Sunday, February 28, 2010

How Are You Handling Changes At Your Job?

By Craig Calvin

Change is always a little scary. When it comes to jobs and careers, it can be even scarier because your financial security will depend on the changes that are taking place. Take the time to learn how to deal with change one step at a time and it might be a little more tolerable.

The workplace is constantly changing and growing. Taking on these changes even in the most ideal conditions can prove to be stressful. However, when those changes become negative and include things like layoffs, downsizing, and struggling to keep the company afloat, even the most peaceful person can easily become overwhelmed and stressed out. In these tumultuous times, the last thing that you need is more stress, which is why you need to learn how to take career changes in stride, no matter how big or small they may be. Focus on getting through today, and then worry about tomorrow when it comes.

When you work for a company where you constantly see people getting laid off and let go because of the economy, it's hard not to question your own job security. However, trust in the fact that you are still there, and start preparing yourself for the loss in case it does happen. You don't need to panic. Really, that is the last thing that you want to do. Just try to remain calm, go home and prepare your resume and start gathering your resources for job hunting, and just carry on with your daily tasks at work as best you can. Don't think that it can't happen to you, but don't let yourself become overwhelmed with worry because it might.

Many people who had the mentality that they could not be replaced are now learning very differently. In fact, it is usually not that they can be replaced but that there is no room for their jobs in the current economy. They are laid off from companies that they probably thought they'd spend their lives working for, and left to move on with their lives outside of that company. When it comes to changing jobs because of the economic situation, you probably aren't going to be looking for your dream career. More likely is the situation where you'll be looking for any job that can help you get by and pay the bills until something better comes along.

Whether the modifications that you are experiencing is associated with company alterations or losing your job, you want to be equipped. That is the exclusive way to be capable of accepting matters in good spirits and deflect entering panic mode unnecessarily. Panic is good for nothing, so you had better try to avoid it when you are able to. Alternatively, concentrate on the positive and work out what you are able to arrange in order to improve your current situation and move onto the next venture in your life. Whether that's a brand new job or a new function inside your current employment Six Sigma Online is a leading online resource for information on careers and employment. Learn more today at http://www.sixsigmaonline.org. - 2364

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Saturday, February 27, 2010

Take Your Company Public and Use Securities For Loan

By James Scott

Many entrepreneurs and executives want to move forward with the process of going public merely for the ability to raise capital through the sale of stock. They usually don't think of the strategies necessary to keep the momentum going such as how much equity to give up initially, how much equity to sell ongoing, how to capitalize off of the use of the securities as collateral for loans and lines of credit and so on.

One of the most profound strategies companies can use to retain company equity while capitalizing off of their public entity is to put up portions of their securities as temporary collateral for loans and to use securities to grow through acquisition of strategic alliances.

Stock should be looked at as cash and designated for appropriate purchasing strategies. Stock monetized through collateralized lending can work wonders as long as the exit strategy is in place and secure. Your attorney should be well versed in this activity and audit the contract for convertible aspects which could strip the transaction of its advantageous nature.

Debt that converts to equity means giving up a huge bartering chip for future transactions. Don't give up equity unless you have to. There are scores of companies that will lend against your securities without having to give up long term equity. Use this strategy wisely and you'll never have a problem getting capital.

Also, using stock to purchase strategic partners is more relevant now than ever. Purchasing a company with stock that can be monetized over time is an incredible way to grow through acquisition. Going public on the OTCBB is a quick and easy way to start using the countless capabilities for capitalization with a public entity. Going public simply to raise capital with your market maker or broker dealer would be selling yourself short. Take advantage of the countless ways your securities can work for you. - 2364

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Friday, February 26, 2010

Why Am I Having Difficulty Making Myself Go To School

By Willis Micheals

First have a think about WHY you don't want to go to school. What is stopping you from going there? Or is something holding you back at home? Have a think about whether there are problems with people, teachers, school friends (or lack of them), someone else, etc. How about schoolwork? Have a think about whether you are finding schoolwork too easy and maybe getting bored? Or perhaps the work is too hard, or you have missed out on something and can't catch up? Maybe you have difficulty completing homework or projects? Are you having difficulty studying for exams? Alternatively, are there problems at home that are on your mind or that mean you feel you have to be at home instead of school?

Writing down your likes and dislikes about going to school can be helpful. It means you can work out what any difficulties might be so you can work on those. And you can see which things you like and improve on those too. Not going to school can mean missing out on some good stuff. Learning how to get with other people is an important lesson to learn. And even mixing with other people just on a daily basis can help you learn about that, almost without having to think about it. Discussion and debate with your peer group is important in developing your own thoughts on life, your own value system and testing out friendships and relationships of many kinds, some, or many, of which may last your whole life.

Physical exercise is also important, with team games helping you to learn lessons that will serve you well in later work, as well as helping to keep you healthy. Of course, you don't have to go to school to obtain these benefits. They can also be found elsewhere. But that often means making a special effort to find something that provides these benefits. On the negative side, taking subjects you hate or don't understand can be boring.

Turning round a negative aspect to a positive one usually involves action of some kind but we often find it difficult to make the changes in our behaviour and lifestyle that we should because the pain of change is here and now, while the promised future reward seems like pie in the sky. Taking action means deciding on a goal and starting to work towards it. Decide on a goal to work towards. This must be a measurable goal, something you can say you either did or did not reach.

If your attendance record is not good, you could make your goal to be to improve that by a certain amount. For instance if you have only attended school for 50% of last term, your goal might be to attend for 75% (three quarters) of the time next term. Of course, just attending school may not be the only goal you want to achieve. Perhaps you want to pass your exams or pass them with a good mark. You might want to hand in homework on time or submit coursework. These are all measurable goals.

