Careers In Adoption Agencies

Working for an adoption agency can be extremely rewarding.

For many people, the idea of working at an adoption agency sounds both exciting and rewarding. Adoption agencies are responsible for placing thousands of individuals each year with loving families, and play a crucial role in giving these people a second chance. Fortunately, there are plenty of different career options that can land you a job at an adoption agency.

Administrative Staff

One of the most common positions in adoption agencies is administrative staff. These people oversee the daily workings of the office, with responsibilities that can include scheduling, managing documentation and answering phone calls among other tasks. Administrative positions (especially those in a lower paying level) are usually not very difficult to obtain and often require no more than an associates degree. Higher level positions, such as Executive Director, require years of experience, as well as an advanced degree.

Counseling Staff

Most adoption agencies have counselors on staff. Counselors at adoption agencies are responsible for a number of tasks, most of which revolve around supporting parents and children throughout the adoption process. Counselors might also find themselves handling much of the details of the adoption process, including background checks and paperwork. A bachelor's degree in social work or psychology is often enough in the way of credentials to obtain a job as counseling staff at an adoption agency.

Marketing Director

Since adoption agencies often rely on marketing in order to get their message across to the public, those with backgrounds in the advertising industry can find employment as marketing directors for adoption agencies. A marketing director is responsible for all of the agency's communication with both the public and the media, as well as the agency's marketing initiatives, which can range from print advertising to online social media. A degree in marketing or communications is usually required to obtain this position.

Identify Potential Leaders

Intuition and gut feelings can play a major role in the decision making process for many important things, including identifying potential leaders out of several candidates for the right jobs. They may appear to be equally qualified. And to choose the best can be a daunting task. The choice you make can have a lasting impact on the success of your organization. Learn the difference between those who are great workers and those who are great leaders of workers.

Instructions

1. Review past accomplishments of the candidates, which will help you see how they will perform in the future. Is there a clear pattern of leadership in the past? Sometimes in group situations, it's difficult to tell what role each member had, so look at several projects the applicant was involved in to find a pattern of success directly linked to him.

2. Look for a discontented maverick, one who always looks for ways to improve, and is never satisfied with the normal way of doing things. People who think out of the box and don't always follow the norm, have excellent leadership abilities.

3. Seek out the individual who never sees a problem, only a challenge. These types are eager to tackle the tough projects and relish in the idea of coming up with the best solution.

4. Determine who readily accepts responsibility and who has the tenacity to stick to a task until it is completed.

5. Identify someone who is thick-skinned and willing to stand his ground, one who is strong minded without being mean spirited.

6. Choose someone who is well respected amongst her peers. People love to follow someone they like and someone they can respect.

Make Your Own Magnet Save The Date Cards

Save the date cards are an important component in event planning. They are used to remind guests of an upcoming event such as a destination wedding. Save the date cards are sent four to six months in advance of an event. Help guests remember your special day by creating magnetized save the date cards they can put on their refrigerators. Use creativity and common craft supplies to make a practical reminder that doubles as a keepsake.

Instructions

1. Design your save the date card. Use a word processing program such as Word. Include all the necessary information such as the wedding date, the name of the bride and groom and the location. If a venue has not yet been selected, include only the city and state or country. Use the software's spelling and grammar features to avoid embarrassing errors.

2. Print the save the date card. Use card stock paper to print the save the date card. Use paper that is suitable for your wedding colors. Make sure that your ink color is easy to read on the paper color you have selected.

3. Decorate with ribbons. Punch one hole in each top corner of the save the date card with a hole puncher. String a ribbon through each hole and fashion a ribbon on both sides. Position the ribbons so that they do not obstruct the text of the card.

4. Use an embosser. Add more texture to the save the date card by using an embosser. Order a custom embosser with the initials of the bride and groom or the wedding logo. Place the save the date card between the plates of the embosser. Press down firmly on the embosser handle for no longer than 10 seconds. Be careful not to tear the card with the force of the press.

5. Attach the magnet. Use a magnet with an adhesive back. Center the adhesive side of the magnet onto the back of the save the date card. Press the card onto the magnet for 10 seconds to secure the hold. Create a save the date card for each guest and one for yourself as a keepsake.

Identify Various Kinds Of Ad Agencies

If you have something to sell, you may need the help of an ad agency. Ad agencies help you sell products and services to potential clients. There are many types of agencies selling ads. Use these tips to help you pick the right one for your needs.

Instructions

1. Determine whether the agency offers full service or if it specializes. Full service agencies cover all areas of advertising including creativity and marketing. Others specialize in one area of advertising.

2. Find out what areas of advertising the agency covers. Creative agencies create the ads and you do the marketing. Sales promotion agencies promote sales with contests and direct marketing. Full ad agencies cover all areas.

3. Ask what specific media they create. Print agencies create brochures, inserts, posters and newsletters. Other agencies use digital media such as the Internet, email, online articles, websites, chat groups, interactive advertising, online lists or directories and website banner ads.

4. Research the company's method of advertising. The agency may use mail order or coupons. Another agency may use press releases, door to door sales, telemarketing or cold calling. Some advertising appears in newspapers, magazines and the yellow pages.

5. Ask if the agency works for another company. Some media agencies sell print and media space for other companies to clients like you. They buy the space for you to use. You want to make sure they are really helping you advertise and not just getting paid by someone else to sell you space.

6. Check the location of the agency and the area scope. Local agencies sell in the local area and know your target. Other agencies advertise nationally or internationally.

7. Get samples of ads from each company.

Listing Of Military Visa Types

American visas are issued by the State Department, which includes foreign U.S. embassies and consulates. There are different types of military visas available, and these visas are classified according to the length, nature and purpose of stay in the United States. Extensions are available for most types of visas

Foreign Military

The Diplomatic Liaison Division of the Visa Office accepts application for the validation of A-2 and NATO 1-6 visas for foreign military personnel stationed in America. If you are the principal applicant and you lack the Personal Identification Number (PID) assigned by the Department of State's Office Protocol, you are required to submit military orders and a letter from the US military command describing your assignment in the US. The foreign military orders must be in English or have an attached English translation.

Military Spouse/Fianc

The K-1 visa allows a military fianc (e) to travel to the United States, marry and adjust status to become a legal permanent resident. To bring a spouse to the U.S., military personnel must petition the Department of Homeland Security. It is also necessary to report and record the marriage in accordance with the laws of the country where the marriage took place.

Overseas Visas

Civilian personnel, including their dependents, require a passport and a visa to travel overseas. For official duty and travel, a Department of Defense directive requires military officers and their dependents to have a no fee passport and a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) stamp in their visas or passports.

Diplomatic Visas

Military officers holding a rank inferior to that of Brigadier General in the United States are eligible for diplomatic visas. Officers in the Navy and Air Force and attach s, such as career assistant attaches assigned to a diplomatic mission, can apply for diplomatic visas.

NATO Status Visa

If you are military personnel in A-12, G1-4 or NATO 1-6, you may renew your visa and those of your dependents in America. For further information, contact the Office of Diplomatic Liaison of the Visa Office (CA/VO/P/D) at the Department of State or the U.S. Mission to the United Nations (USUN) Monday through Friday, excluding U.S. holidays, between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) (See Reference 1).

Identify And Report Franchise Ripoffs

Individuals interested in purchasing a franchise need to do their homework first. In addition to the thousands of legitimate franchise businesses out there, there are also many scam artists who are looking to take your money. Before you sign a contract, make sure that the franchise you're investing in is legitimate and ethical by studying the opportunity carefully.

Instructions

Identify Franchise Scams

1. Contact the Better Business Bureau or the Consumer Affairs Branch of your state's attorney general's office to find out if they've received any complaints about the franchise in question (see Resources below).

2. Request a copy of the Uniform Franchise Offering Circular. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) mandates that every franchise must have a UFOC disclosure document and offer it to potential franchisees at least 10 days prior to signing the contract.

3. Hire a franchise attorney with experience representing franchisees. You may want to ask for referrals from your personal attorney, other franchisors or your state's bar association (see Resources below).

4. Instruct your franchise attorney to read through the document and identify potential concerns. It's easy to miss important warning signs if you don't understand the legalities of franchise law.

Report Franchise Scams

5. Report fraudulent franchises to the Better Business Bureau that is closest to the franchise's headquarters. This will help other interested franchisees identify potential problems before they fall victim to the scam.

6. Contact the source where you learned of the franchise opportunity and report your experience. This includes any newspapers and magazines where you saw an ad for the business.

7. Contact your attorney if litigation is necessary.

About Discount Amusement Park Tickets

Theme parks tickets aren't cheap, but it's often possible to find discounts.

Theme park tickets can get costly, but with the right connections, you will be able to get discounts which will help reduce the cost of entrance. Aside from planning your trip and buying your tickets, be sure you have information about park hours and locations, including blackout dates.

