5 Benefits You Get By Learning Spanish:
Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. Aside from English and the Asian languages, Spanish is spoken on several different continents and is one of the most adopted languages for international commerce and politics. That said, it is hard to understand why Spanish is so frequently overshadowed by English as the one and only language to know.
The benefits of learning any language are profound. As well as gaining the ability to write and converse in a foreign tongue, you also learn about the structure of language, syntax and grammar, and how these interact with your own natural language. This translates to a greater understanding of English, which can be beneficial for writing, reading and interpreting our written language. Additionally, learning a language requires a particular mind frame, and the skills developed from building up a second or third language can be applied in everyday situations to great effect.
The particular benefits of learning Spanish over any other language are also numerous. Widely spoken across North and South America, and of course Europe, Spanish is a diversely spread cultural language, which takes many different guises. It is used widely in business transactions across certain frontiers, and is also advantageous for those considering travelling to Spanish speaking countries. Rather than having to rely on others interpretation of your English, it is significantly more advantageous to have a handle of Spanish to get what you want.
The Spanish culture is something which interests many people. The Spanish influence on literature and the arts has been profound, and by learning the language, most people can begin to get to grips with the Spanish conventional train of thought and tradition. On top of this, language skills are desirable additions to any resume, and this could be seriously beneficial in applying for a promotion or a job.
Whatever your motivation for learning Spanish, it is certainly a worthwhile pursuit. Why not consider taking a class in your local area? Alternatively, you could consider a trip to a Spanish speaking region on vacation to help pick up the lingo. There are loads of ways to learn Spanish, and the more committed and dedicated you are to learning, the more likely you are to see success. The benefits of learning Spanish will be useful in daily life, and will help you fully understand the mechanism of language, which can be an invaluable attribute for an employer, and help you out should the need ever arise.
The Connections You Make In College & The Importance Of Going Greek:
Do You Put The “eek” in Greek?
Sorority chants and stories of Greek weeks past come rolling through my mind as I scroll down the page of a Greek apparel website. Tempted to invest in a new hoodie, I quickly remind myself that I am two years out of college and that I own enough sorority clothing to dress a small children’s choir. Regardless of whether or not I should be investing in new Greek apparel for my too-old-to-do-a-socially-acceptable-keg-stand self, I will still don all 14 t-shirts, 3 sweatshirts, 2 sweatpants, picture frames, flip-flops, key chain, shoulder bag, 4 shot glasses, and a car sticker until my future husband tells me that he thinks I’m too old. “Eek” I think to myself, as I happily order a new set of bottle-opening key chains for the ‘05 Alum bar crawl we’re planning for next month. Will it ever end?
Making the decision to join the Greek community during college is one that many people take too lightly. Some people opt to check out the Greek housing facilities simply because they don’t want to live in the college dormitories any longer, while others have their heart set on going Greek the moment they mail in their college deposit. At some schools, the Greek community takes up more than half of the student population, while other schools might have 2 or 3 small houses amongst a large campus. Whether you are a young college student considering entering the Greek community at your school, or a recovering sorority girl reminiscing on how happy you were with the choices you made years ago, the following list of information may come as a surprise;
48% of all US Presidents have been Greek
42% of US Senators have been Greek
30% of US Congressmen/women have been Greek
40% of US Supreme Court Justices have been Greek
30% of Fortune 500 Executives have been Greek
Feeling the love yet? Regardless of the size of the Greek community on your campus, the whole point in joining the system is for a much larger purpose. When choosing to join a fraternity or sorority, you’re choosing to join a group that spans the nation and unites men and women in a common bond. Total membership in the nationwide Greek community has risen steadily from 1985 through 2005 which means that it is not only progressively growing but also that the Greek community traditions are being practiced and remembered throughout generations of college students all over the country.
There is both the nationwide connection between all fraternities and sororities, and the local connection one gains from joining an organization and feeling like their huge college campus is really not that huge at all. When I was living in a sorority for my years at a large state school, I found it was an effective way for each and every one of us living in my house to feel connected to each other while walking around a gigantic campus. Seeing the block lettering on your friend’s t-shirt before she was close enough for you to recognize her face gave everyone a secure sense of belonging while walking from class to class.
I continue to wear my sorority t-shirts to the gym, and oftentimes there’s a sister of mine from a different school who happens to walk by and notice it. Sometimes we’ll exchange a smile and walk by, and other times it sparks a conversation and a new friendship. Just like it did years ago in college, the Greek connection that I will hold on to for the rest of my life is able to make the city feel a little bit smaller.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Computers And Technology
How Do I Protect Myself Online?
You keep hearing there are all these scary things to avoid while being online. There are so many confusing topics and just a lot of noise out there about what you should be doing and shouldn’t be doing. You get to the point where it’s easier to just not go online!
You ask yourself, what sites should I go on, which ones to I avoid, what e-mails can I open, and can I download anything or not? These are some of the questions you should be asking yourself and become aware of.
Why is this important? The bottom line is the Internet is an amazing utility to use in your daily life to connect with friends and family, do some shopping, and get work done much faster. Just as there are scams you need to be aware of in your daily life, you need to be aware online.
Unfortunately when you are online you can’t see what sites and programs you can trust or not trust. It’s not as easy as your wallet was stolen so you can easily call and cancel your credit cards. But if you are going to use the online world (which it’s a great tool and you should!) like everything else, you need to protect your information. You don’t leave your personal information out for anyone to see and pick up in your daily life, and you need to learn how to not do that while you are online! With these few steps you can be relatively safe. Just as when you are in the real world you need to always be aware and cautious.
Top 4 things to be aware of:
1. E-mail Links/Phishing: Don’t ever click on links or call phone numbers sent to you via e-mail asking you to update your banking information, even if it looks like the company you have a relationship with. You may have heard of this, it’s called Phishing This is a huge scam going on that people need to be very aware of.. If you are concerned about your account, you can easily call the number on that company’s website and ask about your account.
2. Never give out your passwords or PIN numbers: No matter who asks for it, do not give it out. Almost all legitimate sites will never ask you for that information. If you loose your password there are ways for you to change it yourself. If someone offers to change it for you, say no. A good tip is to change your password periodically and don’t use your home address or birthdates as that information may be easily obtainable by predators. You can be confidant that you are the only one that’s knows it.
3. Beware of downloads: Unfortunately over the past few years it’s become increasingly dangerous to download anything online. Once a malicious program gets onto your computer it can be a great annoyance factor and harmful to your personal information. Companies that offer a free download of their product you should be wary of; do a gut check as to whether you can trust them. Also have common sense; most things in life are never completely free!
4. Website Address: Always make sure you have typed in the correct web address for the site you are using any personal information. Many copycat sites will take popular web site addresses with slightly the same name for people who type in URL’S wrong and ask for personal information.
At the end of the day you should act online how you act in your daily life; always use common sense! If something looks odd to you, then take an extra minute to check it out. If something looks too good to be true, it probably is. Online scammers prey on people who are not aware, often in a rush, and most of all gullible. With a few easy steps you can easily protect yourself and have a great online experience.
If you have been a victim of online banking fraud or suspect you are sent something fraudulent you can contact the FDIC at http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/
Tips To Avoiding A Computer Virus :
Although numerous in their design, computer viruses can basically be broken down into two categories. These include a virus that can either be destructive or simply annoying. In order to combat both, software developers have created anti-virus software that is designed to detect and remove certain types of computer viruses, along with worms, spyware, adware and identity theft.
With modern technology having turned toward computers and the internet, computer viruses are more problematic than ever. While anti-virus software is important, the best approach to fighting against a computer virus is knowing how to avoid one. Here are a few tips:
$Never download an e-mail file from anyone that you do not know. Whether it be a document, photo or other program, simply close the e-mail without downloading it’s contents.
$When visiting websites, carefully select reputable companies when downloading files. This may include e-books, freeware, software, photos and other programs. If you are not familiar with the company or the website, there is no way to know what you will be accessing and how damaging it may be to your computer system.
$If you choose to download either an e-mail or internet file, use your anti-virus software to check the file prior to opening it on your computer.
$Always keep your anti-virus software updated with the latest information and upgrades from the manufacturer. When it is time to replace your software because it is outdated, don’t wait. New computer viruses are created often and no system is truly safe without some type of updated detection software.
As mentioned earlier, a computer virus can be either damaging to your computer system or may be nothing more than an annoyance. An example of a destructive virus would be one that destroys your hard drive files, prevents your computer from continuing to operate or may cause you to have to re-install the computer’s configuration using the Restore CD that accompanied your purchase. An annoying virus may cause your computer to operate slower than usual or may prevent certain files from working properly.
In some cases, software manufacturers create programs that have ‘bugs’ within the program. This is often called a virus, but should not be considered in the same manner as a typical computer virus. The reason is because a software manufacturer does not create these ‘bugs’ to intentionally hinder their customers and will generally work to replace the faulty program. In addition, a software glitch will not prevent your entire computer from operating or delete all of your files from the hard drive.
Common sense, along with an anti-virus program, will go a long way in both detecting and avoiding a computer virus. Without these important elements, your entire computer system and the information on it are at risk of infection.
Using A Computer Flat Screen Monitor:
Are you in the hunt for a new computer monitor? Do you know what style of monitor you want? Maybe you’re an architect and need a wider high resolution screen. Do you or your children play video games? If so this may dictate which screen you purchase. Below we talk about why you should use a computer flat screen. There are several advantages listed below.
You may think that a computer fat screen is just a technology gimmick, but it is not true. There are many scientific reasons behind the invention of computer flat screens. Its always good to have a computer flat screen.
An advantage of computer flat screens is the amount of space they save on your desk. While a traditional computer monitor may cover up to two feet, a computer flat screen is usually no thicker than an inch or so.
Flat screens not only save space, but they also help in fighting with diseases like back pain. Back pain is imminent in people who over-use computers. Flat screens also have a low radiation as compared to Common monitors. Thus, they are less harmful to the eye.
Tip of the day: Remember computer flat screens come in all different sizes and models. Take your time when selecting your computer flat screen monitor.
This helps in freeing a lot of space on your desk, which can be used for other things, like files or office stuff, or just to give you more room to stretch out and be more comfortable in your workspace. Here is a great electronics site http://www.informationinquiry.com/. This is very important for the people who work in cubicles or share offices with coworkers. Space management is the key.
Computer flat screens may be more durable. A traditional computer monitor works like a projector; that is why it takes up so much space. The parts can easily overheat and break. This is the reason why a traditional computer monitor has many vents on it.
Computer flat screens work on a different principle altogether. There are no parts or pieces that can be damaged due to heat thus making computer flat screens more durable. If you have sat in front of a traditional monitor all day and then spend sometime working on a flat screen, you will notice a difference in the radiant heat. A traditional monitor becomes warm after constant usage, while a flat screen will remain cool.
Additional Tip: Remember to consider the climate of the room the flat screen will be going in.
Last but not the least; computer flat screens have a better resolution and a better picture quality. Many people start slouching and start leaning in towards their computer screens as they become used to working on the computer.
Tip: Remember to purchase a nice graphics card to take full advantage of your computer flat screen monitor.
This ill posture can result in diminishing eyesight, back pain and many more problems. It can also lead to various other complexities in the body.
