Writing Articles

You say, I can't write an article, I have no knowledge of writing. Let me tell you yes you can!

Why write an article?

It can help you build your business! Yes, writing articles can help build your business. You say how can this help? First, imagine if you will, you have posted your article in an online publication, it has been accepted to be posted online (we will cover how to submit your article latter). Now all of a sudden you have 100 people reading your article, think of what could happen if out of that 100, 10 visit your website or email you for more information about what you are doing.

What has just happened? You have created some potential affiliates or buyers for your products.

If you have a website this can help your rankings in the search engines.

How to start:

1. Think of a subject that you have knowledge of! It can be from cooking to website marketing anything you know is good! You can even ask you favorite relative, friends, whoever for some help, by using their knowledge on a certain subject.

2. Keep notes of what you want to write, the notes should be kept in the order you want to write. This may take you a while to organize but it is well worth the time. This way when you start writing you will not get confused on what you wanted to start with and the order you want to write it.

3. Use a good word processor that can help you with your grammar. I use Microsoft Word; it allows me to set it up to write formal letters it will even give you definitions of why you should change the grammar.

4. Start your writing! Simple isn't it?

5. At the end add a recourse box, with you name, email or website, for example; Joe Smith is an Independent SFI Marketing Group Representative. You may contact him here then post your website or email.

6. Also, include that is free for reprint as long as the resource box stays intact.

Where to place your articles:

Now that you have written your first article, what's next?

1. Find a group to join that welcomes articles.

2. Submit your article to free enzines (on line magazines, on line publications) Do searches for free article submissions sites submit your article. If they like it they will post it, and instantly you are an author!

3. Email me your article and I will post it on my website. I will give you some constructive criticism if there is something I feel you can do better on.

Pretty simple, and you thought you couldn't be an author! Congratulations you are!

About The Author

William C. Wilson Sr.

Is an Independent SFI Marketing Group Representative

http://www.great-homebusiness.com

The Ultimate Time Management Tips: 5 Steps To Reaching Your Goals With Minimum Work

Would you like to know how to get 10 times more done in a day than most people do in a week, with less work?

Then listen closely. You're about to discover the ONE time management and productivity secret that really works.

This little technique is the ONLY thing you need to master if you want to reach all your goals with minimum work and free up your valuable time.

Have you ever had a hundred things on your to-do list, tried to do them all, only to get so tied up in your work that you couldn't seem to finish any of them? Do you remember how frustrating it was?

Then you know the feeling I'm talking about. And you're not alone - millions of people suffer from it every day.

I'm talking about a monster called information overload. It's responsible for more failed projects than all other factors combined, and if you want maximum results from your efforts you need to get rid of it - especially if you're in a home based business.

Here's a simple 5 step formula for eliminating the problem forever. When mastered, it will help you reach any goal you may have. It's quite easy, really:

1. List your MOST important tasks

First, make a short list of the most important things you can do now to get the results you're after. Doing this first lets you see the big picture, and it helps you focus on the things that really matter. Don't worry about the small stuff for now.

2. Pick the ONE thing from your list that is MOST important right now

Next, you decide which task is most important. Which item on your list is most critical? Which one step, if you could finish only one of them, would give you the greatest results? Pick one, and write it down.

3. Finish this task NOW, and forget everything else

Now focus 100% of your efforts on this ONE task. Clear your mind, relax, and put everything else aside. Forget all distractions. Then start working on your most important task with laser focus, as if your life depended on it, and FINISH it. You're not allowed to do ANYTHING else until this task is completed.

4. Take a break, and congratulate yourself!

When you're done, it's time to celebrate. Take a break, and reward yourself. Scratch the task from your list, do something you like, and enjoy the feeling of accomplishment. Congratulations - you've just come a long way towards reaching your goal!

5. Repeat the process

Now, you simply move on to your second most important task. Repeat the process, and focus completely on this step until you're ready to strike it from your list. Take a break between each task, but let nothing distract you while you're at it. Simply repeat this process for each step, until your job is done!

That's it. That's all there is to it.

By following this simple 5 step time management system, you'll be able to get more things done in less time, no matter what you do. And you'll be able to free up your valuable time to enjoy yourself. This is how you get maximum results from your work.

