Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Make Your Career Offshore Proof

There has been a lot of talk recently about American jobs moving overseas…offshoring is the buzzword for it. During difficult economic times it is often easy to find a scapegoat to blame for a downturn in jobs. While government reports and politicians try to downplay the impact, offshoring is something to take seriously. This article will discuss the permanent effect offshoring will have on U.S. . .

Ten Courses Of Study If You Want To Be Your Own Boss.

For many Americans, an important component of the American Dream is the possibility of hard work turning into financial fortune. The career exploits of such self made magnates like Andrew Carnegie, Lee Iaccoca and Donald Trump are examples for many. The idea of being self-employed appeals to many people who want the possibility of unlimited income, a flexible schedule and perhaps the opportunit. . .

Troubled Waters Require Capable Leaders at the Helm

Canada's lean leaders need to look beyond the horizon and chart the futureIn stormy times, true leadership skills emerge, says Larry Coté, the President of Lean Advisors Inc. (www.leanadvisors.com)By Larry CotéThe rumbles on our economic outlook are troubling. The dollar is still up, foreign investment, profits and sales are down. Low cost Asian competition is eroding our market share. Financia. . .

Assessing the Opportunities Presented by the New Iraqi Cu...

Could it be possible that you are staring right into the most spectacular financial opportunity of the century? Operation: Iraqi Freedom will undoubtedly be a war marked in history for loss and tragedy, American victory, and the rise of a nation with a new democratic government. But could it also be a war historically remembered for the financial opportunity it created for the sharp investors w. . .

Making Money With Information Products

Profit Puppy Ecourse No.8Making money with information products-Guys, this is one of the most powerful business strategies on the internet!-So have you ever thought about becoming an infopreneur?Info marketing is a multi-million dollar industry which is still open to just about anyone with a good idea. There’s the potential to earn a six figure income from selling your own tapes, ebooks, video. . .

How to Cut Duty Cost and Increase Profit as an Importer

Import duties continue to be significant elements in the cost of international trade. Yet many companies and businesses still pay more duties than the law requires – which impacts adversely on landed cost and ultimately on business profitability. A planned approach to managing customs duty costs would look to eliminate, reduce and delay payment of customs duties. How to reduce customs duties in. . .

Rethinking the CEO-Chairman Split

Traditionally, in American businesses, the same person occupies the role of chairman of the board and chief executive officer, though this is gradually shifting to the European model. In most European, British, and Canadian businesses, the roles are usually split, in an effort to ensure better governance of the company, and in turn bring higher returns to investors. Combining the roles does h. . .

5 Ways To Protect Your Bond Portfolio From Rising Interes...

The Federal Reserve recently raised its target federal funds rate for the first time since March 2000. This could be just the tip of the iceberg, though, as many experts believe rising inflation and a strengthening economy will spur continued rate hikes for the foreseeable future. This is bad news for bond investors, since bonds lose value as interest rates rise. The reason stems from the fa. . .

Part 2 of 5 On The Home Business Set-Up Guide

Dear Reader,These articles will provide a step by step guide on how to start and run a home based business based on my experiences and other home business owners. This is part 2 in a series of 5 articles. They are written in a basic format and where possible main points are summarised in an attempt to be understood by all. I have tried to minimise the technical jargon as much as possible.So . . .

Are you in AWE of your Employees?

Employers have become so concerned about seeming “unfair” or worse becoming the victims of lawsuits by unhappy ex-employees that they’ve stopped requiring minimum standards of employees. This can only lead to poor individual and eventually poor company performance. Your best employee performers will resent the fact that you use company money to pay people who aren’t up to standard and will redu. . .

Five Essential Hiring Practices

Recruiting and hiring are often done in haste, leaving the company to repent in the long run. Today, there’s a reason to be concerned about negligent hiring. Negligent hiring means you and your company can be sued if one of your hires injures other employees, especially if you could have foreseen a problem but did not do a thorough check of the new employee before hiring. The following list of . . .

Four Employee Behaviors That Can Kill Your Business

I found it important to clarify for employees what “deal-breaker” behavior was at my company. These are the things I insisted would not be tolerated and would lead to immediate or ultimate termination, depending on the nature of the infraction of these hard and fast rules. Here are the behaviors I would not tolerate: 1. Gossip. Rumors can be incredibly disruptive to a company. A lack of informa. . .

