Towards A Healthy Economy + Marketing World

You should be able to find several indispensable facts about
blogging in the following paragraphs. If there’s at least one
fact you didn’t know before, imagine the difference it might
make.

So you have become a blogger. You have joined the legions of
those keeping web logs and journals online. How do you make it
fresh, though? How do you stand out and show the world that your
blog is worth a read? Well there are a number of things you can
do from optimizing your content to making sure you are
consistent in your updates. However, consider the idea of adding
pictures to your blog. A great deal of blog success can be had
by making pictures a big part of what you are doing on your
journal. Post them, link to them, or do whatever you have to,
but pictures can be the difference in your blog being simply a
fun hobby or being a big success.

In order to understand why pictures are a part of blogging
success, you should make sure that you understand what the world
of blogging is all about. For the most part, blogs are often
used to sell something. It can be a product or it can simply be
your own ideas and readership. Either way, you want your blog to
be read. So everything you do with your blog will likely be done
as part of making it interesting to your designated audience,
right? Keep that in mind as you put everything together.

Most any good blog is going to have a theme. Before you begin
your blog you need to figure out what your theme is. Is it your
life? Is it your philosophies? No matter what, there is no
better way to make a point about your theme than with photos or
pictures. Most any blog site has the tools for uploading
pictures, so make sure you are using them. Potential readers
will be able to see just what you are all about as soon as they
see your blog page without having to read a lot to see whether
or not they want to continue reading your page. When you have an
instant impact with pictures it will be much easier for you to
end up with a successful blog.

If you don’t have accurate details regarding blogging, then you
might make a bad choice on the subject. Don’t let that happen:
keep reading.

For many people, the blog is a tool they use to market a product
and drive up sales or services they offer that go hand in hand
with their blog. With good pictures and photos you can keep your
products in front of your readers at all times. You can put
images of the products along the side of your page or you can
place them strategically through the blog site. In addition, you
can then advertise without bombing your readers with your
propaganda in the text. Nobody wants to read a bunch of ads, but
if you post pictures, you can advertise without advertising all
over your actual blog content. Either way, the photos and images
will be added way of making your blog a success for you.

Another reason that pictures can be a big key to blog success is
simply a matter of aesthetics. Images will make your blog look
nicer and if it looks nicer it will then attract more readers.
It all makes sense. I mean, would you want to publish a book
with a boring blank cover? Of course you wouldn’t. The same goes
for your blog. In essence, a well kept blog is like your online
book and with good images you are making for a nice cover. They
may say not to judge a book by its cover, but many do anyway so
you might as well have a nice looking one just to be safe.

The truth is that whether you are talking about blogs,
magazines, or television, we live in a society that is very
visual. So when it comes to a good blog, readers expect to see
pictures and images that will titillate them and keep them
engaged in the information. So, the key is to keep your images
fresh and consistent so that they help accentuate your points
and support your themes and ideas. You can get your pictures and
images from your own library of images and pictures you have
taken on vacations, around your home, or even just in your town.
You can also download free images that are available online,
link to other blogs or even use other images if you are willing
to pay the royalties. No matter what, though, the key to
blogging success is very closely tied to the images and visual
quality of your blog. Newspapers and magazines would not sell as
well if they lacked images, and your blog will operate just the
same way.

Now that wasn’t hard at all, was it? And you’ve earned a wealth
of knowledge, just from taking some time to study an expert’s
word on blogging.

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People often view credit cards as simply a fast-track route to debt. Used sensibly, however, cards can actually make you money.

A word of caution, however. The methods set out in this article do depend on you paying off the balance on your card/s every month, so you are not charged any interest. If you have an outstanding debt on your card/s that you cannot pay off completely, the best advice is to transfer it to a new card with a O% introductory balance transfer rate, and aim to pay off the entire debt before the 0% offer period expires.

The first, and simplest, method you can use for making money from credit cards is to get one with cashback. With these cards, for every dollar you spend, your card issuer will give you back some money, usually in a single payment made once a year.

The amount paid back is calculated as a percentage of your total spending. Percentages vary, but typically range from 0.5% to 2%. Some card issuers pay higher rates for purchases in some categories or made through certain retailers. The Discover® Platinum Card, for example, offers up to 1% cashback normally, but 5% on purchases made from selected merchants in their Get More Program.

