Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

10 No-nonsense Tactics in Promoting Your Home-based Business

No man is an island. This adage is especially true in business. Without the community, you would have no business.Always remember that community members are the customers for life of a home-based business unless these members move out of the area. The business relies on them for its lifeblood; on the other hand, the customers rely on the business for their needs, either product or service-wise.. . .

Entrepreneurship as Your Passion

Entrepreneurship has been my passion for as long as I can commit to memory to learning how to type, and that started in 5th grade! Strangely enough, I wasn’t raised around lots of business owners growing up in New Jersey nor surrounded by many business-minded individuals.Initially, my passion was expressed through the notion that extra money can be made while working a corporate job. The. . .

How To Get Sellers To Call And Beg You To Take Their Prop...

I'm going to give you the *basic* steps in my $0 Down Real Estate Investing Program. I outline the program in *detail* in my 324 page e-book. For details about the book. http://www.realrealestateexperts.com and much, much more! I personally put together four more real estate deals last week... not to mention the deals that I helped my coaching clients put together. This business gets addictive . . .

Tips to Starting your own Business

The 9-to-5 grind can make you feel like a just another cog in the corporate machine, constantly punching the clock for someone else’s vision. One day, while dreaming of the world outside the cubicle, you have your big “Eureka!” moment—you’ve come across an idea so perfect that you need to start your own business around it. Coming up with the idea is the easy part. Now, you’re thrown into an. . .

How to Market and Protect Your New Ideas

The intellectual property transfer market is now estimated to be worth over $100 billion. If you have a new idea, a patent or an invention, you may be able to license it or sell it for millions of dollars. Many Fortune 500 companies are now making their intellectual property available for sale or licensing at new online intellectual-property exchanges. These companies are trying to maximize th. . .

Office Set Up

OK, you say, I've decided to start my business. I have my idea, my identity package, my licensing and zoning done. Now I need to set up my office. Your first step is to decide whether to convert a room into an office or a space/area in your home to office space. If your space is limited you might want to get the type of desk that looks like an armoire so you can close it up at the end of the da. . .

Networking - It's Important!

Networking opportunities are everywhere. Don't let them pass you by.1. Recognize that there is more to networking than greeting people. Develop a step-by-step plan for how you'll build relationships and how you can effectively tell your story. Don't forget your 30 second commercial to tell your story.2. Zero in on specific groups of people. Who are the ideal prospects for your business? Do they. . .

7 Keys to Running a Successful Business

Although dentistry may appear to be different than other types of businesses, in reality it is a business. And although this article is written from a dentist’s perspective on developing a successful practice, the principles can be used in virtually any business. I have been in the dental industry for over 20 years and can proudly say I do have a highly successful business, also known as a prac. . .

Work Priorities: Where Can You Spend Your Time Most Effec...

Understanding where you can spend time most effectively requires concentration in three areas: Doing what you enjoy Concentrating on your strengths Understanding Job ExcellenceLet's start with doing what you enjoy. Your quality of life is in many ways dependant on how much (or little) you enjoy your job. While every job has aspects that you may not enjoy as much as others, overall your job s. . .

Did You Hear The One About The Funny Quiz That Was Walkin...

Q. My company publishes a monthly employee newsletter. My boss asked me to write a funny quiz. I'm not exactly a stand-up comic. Help!A. Ah, the funny quiz. Lucky you! It's not often that a company has an official sense of humor that they are willing to display for all to read. This is going to be a great assignment for you!A funny quiz is typically one where the questions and answers have no r. . .

Business & Career: Know Your Ruling Star!

"Know your Ruling Star. One man is better received by one nation than another, or is one welcome by one city than another. He finds more luck in one office or position than in another, and all though his qualifications are equal or even identical. Let each man know his luck as well as his talents. Follow your guiding star and help it without mistaking any other for it. Know how to transplant y. . .

Costly Web Copy Pitfalls

One secret to a site that sells: Look at your site from your customer’s perspective. Another secret: Watch out for these common web copy pitfalls. Welcome to…nothingLook at your site’s web copy. Does it begin with “Welcome to…?” If so, get rid of it. It means nothing. It doesn’t speak to your customers. It’s just a waste of your customers’ time and space. Rather than the worn out phrase, “Welco. . .