Website Searches

First, search the theme park's website. You may find tickets at a reduced rate when ordered online. Some theme park companies also advertise deals and discounts especially in the summer season or events such as Halloween or Christmas.

Time Frame

Buy your ticket as early as a month before the trip. Search for packages that include park tickets and accommodation. You may also save money with park hopper tickets, which would allow you to visit two theme parks in one day.

During the summer months you may be able to get discounted tickets at your local grocery stores.

Benefits

The benefits of a discounted ticket is evident in the savings you will get especially when you are buying tickets for a number of people.

Club cards like AAA offer member-only pricing.

Warning

Before purchasing the discounted ticket, you may want to check if the vendor is reputable. Avoid buying used tickets, as the annual pass may have restrictions the seller does not warn you about. Annual passes or two-day passes are supposed to only have one owner linked to the ticket number, and if the name on the ticket does not match your ID, you will be denied entrance. Check blackout dates. Blackout dates are restricted dates when certain ticket holders will not be admitted to the park. Usually, black out dates apply to peak periods and discounted tickets.

Get on the List

Ask if the theme park is offering promotions in affiliation with a third-party vendor. For example, there was a time when tickets at a particular theme park cost less with a can of soda. Become a member of the theme park's mailing list to be notified of updates and special deals.

How Initiate Recycling Locally

Steps to take to start a recycling program in your community.

Instructions

1. Depending on your community, the first step to any recycling program is to start at the top. This would be your Village Council, Trustees, etc...

Once you find out who these elected officials are, contact them to reserve a time space for you to go to the next public, monthly meeting and speak to them.

Most councils meet on a regular monthly schedule at the town hall.

You need to find out also, if there are any zoning requirements and what the expense will be if done at the curb vs.. drop off locations. This may be a question done during step two.

2. Before going to the meeting, contact your county, (local) solid waste company or department. You should be able to find out who they are by typing in a search engine - your area and the words solid waste.

Once you find out who they are, then look for the name of the Director.

He or she will be the one to steer you in the right direction. They would love to see a recycling program in your community, they might even be able to set up a solid waste day - this is a day when residents can drop off garbage which is not permitted in regular trash, such as paint.

3. Once you have your information from the solid waste director, you will be able to approach Council with educated information, on what needs to be done. I can't see any community turning down a recycling program. It will only better their community unless cost is a big issue.

Connect A Company Lan Directly To The Web

A business local area network (LAN) is essentially a collection of computers and peripherals unified by a simple device called a hub. The hub connects to a server which processes packages of data through a firewall onto the Internet. The process of hooking up a business LAN directly to the Internet can be difficult for those without the proper knowledge.

Instructions

1. Investigate your company's computers for Ethernet cards. The card is connected to a computer's motherboard and allows every member of a network to communicate with each other on a continuous basis. Most computers made after 2003 have an Ethernet card installed by the manufacturer, so focus on computers made before 2002.

2. Review the firewall and Internet security settings of every computer before directly connecting to the Internet. While the general office firewall should take care of most harmful files, a computer user with a low security threshold may download files that slow down your network. Circulate the optimum security level to all employees to keep everyone on the same page.

3. Purchase a sufficient number of routers to hook up your entire network directly to the Internet. While there are routers that can hold dozens of computers, you should limit computers connected to a router to ensure network speed. You may want to use multiple routers to differentiate between departments or divisions in your company that do not use common resources.

4. Check each computer's network privileges before you hook up a business LAN. You can usually enable access by using the computer's control panel and adjusting connectivity settings. This problem is likely to occur with new employees who are utilizing a computer that does not have access to the level of data needed.

5. Consider utilizing a computer repair and installation company to help you connect your LAN to the Internet. The one-time cost of installing a network in your office is often recouped through efficient work performed by your entire staff. Avoid hiccups in your office's access to the Internet by consulting with an agency like Geek Squad (see Resources below).

Hire Motorists For Cdl Jobs

Whether you are working for a staffing agency that supplies truck drivers on a temporary basis or run a construction crew that hires truck drivers, you need some basic guidelines as you begin to recruit for CDL jobs. Applicants who have not received their commercial driver's license (CDL) yet should be eliminated immediately and asked to return once they have completed and passed the driver's exam. In addition, there are a number of other steps to take to ensure the safety of your operations.

Instructions

1. Post ads through local websites such as Craigslist, in the local paper, through area truck driving schools and the Employment Security Commission to find applicants.

2. Confirm the applicant's CDL with the Division of Motor Vehicles in the state where it was issued. This is a simple verification phone call and can alleviate problems from expired or false identifications. Request a copy of the applicant's driving record at the same time.

3. Contact DAC Services, which is a consumer reporting agency that keeps records of truck drivers that includes security background checks, incident reports and employment history records.

4. Talk to a direct supervisor when checking references. While a human resource contact may only provide employment dates, a manager can give you a better understanding of the applicant's work habits and truck driving abilities. Oftentimes accidents on a job site are not reported so the company can keep their insurance rates low. A driver who has repeated mishaps while driving or operating equipment that requires a CDL is sometimes fired instead of reported. A written record may not reveal an inability to pay attention when driving or irresponsible driving.

5. Verify training and certifications when necessary. A copy of a diploma or certificate can prove that the applicant has all the necessary training for a CDL position.

6. Send the applicant for a drug test before hiring a CDL driver. Drivers that use recreational drugs are one of the biggest hazards on a job site.

Employ A Trucking Company

Moving freight around is big business. Just about every company that produces large quantities of goods relies on trucking companies to transport products to customers. With so many different trucking companies in operation, it is sometimes hard to know where to turn for the best deal. Here are some ideas on hire the right trucking company, and achieve the ideal blend of cost efficiency along with prompt and reliable service.

Instructions

Define Your Needs

1. Define your needs. By determining exactly what you need from a transportation service, it is much easier to look for companies that can accommodate those requirements. Along with defining the sizes and quantities of the goods that must be transported to buyers, also think in terms of the frequency of the shipments, the delivery dates that are routinely required, and the shipping hours at your warehouses. Don’t forget to consider the distance involved in transporting goods to all your current customers, as well as to areas where you hope to establish a presence.

2. Develop a listing of trucking companies in the area. Using the requirements cited in Step 1, compile a list of all transportation companies in the local area that potentially could fill your needs. Omit any transportation companies that do not fit your requirements. For example, if you routinely ship out amounts that will not take up a whole trailer, don’t spend a lot of time dealing with trucking firms that only deal with truckload orders; focus on companies that specialize in LTL or less than load business.

3. Contact each trucking company on the list. Talk with them about your needs and verify they can provide the care you require. Make arrangements for a representative or salesperson to visit you on site for a more in depth discussion and to submit a bid or proposal for your business.

4. Meet with representatives of each company. Ask them hard questions about how they handle situations such as rush shipments, or how they track shipments that get lost in the shuffle. Ask for a quote on pricing in writing, as well as the terms and conditions that will be in force if the two of you decide to do business. Also ask about discounts and price breaks if you commit to using the trucking company for a certain amount of time, or generate a certain level of business volume.

5. Narrow your options to three or four of the best candidates. At this point, invite each of these final candidates to review their bids and see if they might be willing to adjust the pricing to make the offer more attractive.

6. Make your final selection. After reviewing all relevant factors, choose the trucking firm that provides the best balance between service and price. However, hang on to the other bids just in case the final selection does not perform up to expectations.

Employ A Professional Pilot

Whether you are the human resources manager for a leading airline company or for a small supplier of airbuses, hiring a professional pilot is very important to the success of the company, as well as the safety of the passengers. Hiring and retaining a professional pilot can be tricky as you will need to check out his or her background. Read on to learn hire a professional pilot.

Instructions

1. Sign up with online companies such as Hcareers or Global Hospitality. These companies might charge you a small fee to promote your pilot opening on their website, but you are guaranteed to find highly skilled individuals.

2. Check references. If you are doing the hiring yourself, make sure you have detailed references that are backed up by leading airline companies and training academies. You will want to know the person you hire will be a reliable pilot for your airline.

3. Ask people within your airline company that have worked there for a long time. Many times people in the tourism and airline industry know of other people that are looking for work. They might know of a professional pilot who wants to leave the airline company they work in and you might have the opportunity they are looking for.

4. Sign up with an airline recruiting agency. When you sign up with a recruitment company, you will get the help you need to find a professional pilot. Most recruitment agencies test and check their candidate's references to make sure this person is highly skilled in the area you need them to be.

5. Do a full background check on your possible pilot. Make sure they do not have a criminal history or any misdemeanors that might affect the job they are about to do.

Advantages Of Advertising An Item

For years, businesses have used advertising in the hope of generating an increase in product sales. Advertising allows businesses to reach a large number of potential buyers at one time, and can be especially effective when targeted to people that have a need for the product. Advertising can not only explain the features and benefits of a product, but also provide information that helps consumers make an informed buying decision.

