Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Knowledge Management – Creating a Sustainable Yellow Page...

How can I "know who knows"? None of us can personally know more than around 250 people, yet we want our companies to be smart, learning organisations where it’s easy to find the right person to talk to. This is why many organisations create "yellow pages" applications, which enable employees to find and contact other staff with particular expertise and skills. However, these systems can be frau. . .

Shortcomings of eVenturizing the World

Venture capital (VC) people are very lovable. They are the ones giving you the opportunity to say hocus-pocus in the journey of converting your idea into money. So far, VCs have spoilt the North American and West European idea pioneers more than enough. Now, their desire is to make it a global hip. However, it is a big question mark, whether or not, world’s quality of entrepreneurship and ventu. . .

Trading the Gap

There are a number of common theories and misconceptions about opening gaps and how to trade them. Trader Jack himself has always maintained that it is wise to 'mind the gap', and strongly recommends not dashing madly after a market powering away unless you REALLY know what you are doing. We therefore felt it might be useful to investigate common gap trading ideas and comment on them for our re. . .

Home Equity Loan vs Home Equity Line Of Credit

Many people confuse a home-equity line of credit with a home-equity loan. With so many different kinds of loans it can get confusing. So lets look at the difference so you can get a better understanding of what works best for you.Home Equity Line Of CreditHome-equity lines have experienced unprecedented growth in the past two years and presently represent 80 percent of the home-equity market. A. . .

Basic Steps To Start a Laminate Flooring Business

While most people prefer other businesses, some people get into laminate flooring business. Like any other business in the world, if done right, it's a quite profitable business. Laminate flooring has been successful since it was introduced on the market, first in Europe and then in the United States in 1996.Here are some basic steps to follow before you start your laminate flooring business: Y. . .

Investing in Stocks and the Game of Monopoly

To begin, you might look at playing the stock market as though you were playing a game of Monopoly. That’s right; for playing the stock market ‘game’ is not unlike playing a game of Monopoly. There are definite comparisons and parallels. In Monopoly there are a Boardwalk, a Marvin Gardens, Utilities, Railroads, etc. In the stock market you have the same type of properties (stocks), as in the ga. . .

9 Warning Signs of Stress

Stress is the nastiest 4 letter word you ever met. Don’t stress, I know it is six letters but it packs the wallop of the meanest 4 letter word you ever heard.Stress can affect your health and keep you from being all you can be to borrow a phrase recently made popular by the U.S. Army.Psychologists, scientists and those who study this particular beast say its origins may be physical, financial, . . .

Five Questions To Ask Yourself Before Buying a Stock

If you are like most people today, you have either thought about investing in the stock market or you actually went out and bought some stock. If so that’s great, there is lots of money to be made in the stock market, but the important question is; How do you pick your stocks?Are you buying the stock, because your brother told you to?Did you get a hot tip from your mailman?Or are you just buyin. . .

How Banks Create Money

Did you know that banks can “create” money?The vast majority of people have only the vaguest idea of how banks and financial institutions in general, operate. They just go about their lives never understanding what happens every time they deposit money into their bank.I guarantee you if they did know what went on behind the scenes, they would demand much more than the pitiful, if any, interest . . .

Brain Snappers and Other Wall Street Nonsense

The last time you spoke with your broker did he use any of the following words? Diversification, Price-to-earnings ratios, discretionary trading, lifting a leg (he’s talking to you not your dog), leverage, divergence, fee-based compensation, escalator clause, tactical asset allocation and other mesmerizing words to place you in stupefying shock. Brokers do that to let you know that you don’t kn. . .

Modelling a Structural Steel Support

I often have to create structural steel supports for dust collectors or baghouses and at first I spent a lot of time making repetitive structural steel details of the gussets, braces, baseplates, columns and angles.The shape of the gussets and bracing would basically remain the same, but their dimensions would vary. The sizes of the support columns and the baseplates would change, due to overal. . .

How To Read Your Credit Report

The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, signed into law on Dec. 4, 2003, gives every American the right to a free credit report every year from each of the three major credit bureaus -- Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.What the law doesn’t do is give every American the ability to read their credit report. Not one word in the law says the credit bureaus have to write it in plain, easy-to-. . .

Increase Profits with Outsourcing Best Practices

When your company is forming long-term offshore outsourcing relationships with another company, the foundation of the success of this venture should be laid during the negotiation period itself. The centerpiece of this negotiation period is the Service Level Agreement. The aim of outsourcing is to gain value for the host organization (see the Outsourcing Times at http://www.blogsource.org). How. . .