A computer flat screen offers a better resolution, so eyestrain is not common. You can keep a better posture and form with computer flat screens because the display is easier to see. This prevents work related injuries and diseases and overuse injury. This has become more common as people spend more and more time at their offices in front of their computers.
In conclusion make sure you do some research prior to making a sizeable investment on a computer flat screen monitor. It will cost you some extra cash but the advantages should out weigh the extra money it costs. If space is tight then it is a no brainer to purchase a computer flat screen monitor. Good luck with you hunt
Satellite Radio Makes Sense:
Like cable television, Satellite radio is fast becoming a new genre of and unto itself. While not having to endure the same regulations as applied by the FCC in regards to free radio, the broadcasters of satellite radio, like cable television, have more options available to them and are able to offer a wider variety of programming as a direct result.
Satellite radio is the cable television of the radio broadcasting world. People can buy a satellite radio subscription in much the same manner that they would subscribe to cable television. The subscription includes various types of radio broadcasting not otherwise available to the listener. These usually include more adult-oriented radio broadcasting since the FCC does not regulate the industry in the same manner that they do for the free radio airwaves.
Since people are paying for the privilege of listening, and satellite radio is a buyer’s market, the wide selection of broadcast media that is available are regulated mostly by what the listeners want and what they are willing to pay for. While satellite radio may not be a viable alternative for everyone, it does offer more listening opportunities for those people who are willing to pay for it. Satellite radio subscriptions vary in cost, but all things being equal, the subscription fees are not at all unattractive when the broad spectrum of radio programming is compared to what limited choices are available without satellite radio.
There are also still some limitations in the availability of satellite radio. While these areas are in steady decline as satellite radio listeners increase in numbers, there are still voids in the market where it is not yet financially feasible to install satellite radio options. It is best to check for the availability of satellite radio before purchasing any satellite ready receivers.
Satellite radio receivers vary in all manner of shape, style and output range and are available to fit the needs of most any satellite radio listener. Deciding which one is best for any given use will require the purchaser to do a little research into satellite radio and what local options are available, then adjusted according to the personal preferences of the listener.
While the advent of Satellite radio technology is seen as a new path to freedom for some and a road to decline for others, the satellite radio of today looks like it is here to stay. If satellite radio is available in your area, it can be a worthy investment. Satellite radio really does offer many options not available to the regular radio listener.
Design Your Dream Deck With A Computer:
When going about adding a deck to your home, you want it to be perfect. It must fit in with the scheme of your home, and you don’t want it to be too big or too small. But there is a solution. Software has been developed to aid you in designing your dream deck, and allows you to add and subtract pieces easily with the click of a button. This eliminates the guess work when deciding what kinds of options you’d like to add on, and can give you a real picture to attach to your existing home. You can try stairs, tiered layer decks, screen porches, anything you’d like.
Since the software is in 3D, it allows for easy placement of deck pieces to see where you’d like them all to fit. You can see the deck from different angles, and imagine what it would like in your own backyard. It even offers you options to add finishing touches to the deck such as furniture, planters, etc. You can see your dream come to life before you take the risk of having it built first.
Some of the more elaborate software is available for purchase, but there are some programs that are available online for free download. These of course won’t give you the vast choices as some of the other software that is available, but it will allow you to get a picture of what you are imagining none-the-less. You are able to choose the type of building material that you are interested in, the stain color, or color of paint and how much you’d like to elaborate the deck is completely up to you! Since you have the program in your own home, you can take all the time that you need to play around and find the perfect combination that you have been envisioning. When you go to the contractor who is going to do the job for you, you can go with much more confidence since you will have a thought out extensive design of exactly what you had in mind.
This will also help the contractor very much since you won’t have two different ideas in your head when you try to explain exactly what your dream deck looks like. You’ll have something to show him, allowing the outcome to be exactly what you were hoping for!
Hightech Cameras Making Sport Training Easier:
Lately, the advances in commonly used everyday items has increased dramatically. We have cell phones that can double as MP3 players, as well as having internet capabilities, video consultations on our computers, digital cameras that can download right to the computer and then be sent in for printing, and so on. One advantage that new technology has given many people is the ability to take more pictures in a short period of time. This has changed many methods of how coaches are able to train athletes.
With the benefits of being able to take rapid pictures, three per second and up, it allows the athlete to see their form, and pick out more of what they are doing wrong. This can be easier than slowing down a video because it shows each stage in a still frame. It’s impossible for the human eye and brain to catch every movement that human body goes through when watching a golf swing, a pitcher, etc.
Computerized motion analysis is the newest method of aiding coaches in their training efforts that is available. Although this is one of the best resources you can get to monitor the progress and flaws of an athlete, this sort of technology requires expertise in computers, software, and photography to be used correctly and most effectively. It isn’t always easy to jump into a program that you have little background knowledge in, and manipulating and identifying software so that it is most beneficial to you takes more than just common sense. This is why the computer motion analysis systems are still in their beginning stages.
New technology will need to become available to allow easier compatibility with coaches and athletes, enabling them to use this type of software without first going to school and getting a PhD. Well, obviously it’s not like that, but who wants to go learn about all sorts of other things that have to do with computers if you just want to help improve your athlete? You could hire someone now, for the time being, until the software has all glitches and ease of use increases, and some say it’s worth it. With how much competition has increase, times running within hundredths of seconds of each other, maybe this ability to slow down and watch separated still frames is the answer. I suppose, as with anything else, it’s up to you and the resources you have available. These companies who manufacture the software do promise in the future easier use for all.
Learning About Computer Game Design:
Computer games have become extremely popular in the past few years. With new games being launched almost every year world over, the demand seems never ending. Those adept at computer programming, computer aided art and computer hardware are the masterminds to produces these extremely sought after games.
Usually, an interest sparks if you are a passionate about playing games. One may be an expert player, but subsequently gets bored of the games available and there by begins thinking of concepts for new games or means of improvising the already existing games. Taking a computer game design class and ultimately enrolling in a full fledged course for the same are the next steps. At the end of it a new computer game designer is created.
Computer games have become such a technology rage in themselves that schools have begun offering classes in computer game design. The popularity of these classes leads to their getting filled up soon and they can be a bit expensive. I found some great computer information at http://www.mycomputingnews.com. Hundreds of schools, most of them very much techno oriented have come up in order to fulfill the desires of those who wish to learn computer game design. Those who opt for a complete course of computer game design will be exposed initially to concepts like game balance, level design, narrative and storytelling, basic game architecture, motion planning and control.
As a career, it’s not at all simple. Hundreds of different aspects that comprise the computer game design have to be considered. Those aspiring to learn all will learn about the history of computer games, software architecture, animated sprites, sound and music, realism ,challenges, level design, plot pacing, interface techniques, 3D loading , camera control, rule based approaches among many other concepts.
Most fail to understand that designing a computer game is just like writing a technology filled book. A good game needs a good storyline that comprises a plot, characters, narrative, a thrilling begin, middle and end. Also emotion, repercussions and interaction also are a vital part. The domain of computer game design has many challenges for anyone who aspires and decides to master the basics.
Computer game design, has become a profession for many today. The average money one can spin is about $74,900 annually. That’s not bad at all to work on especially when you enjoy it thoroughly. Some computer game designers are able to clinch contracts with big players and make over $100,000 per year. For those who indulge in computer game design as a freelancer can enhance their earnings from a regular job by about $10,000 to $30,000 a year. Hence, in conclusion, computer game design is surely fun filled, challenging and lucrative from every possible perspective.
Cheap Digitial Cameras:
Are you on the look out for a cheap digital camera? Technology changes so fast and there is so many different models to choose from. What you really need to do is decide what you’re going to use the camera for. Will you be just taking pictures? Do you want to take mini movies also? Once you decide what you need the camera to do it makes the buying process much easier. So start a spreadsheet of options your looking for in your cheap digital camera selection.
Are you on the look out for a cheap digital camera? Technology changes so fast and there is so many different models to choose from. What you really need to do is decide what you’re going to use the camera for. Here is a great technical resource http://www.informationinquiry.com. Will you be just taking pictures? Do you want to take mini movies also? Once you decide what you need the camera to do it makes the buying process much easier. So start a spreadsheet of options your looking for in your cheap digital camera selection.
Do you take pictures often? Then go digital. Today, photography is not so hectic and expensive as it was a decade ago. Pictures we take of our lives are no more only on paper as before, the technology now allows us to store our sweet memories on our PCs and share them with our near and dear ones. The moments of our childhood, our student life, love and romance, family and children- all memories are so sweet when we turn back and look at them.
So, pictures are the best way to capture the memories of these moments. Picture-taking method and ease have changed for the better. Digital cameras might be a small step of advancement for technology but it is a whole new world for us. The burden of films is no more; it’s just the matter of a small memory stick or a mini DVD. It's all about our computers.
Want to send your child’s pictures to your folks? Want to share the records of some of your life’s precious moments with your friends? Now digital photography has made all this cost just a few clicks of your computer’s mouse. It is even more fun to browse for cheap digital cameras online now days.
Brands such as Canon, Kodak, Nikon, Sony, and Toshiba all offer a wide range of products that can suit every requirement. With a little web surfing, you are sure to spot a few cheap digital cameras in no time. Isn’t it hard to avoid the convenience of a digital camera over the old-school models?
We simply need to plug in our digital cameras to our computer upload the photos and cleanup the memory and again start clicking. Have you upgraded yourself to the digital age yet? All you need to do is drive to any of your local superstore and check out a variety of digital cameras. They are well worth it.
It’s simply because you save a trip to the local film developer and also due to the control you have with the photographs. Digital cameras allow you to save any and all pictures onto your computer in contrast to the cameras with film which forces you to click or print only tangible pictures. This also has made photography more private and reliable. Here you have the additional power to print them or send them to anyone you wish with ease.
If you are in the market for cheap digital cameras, you must have experienced this wonderful technology. To buy a digital camera, all you need to do is log onto Google and sort through the many cheap digital cameras available in the market. One glance at an old photo and you have taken takes you straight back to that particular occasion. So, why don’t you get hold of onto those experiences forever? You just need a quality digital camera to record and cherish your memories.
Did this article help you narrow down your digital camera research criteria? We certainly hope it did. I know that is can seem overwhelming when searching for the right cheap digital camera. Remember to jot down some notes on what you want in a camera. Do a chart and compare features and functionalities amongst the vendors. Take your time and don’t just buy the 1st one that catches your eye. If you have a vendor that your already comfortable with try using them. Good luck and we hope you find the right cheap digital camera for your lifestyle.
Personal Info That I Put On My Flash Drive . . .
Because I don’t have the latest and lightest laptop, I need to have a way to bring my information from home to work and back again. When the portable flash drive came out, I was thrilled. Finally, something that could be portable and easy to use, so long as I could find a USB connection – and everything had a USB connection.
At first, I only put a little information on my flash drive, and then I realized just how much information I could fit – credit card numbers, user names, passwords, my social security number, work files, budget reports, my personal financial information, etc. I could fit my entire life on that little flash drive and just put it in my pocket whenever I needed to take it somewhere – it was a brilliant invention for keeping all of my information in one place. And it still is.