Product Introduction

If your company has developed a product that you feel is better than anything currently on the market, advertising allows you to let the world know about. Use advertising to demonstrate the features and benefits that sets it apart from the pack as well as to introduce any special promotions or pricing.

Brand Reinforcement

Advertising a product also helps you reinforce your brand's name and image to the public, which can be part of a long-term marketing strategy. For example, when Coca-Cola produces an ad for Diet Coke, it is not only touting the benefits of that product but is also keeping the Coca-Cola brand in the minds of consumers, which can also help the sales of its other products.

Clearing Misconceptions

A product may have a negative image in the eyes of consumers due the lack of information or knowledge. Advertising allows a company to further explain the the features and benefits, which can help clear up any misconceptions. This technique is also beneficial when a product contained a defect that the company has corrected.

Product Improvement

Advertising can also be used to introduce improvements to existing products. For food products, advertising can explain how changes to the recipe have improved the flavor. Car dealers can introduce upgrades to models from the previous year. Makers of household cleaners can demonstrate how stronger chemicals makes the product more effective.

Increased Sales

Ultimately, things like improving brand recognition and making people aware of new products should lead to increased product sales. To gauge the actual benefits of your product advertising, you need to weigh the cost of your advertising against the dollars it brings in.

Employ A Commercial Production Company

To bring in customers, business owners need to advertise their services and reach as many potential clients as possible. If you're interested in making a commercial for your business, you should hire a commercial production company. You can get your ad broadcast ready with the help of a commercial production company.

Instructions

1. Find the commercial production companies that work in your area. Film crews and other staff members will travel to your business, so you can look for companies a moderate distance away. To research the companies, look on production company locator websites like LA 411 or NY 411 (see Resources below).

2. Pitch your idea and see if the company can complete your vision. See if they have to shoot in the studio or if they can film on location. Inquire about their past media placement experience. Get a list of past clients and view samples of commercials they produced.

3. Inquire about film equipment and staff used to produce their commercials. If you want a commercial filmed in high def, they'll need HD cameras, HD duplication and HD editing equipment. Ask to see the sets, sound stage and editing room before hiring a commercial production company.

4. Request a quote. Let them give you a bottom line number. The number that they provide should include the amount that is charged for writing, hiring talent for the commercial, set design, filming and editing.

5. Sign a contract and set up a production schedule. Your commercial production company should give you dates on when the different processes of your commercial will be completed. The company should tell you when to expect a rough cut and final edited version of your commercial.

Get The Interview At Walmart

From car technologists to night stockers, there are many options for employment within a Walmart store. Getting an interview at Walmart can prove difficult because of the large number of applicants the stores receive on a regular basis. In some areas, such as Athens, Texas, Walmart is one of the largest employers in the area and you can expect a long wait for an interview. Besides meeting the requirements for employment there are some steps you can take to increase your likelihood of receiving an interview.

Instructions

1. Submit a complete application. Do not leave information about past employers or education blank. The more information the human resources department has, the better the managers can decide whether you qualify for an interview.

2. Apply for multiple Walmart positions and, if there are multiple stores in your area, apply for multiple stores. The more positions you apply for, the higher your chance of receiving an interview for at least one.

3. Go to the Walmart you applied at and ask to speak with the manager. Introduce yourself to the manager and ask to learn more about the position. The manager may allow you to speak with the department head who oversees the available position. Doing this allows management to get an idea of who you are and will help them remember your name when sorting through applications.

4. Call weekly to inquire about the position and the status of your application. The regular contact will show that you are still interested in the position and will ensure you know when the interview process begins.

5. Immediately return any calls from the Walmart store. Waiting even a day can signal to the hiring department that you are no longer interested and the managers may fill all the available interview slots without leaving room for you.

Have Visitors For Thanksgiving Dinner On A Tight Budget

Purchase Your Veggies From a Farmer's Market

Thanksgiving Dinner can be expensive to prepare and serve. Turkeys can be costly, and so can the side dishes made to accompany them. This article will explore entertain guests for Thanksgiving dinner on a budget.

Instructions

1. Limit the number of guests. Invite only a few people to slash the costs of the meal. The less guests, the smaller turkey you can buy. Invite just close friends and family members.

2. Limit the menu. There's no need to serve every dish ever made for Thanksgiving dinner. Instead, choose one meat, one potato, one vegetable and one dessert. Make stuffing or rolls, and serve some type of salad.

3. Figure out exactly what size turkey you'll need. Use experience from years past. If last year you bought a 10-pound turkey and half of it was leftover, get a six-pound turkey this year. You'll save money and you won't have to eat turkey sandwiches for the rest of the week.

4. Buy your food for less and take advantage of specials. Produce costs less at the local farmer's market. The vegetables are fresher and are grown locally. Alternatively, purchase enough at the grocery store to get a free turkey, even if it means buying some food for your normal grocery list at the same time.

5. Serve less expensive food items at your Thanksgiving dinner. You may love asparagus, but it costs more than lima beans or green beans.

6. Try a nontraditional menu. Turkey can be expensive. Serve spaghetti instead. Thanksgiving is supposed to be about giving, so it shouldn't matter too much if you don't serve a turkey.

7. Cut down on paper costs. Make decorations out of things you already have in your home instead of purchasing paper decorations. Use regular dinnerware instead of buying paper plates and cups. This will help the budget and do less harm to the environment.

Handle Neighbors Who're Disrespectful

Your neigbors will often be different from you.

Part of being an adult human being is living around other adults. Unfortunately, not everyone knows do this correctly. In the course of your life, you are going to have to deal with neighbors who are rude, impolite and disrespectful of the fact that they live around other people. If you live around people like this, you don't have to suffer in silence. There are a number of steps you can take that will help you deal with and eradicate your neighbors' disrespectful behavior.

Instructions

1. Vent your problems to family members and other close people, or write them down. Either way, it can be extremely helpful to get your problems off your chest. Often, you'll find that if you do this, you'll feel better without having done anything to actually solve the problem.

2. Approach the neighbors face to face. This doesn't mean yelling and screaming but rather just a polite, reasonable request that they change their behavior. Most people are fairly reasonable, and may just not know that they are being disrespectful. Telling them that their behavior bothers you is often all you need to do to change disrespectful behavior.

3. Approach a mediation service if you cannot reach an agreement on your own. There are expensive private services and less-expensive nonprofit and government-run services; either way, they provide a neutral, third-party facilitation service that will help you compromise.

4. Approach your homeowners' association or other small body in charge of your neighborhood if you can. This is not always an option, but if this option is available, you should exercise it.

5. Call the police if you cannot deal with the problem on your own. You should absolutely do this if you fear that someone may be in danger, but you can also do this if there is excessive noise.

6. Sue your neighbor in small claims court. This is always expensive, but if your neighbors are illegally affecting your life with their disrespectful behavior, you have the right to sue them. This is another last-ditch effort; it's expensive, time-consuming and should only be exercised when everything else has failed.

Handle An Undesirable Job Performance Review Or Evaluation

Few things are more stressful and upsetting than a poor performance review. But one bad review doesn't mean that you need to dust off your resume. Take a few days to process what you are told, address any inaccuracies and work with your boss to make improvements. If you do these things, you can make good use of the review to improve your career prospects.

Instructions

1. Listen carefully to what your employer has to say. Bring pen and paper with you to take notes during your meeting.

2. Remain calm and professional throughout the review: An outburst or hostile reaction won't help the relationship between you and your boss. It may also validate your boss's negative opinion of your professionalism and performance. Thank your boss for his feedback and ask for specific examples of problems with your work.

3. Ask for time to consider the review, and don't sign it right away. If you are angry and upset, and it is understandable if you are, this is not a good time to dialogue about a plan for improvement. If you believe the review to be unfair, you'll need a few days to do some research so that you can present a good case in your defense.

4. Follow-up with your supervisor, regardless of whether or not you believe that the review was a fair assessment of your performance. Acknowledge those areas in which you do need to improve. Explain that you want to make improvements and propose a plan for doing so. Ask about the possibility of taking some continuing education courses or meeting with your boss on a regular basis in order review your progress.

If you feel that some of her critique was unwarranted, explain why you believe that the criticism is unfair. Show your boss any documentation that you have that supports your claims. If you can make a good case in your own defense, it may be possible to get those items removed from your review.

5. Seek legal advice. If you genuinely feel that your performance review is unwarranted or retaliatory, and your supervisor failed to give you concrete examples of your negative work habits or behaviors, talk to an employment lawyer about your situation. If you fear that your job is in jeopardy due to this review, a lawyer can advise you of your options and ways to protect yourself.