The second method you can use for making money from your card is to use it for all your routine spending: food, clothes, gas, power bills, and so on (but avoid drawing cash on the card, as you will be charged interest on this). Meanwhile the money from your salary will still be in your bank account, where it will be earning you interest. When the due date comes round each month, simply pay off the entire balance outstanding, and pocket the interest.

By using these two methods, you should be able to generate several hundred dollars a year, maybe more, from cashback and interest received. However, there is a third method you can use that will earn you even more money from credit cards. You will, though, need to be disciplined enough to avoid spending more than you can afford, and organized enough to make all required payments by the set dates. If you fail on either of these counts you will be charged interest, which will almost certainly wipe out any gains you make.

To use this method, you will need to apply for a new credit card with an introductory interest-free rate for purchases (note that this is a different offer from 0% balance transfers). The Blue card from American Express® is a good example of this type of card: It offers a 0% rate on purchases for an introductory period of up to 15 months (the exact period depends on their judgment of your creditworthiness).

You then make all your routine payments using this card during the introductory period. Simply make the minimum payment required every month and put the rest of the money you would otherwise have spent into a high-interest savings account. When the end of the 0% offer period is approaching, simply pay off the entire balance from the money in this account to avoid incurring any interest charges. Again, the interest you have made during this time is pure profit.

By using these methods you can give your wages a very handy boost at the credit card companies’ expense! So why not apply for a suitable credit card today? Independent credit card comparison sites such as www.finest-credit-cards.com make this easier for you by listing all the best current card offers for you to choose from, and also have a range of articles offering unbiased advice and information.

Nick Davis is the owner of http://www.finest-credit-cards.com, which aims to match you up with the ideal credit card to suit your situation. With details of all the leading card offers updated daily, plus informative articles to guide you in your choice, you will never pick the wrong credit card again.

I had to laugh when I read that quote recently. I particularly
remember a time in my merry life when I had two sons, 3 dogs, my
clothes filled two closets in my home, I owned Madeleine pans,
exotic juicers, a regular and a gourmet coffeemaker, 3 sets of
flatware, 10 tableclothes, 10 sets of placemats for 6 or 8, and
formal china tablesettings for 12 … and most “cluttering” of
all, a social calendar that was unmanageable.

Life is a series of stages, and there is the “acquiring” stage.

However, there came a point where I felt overwhelmed by my
“blessings” and took a look at what was going on. At the time,
my boyfriend, who was a stock broker, kept saying, “Simplify,
simplify.” He lived what I considered a “Sparten existence.”

It caused me to take a look at the whole picture. I was
exhausted all the time. I went to a therapist; too bad there
weren’t coaches then. She said I was “trying to do too much.” I
interpreted it that I wasn’t capable of handling all these
things, and redoubled my efforts.

Coaches make things more clear. “Why are you doing what doesn’t
bring you pleasure?” would’ve been the question to ask.
Eventually I asked myself that question and here are some of the
things I did.

THE CLOTHES I was still operating from an old childhood
scarcity-mentality. I never had “enough” clothes in high school,
not because my parents couldn’t afford it, just that they didn’t
want to spend their money on that. I started babysitting
rigorously to buy myself clothes and makeup and stuff. Not a bad
thing to do, but I realized that time was over. I gave a number
of things to Goodwill, set aside a space-allotment, and stuck to
it.

I did have to “dress” for my profession at the time (PR), so I
chose two outfits I could accessorize in infinite ways. Scarves,
jewelry and pins take far less storage space!

THE DOGS Two were strays we had “adopted,” under pressure from
my good-hearted son. However, they were difficult dogs, not
having been well-raised, and took far more work than our
original family pet. I decided to give up this rescuing
mentality and at the same time educate my children. We found
good homes for two of them, and the family pact was “no more.”
We stuck with our one chosen, well-cared for, and well-trained
dog.

THE ENTERTAINING WARE That’s a hard one. It’s been an abiding
interest and love in my life, to entertain with all the
accoutrements. I decided that was an okay hobby, but to stick
with what I had for a long time. How many sets of Christmas
tablemats does one really need?

