Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Introducing a Mystery Shopping Program Employees

Often times, upper management is uncertain about the best way to present a Mystery Shopping program to their employees. The initial rollout of the Mystery Shopping/Employee Incentive Program is crucial to its success. Your company’s executives must involve middle and lower management and build excitement from the inside out. It is usually a good idea to share the program objectives with all aff. . .

Building A Stellar Business One Employee At A Time

Top businesses that continually lead their industry clearly understand a simple fact: People are their most vital assets. Every employee plays a key role in the company. In today's climate, your company cannot afford redundant employees. All businesses are run and operated by people. Each person makes decisions every day based on what that person believes and values. When a person makes better . . .

5 Surefire Ways To Eliminate Credit Card Debt

Do you have enormous credit card debt? You are certainly not alone. According to research, the average family in the United States has $7000 in credit card debt and pays about $1000 in interest each year! Throw in a late payment or two, or an over-the-limit charge, and that number skyrockets. Imagine what you could do with that $1000 if it weren’t being spent on interest. Let’s imagine for a mo. . .

The Pro's and Con's Of Debt Consolidation Loans

You are swimming in debt. You have 4 credit cards maxed out, a car loan, a consumer loan, and a house payment. Simply making the minimum payments is causing your distress and certainly not getting you out of debt. What should you do?Some people feel that debt consolidation loans are the best option. A debt consolidation loans is one loan which pays off many other loans or lines of credit. I’m s. . .

Like It Or Not, You Have A Score To Settle (Part 2)

In part 1, we covered the basics about credit scoring – what it is and how it is calculated. It’s time to address the critical question ... What happens if you are denied credit or don’t get the terms you want?The Equal Credit Opportunity Act requires that the creditor give you a notice either with the specific reasons your application was rejected, or stating that you have the right to learn t. . .

Like It Or Not, You Have A Score To Settle (Part 1)

Just when most people finish with school and can stop worrying about test scores, there’s a new kind of scoring that enters the picture. It’s called credit scoring. And, its impact on your financial future can mean more to you than a college degree. You may never know your precise credit score, but you need to know if you’re at risk!Credit Scoring ... Why It’s So Important:Ever wonder how a cre. . .

Reducing Debt Through Lower Interest Loans

It happens to the majority of us, credit card debt accumulates and before we quite realize it, we are carrying a debt load that is far beyond our means. When this happens, we need to take immediate positive steps to knock down the debt as quickly as possible. One of the most efficient ways to do this is to reduce the amount of interest we pay by shopping around for a better rate and having our . . .

Don't Discount Offline Business Opportunities

So many people automatically think of Internet businesses first now days. Why? Because they're relatively cheap and quick to set up. What many don't seem to realize though, is that are still some golden opportunities in the offline world too. One such business can be started for less than $50, and can start earning you cash from the first day. So, what is this business? Vending machines. Now be. . .

Why Would Anyone Want Your Business Card?

Do you remember how proud you were the first time you saw your name in print? Most entrepreneurs feel that same flush of pride when they gaze on their new business cards. That small piece of paper represents years of planning and effort and hard work and dreams. The thrill of seeing "your name in print" on a business card is hard to beat. Unfortunately, other people couldn't care less. Your bus. . .

Angels, Are They Real?

They're real, but few survive. High risk investing is dangerous to your bank balance. The process toward extinction is that an angel risks money in one venture. It fails. Then, he joins a group of angels and risks money in another venture. It fails. At this point, the angel usually hands in his or her wings. To be an angel, you must have considerable discretionary income. This is why most angel. . .

Islam in the Workplace

Suggested practice for HR personnelMuslims now form one of the largest religious groups in the UK. At a time when great misunderstandings and stereotypes circulate the media and society regarding the religion, it is crucial for an effort to be made at all levels to go beyond archetypal images and to begin to understand Islam and Muslims.With a population of approximately 1.5 million Muslims and. . .

Cultural Awareness - an HR perspective

The use of cultural awareness training has increased rapidly in the majority of global companies over the last decade. My experience working in global companies in which effective cross-cultural functioning was critical, involved the devotion of considerable time and energies to ensuring that cultural training needs were identified and accommodated as necessary. This commitment to bridging cult. . .

Small Cards, Big Ideas: Alternative Uses for Business Cards

Aggressive business card marketing isn't about handing your business cards out to everyone you see. The card itself must have a new use, an innovative design, or something other than the usual contact information printed on it. To make your little card stand out, try these other ideas. Print something other than a business card on biz card-sized cardstock. You have seen loyalty cards for "buy 1. . .

