Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Failure IS an Option

I wrote an article on this very subject, with the same title a few years ago.And… it was a pretty decent article if I do say so myself!Then I lost it. Gone. Deleted in error with no backup!Talk about ‘ironic’……..Well, moving forward (hint) - over the years I have come into contact with a vast array of different people from all walks of life. Some extremely rich, then those quite the opposite. S. . .

When You’re a Mortgage Payment Behind – an FHA Loan Can b...

If you have an FHA loan, your mortgage insurance may be an option for bringing payments current. Contact your lender to learn if you are eligible for a payment from this fund. You will need to learn about the prevailing requirements in your state. It is also very important that you are able to resume regular, timely payments once your mortgage payment has been brought current. It can be very wo. . .

How Public Relations Changes Minds

Public relations changes minds in the process of delivering what business, non-profit and association managers need more than almost anything else – the kind of key stakeholder behavior change that leads directly to achieving their managerial objectives. It happens when the right kind of public relations alters individual perception, thus doing something positive about the behaviors of those ou. . .

34 Power Affirmations for Networking with the Affluent

Here are 34 affirmations I have created after studying the book "Networking with the Affluent" by Dr. Thomas Stanley. Even though the book is targeted to sales people, I believe that it is to everyone's advantage to network--especially to network with successful people. If enough successful people are favorably impressed with you and choose to help you, you can accomplish almost anything--certa. . .

Steps You Can Take To Protect Your Financial Information ...

Financial fraud and identity fraud are one of the fasted growing forms of fraud. The first line of defense to protecting yourself begins with you. Here are some steps you can take to help you protect and fight against financial and identity fraud. Review and Protect Your Information - The first line of defense in financial fraud is to periodically check your credit report to ensure all your i. . .

Five Secrets to Becoming the Perfect Employee That Everyo...

With ever increasing deadlines, decreasing resources, and changing workplaces, sometimes it can be challenging to be a good employee, much less a perfect employee. The employee who can rise above the everyday problems and embrace challenges will be the person that every employer wants.The following are five secrets to being the perfect employee everyone wants:1. Respect. Respect others with who. . .

PayDay Loan Online - Quick Cash Advance Loans Online Are ...

Getting a quick cash loan, cash advance or payday loan has never been easier than it is today, thanks to the internet. Today you can apply and be approved for a payday loan or cash advance fast, in the comfort of your own home. There isn’t even a check to deposit to receive your money. The money goes directly into your bank account without you even having to drive to the bank and deposit a chec. . .

Payday Loan and Cash Advance Lenders Online - How To Comp...

When searching for a payday loan company online to get a cash advance through, there are a few factors you will want to compare with each lender to make sure you are getting the best loan for your situation.Here are a list of 6 factors that will help you in comparing each payday loan lender. What are the fees? Fees online can range from $10 - $30 or more per $100 loaned. There is a lender onlin. . .

Angel Investors: 7 Online Business Plan Scams and 1 Real ...

We've all seen the hype: "We'll put your plan in front of thousands of investors!" "We'll write you an award-winning online business plan!" "Only $3,000 for thousands of investors to learn about your company!"I cringe every time I see one of these ads. Vultures are preying on honest business people who want to fund their businesses. Here are some ways to spot them: "Only qualified investors see. . .

Finance Your Small Business: So Much Money – So Little Time

$37.4 million funded from venture capital today. $86.4 million funded yesterday. $51.4 million funded the day before.These numbers are not made up. They are actual numbers from actual reported venture capital funding. I get these notices emailed to me day after day, rain or shine. I’m not personally looking for business financing – but the entrepreneurs who read my website are. These numbers ar. . .

Ten Steps To MLM Success

First, here’s my tip of the day: There are proverbs etched on the bellies of those statues on Easter Island. And one of ‘em is: He who laughs at your stupid jokes is up to no good. (Remember that next time you go on a date.)Now for the story: Markel didn’t want me to be left out of his latest ground floor business opportunity — something called Scamway — that’s been around since the serpent in . . .

Innovators' Role at Hard Times

One Research Scientist at the Hewlett-Packard (HP) Imaging Systems laboratory said Carly Fiorina was a marketing person put in change of engineers who cared nothing about the art and beauty of technology. She just wanted saleable stock to bring to market. He exhorts that when she walked into the HP Labs for the first time, she said that their new company slogan was "Invent." Then, she told them. . .

