After the financial stress is over, the mental stress will begin. Investors and small business owners will realize they have been marketed to in half-truths. Not lies, but perhaps, mis-information for our time and situation.
In the article “Still Holding Back” by Lawrence C. Strauss published in Barron’s on October 13, 2008 an eye opening statement was made. Mr. Strauss was interviewing Jeremy Grantham, the chairman of GMO, states “But it is much worse than I thought. All the fundamentals are turning out worse than I thought they would. All the competencies of the senior people at the Fed, Treasury and (firms like Merrill Lynch and Lehman Brothers) have turned out to be much less than I had expected; that’s very disappointing.” This is a profound statement because mentally investor and small business owners will begin to wonder if it is just not our leaders that lack the competencies, but their individual financial planners and other advisors.
Many investors and small business owners will begin to re-evaluate the profit motives of their planners and advisors. Currently, many financial planners’ profit motives are to purchase investments. The planners receive most revenues through purchase transactions and fees from mutual fees. This leads many financial planners to state in a decreasing market that “stocks are on sale” or “think long-term, equities return an 8%+ return”. These planners do not fully understand the value concept and are looking at historic information. The mis-truth of these statements is not an understanding of the current situation. We cannot compare our current economy to past economies since our economy continues to morph throughout time. Thus, historic comparisons of our economy cannot be compared fairly. A very real example is the DOW index is now just about flat for the past 10 years (October 1998 to October 2008). One might argue that the index pays dividends, but the dividends have not kept pace with inflation.
Many small business owners will begin to inquire out the wisdom of their other advisors as well, including their tax advisor. Small business owners will begin to determine that the wisdom of “great” tax deduction to reduce their prior year income taxes lead to a deteriorating financial position. The “wisdom” included spending all monies which has lead to a lack of cash when needed the most and financing tax deductions resulting in debt requiring mandatory monthly payments when cash is need to reposition the business. Small business owners will begin to understand the advise they were given was what they wanted to hear, therefore making it easy to accept, instead of the message they needed to hear (spend less and save more). The profit motive of the tax advisor was to get the small business out of or reduce paying taxes, instead of making sound business decisions and then structuring them tax efficiently.
The advisors will have to change their industry practices to align their profit motives with their clients’ best interest. The change will be difficult to manage financially and mentally due to the re-training through understanding how the advisors and other industries overlap (the financial components of a tax deduction or the risks involved in making an investment), increasing the amount of work necessary to properly serve clients and aligning clients goals to an overall effective strategy during a time when clients are questioning your value and departing due to feeling “burned”.
Mark learns your goals and helps you plan for the future, so you will make proactive, efficient business decisions. His business advisory is underpinned by tax advisory, planning, and preparation. This structure allows for the future profitability of your business to be handled tax efficiently. You can reach Mark at (770) 664-8583.
Barron’s Weekly (October 13, 2008)
One Sunday we had the whole family over for the NRL football final between the St. George Dragons and the Parramatta Eels. For those of you reading this who are not from Australia, these are NRL teams and Australia has a huge Rugby League following.
Anyway, this game was of particular interest to me because I had a best friend who was a mad St. George fan who sadly passed away a couple of years ago. And even though I used to give him a hard time for every game St. George lost, I now hope they can pull off a grand final win and his heart will sing from somewhere up in the heavens.
Anyway, one of the things St. George is famous for is choking when it counts. For instance, they were the minor premiers. They were the favourites to win that game. They won the previous game against the same team 37-0.
But when it came to the finals… they lost.
Why?
Not because they were beaten by a better team. Not because they didn’t have experienced players. I believe it’s got something to do with a deep seated mindset which causes them to “choke” when they get into the finals. They did it against Melbourne many years ago and lost the grand final. They did it against the Balmain Tigers a couple of years ago at a game I attended.
They are a brilliant side with brilliant skills… but to date they haven’t been able to pull it off in the finals. And it’s no different with you and in business.
The reality is if we don’t get our mindset right, all the skills in the world don’t matter. That’s why I spend so much time in my emails talking about the power of mindset. Because at the end of the day, all the skill in the world isn’t going to get you to the top.