However, it took just one mistake for me to realize that maybe I needed to do more than put my flash drive in my pocket. I had my drive on my keychain for a while when I was walking to my car one day and realized that it wasn’t there. I panicked. I thought of all the information that was on that drive and what I would need to do to replace it. Unfortunately, I didn’t make another backup of that information, so I would have been in deep trouble.
Thankfully, I was able to find the drive just a few yards away, but it got me to thinking – was I going to have to go back to lugging around a laptop or could I find another way to protect my drive? I looked all over the Internet for possible programs that could encrypt my data on my drive and found Portable Vault. It was the answer to my prayers.
Not only could I keep all of my information in one place, but it would be guarded by a high quality encryption program that few people could ever break. No more worrying for me!
When Can I Expect Results When I Optimize My Computer?
In the world of instant gratification, one of the first questions that get asked after learning about optimization is when people can expect to see a change in their computer. And this makes sense because if you’re having troubles with the speed of your computer, you probably also want it fixed right away. Here’s the truth: it happens immediately.
Not tomorrow or in a few weeks, but immediately. All you have to do is invest a little time into the overall process of optimization and you’ll see results as soon as you’re done. You might want to reboot your computer first, but after that – welcome to a faster, more efficient PC.
Here are the steps that you can take:
1. Start by cleaning up your hard drive. This means removing any programs or files that you don’t use. Look through your add and remove program function to see what programs are installed and then look to see when the last time was that you used them. If it’s been over a year, chances are good that you probably don’t need it.
2. Then use a registry cleaner like Registry Repair. This will help get rid of problems that you might not even know exist. Some viruses can get into your computer and slow down the overall speed of your system, but registry cleaners remove them and help add to the health of your PC.
3. At this point, you will also want to remove any spy ware that you have with a spy ware killer. This spy ware can slow down your PC’s ability to function, though it might not be harming your PC in the process.
4. Then you’ll want to defragment your computer to make the remaining programs process faster. This program reorganizes your files and data to be more easily accessed by the hard drive.
And in this short time, you’ll have a fully optimized PC that runs fast and starts running better as soon as you’re done. There’s no need to wait for a faster computer when you can do it yourself and do it quickly.
Digital Cameras - Good For The Environment:
Digital cameras help to save trees! This is because as more and more people move away from conventional cameras they are unwittingly reducing the use of chemicals that were earlier being used to process the film. These chemicals, especially the developer and fixer solutions, were serious environment hazards. More importantly, you don't have to print every picture in the roll of film, you can print just the one or two that you like, thus saving lots of paper as well.
1. Chemicals
Law requires that chemmicals need to be neutralized before disposed of. Unforunately, most film processing centers released the chemicals into the drain because of high expenditure involved in treating them before discharge. A lot of photographers have been found guilty of this also.
2. International Waters
They are not the only ones who broke the law with abandon. The cruise ships in the international waters were even bigger culprits. As a routine, these ships first developed pictures shot by passengers and then dumped the film-processing chemicals into the open ocean. No one cared, since no restrictive laws apply to international waters. This is the reason why our oceans and green reefs are dying at a rate faster than the rain forests.
3. Digital Cameras
They can now thank the makers of digital cameras for saving them from some of the chemicals that earlier poured on them from ships. The same can be said of ponds and rivers that used to be polluted with chemicals flowing out of film processing labs, and that incidentally still flow out of such labs in the third world.
4. Inkjet Printers
There are some green campaigners who point fingers at inkjet printers - used to take prints - and rechargeable batteries used in digital cameras. Of course, they must realize that very few people take prints of the photographs. Most transfer the images into computers electronically. Also, used cartridges are either recycled or dumped in landfills. Very rarely they find their way in water bodies.
5. Rechargable Batteries
Impacting digital cameras are rechargable batteries - don't buy batteries ever again! Get rechargables. In particular, get NiMH rechargable batteries with a charge of at least 2200 or higher. These will last about 8 hours and they can be charged in as little as two hours. These batteries can be charged up to 1,000 times before they have to be thrown away. Even if you theoretically used your camera every day for a year, you still would have years before you had to get new batteries.
How To Speed Up Windows XP:
The default install of Windows XP includes features and processes most users don't need. If you're involved in gaming or multimedia, and you can't afford a top-of-the-range PC, here are a few tips to get the most out of your machine.
For beginner users:
1. Go to: Start > Control Panel > Display > Settings.
Select: Resolution 800 x 600 pixels and Colour Quality Medium (16 bit).
Click: Apply.
What it does: Reduces system overhead. Less work for your CPU.
2. Go to: Start.
Right click: My Computer.
Select: Properties > 'Advanced' tab > Performance > 'Settings' button > 'Visual effects' tab. Select: Adjust for best performance.
Click: Apply.
What it does: Removes unimportant cosmetic effects, thereby reducing system overhead.
3. Go to: Start.
Right click: My Computer.
Select: Properties > 'Advanced' tab > Performance > 'Settings' button > 'Advanced' tab.
Select: Processor scheduling > Programs.
Select: Memory usage > Programs.
Click: Apply.
What it does: Prioritises _your_ programs over those that XP _thinks_ are important.
4. Go to: Start > Control Panel > Display > Themes.
Select: Windows Classic.
Click: Apply.
What it does: Cleans up the desktop.
5. Go to: Start > Control Panel > Display > Desktop.
Select: Background - None.
Click: Apply.
What it does: Cleans up the desktop.
6. Go to: Start > Control Panel > Display > Appearance.
Select: Windows Classic Style.
Click: Apply. What it does: Cleans up the desktop. For Medium Users:
7. Go to: Start
Right click: My Computer.
Select: Properties > 'Automatic Updates' tab. Select: Turn off automatic updates.
Click: Apply.
What it does: Stops Microsoft messing with your computer at inconvenient times. You can re-enable this when _you_ feel like an update.
8. Go to: Start > Run.
Type: msconfig
Select: 'Startup' tab.
Action: Untick all boxes, except those you are certain you need to start when XP boots up.
Click: Apply.
What it does: Stops programs starting when XP does. Frees up system resources. For Advanced users:
9. Run your favourite program.
Click these buttons on your keyboard simultaneously: ctrl + alt + del (Control + Alt + Delete). Click: 'Processes' tab.
Right click: The process of your favourite program.
Select: Set priority > Realtime.
What it does: Diverts CPU resources to the selected program.
10. Go to: Start > Run.
Type: services.msc
Right click: Any service you are sure you won't need, like 'Automatic Updates', 'Help and Support' or 'Indexing Services'.
Select: Properties > 'General' tab > Startup type > 'Manual' or 'Disabled'.
Click: Apply.
What it does: Stops processes starting when XP does. Frees up system resources.
Warning: Change one setting here a day. Reboot your system after each one. Run your most popular programs. If they're running normally, try disabling another service the next day. This is to make sure you don't turn off something important. If you're not sure, leave them alone.
Related programs:
Tune XP http://www.driverheaven.net/dforce/
This is freeware and simple to use.
X-Setup Pro http://www.x-setup.net/
This has a 30 day trial, and is for more advanced users.
Enjoy!
PC Security: It’s Bigger Than Viruses And Spyware:
Nowadays the words ‘computer security’ are on every person’s mind who deals with computers. Everyone seems to be worried about some security concern with their computers. But what exactly does computer security mean?
Simplified, it means keeping your computer and of course, its data secure and safe. In the present age, most of personal data are stored in the computer. But some of us don’t have the fundamental knowledge of keeping those data in safety. This basic knowledge is very simple; all you have to do is following some uncomplicated rules that will improve the security of your computer hugely.
First of all let’s see what the internet connection is all about. We can take up a comparison- a computer with internet connection resembles your very own house. Your house has many openings- doors, windows. With the increase in number of openings, increases the number of chances for someone to enter into your house. I am not saying that some robbers are going to come, but more openings imply more chances of getting robbed.
So to check these visits from strangers you need to install a quality firewall and also update this installed firewall on a regular basis.
Nowadays, it’s not a headache to update your software or operating system. Microsoft Windows Update feature is a good instance. Ensure updating all your installations of your computer.
You will come across two basic kinds of firewalls. Both of these (one, hardware and another, software) carry out the same task. Generally, a hardware firewall is included in your router in case you use one but you may not have a software firewall on your computer.
Sometimes we quite foolishly let strangers come in. just opening an email or browsing the net can invite strangers. Your guards are often fooled by viruses, Trojans or spyware. Sometimes an email from your buddy can carry a fatal virus. So how does your computer fight these unwanted ‘guests’? - By installing anti virus software.
In the present days, anti-virus falls under a huge category. Usually these packages or suites include a spyware scanner and a firewall. Although these guards are quite effective in their jobs, you are advised not to relax and rely completely on them. The protection plan of your computer’s requires multi-tiered protection plan but they are just a single layer. The ultimate yet one of the most crucial advices that I must give you is that your computer’s anti virus software should always be in a state of updated. They should be updated manually regularly since your computer can be subjected to new threats everyday.
You keep hearing there are all these scary things to avoid while being online. There are so many confusing topics and just a lot of noise out there about what you should be doing and shouldn’t be doing. You get to the point where it’s easier to just not go online!
You ask yourself, what sites should I go on, which ones to I avoid, what e-mails can I open, and can I download anything or not? These are some of the questions you should be asking yourself and become aware of.
Why is this important? The bottom line is the Internet is an amazing utility to use in your daily life to connect with friends and family, do some shopping, and get work done much faster. Just as there are scams you need to be aware of in your daily life, you need to be aware online.
Unfortunately when you are online you can’t see what sites and programs you can trust or not trust. It’s not as easy as your wallet was stolen so you can easily call and cancel your credit cards. But if you are going to use the online world (which it’s a great tool and you should!) like everything else, you need to protect your information. You don’t leave your personal information out for anyone to see and pick up in your daily life, and you need to learn how to not do that while you are online! With these few steps you can be relatively safe. Just as when you are in the real world you need to always be aware and cautious.
Top 4 things to be aware of:
1. E-mail Links/Phishing: Don’t ever click on links or call phone numbers sent to you via e-mail asking you to update your banking information, even if it looks like the company you have a relationship with. You may have heard of this, it’s called Phishing This is a huge scam going on that people need to be very aware of.. If you are concerned about your account, you can easily call the number on that company’s website and ask about your account.
2. Never give out your passwords or PIN numbers: No matter who asks for it, do not give it out. Almost all legitimate sites will never ask you for that information. If you loose your password there are ways for you to change it yourself. If someone offers to change it for you, say no. A good tip is to change your password periodically and don’t use your home address or birthdates as that information may be easily obtainable by predators. You can be confidant that you are the only one that’s knows it.
3. Beware of downloads: Unfortunately over the past few years it’s become increasingly dangerous to download anything online. Once a malicious program gets onto your computer it can be a great annoyance factor and harmful to your personal information. Companies that offer a free download of their product you should be wary of; do a gut check as to whether you can trust them. Also have common sense; most things in life are never completely free!
4. Website Address: Always make sure you have typed in the correct web address for the site you are using any personal information. Many copycat sites will take popular web site addresses with slightly the same name for people who type in URL’S wrong and ask for personal information.
