by: Ivon T. Hughes
Many dual income couples, include their children on each group health insurance plan to maximize benfits. However, without some sort of system in place to help the health insurance companies coordinate benefits, it's possible that either you or your doctor would be reimbursed for more than 100 percent of the actual cost of your claim.
To prevent this, health insurance companies typically designate one parent's health insurance plan as the primary plan and the other as the secondary plan. (That's why the patient questionnaire at your doctor's office asks for information on primary and secondary coverage.) The primary plan is responsible for paying covered expenses up to the limits of the policy. If any unpaid costs are left over, the secondary coverage kicks in.
THE DATE OF BIRTH DETERMINES WHICH HEALTH INSURANCE PROVIDES COVERAGE
The birthday rule is often used to determine which plan is primary and which is secondary. Under this rule, the plan of the parent whose birthday occurs first in the calendar year is designated as primary. The date of birth is the determining factor not the year so it doesn't matter which spouse is older.
Like most rules, the birthday rule has exceptions:
- If both parents share the same birthday, the parent who has been covered by his or her plan longest provides the primary coverage for the children.
- If one spouse is currently employed and has health insurance through a current employer, and the other spouse has coverage through a former employer, the plan belonging to the curently employed spouse would be primary.
- In the event of divorce or seperation, the plan of the parent with custody generally provides primary coverage. If the custodial parent remarries, the new new spouse's coverage becomes secondary. And finally, the non custodial parent's health insurance plan would provide a third layer of insurance protection. This order of payment can be altered by a court issued divorce decree or by agreement, but the health insurance companies must be notified.
THESE ARE JUST HEALTH INSURANCE RULES NOT THE LAW
Keep in mind that these practices are common among health insurance companies, but they are not governed by law. Practices may vary from one insurer to another. Read your policy carefully to make sure you understand how your insurance company handles dual coverage. If the policy coverage is unclear, ask for help from your employers benefit specialist or your insurer's customer service department.
Ivon T. Hughes of The Hughes Trustco Group is a licensed Insurance Broker. Author of The Life Insurance Handbook. Get a FREE Copy TODAY!
Email: info@trustco.ca
Web: http://www.hughestrustco.com
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Second to Die Life Insurance Policies
by: Ivon T. Hughes
A second-to-die life insurance policy, or survivorship life as it's sometimes called, insures two lives - a husband and wife usually or business partners. However, the death benefit isn't paid out until the second insured person dies.
Usually, the death benefit from a second-to-die life insurance policy is intended to go to the children , a charity or pay taxes owed after both spouses pass away.
In the U.S. there is a marital deduction permitting you to leave an unlimited amount of assets to your surviving spouse with no taxes payable at your death. Those assets then become part of the estate of the spouse and if it includes a second to die life insurance polciy it could help pay any taxes. In Canada, there is more lenient tax treatment.
There are also tax ramifications for small businesses, which is why business partners also purchase second-to-die policies.
THE REASON TO BUY SECOND TO DIE LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES
With a second-to-die life insurance policy your beneficiaries can pay debts with the proceeds of your policy, so they won't be forced to sell your house or liquidate assets to pay the bill.
A second-to-die life insurance policy can help to construct a financial plan reducing the tax burden of wealthy individuals by creating trusts and using second-to-die life insurance as part of the estate-planning process.
ADVANTAGES TO SECOND TO DIE LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES
1. Less expensive. Second-to-die life insurance is usually less expensive than life insurance but depends on the blend of the ages. The premium is based upon the joint life expectancy.
2. Estate Preservation. A second-to-die policy appeals to individuals who feel strongly about preserving their estates with the life insurance paying the taxes.
3. Easier to buy. It's easier to qualify for a second-to-die policy than for individual life insurance. Since both insureds must die before the benefit is payable, the insurance company is less concerned that one of them might not be in good health.
* Builds your estate. In some cases, second-to-die life insurance is marketed as a way to build an estate, not just insulate it from taxes. Much like individual life insurance, the death benefit of a second-to-die policy can ensure that certain people receive money, even if you spend every nickel.
4. Second-to-die life insurance might make sense for people who don't have a lot of money but want to leave an estate for their children.
Ivon T. Hughes of The Hughes Trustco Group is a licensed Insurance Broker. Author of The Life Insurance Handbook. Get a FREE Copy TODAY!
Email: info@trustco.ca
Web: http://www.hughestrustco.com
A second-to-die life insurance policy, or survivorship life as it's sometimes called, insures two lives - a husband and wife usually or business partners. However, the death benefit isn't paid out until the second insured person dies.
Usually, the death benefit from a second-to-die life insurance policy is intended to go to the children , a charity or pay taxes owed after both spouses pass away.
In the U.S. there is a marital deduction permitting you to leave an unlimited amount of assets to your surviving spouse with no taxes payable at your death. Those assets then become part of the estate of the spouse and if it includes a second to die life insurance polciy it could help pay any taxes. In Canada, there is more lenient tax treatment.
There are also tax ramifications for small businesses, which is why business partners also purchase second-to-die policies.
THE REASON TO BUY SECOND TO DIE LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES
With a second-to-die life insurance policy your beneficiaries can pay debts with the proceeds of your policy, so they won't be forced to sell your house or liquidate assets to pay the bill.
A second-to-die life insurance policy can help to construct a financial plan reducing the tax burden of wealthy individuals by creating trusts and using second-to-die life insurance as part of the estate-planning process.
ADVANTAGES TO SECOND TO DIE LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES
1. Less expensive. Second-to-die life insurance is usually less expensive than life insurance but depends on the blend of the ages. The premium is based upon the joint life expectancy.
2. Estate Preservation. A second-to-die policy appeals to individuals who feel strongly about preserving their estates with the life insurance paying the taxes.
3. Easier to buy. It's easier to qualify for a second-to-die policy than for individual life insurance. Since both insureds must die before the benefit is payable, the insurance company is less concerned that one of them might not be in good health.
* Builds your estate. In some cases, second-to-die life insurance is marketed as a way to build an estate, not just insulate it from taxes. Much like individual life insurance, the death benefit of a second-to-die policy can ensure that certain people receive money, even if you spend every nickel.
4. Second-to-die life insurance might make sense for people who don't have a lot of money but want to leave an estate for their children.
Ivon T. Hughes of The Hughes Trustco Group is a licensed Insurance Broker. Author of The Life Insurance Handbook. Get a FREE Copy TODAY!
Email: info@trustco.ca
Web: http://www.hughestrustco.com
Ethics And Competence - There Is Nothing New Under The Sun
by: Stan Lewis
In this article, I want to show you that there is nothing new under the sun, as far as, not being where you want to be in life, dealing with unethical practices in the work place, and the injustices that come about as a result of such things. More than anything, I want to leave you with a sound foundation of hope that you can grow personally, improve upon your unique gifts, and become very competent despite where you are now in life.
We need to grow where we are planted, by improving upon our unique gifts, by growing spiritually, by growing physically, and by growing mentally. We can complain and cry out in anger about where we are in life, unethical practices in our workplaces and the injustice of it all. However, where will that take you – bitterness, anger or depression? And more importantly - is that where you really you want to go? No, it will take you nowhere unless, - 1.) You put to gather a plan that will help you grow despite where you are now in life and 2.) You realize that you are not the only one to have gone through what you have encountered in life.
Let's go back in time and look at some Israelite youths in the book of Daniel, who where taken from their homes as captives to Babylon. Not only where they taken against their will, but they where now in an environment that ran in opposition to their moral and ethical beliefs.
Complaining would not have gotten Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, or Abednego very far. So how did these Jewish youths handle their situation? Well, they stuck to their moral and ethical teachings. They put God first in all they did and grew spiritually. They followed God’s directives and grew physically. They grew mentally by putting together a plan of action to master all the literature and science of the time. Each became very competent as they mastered these skills.
At the end of three years, the King called all the young men in the palace to him, including Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and gave each one an oral examination. The king was so impressed with Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego that he put them on his regular staff of advisors. (Dan 1:20) "And in all matters requiring information and balanced judgment, the king found these young men's advice ten times better..." than any other advisor. Daniel was appointed as the king's counselor. These young men where not limited by where they where planted. Ethics, growth, and competence took these young men far.
Even though some of our present situations leave a lot to be desired for, you have to admit it was not as bad as these guys situation. However, they grew spiritually, physically, and mentally where they where planted - despite life's injustices and the unethical environment. They grew and developed despite where they where planted. You too can grow and develop right where you are.
So, what are you doing to grow spiritually in your everyday life? What are your goals for physical growth? What are you doing now to feed and promote your growth mentally? What are the gifts that make you special and what are you doing with them? These are serious questions that each of us need to answer for ourselves. Not only do we need answers for them, but we need to set goals in place and the action steps to accomplish those goals.
So maintain your moral values and ethics; seek ways to grow spiritually, physically, and mentally; and become highly competent where you are planted. By growing and improving upon your unique gifts you will be ready for life's opportunities. And when opportunity comes - you shall rise above where you are now.
I have shown you that there is nothing new under the sun, as far as, not being where you want to be in life, dealing with unethical practices in the work place, and the injustices that come about as a result of such things. I trust that I have left you with a sound foundation of hope that you can grow and improve upon your gifts despite where you are now- just like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Remember each of them where human just like you and I with the same human weaknesses as you and I. They rose above where they where planted and you can too.
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR NEWSLETTER, E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include the following with it: Stan Lewis is a Christian Leadership & Life Coach. If you liked this article, you should really check out his FREE audio course "Seven Basic Steps To Becoming a Servant Leader" and other FREEBIES at www.realleadership4coachinglife.com. Questions/Need assistance call 214-629-7217.
Coach Stan Lewis is a Christian Life & Leadership coach. He is happily married to the ultimate lady and love of his life - Barb. He has two children. He is a former Naval Officer & has developed and trained leaders for 18 yrs. He has worked in the Royal Ranger ministry for 20 yrs. He has a passion for training, ministering to, and developing leaders.
slewis@realcoach.org
In this article, I want to show you that there is nothing new under the sun, as far as, not being where you want to be in life, dealing with unethical practices in the work place, and the injustices that come about as a result of such things. More than anything, I want to leave you with a sound foundation of hope that you can grow personally, improve upon your unique gifts, and become very competent despite where you are now in life.
We need to grow where we are planted, by improving upon our unique gifts, by growing spiritually, by growing physically, and by growing mentally. We can complain and cry out in anger about where we are in life, unethical practices in our workplaces and the injustice of it all. However, where will that take you – bitterness, anger or depression? And more importantly - is that where you really you want to go? No, it will take you nowhere unless, - 1.) You put to gather a plan that will help you grow despite where you are now in life and 2.) You realize that you are not the only one to have gone through what you have encountered in life.
Let's go back in time and look at some Israelite youths in the book of Daniel, who where taken from their homes as captives to Babylon. Not only where they taken against their will, but they where now in an environment that ran in opposition to their moral and ethical beliefs.
Complaining would not have gotten Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, or Abednego very far. So how did these Jewish youths handle their situation? Well, they stuck to their moral and ethical teachings. They put God first in all they did and grew spiritually. They followed God’s directives and grew physically. They grew mentally by putting together a plan of action to master all the literature and science of the time. Each became very competent as they mastered these skills.
At the end of three years, the King called all the young men in the palace to him, including Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and gave each one an oral examination. The king was so impressed with Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego that he put them on his regular staff of advisors. (Dan 1:20) "And in all matters requiring information and balanced judgment, the king found these young men's advice ten times better..." than any other advisor. Daniel was appointed as the king's counselor. These young men where not limited by where they where planted. Ethics, growth, and competence took these young men far.
Even though some of our present situations leave a lot to be desired for, you have to admit it was not as bad as these guys situation. However, they grew spiritually, physically, and mentally where they where planted - despite life's injustices and the unethical environment. They grew and developed despite where they where planted. You too can grow and develop right where you are.
So, what are you doing to grow spiritually in your everyday life? What are your goals for physical growth? What are you doing now to feed and promote your growth mentally? What are the gifts that make you special and what are you doing with them? These are serious questions that each of us need to answer for ourselves. Not only do we need answers for them, but we need to set goals in place and the action steps to accomplish those goals.
So maintain your moral values and ethics; seek ways to grow spiritually, physically, and mentally; and become highly competent where you are planted. By growing and improving upon your unique gifts you will be ready for life's opportunities. And when opportunity comes - you shall rise above where you are now.
I have shown you that there is nothing new under the sun, as far as, not being where you want to be in life, dealing with unethical practices in the work place, and the injustices that come about as a result of such things. I trust that I have left you with a sound foundation of hope that you can grow and improve upon your gifts despite where you are now- just like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Remember each of them where human just like you and I with the same human weaknesses as you and I. They rose above where they where planted and you can too.
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR NEWSLETTER, E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include the following with it: Stan Lewis is a Christian Leadership & Life Coach. If you liked this article, you should really check out his FREE audio course "Seven Basic Steps To Becoming a Servant Leader" and other FREEBIES at www.realleadership4coachinglife.com. Questions/Need assistance call 214-629-7217.
Coach Stan Lewis is a Christian Life & Leadership coach. He is happily married to the ultimate lady and love of his life - Barb. He has two children. He is a former Naval Officer & has developed and trained leaders for 18 yrs. He has worked in the Royal Ranger ministry for 20 yrs. He has a passion for training, ministering to, and developing leaders.
slewis@realcoach.org
Strategic Organizational Learning
by: Mike Beitler
The cost of training in North American companies exceeds $60 billion per year. Try to visualize that. Picture a stack of 1,000,000 $1 bills. Now try to picture 60,000 of those stacks. Amazed? Then consider this fact: estimates of training costs worldwide approach a quarter of a trillion dollars ($250,000,000,000) when indirect costs and opportunity costs are included. Do you find those numbers as difficult to comprehend as I do?
Understandably, senior executives are concerned about the ROI (return on investment) on these massive investments. Many executives are not convinced that the benefits of training exceed the costs.
Corporations are now looking for organizational learning (OL) consultants who can serve as partners in the strategic decision making about these large investments of resources. These OL consultants will be expected to help improve not only learning, but ultimately performance.
To serve as strategic business partners, OL consultants must have expertise in adult learning theory, methods to promote self-directed learning, usage of learning and development agreements, knowledge capture, knowledge transfer, management and professional development, expatriate training and support, corporate universities, and what I call “strategic learning.”
The first step for the OL consultant is to be sure the organization has a well-crafted strategic plan that clearly communicates how senior management intends to fulfill the organization’s mission. Frequently, the organization has a vague mission and/or unrealistic strategic plan. There is no way to develop strategic learning and development systems until senior management has completed the strategic planning process.
Only after the organization has a well-crafted, well-communicated strategic plan can the OL consultant recommend learning and development systems that will help implement the plan. “Strategic learning” is learning that is focused on helping the organization fulfill its strategic plan.
Senior management must be able to depend on OL consultants to maximize the organization’s investment of money, time, and other resources to build its human capital into a sustainable competitive advantage. In an era when human capital is far more important than physical assets, the role of the OL consultant is critical.
Raymond Noe has made the following predictions:
the focus of learning will become business needs and performance
there will be increased emphasis on the capture and storage of intellectual capital
new training technologies will be developed
the demand for training for virtual work will increase
the use of learning management systems will be widespread
HRD departments will develop partnerships with outside vendors (e.g., traditional universities)
the practice of outsourcing training activities will continue
Senior management will be seeking the OL consultant’s advice on all of these issues. Are you and your organization prepared to address these issues?
Dr. Mike Beitler is the author of the book "Strategic Organizational Learning." Read 3 free chapters of the book right now at http://www.strategic-organizational-learning.com/.
The cost of training in North American companies exceeds $60 billion per year. Try to visualize that. Picture a stack of 1,000,000 $1 bills. Now try to picture 60,000 of those stacks. Amazed? Then consider this fact: estimates of training costs worldwide approach a quarter of a trillion dollars ($250,000,000,000) when indirect costs and opportunity costs are included. Do you find those numbers as difficult to comprehend as I do?
Understandably, senior executives are concerned about the ROI (return on investment) on these massive investments. Many executives are not convinced that the benefits of training exceed the costs.
Corporations are now looking for organizational learning (OL) consultants who can serve as partners in the strategic decision making about these large investments of resources. These OL consultants will be expected to help improve not only learning, but ultimately performance.
To serve as strategic business partners, OL consultants must have expertise in adult learning theory, methods to promote self-directed learning, usage of learning and development agreements, knowledge capture, knowledge transfer, management and professional development, expatriate training and support, corporate universities, and what I call “strategic learning.”
The first step for the OL consultant is to be sure the organization has a well-crafted strategic plan that clearly communicates how senior management intends to fulfill the organization’s mission. Frequently, the organization has a vague mission and/or unrealistic strategic plan. There is no way to develop strategic learning and development systems until senior management has completed the strategic planning process.
Only after the organization has a well-crafted, well-communicated strategic plan can the OL consultant recommend learning and development systems that will help implement the plan. “Strategic learning” is learning that is focused on helping the organization fulfill its strategic plan.
Senior management must be able to depend on OL consultants to maximize the organization’s investment of money, time, and other resources to build its human capital into a sustainable competitive advantage. In an era when human capital is far more important than physical assets, the role of the OL consultant is critical.
