Author : Denise O'Berry
"Can you hear me now?"You'd be hard pressed to find someone in the US who doesn't know the company behind that question.So why do big companies, like Verizon, hammer us with the same message over and over? Because it works. And it can work for your company too. But it takes time and repetition to get your message out and heard by your target market.Most small business owners will try something once then give up. They expect customers to come pounding down the door to their business after just one message.It won't happen.How do you help your customers hear your message? Think long term. Before taking the first step to getting the word out about your product or service, determine the time frame.Consider at least a six-month time frame for executing your actions to deliver your message. Then identify the steps you will take -- identify how, who, what and when. Spread those steps out so you are taking action at least once a week. Remember that consistency in delivering your message is key.Place the steps on your calendar (a wall calendar that you see every day is great for this) and execute them based on your plan.About the AuthorDenise O'Berry frequently speaks to professional organizations, is the author of three booklets, and several "how-to" manuals. She writes a weekly small business column, hosts an online small business owners forum and is called upon regularly by publications such as Entrepreneur, Bank Rate Small Business, Florida Trend, Inc., various newspapers, radio and television to provide expert comments on small business issues.http://www.whatspossible.com
http://www.justforsmallbusiness.com
http://www.deniseoberry.com
Category : Reference & Education
วันศุกร์ที่ 25 เมษายน พ.ศ. 2551
วันจันทร์ที่ 14 เมษายน พ.ศ. 2551
Top 7 Tips For Maximizing Your Education & Training Dollars to Deliver Positive Return on Investment
Author : Leanne Hoagland-Smith
In 2004, corporate America spent an excess of $65 billion on training and development (according to Association for Training and Development – ASTD) delivered in many cases through the human resource departments. Yet, research suggests that possibly only 10% of traditional training is actually transferred to the workplace.Consider the following tips when adopting or revisiting your training programs.1. Separate any symptoms from the real problemMany times the first words heard are "We need training" whether it is for diversity, customer service, sales, etc. Yet, the training issue may be only a symptom of a far more pervasive problem. This is the time to administer an organizational assessment before the implementation of any training solution.2. Include measurable objectivesObjectives should be started using verbs such as demonstrate, define or list.3. Include opportunities for cognitive retentionResearch suggests that a one time exposure to a learning event results in 2% cognitive retention after 16 days. However, 6 consecutive reinforcements such as through audio CD's increases cognitive retention to 60-65%.4. Develop the program to reflect the culture within your organizationThe program should be customized through the use of role-playing vignettes, etc. to integrate the desired skills within the company.5. Address beliefs and therefore attitudesGiven that beliefs are the foundational thought processes that drive attitudes which in turn are demonstrated as observable behaviors, then focusing on the underlying beliefs is a critical component to the ultimate success of any training or development program.6. Provide time for applicationRecently I read where a 6 hour one day nationally offered public workshop on communication and supervisory skills offered over 50 objectives for $175 per participant. That's a lot of knowledge. However, if you consider that every 7.2 minutes another objective was being delivered at a cost of $3.50 per objective, that leaves very little time for interaction between participants less alone opportunities for application.7. Align program to Kirkpatrick's Third and Fourth Levels of EvaluationDr. Don Kirkpatrick developed taxonomy on how to evaluate training. The Third Level focuses on application – How is the training being applied within the workplace? Level Four centers on impact of the training specific to measurable results.By infusing these 7 tips into your training program, your most limited resources should quickly deliver at least double the results.Leanne Hoagland-Smith, President of ADVANCED SYSTEMS, integrates an organizational assessment that in 2 to 4 weeks can quickly and affordably identify the gaps in YOUR organization and provide you with an Action Plan that you can easily implement and monitor.Take the time to ensure that your actions are directonally correct.ADVANCED SYSTEMSConnecting Passion to Purpose to DOUBLE Performance in Real Time
Category : Business:Top7-or-10-Tips
