

Health care workers have accepted the unacceptable and do not seem to know the way out of the quagmire.

I once helped to raise $3,000.00 for a seven year old patient who was in an automobile accident, and suffered a lower spinal cord injury. He is paralyzed from the waist down. The proposed goal for the fund raiser was to buy a handicapped accessible van. Since these vans cost anywhere from $15-30,000.00 dollars, the family bought a computer, instead, enrolled the boy in a study offered online by the Shreiner's Hospital in Philadelphia for spinal cord injured patients.

At the fund raising dinner, I sat with the patient's grandmother. She told me she wanted the money to be put in a trust fund to pay for the child's catheter supplies, diapers and medicine that the Managed Care Insurance company would not pay for.

"Wait a minute," I said. "You mean you are paying for all of the supplies out of pocket without insurance reimbursement?"

"Yes," she said.

Back in the office the following week, one of the women whose job it is to deal with insurance questions, solved the dilemma and the supplies are now paid for. The child's mother had receipts, and the HMO reimbursed her from the time of the car accident.

I wondered why the insurance company did not automatically pay for these services? If I had not helped stage an elaborate fund raising event and had dinner with the boy's grandmother, this revelation may not have surfaced. A Universal Single Payer health care plan would make it possible for all people to get the services they need and free up doctors and nurses to give the care that people deserve, plus fulfill all of the reasons doctors and nurses entered their respective professions to begin with: to be of service, to help other people and to bring healing to patients and their families.

Physicians for a National Health Program in America have devised the following plan for implementation. For more information, please access www.pnhp.org.

National Health Insurance, if implemented, would minimize any disruption to the current health system because health care delivery mechanisms would remain in place while only the financing mechanism changed. Single Payer National Health Insurance would resolve virtually all of the major problems facing America's health care system, today.

Single Payer Insurance is defined as a single government fund with each state which pays hospitals, physicians and other health care providers, thus replacing the current multi-payer system of private insurance companies and other plans.

It would provide coverage for the forty-four million people who are uninsured.

It would eliminate the financial threat and impaired access to care for tens of millions who do not have coverage and are unable to afford the out-of-pocket expenses because of deficiencies in their insurance plans.

It would return to the patient free choice of health care provider and hospitals, not the choice that only the restrictive health plans allow.

It would relieve businesses of the administrative hassle and expense of maintaining a health benefits program.

It would remove from the health care equation the middleman-the managed care industry-that has broken the traditional doctor-patient relationship, while diverting outrageous amounts of patient care dollars to their own coffers.

It would control health care inflation through constructive mechanisms of cost containment that improve allocation of our health care resources, rather than controlling costs through an impersonal business ethic that robs patients of care so as to increase profits for the privileged few.Single Payer Universal Health Care would provide access to high quality care for everyone at affordable prices. This would be beneficial for individual business as well as the government.

So why don't we have a National Single Payer Plan?

Kate Loving Shenk is a writer, healer, musician and the creator of the e-book called "Transform Your Nursing Career and Discover Your Calling and Destiny." Click here to find out how to order the e-book: http://www.nursingcareertransformation.comFredia Blog81045
Gussy Blog66122

Your First Car Loan : What You Need to Know

So that bucket of bolts you drove throughout high school and college has gasped its last exhaust-filled breath. Its done. That means youre in the market for a new car. Soon youll brave the treacherous world of the car lot. Be careful, its a jungle out there. Eager salesmen hover like vultures, ready and willing to separate you from your hard-earned cash.

Once you decide on a car, youll then have to survive the depths of the dealership, where finance managers lurk at every cornerpen and paper in hand, waiting for you to sign on the dotted line. But dont worry, with a little prior planning, you can get that new car without breaking the bank.

First off, you need to make a decision: buy or lease? If you like to drive a car until it diesand with todays autos running well past the 100,000 mile markthen youll probably want to buy. However, if you see yourself in a different ride every couple of years, then leasing might be the right option for you. In a lease, youre essentially renting the car for a pre-determined amount of time (usually three years). During that time, youll have to keep the car in tip-top shape and only drive it for an agreed-upon amount of miles per year (usually around 15,000). After your lease is up, you can purchase the car at a residual price or start a lease on another car.