Can A Purchaser Void A Genuine Estate Contract

Real estate contracts are legally binding agreements. However, as with most contracts, clauses exist to protect each party from being bound to a bad business arrangement. No buyer can void a contract simply because he changes his mind about a property. Buyers can use clauses from the purchase contract to void the agreement as long as the reason for cancellation can be proven.

Financing

One clause that comes standard in real estate purchase contracts is the buyer's right to obtain satisfactory financing. If a buyer is unable to qualify for a mortgage loan, she cannot purchase a home. Additionally, a buyer might have financing but decide that the high interest rate is predatory and void the contract under this clause. Whether the seller must return the earnest money once the contract is voided depends on the language of your contract and the real estate laws in your state.

Inspection

Most contracts include a clause that allows the buyer to bow out of the contract if a professional home inspection is not satisfactory. It is the home inspector's job to find anything in the home that is damaged or needs to be repaired. The home inspection report helps the buyer determine whether the property is a solid investment. If the seller is unwilling to make needed repairs, a buyer may choose to void the real estate contract. When the buyer voids the contract based on unforeseen damages or repairs, he has the right to get a refund on any earnest money deposit.

Fraud

Some home advertisements contain misleading or false information that may cause a buyer to leap at the opportunity to purchase the home before seeing it. If the buyer can prove that the seller fraudulently presented information, the contract is void. The seller should immediately refund any earnest money deposit the buyer paid to avoid litigation. However, if the buyer's claims are incorrect or he misunderstood the seller's listing information, the contract cannot be voided. The seller can make a decision to pursue legal action against the buyer if she has adequate proof of her claims.

Considerations

In many cases, buyers are unable to breach a real estate contract and get a refund on their earnest money. No matter the buyer's reasoning for canceling the contract, the seller shold make sure there is evidence to support his claims. A mere phone call to back out of the contract is not enough. The seller should ask for documentation in the form of a denial letter from a lender, a copy of a home inspection report or information disputed from the advertisement of the property.

Handle A Person Fall Complaint

As the owner or manager of a business that is open to the public, you should have a plan in place to handle a customer who slips and falls in your establishment. If it hasn't happened to you yet, then it is best to be prepared because it is a common occurrence. Take a few of these steps to handle a customer slip and fall complaint.

Instructions

1. Prevent accidents in your place of business by placing a high premium on workplace safety. Make sure all employees are aware of hazards and how they can be avoided. Offer regular training and stiff discipline to those who do not follow safety practices.

2. Recognize the customer who slipped and acknowledge the person's distress. If someone comes up to your counter with a complaint after having fallen and gotten up, then you should not argue that it couldn't have been that bad if he or she is at your counter, apparently unharmed.

3. Offer a seat to the complaining customer and ask her what you can do. Being nice and offering to help can be the first step in preventing any further legal action by that person. Too often, managers dismiss complaints and customers are provoked into taking action.

4. Pay for the meal or products that the customer had come into your place to get. It is a small price to pay for a customer's continued loyalty. It, too, might be just enough to keep the customer from filing a formal complaint.

5. Call an ambulance if the customer cannot get up. Send a manager or other responsible person to the emergency room to keep tabs on the customer and report back to you what kind of issues are involved. You can bring the company insurance information and make sure that all bills are taken care of before the injured person has a chance to think about the situation and contact a lawyer.

6. Get a waiver of responsibility signed whenever you can. If the customer is satisfied with your immediate attention and small compensation, then get the person to sign a waiver of liability.

Handle A Person Complaint

In business, a customer complaint can affect the reputation of the business and needs to be handled appropriately. If you have several customers that have a bad experience, and the business chooses to ignore it or do nothing you will not only lose that business, but also the business of everyone they know. If a person has sent in a complaint by mail or by email and she receives a form letter response, it can increase dissatisfaction; the customer wants to be heard. Address a customer's complaint individually. There is a process that can be used to ensure customer complaints are handled effectively. This creates a relationship where the customer feels valued and returns in future.

Instructions

1. Apologize to the customer and refer specifically to the complaint. Apologizing shows that you acknowledge the complaint and are genuinely sorry for the issue. This should be done in your own words and with compassion. If you give a detailed response to the customer complaint, it also shows that you have put thought into the issue and have not brushed off the complaint as trivial.

2. Acknowledge the complaint as soon as it is received, whether a complaint is done in person or by mail and email. If it is in person, listen to the person's complaint without interruption. If it is by mail or email, send a response via letter or email telling the person you have received the complaint and will be in contact shortly.

3. Explain to the customer what you are doing to make it right. Don't make up excuses for a mistake that your business has made. Customers don't care about how it happened. Customers only care about what you are going to do to fix it. If you show that you are willing to fix a problem, you are more likely to satisfy them and continue doing business with them.

4. Tell them that future business is very important to you. Always provide the customer a way to reach you by phone or with your email address. Ask for their feedback on the way they handled the complaint and include a gift certificate asking for another chance to do business with them. Follow up on your email or letter. Ask the customer if they have been back in the store and what the experience was.

5. Write up the complaint. Include when you received the complaint, how the complaint was handled and any follow up contact you had with the customer. Include what can be done to avoid this complaint in the future. The more information you can include, the better able you will be to manage the complaint if it happens again.

Operate A Lender

The mortgage business is not extremely complicated; however, running a successful office can be. Simply knowing originate and write loans is usually not enough to run a profitable operation. To make your mortgage company successful, you must know hire the right people, manage your staff and have a solid referral system. Doing so takes time and some helpful industry tips.

Instructions

1. Know the business well. Managing a mortgage company requires industry knowledge and the ability to close loans quickly, especially those referred to you by real estate agents. Before you get into management or open your own shop, work for a lender or broker for at least three to five years (this is a requirement in some states). Learn how he runs his operation and turns loan application into funded deals. Attempting to start managing a company with little or no experience will likely result in difficulties making money and could ruin your reputation.

2. Monitor your overhead and profitability. As a manager or owner, you must know the amount of revenue you will need to keep your doors open and make a profit. For example, if your monthly expenses are $15,000, you must determine the amount of revenue you will need from each funded loan to pay your bills. Anything over and above your monthly expenses will represent your profit.

3. Hire an experienced processor. The success of your operation will largely depend on the ability of your processor. This means you will need someone that knows build solid mortgage files from single piles of paperwork. This person must also be able to communicate effectively with customers and referral sources. To get a qualified processor, look for people with at least two years' experience. If your firm is new, recruit people willing to help build a new company. Generally, loan processors are paid between $25,000 and $100,000, depending on experience and market location. Research other companies to determine what to pay your processor.

If your shop is large, hire at least one processing manager to oversee the production side of your business. If you must hire an inexperienced processor, train her thoroughly (see Resources).

4. Hire reputable loan officers. The mortgage business experiences significantly high turnover. Loan officers tend to get into the business to get rich quickly. When that doesn't happen, some tend to jump from company to company. Avoid job-hoppers by bringing on board only professionals with a minimum of three to five years of experience working with only one or two companies. Require all applicants to produce documentation (W-2s or tax returns) of their ability to close solid loans. Look for loan officers who need little direction and are comfortable working on commission.

5. Thoroughly train your loan officers. Because loan officers typically work on commission, it is common for many of them to develop habits that may not be suitable to the way your company does business. Spend time with each representative individually and with all your representatives as a team and train them on your policies. Conduct weekly sales meetings. If you must hire green originators, assign a senior loan officer to train them so they don't make mistakes that could ruin your reputation (see Resources).

Require all loan officers to meet regularly with your processor. Have your processor keep your originators aware of the status of each loan in their pipeline.

6. Pay your loan officers what they're worth. Research other companies in your market. Find out what their loan officers make in terms of commission splits. It's common for loan officers to be paid at least half of all revenue they bring to their companies. For more experienced originators, higher commissions splits are often paid. Be competitive.

7. Monitor licenses carefully. Depending on your state, each of your loan officers may need to be licensed to originate mortgages. Each month, tell your loan officers the status of their licenses to keep them aware of when they must renew their licenses or complete continuing education. If your state requires individual licenses, do not hire loan officers unless they've taken the required tests and obtained a license.

Always keep your company license valid and up to date.

8. Know your products. While all mortgage loans are relatively the same, some contain specific requirements and unique terms. This means you and your loan officers must understand what underwriters will require on every file. At least once a month, conduct a compliance meeting to review each product requirement. This will allow processors the opportunity to communicate with loan officers about things they need to improve.

9. Keep orderly records. Designate an area, preferably a closet or spare office, as your records room. Store all closed files in banker's boxes or filing cabinets. File them in alphabetical order. This will allow you to refer to them as needed or at the request of an auditor. Keep the door locked at all times.

10. Develop a strong referral network. Successful mortgage companies are those with a steady flow of new applicants. Network with Realtors often. The best way to get to know agents is to attend their sales meetings and networking events. Distribute business cards and fliers regularly. Attorneys' financial planners and insurance agents are also good sources of business.