At the end of the day you should act online how you act in your daily life; always use common sense! If something looks odd to you, then take an extra minute to check it out. If something looks too good to be true, it probably is. Online scammers prey on people who are not aware, often in a rush, and most of all gullible. With a few easy steps you can easily protect yourself and have a great online experience.
If you have been a victim of online banking fraud or suspect you are sent something fraudulent you can contact the FDIC at http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/
Tips To Avoiding A Computer Virus :
Although numerous in their design, computer viruses can basically be broken down into two categories. These include a virus that can either be destructive or simply annoying. In order to combat both, software developers have created anti-virus software that is designed to detect and remove certain types of computer viruses, along with worms, spyware, adware and identity theft.
With modern technology having turned toward computers and the internet, computer viruses are more problematic than ever. While anti-virus software is important, the best approach to fighting against a computer virus is knowing how to avoid one. Here are a few tips:
$Never download an e-mail file from anyone that you do not know. Whether it be a document, photo or other program, simply close the e-mail without downloading it’s contents.
$When visiting websites, carefully select reputable companies when downloading files. This may include e-books, freeware, software, photos and other programs. If you are not familiar with the company or the website, there is no way to know what you will be accessing and how damaging it may be to your computer system.
$If you choose to download either an e-mail or internet file, use your anti-virus software to check the file prior to opening it on your computer.
$Always keep your anti-virus software updated with the latest information and upgrades from the manufacturer. When it is time to replace your software because it is outdated, don’t wait. New computer viruses are created often and no system is truly safe without some type of updated detection software.
As mentioned earlier, a computer virus can be either damaging to your computer system or may be nothing more than an annoyance. An example of a destructive virus would be one that destroys your hard drive files, prevents your computer from continuing to operate or may cause you to have to re-install the computer’s configuration using the Restore CD that accompanied your purchase. An annoying virus may cause your computer to operate slower than usual or may prevent certain files from working properly.
In some cases, software manufacturers create programs that have ‘bugs’ within the program. This is often called a virus, but should not be considered in the same manner as a typical computer virus. The reason is because a software manufacturer does not create these ‘bugs’ to intentionally hinder their customers and will generally work to replace the faulty program. In addition, a software glitch will not prevent your entire computer from operating or delete all of your files from the hard drive.
Common sense, along with an anti-virus program, will go a long way in both detecting and avoiding a computer virus. Without these important elements, your entire computer system and the information on it are at risk of infection.
Using A Computer Flat Screen Monitor:
Are you in the hunt for a new computer monitor? Do you know what style of monitor you want? Maybe you’re an architect and need a wider high resolution screen. Do you or your children play video games? If so this may dictate which screen you purchase. Below we talk about why you should use a computer flat screen. There are several advantages listed below.
You may think that a computer fat screen is just a technology gimmick, but it is not true. There are many scientific reasons behind the invention of computer flat screens. Its always good to have a computer flat screen.
An advantage of computer flat screens is the amount of space they save on your desk. While a traditional computer monitor may cover up to two feet, a computer flat screen is usually no thicker than an inch or so.
Flat screens not only save space, but they also help in fighting with diseases like back pain. Back pain is imminent in people who over-use computers. Flat screens also have a low radiation as compared to Common monitors. Thus, they are less harmful to the eye.
Tip of the day: Remember computer flat screens come in all different sizes and models. Take your time when selecting your computer flat screen monitor.
This helps in freeing a lot of space on your desk, which can be used for other things, like files or office stuff, or just to give you more room to stretch out and be more comfortable in your workspace. Here is a great electronics site http://www.informationinquiry.com/. This is very important for the people who work in cubicles or share offices with coworkers. Space management is the key.
Computer flat screens may be more durable. A traditional computer monitor works like a projector; that is why it takes up so much space. The parts can easily overheat and break. This is the reason why a traditional computer monitor has many vents on it.
Computer flat screens work on a different principle altogether. There are no parts or pieces that can be damaged due to heat thus making computer flat screens more durable. If you have sat in front of a traditional monitor all day and then spend sometime working on a flat screen, you will notice a difference in the radiant heat. A traditional monitor becomes warm after constant usage, while a flat screen will remain cool.
Additional Tip: Remember to consider the climate of the room the flat screen will be going in.
Last but not the least; computer flat screens have a better resolution and a better picture quality. Many people start slouching and start leaning in towards their computer screens as they become used to working on the computer.
Tip: Remember to purchase a nice graphics card to take full advantage of your computer flat screen monitor.
This ill posture can result in diminishing eyesight, back pain and many more problems. It can also lead to various other complexities in the body.
A computer flat screen offers a better resolution, so eyestrain is not common. You can keep a better posture and form with computer flat screens because the display is easier to see. This prevents work related injuries and diseases and overuse injury. This has become more common as people spend more and more time at their offices in front of their computers.
In conclusion make sure you do some research prior to making a sizeable investment on a computer flat screen monitor. It will cost you some extra cash but the advantages should out weigh the extra money it costs. If space is tight then it is a no brainer to purchase a computer flat screen monitor. Good luck with you hunt
Satellite Radio Makes Sense:
Like cable television, Satellite radio is fast becoming a new genre of and unto itself. While not having to endure the same regulations as applied by the FCC in regards to free radio, the broadcasters of satellite radio, like cable television, have more options available to them and are able to offer a wider variety of programming as a direct result.
Satellite radio is the cable television of the radio broadcasting world. People can buy a satellite radio subscription in much the same manner that they would subscribe to cable television. The subscription includes various types of radio broadcasting not otherwise available to the listener. These usually include more adult-oriented radio broadcasting since the FCC does not regulate the industry in the same manner that they do for the free radio airwaves.
Since people are paying for the privilege of listening, and satellite radio is a buyer’s market, the wide selection of broadcast media that is available are regulated mostly by what the listeners want and what they are willing to pay for. While satellite radio may not be a viable alternative for everyone, it does offer more listening opportunities for those people who are willing to pay for it. Satellite radio subscriptions vary in cost, but all things being equal, the subscription fees are not at all unattractive when the broad spectrum of radio programming is compared to what limited choices are available without satellite radio.
There are also still some limitations in the availability of satellite radio. While these areas are in steady decline as satellite radio listeners increase in numbers, there are still voids in the market where it is not yet financially feasible to install satellite radio options. It is best to check for the availability of satellite radio before purchasing any satellite ready receivers.
Satellite radio receivers vary in all manner of shape, style and output range and are available to fit the needs of most any satellite radio listener. Deciding which one is best for any given use will require the purchaser to do a little research into satellite radio and what local options are available, then adjusted according to the personal preferences of the listener.
While the advent of Satellite radio technology is seen as a new path to freedom for some and a road to decline for others, the satellite radio of today looks like it is here to stay. If satellite radio is available in your area, it can be a worthy investment. Satellite radio really does offer many options not available to the regular radio listener.
Design Your Dream Deck With A Computer:
When going about adding a deck to your home, you want it to be perfect. It must fit in with the scheme of your home, and you don’t want it to be too big or too small. But there is a solution. Software has been developed to aid you in designing your dream deck, and allows you to add and subtract pieces easily with the click of a button. This eliminates the guess work when deciding what kinds of options you’d like to add on, and can give you a real picture to attach to your existing home. You can try stairs, tiered layer decks, screen porches, anything you’d like.
Since the software is in 3D, it allows for easy placement of deck pieces to see where you’d like them all to fit. You can see the deck from different angles, and imagine what it would like in your own backyard. It even offers you options to add finishing touches to the deck such as furniture, planters, etc. You can see your dream come to life before you take the risk of having it built first.
Some of the more elaborate software is available for purchase, but there are some programs that are available online for free download. These of course won’t give you the vast choices as some of the other software that is available, but it will allow you to get a picture of what you are imagining none-the-less. You are able to choose the type of building material that you are interested in, the stain color, or color of paint and how much you’d like to elaborate the deck is completely up to you! Since you have the program in your own home, you can take all the time that you need to play around and find the perfect combination that you have been envisioning. When you go to the contractor who is going to do the job for you, you can go with much more confidence since you will have a thought out extensive design of exactly what you had in mind.
This will also help the contractor very much since you won’t have two different ideas in your head when you try to explain exactly what your dream deck looks like. You’ll have something to show him, allowing the outcome to be exactly what you were hoping for!
Hightech Cameras Making Sport Training Easier:
Lately, the advances in commonly used everyday items has increased dramatically. We have cell phones that can double as MP3 players, as well as having internet capabilities, video consultations on our computers, digital cameras that can download right to the computer and then be sent in for printing, and so on. One advantage that new technology has given many people is the ability to take more pictures in a short period of time. This has changed many methods of how coaches are able to train athletes.
With the benefits of being able to take rapid pictures, three per second and up, it allows the athlete to see their form, and pick out more of what they are doing wrong. This can be easier than slowing down a video because it shows each stage in a still frame. It’s impossible for the human eye and brain to catch every movement that human body goes through when watching a golf swing, a pitcher, etc.
Computerized motion analysis is the newest method of aiding coaches in their training efforts that is available. Although this is one of the best resources you can get to monitor the progress and flaws of an athlete, this sort of technology requires expertise in computers, software, and photography to be used correctly and most effectively. It isn’t always easy to jump into a program that you have little background knowledge in, and manipulating and identifying software so that it is most beneficial to you takes more than just common sense. This is why the computer motion analysis systems are still in their beginning stages.
New technology will need to become available to allow easier compatibility with coaches and athletes, enabling them to use this type of software without first going to school and getting a PhD. Well, obviously it’s not like that, but who wants to go learn about all sorts of other things that have to do with computers if you just want to help improve your athlete? You could hire someone now, for the time being, until the software has all glitches and ease of use increases, and some say it’s worth it. With how much competition has increase, times running within hundredths of seconds of each other, maybe this ability to slow down and watch separated still frames is the answer. I suppose, as with anything else, it’s up to you and the resources you have available. These companies who manufacture the software do promise in the future easier use for all.
Learning About Computer Game Design:
Computer games have become extremely popular in the past few years. With new games being launched almost every year world over, the demand seems never ending. Those adept at computer programming, computer aided art and computer hardware are the masterminds to produces these extremely sought after games.
Usually, an interest sparks if you are a passionate about playing games. One may be an expert player, but subsequently gets bored of the games available and there by begins thinking of concepts for new games or means of improvising the already existing games. Taking a computer game design class and ultimately enrolling in a full fledged course for the same are the next steps. At the end of it a new computer game designer is created.
Computer games have become such a technology rage in themselves that schools have begun offering classes in computer game design. The popularity of these classes leads to their getting filled up soon and they can be a bit expensive. I found some great computer information at http://www.mycomputingnews.com. Hundreds of schools, most of them very much techno oriented have come up in order to fulfill the desires of those who wish to learn computer game design. Those who opt for a complete course of computer game design will be exposed initially to concepts like game balance, level design, narrative and storytelling, basic game architecture, motion planning and control.
As a career, it’s not at all simple. Hundreds of different aspects that comprise the computer game design have to be considered. Those aspiring to learn all will learn about the history of computer games, software architecture, animated sprites, sound and music, realism ,challenges, level design, plot pacing, interface techniques, 3D loading , camera control, rule based approaches among many other concepts.
