Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

There's Profit in Being Organised

Hi!An article in a major American business magazine nominated personal organisation as the main reason that senior, top level super-executives are so successful. The story admitted that while vision and energy were very important, the most vital of all the qualities needed by these men and women is that they all have their professional lives together and also have a life outside of work. HOW???. . .

How to Attract and Keep a Personal Assistant

Hi!Many managers will often say their personal assistant is invaluable to them yet they often treat them as if they're not.Day after day, week after week the P.A. is in the office, slogging away making sure the work gets done. In many instances it is the P.A. that holds the business / department together.Many of them are so conscientious they won't take time out and will stay at their desk unti. . .

Take Back Your Time

"You will never find time for anything. You must make it."-Charles BuxtonAccording to the organizers of Take Back Your Time Day, which was held on October 15, if Americans quit working on that date and didn’t work for the rest of the year, we would be working the same number of hours as the average European. Even with high unemployment, America has experienced near-record mandatory overtime.The. . .

Insurance Glossary of Terms

Assured - Those insured under the terms of an insurance policy.Benefit - The money paid to the policyholder when a claim is made.Bid Price - The selling price or cash-in value of your unit holdings.Bonus - Relates to a with-profits policy. The amount of money added to the benefit payable under the policy. The amount is dependent upon the profits made by the insurance company. Added bonuses cann. . .

Debt a Glossary of Terms

Bankruptcy - Having been legally declared financially insolvent. There are two types of bankruptcy - liquidation, in which your debts are cleared (discharged) and reorganization, in which you provide the court with a plan for how you intend to repay your debts.Collateral - Property acceptable as security for a loan or other obligation.Collection Agency - A company hired by a creditor to collect. . .

Investing Is About Discipline

Investing is about Discipline If you don't have discipline then walk away from the idea of being rich. You see, getting rich without discipline is relying on the lottery or your favorite pony ambling past the finish line in front. And how likely is that...? The idea of wealth retention is what you have to consider and grasp firmly. That must be the goal of any strategy. Get it and keep it. Soun. . .

Why Should I Use Penny Shares to Build Wealth?

A strategic question. Why indeed?1. A penny share would usually refer to a share available for less than $1.00. This makes the aquisition of shares manageable by even the most modest investment budget.2. The London Business School’s research indicates that generally the smaller companies outperform their big brothers every year (except in the depth of a depression). This provides a measure of r. . .

Is Working From Home All It’s Cracked Up To Be?

Is working from home all it’s cracked up to be? I’ve worked from home for the last 27 years so I guess I am entitled to make some observations about how it works. There are some critical issues that you would need to consider – 1. Discipline. Working from home means working – not staying. And the temptations for walking away from the work can be compelling. Kids come home with great news so tha. . .

Developing a Great Relationship with Your Boss

We usually write about how to get interviewed and then get hired for the best job. But this week’s tip is about what to do after that happens. Finding a job is largely a sales process – finding prospects (finding jobs), qualifying those prospects further (interviewing) and closing the sale (getting hired). Good salespeople know the sales process does not end when you close the deal. It conti. . .

Negotiating A Short Sale – The High Road to Huge Foreclos...

Buying foreclosures can be extremely profitable for real estate investors. However, most of these homeowners are mortgaged to the hilt. They have no equity, and big loan payments. In fact, many actually owe more than the property is worth!Most investors will walk away from these deals because they see no obvious profit. However, you can “create” your own equity by negotiating a “Short Sale” wit. . .

What is a Bad Credit History?

A bad credit history can sometimes seem like a curse... whenever you apply for financing or for a loan, it always seems to pop up and cause you problems.Having a bad credit history can even cause you problems when applying for some jobs or other opportunities! Before you let it get under your skin, though, you should know that it is possible to live with (and even improve) a bad credit history.. . .

Are You A Stockaholic?

Today's society gives special recognition to alcoholics, sexaholics, binge-aholics, shopaholics, chocaholics and other "-aholics". What about stockaholics? Stockaholics are people who are overly obsessive about their stock market investments. As approximately 50% of U.S. households directly or indirectly invest in the stock market, it is likely that there already exists a goodly number of undia. . .

9 Things You Must Do To Maximize Your Chances Of Obtainin...

To get approval for your small business loan application, you must be able to meet the lending criteria set down. Some organisations are more risk averse than others, and will therefore have more stringent criteria. To vastly increase your chances of a successful funding application, you will need to present the following information:1. The reason for the loan. The lender will be looking for . . .

