Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Outsourcing NOT Just for Big Business

Outsourcing has become a controversial issue and a hot topic among presidential candidates this year. But have you stopped to think how your business can benefit from the efficiency, functionality and cost savings of outsourcing? If you have, you might find that, like many others, you are already outsourcing-and enjoying its benefits.What is Outsourcing?Outsourcing simply means "contracting o. . .

Marketing the Government for Profit

Steps and tips on marketing your business to the government.Fact: Federal, state and local governments buy over $450 billion combined in goods and services each year.Part of that can be yours if you know how to get it.Fact: Federal procurements under $25,000 never go through the bid/RFP process. The only way to earn these government procurements is to market your business wisely. You probably. . .

Belief Management - The Missing Ingredient?

"Joan, I'm working so hard and I'm not getting anything done!" I have heard some version of this cry of frustration by many an entrepreneur. It's a common complaint voiced by those of use who sought the freedom to have complete authority over our schedules, only to find ourselves unwittingly shackled by old ways of operating. It does not appear to matter that we are independent professionals or. . .

3 Ways To Jumpstart Your Home-based Business

A lot of people do not realize that entrepreneurs play a big role in our society. When you put the total number of entrepreneurs together, they count as the biggest financial contributors to our nation’s wealth. If only politicians would give grants to finance small business start-ups, the economy’s growth could be hastened. Knowing the obvious financial rewards and the important. . .

7 Strategies for Handling Last Minute Meetings

Have you ever found yourself having to scramble to organize a meeting at the last minute? Wouldn’t it be nice that if and when this daunting situation arose, you were well prepared with all necessary information ready at your fingertips? That’s why I’ve developed the following seven survival strategies to help you plan for the inevitable, because you know as well as I, it’s going to happen ‘som. . .

Four Different Ways People Process Your Information

There are four different ways that audience members assimilate information. They are: visual, auditory, auditory digital, and kinesthetic. While all members of the audience will process information utilizing all four of these approaches at different times, each audience member will individually will individually tend to rely on one of these approaches more than the other three. Visual. . .

Part 1 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 1 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 . . .

8 Point Checklist, Evaluating Online Vendors

Here are 8 things to consider, when evaluating lenders online: Website Design Privacy Policy About Us Popularity Reputation Short Form Points, Fees, Terms and Rates Communication1. Website Design: The webpage is, in fact, the storefront of the internet. In the real world, your first impressions make all the difference. Well, it’s no different on the internet. type="a" Does the site seem fo. . .

High Protein Diets Can Have a “Bad” Impact on Your Career

With all the excitement regarding high protein diets, one area that is often not talked about is a diet rich in protein can be a major contributor to bad breath. Actually, there are several causes of bad breath, many of which most people have given little, if any, thought to. Have you ever thought of the impact a person’s breath can have on their career? Often, the only place the smell of your . . .

Dividend Paying Stocks

I would like to share with the reader an article printed in the financial section of U.S.A. Today on March 7, 2003 which exemplifies the awesome power of a stock dividend. MICROSOFT TO ISSUE FIRST DIVIDEND TODAY:Microsoft investors will get their first payday today, when the tech giant shells out its first dividend. At 8 cents a share, the dividend will cost the company $850 million. Co-foun. . .

The Worst PR Mistakes

For a business, non-profit or association manager, they could be fatal, coming as they do in four bitter flavors. Mistake #1 – You limit your PR activity pretty much to placing product and service plugs on radio and in newspapers. Mistake #2 – You fail to embrace the kind of PR plan that persuades those important outside audiences to your way of thinking, then moves them to take actions th. . .

What Age Should I Start Saving For Retirement?

Ask this question to 100 people and you will receive 100 very different answers. The fact of the matter is there is no right age to start. But don’t fret (did I just say fret?) knowledge is power! To borrow a line from Star Wars, “Use the force Luke.” The force I’m speaking of is compound interest. Since our main objective is to find an ideal age to begin saving, you have to understand the diff. . .

401(k) Plans

Excerpt from the book 'The Stockopoly Plan'. by the author Charles M. O'Melia I’ve been in and interested in the stock market so long (one year shy of forty years) I can remember when the Mutual Fund pages in my home town paper were just one page! (The DOW was under 700.) Now it looks like there are more Mutual Funds then there are stocks listed on the New York stock exchange. I wonder how many. . .

