For the most part, Christian Motivational Speakers concentrate on two areas that may overlap. The first is spreading the gospel. The other focus is speaking face to face with groups of people with the sole intent of converting as many of them as possible over to whatever particular group they represent.
For the most part, Christian motivational speakers concentrate on two areas that may overlap. The first is spreading the gospel. This does not mean that they are training for the priesthood. It means that they apply the Bible’s teachings to anything and everything going on in the world today and they speak about it at whatever opportunity arises.
In the past several years, with the country leaning more and more to the right, popular radio and TV shows have sprung up, and Christian motivational speakers are invited to present their views through the media, to a large audience of viewers or listeners. They are not preaching. They are discussing current events or trends from a Biblical or religious perspective. For example, recently there was a man who sued the Federal Government to have the words “under God” removed from the pledge of allegiance. This prompted many discussions in churches and schools as well as on radio and TV. Some of the people who were discussing the religious side of the conflict were Christian motivational speakers known for their ability to articulate a discussion in a clear and concise and “winning” manner.
The other focus for Christian motivational speakers is speaking face to face with groups of people with the sole intent of converting as many of them as possible over to whatever particular group they represent. In order for any particular religious group to survive and prosper into the future it must constantly be growing. That means people must join them, or at the very least, people must be persuaded to donate money or other assets to the group.
religious figures often employ the services of well-trained Christian motivational speakers to bring people into the fold and increase donations. While the men at the top of these organizations concentrated on weekly preaching and prayer services, they actively trained and sent out speakers to convince the masses of people to join their groups. It is combination of the message offered by the particular leader with the skills and talents of the motivational speakers that will bring people on board. The motivational speakers who perform the best, and who bring in the most donations or new members, are very highly paid for their services.
Home » Archive for January 2015
A Look at Child Mannequins
Not all mannequins are made to look like full-grown adults. Child mannequins are also common in many clothing stores. A child mannequin is the same as an adult mannequin except that it is built to the scale of a child.
These mannequins are made specifically for displaying children’s clothes. A child mannequin is made of the same materials as an adult mannequin and has the same level of detail.
Child mannequins are commonly found in department stores as well as stores that specialize in children’s clothing. Child mannequins come in many sizes, ranging from toddler size to adolescent. A child mannequin is needed to display the store’s inventory in a realistic manner. Customers want to get a good representation of what the clothes will look like on their children. Child mannequins show parents exactly how the clothes will fit on children similar in size to the mannequins. Many child mannequins have feet and a head to show what entire outfits look like. These mannequins can model hats and shoes as well as shirts and pants. Other child mannequins consist only of a torso held upright on a stand. These child mannequins take up less space than the full-size models and are perfect for displaying shirts and blouses.
Child mannequins are exactly the same as adult mannequins in all aspects, except for size. They are made of fiberglass, plaster, or wood, just as adult mannequins are. As with adult mannequins, child mannequins can have real human hair and have extremely detailed facial features. Most child mannequins are stuck in a stationary pose, but some are adjustable and feature moveable arms and legs that can be set in different positions.
Child mannequins are vital to stores that sell children’s clothing. They can give parents a good idea of what the store’s clothes will look like on a child.
These mannequins are made specifically for displaying children’s clothes. A child mannequin is made of the same materials as an adult mannequin and has the same level of detail.
Child mannequins are commonly found in department stores as well as stores that specialize in children’s clothing. Child mannequins come in many sizes, ranging from toddler size to adolescent. A child mannequin is needed to display the store’s inventory in a realistic manner. Customers want to get a good representation of what the clothes will look like on their children. Child mannequins show parents exactly how the clothes will fit on children similar in size to the mannequins. Many child mannequins have feet and a head to show what entire outfits look like. These mannequins can model hats and shoes as well as shirts and pants. Other child mannequins consist only of a torso held upright on a stand. These child mannequins take up less space than the full-size models and are perfect for displaying shirts and blouses.
Child mannequins are exactly the same as adult mannequins in all aspects, except for size. They are made of fiberglass, plaster, or wood, just as adult mannequins are. As with adult mannequins, child mannequins can have real human hair and have extremely detailed facial features. Most child mannequins are stuck in a stationary pose, but some are adjustable and feature moveable arms and legs that can be set in different positions.
Child mannequins are vital to stores that sell children’s clothing. They can give parents a good idea of what the store’s clothes will look like on a child.
A Look at Brochure Printing Services
A brochure can be a wonderful promotional tool for a wide range of professionals, but getting them set up can be daunting. There are many brochure-printing services available that cater to both the amateur and professional. You can find them in a number of ways, including the phone book, the Internet, graphic design and advertising journals, or word of mouth.
Some companies will provide typesetting, design, color separations (four-color process), color proofing and proofreading service, while other companies just provide the most basic color printing, folding and shipping.
There are brochure-printing companies that will do everything for you; all you need is a clear idea of your brochure’s requirements and whether it is business, promotional or another application, and the brochure company will take it from start to finish. Brochure design can be a challenge, so you might consider working with the professional designer that many brochure-printing companies offer. Some companies even offer sales literature development assistance and strategic marketing plans. However if you do your own design, copy writing, typesetting and art placement, and use these services sparingly, you will save money. One thing to keep in mind if you choose to do so is that most basic brochure printing companies will warn you that they will not proof read your work, and that corrections cost extra.
If you simply start at the beginning with a step-by-step review of your needs, many companies will walk you through the features and benefits of their products and services. Because there is so much competition, many services (such as shipping) are offered at a discount or even free. Furthermore, most brochure printing companies will provide their own customer service representative who will work closely with you to make sure your job runs smoothly and efficiently through the entire process, from pre-press to final distribution.
You should investigate thoroughly each brochure printing company and the services they offer to make sure they meet your requirements. A well-designed brochure can work wonders, and are well worth the effort.
Some companies will provide typesetting, design, color separations (four-color process), color proofing and proofreading service, while other companies just provide the most basic color printing, folding and shipping.
There are brochure-printing companies that will do everything for you; all you need is a clear idea of your brochure’s requirements and whether it is business, promotional or another application, and the brochure company will take it from start to finish. Brochure design can be a challenge, so you might consider working with the professional designer that many brochure-printing companies offer. Some companies even offer sales literature development assistance and strategic marketing plans. However if you do your own design, copy writing, typesetting and art placement, and use these services sparingly, you will save money. One thing to keep in mind if you choose to do so is that most basic brochure printing companies will warn you that they will not proof read your work, and that corrections cost extra.
If you simply start at the beginning with a step-by-step review of your needs, many companies will walk you through the features and benefits of their products and services. Because there is so much competition, many services (such as shipping) are offered at a discount or even free. Furthermore, most brochure printing companies will provide their own customer service representative who will work closely with you to make sure your job runs smoothly and efficiently through the entire process, from pre-press to final distribution.
You should investigate thoroughly each brochure printing company and the services they offer to make sure they meet your requirements. A well-designed brochure can work wonders, and are well worth the effort.
A Guide to Computer Desks
Computer furniture has evolved over the years. Improvements in the design and decor of computer desks have revolutionized the way people work at the computer. With the increase in the number of computer accessories, such as keyboard, mouse, and additional attachments like the printer, scanner, hard disks, modems, the allotment of space for all these accessories has become a challenge.
Modern office furniture has to be modular, movable and flexible.
The most important feature of a good computer desk is ergonomic design. As people work spend more hours at the computer, it is important that the desks are comfortable to sit at for long hours. Moreover, they have to look good and blend in well with the rest of the office or home. As greater comfort ensures greater productivity, companies are more willing to provide the best computer desks for employees.
Modular computers desks provide flexibility and versatility in use – they can be remodeled very easily depending on the use. These are ideal for the limited office spaces of today, and also work well in homes because they can be easily changed according to different requirements. Fittings are provided to accommodate various other accessories that may be required while using the computer, such as a document holder, wrist rest, file hangers, CD holders, or telephone shelf. Such desks are also often accompanied by a manual that contains comprehensive instructions for assembling or disassembling the unit. On the whole, computer desks today are leaner, and have fewer drawers and more shelf-space than before.
In most modern computer desks, the unique arrangement of the panel systems ensures optimum space, privacy and advanced wire management. The spine of the desk should be designed to not only provide power and data to the whole unit but also to support the desk assemblies, staking storage, divisional screens, transfer screens and other accessories. The end result is optimal space utilization.
A versatile computer desk should not necessarily compromise style. Computer desks are being designed with every kind of material possible ranging from traditional oak and wood to metal, glass and fiber.
Modern office furniture has to be modular, movable and flexible.