11. Build a strong network of associates. Work only with reputable title companies, appraisers and fellow lenders. These are the professionals that will help you close loans quickly and efficiently. Ask other mortgage professionals who does the best job appraising real estate and providing title, escrow or abstract services.

Grow Tomato plants In Uganda

Tomatoes are a major crop in Uganda.

According to research conducted by Ohio State University, "Uganda is an agrarian nation with more than 80 percent of its population engaged in small-farm agriculture." Needless to say, tomato production is an important part of Uganda's economy, as well as a food source for its people. However, Uganda's rainy season makes tomato plants very susceptible to diseases and pests. For the home gardener in Uganda, growing tomatoes is a challenge best met with planning and careful maintenance.

Instructions

1. Buy tomato seedlings carefully. There are many varieties in Uganda, but only a few of them are disease- and wilt-resistant. Contact the Office of International Programs in Agriculture to find where to obtain these plants. Plan to plant tomatoes in mid-February.

2. Choose a planting site that has good air circulation and receives at least eight hours of direct sunlight per day. Prepare soil for planting tomatoes in Uganda by tilling it to a depth of 8 inches, adding local organic compost to the soil as you go. Rake and cultivate until you have a loose, fine, deep soil mix.

3. Plant tomato seedlings 18 inches apart. Drive a stake near each plant, and tie it loosely with plant ties. Do not allow tomato plants to grow along the ground--the tomatoes will rot during the rainy season (March through May).

4. Keep a sharp eye on tomato plants during the growing season and continue training the plants with stakes and ties as they grow heavy with tomatoes. If aphids or other insects appear, get a spray bottle full of water mixed with 1 tsp. of dishwashing liquid and spray the leaves as necessary.

5. Control weeds near tomato plants by pulling them as they appear to reduce competition for nutrients. Avoid using herbicides. Water plants only when the soil is dry to the touch.

The Pyramid Of Social Responsibility

Corporations have struggled with the changing idea that financial gain is not the only responsibility they have to shareholders, employees, consumers and the environment. This idea of greater responsibility was introduced in the 1960s, but legislature did not require change until the 1970s. Government legislation began with the adoption of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The pyramid of social responsibility involves a four-tiered moral approach to administration regarding economic, legal, ethical and philanthropic responsibilities.

The Base of the Pyramid: Economic Responsibilities

Economic responsibilities are the base of the pyramid, the beginning of a fair and just social responsibility. Beginning early in the establishment of society, businesses were maintained solely as an economic structure. The exchange of money for goods and services was the main goal of a business; earnings predicated all other attributes. Laws were implemented to require just and fair responsibilities to every facet of a business. The importance of the individual and society superseded a profit-only outlook.

The Second Pyramid Layer: Legal Responsibilities

Legal responsibilities are the next layer of the pyramid. Although this legal aspect is a tier on its own, it merges with the economic responsibilities. Earnings are still important, but a legal guideline is established to ensure fairness while maintaining profits. Legal guidelines state that businesses are required to comply with laws and regulations set by the government while still maintaining profitable economic gains.

The Third Layer of the Pyramid: Ethical Responsibilities

Ethical responsibilities regard the standards, expectations and norms that are seen as fair by all entities involved, such as the community, consumers, shareholders and employees. These are the agreed-upon moral obligations of the business. Ethics are controversial and often are the basis of constant debate. What one person sees as unethical, another sees as perfectly fine. These debates of ethics are ever-changing and lead to the introduction of new regulations and laws.

The Top of the Pyramid: Philanthropic Responsibilities

Philanthropic responsibilities are the tip of the pyramid. Philanthropic responsibilities regard the expectations of corporate citizens, encouraging the promotion of concern and the well-being of the community. These are not actions that are required by law, but rather actions to build a secure community. Although greatly desired, philanthropy is not required and is considered less important than the economic, legal and ethical expectations.

Finance Consultant Salary

Because of the high wages that come with this occupation, competition for finance consultant position tends to be fierce. A financial analyst can have a bachelor's or master's degree as well as licenses and certifications, and is hired by a variety of businesses and organizations to consult on making investments and other financial decisions. The salary earned by a financial consultant depends on the type of employer he works for as well as location.

Average Salary

The average annual salary in the United States for financial consultants was $85,240 as of May, 2009, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest ten percent of those with this occupation earned an average salary of $44,080, while those in the highest ten percent earned an average of $139,350.

Industry

The finance industry has the highest level of employment of financial consultants, offering a mean annual wage of $111,490, followed by management of companies and enterprises at $79,420. After financial investment activities, the industry of securities and commodity exchanges is the highest, paying at an annual mean wage of $105,820. Financial consultants working for insurance carriers earn an average salary of $74,980, while those in depository credit intermediation earn an average of $76,120.

Location

The demand for finance consultants varies depending on the area, as does cost of living, both of which play a role in salaries. The San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, California, area is the top-paying area in the United States for finance consultants at $119,630, although California itself is only the second-highest paying state for this occupation at $96,960. New York is the top-paying state overall with an annual mean wage of $107,650.

Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the "overall employment of financial analysts is expected to increase by 20 percent during the 2008--18 decade, which is much faster than the average for all occupations." Financial analysts and consultants tend to advance in their field, and subsequently earn a higher salary, by moving into a position were they are responsible for bigger or more valuable products or where they supervise a team of financial consultants.

Beautifully Decline Employment Offer

If you decide a job isn't right for you after all, you can still decline in a polite, respectful manner.

While it sounds like a dream situation, finding yourself in the position where you must decline a job offer can be a sensitive ordeal that you must handle tastefully. Whether you've accepted a different job, or have simply realized this job is not right for you, it is wise to leave the employer with the best impression of you possible. Before contacting the employer to tell him of your decision, prepare what you are going to say to decline the offer in the most graceful way possible.

Instructions

1. Mention the reasons you like the company and applied for the job to begin with first. Reiterate to the employer tastefully that you feel confident in your ability to handle the job and that you stand by your claim in the interview to be the best candidate for the position.

2. Point out your reason for declining the job in a way that is respectful to the company. While you can and should be honest, avoid blatantly saying something disparaging about the company. Instead, simply focus on why, at this time, the job is not the right fit for you.

3. Thank the employer for his offer. If applicable, indicate that you hope to be considered for future opportunities with the company.

What Exactly Are Free Trade Zones

Free trade zones make it possible for the continued expansion of a global economy.

Since the end of World War II, the economies of the world's countries have become increasingly intertwined. For many countries, international trade generates a significant portion of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP). International trade gives countries access to products or raw materials produced in other countries. The trade of oil, for example, is essential for countries that have no natural oil resources of their own. Other goods that are traded across borders include shoes, toys, cloth and electronics. Free trade zones were established to make the trade of these good easier.

Definition of Free Trade Zone

A free trade zone is an area within a country that allows unrestricted international trade. In these zones, trade is not limited by customs, trade tariffs or other barriers that can impede the exchange of goods. Transnational corporations use free trade zones to ship their products across national borders. Lifting customs regulations and tariffs allows faster turnaround of trade ships and planes and lowers the cost of trade to encourage companies to do business in foreign countries.

Purpose of Free Trade Zones

Aside from removing restrictions that make international trade a hassle, free trade zones help spur economic growth. This is especially true in developing countries. Free trade zones help encourage international trade and increase foreign exchange earnings. Job opportunities are also available at free trade zones, decreasing unemployment rates.

Locations

Free trade zones can be found in more than 116 countries. They are located mostly in developing countries because of the zones' ability to improve the economy. They have also been established in developed countries such as the United States, however. Latin American nations were the first countries to draw attention to free trade zones. These zones have since spread across the world and can be found in countries such as Brazil, Bangladesh and Taiwan. Most free trade zones are located at seaports and international airports, where trade is most likely to occur.

Free Trade Agreements

In some cases, countries make agreements with one another that open up an entire region to unrestricted trade. The European Union (EU) is an example of this. Within the member nations of the EU, goods can be moved freely across borders without customs restrictions or trade tariffs. The North American Free Trade Agreement states that the borders between Canada, the United States and Mexico are open to free trade as well.

Find Scam Free Data Entry Work At Home

Find Scam Free Data Entry Work From Home

If you searched for Data Entry jobs from home, then you must already know that most of the opportunities found online today are outright scams. With the current state of the economy, and the growth of the internet, many people are searching for ways to make money from home. You must be very careful not to get involved with worthless so called "opportunities" that won't make you a single dime. So, the key question remains, are there any legitimate data entry work from home opportunities available out there today? Definitely. This article will explain in greater detail, the various options available to you.

You can finally earn money from home online by joining the business I listed in my Resources Box below this article.

Instructions

1. Recently, there have been many people who have found data entry jobs supplied by membership sites. Some of these sites charge a nominal membership fee and provide you with many data entry opportunities and job listings. These sites will provide you with software support and training at no extra cost. Your job will simply consist of posting short data submissions online and the more time you have to commit to these programs, the more you will earn.