If you need to improve your school marks, again you need to set achievable goals and keep at them. This might include a goal of learning 10 spellings or vocabulary words a day. Or it might mean doing an extra amount of homework each day. If you want to improve your people skills, you could join a club and set a goal of attending weekly and taking part in something. If you already belong to a club, you might set a goal of doing some work in the club, such as organising an event. - 2364

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Thursday, February 25, 2010

What Should Foreigners Do If They Wish To Buy Houses In Singapore?

By Avery Howard

Expatriates in Singapore realize that it is truly costly to rent a hotel room when they plan to stay for a significant amount of time in the city-state. One solution to this costly quandary is purchasing a residential property in Singapore.

The Singapore government officials do not discourage expatriates from owning residential properties in the country.

Primarily, Singapore's Residential Property Act aims to allow Singapore citizens to purchase, at affordable rates, their own residential properties. Moreover, the act permits foreigners who are recognized by the government officials to be capable of of contributing to the financial success of the country to possess residential properties in Singapore.

Even without any licenses or approval from the Singapore government, an expat may buy non-restricted residential properties. The following are residential properties that belong to the non-restricted class:

- apartment units within a building that is not higher than 6 floors - condo units in approved condo development properties under the Planning Act - a lease contract on a restricted property; the term must not go beyond seven years

Official sanction from Singapore's Minister of Law is needed by foreigners who intend to own all units in an apartment or condominium in an accredited development property.

Likewise, a foreign national cannot buy or acquire residential properties that are categorized as restricted not unless he or she has been issued an official sanction by Singapore's Minister for Law to own any such residential property.

The following are categorized as restricted residential properties by the Residential Property Act of Singapore:

- an empty residential lot - town houses, separate or semi-linked houses, or terraced houses built on residential properties - lots not authorised for condominium development under the Planning Act

In applying for approval to be able to purchase a restricted residential property, the expatriate must fill out a form and, together with the required supporting documents, send this to the Singapore Land Authority. The Singapore Land Authority is responsible for evaluating and approving the merits of an expatriate whether he or she will be eligible to purchase a restricted residential property. - 2364

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Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Brochure Printing - Things To Take Into Account

By Vince Banks

Brochures play a significant role in the promotion of a business. They lend legitimacy to a business by presenting and explaining its products or services, company line and other specific selling points in a powerful fashion. Shoddy work on a brochure can cause a lot of harm to the reputation of the company & therefore it is very important to take care while developing it. Read on to find out some very helpful hints both on brochure development & brochure printing.

The development process of a brochure must ensure that the end result looks professional, provides information in a clear and brief fashion, and is attractive to the target audience. It should use text and images in the correct combination, while the colours should also be used carefully. All the elements like fonts, borders, images etc. should fuse perfectly. The brochure must look neat and attractive, without sacrificing the simplicity and order.

The brochure printing related issues should also be paid heed to at the time of designing. It is suggested to get a sample output of the designed brochure to get a feel of how the printed brochure will appear before clearing it for a mass print job.

The design should be created taking into account the brochure printing fund allocation. Gray scale printing costs lesser than color, thus if you are on a small budget you may want to go for the former. If you are not limited by budget and are planning for colorful brochures, then thicker and glossier papers should be used, as they enhance the beauty of colour prints. If the brochure is to be printed on both sides of the paper, then the paper chosen for such a product must be thick enough for good quality printing.

Since brochure printing is done in large volume, always ask for rebates from the printing company. Quality, however, must always come first because a compromise on that front might be counter-productive for the business. - 2364

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Tuesday, February 23, 2010

How To Build A E-Commerce Website

By Mat Davis

Business is knowledge which you obtain when you start studying people. Most of the people are money minded. It is obvious that anyone will look for profit. Your company must bring faith in them, that your company will provide only profit and the best product of their need. The most important tactic in business is to convey messages in nutshell, without wasting their time. For this case people opt for e-purchase of products. They go in search of websites which do e-marketing, commonly known as commerce links. This article on how to build a commerce web site will brief about this concept.

These tips are moderately challenging to do. All it requires are a camera, name for the domain, and also a server. Before starting off, the niche is explored. Try to gather maximum information as possible. Also check the demand and its level for the products you deal with. Ask few important questions like how your site can be unique and more preferred than the other similar websites. Also keep an open eye for the cost and compare it with other sites. The name of the domain and the web address must be secured. This will let the customers know what your business deals with. This will also be the identification for you in internet. While deciding the name of the site, it must be as unique as possible and also must describe your business. Once the name is decided, open it and register for it.

The basic sales of the products decided by its requirements in the market. A company's name also will be decided by the demand of the product. Investigate and have an idea about the status of your product in the market. Set a name for yourselves in the webpage.

After the information is all setup, choose a company for web hosting. Some things that must be checked before choosing is the storage space available in the site, the twenty four hours duration, and other details.

The pages must be developed in a nice way. It must also have few images of the product that are sold in the site with the prices and also a brief description of it for the customers to know its features. This text that describes is also given in the search engines for some search related to it. Therefore make sure to use the keywords that are optimized, but also control it from being overdone.

You have included catchy words to make the engine find your page. These should be done in regarding to the subject related to the one uploaded in the page. Open the ways of payments. Generally a uniform payment procedure is not followed. So provide choices for them.

The site must then be marketed. This can be done by adding it to directories or search engines. One more way to promote is by social networks like Facebook. Also have all the basic information on the email signature while sending it to others.