The most important feature of a good computer desk is ergonomic design. As people work spend more hours at the computer, it is important that the desks are comfortable to sit at for long hours. Moreover, they have to look good and blend in well with the rest of the office or home. As greater comfort ensures greater productivity, companies are more willing to provide the best computer desks for employees.
Modular computers desks provide flexibility and versatility in use – they can be remodeled very easily depending on the use. These are ideal for the limited office spaces of today, and also work well in homes because they can be easily changed according to different requirements. Fittings are provided to accommodate various other accessories that may be required while using the computer, such as a document holder, wrist rest, file hangers, CD holders, or telephone shelf. Such desks are also often accompanied by a manual that contains comprehensive instructions for assembling or disassembling the unit. On the whole, computer desks today are leaner, and have fewer drawers and more shelf-space than before.
In most modern computer desks, the unique arrangement of the panel systems ensures optimum space, privacy and advanced wire management. The spine of the desk should be designed to not only provide power and data to the whole unit but also to support the desk assemblies, staking storage, divisional screens, transfer screens and other accessories. The end result is optimal space utilization.
A versatile computer desk should not necessarily compromise style. Computer desks are being designed with every kind of material possible ranging from traditional oak and wood to metal, glass and fiber.
A Guide to Brochure Printing
Brochure printing can be easy if you first identify your needs and have a clear sense of your budget. Whether it is for is a real estate listing, a trade show handout, a data sheet, or another application, brochures are a great promotional tool.
Start with a layout that includes the text and images you will need to convey your message. Then choose the type of printing that best suits your brochure. Brochures are typically printed in more than one color.
There are two basic choices in printing: offset printing and laser or digital printing. Both printing processes are capable of producing large quantities of high-quality documents. Most high quality, full-color commercial printing is done on offset presses using the four-color process. Offset printing is a process whereby ink is spread on a metal plate with etched images, is transferred to an intermediary surface, and is then applied to paper by pressing the paper against the intermediary surface. Although set-up costs can be relatively high, the actual printing is generally inexpensive.
Laser or digital printing uses a laser beam to produce an image; this is also the way copy machines work. Offset printing usually produces clearer, crisper type and higher resolution images than laser or digital printing. However, smaller printing jobs can be done on a small low-volume laser or inkjet printer, or at a copy store, thereby eliminating set-up fees and some shipping costs.
Choosing paper is another very important aspect of brochure printing. Most printers will recommend a heavyweight, coated, or glossy paper to achieve a more vibrant, upscale look.
The folding of your brochure is another key consideration. Basic folding options include: the half fold or single fold, the tri fold (the left and right flaps open), and the “Z” fold (which opens up like an accordion). Almost all printers will give you a greater discount the more you print.
Brochure printing can be easy and fun and allow for a good deal of self-expression, so go ahead, what are you waiting for? Print that brochure.
Start with a layout that includes the text and images you will need to convey your message. Then choose the type of printing that best suits your brochure. Brochures are typically printed in more than one color.
There are two basic choices in printing: offset printing and laser or digital printing. Both printing processes are capable of producing large quantities of high-quality documents. Most high quality, full-color commercial printing is done on offset presses using the four-color process. Offset printing is a process whereby ink is spread on a metal plate with etched images, is transferred to an intermediary surface, and is then applied to paper by pressing the paper against the intermediary surface. Although set-up costs can be relatively high, the actual printing is generally inexpensive.
Laser or digital printing uses a laser beam to produce an image; this is also the way copy machines work. Offset printing usually produces clearer, crisper type and higher resolution images than laser or digital printing. However, smaller printing jobs can be done on a small low-volume laser or inkjet printer, or at a copy store, thereby eliminating set-up fees and some shipping costs.
Choosing paper is another very important aspect of brochure printing. Most printers will recommend a heavyweight, coated, or glossy paper to achieve a more vibrant, upscale look.
The folding of your brochure is another key consideration. Basic folding options include: the half fold or single fold, the tri fold (the left and right flaps open), and the “Z” fold (which opens up like an accordion). Almost all printers will give you a greater discount the more you print.
Brochure printing can be easy and fun and allow for a good deal of self-expression, so go ahead, what are you waiting for? Print that brochure.
A Great Testimonial is Worth 1000 Cold Calls
If you are a freelancer, subcontrator, designer, artist, decorator, or any type of creative person and are making (or trying to make) your living in any creative field, then this article is for you!
If you hate cold calling, and even if you don't, you should start capitalizing on the work you’ve already done.
So often we don’t utilize one of the most persuasive selling components in our marketing materials – the words of our own clients. Many creative people have wonderful testimonials from clients, but never use them for fear that they are “bragging” or that it is “too self promotional.”
Well of course it’s self promotional! That’s what good marketing is!
When you are finished a project for a client, why not capture that moment in the client's own words to use for showing potential clients the value of your services? Testimonials are even more crucial for creative businesses because it is more difficult for the average person to set a value on most arts related items and services. Seeing others talk about the value of working with you will help them more readily understand the value of your work.
If your client doesn’t come running to you with a testimonial, then ask her for one. There is nothing wrong with that and most clients are honored you asked them.
The best testimonials are ones that show a measurable goal has been reached and uses language that your potential clients can identify with.
For example, here is a testimonial I received from a client who is an artist:
“I just recently got back from a job I did up in Cape Cod worth over $11,000 and it is because I used the techniques I learned from you to turn a consultation into my biggest job ever.”
-Amy Ketteran, Ketteran Studios
Here's another example of a testimonial I received from a corporate client:
"My improved confidence/speaking skills has helped my career as well as Verizon Connected Solutions since we are now working on developing partnerships/joint ventures with some large manufacturers and I am involved with seminars to promote these potential partnerships. Since I began working with Kirstin I’ve had several speaking opportunities and I can tell you her methods work. In fact, because of my work with Kirstin, I gave testimony in court that caused VCS to win a nearly $1 million lawsuit with customer who refused to pay. I can’t thank Kirstin enough!"
-Ed Ruby, Director of Business Operations
Verizon Connected Solutions
If you have testimonials, but they are not measurable, then they aren’t as persuasive as they need to be in order to sell a future client. To get measurable testimonials, all you have to do is ask for them. If you receive a testimonial from a client that isn’t measurable and doesn’t show a specific example of how that client has improved since working with you, then thank the client for the kind comments and ask him to narrow down the success to one or two specific items that are improved due to your work together.
You can respond with something like:
“Thanks for your feedback. It’s wonderful to hear about your success. What specifically has improved during our work together? Were you able to measure the difference?”
The more measurable the testimonial, and the more the client speaks in his own words, the more persuasive it is to the potential client, and the easier it is to generate new business.
Review your client list and look back over recent projects. Ask your best clients for measurable testimonials. It’s a whole lot easier than making a cold call!
If you hate cold calling, and even if you don't, you should start capitalizing on the work you’ve already done.
So often we don’t utilize one of the most persuasive selling components in our marketing materials – the words of our own clients. Many creative people have wonderful testimonials from clients, but never use them for fear that they are “bragging” or that it is “too self promotional.”
Well of course it’s self promotional! That’s what good marketing is!
When you are finished a project for a client, why not capture that moment in the client's own words to use for showing potential clients the value of your services? Testimonials are even more crucial for creative businesses because it is more difficult for the average person to set a value on most arts related items and services. Seeing others talk about the value of working with you will help them more readily understand the value of your work.
If your client doesn’t come running to you with a testimonial, then ask her for one. There is nothing wrong with that and most clients are honored you asked them.
The best testimonials are ones that show a measurable goal has been reached and uses language that your potential clients can identify with.
For example, here is a testimonial I received from a client who is an artist:
“I just recently got back from a job I did up in Cape Cod worth over $11,000 and it is because I used the techniques I learned from you to turn a consultation into my biggest job ever.”
-Amy Ketteran, Ketteran Studios
Here's another example of a testimonial I received from a corporate client:
"My improved confidence/speaking skills has helped my career as well as Verizon Connected Solutions since we are now working on developing partnerships/joint ventures with some large manufacturers and I am involved with seminars to promote these potential partnerships. Since I began working with Kirstin I’ve had several speaking opportunities and I can tell you her methods work. In fact, because of my work with Kirstin, I gave testimony in court that caused VCS to win a nearly $1 million lawsuit with customer who refused to pay. I can’t thank Kirstin enough!"
-Ed Ruby, Director of Business Operations
Verizon Connected Solutions
If you have testimonials, but they are not measurable, then they aren’t as persuasive as they need to be in order to sell a future client. To get measurable testimonials, all you have to do is ask for them. If you receive a testimonial from a client that isn’t measurable and doesn’t show a specific example of how that client has improved since working with you, then thank the client for the kind comments and ask him to narrow down the success to one or two specific items that are improved due to your work together.