Cross Cultural Solutions for International Business

Globalisation, the expansion of intercontinental trade, technological advances and the increase in the number of companies dealing on the international stage have brought about a dramatic change in the frequency, context and means by which people from different cultural backgrounds interact.Cross cultural solutions to international business demands are increasingly being viewed as a valid and n. . .

Growing Faster Than Your Cash Flow? Let Factoring Fund Yo...

Why wait weeks or months to get paid by your clients when you can access your money in a matter of days by factoring your invoices. When a business factors their invoices, they are allowing a third party to purchase their invoices at a discount price. This discount is considered the third party’s fee. If your business receives orders from customers on a regular basis, but has to wait 30, 60,. . .

Fake IRS Demand to Fax Personal Data Using Phony Form

A new identity theft scam uses fake IRS correspondence and a doctored IRS form to con personal and financial information out of non-resident aliens with U.S.-based income. The fraudulently obtained information is then used to steal the taxpayer's identity and financial assets. Fake IRS formTargets of this scam are sent a phony IRS Form W-8BEN ("Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner . . .

A Beary Special Miracle

(This story first appeared in Workplace Miracles – a book filled with a collection of stories from around the globe) I have a secret that I’m going to share with you. I am a fifty year-old woman and I love teddy bears. Big ones, small ones, fat ones, skinny ones, long hair, short hair, mohair, bears with hats, bears with jackets, or just plain furry ones, I love them all. Many years ago when I . . .

Results of Poor Cross Cultural Awareness

Having a poor understanding of the influence of cross cultural differences in areas such as management, PR, advertising and negotiations can eventually lead to blunders that can have damaging consequences.It is crucial for today’s business personnel to understand the impact of cross cultural differences on business, trade and internal company organisation. The success or failure of a company, v. . .

When to invest in the Stock Market

Is really not as important as to how you invest in the stock market. And how you invest in the stock market should take into consideration what goals you are setting for that stock market investment. For example, are you investing for capital appreciation or for income through dividend paying stocks? Or is the investment in the stock market for the combination of both capital appreciation and d. . .

Taking Time Off For Your Business

As a business owner, wouldn't it be great if you could take time off whenever you needed to? Unfortunately, most small business owners worry that the business will fall apart if they're not there to mind the store. Too often, they simply lack the appropriate resources for their business to keep going in their absence. "Taking time off is as important as food," says Charles Tuttle, leader of a. . .

Nine Sure Fire Ways to Boost Your Career

1. Differentiate yourself using a Personal Value Proposition. A PVP a description of how your unique mixture of five key elements creates and/or adds value for an organization and the people in it. A personal examination of these elements reminds you of all the strong, positive things you bring to the table and it points out the gaps you need to close before you can position yourself more effec. . .

The Real Truth About Working Smarter, Not Harder

Running a business or department can often stretch you to the limit.To be effective at doing what you do best, it's imperative to look at what tasks you can either delegate or outsource.DelegatingThis is an interesting word. For some people it means completely letting go of their responsibilities and getting someone else to do the work. Now that's all well and good providing that you train that. . .

Get Off Your Butt and Create Your Financial Future…Now!

Most people have no idea where their money goes. They earn it and they spend it.That's fine if you want to live from week to week and are not concerned about your financial future. However if you want to increase your wealth and have more options, action needs to be taken by you otherwise you could end up like most people further down the track, totally dependant on a pension.Karen's StoryKaren. . .

What Personal Assistants Really Want

What would happen if the personal assistants in your organisation were away for a week? How would it affect the running of your business or department? How would it affect you…personally?If you are fortunate to have a personal assistant whom you heavily rely on to assist you, in most instances you would find yourself run ragged if they were absent for longer than a day.This week I spoke with tw. . .

Work From Home And Get More Done!

Working from home can be a most effective way to be more productive! Today's open plan offices stop many people from getting their work done. The constant noise, phones ringing and colleagues interrupting can drive anyone to distraction!Many people would dramatically boost their productivity if they could spend some or all of their working week out of the main office and join the thousands of s. . .

Are You Worth Investing In?

Do you realise that if you're green you're growing and if you're ripe you're rotten? So says Winston Marsh, Business Marketing Guru in his recent newsletter.Here's and excerpt from it ..."Over the last week or so I have been presenting a series of seminars for MYOB throughout New Zealand and I have made an amazing discovery.Most people would rather service their car than service their brain!Now. . .

Are You A Work Addict?

