Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Would You Like Cheese With That?

Back in my retail days, we called it "the upsell". In direct sales and internet marketing, it falls under the heading of "follow-up", although in many guises it can be very similar to the retail "upsell". It's really an effective technique for increasing your income from almost any marketing effort.Most of us run into it in very common questions such as:Do you want cheese on that? Would you. . .

Is This A Bounce...Or Something More?

The current environment is for traders only.We are starting to see indications things might be picking up. Sometimes, the “short term” bounce turns into the “long term” move. Sometimes it doesn’t. So stay tuned. And check the hotline for updates, as it’s updated every few days. It’s a toll free call and available 24-7.Remember that the market is currently on defense, so the name of the gam. . .

The Best Advice Ever About Money

Wanna know the best advice ever you can get about money?Here it is...Let's say that you are getting regular monthly salary from work and you are happy with it. Now, at the end of the month (and most of the time, two days after you get your paychecks), you wonder where all your money is gone.You begin reasoning.30% of it goes to house mortgage.20% of it goes to car payment.10% of it goes to cred. . .

Why It's Best to Start a Business Before Your 25th Birthday

Being a 23 year old entrepreneur, I am slightly biased when I make the statement that the best time in life to start a business is before your 25th birthday. That said, I still think I make a great case for starting a business sooner than later (please note, I understand that the statements I make don't apply to EVERYONE, however I feel they apply to the overwhelming majority of people).By star. . .

Real Estate Investing--Starting Right Is the Key to Profits

You've heard of the potential payoff from real estate investing. The good news is, it's true! The bad news is, it won't happen for most people. Why? They have unrealistic expectations. Real estate investing isn't a "get rich quick" endeavor, although it sometimes happens. No real business is. So, prepare to make a serious time commitment. Would you expect to become extremely wealthy at anything. . .

Shorter Supply Chains, Higher Expectations

The past few years have seen some dramatic changes in parcel shipping methods. Most of those changes have been driven by impatience, manifested in what the industry calls "the shortening of the supply chain." It is an interesting phrase, summing up a wide variety of customer attitudes and business strategies.To the consumer, shortening the supply chain means an unwillingness to accept the term . . .

A Simple Sales Strategy: What To Say When Asked For A Di...

Has anyone ever said to you, "Your price is too high and I'd like a discount." In this article I outline two approaches for responding to this comment. One of the approaches even has the potential for you to make a bigger sale than you originally anticipated. Curious?First, giving discounts in the right way may well be the most appropriate thing to do. Conversely, giving a discount in the wrong. . .

Greatest Insurance Saving Tips For The United States?

Auto Insurance Multiple quotes- Insurance companies rate your auto insurance by zip codes. The number of clams an insurance company has had in your zip code will determine how much you will be charged. That is why it's so important for you to get multiple insurance quotes. Age and value of car- A good rule of thumb to use is if your car is ten years or older or worth less then $10,000, and your. . .

Getting Work Done When You Just Can’T Distract The Kids

When you work at home, one of the biggest challenges can be keeping the kids busy. There will be the days when the usual tactics won’t distract them, but you just have to get some work done. It might just be time to do something the kids won’t expect.Some work at home jobs and businesses may not require you to actually be at home. Can you bring a laptop or briefcase and work at the playground, . . .

12 Quick Tips For Getting A Mortgage

1. Watch out for the 'Deal Of A Lifetime', the deal that seems too good to be true. The company may be saving money by cutting back on their level of service. 2. When getting a fixed rate: get a written statement which details the interest rate, how long the rate is fixed for, and the conditions attached. 3. When interest rates fall: try and leave your repayments as they are. You will therefore. . .

Quit and Grow Rich

An old cliché goes, “Poor people get poorer by acting rich and rich people get richer by acting poor.” People do not realize how small day to day purchases can add up to big bucks in the long-run. It may seem like a penny here and a nickel there doesn’t mean a whole bunch, but even little amounts can add up to big savings.The truth is that cutting back on your lifestyle choices is probably one . . .

How to Conduct a Job Search

Conducting a job search is a daunting task, even for seasoned professionals. There are many pieces to the puzzle, and each piece plays its own important role in the process. Knowing the pieces of the process is a crucial element for your success.While there is no such thing as doing too much, there is a basic guide to follow. It consists of five painless steps that will outline your work ahead.. . .

Buying Used Electronic Test Equipment… What’s The Differe...