In 2004, corporate America spent an excess of $65 billion on training and development (according to Association for Training and Development – ASTD) delivered in many cases through the human resource departments. Yet, research suggests that possibly only 10% of traditional training is actually transferred to the workplace.Consider the following tips when adopting or revisiting your training programs.1. Separate any symptoms from the real problemMany times the first words heard are "We need training" whether it is for diversity, customer service, sales, etc. Yet, the training issue may be only a symptom of a far more pervasive problem. This is the time to administer an organizational assessment before the implementation of any training solution.2. Include measurable objectivesObjectives should be started using verbs such as demonstrate, define or list.3. Include opportunities for cognitive retentionResearch suggests that a one time exposure to a learning event results in 2% cognitive retention after 16 days. However, 6 consecutive reinforcements such as through audio CD's increases cognitive retention to 60-65%.4. Develop the program to reflect the culture within your organizationThe program should be customized through the use of role-playing vignettes, etc. to integrate the desired skills within the company.5. Address beliefs and therefore attitudesGiven that beliefs are the foundational thought processes that drive attitudes which in turn are demonstrated as observable behaviors, then focusing on the underlying beliefs is a critical component to the ultimate success of any training or development program.6. Provide time for applicationRecently I read where a 6 hour one day nationally offered public workshop on communication and supervisory skills offered over 50 objectives for $175 per participant. That's a lot of knowledge. However, if you consider that every 7.2 minutes another objective was being delivered at a cost of $3.50 per objective, that leaves very little time for interaction between participants less alone opportunities for application.7. Align program to Kirkpatrick's Third and Fourth Levels of EvaluationDr. Don Kirkpatrick developed taxonomy on how to evaluate training. The Third Level focuses on application – How is the training being applied within the workplace? Level Four centers on impact of the training specific to measurable results.By infusing these 7 tips into your training program, your most limited resources should quickly deliver at least double the results.Leanne Hoagland-Smith, President of ADVANCED SYSTEMS, integrates an organizational assessment that in 2 to 4 weeks can quickly and affordably identify the gaps in YOUR organization and provide you with an Action Plan that you can easily implement and monitor.Take the time to ensure that your actions are directonally correct.ADVANCED SYSTEMSConnecting Passion to Purpose to DOUBLE Performance in Real Time
Category : Business:Top7-or-10-Tips
วันอาทิตย์ที่ 13 เมษายน พ.ศ. 2551
Permanently Remove Green Pool Algae
Author : Brian Barker
Green algae is a common swimming pool problem, which may appear as a greenish growth on the floor and walls of a swimming pool, a green tint to the pool water, or greenish material suspended in the pool water. The only swimming pool chemical that will kill an algae growth is chlorine based swimming pool “shockâ€. Shock is a granular form of highly concentrated chlorine, which quickly raises the chlorine level of the swimming pool water. The elevated chlorine level makes the pool water conditions unlivable for anything organic, and algae quickly dies.Before adding a dose of chlorine pool shock, the pool walls and floor should be brushed to remove as much of the algae as possible. This will greatly reduce the amount of time it takes to kill and clear the algae bloom. The normal “maintenance†dosage of most swimming pool shock is 1 lb. per 10,000 gallons. This dosage should be increased to 1 lb. per 7,500 gallons, or you should follow the manufacturer’s dosage suggestion for killing algae. Chlorine pool shock needs to be dissolved in a large bucket of water before it is added to the swimming pool. Always add chemicals to water when dissolving. NEVER add water to chemicals. The swimming pool cannot be used until the algae is dead, and the chlorine level of the pool water has returned to the safe range of 1-3 ppm.The pool filter system should be running when the chlorine pool shock is added, and the filter system should continue to run 24 hours a day until all signs of algae have completely left the pool. Monitor your pool filter system closely and thoroughly backwash or clean the filter each time the pressure rises 10 psi. above the normal operating pressure. The dead algae that your pool filter collects may quickly dirty the filter, and need to be cleaned out frequently. If the conditions of the swimming pool does not significantly improve after 12-24 hours of filtering, add a second dose of chlorine pool shock at the increased rate. Once the algae is dead it will turn a white or grayish color, and it will be suspended in the pool water or settle to the floor. When there is no longer any sign of the color green in your pool, thoroughly vacuum the swimming pool. The pool filter should be backwashed or cleaned to be sure that dead algae is not trapped inside the filter. If the filter is not thoroughly cleaned the algae may quickly return.Test and balance all of the pool chemical levels using the guidelines below, and pay particular attention to the chlorine level of your swimming pool water in the future. Algae and harmful bacteria are almost immediately destroyed by a chlorine level of 1 ppm or higher. You have experienced an algae problem because you have not properly maintained the chlorine level of your swimming pool, and it was allowed to drop below 1 ppm. Test pool water frequently and make any necessary adjustments for a clean, safe and easy to maintain swimming pool.Free Chlorine: 1-3 ppm
pH: 7.2 â€" 7.6
Alkalinity: 80 â€" 120 ppm
Calcium Hardness: 200 â€" 350 ppmPlease visit www.InTheSwim.com for a complete selection of algae treatment pool chemicals and quality pool supplies.