By this way we can learn how to build a commerce website. - 2364

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Monday, February 22, 2010

Green Screen Los Angeles For Superior Pictures And Films

By Phil Guye

Ever imagined the film industry without the use of green screen? Most of the films and footage that amazed people are products of Green screen Los Angeles technology. With the use of green screen, out of this world settings and amazing creatures are shown in films. Chroma has made the not possible due to the wonders it can bring films. Dramatic effects and PC generated images are all possible thanks to the help of green screen. The films like Titanic and Star Trek used green screen technology that made it look more practical and creative. Green screen is regarded as any filmmaker's best chum but not all folk know how this technique works.

Green screen technology is about mixing 2 different images. Green screen is also commonly known as chroma key. Chroma works with both a background and foreground image. The background is mostly a solid color that's either green or blue in color. It can be replaced with another picture. Green is preferred than blue. Why not red or pink? The explanation behind green or blue colors as background is because video cameras and cameras are delicate to these colours. Filmmakers and photographers use these colors because they are easier to use since it does not require tedious lighting. As well as that, the color green has less noise and it makes cleaner lines compared to other colors. Green screens are selected by massive productions and weather reports because it's better to use and manipulate.

Despite the wonderful creations and attributions that green screen can give, there are some things about it that should be considered. Green screen Los Angeles only work with the best filming and photography equipments. This means a higher production cost is needed. Filmmakers should use the best lights, cameras and other high technology equipments for flick production. Terrible lighting can produce appalling shadows and untouched shots. Filmmakers and photographers never compromise the standard of their art by employing bad quality appliances.

Green screen is regarded as filmmakers' best buddy. Using the chroma key makes many things for them easier like having different settings in no time. Except for that, green screen can supply them all the effects they have to bring out their creativity. Green screen helps artists experiment on the films they make particularly independent filmmakers. Without green screen, there would not be much amazing films like Harry Potter and Transformers.

Green screen Los Angeles plays an imperative role in the sphere of media and entertainment. It isn't only used for movie production but also for mag shoots and TV shows. The use of green screen has made gorgeous images and interesting details possible. - 2364

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Sunday, February 21, 2010

How To Find All The Angel Investors And Venture Capital Financing You'll Ever Need!

By James Scott

How To Find All The Angel Investors And Venture Capital Financing You'll Ever Need! The once definitive line that would separate hard money and private/angel financing has merged into a hybrid of sorts in the past few years. As the economy has taken a dive and structured private lending firms have felt the crunch we are finding many of these lending solutions closing its doors and re-opening as privately owned and managed funding options with an interest in both lending and seed investment.

Approval decisions that were once made by a group are not being made by an individual or duo with an eye toward optimal capitalization with both short term and long term agendas. As investors are, now more than ever, trying to get as much bang out of their buck, entrepreneurs are in the precarious position of accepting funding from virtually any and every enterprise that is making an offering. That said, it is more important now than ever to swing open your mind to the possibilities of mass exposure of your opportunity to the investment world.

The best way to do this is to simply put your business in constant and automated 'introduction' mode so that you can be found by the moneymen. The best way to do this is to heavily investigate the venture capital industry for executives who have created offshoot programs that have deviated their process from the traditional path of simply approving or declining a transaction.

There are many VC professionals who want to capitalize off of the projects that their firm cannot accept due to underwriting criteria and industrial genre specialization so they are starting these small but well managed financial source databases where members can place their transaction directly in front of thousands upon thousands of angel investors, private investors, hard money lenders, venture capital firms, private equity firms and other alternative finance solutions.

These websites are now the hottest thing in the capital markets and will continue to grow because of the high success rate of individual executives and entrepreneurs who are able to find multiple streams of financing options with the click of a button. - 2364

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Saturday, February 20, 2010

Hypnosis - What It Is And What It Is Not

By Winnie Cox

Hypnosis and its arm, hypnotherapy, have been the subject of a lot of myths created by popular imagination. Some consider them to be some sort of spell while others hesitate to even acknowledge them. Following are some of the well known misconceptions about hypnosis and the truth behind them.

There is no mysticism or rituals involved in hypnosis. It borders more on the science of psychology and is very simple to practice for anyone who is prepared to learn it. People refuse to acknowledge hypnosis even after watching participants successfully undergoing it in public sessions. They hold that those who can be hypnotized are mentally not strong enough. But that is not true at all. Hypnosis can in fact work on people who are mentally tough and are trying their best to avoid the spell.

Another belief is that hypnosis is an alternate state of consciousness, which again is a big misconception. A hypnotized person is totally conscious of his environment. Hypnosis actually brings forth a state of absolute calm characterized by a rise in levels of attentiveness, and this intensified sensitivity helps the subject to receive new inputs with considerable ease.

Some researchers have concluded that hypnosis works on just 5% of the human population, and this is another prevalent myth. The researchers are to some extent true in their own way, because they attempted hypnotising their subjects by the same hypnosis method without considering individual differences in character and temperament. One hypnosis procedure for all is not a workable solution as different people fall under different character types, and therefore are responsive to different techniques.

Meditation and hypnosis are often thought to be the same by people. However, communication between the subject and the practitioner is paramount in hypnosis, while meditation is like an appointment with the self without any communication involved. The state of trance is not a hypnotic state either. The individual doesn't communicate to achieve a state of trance, whereas hypnosis is impossible without communication.

A sizeable number of people believe that it is impossible to bring about changes in one's looks and conduct through hypnosis training or hypnotherapy. Hypnosis obviously cannot attain something that is unnatural to the body. But it can bring about a development in physical health by altering behavioural patterns like overeating and constant smoking by raising inspiration levels in an individual.