My friend, USE this strategy today. Simply pick an important project you've been working on, and apply these time management skills. It may sound simple, but it makes all the difference in the world. Try it - I guarantee you'll be surprised!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

? 2005. Reprint freely, with this resource box included. Martin Franzen is the author of The Internet Marketing Master Plan: How To Turn Your Hobby Into $100,000 A Year Online. If you're interested in making a lot of money from your home based business while doing what you love, read his exciting FREE report now at: http://SiteSelling.com

Microsoft Navision and Crystal Reports - An Overview

Microsoft Business Solutions ? Navision is an integrated solution for small and midsize companies looking to expand their business operations without much interruption to its existing processes. Microsoft Navision enables businesses to alter as much or as little of its existing system, integrate add-ons and vertical segments of its development. It integrates every aspect of your organization, from customers to suppliers, from accounting to supply chain, increasing your productivity and competitive edge. Microsoft Navision has an open environment architecture making it fully customizable and easy to use and maintain. It can also be implemented rapidly so that there is only a minimal disruption to business operations.

Microsoft Navision was originally written by Denmark-based Navision Software in its own proprietary language C/SIDE (Client/Server Integrated Development Environment). Both European and North American markets have benefited from its use. Its launch in the global market will help organizations scale up their development and add value to their business.

One of the primary reporting tools used today is Crystal Reports. With its ability to call up information from SQL commands, using Crystal Reports adds extensive functionality in your reporting procedure. The following is an overview of Crystal Reports as it relates to Microsoft Navision:

C/SIDE

C/SIDE is Microsoft Navision's graphical integrated development environment that provides customization tools for developing customer specific solutions to be applied to a business process.

Inside Crystal Reports, use C/ODBC to create a connection to the database needed for report generation. Links are done inside Crystal Reports. However, this connection technique tends to be inflexible if you want to modify your database mapping or links inside the report. You may want to redo the database mapping of that report or use a Crystal Report query.

Microsoft SQL Server

Using Microsoft SQL Server in Microsoft Navision will help a great deal since SQL has the ability to integrate Navision to third-party products. SQL Server has a virtual table that you can access to minimize the complexity of looking at links in Crystal Reports itself. By referencing the view name in a Transact-SQL statement, a user can access this virtual table and retrieve the data for future selection to be applied into Crystal Reports. You also have the option of creating Stored Procedures to execute a number of Transact-SQL statements into a single command. Furthermore, SQL Query Analyzer can copy existing database objects and locate, view or work with these objects within the database.

Reports on Heterogeneous Database

If Microsoft Navision sits in an SQL Server, you have the ability to create a link from your database server to another third party database (Oracle, DB2, Unidata, Ingress, Sybase, Pervasive, Ctree, MS Access) for report creation in Crystal Reports. For example, if you are on a C/SIDE Database, create a link server to it with C/ODBC. You then create additional linked servers to your legacy database. These links will serve as your pool for creating one Crystal Report using a number of databases. Knowledge about OPENROWSET keyword in SQL Server is useful for this kind of execution.

Microsoft Navision is a powerful analytical tool for your business performance. Adding Crystal Reports to its functionalities will provide a more systematic way of measuring your organization's competence.

Need more information?

Contact us: 1-866-528-0577 help@albaspectrum.com

For customization work and advice, please contact Andrew Karasev, Alba Spectrum Chief Technology Officer. His works include development of applications with the use of Dexterity, SQL, C# .NET, Crystal Reports and Microsoft CRM SDK.

? Feb 2005 Alba Spectrum Technologies USA. All rights reserved.

Divine Rigor is the Technical Writer for Alba Spectrum Technologies USA ( http://www.albaspectrum.com ), a Great Plains, Microsoft CRM customization company. We are based in Chicago with locations in California, Arizona, Texas, Florida, Georgia, New York and contacts in international markets.

Serving

Some people may ask how do we serve God and am I serving God correctly? Well lets look at what the Bible says about serving God. Lets start by knowing what a Blessing it is to serve him. Look at the Book of John 10:27 it says My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me is greater than all, no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand I and the Father are one. Now look at Jude 20 verse it says But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in you most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear-hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.

Jesus wants us to be a living sacrifices. Look at Romans12:1 it says Therefore I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this word, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will. Now look a verse 14 it says Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: It is mine to avenge; I will repay, says the Lord.