Raymond Noe has made the following predictions:
the focus of learning will become business needs and performance
there will be increased emphasis on the capture and storage of intellectual capital
new training technologies will be developed
the demand for training for virtual work will increase
the use of learning management systems will be widespread
HRD departments will develop partnerships with outside vendors (e.g., traditional universities)
the practice of outsourcing training activities will continue
Senior management will be seeking the OL consultant’s advice on all of these issues. Are you and your organization prepared to address these issues?
Dr. Mike Beitler is the author of the book "Strategic Organizational Learning." Read 3 free chapters of the book right now at http://www.strategic-organizational-learning.com/.
Long Term Care Insurance From A Solid Provider
by: Ivon T. Hughes
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan will start a new company that will offer long term care insurance policies beginning in July 2006 and concentrate on providing long-term care services to individuals.
The individual policies would include coverage for assisted living and nursing care but there would be no group coverage products available.
CHRONIC ILLNESSES CAN BE COVERED BY LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE
Unlike traditional medical insurance coverage, long term care coverage helps patients address chronic illnesses and disabilities that employer policies and Medicare don't cover. They usually include meals and help with daily activities such as bathing and getting dressed. This will help protect them as the average cost of nursing home care is more than $50,000 a year, according to the AARP.
U.S. Census data suggest that the population of people 65 and older will double to more than 70 million by 2030. Meanwhile the average growth in the number of long term care policies has been 18% a year.
COMPANY WILL GO NATIONAL WITH ITS LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE
The new company expects to have 12 employees the first year and expects to expand its long term care business to other states.
Currently, there are about 100 insurance companies, across the nation that sell long term health insurance products. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, which provides health care benefits to 4.7 million members, will be the sole investor in the newly formed company.
"What you will see, traditionally, is that there have been several companies that offer such products," said Mohit Ghose, a spokesman for America's Health Insurance Plans, a Washington, D.C. based healthcare association representing 1,300 member insurance companies. "I think more choice for consumers is always a good thing."
Ivon T. Hughes of The Hughes Trustco Group is a licensed Insurance Broker. Author of The Life Insurance Handbook. Get a FREE Copy TODAY!
Email: info@trustco.ca
Web: http://www.hughestrustco.com
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan will start a new company that will offer long term care insurance policies beginning in July 2006 and concentrate on providing long-term care services to individuals.
The individual policies would include coverage for assisted living and nursing care but there would be no group coverage products available.
CHRONIC ILLNESSES CAN BE COVERED BY LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE
Unlike traditional medical insurance coverage, long term care coverage helps patients address chronic illnesses and disabilities that employer policies and Medicare don't cover. They usually include meals and help with daily activities such as bathing and getting dressed. This will help protect them as the average cost of nursing home care is more than $50,000 a year, according to the AARP.
U.S. Census data suggest that the population of people 65 and older will double to more than 70 million by 2030. Meanwhile the average growth in the number of long term care policies has been 18% a year.
COMPANY WILL GO NATIONAL WITH ITS LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE
The new company expects to have 12 employees the first year and expects to expand its long term care business to other states.
Currently, there are about 100 insurance companies, across the nation that sell long term health insurance products. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, which provides health care benefits to 4.7 million members, will be the sole investor in the newly formed company.
"What you will see, traditionally, is that there have been several companies that offer such products," said Mohit Ghose, a spokesman for America's Health Insurance Plans, a Washington, D.C. based healthcare association representing 1,300 member insurance companies. "I think more choice for consumers is always a good thing."
Ivon T. Hughes of The Hughes Trustco Group is a licensed Insurance Broker. Author of The Life Insurance Handbook. Get a FREE Copy TODAY!
Email: info@trustco.ca
Web: http://www.hughestrustco.com
Turn Your Customer Complaint into a Positive
by: Jay Conners
The last thing we want to hear during our work day is complaints from customers. However, it does come with the territory. Here are a few tips on how to turn your customer’s complaint into a positive.
1. Listen
When a customer comes to you with a complaint about one of your products or services, listen to them. Listen to what they are telling you, and take notes if at all possible.
The number one thing a customer wants when they have a problem is for someone to listen to them.
Allow them to vent, let them get it all out. Once they have explained their problem in full, begin to ask any questions you may have to get a full handle on the situation.
While you are listening, body language is very important. Make sure you maintain eye contact. This sends your customer a message that you are taking them seriously.
2. Be Empathetic
When the customer is done explaining their problem, show sincerity by telling them that you understand how they feel. Apologize on behalf of the company that they feel the way they do, and tell them that you are committed to resolving their issue within the guidelines of your company.
By becoming defensive in this situation, you are taking a bad situation and making it worse.
By having an understanding of where your customer is coming from on the situation, and speaking in a calm tone of voice, you can clearly defuse the situation.
You don’t by any means want your customer to become angry and cause a scene.
3. Offer a Solution.
We have all heard the expression “the customer is always right.”
I don’t necessarily agree with this, but it is important to work toward finding a solution, even if the customer is in the wrong. For instance, you might try meeting them half way.
You will know wether or not your customer is a repeat offender, and you can handle the situation accordingly.
For customers who have a legitimate complaint, it is best to rectify the situation right then and there. Wether it is giving them their money back, or replacing their product.
Always leave your customer with your business card and tell them if they should ever have a problem again, they should not hesitate to contact you immediately. This will help them regain their confidence in you and your company.
The main goal when a customer has a complaint is to not allow the problem to snowball. Your objective should be to defuse the situation and retain your customer.
By handling tough situations such as these in a professional manner, you will find your once complaining customers satisfied that you resolved their issue, and a new found respect for you.
This article may be reproduced by anyone at any time, as long as the authors name and reference links are kept in tact and active.
Jay Conners has more than fifteen years of experience in the banking and Mortgage Industry, He is the owner of http://www.jconners.com, a mortgage resource site, he is also the owner of http://www.callprospect.com, a mortgage lead company.
The last thing we want to hear during our work day is complaints from customers. However, it does come with the territory. Here are a few tips on how to turn your customer’s complaint into a positive.
1. Listen
When a customer comes to you with a complaint about one of your products or services, listen to them. Listen to what they are telling you, and take notes if at all possible.
The number one thing a customer wants when they have a problem is for someone to listen to them.
Allow them to vent, let them get it all out. Once they have explained their problem in full, begin to ask any questions you may have to get a full handle on the situation.
While you are listening, body language is very important. Make sure you maintain eye contact. This sends your customer a message that you are taking them seriously.
2. Be Empathetic
When the customer is done explaining their problem, show sincerity by telling them that you understand how they feel. Apologize on behalf of the company that they feel the way they do, and tell them that you are committed to resolving their issue within the guidelines of your company.
By becoming defensive in this situation, you are taking a bad situation and making it worse.
By having an understanding of where your customer is coming from on the situation, and speaking in a calm tone of voice, you can clearly defuse the situation.
You don’t by any means want your customer to become angry and cause a scene.
3. Offer a Solution.
We have all heard the expression “the customer is always right.”
I don’t necessarily agree with this, but it is important to work toward finding a solution, even if the customer is in the wrong. For instance, you might try meeting them half way.
You will know wether or not your customer is a repeat offender, and you can handle the situation accordingly.
For customers who have a legitimate complaint, it is best to rectify the situation right then and there. Wether it is giving them their money back, or replacing their product.
Always leave your customer with your business card and tell them if they should ever have a problem again, they should not hesitate to contact you immediately. This will help them regain their confidence in you and your company.
The main goal when a customer has a complaint is to not allow the problem to snowball. Your objective should be to defuse the situation and retain your customer.
By handling tough situations such as these in a professional manner, you will find your once complaining customers satisfied that you resolved their issue, and a new found respect for you.
This article may be reproduced by anyone at any time, as long as the authors name and reference links are kept in tact and active.
Jay Conners has more than fifteen years of experience in the banking and Mortgage Industry, He is the owner of http://www.jconners.com, a mortgage resource site, he is also the owner of http://www.callprospect.com, a mortgage lead company.
Double Your MLM Earnings
by: Tony Luck
Network marketing, also known as multi level marketing (or MLM), comes in many forms. One of the most popular network marketing methods is selling by brochure, and one of the biggest companies using this method is Avon, the worldwide cosmetics company. The Avon rep distributes her brochures around the neighborhood, collects them again in a few days together with the orders, and, at the end of the 3 week campaign, she passes her orders to Avon. After a few days the orders arrive, she (or he!) delivers the orders, collects her money and, after deducting her commission, pays the remainder of the money to Avon.
If you are distributing brochures in this way there is a good way to double the money you make.
Around ninety five percent of the time taken to sell through brochures is spent traveling from house to house. When you get to the house, instead of placing one brochure in the postbox, try two different ones! It takes very little extra work and can result in double the sales.
It seems so obvious yet so few people do this, there are certainly none in our area or where my friends and family live. Instead people deliver just the one, maybe feeling some sort of loyalty to the company producing the brochure – ‘I’m an Avon Lady’ or whatever. That’s OK, but how about loyalty to you and your family? You owe it to yourself and your loved ones to maximize your income.
Of course there is no point delivering two brochures that sell the same or similar things. But there are different ones available: Avon is well known for its cosmetics, and there are various other ones: vitamins, household goods etc.
Two different brochures will bring you more money, and don’t forget your down lines: your team members will be happier if their earnings increase and they will be more likely to stay in your team. Think double!
Tony Luck runs an Avon network marketing team with his wife Katy. Together they have a team of over 20 built up over the last 4 months. To see if you could benefit from joining Avon, visit their website http://www.avon-recruitment.co.uk
Network marketing, also known as multi level marketing (or MLM), comes in many forms. One of the most popular network marketing methods is selling by brochure, and one of the biggest companies using this method is Avon, the worldwide cosmetics company. The Avon rep distributes her brochures around the neighborhood, collects them again in a few days together with the orders, and, at the end of the 3 week campaign, she passes her orders to Avon. After a few days the orders arrive, she (or he!) delivers the orders, collects her money and, after deducting her commission, pays the remainder of the money to Avon.
If you are distributing brochures in this way there is a good way to double the money you make.
Around ninety five percent of the time taken to sell through brochures is spent traveling from house to house. When you get to the house, instead of placing one brochure in the postbox, try two different ones! It takes very little extra work and can result in double the sales.
It seems so obvious yet so few people do this, there are certainly none in our area or where my friends and family live. Instead people deliver just the one, maybe feeling some sort of loyalty to the company producing the brochure – ‘I’m an Avon Lady’ or whatever. That’s OK, but how about loyalty to you and your family? You owe it to yourself and your loved ones to maximize your income.
Of course there is no point delivering two brochures that sell the same or similar things. But there are different ones available: Avon is well known for its cosmetics, and there are various other ones: vitamins, household goods etc.
Two different brochures will bring you more money, and don’t forget your down lines: your team members will be happier if their earnings increase and they will be more likely to stay in your team. Think double!
Tony Luck runs an Avon network marketing team with his wife Katy. Together they have a team of over 20 built up over the last 4 months. To see if you could benefit from joining Avon, visit their website http://www.avon-recruitment.co.uk
How To Find a Good Small Business Phone System?
by: Jeff Schuman II
Do you find yourself running a small business with difficulty getting to every call? When running a small business people often feel that simply putting in a separate business line away from the home line will be good enough. It’s just a matter of time, however, that you’ll realize that one separate line is just not good enough to get to every call and to get messages from every call. With the help of a small business phone system you can take phone calls as if you’re actually in a true work office.
There are small business phone systems of all sizes for different home businesses, whether it is just you working at your home or a small business that is closer related to an actual business. There are numerous different options to allow you to get what fits your business best. You can choose from how many central office lines and extensions the phone has, whether the system is advanced enough to work with answering machines, cordless phones, fax machines and computer modems without the need for additional cards or modules, and whether you want voice mail expansion or not.
The options are endless and the accessories that can be added to the different models of phone systems help bring your system to the quality of a high end business company. The small business phone systems can become quite pricy depending on how much you add and how high quality of a model you choose, but as soon as you buy one you’ll realize what you’ve been missing out on.
Panasonic has a great website selling numerous different models and accessories to phone systems. For a basic home business, Panasonic has a backlit Three-Line LCD speakerphone selling at $219.99. This system includes three separate lines, 24 programmable buttons to allow you to program features such as speed-dial phone numbers, an intercom, transfer buttons, hold key, and much more.
There are many other models in between the lines, but the top of the line speakerphone system from Panasonic sells for $999.99. What this comes with is six central office lines with 16 extensions, plus an expansion of three central office lines and eight extensions. The touch-tone single line phones allow you to access call transfer, conference calling, hold, intercom, and many more features. You can have up to 100 speed-dial numbers programmed and personal speed-dial allows each extension up to 10 speed-dial numbers. These two small business phone systems and many more can be found at:
http://www.smarthome.com/5211.html
As mentioned earlier, these phone systems can become quite pricy. One thing that this website does offer are open box buys. These are items that function completely fine, but have been returned, used as demo products, or have missing or damaged packaging. While all sales are final, the offers can save you up to 75%. An example of the great deal is a 32-mailbox voice processing system that originally sales for $699.99 that you can purchase for just $499.99, just because it may have been used as a demo.
Yes, it is expensive you might say for just a phone. However, starting a business isn’t always going to be cheap. Just remember that in order to make money you’re going to have to spend a little money as well. With the help of a small business phone system you’ll be on your way to receiving numerous calls, helping your small business proceed to success.
Jeff Schuman II
Small business grants and small business resources to help you start and run your own small business. Small business training, information, articles, loans and more.
http://www.sites-plus.com
Do you find yourself running a small business with difficulty getting to every call? When running a small business people often feel that simply putting in a separate business line away from the home line will be good enough. It’s just a matter of time, however, that you’ll realize that one separate line is just not good enough to get to every call and to get messages from every call. With the help of a small business phone system you can take phone calls as if you’re actually in a true work office.
There are small business phone systems of all sizes for different home businesses, whether it is just you working at your home or a small business that is closer related to an actual business. There are numerous different options to allow you to get what fits your business best. You can choose from how many central office lines and extensions the phone has, whether the system is advanced enough to work with answering machines, cordless phones, fax machines and computer modems without the need for additional cards or modules, and whether you want voice mail expansion or not.
The options are endless and the accessories that can be added to the different models of phone systems help bring your system to the quality of a high end business company. The small business phone systems can become quite pricy depending on how much you add and how high quality of a model you choose, but as soon as you buy one you’ll realize what you’ve been missing out on.
Panasonic has a great website selling numerous different models and accessories to phone systems. For a basic home business, Panasonic has a backlit Three-Line LCD speakerphone selling at $219.99. This system includes three separate lines, 24 programmable buttons to allow you to program features such as speed-dial phone numbers, an intercom, transfer buttons, hold key, and much more.
There are many other models in between the lines, but the top of the line speakerphone system from Panasonic sells for $999.99. What this comes with is six central office lines with 16 extensions, plus an expansion of three central office lines and eight extensions. The touch-tone single line phones allow you to access call transfer, conference calling, hold, intercom, and many more features. You can have up to 100 speed-dial numbers programmed and personal speed-dial allows each extension up to 10 speed-dial numbers. These two small business phone systems and many more can be found at:
http://www.smarthome.com/5211.html
As mentioned earlier, these phone systems can become quite pricy. One thing that this website does offer are open box buys. These are items that function completely fine, but have been returned, used as demo products, or have missing or damaged packaging. While all sales are final, the offers can save you up to 75%. An example of the great deal is a 32-mailbox voice processing system that originally sales for $699.99 that you can purchase for just $499.99, just because it may have been used as a demo.
Yes, it is expensive you might say for just a phone. However, starting a business isn’t always going to be cheap. Just remember that in order to make money you’re going to have to spend a little money as well. With the help of a small business phone system you’ll be on your way to receiving numerous calls, helping your small business proceed to success.
Jeff Schuman II
Small business grants and small business resources to help you start and run your own small business. Small business training, information, articles, loans and more.
http://www.sites-plus.com
What Are We Teaching PR Students?
by: Robert A. Kelly
How to do brochures, throw parties, talk to reporters and write press releases? Or, are we teaching them what PR’s fundamental premise says we should be teaching them?
In so many words, whether they go to work for a business, non-profit, government agency or association, students will soon discover that people act on their own perception of the facts before them, which leads to predictable behaviors about which something can be done. When we create, change or reinforce that opinion by reaching, persuading and moving-to-desired-action the very people whose behaviors affect the organization the most, the public relations mission is usually accomplished.
Which is why, after public relations students digest THAT basic touchstone, they should be made aware that, as future managers, their core public relations mission will be to pull together the resources and action planning they need to alter individual perception leading to changed behaviors among their most important outside audiences.
But that’s not all! Then PR students should learn that they will have to persuade those key folks to his or her way of thinking, then move them to take actions that allow their subsidiary, division, department, group or office to succeed.
What we want for our new crop of PR students is the knowledge that the right public relations planning really CAN alter individual perception and lead to changed behaviors among the very outside audiences who will help them succeed as managers.
Should you find yourself explaining the role of public relations, you must ask your audience to remember that their PR efforts will demand more than the use of special events, news releases and talk show tactics if they are to receive the quality public relations results they deserve.
