Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

How To Choose a Snack Vending Machine

Snack vending machines come in all shapes and sizes. Some are small enough to hang on a wall and some are the full size floor models like the one I had. Some are electronic that you plug into an electric wall socket. Some are manually operated that don't require any electricity at all. There are snack vending machines that offer user's the chance to buy a coffee right out of the same machine, w. . .

Grow Your Business and Grow Yourself

Grow Your BusinessA postal clerk in Indianapolis made a discovery about her customers and coworkers – and her own nature. A newspaper editorial charged that her branch had “the rudest clerks in town.” The clerk was angry. "I was rude to people because they were rude to me,” she said. “What goes around comes around.” Then she wondered what would happen if she treated others with courtesy. Would . . .

How To Best Negotiate A House Deal

Whether it’s selling your home or buying a home, more often than not you’ll come across a stage where you’d have to negotiate. Negotiation is the art of getting what you want at your terms and conditions. Of course, it isn’t that easy and it takes time and patience especially when it comes to real estate dealings.So how do you negotiate a good deal for yourself and what are the points you can u. . .

How Credit Scoring Works

The all important credit score! It determines the amount of loan you can get, it determines the interest rate at which you are charged for a loan, etc. Your credit score plays an important figure in your financial life. So what goes into making that all important score of yours? How does it increase, how does it decrease and what are the factors that go into its calculation?Your credit score is. . .

Distressed Assets: Profiting From Mistakes Of Others

Distressed asset investing can cover a wide range of scenarios from foreclosures on private homes, to buying and selling assets in failed companies, to stocks and bonds in companies entering or leaving bankruptcy protection or under other financial pressure. It’s about making money from other people’s problems or mismanagement. There are bargains to be had because the seller is usually desperat. . .

Retirement and Leisure Living: Historic New Kent County V...

Imagine New Kent County, Virginia, a quiet rural area located between Richmond and Williamsburg Virginia, as a place for retirement… New Kent County’s rural scenery and serenity coupled with its proximity to Richmond and another historic town, Williamsburg, make it perfectly situated for retirement. New Kent County is also the home of Martha Washington, wife of George Washington and one of our . . .

Feng Shui Your Home to Help it Sell Quicker

In a competitive real estate market, home sellers are looking for the edge to make their home sell fast. Feng Shui, or the ancient Chinese art of placement, is one answer. Jaan Ferree, a Feng Shui consultant based in Asheville, North Carolina, explains. that Feng Shui is “having the intention to pay attention” to your environment. I recently asked Jaan for a few Feng Shui pointers to help the h. . .

The Truth Behind Processing FHA Insurance Refunds

Unlike the flood of Work from Home opportunities such as envelope stuffing, filing medical forms, processing emails or MLM schemes that promise “get rich over night”, processing FHA mortgage insurance refunds is a real job as a work from home business. The power of the Internet in locating the refund recipients has made this opportunity even more appealing. Processing FHA insurance refunds . . .

Teaching The Big Boys To Think Small

Last week I told you about a recent report from The Conference Board that has a lot of big company CEOs concerned about competition from smaller, more innovative and entrepreneurially-minded companies. To refresh your memory, The Conference Board's CEO Challenge 2004 reported that 87% of the 540 global businesses surveyed cited innovation and enabling entrepreneurship as priorities for their c. . .

Ten Tips for Effective Meetings

Here are ten things that you can do to hold more effective meetings.1) Avoid meetings. Test the importance of a meeting by asking, "What happens without it?" If your answer is, "Nothing," then don't call the meeting.2) Prepare goals. These are the results you want to obtain by the end of the meeting. Write out your goals before the meetings. They should be so clear, complete, and specific that . . .

How to Pick a Winning Business Name

What’s in a name?Think of your business name as an external mask for your business. If it’s something your target audience like, they would consider checking it, if they don’t, in most cases you have lost a customer even before you could tell them what your product or service is. Your marketing campaign is usually like a beautiful outer covering for your business which attempts to portray it as. . .

First Time Buyer's Guide

Buying your first home can be a difficult time, especially in these days of high house prices, and low job security. But don't despair, www.mortgagedown.com have prepared a few top tips to make the process as painless as possible for you! Get an agreement in principle from your favorite mortgage company BEFORE you start house hunting. This helps you establish your price range and makes you a be. . .