Take a look at Ephesians 4:11 it says It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for work of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Now living as children of the light. It tells us at Ephesians 4:17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves of the sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.

You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off you old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry and do not give the devil a foothold. He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ God forgave you.

Now look at Colossians 3:23 it says Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.

Take a look at 2Timothy 2:1 it says You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.. And the things you have heard me say in presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs-he wants to please his commanding officer. Similarly if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

Now take a look at 1Timothy 1:18 it says Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight, holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith. Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.

Look at 1Corinthians 1:4 it says There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.

It says in the book of Philippians 2:5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

In conclusion, look at what Jesus said in the book of John 15:15 it says I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master' business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit-fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.

This is my command: Love each other.

Love Always,
Your Sister in Christ,
Mellody Davis

Enjoy more reading at: http://www.hostinghelps.com/allaboutjesus/AboutJesus.html

In Defense of the Feds Vs Katrina

I, too, am saddened by the disaster in New Orleans and other areas effected and affected by the storm that stomped its way through there.

*BUT* jumping on the US Agencies for in-adequate response isn't right either. FEMA, the main agency to respond to these events can not respond, by law, until requested by the Governor of the State(s) involved, and that was slow in coming. These folks "wanted to evaluate the need". Several police agencies, fire, rescue, Army Reserve, National Guard units from around the US attempted to respond and were told by the State Police or Governors that they could not come until other issues were resolved, or that there was no place for them to stay, nor food or water for them. (In ALL cases they were brining their own food, water and sleeping accommodations, disaster response teams KNOW they need to bring this stuff! That's what we get trained in!)

I do have a problem with the LOCAL agencies not being properly prepared and ready for this event. Yes, it is the worse natural event of this type to hit the US (although we have helped other countries with as bad, or almost as bad), but the expectations where there, and they should have had things in hand ready to help out. Nope, no such thing is there.

I also have a problem with the people that did not leave when they knew full well what the impact could have been, which was VERY accurately depicted, two weeks or so in advance. I know that when some of the Reserve Units and National Guard Units were heading out, they offered folks rides out of the area (without possessions, making it harder I know) which were turned down more often than not! Add to that the stealing of everything not locked down, and in many cases even those things locked down, including by the local law enforcement (and on international camera), without qualms of being seen. I have a problem with the rapes that are happening, and the killing. Most of this done by those that stayed behind.

I am in 100% support of rebuilding the area, above sea level, and getting back to life, commerce, etc., I just do not think hammering on the US Agencies is the right thing to do. I do think that, through valid agencies, such as the Red Cross, Salvation Army, FEMA, etc, we should support by monetary donation, the recovery of the area. This groups often request money instead of what is called "in kind" donations, so that it can be used in what is needed at the moment. They have agreements with various producers of equipment, supplies, etc., to get it to the affected/effected areas at cost, which uses the same amount of money to buy more product than if you buy and send it yourself.

Sorry for the rant, but let's put blame where it needs to be, if there must be blame. Also, let's put the money where it can do the most good. (Red Cross or Salvation Army for example.)

Dr. Bell has a PhD in Computer Sciences, and is a Candidate for a PhD in Business Administration, currently in the Dissertation stage. He has expertise in business operations and funding as well as computer security and operations. He currently is the CEO of TDBell Enterprises, Inc. http://www.tdbellenterprises.com

Health and Nutrition

The Health and Nutrition Industry has come about as peoples awareness of the damage they have done to their bodies over the years becomes more apparent, both physically and through scientific evidence. Whats more they want to do something about-now!!

I know, I've been there and as a Baby Boomer we, in our millions around the globe, are doing what we can to turn our health around for the better. Having read numerous articles gleaned from newspapers, magazines, advertisements, the web and from fellow ''ezinearticle'' contributors, many people are searching for a better lifestyle today.

My wife Cath and I decided to do something about it and sooner rather than later. Rather than talking about it, moaning about it, worrying about it, we chose to improve our health and our lifestyle through informed and better choices. We work from home now part time in the Health and Nutrition Industry having had our health improved with nutritional supplements and by adjusting our diets, so that we have both lost weight and feel great for it. Your health improves by first making a decision and then doing something about it.