Taking Control of Your Credit History

Your credit history is important; in fact, in this day and age, only family and your time are more important than your credit history! The first time you established a payment commitment over a period of time for a purchase, you began your history of credit, and the credit bureau created your account. Payments such as the electric company, a rental agreement, a cell phone, a car payment or a lo. . .

A Guide to UK Secured Homeowner Loans

Trying to find good UK secured homeowner loans might seem difficult at first, but once you know what you're looking for and how to search for it then it's actually quite easy.The main things that you need to know in order to find the best UK secured homeowner loans are how the loans work and the process of researching loans and loan rates in order to find the best loan for your money. The first. . .

A Beginner's Look at Secured Homeowner Loans

Secured homeowner loans come in a variety of different types and amounts, and are intended for a wide variety of uses. These loans can be used for the same purposes as most personal loans… they can allow you to purchase a new car or other vehicle, pay for education expenses, make improvements or repairs to your home, or even consolidate several debts into a single low monthly payment.Unlike som. . .

Finding the Secured Homeowner Loan for You

If you've been thinking of getting a secured homeowner loan, you'll find it worth your time to do a little research on these loans and to shop around for the best deal.Getting a secured homeowner loan can help you to take care of any of a variety of expenses… from autos and vehicles to home improvements and debt consolidation, these loans have a much wider spectrum of usage than most secured lo. . .

Getting the Best Homeowner Loan for Your Money

With so many lenders out there, it can be hard to tell if you're getting the best homeowner loan for your money. Banks, finance companies, and online lending services all offer competing loans, but determining which offers you the best homeowner loan can be tricky. The best way to figure out which option is best for you is to look at the rates and terms of each type of lender, compare them, and. . .

Useful Information About Homeowner Loans UK

Homeowner loans UK are a very versatile type of personal loan that are offered to the owners of homes or real estate.These loans use the value of the home or real estate to secure the loan for the homeowner, allowing for both a larger loan amount and often reduced interest rates.Homeowner loans UK are a very popular type of loan among lenders, as they present more lender security than some othe. . .

How to Find a Good UK Secured Homeowner Loan

If you're looking for a UK secured homeowner loan, you might not know where to turn.How can you insure that you're getting the best interest rates and repayment terms? Exactly what does it mean to get a UK secured homeowner loan, anyway?If you feel a bit lost with the whole process, don't despair… getting a good UK secured homeowner loan doesn't have to be difficult. The first thing that you ne. . .

The Best Tactics for Getting a Quick Homeowner Loan

Trying to find a quick homeowner loan can seem difficult at times, especially considering the days or even weeks that it can take for some banks and other lenders to approve or deny a loan. The worst part is that if you're denied your loan, then you have to start over at another bank and go through the same wait again! Luckily, there are other options available that speed up the process of gett. . .

A Guide to Quick Homeowner Loans

The search for quick homeowner loans can seem futile at first, especially if you don't know exactly what it is that you're looking for. Different lenders may take longer or shorter periods of time to make loan decisions, and the time that they use may be time that you desperately need.Quick homeowner loans can be found, however, and can often save you money on interest in addition to time! Fact. . .

Finding the Best Homeowner Loans for Your Money

Looking for the best homeowner loans can be stressful, especially when there are so many different lender options to choose from. Banks, finance companies, and online services all claim to offer the best homeowner loans… which one should you choose? The answer can depend upon what you're wanting out of a loan, what past business relationship you have with the lender in question, and the amount . . .

A Guide to Finding an Adverse Credit Homeowner Loan

If you're searching for an adverse credit homeowner loan, you might not know where to turn. After all, it seems like no one wants to give you the time of day if you have less than perfect credit, much less give you a loan.There are lenders who will be more than willing to give you an adverse credit homeowner loan, though… the main thing is knowing where to look.Before we discuss where to look, . . .

Where to Look for a Fast Homeowner Loan

If you're looking for a fast homeowner loan, you might not know where to begin your search.Some banks and finance companies can take weeks to make loan decisions, and if you need a fast homeowner loan then that's time that you can't afford to spend waiting. There are simple solutions to finding a fast homeowner loan, however… as a matter of fact, the loan that you want might be a lot closer tha. . .