Effective Policies and Procedures - 4 Parts of the Comple...

The Cash to Cash CycleFinal of SeriesPart One: http://www.bizmanualz.com/articles/01-05-05_inventory_procedures.html?src=ART78Part Two: http://www.bizmanualz.com/articles/01-11-05_accounts_receivable.html?src=ART79Part Three: http://www.bizmanualz.com/articles/01-18-05_Sales_Marketing.html?src=ART80Part Four: http://www.bizmanualz.com/articles/01-25-05_Accounts_Payable.html?src=ART82In the past. . .

9-11 And Your Checking Account

Imagine a catastrophic event triggering the government to change the rules covering your checking account. Actually, you don’t have to imagine it because it happened in New York on 9-11.The ensuing halt to commerce in the immediate days after 9-11 (about four total) was enough of a catalyst for our otherwise sloth emulating elected Congressional representatives to pass an act that would ensure. . .

Throw Out The Lifeline

The television show "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" made a great splash when launched, and even spawned a number of imitators.One of the features that made the show popular was the Lifeline. That's a mechanism an uncertain contestant used to ask for a second opinion, before committing to an answer.Not long after the show started, I read a cartoon that used the Lifeline idea as the basis of its. . .

Success Leaves Clues

How often have you thought of running your own business because you assumed it would be easy? Or if you currently have your own business, you thought, “There’s got to be an easier way to do what I do.” Fact is, often there is not an “easy way” to achieve business success. It takes time, commitment and most importantly realizing that success leaves clues. The clues are available if you are willi. . .

Factoring. Cash Without Borrowing

Cash flow is one of the main reasons businesses fail. At one time or another, every business, even successful ones, have experienced poor cash flow. Cash flow does not have to be a problem any more. Do not be fooled -- banks are not the only places you can get funding. Other solutions are available and you do not have to borrow.What is Factoring?One solution is called factoring. Factoring is th. . .

Profits With Rental Properties

So you are interesting in becoming a landlord? Investing in rental properties can be an exciting and very profitable business. Not only can real estate provide current income through rental property but it also can increase your personal wealth or networth. Make no mistake, this is not a sure thing to easy money and investing in real estate is not for everyone. There are risks as with any busin. . .

Is Day Trading Right For You?

Do you have the tolerance for the risk involved with day trading? Day trading is not a get rich quick business. It is not technically even investing. This competitive game of day trading is speculation at its core and the odds are against you in favor of failure. But for those who crave this type of environment it can be a very exciting and profitable venture. A study in 1999 found that 70% of . . .

How To Purchase An Annuity

An annuity is a contract with an insurance company to make periodic payments for retirement income and sometimes other purposes. There are basically two types of annuities. Fixed Annuities A fixed annuity earns a guaranteed interest rate over a specific period of time. When this period of time expires a new interest rate is set for the next period of time. Is important to note that a fixed annu. . .

Tax Records - What You Should Keep And For How Long

Many taxpayers are confused about how long they should keep tax records. The term "tax records" refers to your tax returns and the documents that support the information in the returns. These documents can include receipts, bank statements, 1099s, etc. If you are one of the unlucky few to be audited, these records will be vital to fending off the IRS. Tax Returns To protect yourself from a nast. . .

Preventing Foreclosure Proceedings and Understanding Your...

Every year over 8 million homeowners are seeking help preventing foreclosure proceedings. This is a stunning 30 year high. Experts project that by 2006, 12 million homeowners will be teetering on the brink of foreclosure. Many homeowners are not aware that the can prevent foreclosure and save their house. Did you know that you can’t stop the proceedings up to an hour before the auction takes pl. . .

How To Survive With Your Online Business

So you decide to start your own Internet business with some really great products. You have a great looking site and everything is set up, so you're now ready to jump into the online shark pool and dominate the Net right?I know that you're saying "shark pool"? Yes, that’s right it's truly a shark pool out there. You didn't think it would be that easy did you? We all have to prepare ourselves fo. . .

Development Procedures for Building Effective Management ...

Part One of Series: http://www.bizmanualz.com/articles/01-13-05_Systems_Discovery.html?src=ART42Part Two: http://www.bizmanualz.com/articles/01-18-05_Systems_Planning.html?src=ART43Next Week: ImplementationBefore beginning our discussion of The Development Phase, let’s recap. In Phase I (Discovery) we learned how your organization specifies the project mission, objectives and effectiveness crit. . .