It has been suggested that many of our ailments, sickness and diseases today, particularly in the west, can be attributed to poor nutrition in our diets. The fact that our diets are so poor due to the lifestyles we choose to live, with fast foods and rush, rush, rush, we are not allowing our bodies to rebuild itself, to repair itself properly, as it was designed to do.

I am not a scientist but I can tell you that by adding proven nutritional supplements to my diet and eating better and less, my health has improved and I have the energy to accomplish so much more in my day without the tiredness and exhaustion that were part of my life.

Obesity levels in the western world are simply staggering and if you do your own research, through various resources, you will have this confirmed in black and white.

Our bodies have been wonderfully made, by a master designer, and when we introduce a proper diet into our lifestyle, with the correct ammounts of vitamins and minerals it needs to function properly, your life can be changed dramatically. For those of you who already look after yourselves, athletes, footballers, basketballers, your lives can be improved too, your recovery rates lowered, your overall performances improved with a better diet and nutrition in your life.

If we feed our bodies properly, then it will do what it was made to do. It will repair itself, common ailments can be gone forever, as my wife can testify to you from first hand experience.

With good and proper nutritional supplements and a carefully planned and balanced diet of lean meats, fruit and vegetables, it is possible to have your health and fitness restored.

The Health and Nutrition Industry today, commonly known as the ''Wellness Industry'' is booming!!! Wherever you look, the media today, is full of health improvement tips, the internet is full of sites showing you their own products and services, advising us all that we need to improve our diets and indeed our health!!

When you decide to improve your lifestyle and your health, can I ask you to choose carefully. Look to market leaders, and there are half a dozen or so who have stood the test of time, and read about them, read testimonies about peoples health improvements, read about lifestyle improvements that have occurred both in the short and long term through the use of their products.

Don't get sucked in by all the hype and there is plenty of that, particularly on the internet. Find out about the products or the company, before you go spending your hard earned money, ensuring that you will get the results you desire. Do not just jump on the bandwagon of the latest craze that is sweeping your nation, make an informed choice of your own and enjoy the benefits to come.

Why not contact your local Network Marketer, where Home Based Distributors will have a personal interest in your health improvement and you may even want to join them and help others improve their lives also.

We all age, we all die some day, but why bring it along sooner than is necessary. Why don't you choose to do something about it today? Why don't you allow that desire inside, which is niggling away at you now, that desire to improve your health and regain that enjoyment of life, to come out.

Do yourself a favour, nobody else will. You choose. Go on, go for it and really live life to the full with your health improved, with the ones you love. It is possible. We have done it!!

Colin Thomson partners his wife Cath in a part time business that they run from. They work in the Health and Nutrition Industry and have enjoyed the health improvments mentioned above themselves. Visit one of their web sites today to read more about how you can improve your health, beginning today at http://www.cthomson.plus.com or http://www.fabnuyu.com

Your Bridal Shoes: No Need to Sacrifice Style for Comfort

Think your bridal gown is the most important garment you'll need for your wedding? Think again! Your shoes could make or break your day. When your feet hurt, it shows on your face, and you only want smiles on your wedding day.

Top Wedding Sites, Inc. recently sat down and spoke to Lori Dunn, Bridal Stylist and wedding attire expert. Here's Lori's professional shoe selection advice.

Brides spend a lot of money on their dress, their tiara etc., and then choose to save money on the shoes. Why do you recommend they look for a quality, well made shoe instead of skimping? And how do they recognize quality?

? A quality shoe generally is going to have a great fit, so it's going to be comfortable. Sacrificing quality for a bit of cash could very well end up making your wedding day (and the days following) painful! Don't dismiss the importance of a quality shoe!

? You get a good, comfortable fit from a well-made shoe because it's constructed from fine leather and fabrics. Cheap materials don't feel good on your feet the moment you put them on, and it's not going to get any better as the day goes on. You're probably going to have to pay more for comfort, but remember: you're going to be on your feet all day.

? Designer and name brands normally represent quality - like Vera Wang and Stuart Weitzman. The materials are also important; look for things like leather soles, silk, "lined in leather", embroidery or Swarovski crystals. These high-end materials and embellishments generally mean quality.

? You may be surprised when you try on a quality, designer shoe - I find a shoe with an extremely high heel or pointy toe can be quite comfortable because of its superior construction.