Once you decide on buying or leasing, its time to figure out how youre going to pay for it. First, decide how much you can afford to spend on a new car. As a good rule of thumb, many experts suggest that you spend no more than 20 percent of your net income per month on a car payment and other related auto-expenses.

Next, decide how you want to pay for it. Once youre on the lot and fall in love with your dream car, the salesperson will do everything in their power to get you to finance the car through the dealership. Auto financing is a big money industry, and car manufacturers would be remiss to not take advantage of it. Financing with the dealership is tempting, as its the quickest way for you to drive off the lot in your new set of wheels.

But buyer beware, dealers know that buying a car can be a mentally exhausting experience, and finance departments will often add hidden fees in the paperwork for services or features you dont want (e.g., extended warranties, service agreements, etc.). Dealerships also offer attractive financing deals like rebates or low interest rates, but many of them depend on your credit scorewhich you should always know before you even step foot on the lot. You can check your credit score and correct any errors by visiting www.equifax.com, www.experian.com, or www.transunion.com.

If you want to be a truly empowered car buyer, then secure a loan through a bank, credit union or other lending institution before you buy. Youll generally get a lower interest rate than what the dealership can offer you, and youll essentially become a cash buyer. This means youll have more negotiating power on the total price of the vehicle, lower monthly rates, and no chance of the dealerships finance department sneaking in any hidden fees into a finance contract. Most lending institutions, upon approving your loan, will give you a check that can be made out to a dealership. Negotiate the price of the car along with tax and licensing fees, and off you go.

Whether you lease or buy, finance through the dealer or through a separate lending entity, always read every contract that requires your signature thoroughly. Make sure the figures in the contract are correct and that you understand all of the charges included. Also, if at any time you should feel pressured by a car salesman or lending agency, walk away. Remember, you are the buyer, therefore you have the power.

Happy hunting!

Joe Kenny writes for the Personal Loans Store offering cheap loans and offer more information on car loans and other loan topics available on site.Gayle Blog37435
Geralda Blog469

Stabilize The System By Removing Spyware

Spyware can kill the registry. Removing Spyware with anti Spyware may avert disaster. However, disaster can still strike if the Spyware is still in the registry. Clean the registry with Spyware removal like Microsoft free Spyware removal and free Spyware Adware removal programs to be safe.

Spyware is malicious software that can kill the registry. What does Spyware have to do with the windows registry? Well, everything and anything that happens on the computer is registered in the registry. The registry is an integral part of the operating system and whatever is added to the computer or removed from the computer is registered in the system registry. When a device such as any hardware is installed, the information pertaining to that hardware is recorded in the system registry. This information includes the kind of device it is and the name of the manufacturer as well.

When the device was installed and also when it was uninstalled is also recorded. If one needs to know what was installed in the PC and when they simply have to refer to the system registry for the information. However, when a device is uninstalled from the system the information is not removed completely from system. This information is not necessary and just contributes to slowing the system down. Therefore the registry along with the entire system must be cleaned of the Spyware, and useless information, by premium or free Spyware removal software.

Where Does Spyware Come In?

Spyware loads itself on to a system to collect personal data and secretly mail it to a web site or email address. This information is used for marketing and at many times criminal intent. Spyware operates secretly in the background while the computer is running, and can only be removed by Spyware removal programs. All the while the Spyware is gathering information from the system.

This Spyware is also stored in the system registry by the operating system. While the Spyware is operating, it is sending and receiving a lot of information over the Internet. This information is constantly updated in the registry by the operating system making the registry swell beyond proportions. As the registry grows the system slows and gradually begins to crawl.

What To Do When The System Slows?