Organizing Tips For Your Office

Being organized at the office involves managing a few key activities effectively: Emails Phone MeetingsThe increase in productivity from investing a small amount of time in efficiently managing these activities upfront is more than worth the result.E-MAIL MANAGEMENTKeeping up with the daily onslaught of emails is a major challenge for most of us, both personally & professionally. The following. . .

Is a Name Important?

You bet a name is important. Many small business owners try to come up with a clever name for their business rather than one that explains what they do. And, nine times out of ten, that is a mistake. Your business name should give your prospects some idea of what your business is about.One of the most useful processes I've used to help my clients come up with a good name is to turn it around. R. . .

Is a Small Business Web Site a Wise Investment?

One of the greatest pitfalls in e-commerce is Field of Dreams thinking, the notion that all one has to do is “build it (a web site) and they will come.”“I can’t think of anything further from the truth,” Ron Scott, a Riverside, California web designer, says. “Even if we develop an attractive, content rich web site, that is no guarantee that our client will generate enough sales, let alone traff. . .

Why Can't You be More Like Me?

Here is a non-scientific, but fun way to see which style you may be. Read the poem below and then identify which one of the styles is most like you. You will also start to see and understand the behavioral style of other people around you just from reading the poem. Now you can be better prepared to speak to people the way they want to be spoken to and sell to people the way they want to . . .

Can Buying Groups Save You Money?

Let me give you a brief history of Group Purchasing Organizations (GPO). They have been around for decades. Do you know what types of businesses get the best pricing on all of the goods and services they purchase? The answer is healthcare facilities. Do you know why? I’ll tell you. Nearly any healthcare facility in the nation that is making a profit belongs to a buying group. The average hea. . .

Rewards Cards - Are They Right For You?

Rewards cards have become the latest rage in the credit card industry. In the past, consumers shopped for credit cards that offered the lowest interest rate. Next came cards with low interest rates and no annual fees. Today, consumers can shop for cards based on what type of “reward” they can earn for using a specific issuer’s card.How does a reward program work? Typically, the program award. . .

The Metamorphosis of the Successful Executive... Overcomi...

You're a bright, successful business executive making good money and managing a capable staff of accomplished professionals. You are successful beyond your wildest business school dreams. You've achieved much-yet something's missing. On the surface, life is good-yet you feel tired, drained, frustrated, defeated. Intuitively, you know your life can and should be more fulfilling.Where do you turn. . .

Craving for Financial Freedom

Have you ever felt trapped in a Rat Race and wished to retire quickly but rich?Have you ever felt that you are spending way too much time working with your boss at your office instead of with those you love? Your spouse, children, friends?Have you ever felt frustrated because you are so deep in debt that you think you won't be able to retire because as soon as you do, the money will stop coming. . .

Investing in the Stock Market

From the book 'The Stockopoly Plan' by the author Charles M. O'Melia There are several factors an investor in the stock market should consider: 1. All stock purchases should be commission-free. 2. All stocks purchased should be from a company that has a history of raising their dividends every year. 3. The company should not only have a history of raising their dividend every year, but sho. . .

Warning: Today's "Non Profit Credit Counselors" Are Yeste...

Here's a dirty secret, today's "non profit credit counselors" are often just front organizations paid lucrative commissions by creditors to keep consumers from declaring bankruptcy! In the "debt collection biz", creditors will sell your outstanding debt along with the debt of hundreds of others to a collection agency for cash up front. The collection agencies will work this debt until they've m. . .

Online Mortgages in 5 Easy Steps!

We're all entitled to the opportunities and benefits of home ownership. But because most of us aren't loaded with cash, we must find banks and lenders to assist us with finance. No matter what your credit history is, or what your circumstances are, the internet has now made this process a billion times easier. This article will outline a 5 point plan, to assist you in your pursuit of financin. . .

Why Americans Find Predatory Lending Offensive

"Menis - the author translates as "indignant rage" - It is the kind of rage arising from social betrayal that impairs a person's dignity through violation of "what's right." (p21), Achilles In Viet Nam - Combat Trauma and the Undoing of Character, Jonathan Shay, M.D., Ph D."The vulnerable relationship between child and parent is a metaphor for the relationship between a soldier and his army. It. . .