You can respond with something like:
“Thanks for your feedback. It’s wonderful to hear about your success. What specifically has improved during our work together? Were you able to measure the difference?”
The more measurable the testimonial, and the more the client speaks in his own words, the more persuasive it is to the potential client, and the easier it is to generate new business.
Review your client list and look back over recent projects. Ask your best clients for measurable testimonials. It’s a whole lot easier than making a cold call!
A Good Daughter Owner Receives CSA Designation
Olga Brunner, CSA with A Good Daughter, Inc. (www.agooddaughter.com) located in Margate, Florida, completed the comprehensive course on priority senior issues in April 2005. The course is conducted by the Society of Certified Senior Advisors, the international organization that has trained over 20,000 professionals in all fifty states.
Successful participants complete a thorough examination to earn the Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) designation. Brunner completed this educational initiative to become the professional leader in meeting the key needs and issues concerning senior citizens in Broward and Palm Beach counties.
Professionals in the fields of medicine, insurance, investments, and recreation require a broad spectrum of information to serve the needs of seniors. Whether financial, medical, or social, the concerns of seniors are unique and different that other age groups.
The Society of Certified Senior Advisors keeps the professional abreast of all these issues by providing education, monthly updates, support, and marketing assistance regarding new developments, practices, and research about senior citizens.
Two thirds of all people who live past the age of sixty-five are alive today. In the United States seniors number 35.6 million and will continue to increase, leading a shift in population distribution by age. This demographic shift requires and educated response in how professionals work with the challenges and opportunities seniors face.
As a certified senior advisor, Brunner will participate annually in continuing education to ensure that Broward and Palm Beach seniors are best served. The CSA membership will ensure that Brunner remains an informed professional for all seniors. A Good Daughter is the leading senior care advisory organization in Broward and Palm Beach counties.
Olga Brunner
www.agooddaughter.com
e-mail protected from spam bots
800-963-3877
Article Tags: Good Daughter, Certified Senior, Palm Beach
Successful participants complete a thorough examination to earn the Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) designation. Brunner completed this educational initiative to become the professional leader in meeting the key needs and issues concerning senior citizens in Broward and Palm Beach counties.
Professionals in the fields of medicine, insurance, investments, and recreation require a broad spectrum of information to serve the needs of seniors. Whether financial, medical, or social, the concerns of seniors are unique and different that other age groups.
The Society of Certified Senior Advisors keeps the professional abreast of all these issues by providing education, monthly updates, support, and marketing assistance regarding new developments, practices, and research about senior citizens.
Two thirds of all people who live past the age of sixty-five are alive today. In the United States seniors number 35.6 million and will continue to increase, leading a shift in population distribution by age. This demographic shift requires and educated response in how professionals work with the challenges and opportunities seniors face.
As a certified senior advisor, Brunner will participate annually in continuing education to ensure that Broward and Palm Beach seniors are best served. The CSA membership will ensure that Brunner remains an informed professional for all seniors. A Good Daughter is the leading senior care advisory organization in Broward and Palm Beach counties.
Olga Brunner
www.agooddaughter.com
e-mail protected from spam bots
800-963-3877
Article Tags: Good Daughter, Certified Senior, Palm Beach
A Good Daughter Leads Corporate Elder Care Programs in South Florida
Seventeen percent (17%) of caregivers quit their jobs to provide care for aging family members, and another 15% reduce their work hours to assist their loved ones. This shocking loss of employee produ...
Seventeen percent (17%) of caregivers quit their jobs to provide care for aging family members, and another 15% reduce their work hours to assist their loved ones. This shocking loss of employee productivity is hitting South Florida businesses very hard as more Boomers have senior parents who require caregiving.
The impact of Elder Care issues on corporate America will continue to grow as our elderly population increases:
- Employees juggling job responsibilities with care giving are a reality in the workplace of today and the future. Workers are torn between the demands of their job and the ability to provide quality care to their relative.
- One out of three American workers is also managing the care of an older relative.
- Loss of productivity resulting from time off to care for an aging relative is estimated at $6100 per employee per year.
- Caregiver stress accounts for a 27% increase in use of company health insurance benefits.
To stop this workforce hemorrhaging South Florida companies are looking for methods to provide assistance in caregiving to employees to keep them on the job and productive, while being sensitive to the needs of the employee.
There have been attempts at Corporate Elder Care programs, however few as comprehensive at A Good Daughter, (www.agooddaughter.com) based in Margate. According to Olga Brunner, President, “Our Corporate Elder Care program was developed to help employees balance job responsibilities and caregiving. Our Professional Care Managers plan and organize care services for the employees of Broward and Palm Beach elderly population, affording families a peace of mind that their loved ones will find and secure services such as ongoing supervision of certified home care assistants, home maintenance and care, medication supervision, coordination of medical appointments and representation at these appointments, legal counsel, specialized air travel escorts, and many other services.”
While A Good Daughter works with individuals, the Corporate Elder Care program is ideally suited to the mid-sized company with fifty plus employees.
A Good Daughter, Inc.
www.agooddaughter.com
Olga Brunner
800-963-3877
Seventeen percent (17%) of caregivers quit their jobs to provide care for aging family members, and another 15% reduce their work hours to assist their loved ones. This shocking loss of employee productivity is hitting South Florida businesses very hard as more Boomers have senior parents who require caregiving.
The impact of Elder Care issues on corporate America will continue to grow as our elderly population increases:
- Employees juggling job responsibilities with care giving are a reality in the workplace of today and the future. Workers are torn between the demands of their job and the ability to provide quality care to their relative.
- One out of three American workers is also managing the care of an older relative.
- Loss of productivity resulting from time off to care for an aging relative is estimated at $6100 per employee per year.
- Caregiver stress accounts for a 27% increase in use of company health insurance benefits.
To stop this workforce hemorrhaging South Florida companies are looking for methods to provide assistance in caregiving to employees to keep them on the job and productive, while being sensitive to the needs of the employee.
There have been attempts at Corporate Elder Care programs, however few as comprehensive at A Good Daughter, (www.agooddaughter.com) based in Margate. According to Olga Brunner, President, “Our Corporate Elder Care program was developed to help employees balance job responsibilities and caregiving. Our Professional Care Managers plan and organize care services for the employees of Broward and Palm Beach elderly population, affording families a peace of mind that their loved ones will find and secure services such as ongoing supervision of certified home care assistants, home maintenance and care, medication supervision, coordination of medical appointments and representation at these appointments, legal counsel, specialized air travel escorts, and many other services.”
While A Good Daughter works with individuals, the Corporate Elder Care program is ideally suited to the mid-sized company with fifty plus employees.
A Good Daughter, Inc.
www.agooddaughter.com
Olga Brunner
800-963-3877
A Good Daughter, Inc. Leading Caregiving Organization in Broward Recognizes Sandra Day O’Connor
Leading Caregiving Organization in Broward County Florida Recognizes Sandra Day O’Connor's decision to step down to take care of husband with Alzheimer's.
A Good Daughter, Inc.(www.agooddaughter.com) is the leading caregiving organization in Broward and Palm Beach counties. Founder, Olga Brunner, recently commented on Justice Sandra Day O’Connor’s decision to step down from the high court to become a caregiver to her husband, who is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
According to Brunner, “I respect Justice O’Connor’s role as a caregiver. Alzheimer’s is a disease which progresses through multiple stages requiring the maximum effort on the part of a caregiver to stay calm, be patient, and flexible, and try to work through the behaviors as they arise. Caregiving will require the justice’s full-time attention, continuing education, and the ability to seek out available resources to help her husband and herself as a caregiver.”
A Good Daughter, based in Margate, Florida is a professional care management firm. Brunner’s team comes into someone’s home, performs a professional assessment, and knows what needs to be done. According to Brunner, “Our care managers bring expertise in disciplines such as nursing, health care administration, counseling and therapy. We have experience related to aging and elder care issues.” As members in good standing of the national association, A Good Daughter carefully adheres to a pledge of ethics and standards of practice.
Caregivers require the experienced guides and valuable resources required for families of older adults, leading community support groups, and caregiver education in the community. Not all organizations in eldercare have experienced dementia professionals.
Brunner’s story:
“My particular caregiving role while caring for mom, afflicted with Alzheimer’s, was similar to Justice O’Connor’s because typically you will find that wives and daughters are the ones most likely to be caring for an Alzheimer’s patient at home. I was one of the 41% who attempted to work full-time until my mother’s wandering behavior made it impossible to pursue a career. I remember being at my desk and telephoning home every five minutes to make sure she was still inside the house. On those occasions when she would not come to the phone, I was a nervous wreck and lost the ability to focus at work. Several times, I’d come home and a kind neighbor would find her wandering and return her to our home. I also had to make that painful choice between care or career. It was a difficult decision, but one that I’m grateful to have been able to do for her.”