Category : Marriage
Green algae is a common swimming pool problem, which may appear as a greenish growth on the floor and walls of a swimming pool, a green tint to the pool water, or greenish material suspended in the pool water. The only swimming pool chemical that will kill an algae growth is chlorine based swimming pool “shockâ€. Shock is a granular form of highly concentrated chlorine, which quickly raises the chlorine level of the swimming pool water. The elevated chlorine level makes the pool water conditions unlivable for anything organic, and algae quickly dies.Before adding a dose of chlorine pool shock, the pool walls and floor should be brushed to remove as much of the algae as possible. This will greatly reduce the amount of time it takes to kill and clear the algae bloom. The normal “maintenance†dosage of most swimming pool shock is 1 lb. per 10,000 gallons. This dosage should be increased to 1 lb. per 7,500 gallons, or you should follow the manufacturer’s dosage suggestion for killing algae. Chlorine pool shock needs to be dissolved in a large bucket of water before it is added to the swimming pool. Always add chemicals to water when dissolving. NEVER add water to chemicals. The swimming pool cannot be used until the algae is dead, and the chlorine level of the pool water has returned to the safe range of 1-3 ppm.The pool filter system should be running when the chlorine pool shock is added, and the filter system should continue to run 24 hours a day until all signs of algae have completely left the pool. Monitor your pool filter system closely and thoroughly backwash or clean the filter each time the pressure rises 10 psi. above the normal operating pressure. The dead algae that your pool filter collects may quickly dirty the filter, and need to be cleaned out frequently. If the conditions of the swimming pool does not significantly improve after 12-24 hours of filtering, add a second dose of chlorine pool shock at the increased rate. Once the algae is dead it will turn a white or grayish color, and it will be suspended in the pool water or settle to the floor. When there is no longer any sign of the color green in your pool, thoroughly vacuum the swimming pool. The pool filter should be backwashed or cleaned to be sure that dead algae is not trapped inside the filter. If the filter is not thoroughly cleaned the algae may quickly return.Test and balance all of the pool chemical levels using the guidelines below, and pay particular attention to the chlorine level of your swimming pool water in the future. Algae and harmful bacteria are almost immediately destroyed by a chlorine level of 1 ppm or higher. You have experienced an algae problem because you have not properly maintained the chlorine level of your swimming pool, and it was allowed to drop below 1 ppm. Test pool water frequently and make any necessary adjustments for a clean, safe and easy to maintain swimming pool.Free Chlorine: 1-3 ppm
pH: 7.2 â€" 7.6
Alkalinity: 80 â€" 120 ppm
Calcium Hardness: 200 â€" 350 ppmPlease visit www.InTheSwim.com for a complete selection of algae treatment pool chemicals and quality pool supplies.
Category : Marriage
วันอังคารที่ 8 เมษายน พ.ศ. 2551
FinnStar Hockey Inc. Reports A Very Successful Showing at the International Hockey Industry Association Trade Show in Las Vegas
Author :
ew_date">March 18th, 2005
วันอาทิตย์ที่ 6 เมษายน พ.ศ. 2551
Credit Cards: Making Your Dreams Come True
Author : Neil Bartlett
Credit Cards: Making Your Dreams Come True
People have always had to choose the right credit card for them. But in the past, this choice dealt mainly with interest rates, grace periods, and credit limits. All of this is still true, however, there is one more aspect you will want to consider - customer loyalty plans!
What Is a Customer Loyalty Plan?
Some of the most well-known customer loyalty plans are the frequent flyer programs of the major airlines. Programs such as these have been used to keep customer loyalty for many years. Loyal customers are often treated better than those that buy on the spot. The idea was to reward your customer for being YOUR customer. And the credit card companies, seeing a good idea, do what all smart companies do when they see a good idea - they copied it!
It started with cash back bonuses. Cards like Discover offered a percentage back for everything spent - money you got back for using their card. Then airlines started letting people earn frequent flyer miles not just by flying their airline, but by using their airline Visa or MasterCard. And from there, the sky has been the limit!
What Kinds of Plans Are Available?
Besides cash and plane tickets, you can go to Disney World, earn free gas for your car, get merchandise from your favorite store like REI or Saks Fifth Avenue, or even get free groceries. But don"t let your mind stop on the obvious!
Have you ever wanted to own your own island? Well, that may be a bit far fetched, but you can use your credit card to earn enough points to rent your own island!
Is you child just dying to go to space camp? Find a card that will let you earn the credits to send him to NASA for five days!
Some cards are very specific and allow you to only use your points towards something specific, like a GM car. Others offer you the ability to use your points towards a variety of opportunities. So, whatever you have always wanted to do or see or buy, now is the time to find a credit card that will help you turn that dream into a reality.
Calculating the Costs
Just as not every card is created equally in the "interest" department, neither are they created equally in the "point" department. Some give you one point for every dollar you spend. Some give you more and some give you less.
Just as importantly, however, is what is the redemption like? Is one point worth a dollar when you redeem your points? Probably not! Most cards average about $1 for every 100 points.