How To Create A Business Note That Is More Attractive To ...

You are selling your small business (business value under $1 million for this article). You would like the buyer of your business to come in with an all-cash offer, or be able to qualify for an SBA guaranteed loan. However, in many cases the owner of the business ends up taking back the financing because the buyer is not able to make an all-cash offer or does not qualify for an SBA guaranteed l. . .

Are Office Supply Super Stores Killing Your Business?

Have you ever noticed how convenient those giant office super stores are? I mean we all use them. They’re on every corner out here in the suburbs of Boston. It’s Officethis or Officethat or something like Paperclips, you know, all the major players. Well, I’ve recently realized that over the past 10 years of prosperity that my small business has been paying a huge premium for this convenience. . . .

Body Language Speakers Louder Than Words

Has it ever occurred to you how much you are saying to people even when you are not speaking? Unless you are a master of disguise, you are constantly sending messages about your true thoughts and feelings whether you are using words or not.Studies show that your words account for only 7% of the messages you convey. The remaining 93% is non-verbal. 55% of communication is based on what people s. . .

Reap Incredible Profit with This Simple Strategy

Why is it some people are incredibly successful at utilizing the power of the Internet in their marketing while others can’t seem to figure out the winning formula?How often do entrepreneurs and salespeople look for that next magic formula to build their business and increasing revenues, never quite making any of it work? Many people make it much more difficult to succeed than it need be while . . .

Outsourcing - Is It For My Business?

There are definitely advantages, but make sure you make an informed decision!There are a lot of advantages to outsourcing, however, there are also some disadvantages. Since this is such a huge issue, and such a large decision for you to make regarding your company, you should make sure that you take a good look at both sides of the issue before you make your decision. Make sure you know exactly. . .

Getting Your Venture Lease Approved

Each year venture capitalists fund more than 2,500 start-up companies in the U.S. Many of these companies try to conserve their equity capital by approaching venture-leasing firms to secure equipment financing. By obtaining lease financing, these savvy firms are able to use their equity capital for high-impact activities like recruiting key personnel, product development, and expanding their ma. . .

Six Ways Under Your Nose To Finance Your Home Business

There are lots of ways to get additional capital to expand a home-based business. But before you look outside for financing, leaving the decision about your company’s progress and merits to someone else, consider these six ways under your nose to finance your home-based business:Personal SavingsSavings are easy to tap and involve no paperwork.The negatives: if you use the money in your business. . .

How to Leverage Your Fund Raising Ideas

Learn how to easily optimize your fund raising ideas -- whether for school fund raising, church fund raising, charity work, non profit organizations, or business – that require minimal effort but produce maximum monetary rewards.Leverage is a fairly simple concept. According to Webster, leverage “…provides an increased means to accomplish some purpose…” Applied to fund raising ideas, leverag. . .

In Leadership, Good Enough Is Pretty Bad

The first time I meet a leader to decide if we should work together, I invariably ask one question. The answer to that question gives me an idea of whether we'll have a productive relationship. The answer also tells me how the career of that leader might turn out.I ask, "Are you satisfied with the results you're getting now?"It's a simple enough question, yet it points to a world of difference . . .

Issue Management Methodology for Tracking Project Issues

1. What is an Issue?An issue is an incident, circumstance, problem or inquiry that affects or potentially affects the timely delivery of the project, product or service, it may also impact the quality of deliverables and the cost of production.Some projects are ongoing and the definition of an issue is a little different. A help desk defines an issue as a request for help that requires a respon. . .

Tax Reduction Tips

In the rush to get tax returns prepared and filed by April 15th, many overpay their taxes. Following are a few tax reduction tips that could help you save a bundle. Tax Credit For Starting A Small Business Pension Plan Establishing a pension plan can help you retain important employees. What many business owners don’t realize is a tax credit can be claimed if the business has 100 or fewer emplo. . .

Risk It With A Bridging Loan?

How many times have you been casually going about your business, seen a great property and thought, "that would be a really nice place to live"? Then you snap out of it, knowing you can't lay your hands on the money fast enough. Well what if you really wanted this property? You discussed it with the agent, your emotions got the better of you and you made an offer. This has to be a fast sale or . . .

Things Your Mother Never Told You: Closing Costs

Buying or selling a home can be one of the most life changing decisions a consumer makes. Being educated about the real estate process and investigating things you don’t understand is essential. Working with trustworthy and communicative real estate professionals is important. A lot of money is on the line when purchasing or selling a home, so be sure to ask questions when you need to about . . .