When you discover the system has become slower than usual it is best to download and run some anti-virus utility or Spyware removal program. Though this software may remove the Spyware it will leave traces of the program in different parts of the registry. This then has to be cleaned with special free Spyware Adware removal software.

It is best to download free Adware Spyware removal programs or Microsoft free Spyware removal Software to take care of the problem instead of diving into the registry manually. That can cause more damage than good. Free yahoo Spyware removal software is good enough to get your system up and running again that too at a good speed. Spyware removal software also makes the system more stable and less prone to crashes.

Arvind Singh is admin and technical expert associated with development of computer security and performance enhancing software like Registry Cleaner, Window Cleaner, Anti Spam Filter etc. More information can be found at http://www.pcmantra.comHedy Blog97962
Glynis Blog25451

How to Double Your Sales Appointments in Half the Time; Part 1

Sales organizations live by growth. And Sales Growth is measured by sales revenue. If you want to know how to increase sales revenuethere are only three ways to do it.

Sales organizations live by growth. And Sales Growth is measured by sales revenue. If you want to know how to increase sales revenuethere are only three ways to do it:

1. Increase the number of new sales
2. Increase the amount per sale
3. Increase the frequency of sales per account

If you look at the first step in increasing our revenue, you see it involves finding new sales. How do we do that? We set more appointments. In other words, you must start your sales process more often over a week, month and year.

Now you can do that one of two ways. You can call on more people or you can convert more initial conversations to appointments. The second is the only way to do it without killing yourself. And that is the focus of this workshop.

Before we get into that I want to go over a very simple (but very important) mathematical fact with you.

Here it is.

When you double your new appointments set, you double your revenue. (Regardless of your Closing ratio)

Now that sounds so simple. And it is. And right now you're probably asking yourself something likeOk, Jeff, if it's that simple, why doesn't everybody just do it then? Or, "Hey! I only have so many hours in the dayif I double my appointments, I would have to double all of my work."

Not so fast. Obviously, I wouldn't have much of a career in this business if all I had to say to you was"If you work twice as hard or put in twice the number of hours, you'll make twice as much money." No. What I'm talking about is a proven way for you to actually work less by wasting a lot less time, but STILL having twice the number of appointments to show for it. Less timemore Results.

What I'm referring to is Skill-set improvement. That's right. Because it's our skills (or lack thereof) that keeps us grinding it out day in day out. It's the lack of effective skills that keeps you ineffectively busy, less productive and earning far below your potential.

Bottom line; Most of the sales people are just not good enough at setting appointments. And there's no reason for it. Because, it's just not that hard to do if you just learn a few PROVEN techniques.

Look. The main reason we're not so good at "appointment setting" is because we don't identify and isolate the action of communicating to achieve a face-to-face appointment for initiating a sales process. (Or what I prefer to call the prospect education process).

That means you have to isolate it and treat it as a separate (but essential) part of your recipe for success. You have to dissect it like a surgeon. You have to analyze every component of it. You have to assign Powerful Routines to each possible scenario. Then you have to systematically train to a process so you operationally outperform your peers and your competitors.

In essence, you must be willing to raise your right hand and "swear" to become a "Master of Prospecting." You must make this commitment and follow through before you go on to commit to anything else.

You need to observe this act of communication as your first (and most important) core competency.

Face it. Without mastering the basics, you'll always be lost. And you'll never become very effective or efficient. If you were comparing selling to golf, setting appointments would be like hitting it off the tee. And if you can't consistently hit it "straight and long" off the tee, you can't play. And you certainly can't win!

Here is a foreign term to most sales people.

What is a "Conversation-to-Appointment Ratio?"

You know, I've been acquainted with a lot of sales organizations over the years, and not one of them has ever identified as an essential competency, promoted as, trained to, and measured this critical performance indicator called a "Conversation-to-Appointment Ratio."

Well, just because no one does, doesn't make it right, does it?

So why is it important, you ask? Good question; and one worth going into.