Experiencing hypnotherapy is a good way to lead a happy and fulfilling life, and thus one must not pay heed to the misconceptions, and go for hypnotic sessions with an unbiased mind. - 2364

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Friday, February 19, 2010

Green Office Furniture - A New Approach Towards A Greener Earth

By Erwin Harris

With more pollution in the atmosphere and fast deforestation, people have awakened to the critical scenario and are turning towards conserving nature. Environmental knowledge has found its new advocate in a drive towards green office furniture that a lot of organizations now opt for.

One way of lightening the weight on the environment is to opt for modular offices. Much less material is needed to set up such offices, and therefore they help check the chopping of trees. Less material not only implies less trees felled, but also means lesser costs borne by companies to set up these offices. It's cheaper to make modular offices, and being small in area, they also mean lesser rent for the company.

Used or recycled furniture placed in offices also greatly helps in preserving the fast depleting natural resources. This kind of furniture is appropriate for any type of office and requires only minimum modifications to look as good as new. The uncertain economic climate has brought several firms to the brink of bankruptcy and they are selling off their furniture for a pittance, and this yields a huge opportunity for new firms. Using such furniture saves trees from being cut down and mines from being exploited to build new furniture.

There are ways to ensure that the furniture being made use of is green even if it is fresh from the factory. The furniture materials must be recyclable and must have been manufactured locally so that transportation would not cause large emissions.

Never purchase furniture with foams whose production has released lethal chemicals like CFCs into the atmosphere, which are notorious for depleting the ozone layer. The wood for the furniture should have come from trees, which can be replanted and grown quickly, therefore minimizing the damage to the forests. Finally, you must remember that you must not use more furniture than you need, as being lavish is one of the worst things that you can do to the environment. - 2364

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Thursday, February 18, 2010

Japan MMA Flashback: Aoki Dominates JZC At DREAM 2

By Ross Everett

After a controversial no contest in their first matchup, there was no doubt as to the winner of the DREAM 2 rematch between Shina Aoki and JZ Calvan. Aoki controlled the fight from the opening bell and used a wide repertoire of submission attempts to keep his opponent off balance and on the defensive.

Aoki scored early with a takedown and controlled Calvan on the ground, working a heel lock attempt before taking his opponents back and attempting a rear naked choke. In the second, Aoki put on a submission clinic and demonstrated his ungodly flexibility as he spun from an armbar to a triangle choke and back again. Calvan was able to counter or escape, but looked completely out of sync as he generated almost no offense whatsoever.

Aoki was very emotional in his postfight speech to the crowd, while JZC just looked disgusted with himself for losing such a one sided contest.

With the victory Aoki advances to the semifinals of the lightweight GP tournament. Thats the plan at least, as Aoki made some statements in the Japanese press leading up to the fight that win or lose there would be no way hed be ready for the next round with only half the preparation time as the rest of the field. Hopefully the impressive victory and the enthusiastic response from the holiday week Tokyo crowd will change his mind as hes now the man to beat even with the short prep time.

The rest of the card was devoted to the opening round of the middleweight GP tournament. Taiei Kin defeated Minowa-man Ikuhisa Minowa in a very closely contested and entertaining fight.

Korean judoka Yoon Dong-Sik also advanced with a unanimous decision victory over Shungo Oyama. Most of the damage in this fight came from Yoons ground and pound from full mount, and he controlled the tempo from the outset. Two one sided contests followed, with Zeleg Galesic submitting Magomed Sultanakhmadov via arm bar in a minute and a half of the first round. That was followed by the MMA debut of former Pac 10 wrestling standout Ian Murphy, who had a worst case scenario draw against BJJ specialist Ronaldo Jacare. - 2364

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Wednesday, February 17, 2010

The Functions Of An Undertaker In A Funeral Service

By Ynez Alvarez

Undertakers, who are also called funeral directors, are people who are next in significance to the family of the deceased and the clergy when it comes to funeral services. These individuals are assigned the duty of arranging the whole funeral, taking care of all the related aspects also. The job of undertakers is of such nature that they have to be ready anytime during the day and on any day in the year.

In the wake of such a huge loss, the bereaved family may not be able to take fast decisions about the service and ultimate disposition of the body. This is where the undertaker steps in and takes over. He assists you in deciding the time, venue and type of the funeral rites and services for the deceased. In addition to that, the undertaker actually helps you to be able to bear your loss, by simply being there at your service and taking up responsibility of an organiser of the funeral services, which display the love and respect you have for the departed.

A funeral service has to be organized taking into account the schedule and venue, and these need to be decided first and then communicated to friends and relatives of the deceased. After this is finalised, the undertaker assists you in getting the deceased to the funeral site or to the venue where he or she is to be finally laid to rest. In the event of a burial service, the right coffin in which the body is to be rested is often picked by the undertaker.

Moreover, the undertaker also helps in planning the funeral service, including choosing florists, flowers, church, making arrangements for for transit facilities, food, clergy, music, hymns, headstone and ashes. The desire of the family is always taken into account in all these preparations so that the deceased receives a funeral service in a manner he or she would have desired.

Finally, some undertakers also help in proper embalming and shipment of the body if required, and in planning and arranging for the funeral service in another nation if the person has died abroad. - 2364

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Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Easily Find Investors and Financing For Your Business, Guaranteed!

By James Scott

Easily Find And Secure: Angel Investors, Private Investors, Institutional Investors And More! Raising capital for a start-up, corporation in expansion mode or a company in virtually any position presents it's challenges and roadblocks. There has been no period in recent history that can simulate the difficulties that current entrepreneurs and executives are having when trying to achieve the procurement of venture capital. The standards have become more stringent and the cross-collateralization of personal and corporate assets as security for loans has virtually become a mandatory prerequisite for any type of funding, equity or loan based.