Work addiction is very common in our society today, yet it is not one that is not highly recognised.An interesting article in the March edition of The Success Report published by Success Technologies stated:"Of all the addictions receiving attention today (including alcohol, drugs, gambling and food) work addiction is perhaps the least recognised and possibly the most dangerous. This is because. . .

Is Your Money Keeping Up With Inflation?

In today’s unpredictable global economy, you obviously never know what is going to happen next. Uncertainties and concerns regarding the Iraqi threat, North Korean crisis, and hidden terrorist cells and networks continue to loom in the back of the minds of consumers. Moreover, the stock markets and industries around the world.Price inflation is another major concern for everyone. The late. . .

How to Keep PR Working for You

Managers in the non-profit, association and business worlds need to persuade outside audiences with the greatest impact on their operations to their way of thinking. And then move those external stakeholders to take actions that help their departments, divisions or subsidiaries succeed. But that takes a very special plan, one that delivers results far beyond simple publicity placements. I. . .

9 Ways To Outsmart An Identity Thief

Identity theft statistics are shocking, to say the least. And it's not going to get better any time soon. But there is no need for you to become a statistic. Here is what you can do to avoid identity theft.1. If your mail box doesn't have a lock yet, put one on.If you had any official letters missing recently from your mail box, the chances are somebody has stolen them to find out things about . . .

Whatever Happened To Customer 'Service'?

Do you remember the last time you went into a shop and the person 'serving' raced over to you, greeted you with a lovely smile, heaps of enthusiasm and said, "Welcome to our store, what can I help you with today?" And then listened attentively to what you had to say?Doesn't happen very often does it? In fact, while I was writing this, I couldn't recall when I had experienced it. I'm sure I must. . .

Seminar Success Strategies...How to Action What You Learn

It's no secret that many people who attend seminars, workshops and conferences have great difficulty in implementing the ideas.They get all hyped up and excited on the actual day, write a book full of notes and proclaim to everyone in earshot that "this is it! I have found the magic pill that will transform my work and my life."I know how overwhelming it can be when participating at these event. . .

3 Steps To Immediately Increase Sales

Want to increase sales within your company? It’s not as hard to do as some might have you believe. Though we as a nation are in the midst of an economic downturn these past two years, your company does not have to be. What follows are three simple steps to increase sales, no matter the economic conditions. 1. Simplify your advertisingConsumers today are inundated daily with advertising campaign. . .

Bullet-Proof Your Business

Today’s business environment isn’t getting any easier, nor will it get easier anytime in the future. I’m not psychic but I have learned that business NEVER gets simpler. More competition, shrinking profit margins, increases in fixed and operating costs are just a few of the issues we deal with everyday. You can lament this fact or, you can take proactive measures to bullet-proof your business.. . .

Protect Your ASSets in Business

Many people are starting an online business without a thought about the danger this may pose to their personal assets. The type of protection you need depends upon the nature of your business and the amount of your personal assets. If you have no personal assets, you probably don't need much protection. They say "you can't get blood from a turnip". Hey, if someone wants to take over your credit. . .

Loyal Customers Take Commitment

In today’s competitive world of retail, many stores are implementing external marketing programs designed to attract new business. Unfortunately, the cost can be very high with little return on investment. What is often lost in the mix is the fact that it can be much more cost effective to have a loyal customer base that returns again and again rather than constantly seeking the next new custom. . .

There's No Need to Pad Your Resume

It seems like a good idea, harmless in fact. Your friends assure you that everybody does it and that employers rarely check resume facts. Going on blind faith and convinced the truth hasn’t been helpful so far, you seriously consider fabricating information on your resume. You adapt the school of thought that a little white lie never hurt anyone and lying on a resume is just that, a little whit. . .

7 Surefire Ways To Repair Bad Credit

Do you have a poor credit rating? If so, you are one of tens of thousands of Americans with the same problem. In fact, it seems that this has become a national ‘disease.’ And just what do people need that have a disease? They need a cure. Here are some sure-fire solutions to ' repair bad credit '. Keep in mind, like most ‘diseases,’ credit repair can take some time, but complete healing is poss. . .

4 Steps You Can Take If Your Online Credit Card Applicati...

Help! I’ve Been Turned DownYou received an envelope in the mail with a great offer for a low interest credit card. You read all the details, even the boring small print and decided that this card fit your needs to a tee. You filled out the required forms and anticipated the day that the card would arrive – you even got to pick which background you got. However, what came in the mail was not an . . .