It’s having the belief that you can get there. It’s having the confidence that you can break through. It’s seeing yourself achieving your goals that truly makes the difference.
For instance, I can hand an advertisement to one client and they won’t even use it. I can hand that same advertisement to another client and they might run it once and then do nothing with it. I can hand that same advertisement to another client and they’ll make $100,000 or more with it.
Some get the vision. Others don’t.
Some understand that just one advertisement can be replicated over and over and over again making you more than it costs you forever and a day. Others don’t.
Some understand that a few small tweaks to a break even ad can send your sales through the roof. Others don’t.
Some have the courage to multiply their advertising spend once they have a winning advertisement, web site or sales letter. Others don’t.
Some people finish what they started and don’t give up until it is complete. Others don’t.
Same advertisement. Different mindset.
Of course, you’ve got to have the skills in the first place. There’s no way St. George could have won the minor premiership if they didn’t have the skills.
And there’s no way you’ll be able to maximize the number of new customers you get unless you master the customer attraction skills.
At the same time, you won’t reach your ultimate goal unless you truly believe in your heart that you can do it.
Bottom line: unless you truly believe, you’ll choke before the finish line.
Do you want to learn the easiest way to get more customers fast? I have just completed my brand new guide “7 Ways to Get More Customers” where I outline everything so it’s as easy as 1, 2… 3. Download it for free by visiting www.copywritingthatsells.com.au
Choosing the perfect venue for an event can be a tricky process, sometimes the heart gets carried away and practicality disappears. But really, when considering a venue you need to think of all the small details that will have a big effect on the day. Here in this article we shall look at how a venue finder is a good way to start your search and other little tips to make sure you find the right place for the right event.
Finding a good quality venue finder is paramount; once you have this source you can begin whittling the different and potential venues. You need to be clear in your mind how many people are going to be at your event and if they will be eating. Space is an important aspect that needs to be calculated properly. Too much space makes your event feel empty whereas little space can make people feel uncomfortable.
If you have found venues on a venue finder with a garden or outdoor area, then you need to make sure you have a backup plan should the weather be your side. There is no point planning a huge barbeque should it rain heavily if you have no where you can place your guests. Most venues will have another option if the weather is not on your side but it is well worth being prepared. If you are utilising an outdoors space from a venue then you may also need to check with the location if they have a policy for confetti at weddings, for example. If you are throwing a wedding party then you need to be aware if you will be allowed to throw confetti, especially in an outdoor area.
Next when looking through the venue finder, you need to make sure that the venues you are interested in will cater to the particular needs you have on your day. A quick telephone call is the easiest way to understand what limitations you have or how flexible a location can be. It is also worth looking on a map and establishing where this place is, if it’s easily accessible for your guests and if there are local places they can stay near by overnight should they need to.
Finally, to make sure that you choose the best venue for you, select a few places that look like they will be suitable and then visit them. The best way to find out if a venue is ideal is to actually visit and see for yourself. Obviously you cannot visit every single venue but the more you see the more of an informed decision you can make.
Dom Donaldson is a venue expert.
Find out more about a Venue Finder and the services offered from Click 4 Venues.
Distributed by www.ContentCrooner.com Content Crooner.
Electricians have one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. Electricity is unpredictable and, literally within less than a second, it can kill anyone, old or young, large or small. Electrician’s rubber insulated gloves are one of the most basic tools that any electrician needs. These are their first line of defense against the lethal potential of electricity. These gloves come in different types. A lineman, for instance, will need a glove that insulates against far more electricity than does someone working with low voltage electric circuits.
Electrician’s rubber insulated gloves are covered, among other places, in OSHA regulation 1910.137. This regulation requires that they be tested before they are used so that an employee can have confidence in them. Because these gloves tend to see very heavy wear, they also need to be tested every six months to make sure they still meet those standards. This is simply for the protection of the workers. Without this constant testing, a worker is at a much greater risk of being injured in the course of their duties. These gloves should also be available to individuals who may come into contact with electricity, though it may not be their principal job.
Electrician’s rubber insulated gloves are a good item to have in a machine shop, on a farm and in a contractor’s trailer. Electrical wiring is found just about everywhere and, when something goes wrong, it may be necessary to have very good protection available immediately. Protective leather covers are also available for these gloves and are used to protect them from damage. These are considered specialty equipment and are usually sold separately and as one may expect are not inexpensive. They need to be cared for accordingly, as someone’s life may literally depend upon it.