When initiating the process of raising capital one should take into consideration the use of a combination of funding options such as but not limited to: traditional venture capital, bank institutional, institutional equity investment, hedge fund lenders, private money lending, angel equity and loan investment, a private placement memorandum as the mechanism for raising capital distributed in shares, international equity based funding, the reality of taking your small business public on the OTCBB and many other concepts of capital raising that can be placed into a simultaneous strategy.

It's a common mistake among entrepreneurs and executives to place all of their attention and time into one singular aspect of the above funding concepts. Instead, you should pick a multi pronged approach and go after multiple genres of financing for your business. Some avenues will yield success, some will not but you are more likely to achieve incremental funding successes as oppose to one gargantuan, be all and end all finance victory.

To achieve funding you'll need to be able to contact multiple finance sources to start the ball rolling. Find online membership database sites that are owned and operated by professionals in the venture capital industry.

There is a big difference between a generalized database of possible lenders and a strategic database of success driven finance solutions. Find the most cutting edge, full range database on the web and join them. - 2364

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Need Corporate Capital Fast? Your First Call Should Be To A Turnaround Consultant

By James Scott

Most companies who are on the venture capital trail are not set up properly to attract investors. When an investor looks at your business plan and private placement memorandum they are looking for certain things. Of course funding sources look for the obvious, a solid business model, positive cash flow, industry genre with solid future growth, recession proof business (if there even is such a thing) and minimal debt.

Countless companies are turned down for funding because they lack the basics such as: an advisory board, board of directors, solid executive staff with a well groomed pedigree, reasonable share price, business plan and PPM that spell out the risks for the investor and an original marketing strategy that covers all the angles. These are just a few of the most common mistakes that companies make out of naivety and by not taking the time to hire an expert to properly structure them to make the entity appeal to investors.

Seasoned expansion and turn-around consultants can step into a company and immediately zone in on the issues that will hinder a client's investment magnetism. Often times it only takes 2 to 3 weeks to completely reorganize a company to make it stand out like a beacon in the turbulent finance industry. If you are seriously considering the idea of raising capital with a private placement memorandum, traditional institutional loans, venture capital or a public offering don't be penny wise and dollar foolish.

Spend some money and hire a consultant who is completely submerged in the finance industry to take control of the elements of your corporation that are seen as 'black eyes' to investors so that you can achieve the capital you're seeking.

The reality is, raising capital for your company is easy and straight forward if you've taken the time to examine your business objectively and sought out the expert analysis of an industry expert consultant who will run your company through a formula and make the necessary changes to increase your ability to raise capital. - 2364

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Monday, February 15, 2010

Self Storage Warehousing - Tips To Make Your Life Simpler

By Danny Taylor

Whether it is keeping items for days or months at a stretch, self storage warehousing comes to great use for both families and companies.

Self storage warehousing wins over all other types of commercial warehousing facilities in terms of the unique range and standard of highly secure services they provide at a reasonable cost. But before choosing the self-storage company, one needs to do some planning and concentrate on some crucial issues to get a pleasant warehousing experience.

Your job of selecting the correct firm must start with guessing the exact size of space needed and doing a fast evaluation of prices charged by different firms in the self storage industry. Additional services like weather-control facilities to control the heat and humidity level inside the unit for preservation of electronic products, fragile artwork etc can sometimes be vital for your precious items.

Safety from fire or from criminal acts of theft and robbery should also be provided by any good self storage firm. You may be inclined to ignore these things expecting that the self storage warehousing firm will always be able to handle them, but that is not always true, as there are all sorts of companies out there.

As far as your involvement in the whole process is concerned, here are some suggestions that you can benefit from. Methodical packing with a ready list of items is a promising beginning to a successful self-storage exercise. Special care must be taken while packing fragile or metallic objects, electronic gadgets, and other valuables. You must also refrain from storing perishable or potentially dangerous products in the unit. Last but not the least, all your items stored inside a self-storage facility must be insured against any mishap.

Thus, approaching the right self-storage facility and personally examining its credentials, besides inspecting the whole storage process right from packing to extraction, will ensure that your possessions are stored away securely for as long as you want. - 2364

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Sunday, February 14, 2010

Buddhist Funerals - Importance And Traditions

By Joy Tan

A Buddhist funeral contains extensive last rites performed according to sacred rituals and traditions. The ceremonies performed during the Buddhist funeral are expected to set the person's soul free from the shackles of life and let it find a new and better life thereafter where it gets closer to enlightenment.

In a typical Buddhist funeral, the deceased's body is cremated and Buddhist monks in the presence of the bereaved family carry out the funeral rites. When a person has died, Buddhist monks recite verses from scriptures to liberate the good energies from the soul. To prevent any decomposition in case of delayed cremation, the deceased's body is prepared cautiously while the chanting is going on. Once the body is washed, it is placed along with candles, flowers and incense in a coffin along with a photograph of the dead person.

When the final rituals are delayed to allow distant relatives to come for the last glimpse of the deceased, invited monks visit the house daily to read and chant from the Buddhist religious scripture Abhidharma.

The monks finish the last rites on the day of the funeral and the head monk delivers a speech mentioning the noble deeds and actions done by the deceased and comforting the grieving family members and relatives. The Pansakula, a significant ritual which is believed to carry blessings and positive energies to the soul of the departed is carried out during the final chanting while a white cloth is being wrapped around the casket.

Prior to the cremation, one of the family members or the nearest kin has to speak a word or two about the deceased person. The Buddhist funeral services conclude with a special meal for the visitors after the funeral.