When Do I Need To Hire A Business Plan Consultant

Every new business owner knows that a business plan is critical – it is drilled into them by potential investors and every banking officer they meet. So why is something that is so important to the launch of a new venture so difficult to write? Good question! In this article I will try to address when you should go out and hire a business plan writer versus taking on the task yourself. First ti. . .

Creating Great Business Correspondence

Obtaining the skills for writing good business correpondence is important; a job seeker needs to send customised job application letters. A secretary needs to send out an official invitation letter. A purchasing assistant may need to prepare an invoice. It does not necessarily imply that you must just have a good standard of English. You should remember that correspondence means to communicate . . .

PR: What's the Point?

Here’s the point: people act on their own perception of the facts before them, which leads to predictable behaviors about which something can be done. When we create, change or reinforce that opinion by reaching, persuading and moving-to-desired-action the very people whose behaviors affect the organization the most, the public relations mission is accomplished. The point is simply stated. . .

An Untapped Resource For Finding Your Ideal Home Business

The pitch "Business For Sale!" may be your key to a Profitable Home Based Business! In fact, your GOLDEN Opportunity may be just a FEW CLICKS AWAY!... But most people NEVER even know that a profitable, proven, growing home based business that COULD be theirs might be right under their nose! 99% of the people seeking a home based business go to the news stand or the Internet. They look at 100 "m. . .

How to Prepare your Mind/Body to Give Great Speeches

Sure you have catecholamines – all speakers do. (including Sir Winston Churchill and Presidents Kennedy, Carter, and Reagan.) Those are the chemicals that make you sweat, make your heart beat fast and make your hands shake. Get rid of those chemical and psychological reactions by becoming message-centered and audience-centered, not self-centered. 1 Replace fear and negative noise with pos. . .

Five Major Ways to Save Money

There are two main roads to improving your personal finances: increasing income, and cutting costs.Increasing income is the harder road to travel. After all, you can't always get a raise or a new job when you need one.But cutting costs, that's a different story!You're in complete control in this area. And all it takes is some imagination and discipline-both of which are free.Below are five ma. . .

Is an ARM Right For You?

Let’s start by taking a look at 7 key elements of an adjustable rate mortgage:1) ARM defined: While a fixed rate loan is constant and never changes throughout the life of the loan, an adjustable rate mortgage changes periodically. The interest rate of an ARM goes up and down based on whatever external index it is tied to. Add the lender’s “margin” to that, and you’ve got the rate. Add costs. . .

Monday Morning Mindfulness

Learn more about these topics by subscribing to "Monday Morning Mindfulness" at http://www.schrift.com/monday.htmSandra's ezine 'Monday Morning Mindfulness' Sandra Schrift will help you grow and enlighten your soul with her bi-weekly ezine 'Monday Morning Mindfulness. Request a free subscription at www.schrift.com and start improving your speaking success!Table of Contents:On Special Offers and. . .

So You Want To Get In To Manufacturing (part 1)

Having been in the personal care manufacturing business for a number of years I have some advise for those of you thinking about starting a manufacturing operation. First off some manufacturing basics. Manufacturing is essentially the same no mater what product you are producing. It is governed by supply and demand. The term "manufacture it and they will buy" does not always hold true. Manu. . .

Self-Confidence Is The Key To Personal And Professional S...

In my audio program Book Yourself Solid, The 7 Keys To Getting More Clients Than You Can Handle Even If You Hate Marketing And Selling, I focus on the nitty gritty of what to do to get loads of clients but the real key and what I try to deep into is what you need to do for yourself to take action.I think there are only two reasons for most any business problem: You dont know what to do You kno. . .

Why Business Owners Need Security

The main reason is to stop any potential lawsuits from happening! But do you know how many individuals I have talked to about this very thing? Many! Do you know what the majority have told me? They have locks and cameras, so they don’t need anymore security than that!This is a mess waiting to happen, the reason is as follows. This attitude is the reason things happen in business establishments . . .

Can’t Stand The Heat….

It seems that every day I turn on the TV and find a Poker game. Texas No Limit seems to be all the rage these days. I love watching it. When I discuss this with others, their response is always the same, “You should play.” Ah, but what they don’t know is I stay out of the kitchen. As far as risk to reward ratio. That’s a gamble I’m not willing to take. I prefer to invest my money. Sometimes I g. . .

Mortgage Free In 15 Years!