Pre-empt the Radiation or Die

Professor Lawrie Challis reminded President George W. Bush’s doctrine of pre-emption with his invention. Now, it is time for mobile industry to put their act together unless they are ready to become the next customer battleground.At West Point, in a speech, President George W. Bush shared the doctrine of pre-emption with his cadets that he articulated as a countermeasure to September 11 attacks. . .

7 Ways to Get to the Truth: When the Sale "Disappears"

You're close, really close, to making a sale. Your potential client is in the market for your product or service and you've had a couple of good meetings.Based on his most recent e-mail, "Everything looks good -- I'll get back to you so we can move this forward"--everything points to a probable sale. You feel so relaxed, happy, and hopeful. Then a couple of days go by with no phone call or e-m. . .

The #1 Job Search Mistake to Avoid: Not Preparing Your Mind!

For your job search to be successful, you need to start with the right frame of mind and attitude. If this is not handled right away, everything you do will show lack of confidence, fear and desperation - & poor results.Mental preparation is probably your most important task as you proceed in your job search. This not only needs to be worked on right from the start, but also on an ongoing basis. . .

The Downside of Buy To Let

is... gearing. The same factor that gives the buy-to-let landlord his massive advantage in a rising property market is one of his worst enemies in a falling market. With housing markets across the world teetering on the brink of a chasm, now may very well be a good time to evaluate exactly what gearing means to the average buy to let landlord.What exactly is gearing? It's basically another word. . .

How to Use Graphs and Charts in Your Business Plan

I often hear the question, “how many graphs or charts should I have in my business plan?” As with most other business planning questions, the answer is “it depends.” This article discusses the key factors influencing the number of graphs and charts to include in your business plan.To begin, the key point to consider in developing your business plan is the time restraints of your audience. If yo. . .

Health Care and Health Insurance Costs Can Be Controlled ...

As you probably know all to well, the cost of healthcare and health insurance premiums continue to increase at levels substantially above the general inflation rate. The reasons given for these extraordinary cost increases are numerous and include: technological advancements in the medical field, increased demand for medical services and prescription drugs, the aging of the population, cost shi. . .

How To Best Handle Health Insurance Plan Changes

Many economists have suggested and recent economic data indicates that the economy is steadily moving in the right direction. A combination of several factors has no doubt had a negative impact on the economy over the last several years.The recent state of the economy, combined with the increasing cost of healthcare, has made it difficult for all size employers to continue to offer the same lev. . .

Beat Your Competition By Controlling The Cost Of Your Hea...

As many of us expect, the New Year will bring both tremendous challenges and opportunities for all of us both personally and professionally. Employers continue to face the major challenge of controlling the cost of their health insurance and other employee benefit programs. Organizations that can best get a handle on the cost of their employee benefit programs have an excellent opportunity to g. . .

Consumer Directed Health Plans

Most of you have heard about “consumer directed health plans”. The Bush administration has been a strong supporter of this concept as a way to get a handle on soaring healthcare costs. The recent inaugeration of Mr. Bush signals that consumer directed health plans will increasingly make up a larger percentage of group medical plans over the next several years. In the past, consumer directed pla. . .

High Deductible Health Insurance Plans For Individuals an...

Do you pay more attention to your car than your body? You change your oil every 3000 to 4000 miles. You have your tires rotated every other oil change. Your air filter and brake pads are changed at the appropriate intervals.Now, what about your body? You follow the recommended AMA guidelines for routine check ups and other healthcare services. You pay special attention to make sure you eat a ba. . .

Why Does Health Insurance Cost So Much?

Why does health insurance cost so much? Year after year, many of the articles that appear in print detail the specific factors driving the cost of healthcare.These factors include: general inflation, advances in drugs and other medical devices, rising hospital and doctor expenses, government mandates, increased consumer demand, litigation, fraud, and cost shifting.The basic answer is that a mag. . .

Pay Off Debt Now: 5 steps to getting your finances in ord...

In our world of dizzying change, nothing is more true than the time honored statement that circumstances always change.No where is this more true than with financial issues.Have you ever borrowed money, or charged up the VISA card at Christmas, all the while telling yourself that you would pay everything off with a coming tax refund or bonus?Sound familiar. And then what happens when the bonus . . .