It Pays To Be An Ace

On Jan 1st 2005 a new online payment processor and wealth-building system will be arriving on the Internet. PayAce’s CEO Pedro Dispenza kindly took time out to answer some questions about this new service. Interviewed by Bryan Small 2004 [Bryan] Pedro, PayAce - ANOTHER online payment processor? Does the online community need another electronic payments system? [Pedro] I believe that with the nu. . .

PR That Entrepreneurs Often Overlook

If that sounds like you, here’s what you may be missing once the new enterprise is launched Public relations that really does something about the behaviors of those key outside audiences that most affect your new enterprise. PR that uses a fundamental blueprint to deliver external stakeholder behavior change – the kind that leads directly to achieving your venture’s objectives. And PR that pe. . .

How You Can Get A Free Enhanced Listing in Yahoo With You...

Last week, I cheated on my long-time lover Google, with my old boyfriend Yahoo. And ever since that day, I have considered becoming a bigamist.(To full understand what that crazy drivel was about read my last article about how to get your RSS feed listed at Yahoo within hours - in 5 simple steps here: http://www.freetrafficdirectory.com/rssyahoo.)Today, I decided to go ahead and break the law -. . .

Are Cellular Phones Just a Fashion Accessory?

Cellular phones are used by millions of people in the United States and around the world. They are such a great device! With a cell phone, you can talk to anyone on the planet from just about anywhere! These days, cell phones provide an incredible array of functions. One of the most interesting things about a cell phone is that it is actually an extremely sophisticated radio. Cellular phones ar. . .

What are all those Cell Phone Accessories used for?

Cell phone accessories would include antennas, batteries, cases, faceplates, holsters, holders, hands free kits and a few others. Antennas are to boost your signal and an additional battery may be a good precaution. A car charger could be a good alternative to an additional battery. With the convenience and pricing of cellular phones and the new long life batteries, many people are choosing to . . .

The Perfect Mutual Fund

Is the Mutual Fund you build yourself! The perfect Mutual Fund you build should have the objective of owning no more than 12 to 15 companies; owning shares in 12 companies would allow the diversity needed to sleep well at night and would provide a cash dividend every week of the year. The 12 companies (with staggered dividend payout dates) in your perfect Mutual Fund should not only provide a c. . .

Little Known Secret: Eliminate your Mortgage in 23 years ...

Wanna know a little secret? There is an ingenious method you can use, to pay off your 30 year fixed rate loan, in 23 years or less. It’s straightforward, simple, and easy to understand. In this article, we’re going to explore this little known secret, and we’ll provide several examples of how it works, a few methods on how to implement, along with some information on where to go and how to get . . .

Be a Storyteller, Not Just a Speaker

Stories develop themes. The themes chosen to illustrate the possibility of stories are: Relationships, Choice, Creativity, Making a Difference, Celebration. Speakers are ordinarily people, from teachers to grandparents, from mountain climbers to cancer survivors. The platform provides them with a privilege and awesome responsibility to share their stories in a way that helps the audienc. . .

Our Perception Determines Our Experience

Not long ago, I traveled back east to Ohio and Chicago. While I was there, I was amazed that the friends I made along my journey seemed to have completely different observations of the state in which they lived. For example, when I asked what the winters were like in their town, I got completely opposite answers from people, depending on where they originally lived. When I asked the question of. . .

The Best Things in Life Are Rarely Things

Have you ever noticed this to be true?The best things in life for me are those things are not things at all. People and experiences make the biggest mark: a wonderful relationship, time with family, or a fantastic vacation that stays in my mind for years.It seems funny to me that we spend so much time on this planet chasing “things” that we lose focus on what matters most. I mean, what’s the po. . .

Universal Success Secrets

Are there any universal laws that most successful people seem to follow? Great question, huh?With that in mind, I began listing some common denominators in order to share them with others. I’ve been very fortunate to have had some success in my life, as well as the opportunity to meet with some very powerful and influential people over the years. These are the common laws that each seemed to fo. . .