According to the research firm Frost & Sullivan, the estimated size of the North American used test and measurement equipment market was $446.4 million in 2004 and is estimated to grow to $654.5 million by 2011. For over 50 years, companies and governments have procured used test and measurement instruments in order to realize a number of benefits including the need to:· reduce equipment acqui. . .

Credit Report Repair Software History

The credit report repair project started back in 1995. During that time, I had just freed myself from the long hours work schedule as a Financial Planner for American Express. I made lots of money as a Financial Planner but I spent little time with my family. My daughter was only 2 years old at the time and the only time I saw her was when she was asleep. Financial Planners work 12 to 15 ho. . .

Interim Management provides hope for UK Manufacturing Sector

Businesses of all types are now exploring the benefits of using Interim Managers. What was once seen as the exclusive territory of large multi-national companies may turn out to be the saviour of the UK manufacturing sector.Paul Wilson, Managing Director of Aster Interim Solutions takes up the story, “Interim Managers were once exclusively used by the larger companies to aid in company turnarou. . .

First Impressions

Marketing and promoting a website is easy. All you have to do is submit your url and basic information to the various types of engines. Promoting is the process of advertising ( submitting). Marketing is what your site does for you once someone goes there.When you are promoting to engines,some will charge either with a money charge or requiring a link back, and some will not. The more informati. . .

Real Estate Owners Biggest First Mistake

The single most common mistake that a note holder makes when creating a note is that they fail to check their buyer’s Credit Report. It seems so simple, but it is worth repeating "Most people fail to check the credit report of their prospective buyers!!" Can you believe this? Just by doing this one simple step can save you a bunch of money now and in the future. How so? First and foremost by ch. . .

Increasing Efficiency and Reducing Costs With Packaging A...

"The factory of the future will have only two employees, a man and a dog. The man will be there to feed the dog. The dog will be there to keep the man from touching the equipment." ~Warren G. BennisWell, not quite. At least, not yet. But, automation is certainly the watchword as today’s manufacturers face razor-thin profit margins, Just-In-Time (JIT) manufacturing and ISO-9002/QS-1000 quality. . .

Do You Know Who Your Customers Really Are?

Successful marketing of a product or service rests on the effective market research. Marketing research is an answer to various questions that crop up in your mind regarding the product. Some of the questions are:- Will the product sell? - What is the proper distribution channel to be followed?- Is there a need for the product to meet any specific criteria? Once these questions are answered thr. . .

9 Tips for Handling Public Speaking Questions

How you handle questions from an audience can often be thedeciding factor as to how your presentation is received. Ifyou're pitching for business, then it's absolutely vital tohandle questions well. 1. Be prepared for questions - When you write yourpresentation, think about what you're likely to be asked andwhat your answer is going to be. Maybe you won't want toanswer a particular question the. . .

How to Create a Report for more Consumer Response

Most companies focus on developing a brochure, a slick 4 color tri-fold brochure with pictures, the name of their company, phone number, etc. That's actually how people treat it It's just a brochure with very little meaning. It's treated with low perceived value and usually ends up in the garbage. Most brochures developed are full of "me too" or copy focused on the company itself.How can you pr. . .

Ground Truth, and the Importance of Market Research

I know. I know you’re excited about your new business. I know you have a great idea and when you tell others about it, they think you have a great idea, too. A great idea is the birth of a new small business.But as a self-employed small business owner, you can’t afford to take chances on ideas without getting more information about what your entire market audience wants and what they’re will. . .

How to Request Bulk Freebies and Multiple Samples for Spe...

Do you need to request products samples for an event you are organizing? Do you need to request bulk freebies for fundraising? Do you need to find sponsors for product donations?Here are strategies to help you request freebies and samples from companies and sponsors. You should be aware that the offers posted on many free stuff sites are not suitable for bulk requests. These sites list free. . .

Should You Consolidate Student Loan Bills?

Make the right choice on grace periods, length of loans and consolidation.Let’s see here, you just graduated college and got hired at your first job. It is now a month before holidays and (two, three or four) different loan companies send you statements in the mail informing you that you have to start paying on your student loans next month. You must be thinking, it is the holiday season and I . . .

Hot Tips for Starting A Small Business, Part 4

One of the essential elements for a small business owner to assess before starting a small business is to understand their market. This is crucial and the data that is collected will one determine how to appropriately price their products and/or service.Assessing a market helps small business owners define their goals, analyze their competition, and develop a unique selling proposition. Market. . .