Electrician’s rubber insulated gloves also come in different lengths. For very large-scale jobs, it’s generally preferable to go with more protection, even if it means something of a decrease in finger dexterity. For smaller jobs, there are gloves available that are suitable for those who are handling smaller parts and tools and who need to be able to do their jobs with some precision. For any workplace where there is high-voltage equipment, these are necessary for employees. Any electrical worker should have these available to them and be instructed in when they need to be used to keep in compliance with regulations and workplace policies.
Best Value Supply Inc. is your one stop resource for safety supplies, janitorial supplies and more. From oil spill kits to cut resistant gloves and E-A-R plugs, we’ve got your business covered. If you’re looking for a “direct to you” discount supply store, visit us at BestValSup.com.
A Policy and Procedure Manual Template is the key to your business success. This tool is a major component of ensuring a business is successful. If you are of an entrepreneurial nature, don’t attend to the detail much but are very enthusiastic, then you must implement a procedure manual in your business. This will assist you in ensuring the detail is covered at all times.
Let’s face it, running a business is tough and you need to ensure you are addressing every possible innovation to ensure your business survives. However, sometimes it comes down to the basics and the basics usually are – keep your customers happy and they will return for more. How can you possibly keep all of your customers happy through your staff? The answer is by implementing a detailed procedure manual.
How can you possibly be everywhere in your business? The simple answer is – you cannot. A document that shows your team how to deliver your products or service to your clients is critical.
This is not a two page document that tells people where the toilets are and what time to start work. It is a detailed document that outlines everyone’s role in the business and details every task they do. Does this sound like a mammoth task? Yes, that is because it can be. The best way to reduce the work load of creating a procedure manual is to get your hands on a template. A template is going to allow you to create a procedure manual relatively easily and certainly much faster than creating one form scratch.
This document outlines in detail every step for each task that your employees do. This allows you to have a ‘hands off’ approach to delegating work. Yes, you still need to review their work and ensure they are on track, however a correctly implemented manual will do a lot of the ‘ground work’ for you.
5 Benefits of implementing an employee handbook in your business are:
1. Your team will be much happier because they will know exactly what to do for each task.
2. You won’t have people asking you the simple questions over and over again.
3. Your profit will improve because your team will be more efficient.
4. You will see your team thinking about the processors of the business and manual and making suggestions for improvement.
5. You will be able to get sometime to yourself to work on your business instead of in it.
The policy and procedure manual is certainly a ‘top shelf’ document that needs to be drafted and implemented in any business if you want to see your business succeed. It is critical that you implement one in your business.
A Policy and Procedures Manual is going to save you considerable time, money and stress. If you are constantly frustrated about your employee’s performance, then get hold of a Policy and Procedures Manual and get your life back!
Click the link below to read more about getting hold of a Procedure Manual Template
www.policyproceduremanualtemplate.com/policy-procedure/policy-procedure-manual-template-download.htm
If you are the owner of a small business it’s not hard to imagine yourself all alone in a tiny boat, rowing steadily across a calm lake. Everything seems fine – and yet you keep looking over your shoulder, when you know you should be focusing on the future, wondering if there is something you haven’t thought of.
Things seem to be going smoothly – but there’s a dark shadow in the water behind you that you can’t quite make out. What is it? Why do you feel so uneasy? Are there assumptions about the business you haven’t tested thoroughly?
Suddenly you hear the sound of a helicopter overhead – you look up – and in its doorway – you see a familiar face. It’s someone you know whose opinions you trust – waving down from their birds-eye-view – yelling “there are sharks in the water” and lowering a bucket of shark repellent.
In fact every time you look up you see another trusted advocate – someone with a valuable perspective as well as your best interests at heart. From that moment on your decisions regarding the directions you take and the preparations you make – are made with confidence!
Typically entrepreneurs and owners of small businesses are forced to make critical decisions alone. They often feel that they don’t have anyone to talk to about their business. There may not be anyone around who knows what needs to be known in order to make the right decisions. And in some cases the things the business owner knows for sure – but has never verified, are simply wrong. Decisions made without testing the underlying assumptions often result in the destruction of the entire business.