Resume Software – The Hidden Pitfalls

Disadvantages of Resume SoftwareFormatA large majority of software requires the use of their format; most commonly using the chronological resume style. While the chronological style is certainly the most traditional manner to write a resume, it is not always advantageous for everyone. The chronological style resume focuses on work history. Individuals who are changing jobs may prefer to emphas. . .

CEOs And Boards Are Locked In A Spiral Of Doom

American CEOs are dropping like flies. Boards, armed with new federal rules and stock exchange requirements coming in the wake of the corporate scandals of the past few years, are getting rid of underperforming CEOs at record rates. This trend is all the more notable because it's happening during an improving economy and stock market.However, the real reasons for the CEO bloodbath are being ove. . .

Ceos And Boards Are Locked In A Spiral Of Doom

American CEOs are dropping like flies. Boards, armed with new federal rules and stock exchange requirements coming in the wake of the corporate scandals of the past few years, are getting rid of underperforming CEOs at record rates. This trend is all the more notable because it's happening during an improving economy and stock market.However, the real reasons for the CEO bloodbath are being o. . .

Property Investing Is Now Easier Than Ever!

I started investing in property in 1996 with only £500 and now I own a property portfolio of 150 properties worth over £10m. I can already hear you – “it was easier back then!” Ironically it wasn’t.Let me explain a little more. The buy to let mortgage had just emerged when I first started with only a few banks offering such a product. The banks that did offer such a mortgage were unsure, as. . .

There Are Many Solutions To A Great Tender Or Proposal

One of the great mysteries of the “open” competitive tendering process is that each of us has experienced defeat. What mystifies us is that there must have been a mistake – we had the best solution. Of course we did. So did the other three unsuccessful tenderers as did, we hope, the successful one!So, consider this hypothetical tender, which simply asks for a proposal to “make the following . . .

Surviving Retirement

The financial security umbrella that most wage earners would like to shelter under after retirement is now leaking very badly indeed! Money savvy experts block up news channels and advertisement spaces with offers of transforming the average citizen into a healthy, wealthy and wise investor; advocates of ‘parting with your money’ do house calls alongside those selling vacuum cleaners and the so. . .

Trust - The Most Vital Component in Leadership

"Trust is the emotional glue that binds followers and leaders together." - Warren Bennis and Bert Nanus"If you don’t believe in the messenger, you won’t believe the message."-James Kouzes and Barry Posner I see it all the time - leaders who blame followers for breakdowns in the organization. I often hear complaints like these: • “If those people would just do what I tell them.” • “You just ca. . .

PR Power: How To Wrire A Killer Press Release

I’m what we in the business (the “business” being journalism) call a poacher turned gamekeeper – that is, a journalist turned press officer. As a reporter I spent a huge part of my day sifting through a slush pile of press releases, all sent out by eager business owners desperate to get some publicity for their latest project. As a press officer, I was the one writing the press releases and try. . .

Secured Personal Loans - What You Need To Know About

Loans that are secured against property are called secured personal loans. They are suitable for when you are having difficulties getting an unsecured personal loan, are trying to raise a large amount, or you just have a bad/poor credit history. Usually, lenders are more flexible when it comes to secured personal loans, which makes them worth taking into consideration if you want to buy a new . . .

CRM 101: Customer Relationship Management for Beginners

Customer Relationship Management, abbreviated “CRM,” is the term for a business strategy that is designed to improve customer service. CRM is also designed to increase customer satisfaction and gain new customers, thus increasing a business’ revenue. CRM is a term that can be applied to software and an entire business strategy.How Does CRM Work?Essentially, CRM works by gathering information ab. . .

The Person With The Most Money Wins!

The person with the most money wins! This phrase has been used repeatedly but not by the wealthy but by the poor "The have not's". Money is not the only or even the most important thing in life.You number one goals should be when it comes to life is: Good health Take care of Family Ability to enjoy life Happiness both for yourself and others around youThe above should be at the top of the li. . .

Are We Living In MD's World?

Professor Mustafa Dorbayani, PhD, who is known as Guru MD in the world of business did it again. With his unique psycho-philosophical approach in management coaching and training, he has introduced another deep groundbreaking concept for re-building an organisation in title of I.M.M.This abbreviation, which stands for Iron-Made Management, covers the three most challenging areas of organisation. . .

An Introduction To Point Of Sale Software

Point of sale software gives business owners a convenient way of checking out customers and of recording sales. It can keep a record of the store inventory, updating it when an order is processed. It can also print out receipts, carry out credit card processing, track customers, etc. Point of sale software eases the flow at checkout terminals, while recording all the information that can help y. . .