A large number of people in Thailand, Tibet, China and some other Asian countries with a large Buddhist population follow the Buddhist funeral system with some variations based on the local customs. - 2364

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Saturday, February 13, 2010

Developments In Brochure Printing

By Maddison Clark

Brochures have always been one of the most important marketing tools for any organization. They can be circulated by hand or by mail to clients, or can just be kept on cash counters of stores. The need to have printed brochures has led to the growth of a segment of the printing services business, which specially caters to brochures. Brochure printing has undergone a number of developments in recent years, with the dawn and increasing use of the internet triggering the most recent of these changes.

Before computers were used for the task, brochure printing involved a number of elaborate and laborious jobs like multiple rounds of test printing, making adjustments, obtaining film negatives, and using plate-making machines. Even design alternatives were restricted, with the printers doing the majority of the design tasks and only the most elementary input provided by the customer.

These days, the customer himself can do the whole designing on a computer, and the brochures can be made in a much lesser timeframe than they could be some years ago. Supply of final prints in large quantities in a single day is possible now, thanks to improvements in technology.

It is important to remember that brochure printing involves not just the imprint of ink on paper, but design, content and layout too. With the introduction of digital technology, printing companies have begun to offer a range of benefits to the clients in this area, like high quality colour printing, multiple options in complicated formats and designs, and impressive packages on content-building.

Printing services companies offer several latest options to clients, among which full-colour brochures and digital brochures are most favoured by them. These are generally appropriate for brochures which will be distributed from medium to long-term. Subject matter for short-term high volume use is best promoted through the use of catchy, vibrant, but concise brochures, which have only a restricted print cycle. The traditional technique of off-set printing is still well suited for such brochures, as bulk prints within a short time is achievable, though preparation of brochures takes more time in this kind of printing.

Nowadays brochure printing companies also provide supplementary services besides ensuring better quality of prints for their clients. Direct mailing, distribution and brochure development are some of these extra services.

The internet has greatly altered the scenario, with customers now using websites of printing companies and placing online orders after selecting designs and colour specifications from the comfort of their office. Thus, brochure printing has changed a lot in a comparatively short time, and the pace of advancements is showing no signs of slowing down. - 2364

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Friday, February 12, 2010

Great Ways To Raise Money Fast!

By James Scott

Regulation D, Under Sections 4(2) and 3(b) of the Securities Act of 1933, the SEC adopted Regulation D to coordinate the various limited offering exemptions and to streamline the existing requirements applicable to private offers and sales of securities. The Regulation establishes three exemptions from registration in Rules 504, 505, and 506.

Rule 504, which provides an exemption for non-reporting companies unless they are "blank check" issuers or certain "shells", stipulates that: The sale of up to $1,000,000 of securities in a 12-month period is permitted provided that there is no general solicitation, the securities sold are restricted securities and cannot be resold except pursuant to a registration statement or exemption, and a notice must be filed with the SEC within 15 days after the first sale. Rule 504 does not provide an exemption under any state laws. In certain limited circumstances where an offering is conducted under state accredited investor exemptions, securities offered under Rule 504 may be freely transferrable. Unlike Rules 505 and 506, Rule 504 does not mandate that specified disclosure be provided to purchasers. Nonetheless, the business person should take care that sufficient information is provided to meet the full disclosure obligations which exist under the antifraud provisions of the securities laws.

Rule 505 was adopted by the SEC to provide small businesses more flexibility in raising capital than under Rule 504 - but without the uncertainty of determining the quality of the purchasers that generally is involved in using Rule 506. Rule 505 provides issuers a limited offering exemption for sales of securities totaling up to $5 million in any 12-month period.

Rule 505 contains certain restrictions regarding "accredited investors" and non-accredited persons. The-term "accredited investor" includes:

Banks, insurance companies, registered investment companies, business development companies, or small business investment companies; Certain employee benefit plans for which investment decisions are made by a bank, insurance company, or registered investment adviser; Any employee benefit plan (Within the meaning of Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act) with total assets in excess of $5 million; Charitable organizations, corporations or partnerships with assets in excess of $5 million; Directors, executive officers, and general partners of the issuer; Any entity in which all the equity owners are accredited investors; Natural persons with a net worth of at least $1 million; Any natural person with an income in excess of $200,000 in each of the two most recent years or joint income with a spouse in excess of $300,000 for those years and a reasonable expectation of the same income level in the current year; and Trusts with assets of at least $5 million, not formed to acquire the securities offered, and whose purchases are directed by a sophisticated person.

If the issuer sells any securities to non-accredited investors, it must furnish to all investors the same type of information as required by Regulation A. It must also furnish audited financial statements.

If an issuer other than a limited partnership cannot obtain audited financial statements without unreasonable effort or expense, only the issuer's balance sheet (to be dated within 120 days of the start of the offering) must be audited.

Limited partnerships unable to obtain required financial statements without unreasonable effort or expense may furnish financial statements prepared on the basis of federal income tax requirements and examined and reported on by an independent public or certified accountant in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards; and The issuer must also be available to answer questions by prospective purchasers about the issuer or the offering.

Further restrictions under Rule 505 include:

The total offering price of each issue of securities may not exceed $5 million. The offering may not be made by means of general solicitation or general advertising. The issuer may sell the securities to an unlimited number of "accredited investors" and to 35 non-accredited persons. There are no requirements of "sophistication" or "wealth" for persons to whom the securities are sold. A company must take any necessary steps to ensure that the purchasers are acquiring securities for investment only, not for resale. The securities are thus "restricted" and investors must be informed that they may not be able to sell except pursuant to a registration statement or exemption from registration. The issuer is not required to file any offering materials with the Commission. Fifteen days after the first sale in the offering, the issuer must file a notice of sales on Form D. The notice also contains an undertaking under this Rule for the issuer to furnish the Commission, upon its staff s request, any information given to non-accredited purchasers in connection with the offering. Rule 505 does not provide an exemption from state securities laws.