A Good Daughter Helps Long Island Folks with Parents in South Florida
Olga Brunner is founder of A Good Daughter, Inc. (www.agooddaughter.com) located in Margate, Florida. Brunner is certified by the Society of Certified Senior Advisors, the international organization t...
Olga Brunner is founder of A Good Daughter, Inc. (www.agooddaughter.com) located in Margate, Florida. Brunner is certified by the Society of Certified Senior Advisors, the international organization that has trained over 20,000 professionals in all fifty states.
Brunner has a number of clients whose adult children reside on Long Island, with Parents living in Florida who require attention and it often creates a unique challenge to find and manage the caretaking. Brunner has become the professional leader in meeting the key needs and issues concerning senior citizens in Broward and Palm Beach counties.
Professionals in the fields of medicine, insurance, investments, and recreation require a broad spectrum of information to serve the needs of seniors. Whether financial, medical, or social, the concerns of seniors are unique and different that other age groups.
The Society of Certified Senior Advisors keeps the professional abreast of all these issues by providing education, monthly updates, support, and marketing assistance regarding new developments, practices, and research about senior citizens.
Two thirds of all people who live past the age of sixty-five are alive today. In the United States seniors number 35.6 million and will continue to increase, leading a shift in population distribution by age. This demographic shift requires and educated response in how professionals work with the challenges and opportunities seniors face.
A Good Daughter is the leading senior care advisory organization in Broward and Palm Beach counties. Long Island children of senior parents have a resource in Olga Brunner and A Good Daughter.
Olga Brunner
www.agooddaughter.com
e-mail protected from spam bots
800-963-3877
Article Tags: Good Daughter, Long Island
Olga Brunner is founder of A Good Daughter, Inc. (www.agooddaughter.com) located in Margate, Florida. Brunner is certified by the Society of Certified Senior Advisors, the international organization that has trained over 20,000 professionals in all fifty states.
Brunner has a number of clients whose adult children reside on Long Island, with Parents living in Florida who require attention and it often creates a unique challenge to find and manage the caretaking. Brunner has become the professional leader in meeting the key needs and issues concerning senior citizens in Broward and Palm Beach counties.
Professionals in the fields of medicine, insurance, investments, and recreation require a broad spectrum of information to serve the needs of seniors. Whether financial, medical, or social, the concerns of seniors are unique and different that other age groups.
The Society of Certified Senior Advisors keeps the professional abreast of all these issues by providing education, monthly updates, support, and marketing assistance regarding new developments, practices, and research about senior citizens.
Two thirds of all people who live past the age of sixty-five are alive today. In the United States seniors number 35.6 million and will continue to increase, leading a shift in population distribution by age. This demographic shift requires and educated response in how professionals work with the challenges and opportunities seniors face.
A Good Daughter is the leading senior care advisory organization in Broward and Palm Beach counties. Long Island children of senior parents have a resource in Olga Brunner and A Good Daughter.
Olga Brunner
www.agooddaughter.com
e-mail protected from spam bots
800-963-3877
Article Tags: Good Daughter, Long Island
A Good Daughter: Corporate Caregiving Program Allows Employees to Stay on the Job
The elder care program targeting South Florida corporations is being lead by A Good Daughter based in Margate, Florida.According Olga Brunner, President of the firm, "When employer's get behind paying...
The elder care program targeting South Florida corporations is being lead by A Good Daughter based in Margate, Florida.
According Olga Brunner, President of the firm, "When employer's get behind paying for care management benefits, close or long-distance caregivers continue working, preventing excessive absenteeism and stress. A Good Daughter Professional Care Managers plan and organize care and services for Broward and Palm Beach County's elderly population.”
Seventeen percent (17%) of caregivers quit their jobs to provide care for aging family members, and another 15% reduce their work hours to assist their loved ones. This shocking loss of employee productivity is hitting South Florida businesses very hard as more Boomers have senior parents who require caregiving.
To stop this workforce hemorrhaging South Florida companies are looking for methods to provide assistance in caregiving to employees to keep them on the job and productive, while being sensitive to the needs of the employee.
There have been attempts at Corporate Elder Care programs, however few as comprehensive at A Good Daughter, (www.agooddaughter.com) based in Margate. According to Olga Brunner, President, “Our Corporate Elder Care program was developed to help employees balance job responsibilities and caregiving. Our Professional Care Managers plan and organize care and services for the employees of Broward and Palm Beach elderly population, affording families a peace of mind that their loved ones will find and secure services such as ongoing supervision of certified home care assistants, home maintenance and care, medication supervision, coordination of medical appointments and representation at these appointments, legal counsel, specialized air travel escorts, and many other services.”
The impact of Elder Care issues on corporate America will continue to grow as our elderly population increases:
Employees juggling job responsibilities with care giving are a reality in the workplace of today and the future. Workers are torn between the demands of their job and the ability to provide quality care to their relative.
One out of three American workers is also managing the care of an older relative.
Loss of productivity resulting from time off to care for an aging relative is estimated at $6100 per employee per year.
Caregiver stress accounts for a 27% increase in use of company health insurance benefits.
Olga Brunner originally moved from California to Florida to care for her aging mother with Alzheimer's Disease. Having been affected by the daunting task of being a caregiver while employed, she became determined to start a business which would help other caregivers navigate the troubled waters of elder care. By founding A Good Daughter, Inc., she became a care manager who brings a personal awareness of the needs of close or long distance caregivers and their loved ones.
A Good Daughter
www.agooddaughter.com
800-963-3877
The elder care program targeting South Florida corporations is being lead by A Good Daughter based in Margate, Florida.
According Olga Brunner, President of the firm, "When employer's get behind paying for care management benefits, close or long-distance caregivers continue working, preventing excessive absenteeism and stress. A Good Daughter Professional Care Managers plan and organize care and services for Broward and Palm Beach County's elderly population.”
Seventeen percent (17%) of caregivers quit their jobs to provide care for aging family members, and another 15% reduce their work hours to assist their loved ones. This shocking loss of employee productivity is hitting South Florida businesses very hard as more Boomers have senior parents who require caregiving.
To stop this workforce hemorrhaging South Florida companies are looking for methods to provide assistance in caregiving to employees to keep them on the job and productive, while being sensitive to the needs of the employee.
There have been attempts at Corporate Elder Care programs, however few as comprehensive at A Good Daughter, (www.agooddaughter.com) based in Margate. According to Olga Brunner, President, “Our Corporate Elder Care program was developed to help employees balance job responsibilities and caregiving. Our Professional Care Managers plan and organize care and services for the employees of Broward and Palm Beach elderly population, affording families a peace of mind that their loved ones will find and secure services such as ongoing supervision of certified home care assistants, home maintenance and care, medication supervision, coordination of medical appointments and representation at these appointments, legal counsel, specialized air travel escorts, and many other services.”
The impact of Elder Care issues on corporate America will continue to grow as our elderly population increases:
Employees juggling job responsibilities with care giving are a reality in the workplace of today and the future. Workers are torn between the demands of their job and the ability to provide quality care to their relative.
One out of three American workers is also managing the care of an older relative.
Loss of productivity resulting from time off to care for an aging relative is estimated at $6100 per employee per year.
Caregiver stress accounts for a 27% increase in use of company health insurance benefits.
Olga Brunner originally moved from California to Florida to care for her aging mother with Alzheimer's Disease. Having been affected by the daunting task of being a caregiver while employed, she became determined to start a business which would help other caregivers navigate the troubled waters of elder care. By founding A Good Daughter, Inc., she became a care manager who brings a personal awareness of the needs of close or long distance caregivers and their loved ones.
A Good Daughter
www.agooddaughter.com
800-963-3877
A FEW SECURITY TIPS FOR YOUR BUSINESS
OVERVIEW
With the inherent stresses that come with running a business, there is often little time to digest the complex intricacies of security software. According to recent studies many business owners eschew the notion that their digital assets may be vulnerable to attack. Although an attack or infection can be potentially catastrophic, many believe damage caused by viruses, hackers and worms only happens to others. They consider their data to be of little use or value outside of their organization. Even executives that acknowledge the existence of these hazards seldom have the time or the budget for security audits and/or an overhaul of their workflow procedures to comply with best security practices.
Below are a few simple tools, tips and guidelines that can help your business take a proactive approach to data security. By implementing the following, your business data will be less susceptible to financial damage caused by accidents and malicious attacks.
REGULARILY UPDATE YOUR SOFTWARE
Although valiant efforts are often made to write safe software, the fact is that no software is ever bug-free. Hackers exploit these bugs for a variety of reasons including fun and money. It is critically important that your software is updated on a regular basis. Most operating systems, firewall and antivirus can and should be configured to receive regular updates.