The Top 10 Reasons Businesses Succeed

Only one of every 5 businesses makes it to its 5th year, and fewer still make it to 10 years. What do the successful businesses have in common? 1. The experience and skills of the top managers. Over half of business failures are directly related to managerial incompetence. 2. The energy, persistence and resourcefulness (the will to make the business succeed) of the top managers. Many business o. . .

10 Critical Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Consultant

Talk to as many consultants as you can before hiring one. Even if you have one person or firm in mind, interview at least a few others as a sort of due diligence. You'll probably find that each interview helps you focus on the issues you're hiring a consult to help resolve. 1. Most consultants focus on two areas: cutting costs and raising revenues. What do you see as the relationship between th. . .

What Consultants Want You to Know (But You Never Ask)

I’ve been both a CEO and a consultant, so I’ve seen from both perspectives what goes right and what goes wrong when a consultant comes in to a company. Generally the CEO or the manager who hires the consultant tells the consultant what he or she wants. Often the manager is frustrated with something that is happening at the company and expects the consultant will have the expertise to “just fix . . .

How PR Helps Fiercely Competitive Managers

Fiercely combative business, non-profit and association managers use every PR weapon they can lay their hands on. Which means they employ strategic, rapid-fire print and broadcast tactics every day of their business lives. Still, many realize they need more than that to win the long-range battle. Fact is, they need a public relations budget that can deliver results far beyond publicity ta. . .

A Fast and Simple way to Update Your Business

You open your computer, the flashing button says, “We have a new update for your software program. Do you wish to update now or later?” You choose the Update Now button and immediately your computer begins to download a new version of the software program. What is the program updating? It’s fixing broken parts of the software program; it’s adding new features. It does this quickly and easi. . .

The Hawk and the Mouse - Retirement Saving

There once was a hawk, ferocious and swift. He was young and agile with many years of life to hunt the open ranch lands. In a nearby field, a mouse scurried about the ground. The hawk saw the hurried motion and swept speedily toward the rodent.Just as the hawk's shadow engulfed the smaller rodent, the mouse fell to its back and begged, "Please, Mr. Hawk, spare me my life!" This surprised the . . .

What Your Employees Want You to Know (But You Might Be Af...

This is a challenge for every company owner and manager. You have tremendous plans for growth and expect a lot of your employees. But do you know if the company is meeting your best employees’ expectations? Are you providing the type of environment that supports high productivity and high quality? Do you really want to know? If you do, consider creating a Company Performance Review to find out . . .

Five Steps to Increase the People Power in Your Business

Take some bold steps and help your employees and business partners open up to real change and help them start thinking again to the longer term. Send a message that you are ready to commit to new ways of thinking and that that includes a commitment to the success of your employees in the changing workplace. 1. Reconsider your company vision. A vision statement uses the future to help analyze th. . .

Business is Business The World Over

If you are already in business it is hardly likely that you will agree with my title. Aren't all businsesses different?When you think in broader terms, yes, of course you're right. I want you, however, to look , for the moment, only at the basics.All businesses are about turnover, profit margins and overheads. Basically that is all there is to it. All three must come together in perfect harmony. . .

5 Tips for Customizing your Resume

Gone are the days of the bland, generic one-page resume. Employers these days are more impressed by a resume that is customized and they tend to give jobs to interviewees that have a bit of knowledge about the company. By doing your research, you’re showing initiative, which impresses potential employers. It will also help you decide whether or not you would feel comfortable working for the . . .

How to Identify a Problem Solver

As an executive recruiter, I interview a lot of people. And while most candidates find a way to look good on paper, their resumes don't always reveal how good of a problem solver they are. Yet all of my clients want to hire problem solvers - people who can walk into their operation and make their problems go away.This is understandable. Business, of course, is all about problems. In fact, wheth. . .

How To Save Money On Your Mortgage

Obtaining a home loan is arguably the most expensive transaction you’ll experience in your lifetime. Therefore, getting the best home at the greatest value is an endeavor worth pursuing. Whether you’re trying to squeeze in to a higher priced home or just trying to shave a couple bucks off of the closing costs, this article will help you explore your options.Here’s a list of our top 7 things y. . .

Image Does Matter

January is always a good time to grab bargains so when I noticed that two well-known blind companies were advertising 35% off their blinds, I decided to give them a call… and it was an interesting experience.Company A This person turned up on time which in itself is a big bonus. She was dressed in a professional way and was very efficient in her manner. I knew what I wanted and all Mary had to . . .