When business owners and entrepreneurs join mastermind peer groups they find a very powerful and easy to manage process that creates an atmosphere of support and success that is impossible to duplicate. These types of mastermind peer groups have been around for almost a Century and, because of virtually free long distance calls and the Internet, they are a growing business phenomenon being used business businesses of all sizes for problem solving, inspiration, and motivation.
Instead of making decisions alone, with a mastermind group of 3-7 individuals who come together on a regular basis – decisions are made with much more accuracy. For small business owners who are members of the same industry and the same trade association – the mastermind peer group made up of members spread all over this country is an excellent resources for decision making with confidence.
It is a well known fact that the vast majority of all new businesses fail during the first few years. When the economy is in turmoil the rate of failure goes up even more. And even those who survive the critical two years face dramatic challenges when they attempt to move beyond the sole proprietor survival mode to that of a company with employees and all sorts of other business-as-usual tasks required for them to be taken seriously by their competitors, their bankers, and their vendors.
Mastermind peer groups are made up of people bonded together to work on a common objective, giving each member confidence – safety in numbers of years of experience. These mastermind peer groups are a great way to leverage the intellectual capital and personal networks and procedures the other members have spent years developing. They are a great source of encouragement during hard times too, when the groups are formed by business people dedicated to supporting each other in all kinds of weather.
Successful businesses have a “long view” as well as immediate tasks to face and fires to extinguish. Successful business people understand that having a team of advocates – comprised of individuals with no axe to grind and no hidden agenda, to develop ideas and move forward with quickly, is key to their success. In addition to the networking effect, a peer-to-peer mastermind group helps them constantly educate themselves, expose themselves to new ideas, and implement what they learn. When they learn from others who have demonstrated long term success in the same industry, the value of the lessons is directly relevant to them.
There is no doubt that being a part of a successful mastermind group can be an invaluable and enriching experience, both personally and professionally. There is also no doubt that business mastermind peer groups are also the best way to network with others, create synergy and collaboration of between business owners in an open, supportive environment. Simply put, a peer to peer mastermind group is based on the concept that two heads are better than one, and five to 10 heads yield exponentially more significant results for everyone involved.
Look Out! There really are sharks in the water and the best shark repellant will be provided by the members of your peer to peer mastermind group.
Business owners who think strategically, plan comprehensively, and execute flawlessly will certainly outpace those who simply set goals and hope for the best. If you want to be even more successful in the future than you are today, a business to business mastermind group will show you how stay focused on what’s important to you, you family, and your business.
Effective business leaders know that when you make better decisions you get better results, and that their best decisions are those made in collaboration with people whose success they respect and whose opinions they trust. It is universally true that when we harness to power of our peers, we make better decisions that are the keys to higher profits.
Your current and future success depends on your ability to consistently make better business decisions. Click below now, watch the video and listen to the brief audio to learn how your peers will help you make decisions about the directions you take and the plans you make with greater confidence. www.21stcenturymastermindgroups.com/introduction Your self-managed business to business mastermind group does not require outside experts or professional facilitators, and there are no meeting fees.
I lost my idol on Friday night.
John Wooden was perhaps the only person I have ever met for which I was in complete awe. His teachings left an indelible mark on my life. John Wooden was one of those rare people who instantly made you want to be a better human being. He made us more humble, more gracious, more caring and more willing to serve others.
Coach was larger than life, and the business and leadership lessons survived by his legacy are many. His Pyramid of Success is as likely to be found in a corporate board room as a high school gym. The man had an undeniable, unwavering commitment to quality. When new players showed up for freshman camp, they were taken aback by his extraordinary level of detail; starting with how to put on their socks and lace up their shoes as not to get blisters.
Coach Wooden’s innovations were legendary and his words inspiring. “Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be.” Every off season, Coach Wooden would seek out the best coaches in the country in a particular discipline (such as zone full court press) and would spend that year learning everything there was to know about it. The man did not accept mediocrity. “If you don’t have time to do it right, when you will have time to do it over?”