To earn money online in any economy, click on the link in my Resources Box below this article.

2. There are also companies that offer global work at home data entry opportunities. These global opportunities usually pay more than traditional data entry from home positions. Most of these positions require no previous experience and are available all over the world. If you can type and have an internet connection, you will be able to perform the required tasks.

Create your own business online by joining the opportunity that I listed in my Resources Box below this article.

3. You must understand that data entry work from home jobs usually include you performing various varieties of tasks such as: data recording, data entry, clerical and medical transcription, phone transcription, fulfilling orders, etc. So if this type of work is something that you are capable of performing effectively, data entry work from home might be a good match for you.

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Promote On The Internet

Google offers marketing opportunities to amateurs and professionals alike.

Throughout the past decade Google has created a marketing package that provides multiple methods to promote through Google. The combination of Google's free advertising tools, opportunities to increase a ranking on the Google search engine and Google paid advertising strategies interact, allowing a marketer to use multiple marketing strategies all under one roof. Non-professional marketers can also use the Google promotional tools.

Instructions

SEO

1. Optimize your website to enable the Google search engine to find it and rank it. A high ranking enables searchers to see your website immediately when they search for terms that you wish to promote.

2. Embed keywords in your website that will attract people who conduct searches for products or services that you provide.

3. Create links among your site's pages to increase the site's visibility to the Google search engine.

4. Reduce the number of your site's webpages that you restrict by logins, cookies, frames or input pages.

5. Include a sitemap on your website. Place metatags and heading tags on all your website's pages.

6. Create unique page titles for all your webpages. Check to ensure that your webpages' titles accurately reflect the webpage's content.

Google Adwords

7. Start a Google Adwords campaign. Google Adwords allows you to promote by creating an ad that targets individuals whose Internet activity indicates that they would find your service or product of interest.

8. Sign up for Google Adwords and create an ad. Refine your keywords to target people who search for similar keywords.

9. Provide Google with your credit card number and select your budget. Google will place your ad as "impressions" on the side of user's screens when they undertake searches on the Google search engine with similar keywords. The number of impressions that Google creates depends on your budget limit.

Google Webmaster

10. Use Google Webmaster tools to increase traffic to your website. Sign up for Google Webmaster and indicate the website that you manage.

11. Check the errors that the webmaster finds in your website. Fix any errors so that all of your webpages appear on the Google search engine.

12. Observe the webmaster tools link information to note which other sites link to your website. Contact sites with which you wish to crosslink to create mutual links.

13. Note your website's most successful webpages. Refine your website to bring more traffic to these pages and use those webpages to encourage visitor to visit other webpages on your site.

Provide A Speech As If You're Telling A Tale

Giving memorable speeches has a lot in common with good storytelling. A good storyteller captivates his audience with a story. A good speaker captivates his business audience with a good speech. In the world of business, speeches are the art of telling a persuasive, yet informative and entertaining story. The craft is in the writing and the art is in the storytelling.

Instructions

1. Watch good storytellers and look for the elements of good storytelling. What is it that you like about their performance? What elements do you think work well and that also suit your style and delivery of a good story? How is a topic delivered and how does the speaker carry herself. All of these elements can be drawn upon when creating your message and speaking strategy.

2. Determine exactly what it is you want your listeners to get from your speech. Business leaders speak to audiences to motivate them, as well as to inform and entertain them. Business people do not attend the keynote speech at a conference just to be entertained. They expect to get something out of the speech, as well. They expect information and motivation that will improve their sales skills or other skills important to business.

3. Be clear on the answers to these three key questions as you prepare "your story" or speech for a business audience: Who is your audience? Why are you giving this speech? What do you expect to accomplish in your speech? Your answers to these questions will guide you through the process of preparing and delivering the message in your speech.

4. Put together your skills to deliver your insight into some aspect of business whether it is finance, banking, investments or sales. Good storytelling is powerful and can motivate people, as well as entertain them. Your influence as a speaker is powerful. It is your words, body language, facial expressions and interpretations that can take a hum-drum speech and make it meaningful to your target audiences.

5. Incorporate an effective, purposeful story into your speech. Select stories that are a good match for your storytelling skills. Be selective in your choice of stories and then put yourself into the mix by practicing your delivery so that it is woven into the purpose or objective of your speech.

6. Demonstrate your experience and expertise through the course of your story. Mention your background or reason for being there, but show them in the crafting and delivery of your speech.

7. Show them you are happy to be there to deliver your speech. Be engaging, animated and use facial expressions and body language to emphasize the content of your speech in an entertaining way.

8. Emphasize the points you want to make as though you are revealing the plot of a fascinating story. Sequence your points so that they are right there with you through the unveiling of your message.

9. Watch your audience so that you can gauge their comprehension and enjoyment of your speech

10. Practice your pacing: your words, movement and facial expressions so that they work for you, resulting in an artful blend of storytelling elements.

Provide A Presentation Around The Financial Information Of The Company

Financial statements reveal how healthy a company is.

Presentations that reveal or share a company's financial history help prospective employees decide whether or not they want to work at a firm. The information is also used to help investors and potential clients determine if they want to do business with the company. Highlighting facts, trends, challenges and triumphs during the presentation allows audience members to receive an honest view of an organization.

Instructions

1. Provide an overview of the company, including the date that the company was founded, the name of the firm's current CEO and the city and state where the firm is headquartered. Tell the audience whether or not the company is a non-profit or for profit organization. Also indicate whether or not the company is privately or publicly owned. If the company is publicly owned, list stock market events that are impacting the industry the company is in. For example, banks saw a reduction in their profits during the mortgage crisis of 2007. This information helps to explain sudden shifts in the company's profits and losses.

2. Create a financial statement that shows the company's assets (e.g. net sales, total sales) and liabilities (e.g. employee salaries, acquisition closing costs). Separate liabilities by fixed (e.g. taxes) and non-fixed (e.g. acquisition costs) on separate lines on the spreadsheet. If you are using an overhead, copy and paste the financial statement onto a PowerPoint slide or other software package that you are using.

3. Highlight major activities that the company recently completed. Acquisitions, layoffs and company relocations are types of events that fall under this category. For example, you could state that a financial investment firm purchased a mortgage company over the last three months for $12 million and that the purchase brought 350 employees from the mortgage company to the investment firm. Also indicate whether or not the investment firm laid off employees from the mortgage company, and if so, how many. Use bulleted lists to highlight the major activities. Limit highlights to six to seven activities.

4. Provide a list of transactions that the company is in the process of closing on but that remain open. For example, if a training firm is relocating one third of its employees from New York, New York to Dallas, Texas, indicate this. Indicate how much the relocation will cost and when the transaction is expected to be finalized. Also interview senior business leaders at the company and find out why the company is making the change. Include a brief statement, two sentences is sufficient, that explains why the transactions are occurring at the bottom of the list of outstanding transactions.

5. Build pie and bar charts to compare product sales for the top three firms in the industry so your audience members will know how well the company is doing versus its competitors. Create graphs to track how the company's net or total assets grew over the last three to five years. One chart or graph per slide is sufficient. Ensure that the font size on the charts and graphs is large enough for audience members to see.

6. Summarize your data. Discuss trends in the industry that provide opportunities for the company to grow its profits. Allow time for audience members to ask questions. Also bring printed copies of your presentation with you so that they are available for audience members to take home upon request.

Decide Between Conference Sponsorships

Sponsoring a conference might be costly, but the reward could be new business relationships.

Sponsoring conferences is a popular way to market your business and support industry partners. In today's economy, many businesses are facing limited budgets and making more cost-conscious decisions, forcing them to be very selective in their sponsorship efforts. When deciding on sponsoring a conference, consider the investment, who you are targeting and how the sponsorship will affect your brand.

Instructions

1. Calculate return on investment. The No. 1 factor in deciding which conference to sponsor is return on investment (ROI). Essentially, if one of your conference options has less potential to provide a positive return, then you will want to consider an alternative option.

2. Consider demographics. Sponsor events that provide the greatest opportunity for you to have face time and advertising opportunities with your desired demographic and key decision makers. Research each event, and work closely with the conference coordinator. In many cases, sponsors can receive a participant list upon request. This will save a lot of time and could potentially open doors before the conference to potential revenue sources.

3. Price the conference. While many companies could benefit from participating in larger conference sponsorships, it's important to take into account the expenses that go into such an event. Conference sponsorship fees, display/vendor booth transportation, traveling fees and loss of daily productivity must be calculated, and compared to the expected ROI.

4. Determine the effect on your brand. In most cases, conference sponsorships provide opportunity for brand marketing; advertising, product display and client interaction. The key to brand marketing at a conference is positioning. When investing in a sponsorship, your product should be displayed in a manner that allows for visibility. Positioning your product in the highest traffic area will provide greater added value to your sponsorship, and will assist in your overall effort of achieving a positive ROI.