Maintaining Small Town Charm In An Ever-Changing World

Virtually any state in the country has the appeal of multiple small towns. Ask almost anyone who lives in small town why they are here and they’ll tell you they enjoy the small town feeling while being close to all the conveniences of a larger city. One of the greatest joys of living in a small town is how familiar people are with one another. When you walk into a store or restaurant you are we. . .

How CEO's Can Use Axiology To Improve The Bottom Line Part I

In today's fast-paced business world, CEO's are trying to keep up with change and adapt to the global marketplace, constantly searching the horizon for an edge over the competition.One thing they overlook is very close to home. In fact it is just down the hall from them.It's their very own employees. By learning how to unlock the hidden potential of your employees and executives you can create . . .

Promotions That Build Profit

Promotions are everything you do to let your customers know you exist. Good marketing techniques can help eliminate the “I didn't knows” from your clients and would-be clients. Even if you believe you have more than enough business you should always continue to do some sort of marketing. What if there is a sudden downturn in your industry? What if you have to suddently reach more customers? Wi. . .

Olympic Games parties can add fun, excitement and achieve...

Businesses and other organizations can capitalize on the interest and excitement the 2004 summer Olympic Games will create when they’re held in Athens, Greece, August 13-29. Channel this heightened enthusiasm into the achievement of your organization’s goals – whether sales, marketing, customer service, etc. Use it, too, to stimulate a greater sense of patriotism and pride in being an American.. . .

Five Defining Characteristics of Great CEOs

1. Personal insight. Great CEOs are great leaders. They know themselves and what they stand for. They have been called on all their lives as problem solvers because others know them to be fair and impartial. People respect their opinions and look to them for guidance. Great CEOs are mature as people. They can suffer disappointment more gracefully than others and give others credit for their ac. . .

Five "How to be a Better Speaker" Articles

One: How to Create Sizzling Speech and Book TitlesDescription: Create titles that focus on what most people want all the time. Example "How to Win Friends and Influence People." Learn five ways to design your speech and/or best-selling book titles. Article URL: http://www.schrift.com/article_sizzlingspeech.htm Article Autoresponder: article-004@schrift.comTwo: How to Prepare Your Speech Part 1D. . .

Improving Your Bottom Line Through Vastu

The design of your office and home has a great influence on your financial success. If your work or living environments are in harmony with nature they have a positive affect on your prosperity. In nature all five elements (water, fire, earth, air, and space) are in balance. When a home or office is built that balance gets disrupted. Vastu is an ancient architectural science that balances the . . .

Why News Releases Fail

Sorry about my otaku with this issue (otaku = more than a hobby, a little less than an obsession).Many of you may know me, since I run Imediafax, the Internet to Media Fax Service. I send out over a million news releases a year for people via fax and email. You probably think that I’ve got news releases failing on me day in and day out. Actually, I don’t. The news releases I write and send out . . .

Ethics In The Workplace

Workplace Ethics is a subject that we have all heard of. In fact, the subject of Ethics in general is something that most people are familiar with. And, what is commonly understood about ethics is there are ethics and then there are workplace ethics. What most people don’t realize, however, is that there is no such thing as workplace ethics; ethics are the same, (or, should be) whether in the w. . .

What Do You Really Want ?

Being a coach is such a rewarding profession. The enormous impact you have on other people's lives always astounds me.Let me share with you John's story…John is a partner in a financial planning practice. He's always worked long hours and when he finally went home, he was buggered. Apart from his work, there was no energy left over to contribute to his health and personal relationships. He was . . .

Your Administration Team…Look After Them

In most organisations the administration/support team, although they can be acknowledged as being important to the business, they are treated as if they're not.Day after day, week after week they are in the office, slogging away making sure the work gets done. Many of them are so conscientious they won't take time out and stay at their desks until the work is done. Not only are they integral to. . .

Transform Your Office Into A Powerhouse Of Success

Did you know that the area that you call your 'office' is a direct reflection of you? If your environment is clean and uncluttered it projects that the person who works there is calm and has everything under control. Consequently if it looks like the local rubbish tip then the impression others get is that this person is disorganised, and a complete mess. Now before any of you get upset with th. . .