? I always say, "Great shoes are like nice lingerie, even though no one sees it, you still feel beautiful when you wear it."

Lori's Shoe Smarts!

1. Shoes with a pointed toe tend to run a little smaller. If you tend to be in-between sizes, it's a good idea to chose the bigger size and put a pad in the ball of the shoe or heel if you have to.

2. Wear shoe pads to cushion your feet for the long day.

3. A "strappy" sandal or sling back tends to slip. A long narrow adhesive shoe pad stuck to the strap can solve the problem. Using wig tape works great too!

4. Consider high quality silk dyeable shoes that will hold up through several dye processes so you can get more wear from your shoes after the wedding. A dyeable silk shoe of good quality can normally be dyed up to 4-6 times.

5. Think about getting two pairs of shoes for your wedding day. You may fall in love with the 4-inch heel, but after the ceremony and formal pictures, you may be ready to change into a lower heel for dancing.

6. If you have a simple dress, have fun with your shoes. Choose a pair with crystal or pearl embellishments, try a touch of color; Pale blue, for your something blue perhaps. However, make sure the shoes complement the dress and match the look of your wedding attire.

Shopping online makes the wedding planning process a breeze but some brides might be afraid to buy wedding shoes online for fear they won't fit or won't be what they expected. What advice do you have for bride's who are considering buying their wedding shoes from an internet shop?

? Make sure to start your shoe shopping 2 to 3 months before you actually need them for your dress fitting so you avoid paying rush handling and shipping fees. Do not be afraid to order shoes online! Select stores with contact information readily available so you can call and ask questions, ex: if a shoe runs narrow, big, etc.

? Some online stores charge a restocking fee or specify exchange on certain shoes, so read the returns policy before you buy. Some brides just don't want to deal with that, but a lot of brides say it's a good tradeoff. They like shopping online for the large selection that they can't come close to getting in their hometown.

? Shoes can definitely be a tough fit; so before purchase, you should always know your true shoe size. I recommend stopping by a specialty shoe store to have your feet measured just to be sure. Ordering the correct size the first time is going to increase your chance that your first purchase will be the right one. Do this at the end of the day for the most comfort, since feet tend to swell throughout the day.

? When you get the shoes, handle them with care. Try them on carpet so the soles aren't scratched, and always try the shoes on with pantyhose so you don't leave toe prints. If you decide the shoes need to be returned, they'll be in pristine condition. Dirty or damaged shoes are going to be difficult, if not impossible to return.

Lori Dunn is a 15-year veteran of the fashion industry. A former model who has graced the pages of elite magazines -- as well as a professional makeup artist and hairstylist -- she's now one of the top bridal consultants in the United States.

Matthew Ennis, Marketing Manager at Top Wedding Sites, Inc. home of Top Wedding Sites, Top Wedding Questions and Second Weddings.

Lawn Care Business Owners - Dont Buy Yourself A Job

Most businesses consist of the owner only or the owner and a few employees. The owner continues to do the same activity whether it is labor or crew management for many years. He gets into the"comfort zone" or "rut" and does the same thing day in and day out.

You need to put your time and energies into growing your lawn business or landscape business. This needs to be directed toward advertising, marketing, or other services.

Good employees are needed to run the daily activities of a lawn business.The things you are doing now.Filling your labor or management position is crucial for your continued growth.

Some people tell me that it's tough or scary to let the employees run a large part of the business.

Yes, it may be uncomfortable but you need to ask yourself "Do I want to be doing the same activity in my business 5, 10, or 15 years from now?" If you do that's fine.

So what we have are 2 choices

1. Do the same activity in your business years from now that you are doing today

2. Put some major responsibility on the eployees and GROW your business.

Number 2 is not easy and can be difficult and stressful.

You have to, have to, have to think about the FUTURE and the end result.

Your business should not become dependent on you. Additionally, I've seen many employees actually do a better job in the position the owner gave up than the owner.

The owner should spend time

1) Advertising

2) Marketing

3) Making the business more profitable

4) Building relationships w/ customers

5) Internet and website6) Adding additional services

Write a plan and clear objective of how to make a successful lawnbusiness run without you.

Don't just turn your employees lose and say go get em.Make sure they all know their job. Everything will work much smoother thisway.