Most fail to understand that designing a computer game is just like writing a technology filled book. A good game needs a good storyline that comprises a plot, characters, narrative, a thrilling begin, middle and end. Also emotion, repercussions and interaction also are a vital part. The domain of computer game design has many challenges for anyone who aspires and decides to master the basics.
Computer game design, has become a profession for many today. The average money one can spin is about $74,900 annually. That’s not bad at all to work on especially when you enjoy it thoroughly. Some computer game designers are able to clinch contracts with big players and make over $100,000 per year. For those who indulge in computer game design as a freelancer can enhance their earnings from a regular job by about $10,000 to $30,000 a year. Hence, in conclusion, computer game design is surely fun filled, challenging and lucrative from every possible perspective.
Cheap Digitial Cameras:
Are you on the look out for a cheap digital camera? Technology changes so fast and there is so many different models to choose from. What you really need to do is decide what you’re going to use the camera for. Will you be just taking pictures? Do you want to take mini movies also? Once you decide what you need the camera to do it makes the buying process much easier. So start a spreadsheet of options your looking for in your cheap digital camera selection.
Are you on the look out for a cheap digital camera? Technology changes so fast and there is so many different models to choose from. What you really need to do is decide what you’re going to use the camera for. Here is a great technical resource http://www.informationinquiry.com. Will you be just taking pictures? Do you want to take mini movies also? Once you decide what you need the camera to do it makes the buying process much easier. So start a spreadsheet of options your looking for in your cheap digital camera selection.
Do you take pictures often? Then go digital. Today, photography is not so hectic and expensive as it was a decade ago. Pictures we take of our lives are no more only on paper as before, the technology now allows us to store our sweet memories on our PCs and share them with our near and dear ones. The moments of our childhood, our student life, love and romance, family and children- all memories are so sweet when we turn back and look at them.
So, pictures are the best way to capture the memories of these moments. Picture-taking method and ease have changed for the better. Digital cameras might be a small step of advancement for technology but it is a whole new world for us. The burden of films is no more; it’s just the matter of a small memory stick or a mini DVD. It's all about our computers.
Want to send your child’s pictures to your folks? Want to share the records of some of your life’s precious moments with your friends? Now digital photography has made all this cost just a few clicks of your computer’s mouse. It is even more fun to browse for cheap digital cameras online now days.
Brands such as Canon, Kodak, Nikon, Sony, and Toshiba all offer a wide range of products that can suit every requirement. With a little web surfing, you are sure to spot a few cheap digital cameras in no time. Isn’t it hard to avoid the convenience of a digital camera over the old-school models?
We simply need to plug in our digital cameras to our computer upload the photos and cleanup the memory and again start clicking. Have you upgraded yourself to the digital age yet? All you need to do is drive to any of your local superstore and check out a variety of digital cameras. They are well worth it.
It’s simply because you save a trip to the local film developer and also due to the control you have with the photographs. Digital cameras allow you to save any and all pictures onto your computer in contrast to the cameras with film which forces you to click or print only tangible pictures. This also has made photography more private and reliable. Here you have the additional power to print them or send them to anyone you wish with ease.
If you are in the market for cheap digital cameras, you must have experienced this wonderful technology. To buy a digital camera, all you need to do is log onto Google and sort through the many cheap digital cameras available in the market. One glance at an old photo and you have taken takes you straight back to that particular occasion. So, why don’t you get hold of onto those experiences forever? You just need a quality digital camera to record and cherish your memories.
Did this article help you narrow down your digital camera research criteria? We certainly hope it did. I know that is can seem overwhelming when searching for the right cheap digital camera. Remember to jot down some notes on what you want in a camera. Do a chart and compare features and functionalities amongst the vendors. Take your time and don’t just buy the 1st one that catches your eye. If you have a vendor that your already comfortable with try using them. Good luck and we hope you find the right cheap digital camera for your lifestyle.
Personal Info That I Put On My Flash Drive . . .
Because I don’t have the latest and lightest laptop, I need to have a way to bring my information from home to work and back again. When the portable flash drive came out, I was thrilled. Finally, something that could be portable and easy to use, so long as I could find a USB connection – and everything had a USB connection.
At first, I only put a little information on my flash drive, and then I realized just how much information I could fit – credit card numbers, user names, passwords, my social security number, work files, budget reports, my personal financial information, etc. I could fit my entire life on that little flash drive and just put it in my pocket whenever I needed to take it somewhere – it was a brilliant invention for keeping all of my information in one place. And it still is.
However, it took just one mistake for me to realize that maybe I needed to do more than put my flash drive in my pocket. I had my drive on my keychain for a while when I was walking to my car one day and realized that it wasn’t there. I panicked. I thought of all the information that was on that drive and what I would need to do to replace it. Unfortunately, I didn’t make another backup of that information, so I would have been in deep trouble.
Thankfully, I was able to find the drive just a few yards away, but it got me to thinking – was I going to have to go back to lugging around a laptop or could I find another way to protect my drive? I looked all over the Internet for possible programs that could encrypt my data on my drive and found Portable Vault. It was the answer to my prayers.
Not only could I keep all of my information in one place, but it would be guarded by a high quality encryption program that few people could ever break. No more worrying for me!
When Can I Expect Results When I Optimize My Computer?
In the world of instant gratification, one of the first questions that get asked after learning about optimization is when people can expect to see a change in their computer. And this makes sense because if you’re having troubles with the speed of your computer, you probably also want it fixed right away. Here’s the truth: it happens immediately.
Not tomorrow or in a few weeks, but immediately. All you have to do is invest a little time into the overall process of optimization and you’ll see results as soon as you’re done. You might want to reboot your computer first, but after that – welcome to a faster, more efficient PC.
Here are the steps that you can take:
1. Start by cleaning up your hard drive. This means removing any programs or files that you don’t use. Look through your add and remove program function to see what programs are installed and then look to see when the last time was that you used them. If it’s been over a year, chances are good that you probably don’t need it.
2. Then use a registry cleaner like Registry Repair. This will help get rid of problems that you might not even know exist. Some viruses can get into your computer and slow down the overall speed of your system, but registry cleaners remove them and help add to the health of your PC.
3. At this point, you will also want to remove any spy ware that you have with a spy ware killer. This spy ware can slow down your PC’s ability to function, though it might not be harming your PC in the process.
4. Then you’ll want to defragment your computer to make the remaining programs process faster. This program reorganizes your files and data to be more easily accessed by the hard drive.
And in this short time, you’ll have a fully optimized PC that runs fast and starts running better as soon as you’re done. There’s no need to wait for a faster computer when you can do it yourself and do it quickly.
Digital Cameras - Good For The Environment:
Digital cameras help to save trees! This is because as more and more people move away from conventional cameras they are unwittingly reducing the use of chemicals that were earlier being used to process the film. These chemicals, especially the developer and fixer solutions, were serious environment hazards. More importantly, you don't have to print every picture in the roll of film, you can print just the one or two that you like, thus saving lots of paper as well.
1. Chemicals
Law requires that chemmicals need to be neutralized before disposed of. Unforunately, most film processing centers released the chemicals into the drain because of high expenditure involved in treating them before discharge. A lot of photographers have been found guilty of this also.
2. International Waters
They are not the only ones who broke the law with abandon. The cruise ships in the international waters were even bigger culprits. As a routine, these ships first developed pictures shot by passengers and then dumped the film-processing chemicals into the open ocean. No one cared, since no restrictive laws apply to international waters. This is the reason why our oceans and green reefs are dying at a rate faster than the rain forests.
3. Digital Cameras
They can now thank the makers of digital cameras for saving them from some of the chemicals that earlier poured on them from ships. The same can be said of ponds and rivers that used to be polluted with chemicals flowing out of film processing labs, and that incidentally still flow out of such labs in the third world.
4. Inkjet Printers
There are some green campaigners who point fingers at inkjet printers - used to take prints - and rechargeable batteries used in digital cameras. Of course, they must realize that very few people take prints of the photographs. Most transfer the images into computers electronically. Also, used cartridges are either recycled or dumped in landfills. Very rarely they find their way in water bodies.
5. Rechargable Batteries
Impacting digital cameras are rechargable batteries - don't buy batteries ever again! Get rechargables. In particular, get NiMH rechargable batteries with a charge of at least 2200 or higher. These will last about 8 hours and they can be charged in as little as two hours. These batteries can be charged up to 1,000 times before they have to be thrown away. Even if you theoretically used your camera every day for a year, you still would have years before you had to get new batteries.
How To Speed Up Windows XP:
The default install of Windows XP includes features and processes most users don't need. If you're involved in gaming or multimedia, and you can't afford a top-of-the-range PC, here are a few tips to get the most out of your machine.
For beginner users:
1. Go to: Start > Control Panel > Display > Settings.
Select: Resolution 800 x 600 pixels and Colour Quality Medium (16 bit).
Click: Apply.
What it does: Reduces system overhead. Less work for your CPU.
2. Go to: Start.
Right click: My Computer.
Select: Properties > 'Advanced' tab > Performance > 'Settings' button > 'Visual effects' tab. Select: Adjust for best performance.
Click: Apply.
What it does: Removes unimportant cosmetic effects, thereby reducing system overhead.
3. Go to: Start.
Right click: My Computer.
Select: Properties > 'Advanced' tab > Performance > 'Settings' button > 'Advanced' tab.
Select: Processor scheduling > Programs.
Select: Memory usage > Programs.
Click: Apply.
What it does: Prioritises _your_ programs over those that XP _thinks_ are important.
4. Go to: Start > Control Panel > Display > Themes.
Select: Windows Classic.
Click: Apply.
What it does: Cleans up the desktop.
5. Go to: Start > Control Panel > Display > Desktop.
Select: Background - None.
Click: Apply.
What it does: Cleans up the desktop.
6. Go to: Start > Control Panel > Display > Appearance.
Select: Windows Classic Style.
Click: Apply. What it does: Cleans up the desktop. For Medium Users:
7. Go to: Start
Right click: My Computer.
Select: Properties > 'Automatic Updates' tab. Select: Turn off automatic updates.
Click: Apply.
What it does: Stops Microsoft messing with your computer at inconvenient times. You can re-enable this when _you_ feel like an update.
8. Go to: Start > Run.
Type: msconfig
Select: 'Startup' tab.
Action: Untick all boxes, except those you are certain you need to start when XP boots up.
Click: Apply.
What it does: Stops programs starting when XP does. Frees up system resources. For Advanced users:
9. Run your favourite program.
Click these buttons on your keyboard simultaneously: ctrl + alt + del (Control + Alt + Delete). Click: 'Processes' tab.
Right click: The process of your favourite program.
Select: Set priority > Realtime.
What it does: Diverts CPU resources to the selected program.
10. Go to: Start > Run.
Type: services.msc
Right click: Any service you are sure you won't need, like 'Automatic Updates', 'Help and Support' or 'Indexing Services'.
Select: Properties > 'General' tab > Startup type > 'Manual' or 'Disabled'.
Click: Apply.
What it does: Stops processes starting when XP does. Frees up system resources.