Asking For Proof in the Economic Pudding

There are no stupid questions, only stupid people. Ask an economist for proof of one of their pet theories and you'll find quickly that the age old axiom that we all learned in school and work place training seminars is dead wrong. You can ask a stupid question if you're talking to an economist and that question can, in fact, make you stupid.It's a well accepted fact that scientists are not the. . .

Four Principles of Emerging Market Success

Emerging markets are high risk and high reward. In my work as an attorney representing Western companies in emerging markets, I have concluded there are four essential elements to emerging market success: a good partner, an open mind, active participation, and extreme patience. I have seen enough essential similarities between such diverse countries as Russia, Korea (ten years ago when it was s. . .

How to Be Happy!

How would you like to have at least an extra hour in your day just for yourself so that you can have more fun?Well you can you know, you just have to do the following consistently and you'll free up your time so that you can enjoy more of your life.Look After Yourself FirstExercise regularly and eat healthily. Do the right thing by yourself and you'll have heaps of energy, be motivated,more pro. . .

Get Organised Before It's Too Late

Last year I attended a presentation from Parenting Expert and well-known author, Stephen Biddulph on "Raising Boys". As I have an 11 year old son, I was interested to hear what Stephen had to say. In fact, so were the other 800 other parents in the room!The key point that I picked up on was that boys from the age of 6 -14 really need 'time' with their dads. That is the most influential period i. . .

Why Men Lie and Women Cry

I've just finished reading a great book by Allan and Barbara Pease entitled "Why Men Lie and Women Cry". A true and humorous account of the differences between the sexes and full of practical ways to communicate effectively.I've enjoyed the book so much and felt it will be of great benefit to all of you that I just had to write up an extract from it:Women Talk, Talk and Talk" When a woman talks. . .

Clients…Do You Really Need Them?

Running a successful business takes a lot of energy and there are so many areas that as a business owner you need to pay attention too.It's not enough to spend heaps of time, money and resources into getting buyers for your goods and services and then leaving those clients/customers to their own devices.If you want to work less, have more time and make more money one very important aspect you h. . .

How to Get More Business Without Even Trying

Why are you in business? Hopefully you enjoy what you do, however is it because you want to make money so that you can have, be and do more in your life?Who pays you? Your clients do and never forget that. Unfortunately many people do. They take your money and then vanish off the face of the earth. And if you do hear from them you know they are only trying to sell something or business is not g. . .

Proven Secrets to Keeping Your People and Increasing Your...

Why are people changing jobs so quickly these days?Here are a few reasons why: They have a boring job therefore they feel they are not achieving anything. They have no leader to follow. They feel unappreciated. They work long hours and want a life. They are not paid what they are worth. The above reasons are not taken from any figures or facts stated in publications and general media. This. . .

Preparing For Your Success

When is the best time to prepare for your success in life? What's that you say? " I have to actually have to prepare for it? Doesn't success just happen?"No. It doesn't. If you want to improve your life you have to take the action.An article by Jim Rohn who is a well-known motivational speaker said:"Here's the great challenge of life. You can have more than you've got because you can become mor. . .

How Do You Profit From O.P.P.?

In a previous article we introduced you to the concept of O.P.P., or Other People's Property, and the many ways in which you can profit.In that article we asked you what you would do if you found a business that: could generate multiple streams of income would work in any area of the country could be worked both locally and nationally could be worked both on and off the web would allow you to b. . .

The Many Ways To Profit From O.P.P.'s Multiple Cash Streams

In a previous article we introduced you to the concept of O.P.P., or Other People's Property.In that article we asked you what you would do if you found a business that: could generate multiple streams of income would work in any area of the country could be worked both locally and nationally could be worked both on and off the web would allow you to build your long term net worth and, can be s. . .

Are You Profiting From O.P.P.?

Are you profiting from O.P.P.? If not, why not?We know many of you have the desire and dream of running your own home-based business. But, like so many people, you're not sure where or how to start.You're not sure what type of business you should look for. You're not sure if you could do it. You're not sure if you really can achieve the financial freedom you want for yourself and your family.Yo. . .

Making Outsized Returns in the Stock Market - Using the D...

The Dow TheoryCharles H. DowRobert RheaE. George SchaeferRichard RussellThe Dow Theory TodayCharles H. DowIt is interesting and amazing to note that not until Charles Dow started compiling the Dow Jones Industrial and Dow Jones Rail Index and started writing about the stock market a little over a hundred years ago, stock speculation was regarded merely as a game for the rich or as gambling for . . .