Give employees titles and certain responsibilities, and hold them accountable. Titles can make employees feel wanted and appreciated. When they do something good, acknowledge it and praise them. If they screw up, introduce them to a better way to avoid the problem the next time. Encourage them to ask questions.Tell them there are no stupid questions just stupid mistakes.

You must listen to their needs not just hear what they are saying. Ask them occasionally, "Do you see any areas that can be improved upon or do you have any suggestions to make the business run smoother?" Ask them about the chemistry of the crew such as "Is there someone here slowing the crew down or is a disruption to the performance?"

We talked about the comfort zone earlier. I want to share with a short story..

There was a native tribe in South America who had been dying prematurely from a strange sickness for many generations.Scientists were sent in to find out the cause of the strange disease. It was finally discovered that the disease was caused by the bite of an insect, which lives in the walls of their homes.The natives had several options:

(a) They can destroy the insects with insecticides

(b) They can destroy and rebuild their homes

(c) They can move to another location where there are no such insects

(d) They can continue to live at the same place and die early, as they had been doing for generations.

The saddest thing is that they chose to remain as they were and died early.

THE POINT IS- It is sad that most people have fear and don't like change. They are comfortable with what they are, where they are, and they would rather die than change. The comfort zone is a dangerous place to be in, and you may not even realize that you are in it.

You have all this money invested in equipment and if you are doing the same activity in the business that you really aren't happy doing, you have actually "Bought Yourself a Job". Please don't make that mistake.

Best of Luck

Kevin Whiteside

Kevin Whiteside is the owner and editor of LawnForum.com Monthly,an online newsletter and website for lawn and landscape professionals.Get a FREE subscription here mailto:LawnForum@aweber.com

He is also the author of "Turn High Grass Into Cold Cash- How to Start the Ultimate Lawn Business" http://www.GrassToCash.com

You can use this article as long as the bylines are included.

Using A Hardwood Floor Sander

Refinishing your hardwood floors yourself can be time consuming and a bit scary at first but well worth it in the long run. It can cost a bundle to hire a professional to refinish your floors for you, but if you have the time, you can do it yourself.

The most difficult part is learning to run the sander. Many people are afraid of ruining their floors, and you can really damage a floor if you do not take care in the sanding.

Sanding is fairly easy if you pay attention and the finish does not take as long to dry as you might have been led to believe. You can rent a sander from your local Home Depot or hardware supply store. You'll need a drum sander, a belt sander or both. They will explain to you how to use the machine and tell you what kind of sand paper to purchase. They will also tell you what kind of stain and finish to get. Make sure you also pick up some dust masks because you will have saw dust everywhere.

The key to a good floor finish is the surface, so the most important thing when learning how to run the sander is getting a feel for the equipment. Sanders are not as hard to use as you think. They are loud and messy, but fairly easy to operate. Just keep the sander in motion at all times. Moving the sander in a constant motion will reduce the risk of damaging your floor. Equate it to using an iron on your clothes ? if you stop in 1 spot too long you'll burn a hole. The sander is similar since it creates a lot of heat, keeping it in 1 spot can burn or dent your floor.

The sander is a self propelling machine so it is easy to move, but you do need to keep in control of it at all times. Retain a firm grip on it when you power it up and you will get the hang of it after a few passes. You might even think it's fun!

Once you have removed to old finish by sanding, of course, you will need to apply the new finish. First you will apply a stain (if you want a stain ? some folks like to leave their floors natural) and then the finish to protect the floor. There are basically two types of floor finishes: one is oil-based and the other is water-based polyurethane. Furthermore, oil is broken down into a semi-gloss, gloss or satin. Satin is a good choice for a hardwood floor because it hides small flaws and lets the natural beauty of the wood show without a bright shine. An oil based finish will give your floor a warm amber glow. A water based finish will dry quicker and keep from yellowing.

Make sure you let each coat thoroughly dry before applying the next. Follow the manufacturers instructions on the finish before you occupy the room again. Usually you can move your furniture back in after about 24 hours.

Don't be overwhelmed. Just take it one step at a time and you'll soon have a beautiful new hardwood floor.

Lee Dobbins is a contributing writer for home improvement resources such as Refinishing-Hardwood-Floors.com. Visit our site and learn more about sanding hardwood floors.