Develop A Renovator Service

Starting a handyman business can be a challenge, and finding ways to keep the business coming in can be hard work as well. When it comes to building your handyman business, you need to know what tools to use, when to use them and get your current customers to be the source for new work. After you have put out your initial advertisements and done your first few jobs, the task of continuously marketing your handyman business begins.

Instructions

Building a Handyman Business

1. Put up flyers in public places that allow businesses to market themselves as an ongoing task. Make sure the flyers have your company name and phone number on a tear-off tab that people can take with them.

2. Give current customers a referral sheet that tells them that for every new customer they send your way, you will give them a $20 finder's fee. Happy customers make the best sales people.

3. Give out business cards whenever you are talking to someone and they mention the need for handyman services. This includes any business contacts you make and any social networking gatherings you go to.

4. Visit real estate companies, real estate law firms and general contractors on your down-time to give out your business cards and offer your services as a handyman who can get the small jobs done quickly.

5. Continue training on the areas of home remodeling and construction that you are not especially familiar with, and continue to add to your collection of job-related tools. The more you know and the better-prepared you are, the more work you are ready to do on a moment's notice.

Write A Prospecting E-newsletter

You want to get more business so you create a newsletter to entice customers to your company or your website. The newsletter can inform people about your products and services. Follow these tips to write a lead generation newsletter as a marketing tool for your company.

Instructions

1. Use a newsletter template to design your newsletter. Templates are outlines of common newsletter formats. You can find templates in Microsoft Word or Microsoft Publisher. You can also design your own using a blank page.

2. Design the newsletter well. Place your company name in bold letters at the top of the page. Add interesting graphics and plenty of white space. White space breaks up the text so readers can scan the page for the information they need.

3. Use readable fonts like Arial and Times New Roman. Add headings to each block of information so the reader can find what they need.

4. Know your audience. Create an informative newsletter the clients will enjoy reading. Provide useful information that readers will want to receive not something that comes across as advertising.

5. Use industry specific terminology. You're in the know. Talk the industry lingo and readers will trust your knowledge.

6. Offer something free like resources, coupons or instructional information. Make the newsletter useful so the reader looks forward to the next one.

7. Ask the reader to contact you or visit your business or website. Tell the reader why they need your products and services.

8. Include contact information like a website, a phone number, an email address or a business address.

Get The Relationship From A Rut

Relationships will naturally have ups and downs.

"This too shall pass" is an ancient proverb, and the expression is so true when it comes to relationships. No matter how great the relationship is in the beginning, it will eventually cool. Fortunately, the proverb applies to the other side of the fence as well. Once the magic dies down, it does not mean it is gone forever. Ruts happen in relationships, but this does not mean both parties have to sit and live in them. Through action and determination, this rut too shall pass.

Instructions

1. Holding hands as you stroll on an exotic beach is a perfect way to get out of a rut.

Go on vacation somewhere really cool. Travel has a way of bringing out the best in everyone. Go walk the Great Wall of China together, or snorkle the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. If this is too adventurous, then just take off for Vegas, Mexico, or Florida. The more entertaining the experience, the more of a bond will be forged, a bond which will give rise to memories you both will cherish forever.

2. Take some time away from each other. This is the opposite side of the spectrum from Step 1, but it can be equally effective. Go on separate trips and see friends apart from each other. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, they say. When in a rut, it is important to do something different. Couples must break the routine; if too much time is spent together, maybe a short hiatus would be a good idea.

3. Surprise your loved one with an unexpected gift or flowers. It is not necessary to wait for birthdays or anniversaries to do a nice favor for the one you love. Ruts happen when relationships get stale, and the same behaviors are repeated to the point of boredom. A sudden change in routine is sometimes all it takes to break the ice.

4. Talk honestly with your partner. When you're in a rut, both of you will know it, but sometimes the effort to break out can seem more difficult than just going with the flow. Sitting down with your partner and simply saying "Hey, we need to fix this. What do you think?" is the beginning of a dialogue that can snap the two of you out of your boring routine and headed toward better times.

Get The Product Trademarked

According to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, a trademark is a word, phrase, symbol or design used to distinguish the goods and services of one party from another. Prior to registering the mark, a business owner can use the letters TM beside the mark to inform others that the item is considered a trademark of the company. Once the trademark is accepted and registered with the USPTO, the owner of the trademark would use the federal registration symbol -- ® -- instead. Although you can hire an attorney to file the registration for you, the USPTO gives you the opportunity to do it yourself.

Instructions

1. Decide if you want to submit an online application or an application through the mail. Online applications are submitted at USPTO.gov. To obtain a printed application, you must call the USPTO and request a paper form.

2. Search the USPTO database to ensure that the mark is not registered already. If the mark was once registered but the registration has expired, you can submit an application to trademark it. If the mark has an active trademark registration, you cannot register it. You will have to wait for the mark to expire or select a different one to trademark.

3. Complete the online application using the Trademark Electronic Application System on USPTO.gov. On the site, you will select either the TEAS application or the TEAS Plus application, and pay the applicable fee. The TEAS application is the standard form that most filers use and has a fee of $325. The TEAS Plus application is a streamlined version and, therefore, has a lower fee of $275. The TEAS Plus has stricter requirements that you must meet , such as filing a complete application, since almost all fields are mandatory, and the goods and/or services you're registering on the application must appear within the USPTO's Acceptable Identification of Goods and Services Manual. The full list of requirements are clearly listed on the USPTO site. Once completed, the system will allow you to electronically sign the application as well.

4. Wait for the USPTO to review your application. The application is assigned to a patent attorney roughly three months after you submit it. The USPTO will contact you once a decision has been reached. This process can take anywhere from one year to several years, depending upon the complexities of your particular case. The USPTO suggests checking the status of your application online every three to four months. You can do so by using the Trademark Application and Registration Retrieval Database located online at tarr.uspto.gov.

Get The New Vehicle Below Msrp

A little research can save you money when you buy a new car.

Buying a new car can be challenging, especially if you lack negotiating skills. The goal of every car dealer is to sell a car at the manufacturer's suggested retail price, or MSRP, which is always higher than the invoice price, the actual price the dealer pays the car maker for the vehicle. According to CarsDirect.com, the MSRP at most dealerships is 10 to 15 percent higher than invoice price. But with a little preparation, you can buy that prized new vehicle below MSRP.

Instructions

1. Obtain the invoice price of the new car you want to buy. Visit the Internet and type "Vehicle invoice prices" to access sites such as Edmunds.com, which provide invoice price information on hundreds of cars, and tell you what other car buyers are paying for the same vehicle you want to buy.

2. Price the new vehicle with your desired options, but know that the more options you choose, the less chance you will have to buy the car below MSRP. Limit your options to only those that are necessary.

3. Determine a "ceiling" price that is below MSRP. Establish the highest amount you are willing to pay, while still keeping that figure below MSRP. For example, if the new vehicle you want has an invoice price of $17,000 and an MSRP of $20,000, your "ceiling price" should fall between those two figures with your options included.

4. Look through newspaper ads to see what dealerships are offering the best prices on the car you want. Obtain online quotes as well and print out the best offers you receive.

5. Visit the car dealer, armed with all your information. Tell the sales person what car you want to buy and explain to him that you know the invoice price, and you want to buy the car for close to that amount. Because you know your "ceiling" figure is between MSRP and invoice, you're already below MSRP when you state your opening price.

6. Stay calm and resolute during the negotiation. The salesperson will likely tell you she's losing money if she meets your price, but because of your research you know that's not true. Even vehicles sold at invoice typically generate a 10 percent profit, according to CarsDirect.com. (see reference 1 for source)

7. Show the salesperson competing Internet offers and prices from other dealerships if negotiations begin to stall. In many cases, once a salesperson knows you've done your homework, he will be more willing to negotiate in good faith to arrive at a compromise.

Get A Refund From An Online Scam

No one likes being ripped off from an Internet scam. In most such cases an individual buys a product or service from someone on the other end of the Internet and that individual never receives the product or service. The steps you take next will determine whether you get your money back.

Instructions

1. Gather all electronic transmissions and/or documentation between you and the seller. If you incurred any expenses up to this point, make sure you have proof of all expenses as well. Be sure to keep these items in a secure place, as you may need them during your efforts to retrieve your money.

2. Contact PayPal, your credit card company, your bank or whichever entity you utilized to purchase the product. If you used your credit card, contact your financial institution letting the representatives know what has transpired. Be sure to get and keep a copy of the statement that shows the transaction. Document what is said and when. If you used PayPal, they will help you with a dispute against the seller. There are steps that can be followed to freeze current assets of the seller. Go to PayPal.com to find out whom to contact and how.