Finding the Best Secured Loan for Your Money

If you're looking for a secured loan, there are several options available to you. Most banks and finance companies will issue a secured loan to people with good or bad credit… since the loan is secured, there is a much lower chance of them losing their money if the borrower is unable to repay the loan. Let's take a closer look at secured loans, examining how they work and some of the different . . .

Using The Credit Card Balance Transfer Feature

Credit card balance transfer is an important feature for many credit card users. It allows them to transfer their debts from one credit card to another. This is significant if their new card has a lower interest rate than their previous one.Credit card balance transfer feature can be a great way of consolidating your credit card debt and finding a way to dig yourself out of your debt burden. Th. . .

The Creativity is King in Small Business

In my last article, “The Reality of Buying Wholesale,” we looked at some of the controls that the largest companies in the consumer goods market place on their distribution channels. As we learned, some of these companies make it impossible for the small, start-up online retailer to obtain their merchandise. However, this is no reason to give up on your dream of being a retailer. Less capita. . .

The Reality of Buying Wholesale

In my line of business, I often receive emails and phone calls from people who are just starting their online retail businesses and searching for wholesalers who can give them competitive prices on the latest merchandise from the most popular brand names. While it’s understandable that one would want to sell the latest merchandise from the highest quality, most popular brand names, it’s often . . .

How to Host a Successful Fundraiser - Tips and Tricks of ...

Hosting a successful fundraiser is no accident. It requires planning, commitment, and more than a little bit of salesmanship. If this sounds like a lot of work, make no mistake about it, it is. But it's rewarding work, it's meaningful work, and done the right way, it can be fun work. Fundraisers present wonderful opportunities to generate both income and good will for your organization, to . . .

Rich Career, Poor Career

What makes for a rich career? It is more than just the salary and benefits. A rich career is one that suits your talents and provides an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution, as well as one that provides the right compensation.A rich career is one with a rich return on investment. What is career ROI? It is more than a paycheck and healthcare benefits. Your career ROI is the entire pack. . .

People Don’t Buy Your Services – They Buy Your Results!

When I meet holistic professionals and ask them what they do, I hear a very different answer from those experiencing success than from those who are struggling. The difference is not in what you offer, how much you charge or your experience and credentials. The difference I hear is in what is focused on in your answer. As a holistic professional, you know your business is not about you. Your bu. . .

Employees Need Some Perspective

Would you like to have your employees walk a few miles in your shoes? Looking for a simple way to explain the flow of the revenue and expenses for your business? Want to change the perspective on the gap between wages and amounts charged to customers? Adapt this exercise to your small business situation.George's Auto ServiceEvery person entering the management ranks of a large communications co. . .

Playing With Money - And Making More

Ready to start playing with your money? Not interested in complicated businesses or boring bank C.D.'s? Here are some methods that aren't quite a business because you can do them once, or just when you feel like it. Start small and the risk is small.Loan SharkingYears ago a friend got a good job when I loaned him $300 to buy the necessary tools. I charged a $6 per week loan fee (don't call it i. . .

Storage Organization - The Key to Preserving What's Impor...

Even before the coming of man, animals like the ants have been doing storage of food and other stuff to cope with the daily demands of life. Storage is a vital part of human life. In the Bible, the wisdom-filled Joseph used storage to escape the problems of famine which happened for seven years. During the seven years of fullness and abundance, Joseph suggested to the Pharaoh to put up stock ho. . .

Debt Elimination 4

Planning For Debt Elimination Without Surplus CashPreviously we looked at using surplus cash each month to chip away at those outstanding loans, on our long road to debt elimination. But what can you do if there is no surplus cash every month?So, you have examined your monthly outgoings, and there is nothing to cut out in the way of expenditure. Or you can make some savings, but it just brings . . .

Treasure Hunting - Part 2

Treasure hunting begins at home. People regularly find famous old books and valuable antiques in their attics, so get up there and look. One couple tore open their walls while remodeling, and found them insulated with thousands of old and valuable movie posters, put there by a theater owner in the thirties. The couple sold $200,000 worth of posters, the last I heard.There are many more ways to . . .

Treasure Hunting Begins At Home

When you think of treasure hunting, maybe gold coins and precious stones come to mind, but it doesn't end there. You can start in your own attic to see what treasures you find. Then you can check out some of the more unusual ways to go treasure hunting.Diamonds In Parking LotsTemperature changes getting in and out of cars and buildings cause diamonds to come loose from their settings. Because o. . .