Its quite simple. The Achilles Heel of most sales organizations is not creating enough new opportunities on a routine basis. And that leads to 3 bad things; not meeting revenue objectives, not ramping a new-hire to Quota in a Pre-determined amount of time and unnecessary sales employee turnover due to low appointment activity.

All have Hard Dollar consequences. The first one you leave on the table, and the next two go down the drain, never to be recovered.

Here is a hypothetical question. Let's say you're starting up a sales division for the new Widget Company. The objective for the direct sales force is to promote your widgets to small and medium-size businesses. You have a limited budget for marketing, so you have to rely on the fundamentals of "good ole" Sales 101 for your first year's revenue results. You must commit to becoming proficient at operational effectiveness, or basic "Blocking and Tackling."

One of your first objectives is to retain a qualified sales team of 100 reps in ten cities.

You decide to go to a headhunter to speed things a long. Mike contacts you representing the ABC Recruiting Company, and offers to provide you with qualified candidates. He gives you two choices:

- A pool of candidates with 90% Closing ratios (The expensive package)
- A pool of candidates with a 65% Conversation-to-appointment ratio (The less expensive package)

The offer is one or the other, not a mix of both. Which would you choose?

If you picked the first group, you're in for a risky ride. Because no matter how good a closer you hire - you can't close someone that you're not in front of. Remember, you have no monies budgeted for creating customers through traditional marketing efforts. If this doesn't seem realistic or attractive, you may want to consider the second group.

In the second group, getting in front of the appropriate target prospect is a skill set that comes along with the package. Now based on your metrics - all you have to understand is how many appointments are needed each week to get to your monthly revenue goals. Then you just chunk that number into smaller daily goals. Now you have some accurate, dependable forecasting on your hands. Data you can depend on. And as long as you educate your people on just how you arrived at your first activity number, (it does change), they will be able to believe in it and accomplish it.

Let's summarize for a moment.

You may have the best service in the world. You may have the best widget in its category, hands down. It may have the best price and the best guarantee in the world. But if you can't physically get in front of your targeted business prospects, you just don't have the "Right to Win" in this highly competitive marketplace called business to business sales.

Jeff Hardesty is President of JDH Group, Inc. and the Developer of the X2 Sales System, a blended training system that teaches sales professionals the competency of setting C-level business appointments. Jeff can be reached at jeff@convertmoresales.com.

Jeff Hardesty is a National sales speaker, Sales performance improvement consultant and the Developer of the X2 Sales System, a blended sales prospecting training system that teaches sales professionals the competency of setting targeted C-level business appointments. Georgeanne Blog11573
Gwenny Blog40595

Cranking the Volume on Your iPod or MP3 Player Can Damage Hearing

Kids have always loved listening to their favorite music, and the louder the better much to their parents dismay. In the 1980s, the portable tape recorder with headphones which came to be known as the Walkman enabled teenagers to listen to their music as loud as they wanted, anywhere they wanted, without disturbing anyone around them.

But the more modern rendition of the Walkman portable MP3 Players and iPods pose a major threat to our childrens hearing health, and to ours.

The problem is a combination of the technology of portable digital devices that creates a non-buffered crystal clear sound, and the type of headphones typically used with them, which do not have a buffer either. In December 2005, Dean Garstecki, an audiologist and professor at Northwestern University reported that more and more young people were being diagnosed with the types of hearing loss typically found in older adults. He attributed this trend to the earbud type headphones that usually accompany iPod and MP3 Players.

With the earbud headphones, the sound frequencies are not buffered as they are with the more traditional, ear cup-style headsets. Newsweek Magazine recently reported that researchers at the House Ear Institute found that listeners can unfortunately increase the volume of todays portable digital devices without the signal distortion that occurs with traditional analog audio. The older-model headphones that were popular just 15 to 20 years ago that have ear cups outside of the ears had that distortion when the volume was turned up, which functioned as a much-needed buffer to protect our hearing. Todays technology does not provide that buffer the earpiece is placed in the ear, not outside of it, and the digital devices do not create that distortion, no matter how high the volume.