THE COOKWARE Life is choices. I could eliminate a lot of these
things by turning to fast food, eating out, less elaborate
meals. I decided this was not something to sacrifice. There are
health benefits to wok cooking, steamers, double boilers, etc.,
and “happy” benefits to beautiful Bundt cakes. My youngest son
particularly enjoyed the camaraderie of a fondue meal. Our
family dinners were fun for all of us, and a good thing, and I
didn’t want to sacrifice that for “convenience.”

Not everything in the enriched life should be “efficient.”

THE FINANCIAL PICTURE My stocks were scattered all over the
place, and we consolidated. It seemed risky to me to “put all my
eggs in one basket,” but we did, and it resulted in a nice
financial gain.

THE ORGANIZATION I decided it wasn’t all that I had that was the
problem – many of them were valuable to me and my lifestyle – it
was the organization of it all.

One thing I did was buy containers, for instance, “fall
decorations” and got everything in one place. I added to the box
my apparel for that time of year – autumn sweaters, accessories,
and jewelry. I labeled them clearly, stacked them in one place,
and felt better about it all.

I tackled the gift-producing area. I had a bow maker, rolls of
paper, ribbons, ready for every occasion. It was a time when the
boys would be invited to a birthday party quite suddenly, and it
kept me from “running out” at the last minute to buy the
wrapping. This I decided to eliminate. The storage space
required and the clutter were not worth it, and it seemed I
never had the right thing anyway. I bought 10 generic gift bags
with white tissue, appropriate for any age or occasion.

Also, seeing myself “burdened” by the gifts coming my way – that
teddy bear statuette just wasn’t “me” even if it was expensive
crystal – I switched to what I call “disposable” gifts. Sending
someone a floral arrangement, or a basket of fruit, or a
Honey-baked ham would note the occasion, but it would “go away”
and they wouldn’t have to find a place for it.

I have never been comfortable giving money, but gift
certificates seemed possible. It showed at least a little
“thought” and “effort,” the two things I find missing in gifts
of money. (Not that I’ve ever refused one!)

For those with no material needs whatsoever, I would donate
money to a charity close to their heart. That is greatly
appreciated by most people. Charities list in their newsletter
the gifts made in honor of, or in memory of, others, and that’s
a nice touch.

Re: the people in my life, I took a look at the
investment-return ratio. Some of them, I had to admit, were a
drain. With me being in a helping profession, some were “using”
me for free counseling, while making no improvements in their
lives, and that didn’t give me the friendship I needed, or
provide for them the counseling or coaching they needed.

I made a list of the people who really meant something to me,
with whom I had strong mutual bonds, and I whittled away at the
ones who didn’t contribute anything to my life. We call this in
coaching, “getting rid of tolerations.” Yes, people can be
“tolerations” and I think this is one of the more important “ah
hahs” Thomas Leonard, the founder of coaching, gave to the world.

I eliminated immediately the ones who were a negative drain on
me, and took a closer look at ones wanting entry. I quietly
discouraged some “friendships” from ever occurring in the first
place. Life is choices.

I believe that our lives are greatly influenced by the 5 people
we spend the most time with. I made sure the Top 5 were the ones
I wanted and needed them to be.

META-THEORY I decided to slow myself down at the checkout
counter. I disciplined myself for 6 months. I would not make any
impulse buys. I would go home and consider it. Usually it wasn’t
worth the effort to go back.

I would not go shopping to “window shop.” There’s no such thing!
There’s always something attracts my eye I think I “must have.”

Shopping would be a necessity for essentials, not Saturday
afternoon entertainment for me and the kids.

I put more thought into the things I gave others so as to slow
the flow into their lives as well.

READY FOR THE NEW YEAR As you participate in, or observe, the
shopping frenzy of the holiday season. Ask yourself, “Why am I
doing this?”

Good reasons are: ·It’s meaningful ·I enjoy it ·I know it’s
something I can afford and know it’s something they need or
would like

Bad reasons are: ·I don’t know why ·To keep up with the Joneses
·Because I always have ·Because you’re supposed to

Oserve closely your own behavior. That’s the beginning of making
positive changes.

It’s the emotionally intelligent thing to do!

The unlimited advantages that the Internet has brought to our lives have even transformed the way we go about availing something as routine as auto insurance. With the option of applying for auto insurance online, car owners are spared a tremendous amount of time, effort and trouble that is involved in applying for regular auto insurance through an agent.