Update MS Windows visit: windowsupdate.microsoft.com
Update Mac OS visit: http://www.apple.com/support/
INSTall FIREWALLS
Firewalls separate one network from another and are frequently used to separate a company’s internal network from the Internet. Firewalls not only mask the identity of the individual computers behind them, they also examine and filter potentially damaging data entering or leaving the network. It is good practice to install both perimeter and client-side firewalls.
Some firewall providers include:
-Watchguard: www.watchguard.com
-Cisco: www.cicso.com
-ZoneLabs: www.zonelabs.com
INSTALL ANTI-VIRUS PROTECTION
Hundreds if not thousands new malware programs are released each month. These include viruses, worms, Trojan horses and host of other programs. Symptoms of infection range from the annoying to catastrophic. Because viruses can slip through firewalls posing as a legitimate email or program, installation of client-side anti-virus software is important. Install only the latest version of your chose antivirus program and make sure to regularly update and scan your system.
Well established anti-virus providers include:
-Norton: www.symantec.com/product/index_smallbiz.html
-AVG: www.grisoft.com/
-Panda Software: www.pandasoftware.com
-McAfee: us.mcafee.com/virusInfo/default.asp
PROTECT THE CONTENT OF YOUR SENSITIVE FILES AND EMAIL
Email doesn’t have to be a public announcement, yet private messages often turn out to be. Email and files containing sensitive business information such as strategic plans, contracts, financial information, designs and more all too often spread beyond the individuals they were intended for. According to a recent report by the Computer Security Institute loss of proprietary data was the third leading cause of financial damage to organizations last year.
To mitigate this problem consider using rights management software to protect your sensitive business data. Content rights management software not only encrypts files, but also serves to enforce access and limit usage privileges such as forwarding, editing and printing. These protections are persistent and remain with your files no matter where they travel. Any business that frequently exchange medical, financial, legal or design data should make regular use of encryption and content rights management technologies
Some established providers include:
-Authentica: www.authentica.com
-Essential Security Software: www.essentialsecurity.com
-Microsoft IRM: www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/technologies/rightsmgmt/default.mspx
ESTABLISH A PERIODIC BACKUP STRATEGY
Periodic backups are required to ensure business continuity in case of an accident such as a hard-drive failure or attack. In a networked environment full and incremental data back-ups can be programmed to take place at regular intervals. Small offices environments should backup their sensitive data external hard-drive or cd at least once a week. It is good policy for companies to back-up email as well. Back-up data should be stored off-site in a secure location. Be sure to test your backup processes to ensure that indeed your data can be restored lieu of an operational failure.
Secure off-site data storage providers:
-Iron Mountain: www.ironmountain.com
-First Backup: www.firstbackup.com
-KastenChase: www.kastenchase.com
USE STRONG PASSWORDS
Passwords are used to authenticate the identity of an individual user. Unless otherwise protected, once a password is broken your sensitive data is exposed. With free software that is readily available on the web, most passwords can be broken in a number of minutes. These programs often use known words and phrases to break passwords frequently beginning with “password” and “admin”. For good password security use a combination of upper-case and lower-case letters, numbers and symbols (i.e. eR8>!tJd ). Make sure that your employees memorize their passwords and that these are not written down anywhere on premises.
HIRE A SECURITY CONSULTANT
While tips in this article will help your company to be more secure; every business is different and requires its own security strategy. Consider hiring an independent security consultant to asses your individual security situation. They will be able to help you create a comprehensive security policy that will meet your business needs.
EDUCATE YOUR EMPLOYEES
No security plan is effective unless followed by your employees. Measures can be taken to severely limit their privileges such as browsing the internet, reading email, or preventing the reading of files from USB drive or cd. However, draconian security measures can interrupt workflow and damage productivity. A better policy is to limit some user privileges while educating your employees about your company’s security policies.
Visit www.essentialsecurity.com
A College Degree or an MBA is NOT NEEDED to be “Financially Free”
Look at Forbes’ top 10 United States wealthiest people. Notice the top five “self made” billionaires (excludes the Waltons who’s net worth is due to inheritance) are college dropouts. If MBA/college degrees were the answer, this would not be true.
1. Gates, William Henry III (drop out)
2. Buffett, Warren Edward
3. Allen, Paul Gardner (drop out)
4. Walton, Alice L.
5. Walton, Helen R.
6. Walton, Jim C.
7. Walton, John T.
8. Walton, S. Robson
9. Dell, Michael (drop out)
10. Ellison, Lawrence Joseph (drop out)
Education can get a job with good income. Your understanding of your Money Strategy can make you “Financially Free.”
Failure or success of a home-based business is all a function of your internal “Money Strategy.” says Tax Mom’s Vice President, Coralee LaFresnaye. “If your ‘Money Strategy’ is not set for success, no product, no business, or not even an MBA degree will make you Financially Free,”
Your ‘Money Strategy’ is the inter-twining of your “DNA Strategy” and the money messages you receive throughout life about money. Ms. LaFresnaye believes that it is the person’s lack of understanding of their “Money Strategy,” not the product; search engines, business plan, or capitalization is the reason for business failure. This is the reason Tax Moms are sponsoring a FREE 9-week experience called the “Be Financially Free with Ninergy – the Experience.”
Each week for 9-weeks the participants will have the opportunity to take part in a chat, talk and video tele-conference with exercises to help them understand what is meant by DNA Strategy and how the money messages the participant receives throughout life effects their “Money Strategy.” At the end of 9-weeks they will understand how their “Money Strategy” can cause their failure or lead to their success. It is now their choice.
The 9-week tele-conference is free and does not promote any product, franchise, service or business, but provides a life changing experience about money. During the 9-weeks the participants have to spend 3.6 million dollars on anything their heart desires. For 9-weeks, the participants receive 2 money-emails a week. The first one is for $5000 and the last one is for a $1,000,000. Each week they have to spend their virtual money before the next money-email arrives.
They will experience their “virtual dollars” turn into “real dollars by focusing and purchasing every desire of their heart, and understanding their “Money Strategy.” The purpose of the 9-weeks is to change their “real world” money consciousness. It is not a just a tele-conference or a workshop, it is a real life Experience
How do the Tax Moms know that a person’s “Money Strategy” is the secret to success? Since all Tax Moms have participated in this experience and since they prepare thousands of client’s tax returns, they see over and over that it is not the product or the service that causes the success or failure, but the client’s Money Strategy.
Registration is limited to 500. There is no cost to participate in any part of the experience. The first money-email arrives on July 4, 2005, your Financial Independence Day.
9 Tips for Better PBX Safety and Security
Listed below are tips you can use right now to protect your business. 1. Take steps to secure your authorization codes on a permanent basis. Remind employees of the need to keep all access codes secu...
Listed below are tips you can use right now to protect your business.
1. Take steps to secure your authorization codes on a permanent basis. Remind employees of the need to keep all access codes secure and change them frequently.
2. Contact your equipment vendors and ask for any and all information on the available security systems in place to detect toll fraud. They should also provide information on monitoring services available to help you quickly detect unusual usage.
3. Work closely with your PBX administrator to ensure that all of the PBX security features available are in place and are being implemented.
4. Unless needed for routine business, block outgoing international calling, 809 and 900 calling capabilities.
5. Conduct regular and routine auditing of your telecommunication systems and bills, especially just after regular vacation months and holiday seasons. It is during these times of year that PBX toll fraud most often occurs.
6. Wherever possible, limit the number of employees who are authorized to use remote access. And if possible, change pass codes and authorization codes when an employee permanently leaves the company.
7. NEVER transfer a call outside your PBX if you are unaware of the identity of the caller. Instruct employees that phone companies will never ask customers to be part of a "test" - no matter how official the caller may sound.
8. Always be alert to possible PBX abuse signs. These could include repeated calls of short duration, sudden increase in 800 usage, or unexplained changes incoming, outgoing or especially after-hours calling patterns.
9. Consider out sourcing your telecom bills to a firm that will provide bill paying and audit services on an ongoing monthly basis. You'll save money across the board and catch toll fraud at the time it happens.
Article Tags: Toll Fraud
Listed below are tips you can use right now to protect your business.
1. Take steps to secure your authorization codes on a permanent basis. Remind employees of the need to keep all access codes secure and change them frequently.
2. Contact your equipment vendors and ask for any and all information on the available security systems in place to detect toll fraud. They should also provide information on monitoring services available to help you quickly detect unusual usage.
3. Work closely with your PBX administrator to ensure that all of the PBX security features available are in place and are being implemented.
4. Unless needed for routine business, block outgoing international calling, 809 and 900 calling capabilities.
5. Conduct regular and routine auditing of your telecommunication systems and bills, especially just after regular vacation months and holiday seasons. It is during these times of year that PBX toll fraud most often occurs.