In addition, people often listen to these devices while they are on the go, and have a tendency to crank the volume in an attempt to drown outside noise, further posing a risk to our hearing. Using the earbud style headphones during activities such as exercise, for example, puts the user at a greater risk. During exercise, blood, which can act as a buffer, is diverted from the ears to other parts of the body so our already vulnerable hearing is in even more jeopardy.

Headwize reports that a study conducted on music listeners using headphones revealed that while indoors with no background noise, the participants were comfortable with their music at 69 decibels. Outdoors, where the background noise was recorded at 65 decibels, participants using their headphones turned the volume up to 82 decibels and as high as 95 decibels to drown out the surrounding noise. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines limit exposure to noise at this level to no more than four hours each day. The study concluded that the participants were at risk for hearing damage and recommended avoiding continuous use of [portable stereos] in noisy conditions.

Northwestern Universitys Dean Garstecki offers more specific guidelines: His 60 percent/60 minute rule listen to MP3 Players and iPods for about an hour a day and at levels below 60 percent of maximum volume. The problem is, most of the population using headphones young music fans listen to their music for much longer than one hour per day. But, you can help minimize hearing loss, damage and problems while listening to your favorite music as long as you want to the secret is in the headphones.

Headphones such as the EX29 Extreme Isolation Noise Reduction Headphones help block out external noise allowing you to hear the fine details of your music without blowing out your ear drums. The ear cup fits over the ear, and not in it, and the headphones are lightweight, dont require batteries and can be used with your MP3 Player or iPod. With 29 decibels of isolation from outside sound, the quiet headphones block outside noise and there is no need to crank the volume of your music.

Aging rock stars like the Whos Pete Townsend, who has some permanent hearing loss from years of exposure to loud music, and Mick Fleetwood, who has teamed up with Energizer batteries to promote hearing loss prevention, have brought public attention to the fact that many of us take our hearing for granted. But theres no need to turn off your music just be smarter about how you listen to it. If you are using your MP3 Player or iPod when youre exercising, in a noisy environment or you just want to hear the fine details of your music, ditch the earbud headphones and reach for a set of noise reduction ones instead. And youll be enjoying your favorite music for a long time to come.

Lee Blue is a musician, composer, and home studio recording artist. He uses Extreme Isolation headphones in his recording studio and his office to block out noise and distractions. Learn more at http://www.quietheadphones.com/.Freida Blog62302
Gretchen Blog88566

The Perfect Mom

Can anyone honestly say that they are a perfect parent? Does society today try to pressure us into being perfect and making us think that if we are anything less we are doing an injustice to our kids? I'd like to think that I'm the "Perfect Mom," but when I think about it, I know I'm not.

I'd love to say I never yell, but if my kids are fighting with each other on a day that the youngest one allowed me a grand total of three hours sleep, I'm probably going to be louder and harsher with them than I'd like.

I'd love to say I always have a good answer for every "why," but when my son is on the 37th why in an hour, "because" might be the only answer I can stifle.

While I've always loved tucking them into bed and helping them say their prayers, if bedtime is running really late, my temper will probably get short just thinking of all the things I still need to do before going to bed myself.

I'd love to say that I always set a healthy example for them, but they are just as likely to see me downing a venti coffee from Starbucks in the morning as eating a salad for lunch.

I'd love to say that I always have loads of crafty activities to keep them entertained, especially since my business requires me to be creative, but a show on Noggin is sometimes my best friend.

I'd love to say that I always teach them to be independent, but I've been known to help them get dressed and out the door because of my impatience.

So, what is a "good enough" mom? Telling my kids often that I love them and having them say it back to me, telling them "I'm sorry" when I've failed because I respect them, teaching them to be kind to others, and sheltering them as long as I can from the things about growing up that will make them cry. I hope someday that they will recognize those things in our interactions and remember me as a great mother.