It isn’t merely the convenience of being able to compare quotes but also to be assured of comparing the best rates available for auto insurance. The option of applying for auto insurance online offers the additional benefits of learning about new discounts and doing away with the need for locking in on a long term relationship with a particular insurance company.

The old days of going through the tedious process of getting quotes from auto insurance companies are behind us as you can get all the insurance quotes you desire and the type of coverage you want. The online option of comparing quotes also means that you will be able to go through each plan in detail on the insurance sites in order to assess both the quality of the coverage as well as the rates.

Discounts are a major advantage of online auto insurance as they enable you to save in hundreds in premiums. A variety of discounts can be found and qualified for online from opting from an alarm system in your vehicle to enrolling for certified defensive driving courses that reduce premiums for some of the companies. The more you explore auto insurance sites online, the more discounts you will find.

The Internet is of course, synonymous with the amount of time you can save, not to mention of convenience of being able to do things at your own pace. This means not just doing away with having to schedule appointments with agents but also filling forms in the middle of the night and completing them the next day. Online insurance companies arrange to have the completed paperwork sent to you for your signature and presto, the process is over without having to miss out on a single day at work.

Switching insurance companies is also made extremely easy with online auto insurance. Prior to the advent of the Internet, it was the norm to stick to the same insurance company irrespective of their rates. Online, however, it is up to you to check as often as you like on the availability of low rates. Every time you come across better rates, you can make the switch to another company in no time at all.

The essential secret to online auto insurance is research, as rates can be widely varied between the make of vehicles and models. Discounts can also be found on accessories and features to ensure that eventually you are paying the lowest insurance rates possible.

Marcus Dubois is a veteran in the insurance industry, and recommends InstaQuoter to get a free auto insurance quote. See www.instaquoter.com/auto/ for more information

Most experts on the subject believe that the Social Security system will be bankrupt in about 15 years. However, some new studies have offered a ray of hope. They seem to indicate that the assumption that the boomer generation will retire at 65 or 67 and sit back to collect their social security checks is incorrect.

They believe a sufficient percentage – some estimates are as high as 80% - will continue to work in some capacity or another, relieving much of the pressure on the system.

This is probably the only ray of hope for many who have visited financial planners or bought personal finance software to see how much they need for retirement. These usually show you need a million or more dollars to retire with your current lifestyle. But again, they don’t take continuing earnings into account.

Many in the baby boomer generation plan to retire at around 65, but then start a second career, doing something they enjoy. Most don’t want to continue on in their present jobs or move to low paying work at fast food restaurants or supermarkets.

Rather they would rather make their accumulated knowledge work and, if possible, also give something back to society at the same time.

Health experts say this trend will be beneficial in that by staying involved, those past retirement age will stay healthier and will be happier with their life.

So it seems that several trends are converging. Those in their 60’s, 70’s and early eighties are healthier than ever. Because of their increased longevity and the shortfall in their retirement savings, they need to continue to earn. And many companies who once looked on older workers with distain, now seem to realize the value they can contribute to the company and to society in general.

There is speculation that colleges and universities may allow retirees to earn fast track degrees, taking into account their prior education and work experience. Also some states are already loosening license requirements for teachers to allow those with degrees in fields other than education to become teachers with little if any further training.

Another way to continue to earn in retirement is by making wise investment choices now.

Buy rental properties, learn how to manage money effectively or start your own business now in your part time so that you have something up and running by the time you retire.

The internet has opened up new ways to earn, be it drop shipping, affiliate marketing or selling goods on eBay.

If you always wanted to be an author or if you can write software programs, it is simple to self publish and sell electronic goods through services such as Clickbank.

Or you could just do something you’ve always wanted, like baking breading or making shoes. If you’re good at whatever you choose, you should have little trouble finding a clientele.

But if you are depressed because you have to continue to work after 65, don’t. You’ll have a lot of company and you’ll will also be healthier and happier for it.

For more articles on retirement planning and personal finance, visit http://www.credit-yourself.com/financial-planning.html

Chris Cooper a retired attorney, and his wife Aileen, who has a MBA in Finance, provide personal finance and financial planning advice at Credit Yourself – http://www.credit-yourself.com

WHAT ARE YOU REALLY SAVING WHEN YOU SELL YOUR HOME YOURSELF?