6. Wherever possible, limit the number of employees who are authorized to use remote access. And if possible, change pass codes and authorization codes when an employee permanently leaves the company.
7. NEVER transfer a call outside your PBX if you are unaware of the identity of the caller. Instruct employees that phone companies will never ask customers to be part of a "test" - no matter how official the caller may sound.
8. Always be alert to possible PBX abuse signs. These could include repeated calls of short duration, sudden increase in 800 usage, or unexplained changes incoming, outgoing or especially after-hours calling patterns.
9. Consider out sourcing your telecom bills to a firm that will provide bill paying and audit services on an ongoing monthly basis. You'll save money across the board and catch toll fraud at the time it happens.
Article Tags: Toll Fraud
9 Business Time Management Skills You Need To Succeed
Do you have plenty to do, but don’t have enough time to do it all in? These days it appears there is a mad scramble to accomplish more in a shorter amount of time. As a business owner, there will ...
Do you have plenty to do, but don’t have enough time to do it all in?
These days it appears there is a mad scramble to accomplish more in a shorter amount of time.
As a business owner, there will be times that you feel overwhelmed with tasks you want to accomplish, but seem to never have enough time to complete everything.
Here you will find 9 time management suggestions which will in turn help you accomplish tasks more efficiently and give you a chance to open up more opportunities to do the things you'd rather be doing.
1) Create A To Do List – Having a well plotted “To Do List” will keep you focused on the tasks that need attention and will help you from straying away from the things you want or need to accomplish.
2) Prioritize Your To Do List – If you have a “To Do” list that contains several tasks, it is wise to separate the items that must be done now from the ones that hold lesser importance. Tasks with a deadline should be first on your priority list.
3) Spend Time Planning – Using your time to plan and think ahead is time spent wisely. Having a clear direction where you want your business to be in a few years down the road will allow you to spend your precious time and money more effectively and efficiently. It has been said, that if you do not plan, then you are planning to fail.
4) Create Goals For Yourself – Without goals your life would have no direction. When setting goals be sure to create ones that are specific, achievable, realistic and at the same time cause you to reach beyond your comfort zone so that you gain the ability to reach those goals that are more difficult to obtain than others.
5) Overcome Procrastination – Many people put off things that they don’t want to do until the very last minute. One way to overcome procrastination is to work on tasks just a little bit at a time or for only a set time period rather than for long time periods all at once. This way you are still getting your important tasks done, but just at a slower rate.
6) Eliminate Important Tasks First – Check off on your “To Do” list as to which tasks out rank others as far as importance is concerned. By doing this you will not get side tracked or find yourself in a deadline rush to get the items with greater rewards finished on time. Once the important tasks are completed then you should move onto the less important items on your list.
7) Nobody’s Perfect – Doing a job well to the best of your abilities is a practice of honorable measures. By spending the time to try and be perfect at everything you do is not time well spent because the time you do spend could be used at accomplishing other important tasks. Although, some things do need to be close to perfect, but not all.
8) Be Flexible – Plan your time so that if there are distractions or emergencies to attend to, you won’t find yourself in a situation where you must delay the completion of important tasks, but can attend to the distraction and still keep on schedule.
9) Treat Yourself – To make life happier and healthier for oneself, it is important that you take time away from your work to just have some fun. If all you do is work, work, work, then accomplishing the goals you have set for yourself will have little meaning and you risk mental burnout. Taking time out to have fun is also necessary to relieve yourself from the many stresses that life has to offer.
Do you have plenty to do, but don’t have enough time to do it all in?
These days it appears there is a mad scramble to accomplish more in a shorter amount of time.
As a business owner, there will be times that you feel overwhelmed with tasks you want to accomplish, but seem to never have enough time to complete everything.
Here you will find 9 time management suggestions which will in turn help you accomplish tasks more efficiently and give you a chance to open up more opportunities to do the things you'd rather be doing.
1) Create A To Do List – Having a well plotted “To Do List” will keep you focused on the tasks that need attention and will help you from straying away from the things you want or need to accomplish.
2) Prioritize Your To Do List – If you have a “To Do” list that contains several tasks, it is wise to separate the items that must be done now from the ones that hold lesser importance. Tasks with a deadline should be first on your priority list.
3) Spend Time Planning – Using your time to plan and think ahead is time spent wisely. Having a clear direction where you want your business to be in a few years down the road will allow you to spend your precious time and money more effectively and efficiently. It has been said, that if you do not plan, then you are planning to fail.
4) Create Goals For Yourself – Without goals your life would have no direction. When setting goals be sure to create ones that are specific, achievable, realistic and at the same time cause you to reach beyond your comfort zone so that you gain the ability to reach those goals that are more difficult to obtain than others.
5) Overcome Procrastination – Many people put off things that they don’t want to do until the very last minute. One way to overcome procrastination is to work on tasks just a little bit at a time or for only a set time period rather than for long time periods all at once. This way you are still getting your important tasks done, but just at a slower rate.
6) Eliminate Important Tasks First – Check off on your “To Do” list as to which tasks out rank others as far as importance is concerned. By doing this you will not get side tracked or find yourself in a deadline rush to get the items with greater rewards finished on time. Once the important tasks are completed then you should move onto the less important items on your list.
7) Nobody’s Perfect – Doing a job well to the best of your abilities is a practice of honorable measures. By spending the time to try and be perfect at everything you do is not time well spent because the time you do spend could be used at accomplishing other important tasks. Although, some things do need to be close to perfect, but not all.
8) Be Flexible – Plan your time so that if there are distractions or emergencies to attend to, you won’t find yourself in a situation where you must delay the completion of important tasks, but can attend to the distraction and still keep on schedule.
9) Treat Yourself – To make life happier and healthier for oneself, it is important that you take time away from your work to just have some fun. If all you do is work, work, work, then accomplishing the goals you have set for yourself will have little meaning and you risk mental burnout. Taking time out to have fun is also necessary to relieve yourself from the many stresses that life has to offer.
800 Items calculated in 20 Seconds by EZ MRP
E-Z-MRP, the leading manufacturing software system for small manufacturers, announced a new pricing and product structure. According to Rocky Smolin, founder of Beach Access Software, makers of E-Z-MRP, “We see a distinction between those small manufacturers with less than five hundred parts in material resource planning, and those with a need for virtually unlimited part numbers.”
Companies like Hi-Rel Corporation have utilized this delineation recently by leasing the E-Z MRP system for manufacturers with more than 500 parts. According to Jerry Stouffer, “It made sense given our cash flow and I would recommend E-Z-MRP to other small manufacturers because the support is excellent and the product is easy to work with.”
Stouffer did suggest that manufacturers looking for a customer relations management module should look at something else. However he was impressed with, “…How fast it (E-Z-MRP) calculates our requirements. I have 800 items in the database and it only takes 20 seconds.”
Small manufacturers with more than about a hundred parts can no longer manage the manufacturing process manually or on an Excel spreadsheet. Since more than 84% of all manufacturers have less than fifty employees, there is a remarkable opportunity for cost-effective manufacturing systems like E-Z-MRP. Despite the extensive media coverage regarding ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), in most cases these small manufacturers do not require all the functionality offered, nor can many afford the price point.
Somewhere between Excel and ERP is the core process for most manufacturers. By offering the two versions of E-Z-MRP, no small manufacturer will be required to purchase more software than actually needed, while still having the ability to grow into the E-Z-MRP Unlimited version.
Smolin noted that some manufacturers will start with the under 500 parts version of E-Z-MRP, priced at $2995, and grow into the new unlimited version, priced at $9800. Beach Access Software credits the $2995 for customers who later choose to upgrade. Other small manufacturers who presently have more than five hundred parts will start right away with the E-Z-MRP Unlimited version.
To accommodate the new pricing structure E-Z-MRP offers a Leasing program that ensure a rapid Return-on-Investment.
Lease E-Z-MRP with two full years of support for just $169.96 per month.
Lease E-Z-MRP Unlimited with two full years of support for just $495.00 per month.
For more information visit the company’s web site: http://www.e-z-mrp.com, or call 858-259-4334.
Beach Access Software
Rocky Smolin
e-mail protected from spam bots
Companies like Hi-Rel Corporation have utilized this delineation recently by leasing the E-Z MRP system for manufacturers with more than 500 parts. According to Jerry Stouffer, “It made sense given our cash flow and I would recommend E-Z-MRP to other small manufacturers because the support is excellent and the product is easy to work with.”
Stouffer did suggest that manufacturers looking for a customer relations management module should look at something else. However he was impressed with, “…How fast it (E-Z-MRP) calculates our requirements. I have 800 items in the database and it only takes 20 seconds.”