Warning: Change one setting here a day. Reboot your system after each one. Run your most popular programs. If they're running normally, try disabling another service the next day. This is to make sure you don't turn off something important. If you're not sure, leave them alone.
Related programs:
Tune XP http://www.driverheaven.net/dforce/
This is freeware and simple to use.
X-Setup Pro http://www.x-setup.net/
This has a 30 day trial, and is for more advanced users.
Enjoy!
PC Security: It’s Bigger Than Viruses And Spyware:
Nowadays the words ‘computer security’ are on every person’s mind who deals with computers. Everyone seems to be worried about some security concern with their computers. But what exactly does computer security mean?
Simplified, it means keeping your computer and of course, its data secure and safe. In the present age, most of personal data are stored in the computer. But some of us don’t have the fundamental knowledge of keeping those data in safety. This basic knowledge is very simple; all you have to do is following some uncomplicated rules that will improve the security of your computer hugely.
First of all let’s see what the internet connection is all about. We can take up a comparison- a computer with internet connection resembles your very own house. Your house has many openings- doors, windows. With the increase in number of openings, increases the number of chances for someone to enter into your house. I am not saying that some robbers are going to come, but more openings imply more chances of getting robbed.
So to check these visits from strangers you need to install a quality firewall and also update this installed firewall on a regular basis.
Nowadays, it’s not a headache to update your software or operating system. Microsoft Windows Update feature is a good instance. Ensure updating all your installations of your computer.
You will come across two basic kinds of firewalls. Both of these (one, hardware and another, software) carry out the same task. Generally, a hardware firewall is included in your router in case you use one but you may not have a software firewall on your computer.
Sometimes we quite foolishly let strangers come in. just opening an email or browsing the net can invite strangers. Your guards are often fooled by viruses, Trojans or spyware. Sometimes an email from your buddy can carry a fatal virus. So how does your computer fight these unwanted ‘guests’? - By installing anti virus software.
In the present days, anti-virus falls under a huge category. Usually these packages or suites include a spyware scanner and a firewall. Although these guards are quite effective in their jobs, you are advised not to relax and rely completely on them. The protection plan of your computer’s requires multi-tiered protection plan but they are just a single layer. The ultimate yet one of the most crucial advices that I must give you is that your computer’s anti virus software should always be in a state of updated. They should be updated manually regularly since your computer can be subjected to new threats everyday.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Career
What Every Manager Ought To Know Why The Employees Leave The Company:
Don’t blame it on anyone else if the employees leave the company. Look into yourself. Have you been acting like a good leader
One of the biggest research done by the Gallup Organization, compiled in a book titled First, Break All the Rules by Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman, states that if you want to know why those good employees leave the company, you should look into the manager.
Employees don’t simply leave the company they have been working for just because of the money. And, actually, it’s not the company that they leave, it’s the working unit, the manager.
How does that happen?
Let’s say that the company gives generous pay, benefits and training, and somehow the employees are satisfied with that. Yet, this company has no good manager to lead and handle these people.
A bad manager doesn’t know how to treat their subordinates well enough. They don’t realize that good employees are the biggest assets for the company. Yes, there might be many people out there looking for jobs, yet, these managers don’t count the expenses the company has to spend on recruitments and trainings. Plus, the possibility that the good employees leave the company for the competitors. They don’t consider the loss that company might have to suffer.
That is why it is necessary for employers/managers to learn more about tips on handling employees. They have to understand how to build employees’ sense of belonging towards the company, how to create a comforting atmosphere so that the employees feel at ease in staying at the company and most important, how to praise the employees.
Those tips are not only good to retain employees but also good to augment their performance. The employees’ satisfaction will surely affects their way of work and eventually affect the company growth.
Those tips are not only good to retain employees but also good to augment their performance. The employees’ satisfaction will surely affects their way of work and eventually affect the company growth.
What Makes Your Job Search Go ‘Round:
It’s no secret: your job search can be a drag. And it can be very draining on your psyche. Maybe if we go in-depth to see what really is all involved in a job search and what it entails, it’ll help you gain perspective.
The Mental Preparation
Yep, you have to be in the right frame of mind for a job search. If you’re not then it can mean a very stressful and tense time for you. It can also cause you not to put your best work into your job search.
Let me explain this last point. If you’re dreading doing something, what do you tend to do? Do you procrastinate? Do you just hurry through it and not really take the time to care how good it is? This is where the problems start and that’s why you have to begin your job search with enthusiasm and hope for the future.
Job Search Document Preparation
A good job search needs a good resume and cover letter. Let me correct that: it needs a GREAT resume and cover letter. Have you ever known anyone to be very successful in their current job and then you catch a glimpse of their resume when they start job hunting and you’re stunned by how…amateurish it looks? Now, you know that this person is successful in his own right but looking at his resume, how would any future employer know that?
This happens more than you know – at all career levels. It also makes your job search stall before it really can even get started.
Interview Skill Preparation
If you don’t know the walk and talk, then how do you plan on landing the job you want? Getting comfortable in an uncomfortable situation is crucial to your job search success and can determine whether your job search lasts two weeks, two months or two years.
Knowing that, why do so many job seekers take this part of the process for granted? People seem to feel confident in their abilities to convey all the important messages that will help get job offers. They ‘know’ the things to do and things not to do. Are you overly confident? Maybe now is the time to freshen up your interviewing skills.
Talk to Everyone
When you’re job hunting, everyone you meet can be your friend. What I mean is that you never know who knows someone who knows someone who is hiring for a position that would be perfect for you. Having that inside tract is a great way to really boost your success rate of landing job offers. If the hiring manager knows someone who knows you, then you must be okay, right?
Your job search is not over until you have accepted a job offer. So if you still don’t have one in hand, keep applying for job openings that are appealing to you, that you’re qualified for and that you feel is a good step for your career. And don’t stop until you have reached your goal of a better – more rewarding – job.
All You Need To Know About Side Jobs:
Just like a wife who doesn’t want her husband to cheat. That is how a company looks at the side job you’ve been doing. If you ask for their blessings, you wouldn’t get it.
Yet, when there is a will, there is a way. If you decide to do it, be smart about it.
However, take some time to review the agreement you signed when you first entered the company. Isn’t there stated that you are asked to be devoted to the company and not to work for other part?
Why should there be such a rule?
They have reasons, of course. The company wants you to focus on your job. You are commanded to give all your time and to concentrate only for the sake of your tasks.
If the employee has another job or business, his/her focus will be divided. This might cause the employee’s bad performance which affect the company’s as well. What if the employee gets sick out of too many side jobs? His/her main job will also be affected.
The other reason is related to the company’s top secret. Just like a family, every company has also a top secret that cannot be shared with anyone, especially the competitors. That’s why, an employee, as a part of the family, is asked to keep the secret. The way is by locking the door to side jobs.
Yet, mostly, the company is wise enough. The employees would be given other additional benefits that can avoid them from taking side jobs. It is some kind of a compensation out of their loyalty to the company.
However, if you still do it, is it legal?
If in the agreement it is clearly stated that the employee must not break the commitment by working for other party, then you are breaking the rule. And, if the company finds it out, they have all the right to give you the pink slip.
Yet, if it not clearly stated, you’d still have to play ‘safe’ so that you can do both works well.
Why You Should Become A Nurse:
Introduction
Are you deciding on a career? Would you like to serve humanity, be paid well, have flexibility in scheduling, and opportunities to travel? If these perquisites seem interesting to you, then you should consider becoming a nurse. Nurses are well needed in America, and along with other careers such as fire fighting and policing, is one of the most noble job choices.
Fast facts about nursing
- Nursing is the largest health care profession
- Nursing is the largest health care profession
- There are currently more than two-million jobs for registered nurses in the U.S.
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for registered nurses will grow faster than the average of all occupations through 2008.
- Nursing students comprise more than half of all health care students.
- Nurses are the largest single component of hospital staff.
- Wages for registered nurses are above average, especially for nurses with additional education and training.
- Starting salary for a registered nurse varies between $30,000 and $45,000 per year, depending on geographic location, type of nursing, and level of education.
- Schools of nursing are noticing a decline in enrollment.
- The total population of registered nurses is growing at the slowest rate in over twenty years.
- As a result of fewer new nurses, the average age of registered nurses is increasing.
Why nurses are in demand
- Increased number of elderly patients
- More acutely ill patients
- An aging nursing workforce
- Increased retirement rate of nurses
- A decline in student nurse enrollment
- A decline in student nurse enrollment
The perks of nursing
- Healthcare costs are rising. Physicians are spending less time with patients. The role of a nurse is evolving into educators and providers of direct care.
- The shortage of nurses is projected to grow to over 800,000 in the next 15 to 20 years. The shortage is causing a dramatic increase in nurses’ salaries. Hospitals and other facilities are offering signing bonuses, cars, childcare, and housing assistance.
- Nurses truly make a difference in the lives of people. This presence of altruism is a factor missing from many jobs.
- It is never too late. Many people look for second jobs and second careers. Many nursing schools are offering accelerated 12-18 month programs.
- Nursing is not just for women. Many men are becoming nurses.
- Salaries are rising for nurses, and as an added incentive, many facilities offer time flexibility.
- Nurses have the option of working in a variety of facilities. Nurses are needed in hospitals, schools, physician’s offices, hospices, etc. Nurses are also needed to work with lawyers, insurance companies, sales reps, and clinical researchers.
- Nurses have the ability to travel extensively. Some agencies have systems where nurses are placed in other geographic locations for short and long-term periods.
Conclusion
There are many reasons to attend nursing school, or if graduated, go back to nursing school for additional education. It is a noble profession that offers intrinsic as well as extrinsic rewards. Are you happy in your current position? Do you want to make a difference? The door is open.
Here Are Some Facts About Being Well Organized:
A person not being organized would find more troubles than those who are. It is better to be organized, or even to be well organized.
By organizing your life, you are minimizing the complications and helping yourself live an easy life.
There are several things in your life that might need to be organized:
• Your time and schedule. By organizing the use of your time and your daily or weekly or monthly schedule, you are making the best out of it. If you’re an employee, it helps you be more productive and effective, also ease your road to success.
• Your home. Some people are too lazy to clean up the house. Can you imagine the mess they might be creating? Can you imagine how depressing the condition is? Not only it’s unclean, it will also be difficult for those living in the house to locate their belongings. If you can create a schedule to do cleaning up or if you can manage your stuff in order, things are a lot easier. And, of course, it lessens stresses. Please remember that a house is a place where you find peace and comfort.
• Your future. Yes, your future. Make a list of what you would like to do in the next 2, 3 or 5 years. This is to help you decide your priority. That way, you can picture your future in a clearer way.
• Working space. How can you work in a messy place? You’ll find it hard to concentrate. It must be difficult to find your stuff. Then, you will be less productive, less effective. And, that can shut in your way to success. On the contrary, if your desk is clean and your papers are well organized, you can easily locate them. The road to success is only an inch away.
How To Begin Your Interior Design Career:
Is it your dream to have an interior design career? If so, you need to have a plan to achieve your goal. Where are you going to go to school, should be the first question you ask yourself. Have you done any research on Interior Design schools in your area? If you have found a school, research it thoroughly. What do Professional Interior Designers think of the school? Does it have a good record of accomplishment in graduates getting work in the Interior Design field?