Money Making Hobbies

Which ones can be money making hobbies? A friend made a life-sized cow out of plywood once. He painted it, put it in the yard, and people started asing if he would sell it. He soon had a waiting list of customers for his plywood cows. With a profit of about fifty dollars each, he wasn't getting rich, but isn't making money with your hobby more fun than a job?Money Making Hobbies - Two Approache. . .

How To Save Money By Making Your Own Sign

In the sign industry we commonly refer to the material that the sign is made out of as the substrate. Examples include, wood, vinyl banners, aluminum, coroplast, etc. But what many customers do not realize is that they can purchase vinyl lettering or vinyl decals and apply them directly to typical substrates themselves. Translation - saving money by buying blank substrates inexpensively at loca. . .

Lamination Of Signs

I suspect that everyone has an idea of what lamination is even if you have only seen it in passing. Restaurant menus are a common example. A plastic finish is placed over the menu to protect it from food and stains. But did you know that you can laminate just about anything that is flat? If it needs to be protected and reused, it is something to consider for lamination. The laminate also makes . . .

The Graphic Problem

Digital printing has revolutionized the sign industry. Current printers can reproduce an image at 1440 dpi (dots per inch) at virtually any size. But they are worthless if the original image is of low resolution. We define resolution using pixels. A pixel is commonly thought of as the smallest individual unit of an image (tiny dots if you will). If the pixel content is low, the image will look . . .

Currency Trading - An Introduction

The simplest definition of currency trading is the practice of exchanging one country's currency for another country's currency. Basically, currency trading involves four main variables: currencies, exchange rate, time, and interest rate. The interplay of these variables creates opportunities for small investors to obtain investment returns that are generally unheard of in the traditional inves. . .

8-Reasons All Non-Profits Need A Web Site...

A nonprofit organization can take advantage of the Internet for at least eight purposes: publicity public education fundraising volunteer recruitment service delivery advocacy research communication Let us look at brief examples of each of these uses in turn. PublicityGood sites gain attention. Attention or awareness is exactly what all non-profits need... it accelerates fund-raising ef. . .

8-Reasons MLM Distributors Fail

There dozens of reasons why any one individual might not be successful with his/her network marketing business... or any other business for that matter. Here are a few that I can think of right off the top of my head: NOT TREATING IT LIKE A BUSINESS... Network marketing or MLM is just another method of distribution of a product or service. It is a "business" in every sense of the word. Many new. . .

Diversity Training: The Worst Possible Reasons To Request...

You’re on your organization's diversity committee. You have the best of intentions. And that's the problem. It leads you to appeal for funding for all the wrong reasons. Take healthcare for example. The US foreign-born population comprises a larger segment than at any time in the past five decades. And this trend is expected to continue(1). People of diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural herita. . .

Medical Malpractice: Three Myths That Cost Your Hospital ...

What's the use?Nothing you do will hold down the cost of medical malpractice. It feels that way sometimes, doesn't it?Unfortunately, for many risk managers, that's not too far off the mark. What they're doing isn't working.We can point to other industries, greedy lawyers, insurance companies trying to make up for losses in the stock market. But there's trouble within medical practices too.A st. . .

Closing the Gap On Your Career Goals

If you still picture a steady progression up the ladder when you think of your career goals, it is time to shift your thinking. For most people, climbing the career ladder is no longer an option. The working world has changed so dramatically that linear career paths rarely exist, except as historical symbols.But, without those trusty rungs to show the way, how do you figure out the next step in. . .

Vinyl Banners for the Right Occasion

The sinage marketplace is competitive! Consequently, some companies are going to focus on price and neglect quality. To complicate the situation, companies that produce stock vinyl banner material offer a bevy of different materials based on weights/thickness, color, reflective properties, ink absorption properties, etc. Take a gander at just one description of one type of banner from a leading. . .

Magnetic Signs. Where Do They Work Best?

Recently, a woman called to ask about replacing a magnetic sign she had purchased from another company. Her original sign had actually blown off the side of her car. I had visions of the sign flailing around in the wind and striking some poor motorist behind her or worse yet, some fellow on a motorcycle. I inquired as to whether she had tried to get her money back. But it seems the company refu. . .