The most important thing I learned from studying Coach Wooden is that we all need to be more thoughtful about the affect we have on others. We can choose to lead, to inspire, to demand more of others; or we can be wrapped up in what is best for us. We must be committed to teaching (as he was) and creating leaders who are lifelong learners. “It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts.”
In announcing the passing of the greatest coach of all time, Vin Scully quoted Shakespeare on air Friday night “His life was gentle and the elements so mixed in him that nature might stand up and say to all of the world; this was a man.”
John Wooden 1910-2010
“The main ingredient of stardom is the rest of the team.”
“Winning takes talent, to repeat takes character.”
“Never mistake activity for achievement.”
“Be quick, but don’t be in a hurry.”
“The worst thing about new books is that they keep us from reading the old ones.”
“Don’t give up on your dreams, or your dreams will give up on you.”
“Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.”
“Winning takes talent, to repeat takes character.”
“Don’t let what you can’t do stop you from what you can do.”
“Talent is God given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful.”
“It’s not so important who starts the game but who finishes it.”
“You can’t let praise or criticism get to you. It’s a weakness to get caught up in either one.”
“A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment.”
“The team that makes the most mistakes usually wins, because doers make mistakes.”
“Success is never final, failure is never fatal. It’s courage that counts.”
“What you are as a person is far more important that what you are as a basketball player.”
“There are many things that are essential to arriving at true peace of mind, and one of the most important is faith, which cannot be acquired without prayer.”
“It’s the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen.”
Marc Emmer is President of Optimize Inc. www.optimizeinc.net, and is an accomplished author, speaker and consultant specializing in strategic planning, performance management and human capital. Marc is sought after by CEO’s as an expert in strategy and implementation of The Balanced Scorecard. Marc can be reached at marc@optimizeinc.net
Because of technology, there are now lots of gadgets sold in the market. Even with the financial crisis that the globe is struggling with, folks do not mind investing their money on these devices simply because they understand that these things could make their lives much more comfortable and so much better. The iPad is just one of these gadgets. In fact, tens of thousands of people own it. They take it everywhere they go because they know that they can do a lot of things by using the iPad. Despite its durability, this gadget may also be busted. When this occurs, only the finest iPad repair should be sought by a responsible owner.
It is really not difficult to find shops that provide repair services for iPads. Many outlets provide repair services. They also need to earn money, and they realize that they can make money by fixing the iPads of other folks. Unfortunately, not all of these stores can provide the type of service that each iPad owner deserves. Even some of these shops demand too much. A person who possesses an iPad and loves his or her device would do anything to have it fixed. Hence, it is important to locate a trusted repair center.
The iPad allows people to read news reports, books, magazines, and all types of data online. They can also play their favorite games using this gadget. In addition, it is small and very portable. Even if individuals try to be extremely cautious all the time, there will always be occasions when they do things that can damage their gadgets. This is how important iPad repair is. An owner should make a smart decision by only opting for the best. It will be another expenditure on his or her part so it should be worth the cost.
With all the outlets providing repair services, a person may find it challenging to select a store to trust. In the end, they go for very affordable repair services without knowing that it is not a wise decision. They are pleased that they could have their device fixed for a low cost. However, they end up regretting it since their device was never fixed. There are also iPads that are remedied temporarily. After a few days, the condition turns up again and the owner needs to have it fixed again.
Not every person can afford to get an iPad. If you have one, then you need to take excellent care of it. You must do what you can to make sure that it is in perfect condition. If still it gets broken, you must do the right thing and make the right decision by not settling for low quality iPad repair services. It will just cost you a fortune in the future. By opting for the right kind of repair, you can have your gadget back in no time. You are also confident that it will not have the same type of issue again and you can start using your favorite gadget wherever you go.
People have gone crazy about play gadgets that it also gets it share of wear and tear. This is why you need iPad repair to fix your toy and get you back on your feet once more. Or you may want to try playstation 3 repair.
When I was 16 I went to Chef school to become an amazing Chef. As with most other trades, you learn a few fundamental keys along the way – some of which may help you even later on in life. One of our first rules that we learned about when plating up dishes is that presentation is everything. Why? Well to be honest, food can be made “okay”, but if the presentation is five stars, it makes the food taste better. It’s really all about visual stimulation and our eyes fooling us. In the same way that a Chef cleans a plate, and places bright colorings and garnishes on a plate to make it visually stimulating, utilizing something like a glass showcase accomplishes the same thing.