Speak to a Professional Interior Designer; ask them how they got their interior design career started. What school did they attend? Was it difficult in finding work once they graduated? Did they volunteer their services in order to gain experience? Another important aspect to consider is will you be able to attend school in person or do you need to take an online degree program instead. Many Interior Design students keep a full time job and take an online degree program from an accredited Design school. It is something to consider if you need to keep working to pay the bills or support a family. Do not give up on your dream!
We already know that you want an Interior Design career, but do you know what Interior Design is all about? Do not think that this career is all about being creative all day long. It is also not about choosing pretty colors and working with amazing fabric either. Interior Design is about selling the client on your ideas, organizing every detail and making sure that the client is completely happy when the job is finished. An Interior Designer must work with the local municipalities to make sure all building codes are adhered to, and accurate records must be kept regarding the entire job from beginning to end. Other important tasks that the designer is responsible for include negotiating with contractors and making sure they get the job done properly and on time. Dealing with problems is a daily occurrence for Interior Designers, what do you do when the painter does not show up? It is the Designers job to make sure everything comes together smoothly.
Once you have finished your education, your Interior Design career will likely begin as a junior designer or assistant designer. As your career advances, you could end up as a senior designer, a project manager or even a partner in a design firm. Another option for your design career is to become a self-employed interior designer.
Once you have finished your education, your Interior Design career will likely begin as a junior designer or assistant designer. As your career advances, you could end up as a senior designer, a project manager or even a partner in a design firm. Another option for your design career is to become a self-employed interior designer.
To give yourself an advantage over other aspiring interior designers, it would be prudent to learn as much as you about computer aided drafting software. Knowledge of this type of computer program could start you off at a higher pay scale. You can aid your interior design career by taking some marketing or sales courses since interior design is more about selling and marketing than anything else is. If you really want to improve your sales pitch to prospective clients, take some acting classes.
I hope that this information has not dissuaded you from seeking your dream of an interior design career.
How To Get A Government Job:
Government jobs are very sought after because they offer better job stability and benefits than many comparable jobs in the private sector. However, many people are intimidated by the fact that they don’t know how to navigate the process of getting a government job. Don’t let fear of the unknown eliminate a fantastic opportunity! With an understanding of how the process works, getting a government job will seem like a walk in the park.
Finding Government Jobs
The first hurdle you have to cross is locating government jobs for which you are qualified. Because government jobs are not always posted in the same formats – or in the same places – as jobs in the private sector, most job seekers overlook them entirely.
Vacancy Announcements
An ad for a government job is known as a “vacancy announcement.” These announcements list more than just the basic information that you would expect to find in a normal job ad. For instance, a vacancy announcement usually includes:
• Basic information
• Who can apply
• When they will start accepting applications
• When they will stop accepting applications
• Pay range
• Series and grade
• The highest grade level (promotion) available in the position
• Job duties
• Basic qualifications
• Required knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs)
• How to apply
• Conditions for employment
• Standard legal information
Where to Search
Vacancy announcements for government jobs can be found in a number of places:
• USAJOBS – The official website, which is maintained by the United States Office of Personnel Management, lists all government jobs open to the public. Access the site at http://www.usajobs.gov/.
• Individual government agencies – To make sure you don’t miss out on the jobs that aren’t announced to the public, you can contact the agencies directly. A complete list is available at http://www.usa.gov/Agencies/Federal/All_Agencies/index.shtml.
• Newspapers and job fairs – Don’t overlook the normal avenues available to job seekers! Job fairs are a particularly good resource, as many agencies attend the fairs intending to fill a position.
Applying for Government Jobs
Applying for a government job is a little more complicated than for a job in the private sector. Your resume will need to follow a special format, and you may have additional forms to submit with your application. In addition, most vacancy announcements include KSAs that applicants need to address.
Federal Resumes and Forms
You usually have two choices when applying for a government job: Submit a form application, or submit a resume. The form OF-612 is the one you should use in lieu of a federal resume. However, read the vacancy announcement carefully, because sometimes a vacancy may require the submission of specific forms – whether or not you submit a resume.
If you use a federal resume, it must include the following subjects:
• Personal Information – The normal contact information, plus your SSN, veterans’ preference, and federal status
• Job Information – The title, series, grade, and job announcement number of the job you are applying for
• Summary of Experience – An easy-to-scan summary for the convenience of hiring managers
• Professional Accomplishments – Similar to the “Work Experience” section of a regular resume, but with salary information, average weekly hours, and supervisor’s name and number
• Education – Similar to the “Education” Section of a regular resume
• Training – Training and/or certificate programs you have completed that pertain to your career
• Other Qualifications – Separate sections for any awards, certifications, publications, and presentations that pertain to your career
KSAs
“KSAs” refer to the knowledge, skills, and abilities a position requires. Many vacancy announcements list KSAs that must be answered in writing along with your resume or OF-612. When writing answers to a set of KSAs, be sure to:
• Be complete and concise. Hiring managers expect you to fully answer the KSA, but they don’t want to wade through a lot of fluff.
• Echo the wording used in the vacancy announcement. Using the same terminology for specific skill sets draws an instant comparison between the position requirements and your qualifications.
• Quantify your accomplishments. Make an impact by reporting a specific dollar amount, number of hours, or percentage.
• Make your KSA easy-to-scan. The main points of your answer should be easily found at the top of the page, with more specific details listed below.
What Happens to Your Application?
The process of applying for a government job is easier when you know what to expect. Unlike a regular job, a government job requires that your application be sent through several stages of review: A human resources team will check to see that you are qualified for the position, after which a panel of experts ranks all the qualified resumes. Only the top-ranking resumes are then forwarded to the hiring manager.
Most government jobs offer an automated system for checking up on the status of your application. If not, you can call the agency, but make sure you wait three weeks from the closing date listed on the vacancy announcement.
Interviewing for Government Jobs
Interviewing for a government job is much like interviewing in the private sector. However, because the stakes are often higher and the competition more stringent, you may feel there is more pressure on you to perform well in the interview.
Preparation
Nothing improves your chances of interviewing well like a little preparation. Although you can’t anticipate all of the questions you will be asked in an interview, there are a few that you will almost surely be asked.
For instance, most interviewers will start out an interview by asking you to tell them a little about yourself. This is not meant to be answered on the fly. Since you know you will be asked, prepare a short synopsis about your education, your career, and your goals. The more you practice this ahead of time, the more smoothly you can answer in the interview, and the more your confidence will show.
Follow-Up
One fatal error many job seekers make is failing to follow up after an interview. Hiring managers want interviewees to follow up afterward, as it gives them an idea of who is truly interested in the job. Sending a short thank-you note via snail mail or email is sure to leave a lasting impression.
In addition, a thank-you note gives you the opportunity to add information about your qualifications that you feel did not get adequate coverage in the interview. You can also ask the hiring manager when you should expect to hear from them regarding the position.
Negotiating Job Offers
With any luck, you will soon get a call with a job offer. While the laws regulating government jobs do not leave much room for negotiation, you will have a little leeway to negotiate the salary and benefits offered.
The important thing to remember, though, is that you did it. You impressed Human Resources, the panel of experts, and the interviewers and/or hiring manager well enough to garner a job offer. At this point, you can look back on your job search, remember how much you dreaded it, and smile – because you now know that getting a government job is not as difficult as you had imagined.
Can Free Interior Design Software Help Your Business Or Career?
Interior Design software can get quite expensive. Hence, students and designers are always looking for free interior design software. People want their design software to be robust whether it is free or not. Ideally, the software must be able to provide you with online 3D design graphics for the home and office designer.
Typical free interior design software should work similarly to the expensive software programs. The software should allow the potential client to plan and design his or her own office and home interior spaces.
A good software program will give the interior designer a competitive advantage if the client can design a living space using the software on the Interior Design website. Once the client sees what their new look will be, that will increase the chances of the Interior Designer securing a new client.
Potential clients are demanding to see the 3D designs from several different angles, this your software program must deliver otherwise you could lose customers. If you are going to be a successful designer then you need to stay up to date with the latest software whether it is free interior design software or not.
Free interior design software will help you create custom specification sheets for specific interior design jobs and track budgeting numbers so you and your client know how much the project will cost. You will be able to share project information with co-workers and vendors to help with the design of the project. Additionally, your vendors will be able to provide prices based on your 3D layouts.
Some free interior design software is only free for a short time period in order for the buyer to test it out before buying. If software is given away free then there are likely other items the company will attempt to sell to you in order to make money.
Interior design software will show the user many different ways that money can be saved by re-organizing many of the more labor-intensive aspects of design jobs that can really slow you down.
Free interior design software may come with several modules such as a kitchen-planning center, bathroom-planning center, exterior-planning center and even a bedroom-planning center.
What interior design software does is it allows the professional to work with improved accuracy for their budget plans and provides the user with better means of communication with your team. By implementing software into the design process professionals can modernize their approach to layouts, room colors, furnishing layouts and almost every important aspect of the entire design process.
Whether you are a professional designer, student, dealer or sales representative, working with the rights tools such as free interior design software allows them to manage projects efficiently.
5 Ways Your Cover Letter Says, ‘I Don’t Want This Job’:
Cover letters can be a great way to get employers to notice you. Of course you always want to send one but what are some ways that your cover letter can actually hurt your chances of getting interviews?
1) You use ‘Dear Sir or Madame’ as your salutation.
It can be a lot of work to find out the name of the hiring manager or the person that your resume is being sent to. However, if you do, it will put you in the good graces of the hiring manager…at least to start off with.
2) The reader is left with the question of what job you are actually applying for in their organization.
You need to state the title of the job somewhere on your cover letter. It can be as a title or in the first paragraph. Hiring managers don’t want to guess which job you want. If they do, then you’ll likely get passed up for interviews.
This is another way you can personalize your cover letter. If you use the exact title for which they are hiring, then they’ll know that you took the time to tailor it just for them.
3) Your cover letter addresses none of the job requirements.
One way to really impress an employer is by their specific needs they listed in the job posting. This is where you can completely personalize your cover letter. Check out your achievements from your resume and see what is applicable to their needs. Pull a few and reword them a bit to add them as a bullet list on your cover letter.
4) You end it with a passive call to action. You want to make the Hiring Manager do the least amount of work as possible in order for you to get an interview. One of the ways you can ease their burden is by calling them to follow-up. State that you will call them in a certain amount of time – say one week or on a specific date – and be sure to do it.
Don’t worry about coming across as to aggressive. It’s acting proactively which employers think highly of and you can expect them to take note. Of course they may call you even before you get a chance to give them a ring, but that’s a good thing.
5) No contact information.
I know you’re saying ‘Give me a break!’ It seems like that’s common sense, right? Not necessarily. Sometimes when job seekers create their own resume package, they only put their contact info on their resume, not their cover letter. But what happens if the two get separated and your resume accidentally gets tossed? Your desire to get an interview just got tossed along with it.
Paying attention to detail will go far when you’re job hunting. Don’t be in such a rush that you forgo some of these pointers. Take your time to do it right and you’ll find yourself getting many more employers wanting to meet you.
The Secret Of Successful People:
There are many people out there who can grab a success, yet, you wonder when your turn will come.