Small manufacturers with more than about a hundred parts can no longer manage the manufacturing process manually or on an Excel spreadsheet. Since more than 84% of all manufacturers have less than fifty employees, there is a remarkable opportunity for cost-effective manufacturing systems like E-Z-MRP. Despite the extensive media coverage regarding ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), in most cases these small manufacturers do not require all the functionality offered, nor can many afford the price point.
Somewhere between Excel and ERP is the core process for most manufacturers. By offering the two versions of E-Z-MRP, no small manufacturer will be required to purchase more software than actually needed, while still having the ability to grow into the E-Z-MRP Unlimited version.
Smolin noted that some manufacturers will start with the under 500 parts version of E-Z-MRP, priced at $2995, and grow into the new unlimited version, priced at $9800. Beach Access Software credits the $2995 for customers who later choose to upgrade. Other small manufacturers who presently have more than five hundred parts will start right away with the E-Z-MRP Unlimited version.
To accommodate the new pricing structure E-Z-MRP offers a Leasing program that ensure a rapid Return-on-Investment.
Lease E-Z-MRP with two full years of support for just $169.96 per month.
Lease E-Z-MRP Unlimited with two full years of support for just $495.00 per month.
For more information visit the company’s web site: http://www.e-z-mrp.com, or call 858-259-4334.
Beach Access Software
Rocky Smolin
e-mail protected from spam bots
8 Ways to Overcome Your Fears of Outsourcing
You have probably heard the stories: Software that does not work. Software that does the wrong thing. Money paid to set up an offshore operation that never produces any software. Can these outsourcing...
You have probably heard the stories: Software that does not work. Software that does the wrong thing. Money paid to set up an offshore operation that never produces any software. Can these outsourcing nightmares be avoided?
Of course. The key is how you manage the outsourcing of your software development.
The two biggest fears of outsourcing that I hear from clients are the fear of selecting a bad outsourcing vendor and the fear of not managing their work effectively. Let's assume you pick a great team, perhaps one of the proven Accelerance teams from around the world. Even then you may still have lingering worries about getting your software developed quickly. Here are eight ways you can manage your outsourcing to get reliable results.
(1) Milestone tracking - Your plan for outsourcing should include some estimating and scheduling. The outsourced team should commit to dates for the completion of the milestones. Define your development milestones so they occur frequently and make corrections if they are not being met.
(2) Requirements tracking - Make sure the features you need are being completed properly in each release. You want to make sure your users will be able to gain the maximum benefit from your software. You don't want important details to be lost or forgotten.
(3) Daily monitoring of your outsourcing progress - No news is NOT good news. You need regular communication with your outsourced team. This should occur almost everyday. You should at least have a regular email or a conference call on specific days to make sure things are going well and that unresolved issues are not blocking progress.
(4) Continuous builds - Put a system in place to re-compile and build your software every time a developer checks in a source file. This allows you to detect problems as they occur so they can be fixed quickly and do not lead to a delayed software release.
(5) Test-driven development - You should require your outsourced engineers to perform unit tests of their programming work. Tests should be created first, before the feature is implemented. Writing the test first helps clarify what the software should do. It also builds a set of regression tests that can be performed later to check for basic system functionality.
(6) Integration testing and Quality Assurance - Testing of the individual software modules by the outsourced developers is not enough. You also need to test the entire system to make sure high levels of functionality and quality will be experienced by your users. Comprehensive testing requires automation to check all paths through the user interface. A full QA process also verifies the software behaves well when users make "mistakes."
(7) Collaboration for design and problem resolution - If the engineers are working in your office then you just meet with them to resolve the issue face-to-face. Of course, this is not possible when the engineers are thousands of miles away across one or more oceans. But with the Internet you can get pretty darn close. An email or instant message conversation can often resolve your issues. Using the telephone is also an extremely useful tool and with VOIP software like Skype, Yahoo Messenger or Google Talk the communication cost is zero. The important point is that the tools are available to make long-distance collaboration a reality and they enable extensive use of outsourcing to be practical.
(8) Knowledge management and retention - You provide a specification to the outsourced team. Issues are resolved and clarifications are made. Then the software is delivered and it works well. But what if the outsourced team leaves the picture? Will you be able to pick up the software and make changes efficiently? Yes, if you have gained the knowledge of how the software is written. The technical documentation describing the architecture and workings of your software should be created by you or your outsourced team. You don't need a huge tome no one will read. Simple installation instructions and architectural documents that can facilitate the learning process and enable your US engineers to deploy and support your software are sufficient.
Believe me. You will gain peace of mind and produce great software when you apply these powerful techniques to manage your outsourcing. Use of these techniques will quell your fears and help you bravely take advantage of the benefits of outsourcing in the new global economy.
Article Tags: Outsourced Team, Make Sure
You have probably heard the stories: Software that does not work. Software that does the wrong thing. Money paid to set up an offshore operation that never produces any software. Can these outsourcing nightmares be avoided?
Of course. The key is how you manage the outsourcing of your software development.
The two biggest fears of outsourcing that I hear from clients are the fear of selecting a bad outsourcing vendor and the fear of not managing their work effectively. Let's assume you pick a great team, perhaps one of the proven Accelerance teams from around the world. Even then you may still have lingering worries about getting your software developed quickly. Here are eight ways you can manage your outsourcing to get reliable results.
(1) Milestone tracking - Your plan for outsourcing should include some estimating and scheduling. The outsourced team should commit to dates for the completion of the milestones. Define your development milestones so they occur frequently and make corrections if they are not being met.
(2) Requirements tracking - Make sure the features you need are being completed properly in each release. You want to make sure your users will be able to gain the maximum benefit from your software. You don't want important details to be lost or forgotten.
(3) Daily monitoring of your outsourcing progress - No news is NOT good news. You need regular communication with your outsourced team. This should occur almost everyday. You should at least have a regular email or a conference call on specific days to make sure things are going well and that unresolved issues are not blocking progress.
(4) Continuous builds - Put a system in place to re-compile and build your software every time a developer checks in a source file. This allows you to detect problems as they occur so they can be fixed quickly and do not lead to a delayed software release.
(5) Test-driven development - You should require your outsourced engineers to perform unit tests of their programming work. Tests should be created first, before the feature is implemented. Writing the test first helps clarify what the software should do. It also builds a set of regression tests that can be performed later to check for basic system functionality.
(6) Integration testing and Quality Assurance - Testing of the individual software modules by the outsourced developers is not enough. You also need to test the entire system to make sure high levels of functionality and quality will be experienced by your users. Comprehensive testing requires automation to check all paths through the user interface. A full QA process also verifies the software behaves well when users make "mistakes."
(7) Collaboration for design and problem resolution - If the engineers are working in your office then you just meet with them to resolve the issue face-to-face. Of course, this is not possible when the engineers are thousands of miles away across one or more oceans. But with the Internet you can get pretty darn close. An email or instant message conversation can often resolve your issues. Using the telephone is also an extremely useful tool and with VOIP software like Skype, Yahoo Messenger or Google Talk the communication cost is zero. The important point is that the tools are available to make long-distance collaboration a reality and they enable extensive use of outsourcing to be practical.
(8) Knowledge management and retention - You provide a specification to the outsourced team. Issues are resolved and clarifications are made. Then the software is delivered and it works well. But what if the outsourced team leaves the picture? Will you be able to pick up the software and make changes efficiently? Yes, if you have gained the knowledge of how the software is written. The technical documentation describing the architecture and workings of your software should be created by you or your outsourced team. You don't need a huge tome no one will read. Simple installation instructions and architectural documents that can facilitate the learning process and enable your US engineers to deploy and support your software are sufficient.
Believe me. You will gain peace of mind and produce great software when you apply these powerful techniques to manage your outsourcing. Use of these techniques will quell your fears and help you bravely take advantage of the benefits of outsourcing in the new global economy.
Article Tags: Outsourced Team, Make Sure
8 Critical Steps to Establish a Customer Service Culture
Upon reflection, most all of my interactions with displeased customers were not the result of a poor product, but rather a disappointing customer experience. Why is that? Because, product is not personal, customer service is. Briefly, I would like to share with you eight critical steps to establish a customer service culture.
During our recent weakened economy, many businesses have seen declining revenues and declining budgets. Declining budgets often lead to reduced staff levels and diminished services. To me, this does not make sense. I believe that it is during the down times, when service should be at the forefront and retention of loyal customers even more of a focus.
When price wars fail to drive revenues, businesses often look to service to give them a competitive advantage. Many big business marketers are returning to a “service sells” mentality, however, many sell great customer service and few deliver. The problem is that few marketers have ever truly served a customer.