Heather Topich, a proud mom of two, owns Uncommon Commodities - http://www.uncommoncommodities.com, which offers one-of-a-kind crafts, including handmade stationery, jewelry, baby baskets, wreaths, and more and also represents Do-Re-Me.Genny Blog99982
Hetti Blog63784

What's New At Google Labs?

The world's most popular search engine just keeps chugging along - the little train that could (and did) make billions of dollars and dominate the Internet landscape.

Like a giant tree with a root system extending deep into the earth, Google seeks to expand and diversify far beyond mere online search.

In their quest, the little elves at Google never seem to sleep and toil endlessly to bring us new gadgets and gizmos intended to make our lives better, both online and offline.

These four latest free offerings from Google's Labs http://Labs.Google.com - will help you do everything from organize your thoughts to find the local pizza restaurant's phone number through your cell phone.

** Google Code Search ** http://www.google.com/codesearch

This one should have the geeks salivating like Pavlov's dog sniffing out a rump roast!

This new search tool at Google allows you to search for public source code, the lines and lines of code that make your nifty software programs actually function.

Instead of writing all the code themselves, programmers can find and grab huge chunks of code free for the taking.

This makes a great staring point not only for programmers who want a leg up on finishing projects, but also neat for would-be software entrepreneurs who want to surf for ideas.

** Google Voice Local Search ** http://labs.google.com/goog411/

Ok, I'll admit to some skepticism when I saw that Google would help me find the number for the local barbershop just by talking into my phone.

But Google actually surprised me when I dialed 1-800-GOOG-411.

The phone asked me to say the city and state I wanted to search, and then asked me if I wanted to search by business name or business category.

Once I found the business I wanted, Google went ahead and dialed the number for me.

I found the service no worse than the automated search from the phone company, and Google offers this service FREE.

Well worth a call if you find yourself paying some hefty 411 fees to the phone company or your wireless provider.

** Google Reader ** http://reader.google.com/

The jury is still debating whether my dear sweet mother will ever subscribe to an RSS feed (the syndication feeds from blogs, news services, and more), so I'm not sure how universal RSS will ever get.

However, Google doess offer a free RSS reader online that enables you to easily subscribe to blogs, news feeds, and any other RSS feeds you like.

The readers lets you organize your feeds, update, and view them all in one place.

Not as powerful as some readers you pay for, but very functional and hey, you can't beat free!

** Google Notebook ** http://www.google.com/notebook/

Google Noetbook is the most recent graduate of the Google Labs.

This handy program allows you to organize your notes and clippings as you travel the web.

Instead of just bookmarking a site in your favorites and trying to remember why you liked it, with Google Notebook, you can highlight what you want and click the "clip" button.

You can then organize your notes however you want and then search through your note text at any time.

You can even share your notes with others.

Google Notebook is available through your web browser after you download and install special extensions to help you clip items you find on the Web.

Copyright (c) 2007 Jim Edwards

Jim Edwards is a syndicated newspaper columnist and the creator of http://www.TheNetReporter.com - a hard-hitting, no-holds-barred website that will teach you step-by-step and click-by-click how to really cash-in online...Discover what really works RIGHT NOW... plus the new twists on tried and true Internet Marketing techniques that create a profitable real business you can be proud of...Honor Blog86192
Henriette Blog69147

Finding The Right Computer Education

The computer industry has literally dominated the world for quite a few years now. Around 2 decades ago did anyone of even think that computers would become so vital that it would be difficult to function without them. So in todays world it has become absolutely essential to be a computer literate.

We use these systems in some or the other aspect today. If not at home for work, then to access the Internet we are using these inventions. These inventions are here to stay for a longer time and evolve year after year, so better to become computer literate in order to use the systems of the future.

Were you lucky enough to be imparted at least basic computer education in your high school? To be frank, Internet was up coming during my graduation days. I ventured into the world of computer education and modern technology during my college career. Soon I found that computer will be indispensable for any profession.