SEC Rule 506 offers and sales of securities by an issuer that satisfy the conditions stated below are deemed transactions not involving any public offering within the meaning of Section 4(2) of the Securities Act. For an offering to be considered exempt from the registration requirements, Rule 506 stipulates: There is no ceiling on the amount of money which may be raised. No general solicitation or general advertising is permitted. The issuer may sell its securities to an unlimited number of accredited investors and 35 non accredited purchasers. Unlike Rule 505, all non-accredited purchasers (either alone or with a purchaser representative) must be sophisticated - that is, have sufficient knowledge and experience in financial and business matters to render them capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the prospective investment. The term "accredited investor" is defined under Rule 505.

If the issuer sells any securities to non-accredited investors, it must furnish to all investors the same type of information as required by Regulation A. It must also furnish the same financial information as would be required by registration on Form S-1.

If the issuer cannot obtain audited financial statements without unreasonable effort or expense, then financial statements may be provided in accordance with the special treatment described under Rule 505.

The securities sold are "restricted" under the same stipulations in Rule 505.

A company is required to file a notice of the offering on Form D at SEC headquarters within 15 days after the first sale in the offering. All states except New York provide an exemption from state securities laws for offerings under Rule 506 but the company must file a copy of the Form D and pay a filing fee in each state. New York has a distinctive law which makes a Rule 506 offering within that state impractical.

Accredited Investor Exemption

The Small Business Investment Incentive Act of 1980 created a new statutory exemption from registration under the Securities Act for transactions involving offers and sales of securities by any issuer solely to one or more "accredited investors." Under Section 4(6):

The total offering price of each issue of securities under the exemption may not exceed the limit on small offerings set by Section 3(b) the Securities Act, which currently is $5 million per issue. The offering may not be made by means of any form of advertising or public solicitation.

The term "accredited investor" is defined to include the same individuals and entities as included for purposes of Rules 505 and 506. The issuer is required to file a notice of sales on Form D with the Commission 15 days after the initial sale is made in reliance on the exemption. - 2364

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Thursday, February 11, 2010

Making Affiliate Marketing Work up a Profit

By Jossef Sal

Affiliate marketing is an extensive means of endorsing a website, in which an affiliate is compensated for each sale production using his or her own hard works.

In Affiliate marketing, there are various methods to earn money. Even if one of the methods can direct you to a victorious and moneymaking business, the studies and effort included can be so overpowering that when the time that you realized it, you are already tired nearly before you even get started. In that case, that unmanageable want to put off the task takes over. In addition, you also have not started yet and you are not able to end anything that you had already begun.

This is usually what happens to most affiliates-to-be when they are only beginning. Indeed, it can eventually direct them to think that only some of the Internet pros are able to earn money marketing affiliate programs.

If only 5 percent of affiliate marketers can earn money, does that mean that only a few percentage are able to reach success? Think about this...

Affiliate marketing is not a hard task. It is not also right to think that affiliate marketing is only for the educated and experienced ones. Also, never assume that only the fortunate people are the ones who are prone to success. This is not true!

If you are determined and eager to set a little priority and effort on this market, it is assured that you will acquire the kind of success that you want. Delaying or postponing will never have the opportunity to pull you down.

Expect this- you will surely be excited with just the thought of winning. All you have to by then is to sit down and start taking your few extra times to observe how your hard works quickly grow.

As for this moment, why not consider taking some of the following guidelines. You can follow these guidelines to a winning affiliate promoting campaign. Once you have realized that it is so easy, and that it essentially works, you will have the assurance and confidence to obtain success on affiliate marketing.

Begin by educating yourself with the things not necessary to you in starting an affiliate marketing program:

* Website is not essential when starting.
* Pay-per-click campaign is not required
* You will not have to read long-pages of e-books.
* There is no software needed.

If not all of these are needed, then what is there for you to keep?

You will only have an affiliate program to market. Select the program that will present you with a great sales memo and an excellent product. You may also opt for a program that provides an outstanding income every month. An outstanding profit is produced via the programs that rate the client on a monthly payment bases. The affiliate is then compensated each month the client maintains its subscription.

Now, how will you market your affiliate program?

Making articles is an ideal way to do this. Write an article and let others read it, copy and dispense on their own websites. In this way, you are already given an advantage to promote your affiliate program and your writings as well.

Every article you create should have a resource box with your name on it of course and a few lines consisting of anything that you want to say. This is the area where you can endorse your affiliate program and also where you can put your affiliate link.

The resource box should indicate something that can stimulate your reader and click your affiliate link.

Think of this as merely an easy task. Because it really is easy! However, it still needs hard work and time. Also, admit this - in order for you to earn some money you will have to accomplish even a bit.

If you think you cannot do all of these every month, then do not expect the taste of success.

This is just an easy plan though it is already proven effective. It will not cost any amount but your time to write articles and effort to distribute it.

Lastly, whatever it is that you want to do, maintain your center. Think that you can do it, because you really can! - 2364

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Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Steelers Send Vikings To First Defeat Of Season

By Ross Everett

Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings are undefeated no more. The Pittsburgh Steelers' used a couple of big plays from their defense in the fourth quarter to break open a close game and defeat the Vikings by a final score of 27-17. Favre put up decent yardage in the loss, throwing for 334 yards but had no touchdowns and an interception.