Only in this case it’s about the success of your business and making your customers happy rather than the taste of the food or how it looks! It’s all about letting your customers visually view the products you have. Don’t get me wrong, chests and boxes are great too, but by letting your customer see clearly what the merchandise looks like, they are more willing to buy the product. The great thing about this is that these streamline showcases have several varying aspects that can lead to more sales, they also have a lot of different options to choose from which means it’s very plausible that you will find the perfect fit for your store.
It doesn’t matter if you are a baker selling bakery items, a jewelry store selling jewelry, or a candy store selling candy – these showcase pieces WILL help your business make more sales. For something like jewelry, you might consider a specialized jewelry showcase. These specific showcases come in a variety of shapes such as square, circle, octagon, or the original “rectangular” long shape you see in most other jewelry stores, along with sizes and shelving options. So you can have something like a tall “tower” which is also called a freedom tower and most likely has about four to six shelves – superb option for stores that sell little trinkets and jewelry boxes.
Or you could consider a retail display for actual goods like sunglasses, watches, cell phones, etc. These are most likely going to have two to three layered shelves and a more sumptuous appearance. These aren’t just regular store displays for appearances; they also can be placed in your store as streamlined showcases. This means that it somewhat gives a path to follow for your customers – also a great choice for stores that are a bit smaller and don’t want a lot of things scattered around. Appearance and organization is the key here.
These are very sturdy store displays in that they are not only made out of glass, but from metal and wood as well – depending on what you want in your store you would pick the product accordingly. This is without a doubt going to make your products and your store look and feel more professional and it will help with the success in your business as well, which is something all of us business owners can use…
www.sturdystoredisplays.com are manufacturers of showcases and retail displays, and the home of the ever popular www.sturdystoredisplays.com Streamline Showcases. We present complete standard lines of glass showcases, jewelry showcases, wrap counters and trophy displays, as well as Freedom Towers, the Bold Series and the Basic Series.
Truck spill kits are a necessity for any driver. When you provide these to your employees, you’re providing them with the resources to deal with one of the most dangerous hazmat threats that vehicles pose. Oil can easily get out of control and starts to leech into the ground fast. It also poses a fire hazard and the fumes can be dangerous. For these reasons, truck drivers have to be prepared to deal with the consequences of their vehicle having a catastrophic leak. These kits have equipment in them specific to the needs of a driver.
One of the worst types of spills that a truck can experience is a hole in the engine or in another mechanical system. Truck spill kits contain materials that can be used to plug holes temporarily, stopping the spill before it gets too out of control. They also contain long socks and pads that can be used to corral any materials that are spilling out onto the roadway. Because they’re intended for roadside use, many of these kits contain reflective cases that can be used to warn oncoming traffic about the hazards, which pose obvious traction dangers to other drivers.
Truck spill kits are also important for making sure that truckers are protected. Many of the fluids that a truck requires to operate and sometimes transports, are hazardous. Handling them poses real risks to the individual if the proper equipment isn’t available. Gloves and goggles can be used to protect against the hazards posed by oil or other hazardous material. They also make it easier for the operator to affect the cleanup, as everything they need is in one place and there’s no time lost while they’re looking for tools and supplies. Where oil or other hazardous materials are concerned, generic materials will not do; absorbent pads, socks and pillows available in these truck spill kits have to be used.
The pads and other absorbent materials included in truck spill kits make it easier for the spill to be cleaned up properly. Because they are selective, they won’t end up filled up with water or other materials that aren’t a threat. There are universal pads available, however, and it is a good idea to make sure these are available to those driving trucks carrying other hazardous materials. Be sure to train all your drivers in how to use the kits and how to properly bag and dispose of the contaminated materials when they’re done.
Best Value Supply Inc. is your one stop resource for safety supplies, janitorial supplies and more. From oil spill kits to cut resistant gloves and E-A-R plugs, we’ve got your business covered. If you’re looking for a “direct to you” discount supply store, visit us at BestValSup.com.