So I decided to take up a few extra computer courses so as to increase my knowledge about computers. Some excellent computer information at http://www.techiehut.com. Now, I can say I have learnt MS Office, hardware, software, viruses, creating presentations, working with charts and graphs etc. This are the basics that everyone should know to face up the competition. Every job I was interested in demanded some basic computer education and skills. I had the advantage because I had all the tools that a candidate was expected to know about.

Ever thought about how much time we spend on computers? Just think and I am sure you will be surprised! We have to interact with computers irrespective of our profession. Online facilities like online shopping, online booking, online reading have become very common these days because they save much of our time. If you have no basic computer education till date, its time that you get some now. This is not at all difficult.

Take a computer course offered at the college in your vicinity or instead take an online lesson! You can fully comprehend the intricacies of the various systems. If you are not a fan of the Internet, ask a friend to help you get hold of a good online course in computer education. This way you will secure and survive in the future.

Ron Eletrick enjoys: http://www.spideywebinfo.com http://www.commcloset.comGwenore Blog27168
Helsa Blog6526

Motivate

Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely. When you are the boss of others, the temptation to use your power to control them is always there. However, if you start using this power too much it can bring disorder to your office environment.

Think of how you would feel if you had a boss always driving you around. Would you like to work for someone like that? If your hard work was never appreciated, would your motivation last? Definitely not! Therefore it is important to do your duty as a boss in such a way that you get your respect for your position without upsetting your employees.

Giving power to your employees to make them feel unthreatened by yours can be a dangerous tactic. Being over friendly with your subordinates or not acting like the boss might make them a little too relaxed with their work. They might even start questioning your decisions. Be friendly and do not gorge them with work, make them do just as much is required from them. Also do not let them forget who the boss is by not allowing them to question your decisions.

Keep an eye on your employees but sure you give them enough space to work comfortably. Think of your staff as your team and yourself as the captain of this team. Your job is to make sure everyone plays in their right positions and keep them guided and motivated. Perhaps a few incentives to make them work harder will help in keeping them motivated to work harder.

When you change your focus onto a new opportunity, you should not expect your employees to know what you want them to know, without having explained/guided them properly. Hire and use some extra training staff if you have to, but make sure there is no communication gap between you and your employees. They should know exactly what you expect from them.

The most important factor that keeps your staff motivated is optimism in the way you see their work. Finding mistakes in their work and correcting them is important but do not just be a cynic about it, make sure you appreciate what they do right. Appreciation is often what employees look forward to more than anything else for their hard work. Putting just a little effort to gratify them wins you a healthier office environment and thus better results on their work.

Kadence Buchanan writes articles for http://youremploymentsource.com/ - In addition, Kadence also writes articles for http://recreationandmore.com/ and http://4businesstalk.com/Haily Blog62274
Freida Blog91089

Continuing a Higher Education Online

When it comes to gaining a higher education, online opportunities are quickly becoming one of the most popular options around. If it's not the user friendly features of online learning, then it's the cost effective aspects that appeal to the average working adult. This is the person who is greatly interested in the benefits that come from a higher education, just not the rigid schedules and the pricey tuitions that tend to go with it. The benefits of online learning go beyond time and cost to offer a sense of accomplishment once the new Associate's, Bachelor's or Master's degree is in hand.

With technology consistently changing the shape of the landscape of nearly everything, the history of e-Learning has evolved and continues to evolve into great legitimacy in the world of education. While conventional classrooms still have their place, the virtual classroom is seeing more and more students each year. With the accreditation of online schools offering not only a number of degrees and qualifications, the opportunity for financial aid also makes online venues even more attractive. For some, there is just no beating the practical experience one receives in online degree programs. This is especially true when career advancement hangs in the balance.

Whether opting for a particular qualification or needing to get a general education online, prospective students will find just the right courses they need in almost every subject. For some, online education can offer a chance to either broaden horizons or narrow down career options. Selecting a variety of subjects can help define a career path when a student finds they gravitate more toward certain subjects more than others. Often, online credits are considered transferable and can help in achieving one's degree.