As to the results they can expect, tell them how glad they’ll be that they took your advice when capital givers or specifying sources begin to look their way; customers start to make repeat purchases; membership applications begin to rise; new proposals for strategic alliances and joint ventures start showing up; politicians and legislators begin looking at them as key members of the business, non-profit or association communities; new bounces in show room visits occur; prospects actually start to do business with them; and community leaders begin to seek them out.
Discuss with your audience why it’s SO important to know how your most important outside audiences perceive your operations, products or services. Above all, be sure they really believe that perceptions almost always result in behaviors that can help or hurt their operation.
Go over with them the need for monitoring and gathering perceptions by questioning members of their most important outside audiences. Have them ask questions like these: how much do you know about our organization? Have you had prior contact with us and were you pleased with the interchange? Are you familiar with our services or products and employees? Have you experienced problems with our people or procedures?
They should learn that the cost of using professional survey firms to do the opinion gathering work will be considerably more than using their PR colleagues who are already in the perception business. But whether it’s their people or a survey firm asking the questions, the objective remains the same: identify untruths, false assumptions, unfounded rumors, inaccuracies, misconceptions and any other negative perception that might translate into hurtful behaviors.
Public relations students need to know that here they must establish a goal calling for action on the most serious problem areas they uncovered during their key audience perception monitoring. Will that goal be to straighten out a dangerous misconception? Correct a gross inaccuracy? Or, stop a potentially painful rumor before it really gets started?
An equally important lesson is this. Setting a PR goal requires an equally specific strategy that tells you how to get there. Only three strategic options are available to you when it comes to doing something about perception and opinion. Change existing perception, create perception where there may be none, or reinforce it. The wrong strategy pick will taste like mushroom gravy on your pumpkin pie, so be sure your new strategy fits well with your new public relations goal. You certainly don’t want to select “change” when the facts dictate a strategy of reinforcement.
Most students of public relations already know the importance of good writing. Explain to them that now is the time that good writing comes to the fore. They must prepare a persuasive message that will help move their key audience to their way of thinking. It must be a carefully-written message targeted directly at their key external audience. They must come up with really corrective language that is not merely compelling, persuasive and believable, but clear and factual if they are to shift perception/opinion towards their point of view and lead to the behaviors they have in mind.
This step many of your students will find especially interesting. They must now select the communications tactics most likely to carry their message to the attention of their target audience. There are many available. From speeches, facility tours, emails and brochures to consumer briefings, media interviews, newsletters, personal meetings and many others. But be certain that the tactics they pick are known to reach folks just like their audience members.
Another reality PR students need to know is that the credibility of any message is fragile, so how they communicate it is also a concern. Which is why they may wish to unveil their corrective message before smaller meetings and presentations rather than using higher-profile news releases.
As always, the need for a progress report should cause them to begin a second perception monitoring session with members of their external audience. Fortunately, they’ll want to use many of the same questions used in the benchmark session. But now, they will be on strict alert for signs that the bad news perception is being altered in their direction.
Reassure your student audience that, should program momentum slow, they can always speed things up by adding more communications tactics as well as increasing their frequencies.
Students everywhere need reassurance that they’re on the right track, and future business, non-profit, government and association managers getting their first exposure to PR are no different. What they need to know about public relations are three realities.
First, as outlined above, they must marshall the resources and action planning needed to alter individual perception leading to changed behaviors among their most important outside audiences.
Second, they must help persuade those key folks to his or her way of thinking.
And third, move them to take actions that allow their division, subsidiary, department, group or office to succeed.
end
Please feel free to publish this article and resource box in your ezine, newsletter, offline publication or website. A copy would be appreciated at bobkelly@TNI.net Word count is 1245 including guidelines and resource box.
Robert A. Kelly © 2005.
Robert A. Kelly
Bob Kelly counsels and writes for business, non-profit, government and association managers about using the fundamental premise of public relations to achieve their operating objectives. He has published over 200 articles on the subject which are listed at EzineArticles.com, click Expert Author, click Robert A. Kelly. He has been DPR, Pepsi-Cola Co.; AGM-PR, Texaco Inc.; VP-PR, Olin Corp.; VP-PR, Newport News Shipbuilding & Drydock Co.; director of communications, U.S. Department of the Interior, and deputy assistant press secretary, The White House. He holds a bachelor of science degree from Columbia University, major in public relations.
mailto:bobkelly@TNI.net
Visit:www.PRCommentary.com
How to do brochures, throw parties, talk to reporters and write press releases? Or, are we teaching them what PR’s fundamental premise says we should be teaching them?
In so many words, whether they go to work for a business, non-profit, government agency or association, students will soon discover that people act on their own perception of the facts before them, which leads to predictable behaviors about which something can be done. When we create, change or reinforce that opinion by reaching, persuading and moving-to-desired-action the very people whose behaviors affect the organization the most, the public relations mission is usually accomplished.
Which is why, after public relations students digest THAT basic touchstone, they should be made aware that, as future managers, their core public relations mission will be to pull together the resources and action planning they need to alter individual perception leading to changed behaviors among their most important outside audiences.
But that’s not all! Then PR students should learn that they will have to persuade those key folks to his or her way of thinking, then move them to take actions that allow their subsidiary, division, department, group or office to succeed.
What we want for our new crop of PR students is the knowledge that the right public relations planning really CAN alter individual perception and lead to changed behaviors among the very outside audiences who will help them succeed as managers.
Should you find yourself explaining the role of public relations, you must ask your audience to remember that their PR efforts will demand more than the use of special events, news releases and talk show tactics if they are to receive the quality public relations results they deserve.
As to the results they can expect, tell them how glad they’ll be that they took your advice when capital givers or specifying sources begin to look their way; customers start to make repeat purchases; membership applications begin to rise; new proposals for strategic alliances and joint ventures start showing up; politicians and legislators begin looking at them as key members of the business, non-profit or association communities; new bounces in show room visits occur; prospects actually start to do business with them; and community leaders begin to seek them out.
Discuss with your audience why it’s SO important to know how your most important outside audiences perceive your operations, products or services. Above all, be sure they really believe that perceptions almost always result in behaviors that can help or hurt their operation.
Go over with them the need for monitoring and gathering perceptions by questioning members of their most important outside audiences. Have them ask questions like these: how much do you know about our organization? Have you had prior contact with us and were you pleased with the interchange? Are you familiar with our services or products and employees? Have you experienced problems with our people or procedures?
They should learn that the cost of using professional survey firms to do the opinion gathering work will be considerably more than using their PR colleagues who are already in the perception business. But whether it’s their people or a survey firm asking the questions, the objective remains the same: identify untruths, false assumptions, unfounded rumors, inaccuracies, misconceptions and any other negative perception that might translate into hurtful behaviors.
Public relations students need to know that here they must establish a goal calling for action on the most serious problem areas they uncovered during their key audience perception monitoring. Will that goal be to straighten out a dangerous misconception? Correct a gross inaccuracy? Or, stop a potentially painful rumor before it really gets started?
An equally important lesson is this. Setting a PR goal requires an equally specific strategy that tells you how to get there. Only three strategic options are available to you when it comes to doing something about perception and opinion. Change existing perception, create perception where there may be none, or reinforce it. The wrong strategy pick will taste like mushroom gravy on your pumpkin pie, so be sure your new strategy fits well with your new public relations goal. You certainly don’t want to select “change” when the facts dictate a strategy of reinforcement.
Most students of public relations already know the importance of good writing. Explain to them that now is the time that good writing comes to the fore. They must prepare a persuasive message that will help move their key audience to their way of thinking. It must be a carefully-written message targeted directly at their key external audience. They must come up with really corrective language that is not merely compelling, persuasive and believable, but clear and factual if they are to shift perception/opinion towards their point of view and lead to the behaviors they have in mind.
This step many of your students will find especially interesting. They must now select the communications tactics most likely to carry their message to the attention of their target audience. There are many available. From speeches, facility tours, emails and brochures to consumer briefings, media interviews, newsletters, personal meetings and many others. But be certain that the tactics they pick are known to reach folks just like their audience members.
Another reality PR students need to know is that the credibility of any message is fragile, so how they communicate it is also a concern. Which is why they may wish to unveil their corrective message before smaller meetings and presentations rather than using higher-profile news releases.
As always, the need for a progress report should cause them to begin a second perception monitoring session with members of their external audience. Fortunately, they’ll want to use many of the same questions used in the benchmark session. But now, they will be on strict alert for signs that the bad news perception is being altered in their direction.
Reassure your student audience that, should program momentum slow, they can always speed things up by adding more communications tactics as well as increasing their frequencies.
Students everywhere need reassurance that they’re on the right track, and future business, non-profit, government and association managers getting their first exposure to PR are no different. What they need to know about public relations are three realities.
First, as outlined above, they must marshall the resources and action planning needed to alter individual perception leading to changed behaviors among their most important outside audiences.
Second, they must help persuade those key folks to his or her way of thinking.
And third, move them to take actions that allow their division, subsidiary, department, group or office to succeed.
end
Please feel free to publish this article and resource box in your ezine, newsletter, offline publication or website. A copy would be appreciated at bobkelly@TNI.net Word count is 1245 including guidelines and resource box.
Robert A. Kelly © 2005.
Robert A. Kelly
Bob Kelly counsels and writes for business, non-profit, government and association managers about using the fundamental premise of public relations to achieve their operating objectives. He has published over 200 articles on the subject which are listed at EzineArticles.com, click Expert Author, click Robert A. Kelly. He has been DPR, Pepsi-Cola Co.; AGM-PR, Texaco Inc.; VP-PR, Olin Corp.; VP-PR, Newport News Shipbuilding & Drydock Co.; director of communications, U.S. Department of the Interior, and deputy assistant press secretary, The White House. He holds a bachelor of science degree from Columbia University, major in public relations.
mailto:bobkelly@TNI.net
Visit:www.PRCommentary.com
Tips on How to Apply for a Credit Card
by: Morgan Hamilton
Deciding to apply for a credit card is not a decision you should take lightly. Many stores try to get you to impulsively apply at the register, and you should never agree. Credit cards can affect your financial situation for years so you should certainly think before you act. If you want to apply for a credit card, there are a few steps you should take beforehand.
Evaluation
Before you apply for a credit card, you should do an evaluation of your finances. Get a free credit report and make sure everything is accurate. You will want to know what your credit score is so you will know which cards to look at when you apply for a credit card. If there is anything unusual or incorrect on your credit report, deal with it immediately. Many people never look at their credit report, and therefore have no idea what may or may not be on it. It is important to clear up anything incorrect on your credit report before you apply for a credit card.
Research
After getting everything strait with your credit report, you should begin researching. Research cards that fit your credit score. Make a list of important characteristics you want in a credit card. Look for the best deals in several areas. Before you apply for a credit card, you should make sure you understand everything about the card and the company’s policies. Look at the interest rates, rewards programs, and other characteristics.
Be wary of great introductory offers. When you apply for a credit card, many companies will offer you fantastic introductory deals. It is great to take advantage of these deals, however you should be sure that the terms won’t change unexpectedly after the introductory offer time period is over. For example, you will need to know what the interest rate will be after the offer before you apply for a credit card.
Conclusion
Once you find several credit cards with terms that you understand and like, categorize them by your choice. Apply to one at a time. If you only need one card and apply to three, you run the chance of getting approved for all three. This will not only reflect on your credit report, but also give you the inconvenience of canceling two of them. So, be patient and wait for a response.
When you apply for a credit card, you are vowing that you will be responsible financially. Deciding to apply for a credit card means that you know you will be able to pay the balance off in a timely manner. If you are not sure of your ability to pay, you should never apply for a credit card. Be responsible, examine, and research before applying!
Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Credit Cards.
Get the information you are seeking now by visiting http://www.Find-Cards-Now.com
Deciding to apply for a credit card is not a decision you should take lightly. Many stores try to get you to impulsively apply at the register, and you should never agree. Credit cards can affect your financial situation for years so you should certainly think before you act. If you want to apply for a credit card, there are a few steps you should take beforehand.
Evaluation
Before you apply for a credit card, you should do an evaluation of your finances. Get a free credit report and make sure everything is accurate. You will want to know what your credit score is so you will know which cards to look at when you apply for a credit card. If there is anything unusual or incorrect on your credit report, deal with it immediately. Many people never look at their credit report, and therefore have no idea what may or may not be on it. It is important to clear up anything incorrect on your credit report before you apply for a credit card.
Research
After getting everything strait with your credit report, you should begin researching. Research cards that fit your credit score. Make a list of important characteristics you want in a credit card. Look for the best deals in several areas. Before you apply for a credit card, you should make sure you understand everything about the card and the company’s policies. Look at the interest rates, rewards programs, and other characteristics.
Be wary of great introductory offers. When you apply for a credit card, many companies will offer you fantastic introductory deals. It is great to take advantage of these deals, however you should be sure that the terms won’t change unexpectedly after the introductory offer time period is over. For example, you will need to know what the interest rate will be after the offer before you apply for a credit card.
Conclusion
Once you find several credit cards with terms that you understand and like, categorize them by your choice. Apply to one at a time. If you only need one card and apply to three, you run the chance of getting approved for all three. This will not only reflect on your credit report, but also give you the inconvenience of canceling two of them. So, be patient and wait for a response.
When you apply for a credit card, you are vowing that you will be responsible financially. Deciding to apply for a credit card means that you know you will be able to pay the balance off in a timely manner. If you are not sure of your ability to pay, you should never apply for a credit card. Be responsible, examine, and research before applying!
Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Credit Cards.
Get the information you are seeking now by visiting http://www.Find-Cards-Now.com
How to Use and Select Stock Photography Services
by: Roy Barker
There are two main types of photography to sell, that is assignment photography and Stock Photography. Assignment photography is taking photographs of a predetermined event, and stock Photography is taking photographs in the hope that you will be able to find a future buyer. Most professional photographers take both types, the weddings and portraits take care of immediate bills, as they command a higher price, because they are generally only of interest to a limited number of people. There are exceptions like being hired for a specific assignment to photograph an Olympic Event, and then being able to sell that photograph Internationally. In general, stock photographs command a lower price, but they are more saleable to a wider base.
Stock photographs’ are generally sold on the Internet through what is known as “Stock Libraries”. They generally all work on a very similar system, you take photographs and submit them to a stock library and they sell them to interested parties such as travel brochure companies, advertising agents, book publishers. This way of marketing photographs has distinct advantages, if you are a part time freelancer, or have just started your own business. Either way you are probably too busy making portfolios, and taking pictures to market them. Another factor, which makes this method of marketing advantageous, is that when you are starting you do not have the network of contacts to market your photographs. Added to that there are some people who won’t or can’t perfect their marketing skills.
A downside of this marketing method is that there is a little more to it than taking photographs and waiting for the Royalty cheques to come in. Most stock libraries, will want to re-caption your pictures to fit in with their image, this can be a time consuming process and it can take months to get them online. Like many aspects of selling it is a “numbers game”, the more photographs you have available to sell the more you are likely to sell. This is a fairly general aspect of marketing, but it is more specific in this instance, as prospective buyers may look at other images, if they like one particular one. Because of the time factor of getting your work to the buyers or the public, many stock libraries, have insisted on a minimum contract, which means that they typically ask to retain your work for a minimum of two years.
Some of the stock libraries are general and some are more specific. Marine Themes obviously specialise in underwater photography, and they scan and correct all their images before sale. They are then color corrected to ensure that any prints will be the best quality. All this takes time, to get the images actually for sale on the Internet. The benefit is that marine photography is highly specialised, and this process does increase your chances to merchandise your work.
In the past the market was limited to buyers who were sent colour brochures and made their selection from them, now the market is expanding, as many libraries have widened their sales base by allowing customer’s to make their purchases directly on line. This factor alone has increased the numbers game the more people who have access, the more who are likely to buy. Some stock libraries are general and some are highly specific such as South African images. Some cover specialist areas such as marine photography, or nature.
So how do you choose the stock library that will be the most beneficial to you? There are independent reports covering the various strengths and weaknesses. The annual Freelance Photographer's Market Handbook in the UK features a section on stock libraries and is an excellent reference guide. Some of the stock libraries have been established for ten years. They have hundreds of photographer’s and hundreds of thousands of images. As a result of this they may be reluctant to take on new clients. However if you have a large portfolio available immediately it may be worth trying one of the older companies. However you will be competing with established photographers who have built up a client base. Many of the new companies have less than a hundred photographers and you will start by being a bigger fish in a smaller pond.
At the end of the day, the choice has to be your personal decision, and there is nothing to stop you from registering with more than one library. Whilst the market is growing and will continue to grow to encompass on line sales, remember to consider that sales from a printed catalogue will be important for a while, and it may be advantageous for you to choose a library with a well referenced catalogue.
Every stock library has different terms and conditions. In general most give you a straight 50% of the earnings. However some do let the images go into the hands of “sub agents”, and they will expect an additional cut from any sales. Read your contract well before you sign and beware of copyright issues. Normally when the photograph is sold the buyer is issued with a license number, which only allows them to use the image the once. You minimise your royalties if you allow a buyer to pay once and then get multiple uses out of it.