Most people who try to sell their homes themselves, will put “Brokers Welcome” in their ads, fact sheets and flyers. That is a great idea, considering that over 90% of all homes sold, are in fact sold by real estate agents, even For Sale By Owner Properties! This means these sellers are willing to give licensed Realtors their 3% or 3.5% commission if they bring a qualified buyer. That leaves a perceived saving of 3 - 3.5%– what is typically paid to the “listing” agent.

In order to save that 3% or 3.5% listing fee, you as the seller will have to:

Spend a minimum of $1,000-$2,000 on advertising, color fact sheets, flyers, postage, signs, and internet presence. You’ll have to take time off from work or spend your personal leisure time showing the house, (try to estimate what your time is worth). You’ll have to trust your ability to negotiate the best deal with a tough buyer or a seasoned professional real estate agent. Hire a real estate attorney to go over paperwork, assist in writing contracts, to possibly defend you if there is a dispute. ( If there is a legal dispute, attorneys charge by the hour! ) Statistics indicate that roughly 40% of For Sale By Owner transactions were involved in legal disputes involving after sale disputes last year (2003), non disclosure, escrow disputes, etc…

To sell “By Owner” requires the sellers to become marketing experts with in-depth knowledge of mortgage financing, contracts, taxation, advertising, direct mail strategies, psychology, face-to-face selling, and negotiating. Owners must remain at home to man the phones when buyers call. Answering machines do not satisfy the needs of real buyers.

Statistics show (National Association of REALTORS®) that For Sale By Owners actually net less, (27% less in 2002), without a REALTOR. Year after year the seller is netting less on average without a professional agent. Do I sound like I’m defending myself or my profession? Maybe, but if you consider that I’m writing this article for a global market, I’m surely convinced, since I only sell residential real estate in Orlando, Florida.

Pretty quickly, the perceived savings are drying up. And the selling process is more difficult than it has to be. Are you a busy person? Are you always available to take calls on your ads and sign? Are you available to show the house at a moments notice? If you think serious, motivated buyers will wait until you are available to show your (one) house, while they can easily look at hundreds of others right away, think again! If you are a stay-at-home seller, and have the time, are you prepared for your own/family security? Did you pre-screen, prequalify the prospect with a lender first before they enter your home? If you’re depending on paying a real estate agent to bring your buyer while you represent yourself to save money, are you aware that agents are typically shy of For Sale By Owners? It’s much easier for them to show homes that are listed with other agents, or themselves so that their fee is guaranteed. Remember, these agents do this for a living, this is no laughing matter to them,in fact, most agents, if not all, consider their business to be quite serious, they don’t work on a salary and they spend thousands of dollars on local, national and even international advertising to get their phones to ring. If they do agree to show your house and represent the buyer, who is looking out for you? YIKES!

Think about it. Is it worth it to save a few hundred dollars? And, in the end, did you really get what your home is worth?

You need an expert, make sure you get one!

Scott Taylor, REALTOR® is a top producing agent with CENTURY 21 Elite Properties in Orlando, Florida. He has recieved Century 21’s highest production achievement award. You can visit his website at http://www.MyOrlandoAgent.com

Cancer is a word that strikes fear in the heart of individuals and families. When it strikes close to us we sit impotently by as we watch our loved one suffer. The victim is usually offered surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy and goes through a dreadful time of illness and suffering, not knowing whether they are winning the battle. Cancers vary. Some are more aggressive than others. Some have a reasonable chance of survival. Other cancers are outright killers. A cancer death is always ugly, usually painful and often degrading.

We know that the rates of most cancers are rising, especially breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men. We know that the death rates in these cancers have dropped but the suffering has not. We also know that a great deal of research has been undertaken but most of the results we hear about are concerned with treatment. Perhaps there is a new wonder drug on the market or a new discovery about how to administer radiation. This research is of course very helpful once we are ill but why isn’t there more effort put into prevention? Do we need to get ill in the first place?

There are several fairly obvious reasons why most money, effort and publicity is put into cure rather than prevention. It is really very easy to understand but this bias is hard to justify.