Investing, Are You Ready?

Before entering the world of investing, it is important to honestly analyze your present situation. Doing so will allow you to effectively manage your own money in a way which maximizes returns while limiting unwanted risk. Questions to consider include:What is my investment goal? How much time do I have to attain this goal?Methods of saving for a down payment on a house differ greatly from s. . .

Joey P’s ON PAR System: Reliability

Why are Japanese cars consistently beating North American brands in the own backyard? Why is there a Geyser in Yellowstone National Park a major tourist attraction? Why is the Maytag repairman always alone? One word answers those 3 questions: Reliability. People love what they can count on. This is the cornerstone into how the Joey P system works. You can have all the gimmicks and magic tricks . . .

How to turn Your Team into High Performers

One of the biggest challenges many of my clients face is having the right people.Prior to coaching I'd often hear: "if only I could find the right people my business would much more profitable""I'd have less stress""I spend more time managing my people than getting the work done" and more.Gary's StoryGary who runs a plumbing business has 5 staff. He was always complaining that they were lazy, . . .

Why Generic Domain Names Attract More Search Engine Traffic

Investing in a quality Generic Domain Name is the most effective and long lasting Marketing Strategy for your Internet based operation.In today's competitive online marketplace, it's increasingly difficult to get your website noticed or even seen by your prospective customers. Unless you are a large company with tens of thousands of dollars to spend on advertising and search engine optimization. . .

Mortgage Brokers

When applying for a home loan, it can be difficult to ascertain your options and the best deal out there. Mortgage brokers can help you shop for the best loan for your situation. Mortgage BrokersA mortgage broker is an independent professional assisting homebuyers with their mortgage needs. Instead of a loan officer for a bank, a mortgage broker typically works with tens or even hundreds of len. . .

Student Debt And Student Loans

The statistics show that more and more students are graduating from university with significant debt. The debt levels are growing year on year and many students will be paying them off for years after they graduate. It seems that the consumer addiction to credit and spending has effected the student population just as much as every one else. The fact that most students are not earning anything,. . .

How To Improve Your Sales Skills

One of the biggest problems for many business owners is the ability to overcome objections. In fact, for many, this skill could be the difference between succeeding and going back to being an employee. Since none of us want to do that, we need to hone our sales writing skills and our in person skills. This article will discuss the in person skills.Objections stop sales. Period. The customer say. . .

Coaching for Success

Coaching is perhaps the most effective method of increasing performance available to managers, team leaders, and colleagues. This article defines coaching and outlines a process for effective coaching.Coaching DefinedCoaching is perhaps the most effective method of increasing performance available to managers, team leaders, and colleagues. If you wish to improve the skills of your employees, . . .

The Truth About Flipping Real Estate

There has been a lot written about "flipping" real estate these last two years - and much of it is more fiction than fact. Some say it is great way to make money fast. Some say it is very difficult. Some even claim it is illegal. So, just what is the truth? Let's take care of the "illegal" claims, first. Flipping, if done the way it was meant to be done, is completely legal. But it becomes ille. . .

A Good Credit Report – The Key To Cheap Finance

Is your credit report important? There are a lot of people who would not consider their credit rating as something too important to them in their life. There are others who, while recognising its importance, would not be overly concerned about the issue or understand the reasons for its importance. Well, to those people, they should at least be aware of some of the uses that are made of credit . . .

Balloon Home Loans – Be Careful

In this modern economy, lenders provide loans tailored to just about any situation. Balloon loans are one such loan, but carry a serious downside if you’re not careful. Balloon LoansA balloon loan has nothing to do with hot air or floating around the world in 80 days. Fail to plan very carefully when using one of these loans, however, and your financial world will definitely go down in flame li. . .

The What and the Why of Homeowner Loans

Homeowner loans are loans that are given to borrowers who own a house. Homeowner loans are secured loans for which the borrower has to offer his house as collateral. If you avail a homeowner loan against your house which is already mortgaged, then the homeowner loan becomes a second mortgage loan. In such a situation, you can avail a homeowner loan only to the extent of your home equity. Home e. . .

Focus Your Home Business Like A Laser To Explode Your Inc...

A common mistake for almost all new work at home / home business beginners is the trap of trying to be all things to all people. They will take any job, even if it not what they set out to do, simply because the job pays money.It's tough to focus, we know!We know how tough it is to stick to just one thing in your new home business because here at FunCareers.com we "eat our own dog food". Everyo. . .