Understand What Flows Through Your Business to Find Impro...

I remember once seeing a cartoon which showed two people working a counter. On the wall behind them was a sign which read, “Quality Work, Low Price, Fast Service – Pick Two.” In order to deliver all three, which is what customers expect, it’s important to understand the flows of your organization.The first flow is, of course, cash flow. This comes in two varieties, money coming into the organi. . .

Frog Is In The Pot

You remember the story about the frog that was put into a pot of cold water on the stove. He was not concerned. Someone lit the burner and the water began getting warm, the frog was very comfortable and as the water became warmer he was so relaxed and complacent that he fell asleep – never to awaken. Mr. Frog reminds me of today’s stock market investors and that includes all folks with IRAs, 40. . .

How Easy Is It To Give Away Money?

Instead of "gambling" with my online business, I've discovered that I can invest in my business by simply paying for other people to join my group. Once they see how this works for me, they're delighted to pay for other people to join THEIR group as well. Their group grows, my group grows, and we all make money!But How easy is it to get the message across? I recently discovered that a British b. . .

The Truth About Money

How much money do you want? How much is enough? How much money is too much? The Truth is --- You don't need money! Let's find out why? Money is really just a form of exchange. Here is an example. 10 people are in a room. Only one person has $1. Person #2 had a pocket knife he was willing to sell to person #1 for $1. Person #1 buys it, giving the dollar to person #2. Person #3 has a book, which . . .

The Truth About Negative Commands (Don't Read This!)

Everyday when I read promotional emails and advertisements, or listen to television commercials and dialogue in shows and movies, or hear people around me in everyday life use commands such as the following examples, I feel dismayed for them. This is because I understand something that many others do NOT! And, since learning what I now understand, while I am BOMBARDED every day from all directi. . .

Why Hire a Professional Transcriptionist to Convert Your ...

In a discussion forum for non-fiction writers (where I had posted my introduction of myself and my professional transcription business), another member replied and mentioned that for simple dictation, she uses a voice recognition software program. When what she had said really sank in, I felt like someone had kicked me in the gut!Then my reaction was huge dismay and questioning, "Why should I e. . .

Choose Wisely-A Comparison of Mortgage Brokers And Banks

Mortgage Brokers Do The Work So You Don’t Have To My career in the mortgage industry has provided me with many opportunities to work with both mortgage brokers and banks. I believe mortgage brokers are great tools for consumers in search of the best financing options available. A mortgage broker differs from a bank representative in some important ways. The broker can shop and find the best dea. . .

Effective Meetings Begin With a Real Agenda

Everyone knows that an agenda is the key to an effective meeting. But an agenda that consists of a list of nouns, such as budget, software, and picnic, is useless. Here’s how to prepare a real agenda that puts you in control of the meeting.1) Goal. Every real agenda begins with a goal that describes the result wanted at the end of the meeting, such as: find a way to reduce travel costs by 10%. . . .

How Long Does It Take To Write A Resume?

Many people can easily write a resume in just a couple of hours. They can do this by following a resume sample and just writing their information in place of the sample. This is the quick and easy way, but it’s not the most effective way.If you want to write a resume that gets noticed by employers, you need to do an assessment of your skills, interests and abilities before you write your resu. . .

Sealing The Deal Over The Business Meal

Doing business over meals is a ritual that has existed for centuries. Taking clients to breakfast, lunch or dinner has long been an effective way to build relationships, make the sale or seal the deal. These business meals are essentially business meetings. Knowledge of your product or your service is crucial to the success of the meeting, but so are your manners. Too many people jeopardize . . .

Useful Tips To Avoid Poorly Written Translations

Reliable translators are hard to find. The more specialized your work, the more difficult it will be for you to find a qualified translator. Here are some useful tips to help you avoid poorly written translations. Be aware that some translation companies lack the required expertise at the top of the organization. If none of their managers speak French or if they know very little about the techn. . .

Wedding Loans: Perfect Finance Option for a Perfect Wedding

After seeing each other for years and being tagged as ‘in love’ since eternity, you desire to bring this to a logical end. You are wrong if you think I am suggesting a divorce even before you are actually married. The end to every love is wedding -the wedding of two bodies and two souls.Have you been planning wedding since a long time but have been hindered because of the huge cost weddings ent. . .