• First, almost all of us live in a capitalist economy. Businesses have to make money and so they need to sell products. Drug companies invest heavily in each drug that they develop and many never reach the market so pharmaceutical companies need to market their products very strongly in order to recoup money for their shareholders.
• Second, prevention doesn’t sell newspapers and is hard to prove. The absence of something is never as interesting or startling as drama. Prevention doesn’t captivate the audience in the same way as dramatic cures. Being saved from a trauma is much more interesting than the absence of trauma in the first place. Drama sells newspapers, books, radio, TV and films.
• Third, there are vested interests in many of the products that are causing cancer. In 1939 there was definite proof that tobacco smoking causes lung cancer. Serious efforts to curtail smoking have only occurred in some countries recently. In others, it hasn’t started. We have a long way to go before we restrict other cancer causing agents.
• Fourth, politicians don’t win votes on prevention. Prevention is slow. The results are only seen over the long term. Politicians are generally disinterested in things that can’t be accomplished within their term of office.

The good news is that a great deal is known about the cancer process and the variety of things that can affect it. There are three major steps in development. They often occur over long periods of time, even decades, but can occur simultaneously in one part of the body. The steps are MUTATION, CANCER PROMOTION and CANCER PROGRESSION.

The chances of any of these steps taking place in your body can be significantly reduced by understanding and knowledge. Research has explained most of the mechanisms that underlie cellular errors and the progression of changes from a normal cell to a cancer cell. Intelligent people are capable of understanding these processes even without a Science or Health background. Research has also gone a long way to showing us how the three stages can be eliminated or minimized. This is still work in progress but there is already a great deal that you can do right NOW.

Dr Judy Ford is an internationally respected geneticist who has undertaken considerable research into the causes of cancer , and the steps that can be undertaken to prevent cancer or greatly reduce personal risk. Dr Ford worked for 30 years in Cancer Research, specializing in how genetic material can be damaged by some chemicals and radiations. She also contributed a great deal to knowledge about how cells misdivide. She now works as a Science Communicator, explaining Science in lay terms and showing people how they can modify their lifestyles to reduce their risks of cancer. She has recently written an E-Book: Know Your Enemy: Understand and Reduce Cancer Risk.

This article may be reproduced in full as long as the author’s name and all links remain attached to it.

Hot chocolate, the real stuff, doesn’t come in a powder. Instead, it’s a rich, creamy drink made to be savored and served with elegance. You can make a big splash at your next dinner party or gathering by serving up this ancient treat in style, dazzling guests with its decadent flavor.

The gourmet variety chocolate drink is one that’s been perfected over the course of literally hundreds of years. The drinking of chocolate, in fact, dates back to ancient central and south Americans. To get the real deal in a drink for that’s gourmet, you’ll need to purchase the best in chocolates. Take care in choosing the chocolate for your drink. French or other imported dark or even unsweetened chocolate work well. The best chocolate, of course, makes the best drinks.

Once you’ve decided upon your chocolate base, you’ll need fresh heavy cream, sugar if you’ve gone the unsweetened chocolate route and vanilla, real vanilla, not the fake stuff. Anything but the best will not do if you’re trying to make gourmet drinking chocolate.

Now, get a double boiler and carefully melt about one ounce of the chocolate. You’ll want to take care in this process to make sure you don’t burn the chocolate. If using a sweetened gourmet type of chocolate, you won’t need to add any sugar. If not, add a few tablespoons to flavor. Once that’s done, mix the chocolate with about two cups of heavy cream. If the cream overpowers the chocolate, melt a little more and whisk the combination together.

With the chocolate and cream carefully blended, serve in delicate cups. A chocolate pot can be used for serving to add a flair for the dramatic, and even traditional.

The drinking of gourmet chocolates is an art form in Europe where fine porcelain makers specialize in creating pots and cups to add elegance to the tradition.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with the types of chocolate in your drink or flavorful additives. Mint, for example, can be a refreshing addition to this gourmet drink as can fresh whipped cream, cinnamon sticks and other side touches.

Want to learn more about the fascinating history of chocolate? Visit us at http://www.chocolate-gourmet-gifts.com

George Murray is the President of Centric Promotions, Inc. Learn more about the history of chocolate and view an assortment of luxury chocolates and chocolate gifts by visiting us at: http://www.chocolate-gourmet-gifts.com

What would You do with $1,000,000

With $1 Million would you:

• Pay off debt?

• Purchase new equipment?

• Invest/save for the future?

• Give yourself a bonus?