All in all if you are prepared to look at your market strategy over a long period of time, stock libraries offer you an option. There are forums for professional photographers that do address the issue, and it may be worth you looking into othe peoples style and work. Here are some I recommend you look into and consider selling your stock through:- PhotoStockPlus and Photo.com
There are also available a huge number of royalty free sites. You may question why buyer’s would consider paying for an image whilst they can obtain other’s free? The answer here is that royalty free photographs don’t make them free, you do purchase them, but you have the rights to re-use the stock photos and CDs for as many different projects and clients as you wish without paying further licensing fees.
Publisher & Author: Roy Barker. Roy specializes in profitable photography solutions for passionate and keen photographers. A whole world awaits keen eyes, imagination and some get up and go. Find out how you can easily expand your passion and skills in photography into a profitable career at www.photo-photography-resource.com/
There are two main types of photography to sell, that is assignment photography and Stock Photography. Assignment photography is taking photographs of a predetermined event, and stock Photography is taking photographs in the hope that you will be able to find a future buyer. Most professional photographers take both types, the weddings and portraits take care of immediate bills, as they command a higher price, because they are generally only of interest to a limited number of people. There are exceptions like being hired for a specific assignment to photograph an Olympic Event, and then being able to sell that photograph Internationally. In general, stock photographs command a lower price, but they are more saleable to a wider base.
Stock photographs’ are generally sold on the Internet through what is known as “Stock Libraries”. They generally all work on a very similar system, you take photographs and submit them to a stock library and they sell them to interested parties such as travel brochure companies, advertising agents, book publishers. This way of marketing photographs has distinct advantages, if you are a part time freelancer, or have just started your own business. Either way you are probably too busy making portfolios, and taking pictures to market them. Another factor, which makes this method of marketing advantageous, is that when you are starting you do not have the network of contacts to market your photographs. Added to that there are some people who won’t or can’t perfect their marketing skills.
A downside of this marketing method is that there is a little more to it than taking photographs and waiting for the Royalty cheques to come in. Most stock libraries, will want to re-caption your pictures to fit in with their image, this can be a time consuming process and it can take months to get them online. Like many aspects of selling it is a “numbers game”, the more photographs you have available to sell the more you are likely to sell. This is a fairly general aspect of marketing, but it is more specific in this instance, as prospective buyers may look at other images, if they like one particular one. Because of the time factor of getting your work to the buyers or the public, many stock libraries, have insisted on a minimum contract, which means that they typically ask to retain your work for a minimum of two years.
Some of the stock libraries are general and some are more specific. Marine Themes obviously specialise in underwater photography, and they scan and correct all their images before sale. They are then color corrected to ensure that any prints will be the best quality. All this takes time, to get the images actually for sale on the Internet. The benefit is that marine photography is highly specialised, and this process does increase your chances to merchandise your work.
In the past the market was limited to buyers who were sent colour brochures and made their selection from them, now the market is expanding, as many libraries have widened their sales base by allowing customer’s to make their purchases directly on line. This factor alone has increased the numbers game the more people who have access, the more who are likely to buy. Some stock libraries are general and some are highly specific such as South African images. Some cover specialist areas such as marine photography, or nature.
So how do you choose the stock library that will be the most beneficial to you? There are independent reports covering the various strengths and weaknesses. The annual Freelance Photographer's Market Handbook in the UK features a section on stock libraries and is an excellent reference guide. Some of the stock libraries have been established for ten years. They have hundreds of photographer’s and hundreds of thousands of images. As a result of this they may be reluctant to take on new clients. However if you have a large portfolio available immediately it may be worth trying one of the older companies. However you will be competing with established photographers who have built up a client base. Many of the new companies have less than a hundred photographers and you will start by being a bigger fish in a smaller pond.
At the end of the day, the choice has to be your personal decision, and there is nothing to stop you from registering with more than one library. Whilst the market is growing and will continue to grow to encompass on line sales, remember to consider that sales from a printed catalogue will be important for a while, and it may be advantageous for you to choose a library with a well referenced catalogue.
Every stock library has different terms and conditions. In general most give you a straight 50% of the earnings. However some do let the images go into the hands of “sub agents”, and they will expect an additional cut from any sales. Read your contract well before you sign and beware of copyright issues. Normally when the photograph is sold the buyer is issued with a license number, which only allows them to use the image the once. You minimise your royalties if you allow a buyer to pay once and then get multiple uses out of it.
All in all if you are prepared to look at your market strategy over a long period of time, stock libraries offer you an option. There are forums for professional photographers that do address the issue, and it may be worth you looking into othe peoples style and work. Here are some I recommend you look into and consider selling your stock through:- PhotoStockPlus and Photo.com
There are also available a huge number of royalty free sites. You may question why buyer’s would consider paying for an image whilst they can obtain other’s free? The answer here is that royalty free photographs don’t make them free, you do purchase them, but you have the rights to re-use the stock photos and CDs for as many different projects and clients as you wish without paying further licensing fees.
Publisher & Author: Roy Barker. Roy specializes in profitable photography solutions for passionate and keen photographers. A whole world awaits keen eyes, imagination and some get up and go. Find out how you can easily expand your passion and skills in photography into a profitable career at www.photo-photography-resource.com/
How to Find the Best Credit Cards
by: Morgan Hamilton
Finding the best credit cards in today’s world can be a bit challenging. Although you may receive hundreds of credit card applications in your mailbox each year, not all of them are worth your time and energy. To find the best credit cards, you should use a general checklist when examining each application. By using this checklist you can guarantee that you know exactly what type of credit card you are applying for and what to expect after you are approved.
Fees
Many people sign up for credit cards without realizing they may be overlooking hidden charges. Credit card companies have the right to charge new cardholders a one-time enrollment fee. This fee can cost as much as $40 in some cases. Most of the time this fee is only explained in the tiny print on the back of the application. With most applicants neglecting to read all of the print, they never know about the fee until the first bill arrives.
Another fee that many credit card companies charge is a monthly or yearly cardholder fee. This fee is one that is automatically charged to your credit card each month or year. It is in addition to any finance charges and other fees. It is simply a fee that you pay to have the credit card. Even if you do not make any charges for the entire year, you will still be charged this fee. The best credit cards available are those that have no fees. These “no fee” credit cards can be found if you look and read the applications carefully. Many credit card companies are even beginning to advertise themselves as being “no fee” companies. There is no reason you should pay unnecessary fees when you can get other the best credit cards without fees. So, be sure you are reading the fine print and asking questions before you get a new credit card.
Interest Rates
Anyone who has ever had a credit card knows about interest rates. The best credit cards are those that have a low interest rate. Many credit cards will charge up to 21% interest on all purchases. This makes it very difficult for many cardholders to ever pay off their credit cards. The best credit cards have interest rates lower than 15%. Some credit cards will even allow you a lower interest or no interest on purchases paid off in less than 30 days. It can certainly be to your advantage to use these options some of the best credit cards offer. If you want to try to get your interest rate lowered, simply call your credit card company and request a rate change. If you have been a good cardholder then companies with the best credit cards will take your request seriously. Remember, the best credit cards are not necessary those with the highest spending limit. There are other behind the scenes factors you should certainly consider. Hidden fees and high interest rates can haunt you and your credit for years. Be sure to check these things out before even applying for a new credit card. You will be glad you researched the best credit cards and your pocketbook will be glad as well.
Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Credit Cards.
Get the information you are seeking now by visiting http://www.Find-Cards-Now.com.
Finding the best credit cards in today’s world can be a bit challenging. Although you may receive hundreds of credit card applications in your mailbox each year, not all of them are worth your time and energy. To find the best credit cards, you should use a general checklist when examining each application. By using this checklist you can guarantee that you know exactly what type of credit card you are applying for and what to expect after you are approved.
Fees
Many people sign up for credit cards without realizing they may be overlooking hidden charges. Credit card companies have the right to charge new cardholders a one-time enrollment fee. This fee can cost as much as $40 in some cases. Most of the time this fee is only explained in the tiny print on the back of the application. With most applicants neglecting to read all of the print, they never know about the fee until the first bill arrives.
Another fee that many credit card companies charge is a monthly or yearly cardholder fee. This fee is one that is automatically charged to your credit card each month or year. It is in addition to any finance charges and other fees. It is simply a fee that you pay to have the credit card. Even if you do not make any charges for the entire year, you will still be charged this fee. The best credit cards available are those that have no fees. These “no fee” credit cards can be found if you look and read the applications carefully. Many credit card companies are even beginning to advertise themselves as being “no fee” companies. There is no reason you should pay unnecessary fees when you can get other the best credit cards without fees. So, be sure you are reading the fine print and asking questions before you get a new credit card.
Interest Rates
Anyone who has ever had a credit card knows about interest rates. The best credit cards are those that have a low interest rate. Many credit cards will charge up to 21% interest on all purchases. This makes it very difficult for many cardholders to ever pay off their credit cards. The best credit cards have interest rates lower than 15%. Some credit cards will even allow you a lower interest or no interest on purchases paid off in less than 30 days. It can certainly be to your advantage to use these options some of the best credit cards offer. If you want to try to get your interest rate lowered, simply call your credit card company and request a rate change. If you have been a good cardholder then companies with the best credit cards will take your request seriously. Remember, the best credit cards are not necessary those with the highest spending limit. There are other behind the scenes factors you should certainly consider. Hidden fees and high interest rates can haunt you and your credit for years. Be sure to check these things out before even applying for a new credit card. You will be glad you researched the best credit cards and your pocketbook will be glad as well.
Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Credit Cards.
Get the information you are seeking now by visiting http://www.Find-Cards-Now.com.
How Much Insurance Do I Need?
by: Jeff Lakie
Insurance is a complicated business, and it can be unpleasant to talk about because no one likes talking about death… especially their own death! Because of those two reasons, many people do not think about insurance very much. However, most people should have some kind of insurance.
But how can you tell what kind of insurance you need? It is such as specialized industry, with insurance brokers requiring licenses in order to understand it and sell it, so it can sometimes make you feel like you are at the doctor and you have no idea what the doctor is talking about! What makes matters worse, is that insurance brokers (the only people who know what they're talking about) are usually paid by commission based on the amount they sell. So, while you are likely to get an insurance broker who is a good, ethical person, you might still be concerned that they are overestimating your need.
So how much do you need?
There are two secrets to knowing how much insurance you need:
1. Determine the need. The first is to identify the costs that will be incurred at your death and the expenses that will go on after your death. Cost that will be incurred at your death include estate taxes, funeral costs, and wages that your loved ones will lose as they take time off of work to mourn for you. Costs that will go on after your death are things like, the mortgage on your house, as well as car payments, saving for the children's education, the wages you'll no longer be able to provide to your family.
2. Determine the period. The second step is to identify whether these expenses are short-term expenses are long-term expenses. Temporary expenses are ones that will only cost you money if you die within a certain period of time. Temporary expenses include your children's education and your house and car. It is possible, that these may be paid off before you pass away. However, if you die before they are paid off, it is good to have insurance to cover the rest of the payments. On the other hand, permanent expenses are things that will always be around. For example, your estate taxes, funeral costs, and the wages that your loved ones will lose when they mourn for you are all costs that occur once and they can be paid off… but it doesn't matter when you die, those costs will always be there.
Once you have done these two steps you will have a pretty good idea of how much insurance you need and how long you need it for. Now you are ready to talk to your broker and you'll have a pretty good idea what they're talking about. Bring the list with you and ask them to address each one. They may suggest the more coverage (and sometimes they may suggest less coverage) but having a little bit of knowledge before you make the appointment will give you an advantage and helped you know how much insurance you actually need.
Jeff Lakie is the founder of http://www.my-farmers-insurance.info and http://www.my-home-insurance.info websites providing information on Insurance.
Insurance is a complicated business, and it can be unpleasant to talk about because no one likes talking about death… especially their own death! Because of those two reasons, many people do not think about insurance very much. However, most people should have some kind of insurance.
But how can you tell what kind of insurance you need? It is such as specialized industry, with insurance brokers requiring licenses in order to understand it and sell it, so it can sometimes make you feel like you are at the doctor and you have no idea what the doctor is talking about! What makes matters worse, is that insurance brokers (the only people who know what they're talking about) are usually paid by commission based on the amount they sell. So, while you are likely to get an insurance broker who is a good, ethical person, you might still be concerned that they are overestimating your need.
So how much do you need?
There are two secrets to knowing how much insurance you need:
1. Determine the need. The first is to identify the costs that will be incurred at your death and the expenses that will go on after your death. Cost that will be incurred at your death include estate taxes, funeral costs, and wages that your loved ones will lose as they take time off of work to mourn for you. Costs that will go on after your death are things like, the mortgage on your house, as well as car payments, saving for the children's education, the wages you'll no longer be able to provide to your family.
2. Determine the period. The second step is to identify whether these expenses are short-term expenses are long-term expenses. Temporary expenses are ones that will only cost you money if you die within a certain period of time. Temporary expenses include your children's education and your house and car. It is possible, that these may be paid off before you pass away. However, if you die before they are paid off, it is good to have insurance to cover the rest of the payments. On the other hand, permanent expenses are things that will always be around. For example, your estate taxes, funeral costs, and the wages that your loved ones will lose when they mourn for you are all costs that occur once and they can be paid off… but it doesn't matter when you die, those costs will always be there.
Once you have done these two steps you will have a pretty good idea of how much insurance you need and how long you need it for. Now you are ready to talk to your broker and you'll have a pretty good idea what they're talking about. Bring the list with you and ask them to address each one. They may suggest the more coverage (and sometimes they may suggest less coverage) but having a little bit of knowledge before you make the appointment will give you an advantage and helped you know how much insurance you actually need.
Jeff Lakie is the founder of http://www.my-farmers-insurance.info and http://www.my-home-insurance.info websites providing information on Insurance.
A Guide to Bad Credit Credit Cards
by: Morgan Hamilton
Having less than perfect credit can hurt you and your financial future. One way to get yourself out of the dark hole of credit is by responsibly using a credit card. If you have bad credit and are looking for a credit card, you may want to stick with the bad credit credit cards. Bad credit credit cards are just like regular credit cards, but they are specifically for high risk cardholders.
Since your credit score is low, you are considered high risk to the credit card companies. Bad credit credit cards should be used responsibly however or your situation will just worsen. If you think there is even a possibility of you defaulting on the card, simply don’t even apply. Before applying for bad credit credit cards, be sure to check out the common terms for bad credit credit cards.
Credit Limits
Credit limits on bad credit credit cards are usually relatively low. The highest limit you will usually see is around $1000. This is for your own protection. The lower your limit, the more likely you are to use the card and pay off your balance in a timely manner. It is much more difficult to pay off higher balances. Therefore, don’t think of the low balance as a disadvantage.
APR
Most APR rates on bad credit credit cards are very reasonable. They fall around 10% which is good for a credit card. Try to find cards that hold the lowest interest rate possible. This will help you repay your charges quickly while giving your credit score a positive boost.
Fees
Although typically annual fees on credit cards should be avoiding, with bad credit credit cards, they are standard. Bad credit credit cards often charge annual fees of up to $50 or more. This is a protective act for the credit card company. It may be something you simply must accept if your credit score is low and you need a credit card.
Another fee you may encounter is an enrollment fee. Again, this is something no one with good credit should ever accept. However, with bad credit credit cards, the enrollment fee is common.
Credit Bureau Reporting
Make sure than any bad credit credit card you apply for reports to all of the major credit bureaus. This will help you regain good credit. You don’t want to pay diligently on a card that cannot help your credit. You may have to call customer support ahead of time to ask this question, but it is worth your attention.
Bad credit credit cards can be just the things that save your credit. If you want to boost your credit, then consider getting one of these unique cards. Just remember to spend and repay responsibly. In no time you can have your credit looking 100% better!
Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Credit Cards.
Get the information you are seeking now by visiting http://www.Find-Cards-Now.com.
Having less than perfect credit can hurt you and your financial future. One way to get yourself out of the dark hole of credit is by responsibly using a credit card. If you have bad credit and are looking for a credit card, you may want to stick with the bad credit credit cards. Bad credit credit cards are just like regular credit cards, but they are specifically for high risk cardholders.
Since your credit score is low, you are considered high risk to the credit card companies. Bad credit credit cards should be used responsibly however or your situation will just worsen. If you think there is even a possibility of you defaulting on the card, simply don’t even apply. Before applying for bad credit credit cards, be sure to check out the common terms for bad credit credit cards.
Credit Limits
Credit limits on bad credit credit cards are usually relatively low. The highest limit you will usually see is around $1000. This is for your own protection. The lower your limit, the more likely you are to use the card and pay off your balance in a timely manner. It is much more difficult to pay off higher balances. Therefore, don’t think of the low balance as a disadvantage.
APR
Most APR rates on bad credit credit cards are very reasonable. They fall around 10% which is good for a credit card. Try to find cards that hold the lowest interest rate possible. This will help you repay your charges quickly while giving your credit score a positive boost.
Fees
Although typically annual fees on credit cards should be avoiding, with bad credit credit cards, they are standard. Bad credit credit cards often charge annual fees of up to $50 or more. This is a protective act for the credit card company. It may be something you simply must accept if your credit score is low and you need a credit card.
Another fee you may encounter is an enrollment fee. Again, this is something no one with good credit should ever accept. However, with bad credit credit cards, the enrollment fee is common.