Corporate Espionage in Franchising

Franchising Trade Journals do not do well, because today with all the industry regulations only about 1800 active franchise actually exist in the US. Down sharply over the past five years. Why? Over-regulation. Now you have a Bank Cooperative, which owns a company that collect data, FranData of Uniform Franchise Offering Circulars, which are the industries required disclosure documents to new franchise buyers. The company sells it to attorneys and to competitors of which many probably are financed through that bank. My God can this be real. Then they work with industry Trade Journals to do Top 50 franchises lists, but to be qualified to be reviewed they of course wish to see your UFOC; Uniform Franchise Offering Circular.

So what is the deal with this purported 50 Fastest New Franchise List? Is it real? Does it matter if it is? After all once a Franchisor decides to participate they have just given their life's work to someone who will sell the data including the names addresses and phone numbers of each and every one of your franchisees to your competitors or to franchise industry salesmen who will never stop harassing you or your company and to the over seas competitors who want to come into this country and take you customers and end use customers of your franchise families income. You think this is acceptable?

It is unbelievable to think that this is acceptable, in a time when Accounting Firms and Agencies cannot advise and audit or a time when the NYSE is splitting up it's executive and regulating boards. This whole thing smells of Conflict of interest, anti-trust laws, misrepresentation of intent. Meanwhile the SBA, a government agency, paid by us is paying this company or has given them an exclusive to collect this data for their SBA registry of franchising companies to streamline loan application process times? Holly conflict of interest; can you believe that the industry has there penis so far up the regulating agencies rear end that they allow this?

Then a lady who called our company had the nerve to ask us to participate with them in a survey, so she can help us get more publicity? No; so their company can give away our information to those companies who cannot compete with us head on in the market place, because they are either to incompetent or too lazy to offer better service and lower prices to the consumer. Instead they are willing to pay for all our secrets via a group financed by government contracts at the SBA, which is really involved in industry spying? Wow, for an agency like the SBA which is suppose to help people in achieving their American Dream, they have allowed and exclusive contract to a company that wants to put the screws to the next Ray Kroc, up and coming franchise concept?

Pathetic, typical Washington, "It's who you know and who you BLOW" attitude, literally. You can bet that http://www.Franchising.org is going to get to the bottom of this, meanwhile if you are an up and coming franchisor and you want to succeed, then realize who you are dealing with before you allow the important data that makes your business possible out of your sight. Franchise Buyers must be screened carefully, do not hand over your information, data, financial audit, or profile without weighing the benefits first. Be sure to ask questions of these companies who claim to be helping you in some way? Yah sure, they are going out of their way to help you? Since when has anyone besides a new franchisor; ever done that in your life? Since when has someone gone out of their way to assist you in building your franchise company?

What we see here is an undermining of the entire Friedman Economic Model, which dictates free markets, which is run by a company which profits from screwing over the little guy. Last time I checked it was new smaller businesses and expanding businesses, which provided jobs. Not the government or attorneys, speaking of which wasn't it great watching that lawyer hide behind the tree the other day trying not to be shot buy a guy he ripped off; I think that happened at a California court house last year?

In my opinion FranData a subsidiary of the National Bank Cooperative is violating the intent if not the letter of the law as it relates to anti-trust. And it is our opinion that only a D.C. Company could get way with such a conflict of interest working in cahoots with a government agency, which literally gives out money. Have you seen the fall out rates of SBA loans? It is also our opinion that we were lied to by FranData for them to secure more information from our company to give, actually sell, to our competitors. What started out as a nice contract for a Black African American businessman has been manipulated and then sold to a Bank Cooperative, which uses this data through a subsidiary to profit of the sale of said data to competitors.

Does this affect our team? Our Company, the franchise business I have been working on for 27 years? Well, it could if we give our data to these people to sell online. But still these companies buying the data will see we do not take prisoners in the marketplace. However for a small franchisor starting out, it could spell disaster. Every time we see these things, we are more resolved to get out there and kick ass against those who manipulate the system, break the law or think they can take the easy way out to compete with us. My advice for this new franchise entrepreneur, Watch Out, things are not as they appear and it is politics as usual in the Belt Way. Think about it.