$1,000,000 Waiting in the Wings

What do you and your business need that you have been putting off because you don’t have the money today? $1,000,000 certainly would fill those needs. But where do you find $1,000,000 just lying around your business right now? Well, you probably have $250,000 in each of four areas in your everyday business, and you don’t even realize it.

Money in Business Procedures

And so let’s look at four places in your business where we will find $250,000 each and see how we can help you find it:

Part 1: Inventory - $250,000.00

Part 2: Receivables - $250,000.00

Part 3: Sales - $250,000.00

Part 4: Accounts Payable - $250,000.00

Part 5: Procedures - $1,000,000.00

Turn Cash into Time with a New Company Policy

But just what exactly is this source for cash? It’s time. If you are looking for $250,000 then it costs you $4,808 every week that you delay. So what you do with your time quite literally amounts to either costs of delaying, or it can amount to savings when you take action and control of your time. To correct this cost of delay, an increase in velocity must follow - which will set the difference between ‘good’ and ‘great’. The consequences of this shift in system velocity increases discipline and competency: the ability to maintain the increased velocity and the ability to make the adjustments to achieve the ‘great’. So how do you realize the difference?

Eliminate Inventory and Increase Cash

Let’s start with the biggest, most obvious source – your balance sheet, specifically inventory. If you are a manufacturer with $300,000 or more of inventory (raw materials, work in process or finished goods) then STOP! We found it. Why? Because inventory is an unproductive asset. Inventory is money, and having it lying around your factory is not where your money belongs. So if we reduce inventory to Just-In-Time (JIT) levels, then we can eliminate 85% or more of your inventory, which translates into $250,000 in cash. But that’s not all. You will also save another $50,000 or more in annual inventory carrying costs. With less inventory, there are lower costs of holding inventory. Let’s look at an example of what we’re talking about.

Manufacturing Business Procedures Case Study

A manufacturing organization with 2 Million in average inventory balances needed assistance. We examined their inventory consisting of raw materials, work in process and finished goods to understand and quantify the workflow, workload, and demand forecasting issues. Then we designed and implemented a process to improve their inventory cycle and tie it closer to their actual sales.

The metrics we developed reduced their inventories by 85% and increased their manufacturing cycle efficiency from 60% to 90% within 120 days of implementing the new procedures. With these new processes and reports, the company now tracks manufacturing cycle efficiency and delivery time variance rather than just units produced, as the measure of their manufacturing effectiveness. The result: extra capital plus a 50% increase in process capability (capacity).

Methods to Design the New Process

By becoming more efficient in the process, we can use time not as a detriment but as a significant benefit to our business. Step by step, let’s take a further look at how time and efficiency plays a great role in your business.

Increase Demand Forecasting Accuracy. We only need enough inventory to satisfy demand, and that is where part of the problem exists. If demand can not be accurately forecasted, then we end up compensating for this unknown with inventory.

Increase Manufacturing Cycle Efficiency. How well manufacturing resources are used to produce a product determines the cycle efficiency. Defective product, product rework, and long lags between manufacturing cells cause inefficiency, which can be easily calculated. Raw materials should be converted into finished goods as quickly as possible. The speed at which this occurs defines your manufacturing cycle efficiency.

Increase Supply Chain Turns. Increasing the number of times purchases are made may increase acquisition costs and unit costs because of smaller order quantities. But you will benefit by increasing your cash flow and eliminating the carrying cost of the inventory (warehousing, material handling, taxes, insurance, depreciation, interest and obsolescence totaling 25% to 35%).

Eliminate safety stock. Safety stock is really just a buffer for forecasting variance and supplier delivery time. While many levels are set arbitrarily in automated MRP systems, your safety stock levels will need to be reduced due to improvements in demand forecasting accuracy, manufacturing cycle efficiency and supply chain turns.

Reduce purchasing errors. This can reduce overstocking and, more importantly, minimize stock outs that result in expensive expedited purchases. Sell excess and obsolete inventory or return it to your vendor.

Eliminate delivery variance. Do not allow vendors to deliver early or late and make sure the delivered quantity does not vary from the order quantity. After all, delivery errors cause the need to carry more inventory. Instead, provide suppliers with forecasts of future needs.

Train purchasing personnel. Provide your purchasing and material management personnel with formal training. This will arm them with better negotiating skills that will result in better prices and terms.