Credit Bureau Reporting
Make sure than any bad credit credit card you apply for reports to all of the major credit bureaus. This will help you regain good credit. You don’t want to pay diligently on a card that cannot help your credit. You may have to call customer support ahead of time to ask this question, but it is worth your attention.
Bad credit credit cards can be just the things that save your credit. If you want to boost your credit, then consider getting one of these unique cards. Just remember to spend and repay responsibly. In no time you can have your credit looking 100% better!
Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Credit Cards.
Get the information you are seeking now by visiting http://www.Find-Cards-Now.com.
Buying Rental Properties - Some Tips
by: Steve Gillman
Buying rental properties can be a great way to build your wealth. However, as in most real estate investment, it is sometimes difficult to know if you've found a good deal - especially the first time. Here are some things to look for to be sure that rental is a great investment.
1. Location. If traffic is heavier, rentals are easier to rent. A sign will often pull more response than an ad in the paper. If it is a nice locale, it will usually rent faster. This is also true of places close to amenities.
2. Numbers. Run the numbers. Get every last expense figured into your calculations, and be sure that you will have positive cash flow from the start.
3. High home prices. Look in towns with high home prices, as this creates rental demand. What do people do when they can't afford to buy? They rent.
4. Low maintenance buildings. Avoid cedar-shake roofs, and wood-sided buildings. Look beyond current expenses to how much maintenance the building will need. Low maintenance means less headaches and more profits.
5. Good rental history. Ask to see the rental history. Note how long residents are staying on average, and how well they pay on time.
6. Below market rents. Buying rental properties with below-market rents means you get to raise rents. Raising rents means you imediately raise the value, because rental property values are based on income.
7. Complies with zoning and fire codes. Have it inspected, and ask local officials if there are any problems.
8. Less than 20 years old. This is somewhat arbitrary, but if you limit your search to newer buildings, you will be less likely to have building code and maintenance problems.
9.Owner/manager that is out of state. These properties are often the best deals, because it is tough to manage a property from far away. An out of state seller is often more concerned with a quick sale than a high price.
10. Neighborhood is stable or improving. Stable is okay, but if you can buy in a neighborhood that is improving, you'll rent the units more easily, and therefore get automatic appreciation in value with time.
Steve Gillman has invested in real estate for years. See a photo of a beautiful house he and his wife bought for $17,500 on his home page, or go straight to the section on real estate investing: http://www.HousesUnderFiftyThousand.com/investing-in-real-estate.html
Buying rental properties can be a great way to build your wealth. However, as in most real estate investment, it is sometimes difficult to know if you've found a good deal - especially the first time. Here are some things to look for to be sure that rental is a great investment.
1. Location. If traffic is heavier, rentals are easier to rent. A sign will often pull more response than an ad in the paper. If it is a nice locale, it will usually rent faster. This is also true of places close to amenities.
2. Numbers. Run the numbers. Get every last expense figured into your calculations, and be sure that you will have positive cash flow from the start.
3. High home prices. Look in towns with high home prices, as this creates rental demand. What do people do when they can't afford to buy? They rent.
4. Low maintenance buildings. Avoid cedar-shake roofs, and wood-sided buildings. Look beyond current expenses to how much maintenance the building will need. Low maintenance means less headaches and more profits.
5. Good rental history. Ask to see the rental history. Note how long residents are staying on average, and how well they pay on time.
6. Below market rents. Buying rental properties with below-market rents means you get to raise rents. Raising rents means you imediately raise the value, because rental property values are based on income.
7. Complies with zoning and fire codes. Have it inspected, and ask local officials if there are any problems.
8. Less than 20 years old. This is somewhat arbitrary, but if you limit your search to newer buildings, you will be less likely to have building code and maintenance problems.
9.Owner/manager that is out of state. These properties are often the best deals, because it is tough to manage a property from far away. An out of state seller is often more concerned with a quick sale than a high price.
10. Neighborhood is stable or improving. Stable is okay, but if you can buy in a neighborhood that is improving, you'll rent the units more easily, and therefore get automatic appreciation in value with time.
Steve Gillman has invested in real estate for years. See a photo of a beautiful house he and his wife bought for $17,500 on his home page, or go straight to the section on real estate investing: http://www.HousesUnderFiftyThousand.com/investing-in-real-estate.html
Want to Get Instant Credit Card Approval?
by: Morgan Hamilton
There are many people that need a credit card in a hurry. This can be for many reasons. They may need a credit card right away for an unexpected emergency. Some people need one for a vacation. Others just need some extra cash to pay bills. Whatever your reasons may be, you may need the credit card right now. But how do you get a credit card in a hurry? You need to get instant Credit card approval! Do you want to know how to get instant credit card approval? If you answered yes, please read on to find out how.
The easiest way to get instant credit card approval is to go online. You can also call credit card companies directly, but this often takes longer as you have to wait on hold, not to mention you will have to go online anyways just to find a number to call to begin with! So let us just stick with getting instant credit card approval online. Just type "instant credit card approval" into your search engine and press enter. Soon a whole menagerie of instant credit card approval websites will pop up.
When going to an instant credit card approval website, try to pick one that offers a chart of several credit card companies for you to choose from. This chart should list the various rates and promotions each credit card company offers such as: APR rates, cash back awards, annual fees, balance transfer rates, etc. This way you can pick which one is right for you. It then should have a link for you to click on to apply online and get instant credit card approval.
When applying for instant credit card approval, you need to keep in mind that there are some instances where this is still not available. This can be for many reasons. If you apply for instant credit card approval and access to your credit score is not available, you can not get instant approval. Also, if you have a horrible credit score, you will not get instant credit card approval. In fact, you will probably not be able to get a credit card at all.
This was all of the important information you need to know in order to get instant credit card approval. It is very fast and very easy to get instant credit card approval. This is especially true if you go online. Be sure to take your time and do some research before you settle on any particular credit card. There are many options available for you to choose from. With this in mind, you can get online and get yourself a credit card!
Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Credit Cards.
Get the information you are seeking now by visiting http://www.creditcardsreview.info.
There are many people that need a credit card in a hurry. This can be for many reasons. They may need a credit card right away for an unexpected emergency. Some people need one for a vacation. Others just need some extra cash to pay bills. Whatever your reasons may be, you may need the credit card right now. But how do you get a credit card in a hurry? You need to get instant Credit card approval! Do you want to know how to get instant credit card approval? If you answered yes, please read on to find out how.
The easiest way to get instant credit card approval is to go online. You can also call credit card companies directly, but this often takes longer as you have to wait on hold, not to mention you will have to go online anyways just to find a number to call to begin with! So let us just stick with getting instant credit card approval online. Just type "instant credit card approval" into your search engine and press enter. Soon a whole menagerie of instant credit card approval websites will pop up.
When going to an instant credit card approval website, try to pick one that offers a chart of several credit card companies for you to choose from. This chart should list the various rates and promotions each credit card company offers such as: APR rates, cash back awards, annual fees, balance transfer rates, etc. This way you can pick which one is right for you. It then should have a link for you to click on to apply online and get instant credit card approval.
When applying for instant credit card approval, you need to keep in mind that there are some instances where this is still not available. This can be for many reasons. If you apply for instant credit card approval and access to your credit score is not available, you can not get instant approval. Also, if you have a horrible credit score, you will not get instant credit card approval. In fact, you will probably not be able to get a credit card at all.
This was all of the important information you need to know in order to get instant credit card approval. It is very fast and very easy to get instant credit card approval. This is especially true if you go online. Be sure to take your time and do some research before you settle on any particular credit card. There are many options available for you to choose from. With this in mind, you can get online and get yourself a credit card!
Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Credit Cards.
Get the information you are seeking now by visiting http://www.creditcardsreview.info.
Thinking About A Payday Loan?
by: Jeff Lakie
Not everybody is fortunate enough to win the lottery. If you're like most of us, you have to work for living to put food on the table and a roof over your head. At times you find yourself with a little extra cash to splurge on something nice, but other times you find that an emergency or a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity requires more cash than you have on hand.
What can you do when that happens? The answer is simple. Payday loans. Payday loans are bridge loans from lending institutions who will put money directly into your bank account and then on payday will take out the money they sent you (plus a little bit extra for interest) to help you pay for that emergency or take advantage of that opportunity.
How do I get my money?
All you need to do is to go online and type "payday loan" into the search line on your Internet browser. You should be able to find a number of web sites that can help you. When you go onto one of these web sites you'll be asked to fill in a little bit of information about yourself and they use this information to confirm who you are. Then they'll deposit the money right in your bank account! It usually takes a couple days and in some cases you may have to fax some additional information (like identification) before you get your money but it doesn't take long… and it's really easy!
How to I pay them back?
Obviously, at some point they're going to want the money back, because they are not a charity. So you let them know when your payday is and when that day comes around they will automatically take out the appropriate amount of money plus a little interest from your bank account and loan is paid off. It's that easy!
So next time you find yourself faced with a emergency or you need a loan to take advantage of that one-time opportunity, or you have simply just not budgeted enough to carry you through to the next check, a payday loan to help you.
Jeff Lakie is the founder of http://www.my-cash-advance-loan.info and http://www.my-cash-loans.info websites providing information on Payday Loans.
Not everybody is fortunate enough to win the lottery. If you're like most of us, you have to work for living to put food on the table and a roof over your head. At times you find yourself with a little extra cash to splurge on something nice, but other times you find that an emergency or a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity requires more cash than you have on hand.
What can you do when that happens? The answer is simple. Payday loans. Payday loans are bridge loans from lending institutions who will put money directly into your bank account and then on payday will take out the money they sent you (plus a little bit extra for interest) to help you pay for that emergency or take advantage of that opportunity.
How do I get my money?
All you need to do is to go online and type "payday loan" into the search line on your Internet browser. You should be able to find a number of web sites that can help you. When you go onto one of these web sites you'll be asked to fill in a little bit of information about yourself and they use this information to confirm who you are. Then they'll deposit the money right in your bank account! It usually takes a couple days and in some cases you may have to fax some additional information (like identification) before you get your money but it doesn't take long… and it's really easy!
How to I pay them back?
Obviously, at some point they're going to want the money back, because they are not a charity. So you let them know when your payday is and when that day comes around they will automatically take out the appropriate amount of money plus a little interest from your bank account and loan is paid off. It's that easy!
So next time you find yourself faced with a emergency or you need a loan to take advantage of that one-time opportunity, or you have simply just not budgeted enough to carry you through to the next check, a payday loan to help you.
Jeff Lakie is the founder of http://www.my-cash-advance-loan.info and http://www.my-cash-loans.info websites providing information on Payday Loans.
How To Find A Real Estate Agent
by: Steve Gillman
It's easy to find a real estate agent. Just put a for sale sign in the yard and wait for the phone to ring. The question is, how do you find a GOOD real estate agent? You can start with newspaper.
Pick up the Saturday or Sunday paper - whichever day they have all the homes for sale in your area. You can also collect a few real estate guides to look through. Browse the listings to find properties similar to yours. If you are selling a cabin, you want to look for cabins for sale. If you are selling a lakefront mansion, look for those.
When you find similar properties, note the names and numbers of the agents that are selling them. The idea here is to find a real estate agent that has experience with your type of property. An agent that has all the million dollar homes may not be the best to sell your mobile home, for example. You want agents that have sold or are selling several properties like yours.
What To Ask A Real Estate Agent
1. When you call the agents - and it's best to call several - you want to verify that they do have experience selling properties like yours. Ask for examples.
2. Ask what they do to market a property. Any agent can place an ad and put your home in the multiple listings. Do they have existing leads - people looking for properties like yours? Do they let other agents know about your property?
3. Do they show their listings very often? Many agents just list real estate for sale and let others sell it for them. It's more profitable for them, but not for you. If they are a good salesperson, you want them to be going through the house with potential buyers.
4. Do they do their own closings? Again, it may be better for them to delegate this part of the process, but it isn't better for you. You want the same person to be there through the whole process. You want one person to call. Things go wrong all the time in real estate, so don't complicate it further by having more people involved.
Most real estate agents will probably argue these points. That's okay, but be aware that there are other things they won't tell you too. For example, did you know that open houses are primarily a prospecting tool for real estate agents? In fact, new agents (not the listing agent) are often given the job of hosting your open house, so they can find buyers to work with. It isn't expected that they will sell your house in the process.
Also understand that when you see ads for homes for sale, and they don't have prices, it is a prospecting technique. When that buyer looking for a $100,000 home calls on your $300,000 home, the agent isn't going to make him able to afford your home. The whole point was to get him to call so he could sell him ANY home. Meanwhile, other potential buyers for your home skipped over the ad - there are enough homes WITH prices to look at (insist that ads for your property have the price listed).
Trust your intuition when choosing an agent. If you don't feel comfortable with an agent, it's possible potential buyers won't either. And ask the right questions. You don't just want to find a real estate agent you like. You want to find the right agent for your property.
Steve Gillman has invested in real estate for years. See a photo of a beautiful house he and his wife bought for $17,500 on his home page, or go straight to the section on real estate investing: http://www.HousesUnderFiftyThousand.com/investing-in-real-estate.html.
It's easy to find a real estate agent. Just put a for sale sign in the yard and wait for the phone to ring. The question is, how do you find a GOOD real estate agent? You can start with newspaper.
Pick up the Saturday or Sunday paper - whichever day they have all the homes for sale in your area. You can also collect a few real estate guides to look through. Browse the listings to find properties similar to yours. If you are selling a cabin, you want to look for cabins for sale. If you are selling a lakefront mansion, look for those.
When you find similar properties, note the names and numbers of the agents that are selling them. The idea here is to find a real estate agent that has experience with your type of property. An agent that has all the million dollar homes may not be the best to sell your mobile home, for example. You want agents that have sold or are selling several properties like yours.
What To Ask A Real Estate Agent
1. When you call the agents - and it's best to call several - you want to verify that they do have experience selling properties like yours. Ask for examples.
2. Ask what they do to market a property. Any agent can place an ad and put your home in the multiple listings. Do they have existing leads - people looking for properties like yours? Do they let other agents know about your property?
3. Do they show their listings very often? Many agents just list real estate for sale and let others sell it for them. It's more profitable for them, but not for you. If they are a good salesperson, you want them to be going through the house with potential buyers.
4. Do they do their own closings? Again, it may be better for them to delegate this part of the process, but it isn't better for you. You want the same person to be there through the whole process. You want one person to call. Things go wrong all the time in real estate, so don't complicate it further by having more people involved.
Most real estate agents will probably argue these points. That's okay, but be aware that there are other things they won't tell you too. For example, did you know that open houses are primarily a prospecting tool for real estate agents? In fact, new agents (not the listing agent) are often given the job of hosting your open house, so they can find buyers to work with. It isn't expected that they will sell your house in the process.
Also understand that when you see ads for homes for sale, and they don't have prices, it is a prospecting technique. When that buyer looking for a $100,000 home calls on your $300,000 home, the agent isn't going to make him able to afford your home. The whole point was to get him to call so he could sell him ANY home. Meanwhile, other potential buyers for your home skipped over the ad - there are enough homes WITH prices to look at (insist that ads for your property have the price listed).
Trust your intuition when choosing an agent. If you don't feel comfortable with an agent, it's possible potential buyers won't either. And ask the right questions. You don't just want to find a real estate agent you like. You want to find the right agent for your property.
Steve Gillman has invested in real estate for years. See a photo of a beautiful house he and his wife bought for $17,500 on his home page, or go straight to the section on real estate investing: http://www.HousesUnderFiftyThousand.com/investing-in-real-estate.html.
Your Guide to Learning a Forex Trading System
by: Morgan Hamilton
There are a great number of people in America that are interested in investing in order to make a tidy profit. There are many ways to invest and many ways to make profits by investing. One method that has been gaining in popularity is that of the Forex trading system. If you are unsure of what this is, let me explain. Forex stands for foreign exchange. A Forex trading system is defined as the simultaneous exchange of one countries currency for another countries currency. If you would like more information, please let this be your guide to learning a Forex trading system.
The Forex trading system involves trading some of the world's most major currencies. These are: the dollar, yen, British pound, Swiss franc, and the Euro. The way the exchange rates of these types of currencies change is based on economic growth. An example: Sometimes the Dollar is worth more than the British pound because the United States was in a period of economic growth while Britain was on the decline. This can be because the unemployment rate was declining in the United States, while on the rise in Britain. Another example: the export rate is up in Asia so the yen is worth more than the Swiss franc where the export rate is down. Economic growth changes daily, so the value of these currencies changes daily. You need to learn to watch for these changes in order to make any money with the Forex trading system.
The Forex Trading system is much larger than that of all U.S. stock markets combined. In fact, the Forex Trading system makes about 1.9 trillion dollars each year. This is 30 times larger than the U.S. stock markets. Also, Forex trading is done throughout the entire world, so it is available 24 hours a day, unlike the U.S. stock markets.
You can learn the Forex trading system for free online at various websites. Many websites offer a free demo account and free Forex trading System training. This way you can practice everything you learn for free, without investing or losing any real money. Then when you get a feel for the Forex trading system, many websites offer a free 30 day trial or free trades to new investors. It is best to utilize some of this free training and the free demo accounts before you start investing your own money.