NFL pointspread players who backed the Steelers as -6 home favorites were rewarded with the cover. Pittsburgh had only covered one of their first six games heading into the contest, and the win improved their record against the number to 2-5. Minnesota dropped to 4-3 against the spread with the setback. The 44 points scored went UNDER the posted total of 46'.

The Steelers largely shut down Minnesota's rushing game, holding Adrian Peterson to 69 yards. Pittsburgh safety Ryan Clark underscored his team's dominance against the run:

"That's the biggest point of the game. You have the best running back in the world and you don't give it to him. They're saying they can't beat us running, and that's a major statement when you have the guy they have back there."

Favre gave a mealy mouthed justification for the loss in his postgame interview:

"There were a lot of what ifs, a lot of reasons we didn't win. The red zone was one of them. They're physical, and they were as good as we thought they'd be. ... When I came here and looked at our schedule and saw the Steelers game, I went, 'Oh-h-h.' "

Favre has only thrown three interceptions in a Vikings' uniform, but #3 was a costly one as it was returned by Steelers' Keyaron Fox for a touchdown to put the game out of reach as Minnesota was driving for a potential game tying field goal. Afterwards, Fox recalled the play:

"Brett tried to force it in there and the running back bobbled it and slipped out of his hands and it fell into my lap. I had just run across the field after Peterson and I was winded, so it felt like it was 100-plus yards."

The Vikings now face another big game next week as they head to Favre's old stomping grounds in Green Bay for a battle with the Packers. It'll be Favre's first appearance at his old home in an enemy uniform. The Vikings are a +3 road underdog with the total set at 48. The Vikings will then have a bye weekend before hosting the lowly Detroit Lions on November 15. Pittsburgh will enjoy a bye week this week before returning to action on Monday, November 9th facing the Denver Broncos on the road. - 2364

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Tuesday, February 09, 2010

Tips On How To Become A Wedding Photographer

By Sally Wong

You are creating something that people will keep for years to come. You are capturing a very special moment in people's lives. Every bride and groom wants someone who is well trained and who will guarantee quality. If you choose to be a wedding photographer you can make a lot of money by doing so. As well as the money though there is the risk that you must manage well.

A disclaimer should be included in a well written up first time contract. A disclaimer is something that can prevent you from being sued later on. There are a few reason you should not be held accountable for and they are failure of equipment, miss placed pictures after they were sent away, and photos that do not develop properly. Otherwise you could get sued for breach of contract.

Now with that said you should also include how many pictures are to be taken and how long you will be photographing for and what hourly rate will be. Something else you should include would be the fees for developing and the fee of the album. Your client's requirements are important so make sure you talk it over with them. They might want a certain person or family they would like pictures of since they don't get to see them often, so that should be discussed as well if it is an issue.

Make a list of all the pictures that your client's requested. Generally your clients will want pictures of the pre-ceremony, wedding ceremony, post-ceremony and of course the reception. Discuss with the clients about which shots they want and who's going to be in the pictures. Pay attention to what your clients are saying because each one will be different.

A deposit should be made after you book your clients in. At least 50% deposit should be paid prior to the wedding. You should set a date when the remaining amount will be paid because you do not want to be bothering the bride and groom during the reception for payment! It would look very unprofessional if you did.

Photoshop is a good program to use if you are going to be processing the pictures yourself. You can enhance the photos with all sorts of techniques such as flaw removal, montage, changing the color to black and which or sepia, as well as other unique features.

Always look to see how you can add more value than what you said you would give. A special surprise will keep everyone talking and generating more business for you in the future. Think different. Imagine for example if you uploaded all their pictures onto a password protected part of your website so that they and their friends can login and view.

At the end of the day doing wedding photography can be a lot of fun and you can make good money at it. You may have to take your people skills to the next level but the financial returns will be worth it. - 2364

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Monday, February 01, 2010

Let People Know More About Your Company: Print Posters And Flyers

By Lami Kato

Besides the conventional promotional methods including ads on TV and newspapers, you can successfully enhance the market visibility of your business by printing poster and flyers for promotion.

This technique is very successful, as it is a more personal and direct way of reaching out to prospective customers. Here are a few important advantages of promoting your company using posters and flyers.

Greater visibility - Although print ads would be looked at by a bigger group, they may not inspire people to walk into your shop. On the other hand, putting up posters or distributing flyers in the neighbourhood of your shop will boost sales noticeably as your presence will be felt by people in the vicinity.

Quick impact - Unlike the traditional promotional strategies, flyers and posters can be created and printed in just a couple of days and their influence is very quick, which can also be monitored without difficulty. You will observe that there is a significant rise in the number of consumers who are coming to your store because of a poster that they saw or a flyer that was distributed to them.

Cost-effectiveness - It costs very little to print poster and flyers and the designing too is not that complex. All that is required is that the end result is attractive and contains relevant bits of information for potential buyers. Moreover, any good printing company will be able to accommodate your suggestions for poster and flyer printing, and you will not have to hire an expensive agency to do the task. It is also easier and cheaper to withdraw a flyer or poster campaign if it is not successful than to give up other kinds of campaigns.

Customisation - Promotional strategies involving flyers and posters can be tailored according to your requirements. For example, if you want to run a guerrilla advertising campaign, putting up big and stimulating posters at unexpected locations is a good choice. In the same way, short duration promotional offers can be popularized by distributing flyers that can also be used as vouchers. Further, you have the freedom of creating different flyers and posters for use during the same campaign, which is tough in traditional mediums.

Hence, by selecting poster and flyer printing, you can achieve a quick and successful growth in your company's revenue with no trouble. Using these services is easy as well, and any professional printing company in your area will be able to provide a wide range of services and design alternatives. - 2364

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