To Roommate Or Not To Roommate

Making the DecisionDo you want or need to live with a roommate? What are the pros and cons of having a roommate? What should you consider when looking for a roommate? And what issues should you get settled before you move in? On this page we'll look at the pros and cons and some tips to consider; later, we will look at the some of the issues you should get settled before moving in with roommate. . .

Drowning in Debt? Tips and Tricks for Getting Out of Hot ...

Do you, like millions of other Americans, feel like you’re sinking in an ocean of credit card debt? Well, fear not--there are many options for reducing your debt way before you have to be concerned about receiving notices or daunting telephone calls from debt collectors. The important thing to remember is to be proactive in handling your credit card debt. Unmanaged debt can ultimately lead to l. . .

WHAT IS AN OPTION?

You buy or trade stocks, bonds and mutual funds. Perhaps you invest in a 401(k) plan. You can us “Options” as part of your short or long term investment objectives.Did you know you may be using a form of options as a part of your everyday life?Do you pay a premium every quarter for house, auto, and medical insurance?You have purchased insurance as a safeguard against a fire in your home, a cras. . .

Don't Let Your Business Cards End Up In The Trash

Business cards are such wonderfully creative little marketing products. Most of them, unfortunately, end up in the nearest trash basket. Nobody wants to be bombarded with a big sales pitch. If you meet someone and within two minutes you are promoting your own business or stretching out that business card, your card will more than likely end up in the trash.Fact is, people do business with peopl. . .

You're The Boss

Beating Business Burnout 5 Remedies for relief when the pressure's on Victoria Nuttall is a graphic-arts consultant with skills that should have been appreciated. "I was working 50 to 55 hours a week, feeling like a real hero to the company because I was putting out work no one else could do at that time," she says. "They had me train people and expand the department, but never consulted me on . . .

Building A Reputation in the Executive Interim Management...

As any executive interim manager knows, when you're operating your own business, “reputation is everything” and an executive interim manager is only as good as their last assignments and the references and referrals that can be obtained from them. A pointed remark or two from a client to either an interim management agency or another prospective client can mean the difference between being in d. . .

Recovering from the Loss of a Business: Recovery, Reversa...

Losing a business is overall, akin to the "death" of a loved one. So much of a business owner's personality and hard work have gone into a business, that when tragedy strikes, for whatever reason and the business is forced into bankruptcy or to close, the emotions felt by the business owner are nothing short of serious and all encompassing!Since losing a business is considered a "major life str. . .

The Main Goals A Financial Plan Should Accomplish

This article is going to briefly touch on the main things a financial plan should accomplish. You don’t need a professional to help you draw up your own financial plan, but you might need professional advice and help to put some of your plans into action. Such as advice on your insurance needs to make sure you, your family and your home are adequately covered, tax advice to make sure you are no. . .

Grow your business by adding sticking power to your resol...

Growing Your Business by Adding More Sticking Power to Your ResolutionsIf you are like me, a new year brings dreams of a fresh start for your small business. Hopes abound for the new year. But, in the back of your mind, you may remember your past resolutions. Resolutions that were swallowed up in the bus-i-ness of daily life. By February, you have already moved on, with January’s resolu. . .

Building Pathways to Success

Understanding Your Company’s HistoryImagine if you will, a person that has had a positive impact on your life; perhaps a parent, grandparent, teacher, minister. Think about experiences you shared with that person, in what ways they influenced your life, and shaped your core values. Now, imagine if you lost touch with that person. Would you just forget about that person and everything they br. . .

Secure Method of Communication

Introduction...In today's business world, your business competitors will often try and get an edge over you by any means possible.This includes attempts at intercepting your sensitive business communications.This is why it is highly recommended all companies, including yours, buy secure communication equipment for sensitive business communications.The problem...But what happens when you're out . . .

Top 10 Things You Need To Know When Starting A Business..

In my career, I have had a total of 3 businesses myself and a few others where I am in partnerships. Each time you start a business the basics are pretty well the same. Here are 10 things I believe are really important for anyone starting up a business....1. Don't waste your dollars on things you don't need. This alone is one of the biggest reasons people go under. You simply won't need expensi. . .

How To Prepare Yourself For The Challenges as a Freelance...

Some simple question – but suddenly not so simple when it comes to answering. What exactly is your vision? What services do you want to offer as a freelancer? Do you want to offer just translation or just interpreting or both? And if any of these apply, than what language combination, what field i.e. technical, legal, marketing, financial, and medical? Once you answered these questions, the int. . .