Now that you understand the Forex trading system a little better, you may wish to get out there and start investing. There is a lot of money to be made, or lost. Be careful and make sure you get the proper training first. With the right frame of mind, you may be able to make some healthy sums of cash through the Forex trading system!
Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Forex Trading.
Get the information you are seeking now by visiting http://www.forexinformation.info.
There are a great number of people in America that are interested in investing in order to make a tidy profit. There are many ways to invest and many ways to make profits by investing. One method that has been gaining in popularity is that of the Forex trading system. If you are unsure of what this is, let me explain. Forex stands for foreign exchange. A Forex trading system is defined as the simultaneous exchange of one countries currency for another countries currency. If you would like more information, please let this be your guide to learning a Forex trading system.
The Forex trading system involves trading some of the world's most major currencies. These are: the dollar, yen, British pound, Swiss franc, and the Euro. The way the exchange rates of these types of currencies change is based on economic growth. An example: Sometimes the Dollar is worth more than the British pound because the United States was in a period of economic growth while Britain was on the decline. This can be because the unemployment rate was declining in the United States, while on the rise in Britain. Another example: the export rate is up in Asia so the yen is worth more than the Swiss franc where the export rate is down. Economic growth changes daily, so the value of these currencies changes daily. You need to learn to watch for these changes in order to make any money with the Forex trading system.
The Forex Trading system is much larger than that of all U.S. stock markets combined. In fact, the Forex Trading system makes about 1.9 trillion dollars each year. This is 30 times larger than the U.S. stock markets. Also, Forex trading is done throughout the entire world, so it is available 24 hours a day, unlike the U.S. stock markets.
You can learn the Forex trading system for free online at various websites. Many websites offer a free demo account and free Forex trading System training. This way you can practice everything you learn for free, without investing or losing any real money. Then when you get a feel for the Forex trading system, many websites offer a free 30 day trial or free trades to new investors. It is best to utilize some of this free training and the free demo accounts before you start investing your own money.
Now that you understand the Forex trading system a little better, you may wish to get out there and start investing. There is a lot of money to be made, or lost. Be careful and make sure you get the proper training first. With the right frame of mind, you may be able to make some healthy sums of cash through the Forex trading system!
Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Forex Trading.
Get the information you are seeking now by visiting http://www.forexinformation.info.
Maybe You SHOULD Worry About Your PR!
by: Robert A. Kelly
Especially if your public relations budget is all about tactics like brochures, special events, talking to reporters and press releases.
Please don’t get me wrong. Communications tactics are valuable devices which we call upon from time-to-time to move a message from here to there.
But, as a business, non-profit or association manager, you can omit the best public relations has to offer, the crème de la crème of PR!
Try this on for size. The core public relations mission pulls together the resources and action planning needed to alter individual perception leading to changed behaviors among a business, non-profit, or association’s most important outside audiences. Then it goes on to help a manager persuade those key folks to his or her way of thinking, and then, moves them to take actions that allow their department, group, division or subsidiary to succeed.
Now, there’s a real theory behind that mission, and it’s the underlying premise of public relations: People act on their own perception of the facts before them, which leads to predictable behaviors about which something can be done. When we create, change or reinforce that opinion by reaching, persuading and moving-to- desired-action the very people whose behaviors affect the organization the most, the public relations mission is usually accomplished.
It’s comforting to note that the right public relations planning really CAN alter individual perception and lead to changed behaviors among key outside audiences. AND equally encouraging when you remember that your PR effort must demand more than special events, news releases and talk show tactics if you are to receive the quality public relations results you believe you deserve.
And those results won’t be long in coming, especially when capital givers or specifying sources begin to look your way; customers begin to make repeat purchases; membership applications start to rise; new proposals for strategic alliances and joint ventures start showing up; politicians and legislators begin looking at you as a key member of the business, non-profit or association communities; welcome bounces in show room visits occur; community leaders begin to seek you out; and prospects actually start to do business with you. Help is at hand because the public relations people assigned to you can be of real use for your new opinion monitoring project because they are already in the perception and behavior business. But be certain that the PR folks really accept why it’s SO important to know how your most important outside audiences perceive your operations, products or services. Above all, be sure they believe that perceptions almost always result in behaviors that can help or hurt your operation.
Layout the plans for your PR staff re: monitoring and gathering perceptions by questioning members of your most important outside audiences. Ask questions like these: how much do you know about our organization? Have you had prior contact with us and were you pleased with the interchange? Are you familiar with our services or products and employees? Have you experienced problems with our people or procedures?
Bringing in survey firms to do the opinion gathering work can cost a lot more than using those PR folks of yours in that monitoring capacity. But whether it’s your people or a survey firm asking the questions, the objective remains the same: identify untruths, false assumptions, unfounded rumors, inaccuracies, misconceptions and any other negative perception that might translate into hurtful behaviors.
Here, you have to set a goal aiming for action on the most serious problem areas you uncovered during your key audience perception monitoring. Will it be to straighten out that dangerous misconception? Correct that gross inaccuracy? Or, stop that potentially painful rumor dead?
Naturally a goal requires a strategy to show you how to reach it. Just three strategic options are available to you when it comes to solving perception and opinion problems. Change existing perception, create perception where there may be none, or reinforce it. The wrong strategy pick will taste like spare ribs with lemon sauce. So be certain your new strategy fits well with your new public relations goal. You certainly don’t want to select “change” when the facts dictate a strategy of reinforcement.
Now your people must do some good writing. You must prepare a persuasive message that will help move your key audience to your way of thinking. It must be a carefully- written message aimed directly at your key external audience. Select your very best writer because s/he must come up with language that is not merely compelling, persuasive and believable, but clear and factual if they are to shift perception/opinion towards your point of view and lead to the behaviors you have in mind.
It’s time to pick out the communications tactics most likely to carry your message to the attention of your target audience. There are many waiting for you. From speeches, facility tours, emails and brochures to consumer briefings, media interviews, newsletters, personal meetings and many others. But be certain that the tactics you pick are known to reach folks just like your audience members.
How you communicate your message is a concern because the credibility of any message is always fragile. Which is why you may wish to unveil your corrective message before smaller meetings and presentations rather than using higher-profile news releases.
If the thought of a progress report appeals to you, you must begin a second perception monitoring session among members of your external audience in order to measure headway. You can use many of the same questions used in your benchmark session. But this time, you will be on guard for signs that the bad news perception is being altered in your direction.
In the event the program slows down, you can always speed things up by adding more communications tactics as well as increasing their frequencies.
Worry can be healthy, too. Especially when it moves you away from a major emphasis on communications tactics and on to a plan for doing something positive about the behaviors of those important external audiences of yours that most affect your operation. And particularly so when you persuade those key outside folks to your way of thinking by helping to move them to take actions that allow your department, division or subsidiary to succeed.
end
Please feel free to publish this article and resource box in your ezine, newsletter, offline publication or website. A copy would be appreciated at bobkelly@TNI.net. Word count is 1180 including guidelines and resource box.
Robert A. Kelly © 2005.
Robert A. Kelly
Bob Kelly counsels and writes for business, non-profit and association managers about using the fundamental premise of public relations to achieve their operating objectives. He has published over 200 articles on the subject which are listed at EzineArticles.com, click Expert Author, click Robert A. Kelly. He has been DPR, Pepsi-Cola Co.; AGM-PR, Texaco Inc.; VP-PR, Olin Corp.; VP-PR, Newport News Shipbuilding & Drydock Co.; director of communications, U.S. Department of the Interior, and deputy assistant press secretary, The White House. He holds a bachelor of science degree from Columbia University, major in public relations.
mailto:bobkelly@TNI.net
Visit:www.PRCommentary.com
Especially if your public relations budget is all about tactics like brochures, special events, talking to reporters and press releases.
Please don’t get me wrong. Communications tactics are valuable devices which we call upon from time-to-time to move a message from here to there.
But, as a business, non-profit or association manager, you can omit the best public relations has to offer, the crème de la crème of PR!
Try this on for size. The core public relations mission pulls together the resources and action planning needed to alter individual perception leading to changed behaviors among a business, non-profit, or association’s most important outside audiences. Then it goes on to help a manager persuade those key folks to his or her way of thinking, and then, moves them to take actions that allow their department, group, division or subsidiary to succeed.
Now, there’s a real theory behind that mission, and it’s the underlying premise of public relations: People act on their own perception of the facts before them, which leads to predictable behaviors about which something can be done. When we create, change or reinforce that opinion by reaching, persuading and moving-to- desired-action the very people whose behaviors affect the organization the most, the public relations mission is usually accomplished.
It’s comforting to note that the right public relations planning really CAN alter individual perception and lead to changed behaviors among key outside audiences. AND equally encouraging when you remember that your PR effort must demand more than special events, news releases and talk show tactics if you are to receive the quality public relations results you believe you deserve.
And those results won’t be long in coming, especially when capital givers or specifying sources begin to look your way; customers begin to make repeat purchases; membership applications start to rise; new proposals for strategic alliances and joint ventures start showing up; politicians and legislators begin looking at you as a key member of the business, non-profit or association communities; welcome bounces in show room visits occur; community leaders begin to seek you out; and prospects actually start to do business with you. Help is at hand because the public relations people assigned to you can be of real use for your new opinion monitoring project because they are already in the perception and behavior business. But be certain that the PR folks really accept why it’s SO important to know how your most important outside audiences perceive your operations, products or services. Above all, be sure they believe that perceptions almost always result in behaviors that can help or hurt your operation.
Layout the plans for your PR staff re: monitoring and gathering perceptions by questioning members of your most important outside audiences. Ask questions like these: how much do you know about our organization? Have you had prior contact with us and were you pleased with the interchange? Are you familiar with our services or products and employees? Have you experienced problems with our people or procedures?
Bringing in survey firms to do the opinion gathering work can cost a lot more than using those PR folks of yours in that monitoring capacity. But whether it’s your people or a survey firm asking the questions, the objective remains the same: identify untruths, false assumptions, unfounded rumors, inaccuracies, misconceptions and any other negative perception that might translate into hurtful behaviors.
Here, you have to set a goal aiming for action on the most serious problem areas you uncovered during your key audience perception monitoring. Will it be to straighten out that dangerous misconception? Correct that gross inaccuracy? Or, stop that potentially painful rumor dead?
Naturally a goal requires a strategy to show you how to reach it. Just three strategic options are available to you when it comes to solving perception and opinion problems. Change existing perception, create perception where there may be none, or reinforce it. The wrong strategy pick will taste like spare ribs with lemon sauce. So be certain your new strategy fits well with your new public relations goal. You certainly don’t want to select “change” when the facts dictate a strategy of reinforcement.
Now your people must do some good writing. You must prepare a persuasive message that will help move your key audience to your way of thinking. It must be a carefully- written message aimed directly at your key external audience. Select your very best writer because s/he must come up with language that is not merely compelling, persuasive and believable, but clear and factual if they are to shift perception/opinion towards your point of view and lead to the behaviors you have in mind.
It’s time to pick out the communications tactics most likely to carry your message to the attention of your target audience. There are many waiting for you. From speeches, facility tours, emails and brochures to consumer briefings, media interviews, newsletters, personal meetings and many others. But be certain that the tactics you pick are known to reach folks just like your audience members.
How you communicate your message is a concern because the credibility of any message is always fragile. Which is why you may wish to unveil your corrective message before smaller meetings and presentations rather than using higher-profile news releases.
If the thought of a progress report appeals to you, you must begin a second perception monitoring session among members of your external audience in order to measure headway. You can use many of the same questions used in your benchmark session. But this time, you will be on guard for signs that the bad news perception is being altered in your direction.
In the event the program slows down, you can always speed things up by adding more communications tactics as well as increasing their frequencies.
Worry can be healthy, too. Especially when it moves you away from a major emphasis on communications tactics and on to a plan for doing something positive about the behaviors of those important external audiences of yours that most affect your operation. And particularly so when you persuade those key outside folks to your way of thinking by helping to move them to take actions that allow your department, division or subsidiary to succeed.
end
Please feel free to publish this article and resource box in your ezine, newsletter, offline publication or website. A copy would be appreciated at bobkelly@TNI.net. Word count is 1180 including guidelines and resource box.
Robert A. Kelly © 2005.
Robert A. Kelly
Bob Kelly counsels and writes for business, non-profit and association managers about using the fundamental premise of public relations to achieve their operating objectives. He has published over 200 articles on the subject which are listed at EzineArticles.com, click Expert Author, click Robert A. Kelly. He has been DPR, Pepsi-Cola Co.; AGM-PR, Texaco Inc.; VP-PR, Olin Corp.; VP-PR, Newport News Shipbuilding & Drydock Co.; director of communications, U.S. Department of the Interior, and deputy assistant press secretary, The White House. He holds a bachelor of science degree from Columbia University, major in public relations.
mailto:bobkelly@TNI.net
Visit:www.PRCommentary.com
Tips for Using Business Credit Cards
by: Morgan Hamilton
Business credit cards are some of the most popular. With more and more companies needing credit cards for their day to day operation, they are turning to credit cards that cater specifically to businesses. Business credit cards are perfect for the small or large business owner. They are a great way to get business discounts and deals. Business credit cards also offer reward programs and introductory offers. When choosing and using business credit cards, think about the advantages below and spend wisely.
Interest Rates
Most business credit cards carry low interest rates. This is mostly due to the fact that businesses have great credit and carry little risk to credit card companies. Therefore, you should never apply for business credit cards with high interest rates. Normal interest rates for business credit cards fall between 9% and 15%. Shop around for the best rates, especially if you keep high balances.
Credit Lines
Business credit cards usually carry much higher credit lines than the average credit card. With something like a business seen as collateral, credit card companies can afford to offer high credit lines. If you need a high credit line for day to day business, consider a business credit card.
Discounts
Some business credit cards offer discounts at other businesses. For example, some business credit cards will give you up to 10% when you use them at office supply stores, gas stations, airports, or flower companies. The list will vary with each individual card, so be sure to check it out. This is a great way for you to save money as well as get things you already need.
Employee Cards
If you are an owner or manager of a business, you should look for business credit cards that allow you to give your employees cards. This is best for large businesses. With the best business credit cards, you can set different limits for each employee based on their individual needs. This allows you to be in control of any spending that comes through on any business credit cards each month.
Rewards
Business credit cards usually have rewards programs that cater to the business lifestyle. For instance, many business credit cards have flight points reward systems. These allow you to accumulate a certain amount of points per purchase and redeem them for flight fares. These are a great way to pay for an extra flight a year. With flights being so expensive, you can bet this perk of the business credit cards comes in handy. By using your business credit cards often and paying the balances on time, you can get a lot back from your purchases. With business discounts alone, you can save your company a bundle. Also, the rewards programs always add up the end, especially with business credit cards. So, be sure to choose a fitting card and start using it today!
Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Credit Cards.
Get the information you are seeking now by visiting http://www.Find-Cards-Now.com.
Business credit cards are some of the most popular. With more and more companies needing credit cards for their day to day operation, they are turning to credit cards that cater specifically to businesses. Business credit cards are perfect for the small or large business owner. They are a great way to get business discounts and deals. Business credit cards also offer reward programs and introductory offers. When choosing and using business credit cards, think about the advantages below and spend wisely.
Interest Rates
Most business credit cards carry low interest rates. This is mostly due to the fact that businesses have great credit and carry little risk to credit card companies. Therefore, you should never apply for business credit cards with high interest rates. Normal interest rates for business credit cards fall between 9% and 15%. Shop around for the best rates, especially if you keep high balances.
Credit Lines
Business credit cards usually carry much higher credit lines than the average credit card. With something like a business seen as collateral, credit card companies can afford to offer high credit lines. If you need a high credit line for day to day business, consider a business credit card.
Discounts
Some business credit cards offer discounts at other businesses. For example, some business credit cards will give you up to 10% when you use them at office supply stores, gas stations, airports, or flower companies. The list will vary with each individual card, so be sure to check it out. This is a great way for you to save money as well as get things you already need.
Employee Cards
If you are an owner or manager of a business, you should look for business credit cards that allow you to give your employees cards. This is best for large businesses. With the best business credit cards, you can set different limits for each employee based on their individual needs. This allows you to be in control of any spending that comes through on any business credit cards each month.
Rewards
Business credit cards usually have rewards programs that cater to the business lifestyle. For instance, many business credit cards have flight points reward systems. These allow you to accumulate a certain amount of points per purchase and redeem them for flight fares. These are a great way to pay for an extra flight a year. With flights being so expensive, you can bet this perk of the business credit cards comes in handy. By using your business credit cards often and paying the balances on time, you can get a lot back from your purchases. With business discounts alone, you can save your company a bundle. Also, the rewards programs always add up the end, especially with business credit cards. So, be sure to choose a fitting card and start using it today!
Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Credit Cards.
Get the information you are seeking now by visiting http://www.Find-Cards-Now.com.
Want To Consolidate Credit Card Debt?
by: Morgan Hamilton
Learning how to consolidate credit card debt is one of the best things cardholders can do. Consolidation is perfect for those who are looking to better their credit for the future. There are many advantages for cardholders who consolidate credit card debt. If you are thinking about consolidation, then there are a few things you should consider before doing so. Use these tips as a guide while you consolidate your debt.