Imagine paying your mortgage off in 15 years! Think of all the great things you could do with that extra money. What would you do? Retire early? Buy an R.V.? Travel around the world? If you could eliminate your mortgage in half the time, then your options would be wide open. Let’s take a look at 3 benefits and 3 considerations when evaluating whether or not the 15 year fixed rate mortgag. . .

Quit and Retire Three Years Earlier!

For most people, there is a direct correlation between how worried they are about retirement income, and how much they can actually do about it. This is because the more worried you are, the closer you probably are to retirement, and the less time you have to do anything – like save up. Effective ‘saving up’ requires time. Time so your money can grow. Save an extra $200 a month, three years bef. . .

5 TIPS for Home-Based Business Entrepreneurs

Have you ever heard that only a small part (5%) of 'all' Home-Based Business entrepreneurs achieve success? Do an online research on your favorite Search Engine and you will understand what I mean. In this article I'm going to show you the KEY to Home-Based Business entrepreneurs success; you'll find out what makes an entrepreneur succesful in the home-based business field. Below are 5 TIPS f. . .

Stocks: Reduce Risk Yet Maximize Profits

It is important to note that every smart investor wants to minimize risk while maximizing profit potential. Yet conventional investment theory tells us that in order to increase returns, you have to increase risk.You may be surprised to find that this conventional wisdom is not always true. When I was a professional stock trader, I made most of my profits from appreciation in my portfolio, not . . .

The Top Three Problems IT Managers Face and How to Overco...

Todays business environment has changed drastically from just a few years back. Rather than working exclusively with equipment, data, and systems, todays IT managers face issues such as cross training, personnel management, interdepartmental communication, and a widening job scope for all IT employees. This expansion of the IT job realm has left many IT managers juggling new challenges. While t. . .

A PR Surprise for Managers

For those business, non-profit and association managers committed to PR tactics like radio and newspaper plugs, it can come as a surprise to discover where public relations value REALLY lies. Truth is, your PR budget can deliver results far beyond such limited publicity placements. For example by embracing the kind of PR plan that persuades those important outside audiences to your way of t. . .

International Support - Microsoft Great Plains VAR/Partn...

Looks like Microsoft Great Plains becomes more and more popular, partly because of Microsoft muscles behind it. It seems to be goof solution for mid-size and even large multinational corporation with Headquarters in US and branches Worldwide. You, as V.P. IT can deploy the strategy, when you host your Great Plains in headquarter and have international offices connect via remote support. Or, . . .

We Are Exactly Where We Choose to Be

The idea for this month's newsletter came from an unlikely encounter: I recently had lunch with a new friend named Rick Rockwell. You may remember him as the bachelor from the first-ever reality TV show, "Who Wants to Marry a Multimillionaire?" During our meeting, Rick described some of the knowledge he gained from doing the show, along with a few of past his experiences in business, ethics, an. . .

Life's True ROI

al debt load and ROI, whether the industry as a whole is in a slump, whether there are too many partner or legal problems, whether future demand will materialize and so on and so forth. While these questions are certainly relevant, the most important question that a small or medium-sized business owner should ask him/herself is: "How else can I make a living and would I like it?" Yes, the a. . .

Hiring and Retaining Good Employees

Hiring good employees is not only important to business, it’s essential. Employees are the heart and soul of a business; they are the mechanism that makes a business run; they are the breath of life that enables a business to be something more than an idea. A business cannot run unless someone (employees, in this case) is doing the work. Any intelligent business owner should want good employees. . .

Finding Your True North

Okay Friends,It's time for a 'check up from the neck up'! It's time for an evaluation in each area of your life. Some of you may be saying 'I don't need one!' Well, you may be right. And you may not be. But you know what they say? The best time to go see the doctor is to have a preventative plan, not a recovery plan.So, with that said, fill in all of the TRUE NORTH Evaluation Forms provided bel. . .

Now Appearing: 9 Tips for a Well-Attended Event

When I made the decision to do free workshops and book signings for my latest book, Make a Real Living as a Freelance Writer, I thought it would be easy to draw an audience. I had, after all, done all the right things to prepare for this big event: I had a successful e-zine, AbsoluteWrite.com, sent weekly directly to my target market; I was a contributing editor at the most popular magazine for. . .

Anchors Away!

If we want to fill our heads with the doom and gloom society seems to thrive on, all we need to do is turn on the local news at night. To make that quantum leap toward personal happiness and success in life, sometimes we just need to do what so many people seem to be talking about lately: clean house and take personal inventory of the people we associate with most. One of my favorite quotes. . .