Additional thoughts on this subject

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"Lance Winslow" - If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs

How to Make the Most of Your Website Copywriter

Many people feel uncertain when dealing with copywriters. Like any artform, writing is subjective; instead of black and white, most business owners and marketing managers see indistinguishable shades of grey. But copywriting possesses one key element that most other forms of art don't ? a commercial imperative.

Because the copywriter's audience is driven by the realities of the business market, so too is the copywriter. Although the good ones love to write, they don't necessarily love to write about toilet paper and real-estate. Copywriters ? in particular website copywriters ? write because it's their job. And like any job, copywriting has very defined objectives and parameters which determine how the copywriter works, and the kind of material they produce.

So, if you need black and white, this is where you'll find it.

There are two primary commercial realities for a website copywriter. Understand these realities, and you'll understand the writer. Ignore them, and your job will take longer, be more frustrating, be less engaging, and earn you less money.

REALITY 1 ? READER-FRIENDLY AND SEARCH-ENGINE-FRIENDLY

A website copywriter needs to adhere to certain guidelines to ensure your website is both reader-friendly and search-engine-friendly. This is black and white.

Because most websites rely on search engines for their traffic, your website copywriter has to write for two broad audiences: human and computer. This introduces a number of complexities because, quite often, these audiences want different things.

For instance, with humans, less is generally more. But with computers, more is more. Humans need to understand, so the fewer words the better. Search engines, on the other hand, are programmed to think that anything important enough to be ranked highly has to have a lot of words. A website copywriter must balance these conflicting requirements. Your copywriter will work faster and more efficiently if you don't demand too few words or too many.

TIP: If your site needs both humans and search engines, try not to set your heart on less than 100 words per page or more than 300 words. Generally speaking, somewhere in the middle is a nice compromise for both audiences.

And it's not just the number of words used that's important. Humans tend not to like repeated words, whereas search engines do. Humans will understand from your heading what it is you do, and if it's relevant. Mention it once, and they'll generally remember. Search engines are not so smart. They need to be told again and again. This is how they figure out how relevant your site is.

TIP: Don't ask your website copywriter to be a minimalist. The search engines won't like it. By the same token, don't ask them to simply jam every page full of hundreds of your primary keyword phrases, because your human readers won't like that (in fact, neither will the search engines). The trick is to expect each page to repeat one or two primary keyword phrases 5-10 times.

TIP: Remember, balancing human and computer requirements is time consuming. Try to have a clear understanding of the objective of each page before your writer starts. You'll get a much better product with fewer time consuming iterations.

REALITY 2 ? BENEFITS, AUDIENCES, PRODUCTS, SERVICES, FEATURES

A website copywriter deals in benefits, audiences, products, services, and features. This is black and white.

These things may be painfully obvious to you, but they won't be to your copywriter. And although a good copywriter will be able to draw them out of you, they won't be able to accurately and comprehensively identify them alone.

TIP: Before you engage a website copywriter, make a list of what you do, who you do it for, and what benefits it gives them. Your job will cost more if your brief consists of one line, "I want to increase sales!"

When it comes down to it, a good website is written around benefits. Customers are only interested in how you can benefit them. This means benefits are the website copywriter's inspiration. By the end of the project, you'll be sick and tired of hearing your copywriter ask, "But what are the benefits of that to your customer?" You'll definitely thank them for asking though.

TIP: Don't confuse features with benefits. A feature is what you do or how you do it. A benefit is what advantage that brings to the customer. Your list should make a clear distinction between the two. This will save your copywriter a LOT of time, and save you a lot of money. Most importantly, it will MAKE you a lot of money because your website will engage your customer.

Website copywriting is an artform. But because it's an artform with a commercial foundation, it can be understood by anyone in business. And when you understand the commercial realities of the copywriter, the greys of the artform will begin to seem more like the familiar black and white of the nine-to-five. Then, and only then, will you be able to make the most of your website copywriter.

About The Author

* Glenn Murray is an SEO copywriter and Article Submission Specialist. He is a director of PublishHub and also of copywriting studio Divine Write. He can be contacted on Sydney +612 4334 6222 or at glenn@divinewrite.com. Visit http://www.divinewrite.com or http://www.publishhub.com for further details, more FREE articles, or to purchase his e-book, 'SEO Secrets'.