Becoming A Talent Scout vs. A Recruiter

After being in this industry for over 12 years I've learned a lot about people and about myself. One of the most important things that has happened for me is self development. Folks this IS the ONE thing that HAS to happen before you will become successful in anything you attempt to do. You must first build yourself and your own talents! When this happens you all of a sudden develop posture. Wh. . .

Lawsuit Loan

A lawsuit loan, or pre-settlement funding, is one option for people involved in a lawsuit to finance their daily needs. A lawsuit loan is advance money given to cash strapped individuals who are trying to claim their rights through a lawsuit.Thus lawsuit loan can allow you to pursue your legal case to the full extent without being hurried to seek judgment because you are facing cash woes. Witho. . .

Creating a Winning Staff Team

As a business owner, I’ve had staff come and go over the years: some have done extremely well, and others not so well. During the time I was involved in running my business, I found some weaknesses in myself that tremendously affected things that were going on, especially from a negative point of view. It was not uncommon for me, whenever something was not going well, to ignore it. Sometimes I . . .

How Copying the HBO Schedule Can Boost Your Business

I’m not talking about posting the HBO schedule on your website or sending a Xeroxed copy around to all your customers. When HBO came onto the scene they were innovative, fresh, and willing to do things other people were not.Before HBO (“Home Box Office”) came out in 1985, about the only to way to see a movie was to go to the theater, pray that one of the major networks would be showing one you . . .

Make A Deal With Your Creditors

Are you unable to pay your bills? Pick up your phone and call your creditors; you will be surprised at the goodwill most creditors and collectors give the persons who bothers to pick up the phone and make an agreement.You should not loose your night sleep or turn into a nervous wreck because of your inability to pay some bills. In most cases you do not even need help from others to solve the pr. . .

Using Land Trust "Just another strategy for investors"

Its uses are: To control or purchase real estate To protect confidentiality To limit liability To help with "DOS" clauses in some casesLand trusts have been used since 1868 in one form or another and became recognized by statute or case law in many states.A land trust is a vehicle that holds real estate nothing more nothing less.The trustee has the power to convey or deal with the property a. . .

Selling To Women - Selling To Men - It Isn't the Same

Now let's not fall into the old style car salesman's trap of believing that men are interested in what goes on under the bonnet and women are only interested in what colours you can get and whether it has a vanity mirror. Believe me, and I speak as an ex mechanical engineer, I couldn't give a toot what goes on under the bonnet. I'm much more interested in driving a car that matches the rest of . . .

Team Motivation - The 3 Secrets

Are workers telling the truth when they say they are ill? This question was posed on the Money Programme on BBC Television in December 2004. British Bosses are reporting that more and more of their staff appear to be skiving off with faked illnesses and many firms are taking new steps to crack down on malingerers. Research by the Confederation of British Industry suggests that workplace absence. . .

Reverse Mortgage Explained

Can't remember how many times I've been asked "What is a reverse mortgage"? Reverse mortgages are a great way to get a loan using your primary asset. As in all cases of financial lending, the flexibility comes at a price. A reverse mortgage is a loan using your house and is referred to as a “rising debt, falling equity" kind of deal. To compare reverse mortgage to a more traditional one, the t. . .

Option Arbitrage in the Forex Market

What is arbitrage? Arbitrage is the simultaneous buying and selling of identical financial instruments taking advantage of price discrepancies between different brokers, exchanges, clearing firms, etc. and thus looking in a profit. On paper, arbitrage is a risk-less trading strategy. In the real world however, risks abound.So why trade arbitrage? Well, if the risks can be managed, arbitrage. . .

Credit Score: the brightest feather in your financial cap

Credit scores are the most important aspect that determines your financial future. Carrying a good credit score is an asset and can pave your future towards greener pastures. On the other hand a negative marking on your credit report can be ruinous for your future dreams. However, "There Isn’t Much anyone can do for those who will not Do Something for themselves." The same is applicable for cre. . .

Businesses Need to 'Rehumanise'

Big companies and corporations have lost the human touch. The question is, when will humanity catch on, or like robotic sheep will we do whatever the business shepherds tell us, no matter how bad we are treated? I am talking from firsthand interaction here. Aren’t you tired of having to talk to machines and sit waiting in queues that may not even really exist, while horrible music repeats itsel. . .