Why Consolidate?
There are several great reasons to consolidate credit card debt. One of the best reasons is to get better rates. If you can get a better rate on a consolidation than you currently have, then there is no reason not to consolidate. Anytime you can consolidate credit card debt and save yourself money, you should. Locate all of your interest rates from each card and write them on a list. Then note the new rate you would be given. If the new rate is lower than the average of the old rate, then to consolidate credit card debt would be profitable for you. If there are cards that have a lower rate, then you don’t have to include them in your consolidation.
Another reason people love to consolidate credit card debt is to make their lives simple. By paying one bill, they can cut out a lot of stress and bill paying time. You should probably not consolidate credit card debt for this reason alone however. You don’t want to pay more in the long run just to cut out a few pieces of mail monthly.
Consolidation also gives those in a credit card mess a chance to get out of it. By consolidating, they may be making lower monthly payments than they would be if they didn’t consolidate credit card debt. By closing out the other accounts, their credit may also be improved.
Who To Turn To?
When you want to consolidate credit card debt, you should turn to professionals. There are many great credit card companies and banks that would love to help you with your request. Make sure you do your research so that when you consolidate credit card debt, you are certain you are making a decision that is profitable to you. Make sure there are no hidden fees that come with different consolidation plans. Doing your research can help you save money for the future.
Making The Choice
If you want to consolidate credit card debt, you should first look at all of your debt in detail. Once you know what you have, it will be easier to contact professionals to help you with your consolidation. Don’t be afraid to tell them you are shopping for the best deal. You should do yourself the honor of getting the best deal out there to making your consolidation as worthwhile as possible.
Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Credit Cards.
Get the information you are seeking now by visiting http://www.Find-Cards-Now.com
Learning how to consolidate credit card debt is one of the best things cardholders can do. Consolidation is perfect for those who are looking to better their credit for the future. There are many advantages for cardholders who consolidate credit card debt. If you are thinking about consolidation, then there are a few things you should consider before doing so. Use these tips as a guide while you consolidate your debt.
Why Consolidate?
There are several great reasons to consolidate credit card debt. One of the best reasons is to get better rates. If you can get a better rate on a consolidation than you currently have, then there is no reason not to consolidate. Anytime you can consolidate credit card debt and save yourself money, you should. Locate all of your interest rates from each card and write them on a list. Then note the new rate you would be given. If the new rate is lower than the average of the old rate, then to consolidate credit card debt would be profitable for you. If there are cards that have a lower rate, then you don’t have to include them in your consolidation.
Another reason people love to consolidate credit card debt is to make their lives simple. By paying one bill, they can cut out a lot of stress and bill paying time. You should probably not consolidate credit card debt for this reason alone however. You don’t want to pay more in the long run just to cut out a few pieces of mail monthly.
Consolidation also gives those in a credit card mess a chance to get out of it. By consolidating, they may be making lower monthly payments than they would be if they didn’t consolidate credit card debt. By closing out the other accounts, their credit may also be improved.
Who To Turn To?
When you want to consolidate credit card debt, you should turn to professionals. There are many great credit card companies and banks that would love to help you with your request. Make sure you do your research so that when you consolidate credit card debt, you are certain you are making a decision that is profitable to you. Make sure there are no hidden fees that come with different consolidation plans. Doing your research can help you save money for the future.
Making The Choice
If you want to consolidate credit card debt, you should first look at all of your debt in detail. Once you know what you have, it will be easier to contact professionals to help you with your consolidation. Don’t be afraid to tell them you are shopping for the best deal. You should do yourself the honor of getting the best deal out there to making your consolidation as worthwhile as possible.
Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Credit Cards.
Get the information you are seeking now by visiting http://www.Find-Cards-Now.com
Getting Your Vitamins
by: Jeff Lakie
There is so much health advice in the world that it is sometimes hard to keep it all straight! How do you know the right foods to eat? How do you know the right foods to avoid? How much of each kind can you enjoy?
Getting your vitamins
Eating healthy, balanced meals throughout the day is what will ensure that you take in all the vitamins and nutrients you need to survive. While individuals have different dietary needs, everyone needs the full complement of vitamins in order to live a healthy, disease-free life.
But why do we need vitamins? There are so many and it's hard to keep track of what they do. And why are there so many B vitamins?
The B vitamin: it's value to you
There used to only be one B vitamin, until scientists discovered that it was actually several different chemicals that work together. Over time, scientists have come to understand the B vitamin complex much better. As a result, they have isolated eight different vitamins within the B vitamin family. While they used to consider many more chemicals as part of the B vitamin family, the vitamins that remain (that you need to be taking) are B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12.
Individually, deficiencies in these vitamins may lead to a variety of conditions (depending on which ones are deficient) including unhealthy weight loss, emotional distress, weakness, irregular heartbeat, diarrhea, inflammation of the skin, anemia, and even dementia.
Together, this family of vitamins contributes towards healthy skin, faster metabolism, a better nervous system and immune system, and they can help combat stress and depression. The B vitamin family can really do a lot to improve your life!
The solution
So if you are on a diet and are concerned that you may not be getting enough of the B vitamin complex, you should consider purchasing vitamin supplements to make sure you're getting all the vitamins you need. The cost of going without B vitamins can be tragic, while the benefits of having the full complement of the B vitamin complex is great.
Jeff Lakie is the founder of http://www.my-glucosamine.info and http://www.my-dietary-supplements.info websites providing information on Vitamins.
There is so much health advice in the world that it is sometimes hard to keep it all straight! How do you know the right foods to eat? How do you know the right foods to avoid? How much of each kind can you enjoy?
Getting your vitamins
Eating healthy, balanced meals throughout the day is what will ensure that you take in all the vitamins and nutrients you need to survive. While individuals have different dietary needs, everyone needs the full complement of vitamins in order to live a healthy, disease-free life.
But why do we need vitamins? There are so many and it's hard to keep track of what they do. And why are there so many B vitamins?
The B vitamin: it's value to you
There used to only be one B vitamin, until scientists discovered that it was actually several different chemicals that work together. Over time, scientists have come to understand the B vitamin complex much better. As a result, they have isolated eight different vitamins within the B vitamin family. While they used to consider many more chemicals as part of the B vitamin family, the vitamins that remain (that you need to be taking) are B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12.
Individually, deficiencies in these vitamins may lead to a variety of conditions (depending on which ones are deficient) including unhealthy weight loss, emotional distress, weakness, irregular heartbeat, diarrhea, inflammation of the skin, anemia, and even dementia.
Together, this family of vitamins contributes towards healthy skin, faster metabolism, a better nervous system and immune system, and they can help combat stress and depression. The B vitamin family can really do a lot to improve your life!
The solution
So if you are on a diet and are concerned that you may not be getting enough of the B vitamin complex, you should consider purchasing vitamin supplements to make sure you're getting all the vitamins you need. The cost of going without B vitamins can be tragic, while the benefits of having the full complement of the B vitamin complex is great.
Jeff Lakie is the founder of http://www.my-glucosamine.info and http://www.my-dietary-supplements.info websites providing information on Vitamins.
Sell Your Real Estate Notes
by: Steve Gillman
People sell real estate notes to raise cash quickly. A real estate note is just the loan document created when you financed the sale of your house or investment property. It could be a mortgage note, or a land-contract or contract-for-sale. The point is that the buyer is making payments to you, and you want to cash in.
You can sell the entire contract, or just a certain number of payments if you want. The buyer of your property will have the same terms and payments. He'll just be making those payments to somebody else.
Selling real estate notes can be an intimidating process. You know you won't get the full face value for your note, but will there be other fees you have to pay too? How do you know if the buyer is reputable? What is a normal discount on a note? Here are some guidelines to follow:
1. No upfront fees. If they ask, go someplace else. You should be able to find many note buyers who will check your buyers credit and give you a quote without charging you.
2. No other fees, with a couple exceptions. The buyer has already figured his expenses before making the offer, so there are only a couple fees you should have to possibly pay. First, you may have to pay for the title policy, if there are problems with the title that prevent purchase. Second, if the property appraises at less than the sales price, you may have to pay for the appraisal. You should only pay exactly what these cost the note buyer though.
3. Be sure that the note buyer gives you a written purchase agreement with the purchase price and contingencies. Ask questions about anything that isn't clear.
4. The note buyer should check the credit of your property buyer upfront. Unscrupulous buyers can quote one price initially, and then lower it later, using the excuse of the property buyer's bad credit score. This is called "bait and switch," and it isn't ethical.
5. Contact several note buyers for quotes. You'll need to provide information like the type of property, sale price, payment amounts, current balance, etc. They should respond within a day or two.
6. When you get a quote you like, you'll have to send copies of the Mortgage or Deed of Trust, the Note, the closing or Settlement Statement, and the Title Policy. If there is no recent appraisal, they will usually arrange for that.
7. Processing time varies, so ask. Usually, once you agree to the offer and send the documents (if done by mail), you can expect to receive a certified check or electronic transfer to your account within two to three weeks.
Get Top Dollar When You Sell Real Estate Notes
Notes with a balloon payment get a higher price. "Seasoned" notes sell for more too. Those are notes that have had payments made on them for a while. Some note buyers will buy new or "unseasoned" notes, but if you can wait until six payments have been made, you're likely to get a much better price.
Higher interest rates and shorter loan periods will get you more money too. This is something to consider before you sell the house, if you think you might sell the note in the future.
You can sell second mortgage notes, and other second-place real estate notes as well. Note buyers will look at these differently though. The first and second place notes can't add up to much more than 70% of the value of the property, or you'll be looking at a steep discount
Discounts, by the way, will almost always seem steep. It is common for note buyers to pay 20% to 30% less than the current balance on the note. I'll let them explain why. Suffice it to say, they need to make money on the deal, and you should be sure you have a good use for that cash before you sell those real estate notes.
Steve Gillman has invested in real estate for years. See a photo of a beautiful house he and his wife bought for $17,500 on his home page, or go straight to the section on real estate investing: http://www.HousesUnderFiftyThousand.com/investing-in-real-estate.html
People sell real estate notes to raise cash quickly. A real estate note is just the loan document created when you financed the sale of your house or investment property. It could be a mortgage note, or a land-contract or contract-for-sale. The point is that the buyer is making payments to you, and you want to cash in.
You can sell the entire contract, or just a certain number of payments if you want. The buyer of your property will have the same terms and payments. He'll just be making those payments to somebody else.
Selling real estate notes can be an intimidating process. You know you won't get the full face value for your note, but will there be other fees you have to pay too? How do you know if the buyer is reputable? What is a normal discount on a note? Here are some guidelines to follow:
1. No upfront fees. If they ask, go someplace else. You should be able to find many note buyers who will check your buyers credit and give you a quote without charging you.
2. No other fees, with a couple exceptions. The buyer has already figured his expenses before making the offer, so there are only a couple fees you should have to possibly pay. First, you may have to pay for the title policy, if there are problems with the title that prevent purchase. Second, if the property appraises at less than the sales price, you may have to pay for the appraisal. You should only pay exactly what these cost the note buyer though.
3. Be sure that the note buyer gives you a written purchase agreement with the purchase price and contingencies. Ask questions about anything that isn't clear.
4. The note buyer should check the credit of your property buyer upfront. Unscrupulous buyers can quote one price initially, and then lower it later, using the excuse of the property buyer's bad credit score. This is called "bait and switch," and it isn't ethical.
5. Contact several note buyers for quotes. You'll need to provide information like the type of property, sale price, payment amounts, current balance, etc. They should respond within a day or two.
6. When you get a quote you like, you'll have to send copies of the Mortgage or Deed of Trust, the Note, the closing or Settlement Statement, and the Title Policy. If there is no recent appraisal, they will usually arrange for that.
7. Processing time varies, so ask. Usually, once you agree to the offer and send the documents (if done by mail), you can expect to receive a certified check or electronic transfer to your account within two to three weeks.
Get Top Dollar When You Sell Real Estate Notes
Notes with a balloon payment get a higher price. "Seasoned" notes sell for more too. Those are notes that have had payments made on them for a while. Some note buyers will buy new or "unseasoned" notes, but if you can wait until six payments have been made, you're likely to get a much better price.
Higher interest rates and shorter loan periods will get you more money too. This is something to consider before you sell the house, if you think you might sell the note in the future.
You can sell second mortgage notes, and other second-place real estate notes as well. Note buyers will look at these differently though. The first and second place notes can't add up to much more than 70% of the value of the property, or you'll be looking at a steep discount
Discounts, by the way, will almost always seem steep. It is common for note buyers to pay 20% to 30% less than the current balance on the note. I'll let them explain why. Suffice it to say, they need to make money on the deal, and you should be sure you have a good use for that cash before you sell those real estate notes.
Steve Gillman has invested in real estate for years. See a photo of a beautiful house he and his wife bought for $17,500 on his home page, or go straight to the section on real estate investing: http://www.HousesUnderFiftyThousand.com/investing-in-real-estate.html
Your Guide to Credit Repair Services
by: Morgan Hamilton
There are many people today that are in great need of having their credit repaired. There can be many reasons why people need there credit repaired. Some people have bad credit due to medical bills. Some people just made poor spending decisions. Some people were victims of credit fraud. Some people just had no idea there was even a problem with their credit until they tried to apply for something. Whatever the reasons may be, they need help repairing their credit. This is why they need the help of credit repair services. If you are not sure what credit repair services are, then let this be your guide to credit repair services.
Credit repair services are not free. This is because many things are involved in repairing your credit. This includes monitoring of your credit reports, changing inaccuracies, removing bills that have been paid that show up on your credit, etc. It also involves being in constant contact with the credit reporting agencies: Experian, Trans Union, and Exquifax.
Credit repair is very time consuming, this is why also why credit repair services must charge a fee. The fee will vary depending on where you go for you credit repair services. Some credit repair services offer a free 30 day trial. Some offer guarantees of free credit repair or your money back. All and all, you should estimate paying a fee of $399.99 for credit repair services. This is the average fee that most charge. Some cost quite a bit more.
Another thing that credit repair services often offer is a way to help you consolidate you debt so that you can more easily repair your credit. Most people that are in need of credit repair services have a lot of debt and bills on their credit report. Debt consolidation combines all of your bills together and you make one payment to one lender instead of several payments to several lenders. This saves you money on interest rates and helps so that your debt doesn't get higher. With debt consolidation, these bills are more easily paid and thus you can repair your credit.
You can find credit repair services in many ways. You can find many online or you can check your local yellow pages. Be sure to do your research before selecting a credit repair service as some charge more than others. There are also non profit credit repair services that are available to help those of you with little or no income.
The above was all of the information you need to get you started in finding a credit repair service. Repairing your credit can be a difficult and scary ordeal. But with the help of credit repair services, the task can be much more easily obtained. This will save you from much stress and ease the difficulties you may be suffering.
Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Credit Repair.
Get the information you are seeking now by visiting http://www.creditrepairoutline.info
There are many people today that are in great need of having their credit repaired. There can be many reasons why people need there credit repaired. Some people have bad credit due to medical bills. Some people just made poor spending decisions. Some people were victims of credit fraud. Some people just had no idea there was even a problem with their credit until they tried to apply for something. Whatever the reasons may be, they need help repairing their credit. This is why they need the help of credit repair services. If you are not sure what credit repair services are, then let this be your guide to credit repair services.
Credit repair services are not free. This is because many things are involved in repairing your credit. This includes monitoring of your credit reports, changing inaccuracies, removing bills that have been paid that show up on your credit, etc. It also involves being in constant contact with the credit reporting agencies: Experian, Trans Union, and Exquifax.
Credit repair is very time consuming, this is why also why credit repair services must charge a fee. The fee will vary depending on where you go for you credit repair services. Some credit repair services offer a free 30 day trial. Some offer guarantees of free credit repair or your money back. All and all, you should estimate paying a fee of $399.99 for credit repair services. This is the average fee that most charge. Some cost quite a bit more.
Another thing that credit repair services often offer is a way to help you consolidate you debt so that you can more easily repair your credit. Most people that are in need of credit repair services have a lot of debt and bills on their credit report. Debt consolidation combines all of your bills together and you make one payment to one lender instead of several payments to several lenders. This saves you money on interest rates and helps so that your debt doesn't get higher. With debt consolidation, these bills are more easily paid and thus you can repair your credit.
You can find credit repair services in many ways. You can find many online or you can check your local yellow pages. Be sure to do your research before selecting a credit repair service as some charge more than others. There are also non profit credit repair services that are available to help those of you with little or no income.
The above was all of the information you need to get you started in finding a credit repair service. Repairing your credit can be a difficult and scary ordeal. But with the help of credit repair services, the task can be much more easily obtained. This will save you from much stress and ease the difficulties you may be suffering.
Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Credit Repair.
Get the information you are seeking now by visiting http://www.creditrepairoutline.info
Managers: Should Your PR Budget Stress Tactics or Strategy?
by: Robert A. Kelly
If public relations tactics like special events, brochures, broadcast plugs and press releases dominate your answer, you’re missing the best PR has to offer.
Such a budget would tell us that you believe tactics ARE public relations. And that would be too bad, because it means you are not effectively planning to alter individual perception among your key outside audiences which then would help you achieve your managerial objectives.