There are times, usually with special promotions, that you can earn more points for every dollar spent. If you get a loyalty rewards card, it is very important to be aware of these promotions. If you are planning to buy a plane ticket to Florida, it might be best to do so Oct 15th when the rewards points are doubled than wait until the 16th when the promotion has ended!
And speaking of spending, be sure to put all your purchases on your credit card to accrue your points more quickly. However, this is true ONLY if you have the money to pay the balance in full at the end of each month. If you don"t, then the interest paid will quickly end up costing you more than the points are worth.
Finding a credit card that meets your needs is getting easier and easier to do. Simply determine what you like to do and then go out there and find a card that will help you pay to do it!
About the author:
CoolCreditCardDirectory.com makes it easy to find the right credit card to fit your needs quickly & easily. Find all the top credit cards and free credit card resources you need to get your credit card fast. http://www.coolcreditcarddirectory.com
Category : Finance
วันอังคารที่ 1 เมษายน พ.ศ. 2551
Story Structure - Three Heroes
Author : Kal Bishop
Three Heroes Story Structure follows the Hero's Journey mould but distinguishes itself by making both the hero and the shape shifter both likeable and deserving of the final prize.The Classic Hero's Journey also makes the shape shifter likeable and deserving of the prize but in Three Heroes, we get more of the Shape Shifter's back-story and surprisingly little of the Hero's.The structure has 26 core sequences, some of which are summarised here:1) Introduce the shape shifter and a minor foe.2) Introduce antagonist - include foreshadow of adventure; the antagonist learns that a prize is to be gained. Show the evil nature of the antagonist.3) Enhance the antagonist's journey. Where the adventure from the point of view of the antagonist is further established; the antagonist investigates the prize, usually through the knowledge of a sage of some sort. Enhance the evil nature of the antagonist.4) Introduce protagonist. Show the protagonist's strengths, weaknesses, status, supernatural gifts etc.5) Establish relationship between the protagonist and the shape shifter – advance the character and goal of the antagonist in between.6) The protagonist and the shape shifter fall out - establish why. Provide reasons why the shape shifter must seek out or hunt the protagonist.7) Advance the story of the antagonist and his search for the prize. Enhance his evil nature.8) The shape shifter prepares to hunt for the protagonist; establish his skills; that he is a threat to the protagonist.The Three Heroes Story and Screenplay Structure can be found at http://www.managing-creativity.com.You can also receive a regular, free newsletter by entering your email address at this site.Kal Bishop, MBA**********************************You are free to reproduce this article as long as no changes are made and the author's name and site URL are retained.Kal Bishop is a management consultant based in London, UK. He has consulted in the visual media and software industries and for clients such as Toshiba and Transport for London. He has led Improv, creativity and innovation workshops, exhibited artwork in San Francisco, Los Angeles and London and written a number of screenplays. He is a passionate traveller. He can be reached on http://www.managing-creativity.com
Category : Shopping:Book-Reviews
Three Heroes Story Structure follows the Hero's Journey mould but distinguishes itself by making both the hero and the shape shifter both likeable and deserving of the final prize.The Classic Hero's Journey also makes the shape shifter likeable and deserving of the prize but in Three Heroes, we get more of the Shape Shifter's back-story and surprisingly little of the Hero's.The structure has 26 core sequences, some of which are summarised here:1) Introduce the shape shifter and a minor foe.2) Introduce antagonist - include foreshadow of adventure; the antagonist learns that a prize is to be gained. Show the evil nature of the antagonist.3) Enhance the antagonist's journey. Where the adventure from the point of view of the antagonist is further established; the antagonist investigates the prize, usually through the knowledge of a sage of some sort. Enhance the evil nature of the antagonist.4) Introduce protagonist. Show the protagonist's strengths, weaknesses, status, supernatural gifts etc.5) Establish relationship between the protagonist and the shape shifter – advance the character and goal of the antagonist in between.6) The protagonist and the shape shifter fall out - establish why. Provide reasons why the shape shifter must seek out or hunt the protagonist.7) Advance the story of the antagonist and his search for the prize. Enhance his evil nature.8) The shape shifter prepares to hunt for the protagonist; establish his skills; that he is a threat to the protagonist.The Three Heroes Story and Screenplay Structure can be found at http://www.managing-creativity.com.You can also receive a regular, free newsletter by entering your email address at this site.Kal Bishop, MBA**********************************You are free to reproduce this article as long as no changes are made and the author's name and site URL are retained.Kal Bishop is a management consultant based in London, UK. He has consulted in the visual media and software industries and for clients such as Toshiba and Transport for London. He has led Improv, creativity and innovation workshops, exhibited artwork in San Francisco, Los Angeles and London and written a number of screenplays. He is a passionate traveller. He can be reached on http://www.managing-creativity.com
Category : Shopping:Book-Reviews
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