It is doubtful that distance learning could have ever reached the level of effectiveness that it has without the help of the internet. Though this type of learning has been in place for a great number of years, it is the information superhighway that has changed the face of education from a distance forever. Where students waited weeks and months for correspondence from distant universities, one now merely needs to take a few seconds to log on to their virtual campus to get assignments. The virtual learning environment provides not only learning tools but collaborative software featuring such options as chat, discussion boards and even audio-conferencing. This can make long distance learning seem like anything but.

The advent of computer-based testing allows for students to gauge their skills and focus attention right where they need it. This leads to another bonus in the world of online education in the form of handy online tutoring. Students will find that supplemental learning options are readily available to those who may need the extra help from time to time. Many have come to realize that the only way to get around the frustration that sometimes comes with learning new skills is understanding the material better.

Most online programs generally consist of CBT (computer-based training), WBT (web-based training), interactive media, educational animation and a whole slew of other types of educational technology. Rapidly improving technology continues to develop these features at every turn, making online learning more and more efficient. Learning management software allows students to take control of their education and organize it right down to the specifics of career planning using ePortflios.

Of all the things the internet has proven itself to be useful for, online and distance learning continue to make their appearance at the very top of the list. The ability to cut across the distances in the blink of an eye and share common information also crosses the borders of the amazing. Every new technological enhancement ensures there will be no stopping the world of continuing education.

Steven Ross owns and operates http://www.highereducationonlinereport.com Visit His Site To Read Many More Articles About Higher Education OnlineFionna Blog62252
Gwyn Blog19634

Unpack Once And Visit Many Destinations

Cruise lines caters to those seeking a complete escape from the stressful routine of daily life by being the consummate host in the worlds most beautiful settings. They offer a total experience with many unique itineraries, affordable private balconies, flexible mealtimes and the amenities and individual service of any luxury resort. The cruise lines are famous for their unfailing devotion to providing high quality service.

What is so great with a cruise? Imagine being pampered at a luxurious resort and waking up each morning to a brand new, stunning view of the world. The well-appointed ships boast all the amenities you can expect from a land-based vacation and more, including many choices of restaurants and live entertainment.

The Caribbean Cruise Lines are just one of the areas you can choose. The number of destinations are many and depending on the time you have to spend, you can see a great deal of the world. And when you dream about the perfect vacation, what comes to your mind? Breathtaking scenery and exotic, far-away lands of course. Most of us also dream about a little rest and relaxation with a day at a therapeutic spa, or a cocktail on a balcony as you bask in the romantic glow of the setting sun.

A wonderful thing with a cruise is that you need not worry about making hotel reservations or searching for the right restaurants as the
cruise ships are filled with everything you need for an all-inclusive vacation.

Before I started to look into to the options with a cruise vacation I thought it was very expensive. Yes, it can be, but the cruise fares vary depending on your choices and it is affordable for many more than I expected. What is normally included in your cruise fare? Usually

Stateroom accommodations including bed, bathroom, shower and TV
Personalized service of one staff member for every three passengers
Dining
Las Vegas-style Casino and Broadway-style shows
Fresh water pools and deck parties
Kids program
Gym and training
Library and card room
Night club

There are usually more features available on the ship but to an additional cost

Spa and massage
Beauty salons
Shopping in boutiques
Shore excursions
Fitness trainers
Bar drinks

With so much to see and do it is no wonder that more and more people discover the great value of a cruise vacation. Discover the great frontier of Alaska. Gaze at vast glaciers and towering mountain peaks. Or sail past sampans into Hong Kong Harbor and learn the art of Chinese kite-flying and see rice paddies where water buffalo graze. You can weave your way through the tapestry of Thailand, Japan, Vietnam, South Korea and Malaysia. And you can capture the most dazzling images of China and its treasures on a cruise tour to the Forbidden City and beyond.
Keith George always writes about valuable news & reviews. A related resource is http://the-caribbean-cruiseline.info/ Further information can be found at http://the-equipment.infoHetti Blog8733
Georgie Blog87621