Government Foreclosures Guide

You can buy a Government home for you to live in, or simply to rehab and sell for a fast profit. These foreclosures are offered to the general public through real estate agents that specialize in the sales of government homes.HUD and the Veterans Administration (VA) foreclosure listings dominate the Government foreclosure market. Lending institutions are protected by the insurance provided by F. . .

Mortgage Brokers – The Nuts and Bolts

Using a mortgage broker to shop for home loans can make the borrowing process a lot less stressful than doing it yourself. Here are the nuts and bolts on getting a good broker.Competent Mortgage BrokersThere are a couple of obvious situations where going with a mortgage broker makes perfect sense. If you have less than perfect credit, a mortgage broker is going to be able to open your eyes to n. . .

10 Killer Sales Letter Mistakes That Suck Money From Your...

The letter...Ah, yes. It's a very splendid thing - when done correctly. But when was the last time you read a letter than really 'talked' to you, that pulled you in, that did its job?Whether used as sales devices in their own right, to entice lost customers back into the fold, appeal to prospective customers, act as reminders for an unpaid invoice, undo the damage caused by bad publicity...lett. . .

If Boeing, Oracle, EDS And Other High Profile Companies H...

Mind Mapping, if you are not aware, primarily uses non-linear methods and leans heavily on association and links. These very features of Mind Mapping lend the technique a great deal of power and simplicity, and the resourcefulness of the technique emerges only from the actual application. You will find that Mind Mapping greatly facilitates group activities and hence is ideal for Brainstorming. . .

Do You Have The Leadership Trait In You To Pick The Right...

An important aspect of leadership is having the ability to choose the right people for the right job. This is a vital role that leaders will invariably be called upon to perform. In any team sport, a great deal of time is spent in picking the right players for the game. Selection is done keeping these factors in mind as player’s skill, form, the right place in the team and the likely o. . .

Managing Your Reputation

Celebrities and high-ranking political officials make aconcerted effort to craft their reputation shouldn’t you?Everything from the way they dress, to the words that theyuse, the things they do, the places they are seen, and thepeople they associate with are all orchestrated to buildtheir reputation. A good reputation is difficult and time consuming to build.Once established, it must be maintai. . .

A Couple of Tips in Getting a Better Deal on…

When you purchase a house or a vehicle these are some of the biggest investments you may encounter, so make sure you have some skills and information in regards to negotiating a good deal for yourself. When purchasing a vehicle there are several pieces of information that you should be armed with when you make your purchase. I will discuss briefly about the purchase of used vehicles in my next . . .

Multiple Income Stream - Do You Need That?

Lets look at an earning pattern of two individuals A and B. A earns his 100% income from Source1, his only source. B earns in a slightly different pattern. He earns just 1% income from Source1, 1% income from Source2, 1% income from Source3 and so on. In short, B earns his 100% income from 100 different sources.The possibility of something happening to Source1 or any one source is very high. If. . .

How to use Mind Map Tool for making Great Presentations

In the current globalized world of business, Presentations have become an intrinsic part. Not a day goes without making a Presentation to the CEO or the Chairman, or the Angel Investor, or banker, or any one else for that matter, for clinching a deal, or for raising a fund or a loan, or what have you. Presentations need not be such an awesome task if you learn to apply the basics.The main ele. . .

How To Make a Fortune in Investments?

People work and save a part of their salaries. They try to make more money out of their savings. Some of them try to achieve more: They want make a fortune and change their life. How can you make a fortune out of your money?With a New Business IdeaThe most promising way is to develop a new business idea. Young scientists or professionals detect a problem. They do a lot of research in order to . . .

The Project Management Mindset

Project management as a science and art is undergoing key transformations as a result of countless stories of failed projects, cost overruns, and canceling that project that took 2 years of your employee's lives. Needless to say, these scenarios not only cost money, time, and lost opportunities, but also have a longer term impact on the overall morale of a workforce.Though there is no panacea t. . .

Is Your Brain On Hot Air Working On Project Planning? Kee...

Project Planning is an inevitable process for handling any project, be it small or big. Successful and timely execution of a project is vital to any project. Hence proper Project Planning is indispensable. The elements of Project Planning will involve estimating time for different segments of work, time planning for various layers of tasks, monitoring and supervising, separating the most imp. . .