Throughout my years in business, I have had the opportunity to interact and develop a customer service philosophy. It is inherent that when you are in a service-based business, there will be times when your customer is compelled to offer you their feedback. It is what you do with this feedback that will shape the future and their impression of your business.
Upon reflection, most all of my interactions with displeased customers were not the result of a poor product, but rather a disappointing customer experience. Why is that? Because, product is not personal, customer service is. Briefly, I would like to share with you eight critical steps to establish a customer service culture.
Customers are the reason for work, not an interruption of work
This sounds really obvious doesn’t it? How many times have you gone into a business only to wait while someone is on the telephone or busy doing some “non-service” task? Employees often lose sight of the importance of the customer and get consumed in lesser day to day tasks. Sure, there are tasks that need to be accomplished, but you cannot afford to sacrifice service to get them done. Good customer service must be a priority for you and your team. Without your customers, you have no company!
Train, train, and continue to train.
Cross train your entire staff to be able to assist a customer regardless of their department. When a customer becomes upset they want their problem solved not to be shuffled between employees that are not empowered or enable to assist them.
Offer continuous customer service training for your staff and once they are providing good service, continue to train them.
Utilize role play situations to assist your staff in recognizing and experiencing both easy and difficult service opportunities. If an employee has a level of comfort with a difficult situation, they will be able to better handle it.
Empower your staff to serve
Establish a system of resources for your staff to serve the customer. Allow them latitude to take the necessary action to provide exceptional service and resolve any issues should a customer become disgruntled. Create a structured system to allow your staff to serve customers.
Establish a discretionary budget that an employee may access to recover a customer before you lose them. I recently learned that a major hotel chain has a monetary fund available per year and per employee enabling them to go above and beyond to ensure exceptional service. This empowers the employee to right a wrong or create a “memorable” customer experience. I am not advocating large sums of money, but with regards to customer service, a small gesture can go a long way.
Ask your staff what tools would enable them to provide better service. You would not send a fireman into a burning building without the proper equipment. Failing to empower and enable your staff with the necessary tools to serve you customer leaves you with few options other than poor service.
Make service personal
Greet repeat customers by name, if possible.
Offer a handshake and introduce yourself. Creating service that is personal will not only retain customers, but help diffuse difficult situations should they arise.
Thank your customers for their patronage. It really does make a difference.
It is ok to say “Yes”, even when you should say “No”
Support your staff when they make customer service decisions. In my business, it is my policy that an employee can act without concern for repercussion, as long as they are meeting a customer’s need. I have found this creates a greater willingness to serve the customer.
Often times you could say “no” to a customer, however, “no” can have huge implications on your business. Ask yourself, “Am I willing to potentially lose 10 customers as result of this interaction?”
Offer a solution
Shift from the problem to the process for resolution.
Offer a choice between several options.
Put yourself in their place.
Involve the customer in determining the solution.
Clearly explain any limitations that exist.
Recognize your staff members for outstanding service
Implement a customer service awards program that recognizes employees for exceptional customer service. Maybe you have tried these without success and do not believe that they work. I would tend to agree if the program were like most I have seen. Try something different; break the mold. One of my most successful clients offers spa treatments for his female employees if a customer goes out of their way to recognize them for great service. Another client provides his employees with a “day off with pay” incentive for every five unsolicited, positive customer comments that he receives. These are just a few examples that are “outside the box.” Be creative and generate a little excitement in your staff for customer service.
Take the time to acknowledge employees at staff meetings. People want to leave their mark and feel that they matter. Taking the time to recognize them in front of their peers can make a real difference.
Ask your customers what they think of your service
The best way to find out if you are satisfying customers is to ask them. Formal efforts could include customer surveys, questionnaires, interviews or comment/suggestion cards. Informally, get out and talk with your customers and your staff. Ask them how they feel about service you are providing. Ideally, use a combination of both methods.
You may be thinking, “Why should I go ask for trouble? Who knows what I might hear if I ask?” That is the point. As you will see in the statistics below, most customers will not voice their disappointment with your service levels. They will simply leave and never return. If you do not ask about the quality of your service, you might make the wrong assumptions and feel that you can reduce service levels because you get few complaints and lead your organization into areas that turn off your customers or cause problems that you never intended.
On the other hand, asking your customers about their satisfaction sends a message to them that you care about your business and about them. While you might hear some criticisms, you might also learn what you are doing right and see what you should modify.
In addition to the information, you will benefit from the interaction. Every interaction is a customer service opportunity. Make the most of each and every one.
Most of us continue doing business with people and businesses who give good service. We might not say anything, but we reward good service providers by continuing to do business with them. If the service is outstanding, we will probably tell our friends and colleagues about it. Likewise, when we receive poor service most of us vote, not with our voice, but with our feet—we just leave.
In the 1980’s the White House Office of Consumer Affairs commissioned a report called the TARP study. The report revealed the following facts about unhappy customers:
96% of dissatisfied customers do not complain directly.
90% will not return.
One unhappy customer will tell nine others.
13% will tell at least 20 other people
Superior customer service is one of the most difficult deliverables facing the business world today. Selling service is the easy part, delivering on that promise offers a tremendous challenge. So I ask you, what can you do to improve the service you provide? Implement these eight steps and begin to excel at providing a superior customer culture today!
© Anthony Mullins
Elite Coaching Alliance 2005
7 Sure-Fire Ways to Advertise Your Business and Increase Sales
Do you own a business or thinking about starting one? Well, the one thing that every business owner needs to know is that in order to survive, you need customers willing to pay for your product or services. The only way to drive customers to your business is to advertise. There are defiantly many ideas about advertising, but I have listed 7 sure-fire ideas to get started with. These are all intended to help drive up sales and therefore help make your business successful.
1. Make your customers get excited about your business and they will tell their friends. Give them a free vacation certificate, a coupon, etc. For example, you could say, “Get a FREE vacation to (the location)! Another example would be, “You will also get a $200 coupon to our next event!”
2. Show your prospects how much enthusiasm you have for your product and business. If you’re convincing enough, they will be enthusiastic too. For example, you could say, “I’m so EXCITED about our new product!” Another example would be, “I can’t wait for you to experience these benefits!”
3. Use logos and slogans for your business. They make it easier for people to remember and identify your business. For example, how many times have you had a problem and the first thing that popped into your mind is some business’ logo or slogan. It’s almost like an automatic reaction.
4. Ask your customers what they would like to see offered by your business in the future. This type of information can boost your sales. For example, you could find out they are interested in buying DVDs from your business. You could contact a DVD supplier and start selling them as back-end products.
5. Find out your competition’s weakness and use it as your “Unique Selling Proposition”. It’s the reason why people buy your products and not theirs. For example, if your competitor doesn’t offer free bonuses, you could. Another example, if they don’t offer a guarantee, you could.
6. Test your advertising and marketing. You’ll save time, money and big headaches promoting the right offer to the right group of people. For example, if you know your ad pulls 5 orders out of 100 visitors, you know you would need 2000 visitors to sell 100 products.
7. Improve your customer service on a regular basis. Try out new technologies that make it easier to communicate with your customers over the net. For example, you could communicate with your customers or visitors by phone, instant message, web site messages, chat rooms, message boards, video conferencing, fax, e-mail, etc.
7 Sure-Fire ways of reducing your home insurance premium
Home security improvement:
All insurance companies will happily offer you a discount for burglar alarms and smoke detectors. Homes with fire and burglar alarms that communicate with a third party monitoring company receive a higher discount on their insurance premiums.
When possible, choose a higher deductible:
To reduce your premium, it is best advised to increase the deductible to the extent you can afford. Your home insurance premium will fall by as much as 20% if you increase the deductible from $200 to $1000.
Multiple insurance – Same provider:
If you consolidate your home insurance and auto insurance with one insurance company, expect a premium reduction between 10 – 15%. This also means you are making one payment for all your insurance needs. Consolidate and win.
Discount for non-smokers:
Some home insurance companies will offer a non-smoker discount to the tune of 15%. Check with your insurance company if they offer a non-smokers discount.
How far is the fire station?
If you live more than 5 miles from the nearest fire station and more than 1,000 feet from a fire hydrant, you can expect a higher premium. Also if you live in the country, you will probably pay higher insurance rate than if you were living in the city.
Type of construction:
The construction type of your home also plays an important role in determining your insurance premium. A wood frame home will cost more to insure than the one built mostly of concrete.
Claims free record and renewal discounts:
If you have not had a claim under your current home owners policy for the past 3-5 years, you will get a 15% discount on your premium. Expect additional discount if your policy has been in force with the same insurance company for 3 years or more.
Conclusion:
I am hopeful you have gained preliminary knowledge on the subject of home insurance premiums. With these helpful tips you will be able to understand and demand discounts on your home insurance premiums. Good Luck!