Which PR? Judge for Yourself

You are a senior business, non-profit or association manager. So, chances are you call the shots for your department, division or subsidiary. Which means you can make your decisions stick. Like deciding whether a publicity placement is more important to you than creating external stakeholder behavior change leading directly to achieving your managerial objectives. Like deciding to do something . . .

Dish Network – Business Strategy Principles for your Home...

Dish Network boasts an impressive clientele of more than nine million monthly subscribers. Significantly, though they are only the second largest distributor of satellite television service, they have been voted #1 in customer service by J.D. Power and Associates. While every business has, by necessity, a different business plan, a careful look at some of the things Dish Network has done to be . . .

Is Your Management Style Assisting or Hurting Your Business?

Many times business owners can have significant differences in management styles that can deter the growth of both the employees and the business.Employees can have differing needs that require differing methods of management as well. Problems arise when the management style of a business owner does not match the needs of the employees.There are two basic management styles that are also broken . . .

Let Us See What A School Management Software / School Erp...

1. Complete organization of data within the school.Manual work most of the time is Redundant, Incomplete, Improper, Not available when required. Dependency factor is always high in this case. Further handling old files is difficult and unhealthy. Hand written data is sometime not readable.2. Streamlining the educational process : The manual way of working gives us total freedom and flexibility . . .

What you should know about a Medical Billing Specialist

Whether you are a person who is thinking about becoming a medical billing specialist or a company looking for a medical billing specialist, then this article is for you. There are several things that you should be aware of in the medical billing industry and I will walk you through them so that you will have the background information that you need to help you make a decision that will best sui. . .

Identity Theft Sheild

We live in an information-oriented society. Technology allows us to do business and make transactions literally in a matter of seconds. This abundance of information has given rise to a new crime - identity theft. In fact, according to a 2003 release from the Federal Trade Commission, approximately 27 million Americans have fallen prey to identity thieves since 1999. Each year that number climb. . .

10 POWERFUL Reasons Why You're Crazy NOT To Start A... Ho...

Home Based Business's are spreading across North America and have become widely recognized as one of the most desirable business's to start for several reasons. Just think for a minute what it would be like to work from home and never have to worry about waiting in grid lock traffic or to answer to your boss's demands. Wouldn't that be great? In todays fast paced world a little extra income doe. . .

A Short Introduction To FOREX

FOREX is the world’s largest and most liquid trading market. Many consider FOREX as the best home business you can ever venture in. Even though regular people have had the opportunity to take part in trading foreign currencies for profit (in the same way banks and large corporations do) since 1998, it is just now becoming the cool, hip, new "thing" to talk about at parties, business events, and. . .

How to Start an Investment Club - Business Model

Your investment club will need to decide what type of entity you're going to adopt for business purposes. You'll have to decide whether you're going to be a corporation, a general partnership, or limited liability partnership. Each of these business models has their own advantages and disadvantages. Corporation. Most investment clubs will avoid becoming a corporation. This is because corporati. . .

Dealing with your Student Debt

The UK used to have an excellent 'free' education system, on the premise that education its citizens made the whole country wealthier. That has now changed, and student loans are the norm, as in the USA. This, of course, means that the majority of students leave University with a gigantic financial millstone around their necks. Is there anything they can do about this? In the first place, let's. . .

Federal Government Jobs—7 Important Tips to Help Your Fed...

Despite constant calls by politicians and policy makers to reign in government spending, the federal government remains the largest employer in the United States. According to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, there are currently more than 2,700,000 employees working for the federal government in civil service positions. For nearly every federal job vacancy, the number of applicants ex. . .

Advice for the First Time Real Estate Investor

There was an ABC News story that came across my desk today on Real Estate Flipping. It was one of those, "this is where everyone is getting rich" stories that tends to send a whole bunch of "get-rich-quick-types" rushing out to buy investment property without so much as a clue as to how much work- or risk- is involved. ABC might as well have said, "Dot com stocks are back; buy Pets.com again." . . .

Bridging the Gap – through Bridging Loans

You were on your regular walk with your wife, and you passed by this house. Then the idea struck - you want this home. A chat with the property dealer and the price was fixed. But there was a problem - a major problem to be exact.The house has to be purchased at the earliest. Or else it will be sold to some other customer. The problem now is - how can you arrange so much money, at so short a no. . .