Procedures Provide Time Savings

So, as we have seen, we should use each element of the process to extract the most benefit from our business. With time-saving procedures set in place, you will let your efficiency work for you.

Time Savings Provide Cash in the Bank

With well-defined processes and procedures in place, you will increase efficiency by increasing inventory turns. And of course an increase in inventory turns means an increase in cash on hand. It’s there - all you have to do is grab it.

Next part of this series, we will look at finding $250,000 in Accounts Receivable - another step as we work toward our goal of 1 million in savings. So not only aim to reap the rewards of extra savings to your bottom line, but also see more cash in the bank - $1,000,000 to be exact.

Chris Anderson is currently the managing director of Bizmanualz, Inc. and co-author of policies and procedures manuals, producing the layout, process design and implementation to increase performance.
To learn how to increase your business performance, visit: Bizmanualz, Inc.

January is the king of months for those looking to make new beginnings. After the reflections and indulgences of December, the excitement of a new year unfolding brings contemplation of better days ahead.

Unfortunately for many, contemplation is where the party ends. As the clock ticks over into February and then unwinds into March, hopes of transformation begin to fade, the habits of old return, together with the routines of years past. Not because of a lack of enthusiasm or good intentions mind you, but rather a lack of knowing where to start.

The best place to start.

What I am going to say now may sound radical as well as a little simplistic, but the best place for you to start is from exactly where you are right now. Take some time to actually let these words sink in, as they contain the seeds of your own personal greatness.

‘If only’.

You’ve probably caught yourself contemplating at one stage or another what it would be like ‘if only’ you could start somewhere else. I know that I have felt this way at various stages in the past. The type of internal ponderings I am talking about here are things such as ‘if only I’d gone to University’, ‘if only my parents hadn’t got divorced’, ‘if only I had more experience’, then maybe, just maybe I’d have what it takes to go after my dreams.

If you find yourself engaging in this kind of dialogue, then start to build your awareness around it. Regardless of the experiences that you’ve either had to relish or endure in the past, they have given you one magical ingredient. They have prepared you for now. All your disappointments, triumphs, hopes and fears have brought you to this moment. In acknowledging and accepting them as they are, you consciously begin to reclaim your power to take control of your own life.

Know where you want to go.

Once you have accepted where you are, you have to decide where it is you want to go. If no particular course of action immediately resonates with you, then begin to more fully explore the things that you enjoy doing most. Think about what your life would be like if you spent more of your life experiencing the things that you really love. We all have the power to achieve this within us, you just have to be prepared to be open to it.

If on the other hand you’re not enjoying anything at this present time in life then it is time for you to start being a little more experimental. Begin to do things that you’ve never done before. Enroll on a photography course, strike up a conservation with someone you don’t know or go and spend some time in nature. Make sure whatever you choose to do is outside of your present comfort zone. When you continually broaden your experience of life, you create the opportunities necessary to re-ignite your passion for living.

What are you prepared to change?

To get from where you are now to where you want to go you have to go through a process of transformation. It doesn’t mean you have to change everything all at once but it does mean you have to change. Take some to time to think about what it is you are ‘prepared’ to change in order to move in the direction of your dreams. So many of us focus on what we feel we ’should’ change. For example, if you are a smoker and for whatever reason you feel it is something you ’should’ change, just ask yourself whether it is something you are ‘prepared’ to change. As soon as you are ‘prepared’ to change, you will find a way to give up smoking forever.

Find support.

When you are making changes in your life one of the most important things you can do is find yourself support. Support can come in many different forms. It may come in the form of an inspirational book, a workshop, a community group, an evening class, a trusted friend or family member, a work mentor, a personal trainer, a website forum or even a coach. Whatever the source, make sure that it feels comfortable for you, not just at an intellectual level but also from an intuitive level as well.

Having your essential support structures in place will give you the confidence to stride boldly in the direction of your dreams. All you have to do next is start from exactly where you are.

Copyright Damien Senn 2005. All rights reserved.

About the Author: Damien Senn is a Life and Business Coach as well as a fully qualified Chartered Accountant. He helps professionals, artists and entrepreneurs create compelling futures.

He is the author of the ‘Senn-Sational Success Journal’ and has developed his own coaching model called the ‘Senn-Sational Success System’.

For more information see http://www.senn-sational.com or email ezines@senn-sational.com.