Your Guide On Choosing a Credit Card To Suit You

Reach into your wallet or purse, pull out a card, swipe, and you’re done. It is very easy to use a credit card. The problem lies in choosing a card – and it has nothing to do with the picture on the front! Choosing a credit card that works best for you is vital to your credit rating. If you choose incorrectly, you may find yourself in deep debt trouble. Here is some basic, yet extremely importa. . .

Build Your Own Board Of Experts

The most successful entrepreneurs rely on their advisory boards to help spot new opportunities and potential pitfalls.Now you can have your own advisory board: a shadow board of directors.A shadow board of directors is a low-tech technique for accessing the expertise of others and increasing your confidence and options. A shadow board can help you get a variety of perspectives and access to inf. . .

Long Term Energy Outook

Key Events To Watch ForIraq Oil Production stabilizing above 2 Million Barrels per dayUsual suspects for Strikes Norway, Nigeria, and VenezuelaSaudi Production over 10 Million Barrels per dayLargest Importers to U.S. and amount weeklyRussian Oil giant Yukos back taxes problem ( produces 1.72 Million barrels per day) alot of export revues for Russia too loseKey Market FundamentalsU.S. Crude Oil . . .

Building Business Credit

Most businesses want to be able to borrow money when they need it, without the owners having to guarantee the loans personally. This means less risk to the owners. But wanting to get credit for your business and actually getting it can be two different things. One company recently approached us because over the past two years they had created a successful business, with over twenty employees. . . .

Your Organization: What Role PR?

As a manager, does your current business, non-profit or association public relations effort concern itself primarily with radio and newspaper publicity? Or does it concentrate on a specialty area like financial communications or trade relations? Or, possibly, it deals each day with sales support or government affairs? Actually, maybe your PR effort should concentrate on delivering what you r. . .

Top 10 Things to Consider on Home Loans

Here are our Top 10 most important things to consider when shopping for a Home Loan, Equity Line of Credit, or Refinance, courtesy of LoanResources.Net: Down-Payment Fixed Versus Adjustable Rate APR Loan Types Loan Amount Qualification, Income Loan Amount Qualification, Expenses Employment and Credit History Points Sub-Prime Loans Short-Forms1. Down-Payment - As a general rule of thumb, lenders. . .

Save Time When You Write

I'm in the process of moving from one computer to another, and one of the things I really miss so far is a good keystroke macro program.That's a program, a communication technology, that allows you to trigger long strings of text, including names and email addresses, with just a couple of keystrokes. For example, I often have to write out the name of my book, A Manager's Guide to Newsletters: C. . .

10 Questions: Do You Have What It Takes?

Do you have what it takes to be really successful?Have you ever thought about what you must be prepared to endure and do in order to be successful in business or your career?I think I have been asked at least 5,000 times what it really takes to be successful in business, so I jotted down 10 questions you can use to gauge whether you already have what it takes, or if you need to do a little “wor. . .

Image is Key to Your Marketing Success

In virtually any business first impressions are lasting impressions. Most people have heard this statement for years, and yet some people completely ignore the first impression they are conveying to potential customers or clients. Regardless of the industry you are in image is a part of your marketing. Take the real estate industry. An often-overlooked part of marketing is the image an agent pr. . .

Are You At The Mercy Of Computer Geeks?

Many business owners are sabotaging their business without even realizing it. They are completely out of the loop when it comes to all technology aspects of their operation such as websites, computers and software. They become completely dependent on their technical people and naively believe that things are "being taken care of". This "head in the sand" approach is very dangerous. Here ar. . .

Be Brief!

Centuries ago great speakers often spoke two hours and more. But today when sound bytes on television news are the norm and serious problems are solved in an hour on a television drama, audiences are most interested in speakers that get their points across in a short period of time. In a speech delivered to a Women in Communication audience, Patricia Ward Brash said, “Television has helped cr. . .

A Short Guide to Effective Public Speaking

Delivering an effective presentation to 20 or to 200 people is difficult. Because listeners have better access to information since the internet became commonplace, audiences expect more content from speakers today. In addition, because of the entertainment slant of most media today, audiences want a presentation delivered with animation, humor, and pizzazz.If you would rather spend your time. . .