3. Touch base with the site that advertised the item. This could be eBay, a newspaper classified ad or Craigslist. Again, be sure and document the contact and record any information given. Follow any and all instructions given. In the instance of eBay, they will be able to give you demographic information. Get as much information as the advertiser is willing to provide regarding the seller for your records.

4. Continue to contact the seller via email. Even if you get no response, the seller will know that you are pursuing the matter. Do not attempt contact the person in person or by phone. Refrain from being belligerent or using curse words. Continue to document any contact made or received.

5. Call your local law enforcement agency and the law enforcement agency overseeing the area of the seller. File a report. Keep in mind that they may or may not do anything. But at least a report will be filed. Be sure to get a copy of the report to keep with your other documentation regarding the fraud.

6. Be patient and be cautious. It may take weeks or even months for an investigation to be completed.

7. File a claim against the person or company behind the Internet scam. Do this with your state attorney general's office. You should also hire an attorney to file a civil lawsuit against the Internet scam person or company, if none of the other steps have retrieved your money.

Take Into Account A Lease Liability On The Income Statement

Under Financial Accounting Standards Board rules, how you record your lease liability on your cash flow statement depends on the type of lease you own. There are two types of leases: Operating and capital leases. In the case of operating leases, the lessor retains the assets and liability of owning it on its balance sheet. Among capital leases, direct-financing and sales-type leases receive different accounting treatment on the financial statements because they allow you to enjoy the benefits of ownership such tax deduction for depreciation and interest expense associated with the lease.

Instructions

Operating Leases

1. Create a general account for the leased asset. This creates a T account which records debits on the left and a credit on the right. A T-account is a visual aid used by accountants and accounting software programs to show a journal entry's effect on the general ledger accounts.

2. Debit the lease payment in the Rent expense account you created for the operating lease. Credit the same amount to the cash account. This appears as a cash outflow in the cash flow statement. Because the lease is an operating lease, it appears as part of your operating expense.

3. Include your lease payment as part of your operating expenses in the cash flow statement. Under an operating lease, you rent the assets. The FASB requires that you record the rental expense under operating activities. The lease payments should be included as part of working capital, which is the difference between your short-term assets and short-term liabilities.

Capital Lease

4. Create a general ledger account for the capital lease asset. For example, if you leased a computer server, create an account called, "Computer Server" in the general ledger account. This automatically establishes a T account for the computer asset. If you lease a computer server for $4,000, debit $4,000 to the "Computer Server" T-account and credit the same amount under Capital Lease Obligation.

5. Record the annual lease payments. Because it is a capital lease, you must record the lease payments that include interest expense and your capital lease obligation separately. A capital lease is a commitment to the lessor similar to borrower financing, so it should be treated as a debt that includes interest expense. For example, given an effective borrowing rate of 8 percent and annual lease payments of $1,240, the interest expense is $320 in year 1. The capital lease obligation is the difference or $920 ($1,240 - $320). Debit interest expense and capital lease obligation for $320 and $920, respectively. Credit cash for $1,240.

6. Record the two components of the lease payment under cash flow from operating activities. List $320 of interest expense and $920 in capital lease obligation. Because this is a capital lease, you also record depreciation expense. For example, if the computer server has a five-year life, using straight-line depreciation, the annual depreciation expense is $800. Since depreciation is a non-cash expense, add $800 back to net income when you list cash flow from operating activities.

Literary Styles For A Reading through Conference

Reading conferences help us understand and appreciate books and introduce us to new authors. The books discussed determine the themes chosen for a literary conference,. However, some themes, such as symbolism in novels and poems, the individual and society, and alienation, can lead to a deeper understanding of literature.

Individual And Society

Books focusing on the relationship between the individual and society pit people against their environment to develop character and create narrative tension and interest. In Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women," the four young protagonists, Jo, Beth, Meg and Amy, struggle against poverty and adversity in 19th century New England. Through this, they develop strength of character and learn that kindness, self belief and loyalty to friends and family are more important than material possessions.

Alienation

Modern novels and poems sometimes explore alienation and can affirm the importance of the individual, while questioning the cultural conditions of loneliness and isolation. Jack Kerouac's novel, "On The Road" explores young people's alienation amid post-war commercialism of 1950s America, while expressing empathy and solidarity with the poor and dispossessed.

Symbolism

Symbolism is a compelling theme because it enriches literature and adds to its meaning. Symbols can represent emotional states not immediately obvious to the reader. Weather, for example, is often symbolic of a character's emotional state or circumstances. Landscape is also symbolic; a spring meadow may symbolize hope and regeneration, while a bleak winter's day can represent despair and stagnation. In "The Great Gatsby," the green light on the bay near Daisy Buchanan's house symbolizes hope for the future as well as Gatsby's illusions and inner longings. The green light is a symbol that operates on many levels.

Relationships

Relationships offer numerous possibilities for literary themes, including advantages or disadvantages of marriage, the dangers of sacrifice or that some people can survive without relationships. The hero of Daniel Defoe's book, "Robinson Crusoe," becomes self-sufficient when he is stranded on a desert island.

Growing Up

Themes exploring the transition from childhood to adulthood can focus on identity, the meaning of childhood or the challenges in growing up and developing self-confidence. Louisa May Allcott's "Anne of Green Gables" explores the conflict a young orphan faces between imagination and reality when she moves to a new home in Prince Edward Island, Canada.

Find Free Movie Trailers To Look At

Free Movie Trailers to Watch

While nothing compares to seeing them on the big screen, you can find free movie trailers to watch on the Internet much more easily and for a far lower cost. More and more, studios are releasing them online for free viewing and download, many times in HD video, in order to further promote their products beyond the theatre. There are a number of places on the Internet to find free movie trailers to watch, though the ones listed below are primarily official distribution sites for the studios.

Instructions

1. Find the official website for the film in question. Many studios will provide not only free movie trailers to watch on the official sites of their productions, but other promotional materials such as: wallpapers, TV commercials, information about the film and its characters, and more.

2. Visit Apple's website to find a huge number of free movie trailers to watch. The ones available here are also available on the iTunes music store. The benefit of downloading them from Apple is that they are available not only in HD, but also in the proper format to be transferred to the iPod or another portable media player.

3. Go to Hulu to find streaming options for free movie trailers to watch. Here, you will also find full TV shows and older films to watch online for free. New TV shows are usually available from one day to one week from their original air date, and various older shows and films are available as licensing allows.

4. Check AOL's Moviefone website to find not only free movie trailers to watch, but also local theatre listings and show times. Some theatres even allow for tickets to be purchased online in order to save time waiting in line.

Get The Advertisements On Cable Television

Television has come a long way since the days of rabbit ears and midnight sign-offs.

A report issued by the Cabletelevision Advertising Bureau (CAB) showed that, during March of 2011, cable advertising captured 68% of Nielsen primetime rating points for adult viewers aged 18 to 49. An analysis conducted by Target Cast TCM, an independent New York media agency, also revealed that, for the first quarter of 2011, the average unit cost for an ad run on one of the top 15 destinations for adults on ad-supported cable was $13,100, while a network spot averaged $108,956. The ability to reach a wide audience through cable ads is more accessible than ever, even for a tight advertising budget.

Instructions

Understanding Cable Advertising

1. Research ad-supported cable television to capitalize on its uniqueness. The most significant distinction is that network television reaches many different audiences by offering a variety of programming such as news, soap operas and sports. Cable television, through the proliferation of specialized channels such as Fox News, Lifetime and ESPN, delivers on a channel basis, making audiences available all day-everyday, not just at prescribed times.

2. Identify your objectives and the markets you want your message to reach. Cable television, unlike network television, allows you to target specific audiences.

3. Look into the costs of ad-supported cable advertising. Cable costs vary greatly, depending on where you want your ad to run, the time slot, time of year and the size of your audience. In New York City suburbs, for instance, a 30-second spot running on CNN or ESPN can be purchased for as little as $25.

4. Procure zone maps from your cable provider detailing the areas where you want to focus your advertising dollars. Write down the spot rates, coverage areas and volume or multiple spot purchasing plans offered by your cable provider.

Planning and Implementation

5. Build a media plan based on your advertising budget which details where and when you will run your ads.

6. Place your order early to ensure you get the times and channels you want at the lowest price possible.

7. Shop for discount pricing. Non-primetime spots, long term contracts and volume purchasing provide cost savings. January is a good time to negotiate with cable representatives eager to attract full year contracts.

8. Stay in charge of the negotiations. Sales strategies are designed to increase sales, not necessarily your advertising effectiveness.

9. Hire professionals. The digital era of television has lead to the growth of small production companies -- many as small as one or two people -- that offer quality work at competitive rates. Examine their previous work to determine the right fit for you.

10. Plan your commercial carefully as revisions are costly. Keep it simple and convey your message with enthusiasm.