Why Small Businesses Fail (or Fail to Thrive)

Tammy, a skilled and gifted horticulturist, called me to discuss what she needed to know to start her own florist and landscaping business. She had been in the horticulture industry for 10 years and was incredibly skilled at working with flowers and plants – one of the best. She also had great design skills, as well as good customer service skills. But she had little business management expe. . .

Book Summary: The E-Myth Revisited

Ever wonder why most small businesses-- no matter how huge effort they put in their endeavor--still fail? Micheal Gerber reveals the answers in this book. Accordingly, the future of small businesses revolve in only three philosophies: the e-myth (entrepreneurial myth), the turn-key revolution, and the business development process. The E-myth The e-myth, or the entrepreneurial myth, evol. . .

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. . .

How to Give a Great Speech

As a former owner of a National Speakers Bureau, I have learned from several thousand professional speakers "How to Give a Great Speech." Here are some techniques that I share with my coaching clients who want to become paid professional speakers or business professionals who want to deliver masterful presentations. 1. Speak from the heart. Believe in what you have to say, or don’t say it. I. . .

Effective Multi Cultural International Business Meetings

Of the many areas in international business where cultural differences manifest is in the corporate meeting room. International meetings are an area where differences in cultural values, etiquette, interpretations of professional conduct and corporate rules are at their most visible and challenging to control. In international business meetings, cultural differences between professionals can an. . .

Five Questions to Ask Yourself Before Starting a New Busi...

Owning a home used to be the “American Dream.” However, this long-standing goal that so many aspired to, and ultimately reached, has been replaced with a new goal -- becoming a business owner.At first glance it sounds perfect: Leave the corporate world behind and become an entrepreneur. No more commuting, office politics, difficult co-workers and demanding supervisors. You’ll be your own bos. . .

Summerland Real Estate in 2005, What the Heck Happened?????

Looking at Homes and Estates and Planned Unit Developments for 2005 in Summerland versus 2004, let’s look at some of the numbers and see.In 2004 15 single family dwellings changed hands. Compare that to 2005 when 13 properties moved. This translates to a decrease of about -15% in the number of properties sold. An interesting number but not where near what happened in Carpinteria.So what about t. . .

Small Business Loans for Women

The Small Business Administration states that business loans for women are on the rise, and will continue to be needed on an increasing basis in coming years. Business loans for women are more popular than ever due to a variety of factors.1. Women are taking the initiative needed to become business owners and are opening new businesses. According to the most recent data on businesses, available. . .

Finding an Alternative to Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy can have serious, long term effects on your life. If you become bankrupt, you may have to give up valuable possessions and property. Your personal finances will have to be investigated, and restrictions will be placed on future investments. If you have a steady income and a satisfactory credit rating, you may want to consider these four options with less serious consequences. Loan co. . .

Choosing The Right Merchant Account Provider

As a business owner, you want to succeed. You undoubtedly want to increase your sales and make more money. The best way to do this is to offer your customers the ability to pay for merchandise with their credit cards. Whether you operate your business in a physical location or online-only, allowing customers the option of credit card payment is logical. You will increase sales because of the co. . .

New Year's Resolutions For Stock Market Investors

It is at this time each year when we make New Year's resolutions, to help reduce the gap between where we are today and where we want to be in the future. Having been able to speak to thousands of investors over the last five years, I have compiled a list of my favorite New Year's resolutions that will help stock market investors, no matter which way the market goes this year.1 Reduce CostsWhi. . .

Why's It Taking So Long?

You've been studying prosperity and abundance and you understand that there is an endless flow of wealth moving about, money is passing hand to hand, as are goods and services. You've decided that you want to jump in and participate in the game. You want your fair share of the abundant flow. You have found in your studies that your attitudes around earning money stink and you've done a lot o. . .

Packing For The Holidays

While proper packaging is required all year long, doing the job correctly takes on new meaning during "the holidays". Not only are many of the packages we send out over the next few weeks destined to be gifts for our customers family and friends, but with the increase in shipping volume at this time of year the chances of your packages being handled more roughly than normal is virtually assured. . .

How the Stock Market Works

History In order to understand what stocks are and how stock markets work, we need to dive into history--specifically, the history of what has come to be known as the corporation, or sometimes the limited liability company (LLC). Corporations in one form or another have been around ever since one guy convinced a few others to pool their resources for mutual benefit.The first corporate charters . . .