Microsoft Great Plains BR: Bank Reconciliation

Microsoft Business Solutions Great Plains is marketed for mid-size companies as well as Navision (which has very good positions in Europe and emerging markets where it can be easily localized). Great Plains Bank Reconciliation (BR) module lets you manage all of your bank-related activity through a single automated intersection, including cash, check, and credit card transactions, bank account b. . .

Payday Loan Companies

At one point or another everyone of has encountered this situation, not having enough money to make it to our next payday. A common solution to this problem that seems to becoming more popular is a payday loan. While a payday loan may be fast and convenient, it may not be the best solution.A payday loan company offers to loan you money based upon repaying it and a service fee on your next payda. . .

Boosting Your Business With A Merchant Account

The great majority of business conducted online is processed with a credit card. Also, credit card sales tend to be four times larger than a sale completed any other way. Knowing that most people decide to use a credit card and spend more when doing so, it only makes sense to be able to accept credit card payments.The first step to being able to accept credit card payments is getting a merchant. . .

Questions To Ask Yourself To Prevent Costly Errors On You...

I remember having to write about an article on how your graphic designer can cost you money. Sure, your graphic designer can have all the blame when you find out later that your material cannot be run through the press right away because there are changes to make and errors to correct. However, you as the client may also prevent errors from happening, especially costly ones, when you yourself a. . .

Government Buying And Selling On The Internet

Global Insight, a leading economic and financial forecasting company, (formerly DRI-WEFA), states that all levels of government (federal, state, and local) should see steady increases in the purchases of goods and services through the year 2009.Vendors willing to make the commitment to sell to government can reap the benefits of this projected government spending. By the same token, government . . .

Becoming A Battle Hardened Real Estate Veteran Without Al...

As part of a new web site that we just launched, www.GetPreconstructionDeals.com, I get repeated requests asking if a particular deal is good or not. While we can't answer this for individual projects, we can certainly look at what HAS to get done by the investor to dramatically increase the odds of a successful transaction.Step 1 is always to determine the fair market value(FMV). As a real . . .

What to Expect from Your Logo Designer

I recently had my website designed, and my new logo created for my company. I would like to use it, but my printer can't use the file he gave me! I just got business cards printed from it, but they didn't look good. I don't know what to do.A frustrated business owner recently came to me with this problem. I told him to calm down, I can redraw the logo in a program where he can use it, and it wi. . .

Essence Of Self Certified Mortgages

Your search for a mortgage isn’t leading results.Check for any impediments. May be the lenders dread offering credit on the grounds that you are self employed.But are you alone in the pursuit? No. The statistics put the figure of self employed people at around three million. Add to this the people who are working freelance and those working as temporary hires. They too are denied mortgages on t. . .

Scams to Watch For

The Internet provides with a wealth of information. We can look up our favorite recipes, see what's on TV tonight or just browse for the latest music DVD. As convent as the Internet is it is also proving to be a breeding ground for scammers. As a result we have compiled a list of the top Internet scams of 2004 and how to avoid being a victim.International online auction scam This scam is still . . .

Consumer Buying Guidlines

We have all made a purchase didn't really want or need. It could have been the sales person and their pushy attitude or the price was simply to good to passup. How many times have we come home and said, "I wish I hadn't bought that." Well here are some guidelines to follow while shopping to ensure you don't experience the regret of making that unplanned purchase. Before you arrive at the store. . .

Outsourcing Administrative Tasks Equals Business Growth

As an entrepreneur, or a small business owner you are busy enough. You spend much of your time attempting to network and grow your business. You would love to have the luxury of an administrative assistant but cannot afford the expense. If any of this sounds familiar, a Virtual Assistant (VA) may be right for you. A Virtual Assistant uses technology to provide outstanding support to meet you. . .

Time Management

Managing your time effectively is as critical as managing your money effectively. At one time or another, we have all wished for just “one more hour” in our day. But working longer hours will not make you more productive. Managing your schedule effectively will give you more time and produce the results that you desire. So how do you do that? We have all felt overwhelmed or overworked at one ti. . .

All in the Details: Event Planning

You are attending a conference or a seminar, whether for business or for educational purposes. You register in advance and don’t give it another thought. These things take care of themselves don’t they? As an attendee, I have often done the same thing. You appreciate all of the detail but you don’t realize how much thought and time was put into planning the event. Someone, or a team of people. . .