It would also tell us that, even as a business, non-profit or association manager, you’re not planning to do anything positive about the behaviors of those important external audiences of yours that MOST affect your operation. Nor are you preparing to persuade those key outside folks to your way of thinking by helping to move them to take actions that allow your department, division or subsidiary to succeed.
So, it takes more than good intentions for you as a manager to alter individual, key-audience perception leading to changed behaviors. It takes a carefully structured plan dedicated to getting every member of the PR team working towards the same external audience behaviors insuring that the organization’s public relations effort stays sharply focused.
The absence of such a plan is always unfortunate because the right public relations planning really CAN alter individual perception and lead to changed behaviors among key outside audiences.
If this sounds vaguely familiar, try to remember that your PR effort must require more than special events, news releases and talk show tactics if you are to receive the quality public relations results you deserve.
The payoff can materialize faster than you may think in the form of welcome bounces in show room visits; customers beginning to make repeat purchases; capital givers or specifying sources beginning to look your way; membership applications on the rise; the appearance of new proposals for strategic alliances and joint ventures; politicians and legislators beginning to look at you as a key member of the business, non-profit or association communities; prospects actually starting to do business with you; and community leaders begin to seek you out.
It’s always nice to simply hire a survey firm to handle the opinion monitoring/data gathering phase of your effort. But that can cost real money. Luckily, your public relations professionals can often fill that bill because they are already in the perception and behavior business. But satisfy yourself that the PR staff really accepts why it’s SO important to know how your most important outside audiences perceive your operations, products or services. And be doubly certain they believe that perceptions almost always result in behaviors that can help or hurt your operation.
Share your plans with them for monitoring and gathering perceptions by questioning members of your most important outside audiences. Ask questions like these: how much do you know about our organization? Have you had prior contact with us and were you pleased with the interchange? Are you familiar with our services or products and employees? Have you experienced problems with our people or procedures?
But whether it’s your people or a survey firm asking the questions, the objective remains the same: identify untruths, false assumptions, unfounded rumors, inaccuracies, misconceptions and any other negative perception that might translate into hurtful behaviors.
It’s goal-setting time during which you will establish a goal calling for action on the most serious problem areas you uncovered during your key audience perception monitoring. You’ll want to straighten out that dangerous misconception? Correct that gross inaccuracy? Or, stop that potentially painful rumor cold?
Of course, setting your PR goal requires an equally specific strategy that tells you how to get there. Only three strategic options are available to you when it comes to doing something about perception and opinion. Change existing perception, create perception where there may be none, or reinforce it. The wrong strategy pick will taste like onion gravy on your rhubarb pie. So be sure your new strategy fits well with your new public relations goal. You certainly don’t want to select “change” when the facts dictate a strategy of reinforcement.
It’s always time for good writing, but never as now. You must prepare a persuasive message that will help move your key audience to your way of thinking. It must be a carefully-written message targeted directly at your key external audience. Select your very best writer because s/he must come up with really corrective language that is not merely compelling, persuasive and believable, but clear and factual if they are to shift perception/opinion towards your point of view and lead to the behaviors you have in mind.
Here’s where you need the communications tactics certain to carry your message to the attention of your target audience. There are many available. >From speeches, facility tours, emails and brochures to consumer briefings, media interviews, newsletters, personal meetings and many others. But be certain that the tactics you pick are known to reach folks just like your audience members.
How you communicate, however, is always a major concern. The credibility of any message is always fragile. Which is why you’ll probably want to unveil your corrective message before smaller meetings and presentations rather than using higher-profile news releases.
When the need for a progress report appears, you’ll want to begin a second perception monitoring session with members of your external audience. You’ll certainly use many of the same questions used in the benchmark session. But now, you will be watching closely for signs that the bad news perception is finally moving positively in your direction.
Fortunately, if things slow down, you can always speed things up by adding more communications tactics as well as increasing their frequencies.
Allow the tacticians a free hand in selecting whether this tactic or that tactic should be used as the beast of burden needed to carry your message to your target audience.
You take a broader view of public relations and stress the strategic approach because it requires you as the manager to effectively plan to alter individual perception among your key outside audiences, thus helping you achieve your managerial objectives.
end
Please feel free to publish this article and resource box in your ezine, newsletter, offline publication or website. A copy would be appreciated at bobkelly@TNI.net Word count is 1150 including guidelines and resource box.
Robert A. Kelly © 2005.
Robert A. Kelly
Bob Kelly counsels and writes for business, non-profit and association managers about using the fundamental premise of public relations to achieve their operating objectives. He has published over 200 articles on the subject which are listed at EzineArticles.com, click Expert Author, click Robert A. Kelly. He has been DPR, Pepsi-Cola Co.; AGM-PR, Texaco Inc.; VP-PR, Olin Corp.; VP-PR, Newport News Shipbuilding & Drydock Co.; director of communications, U.S. Department of the Interior, and deputy assistant press secretary, The White House. He holds a bachelor of science degree from Columbia University, major in public relations.
mailto:bobkelly@TNI.net
Visit:www.PRCommentary.com
If public relations tactics like special events, brochures, broadcast plugs and press releases dominate your answer, you’re missing the best PR has to offer.
Such a budget would tell us that you believe tactics ARE public relations. And that would be too bad, because it means you are not effectively planning to alter individual perception among your key outside audiences which then would help you achieve your managerial objectives.
It would also tell us that, even as a business, non-profit or association manager, you’re not planning to do anything positive about the behaviors of those important external audiences of yours that MOST affect your operation. Nor are you preparing to persuade those key outside folks to your way of thinking by helping to move them to take actions that allow your department, division or subsidiary to succeed.
So, it takes more than good intentions for you as a manager to alter individual, key-audience perception leading to changed behaviors. It takes a carefully structured plan dedicated to getting every member of the PR team working towards the same external audience behaviors insuring that the organization’s public relations effort stays sharply focused.
The absence of such a plan is always unfortunate because the right public relations planning really CAN alter individual perception and lead to changed behaviors among key outside audiences.
If this sounds vaguely familiar, try to remember that your PR effort must require more than special events, news releases and talk show tactics if you are to receive the quality public relations results you deserve.
The payoff can materialize faster than you may think in the form of welcome bounces in show room visits; customers beginning to make repeat purchases; capital givers or specifying sources beginning to look your way; membership applications on the rise; the appearance of new proposals for strategic alliances and joint ventures; politicians and legislators beginning to look at you as a key member of the business, non-profit or association communities; prospects actually starting to do business with you; and community leaders begin to seek you out.
It’s always nice to simply hire a survey firm to handle the opinion monitoring/data gathering phase of your effort. But that can cost real money. Luckily, your public relations professionals can often fill that bill because they are already in the perception and behavior business. But satisfy yourself that the PR staff really accepts why it’s SO important to know how your most important outside audiences perceive your operations, products or services. And be doubly certain they believe that perceptions almost always result in behaviors that can help or hurt your operation.
Share your plans with them for monitoring and gathering perceptions by questioning members of your most important outside audiences. Ask questions like these: how much do you know about our organization? Have you had prior contact with us and were you pleased with the interchange? Are you familiar with our services or products and employees? Have you experienced problems with our people or procedures?
But whether it’s your people or a survey firm asking the questions, the objective remains the same: identify untruths, false assumptions, unfounded rumors, inaccuracies, misconceptions and any other negative perception that might translate into hurtful behaviors.
It’s goal-setting time during which you will establish a goal calling for action on the most serious problem areas you uncovered during your key audience perception monitoring. You’ll want to straighten out that dangerous misconception? Correct that gross inaccuracy? Or, stop that potentially painful rumor cold?
Of course, setting your PR goal requires an equally specific strategy that tells you how to get there. Only three strategic options are available to you when it comes to doing something about perception and opinion. Change existing perception, create perception where there may be none, or reinforce it. The wrong strategy pick will taste like onion gravy on your rhubarb pie. So be sure your new strategy fits well with your new public relations goal. You certainly don’t want to select “change” when the facts dictate a strategy of reinforcement.
It’s always time for good writing, but never as now. You must prepare a persuasive message that will help move your key audience to your way of thinking. It must be a carefully-written message targeted directly at your key external audience. Select your very best writer because s/he must come up with really corrective language that is not merely compelling, persuasive and believable, but clear and factual if they are to shift perception/opinion towards your point of view and lead to the behaviors you have in mind.
Here’s where you need the communications tactics certain to carry your message to the attention of your target audience. There are many available. >From speeches, facility tours, emails and brochures to consumer briefings, media interviews, newsletters, personal meetings and many others. But be certain that the tactics you pick are known to reach folks just like your audience members.
How you communicate, however, is always a major concern. The credibility of any message is always fragile. Which is why you’ll probably want to unveil your corrective message before smaller meetings and presentations rather than using higher-profile news releases.
When the need for a progress report appears, you’ll want to begin a second perception monitoring session with members of your external audience. You’ll certainly use many of the same questions used in the benchmark session. But now, you will be watching closely for signs that the bad news perception is finally moving positively in your direction.
Fortunately, if things slow down, you can always speed things up by adding more communications tactics as well as increasing their frequencies.
Allow the tacticians a free hand in selecting whether this tactic or that tactic should be used as the beast of burden needed to carry your message to your target audience.
You take a broader view of public relations and stress the strategic approach because it requires you as the manager to effectively plan to alter individual perception among your key outside audiences, thus helping you achieve your managerial objectives.
end
Please feel free to publish this article and resource box in your ezine, newsletter, offline publication or website. A copy would be appreciated at bobkelly@TNI.net Word count is 1150 including guidelines and resource box.
Robert A. Kelly © 2005.
Robert A. Kelly
Bob Kelly counsels and writes for business, non-profit and association managers about using the fundamental premise of public relations to achieve their operating objectives. He has published over 200 articles on the subject which are listed at EzineArticles.com, click Expert Author, click Robert A. Kelly. He has been DPR, Pepsi-Cola Co.; AGM-PR, Texaco Inc.; VP-PR, Olin Corp.; VP-PR, Newport News Shipbuilding & Drydock Co.; director of communications, U.S. Department of the Interior, and deputy assistant press secretary, The White House. He holds a bachelor of science degree from Columbia University, major in public relations.
mailto:bobkelly@TNI.net
Visit:www.PRCommentary.com
Tips on Finding the Best Credit Card Deals
by: Morgan Hamilton
If you are looking for a new credit card, it is certainly to your advantage to search for credit card deals. If you do your homework, you could step into some of best credit card deals offered. Getting a new credit card should not be a spur of the moment thing. Your credit score can strongly affect your life, so you should take anything involved with it very seriously. You should always be well informed about any credit card you are applying for. This means you may need to ask questions and read all of the fine print. Use these tips to help you with your search for great credit card deals.
New Cardholder Incentives
Some of the best credit card deals include new cardholder incentives. The best credit card deals are those that allow new cardholders to make purchases for an extended period of time, without interest charges. Some will offer this for sixty days while others may offer this deal for up to six months. These are great because if cardholders wait until they are making a major purchase, they can save a lot on interest while they quickly pay it off.
Rewards Programs
Other great credit card deals include rewards programs. Rewards programs may vary from card to card. Most of them work the same way however. The more the cardholder uses their card, the more rewards they will accumulate. Rewards may be in the form of flight points, cash back, or other miscellaneous prizes. These are great deals for cardholders that use their cards quite a bit. Not much is better than being rewarded for spending money.
Interest Rates
Of course everyone looking for a new credit card should consider good credit card deals involving interest rates. If you can get a credit card with a low interest rate, then you are getting a great deal. Many credit cards will hold interest rates of up to 22%. So, if you can get a lower rate, you are doing great.
Annual Fees
Take notice of annual fees when looking for credit card deals. Cards with high annual fees are certainly not worth your time. The best credit card deals include no annual or monthly fees. This allows you to be charged nothing if you don’t use your card. With many people keeping credit cards for emergency purposes only, this is the best way to go.
Credit card deals usually don’t jump out at you, so they do require a little research. Make a list of what is important to you personally when it comes to your credit card and number them in order of importance. Try to find a credit card that matches all of those items. When you do find that card, you know you have found the best credit card deal available for you.
Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Credit Cards.
Get the information you are seeking now by visiting http://www.Find-Cards-Now.com.
If you are looking for a new credit card, it is certainly to your advantage to search for credit card deals. If you do your homework, you could step into some of best credit card deals offered. Getting a new credit card should not be a spur of the moment thing. Your credit score can strongly affect your life, so you should take anything involved with it very seriously. You should always be well informed about any credit card you are applying for. This means you may need to ask questions and read all of the fine print. Use these tips to help you with your search for great credit card deals.
New Cardholder Incentives
Some of the best credit card deals include new cardholder incentives. The best credit card deals are those that allow new cardholders to make purchases for an extended period of time, without interest charges. Some will offer this for sixty days while others may offer this deal for up to six months. These are great because if cardholders wait until they are making a major purchase, they can save a lot on interest while they quickly pay it off.
Rewards Programs
Other great credit card deals include rewards programs. Rewards programs may vary from card to card. Most of them work the same way however. The more the cardholder uses their card, the more rewards they will accumulate. Rewards may be in the form of flight points, cash back, or other miscellaneous prizes. These are great deals for cardholders that use their cards quite a bit. Not much is better than being rewarded for spending money.
Interest Rates
Of course everyone looking for a new credit card should consider good credit card deals involving interest rates. If you can get a credit card with a low interest rate, then you are getting a great deal. Many credit cards will hold interest rates of up to 22%. So, if you can get a lower rate, you are doing great.
Annual Fees
Take notice of annual fees when looking for credit card deals. Cards with high annual fees are certainly not worth your time. The best credit card deals include no annual or monthly fees. This allows you to be charged nothing if you don’t use your card. With many people keeping credit cards for emergency purposes only, this is the best way to go.
Credit card deals usually don’t jump out at you, so they do require a little research. Make a list of what is important to you personally when it comes to your credit card and number them in order of importance. Try to find a credit card that matches all of those items. When you do find that card, you know you have found the best credit card deal available for you.
Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Credit Cards.
Get the information you are seeking now by visiting http://www.Find-Cards-Now.com.
How payday loans work
by: Jeff Lakie
Imagine this: you get paid once a month, at the end of the month. But three weeks into the month you find you've been invited to a great weekend bash at a friend's cottage. Do you say no because it doesn't fit into your budget? Or is there something else you can do to help you get a bit of extra cash in order to enjoy the party?
Payday loans are a highly convenient way to get money if you find yourself short of cash before payday. Payday loan companies can operate like retail stores, which you can probably find on a busy street, and, more conveniently, on the Internet.
How does it work?
Say you need an extra couple hundred dollars to tide you over until payday. Just go online and search for a payday loan company. Their web site will take you through a quick and easy process that will give them all the information they need to get the process started. For example they'll need information such as your name and where you live and who you work for.
From there, you just sit back and wait! These payday loan companies go out in search of lending institutions who want to lend you money. Some lending institutions will request you to fax information to them while other lending institutions won't require it at all. In many cases, you can choose whether you want to fax your information to a lending institution. If you are willing to fax your permission to a lending institution, your options will be much more open than if you choose not to. However, by choosing not to fax your information, that does not necessarily mean that you won't find a lending institution.
Within a very short time, just a couple days at the most, the money will appear in your bank account for you to spend on that party!
Then, come payday, the payday loan company will extract the principal (the amount they lent you) plus interest from your bank account.
While the interest you pay maybe higher on these types of loans then on a traditional loan or on a credit card, this is an excellent way to get money quickly if you need a bridge loan for an emergency or for that great party that only comes around once in awhile.
Jeff Lakie is the founder of http://www.my-cash-advances.info and http://www.my-payday-cash-loan.info websites providing information on Payday Loans.
Imagine this: you get paid once a month, at the end of the month. But three weeks into the month you find you've been invited to a great weekend bash at a friend's cottage. Do you say no because it doesn't fit into your budget? Or is there something else you can do to help you get a bit of extra cash in order to enjoy the party?
Payday loans are a highly convenient way to get money if you find yourself short of cash before payday. Payday loan companies can operate like retail stores, which you can probably find on a busy street, and, more conveniently, on the Internet.
How does it work?
Say you need an extra couple hundred dollars to tide you over until payday. Just go online and search for a payday loan company. Their web site will take you through a quick and easy process that will give them all the information they need to get the process started. For example they'll need information such as your name and where you live and who you work for.
From there, you just sit back and wait! These payday loan companies go out in search of lending institutions who want to lend you money. Some lending institutions will request you to fax information to them while other lending institutions won't require it at all. In many cases, you can choose whether you want to fax your information to a lending institution. If you are willing to fax your permission to a lending institution, your options will be much more open than if you choose not to. However, by choosing not to fax your information, that does not necessarily mean that you won't find a lending institution.
Within a very short time, just a couple days at the most, the money will appear in your bank account for you to spend on that party!
Then, come payday, the payday loan company will extract the principal (the amount they lent you) plus interest from your bank account.
While the interest you pay maybe higher on these types of loans then on a traditional loan or on a credit card, this is an excellent way to get money quickly if you need a bridge loan for an emergency or for that great party that only comes around once in awhile.
Jeff Lakie is the founder of http://www.my-cash-advances.info and http://www.my-payday-cash-loan.info websites providing information on Payday Loans.
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