How To Keep The IRS Off Your Back And Out Of Your Life In...

Sorry to crash your party, but as we bring in the New Year, it's also time to bring in a New Tax Season. As a small business owner or self-employed person, one of the easiest ways to keep Uncle Sam off your back and out of your life is to file your forms, payments and other paperwork on time.Over the next four months there are several key dates that you dare not forget! Here they are -- all in . . .

Getting Help With Your Taxes

Preparing your taxes can be incredibly stressful. In many cases, it just makes sense to get some help with them. Save Me From This Misery!When it comes time to file taxes, you can look to software or a real live person. In this article, we are going to focus on living people, to wit, the tax professional. You might be surprised to learn there are different types of assistance out there. Tax Pre. . .

A Manager's 2006 New Year's Resolution

Many business, non-profit, government agency and association managers, like the rest of us, want to kick our bad business habits and start the year 2006 anew.And for many managers, public relations may be a good place to prepare such a 2006 New Year’s Resolution. For example, it’s hard to ignore the fact that manybusiness, non-profit, government agency and association managers harbor a single-m. . .

Top 5 Valentine's Day Gift Mistakes

Mad rush in the markets especially gift shops, young and old people biting their teeth wondering what would be an ideal gift for their loved ones is a common sight in the month of February. For in the middle of the month comes the great Valentines Day occasion that is perhaps celebrated by all lovebirds across the globe. Valentines Day is the day of love and affection. It is a day devoted to al. . .

Worried About the Inverted Yield Curve?

The yield curve refers to the interest rates on bonds of varying maturity. Normally, we expect the yield on bonds with longer maturities to have a higher yield than those of shorter maturity bonds. Because it is less of a burden to tie up one’s money for three months or a year, rather than five years or ten years, investors must be given an incentive to place their funds in bonds of longer matu. . .

Sell Your Love

It's well documented that if we love our work, then we usually become experts at it and eventually the money shows up. Makes sense, but this is a slight shift on that concept. I want you to literally look at the concept of selling love for money. This has nothing to do with prostitution. Prostitution lacks love which is the core of what's wrong with that industry. No, I'm talking about inf. . .

Cash Out Refinancing

If you have lived in your home for a period of time that has allowed you to build equity through appreciation and monthly mortgage payments, you may be considering liquidating some of that equity through cash out refinancing.Cash out refinancing means to refinance your home by paying off your existing mortgage, usually at a lower rate if possible, and borrowing off the equity in your home in th. . .

Fantasy versus Reality

Building wealth isn't something for the frightened, ignorant, and lost. You have to be emotionally strong, prepared, and standing in the right spot. So many of us fantasize about making more money and call it prayer. We then wonder why the universe isn't delivering our fortunes to us. I can't tell you how many people I've listened to grumble about how they've taken all of the steps to manif. . .

Guy Talk And The Business Women

Women managers, women business owners and other business women must sometimes contend with unenlightened behavior and attitudes from male colleagues. You can either choose to get your dander up each time, which induces stress and health issues that hurt you (not the guy) or figure out how to deal effectively with it.Business Communication That ExcludesWomen in business sometimes find themselve. . .

Affirming Money

Creating abundance is probably the hottest topic across the internet. Whether you're looking to start a business from your home computer or trying to payoff your mortgage in time to retire with comfort, everyone seems interested in how to get more money. There are personal growth and spiritual growth lessons involved in creating wealth that have been oversimplified. Most people have issues a. . .

Money Equals Love

When we think of prosperity and of creating abundance, it’s easy enough to see how working at a job that we love helps us to earn more money then if we worked at a job we hated. We can also see that if we add plenty of love and warm-fuzzies towards how we treat our coworkers, bosses, employees, and customers, then it makes sense that people will like doing business with us and we’ll again earn. . .

Credit After Bankruptcy - What To Expect

If you have recently filed bankruptcy, it won't be long before you are starting to ask yourself, "Ok, now, what do I do when I need a loan? Where do I got to get approved? Can I get approved?" Here are some overall basics about getting any kind of credit after a bankruptcy.2-3 Years after bankruptcy discharge is the magic number - Once you have filed bankruptcy, even the next day you can still . . .