Are you waiting for your turn? Do you think those people were just waiting for their turn to come?
No. The answer is a big big NO.
They worked hard for it. Success is not luck. You have to work on it.
Not knowing how to? Check out these simple tips you can do to improve yourself and guide yourself to the road of success:
• Be positive. Be optimistic. See everything positively. Look for ways to move forward. Don’t focus on disappointment or negative feelings. Try to see failure or stumbling blocks as temporary, something that you will soon recover from.
• Learn and learn. Learn from your failure. Learn from other people who have set their feet on the path of success. Never stop gaining knowledge from every aspect of your life.
• Minimize your self-doubt. This is beyond important for anyone willing to be successful. Try not to have doubts on yourself.
• Be willing to change. Change is important. Dare to make any necessary changes in your life for a better result.
• Focus. You need to focus on the present and future and your tasks. Stop looking back. Even if you have to, you do it only to learn from it.
• Build a good reputation. Try to be honest and trustworthy. People won’t work with those who are dishonest and unreliable. Try to make people trust you, both personally and professionally.
• Be energetic. Be as healthy as possible. With a vigorous body, you can do everything with ease. You can move without problem. And, people have more faith in you. If you look weak and seem like someone who can barely do anything, your clients or bosses won’t trust you with jobs.
• Be passionate. Having passion over your work is the most important factor for a success. If you don’t, you will unlikely to do the other steps above.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Business Management
How to Create a Procedures Manual For Your Cleaning Company:
While most companies have specific policies and a printed procedure manual written up for employees to follow, your cleaning business may have started on a part-time basis with you doing everything. Most likely, nothing was put in writing. With many different tasks pulling you in a thousand directions, putting your procedures down into writing has most likely not made it to the top of your "to do" list. But what happens when you want to go on a vacation? Or if you become sick or injured? Having a written policy and procedures manual for your cleaning business means your business can keep running if you do become sick or injured or if you decide to take some much needed time off.
So how do you go about writing down the procedures you do to keep your business running? Start off by realizing this is an important task to take on. Following are a few tips to help you create a procedures manual for your cleaning business:
1. Don't try to sit down and write out your manual in one sitting. You will get discouraged and most likely set the document aside and never get back to it. You do not have to tackle this project all at once. Instead, set aside a block of time every day or once a week to work on your manual.
2. Set up your manual as a Microsoft Word document and password protect it. Microsoft Word is an easy program to work with and allows you to easily make changes. By password protecting the document it will not be accessible to anyone else. Just make sure you share the password with a spouse or trusted assistant in case something happens to you.
3. Start by putting basic information into your manual. This is the information that you needed to get your cleaning business up and running and is probably scattered about your office in numerous documents. Some of the information you'll want to document include: your business address, e-mail, phone number, fax number, your attorney's name and address, accountant's name and address, bank account information, Employee Identification Number (EIN), sales tax number and credit card information.
4. When you are working on specific tasks for your business, whether that be sending out billings, making sales calls, etc., write down your procedures. If there are particular tasks that have to be done regularly, or other tasks you feel are important to the business, make sure you document the procedures, step-by-step. You can even dictate the specific procedures into a tape recorder and have those transcribed.
5. If you have other people helping you, such as an assistant, bookkeeper, or salesperson, have them document what they do. For instance, if your bookkeeper is responsible for paying sales tax she should write down all relevant information including when to send in the taxes, where it goes, who she or he calls if there are questions. Keep your manual consistent by creating a simple template that you use for all of your procedures. Following is an example for the format of a section:
1. Date Updated: _________________
2. Updated by: ___________________
3. Procedures Required to ____________________________________
4. List step-by-step procedures
A filled out page might look something like this:
Date Updated: 9/15/06
Updated by: John Jones
Procedures Required to CheckVoicemail.
- Call 555-5555
- Press the # key to stop the message
- Enter code: 9156
- Listen to messages
- Press 3 to delete message, press 7 to save message
Listed below are additional items that you will probably want to include in your cleaning business' procedures manual. This is just a general list. One of your first steps in putting together your own manual will be to decide what information you need to include.
- Important contact information.
- Customer contact information and contract information.
- Account numbers and passwords.
- Vendor lists.
- Legal information
- Type of business entity, important account numbers.
- Computer procedures, software and product ID's, back-up systems.
- Website designer, website host and registrar for domain names.
- Bookkeeping procedures.
- Procedures for paying taxes.
- Payroll procedures.
- Employee evaluation procedures.
- Where to find equipment warranties and service information. Information on your safety program including where to find MSDS sheets.
The easiest way to begin putting together your manual is to make a list of all the things that you and others do for your cleaning company that need to be documented. If you can delegate some of these items to others then do so! That will make your job all that much easier. Put together a template that works for your cleaning business and then start filling in the blanks. Before you know it, your manual will be completed. Print it off and put it into a three-ring binder so you can use it as a reference. Then if for some reason you cannot work or if you decide to finally take that vacation there will be procedures in place so your cleaning business can run efficiently in your absence.
A Virtual Assistant Can Help You Grow Your Small Business Or Home Based Business:
A virtual assistant can help you grow your small business or home based business by handling your administrative support tasks. If you're a successful small business entrepreneur, you've already learned the value of outsourcing tasks (even ones you're capable of doing yourself) in order to spend your time strategically growing your business and working on bottom-line functions.
You probably already outsource tasks like your accounting and advertising. But did you even know that you can outsource your clerical and administrative support tasks to a virtual assistant? Also called a VA, a virtual assistant is an independent contractor who works from his or her own home or office space. A virtual assistant works virtually, thanks to technology like email, telephone, fax machines, postal mail and courier services. Virtual assistants can work for you on an hourly basis, project basis or on a monthly retainer basis.
Once you find a virtual assistant that meets your criteria, you will develop a long-term working relationship so that you can call on this VA for years to come. As your business grows, you may even develop working relationships with multiple VAs who can handle your administrative business needs. That way you will always have the administrative support you need at a moment's notice and you can outsource projects to various VAs based on their specialties such as Internet research, press release writing and distribution or translation. That's in addition to the ordinary administrative tasks a virtual assistant can do for you like database entry, updating your Outlook contacts, mail merges, creating reports and more.
Here are 12 reasons that you want to hire a virtual assistant now:
1. You will have more free time to spend with your family and friends.
2. You will have more time to work on growing your business.
3. Pay only for work you need completed.
4. Reduce your business overhead costs. You don't provide benefits, office equipment or office space. You don't even provide a paid lunch hour and holidays!
5. No need to train staff. VAs come equipped and trained in their specialty areas.
6. You will be provided with skills that you don't have but need (e.g. Create PowerPoint slide presentations).
7. Virtual assistants provide you with additional help. VAs are an additional set of hands.
8. You will have someone who helps you implement your great ideas quicker to build your business faster.
9. Virtual assistants do even your boring tasks! Hate data entry? Hire a VA to do it for you.
10. Get help with emergencies quick. 24 hour support available (by some VA's and VA agencies).
11. Use software you don't even own (many virtual assistants own and use PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat and more).
12. VAs are professionals and independent business owners. They understand better then anyone your needs as a home-based or small business owner and give your business the same care and service they expect in their own business.
When you use the services of a virtual assistant, you're investing in your business growth.
The Conference Call:
Conference calls are not a new thing, I can still remember that conference calls were held fifteen or maybe twenty years ago, but the main difference then was that this was something special, that an event has occurred that required a conference call, just the way you learned of an upcoming conference call would make you nervous.
Today things have changed significantly as conference calls are used on everyday basis not only by businesses and company managers but also by the general public and individual people. The reason that conference calls have become so wide spread is that it has become more available for people to communicate this way, conference calls rates are down and the public pays less for them, this makes conference calls a very powerful tool to use in business and marketing.
The main power of the conference call is to bring a detailed presentation of a service or even a product to a potential costumer, this is usually a situation where one company offers its services to another company, a demonstration can be synchronized with a conference call in a way that the people who are in the call will get the information and answers immediately from the people who are directly responsible for the actions they are viewing.
The conference call is particularly efficient when it comes to online services or internet services, since this is a computer based service you can have all the people involved in front of a computer screen and upload a certain program that is tailor made for that costumer needs, once the program is running you can walk the listeners through the complete process of the software and involve other experts on your part to further explain the benefits of the product.
The great advantage of the conference call is that unlike the usual "cold call" you will be able to form a relationship with a few of the people working for the other company, you can try and locate a person that you will find more cooperation with within that group and you could also control the way you make your sales by having a few of your manager on the line to make sure that the presentation is done according to the general plan that you had.
The development of the conference calls has also created a large product market, special conference phone products and companies that give full support for conference calling can be found on the market and they supply companies as well as individuals with all the services needed to conduct conference calls on a regular basis, this has led to the increase of non business related conference calls.
The latest way to use conference calls is to form social connections, for meeting other people and having the opportunity of an open discussion, this is a simple way of using this advanced idea in order to expand a phone call into a large meeting room in which people can wonder around and meet new and exciting people by phone.
How To Calculate CRM Total Cost Of Ownership (TCO):
Although it may look and sound complicated, calculating the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for on demand CRM is as simple as elementary subtraction. Or to go one step further, more money will be going into your business rather than the system that struggles to support it. The on demand model affords customers greater flexibility in accessibility and product, hassle free hosting of information, upgrades year round and greater security of information, just to name a few perks!
For those not using on demand CRM allow me to break down its cost effectiveness versus out of the box or custom built solutions:
For starters you can take your current IT costs and subtract all your hours and dollars spent on system maintenance, upgrades, integration and up keep.
Now further subtract the cost incurred for hosting your current network or CRM application. If it is in house then you can deduce server costs, power costs etc... If you host via third party you can go ahead and drop that cost all together.
So things are starting to look a little brighter!
For those who currently use an out of the box CRM system, you can go ahead and knock off the costs incurred for support, training, customization and yearly upgrades, and every other hidden fee you incur.
I am sure that by now some of you are probably feeling a little skeptical; and I don’t blame you, the potential to save this much money definitely warrants some initial second guessing. But don’t let me convince you, see for yourself and put your worries to rest once and for all.
No upfront costs – with on demand CRM, the software is already built and it is entirely hosted online, all you have to do is subscribe and start using it.
No downloads – the on demand CRM platform ensures you are never burdened by continual downloads cluttering up your computer and network while slowly eating up your memory.
No hosting fees – the on demand platform is designed, built and maintained by an expert IT staff, hosted at an external secure location with manned security personnel. Enabling you the user to focus solely on your business and only your business.
Customizable platform – the on demand SaaS platform is readily customizable by expert developers and product engineers. No longer will you have to fork over thousands of dollars to mash stand alone legacy systems into a tedious and often bug ridden enterprise solution.
Free upgrades – with the flexibility of the on demand CRM model, top CRM vendors can offer continual and seamless updates and enhancements to their solution. Security of Information – a common misconception with the on demand platform is the issue of information security. While many find comfort in having their information hosted on site, they are in fact more vulnerable to intruders or hackers, or disgruntled employees then they would be by using the ASP/on demand platform. A good CRM vendor out sources the hosting of their servers to ISP providers, thus guaranteeing greater security and up time for their customers.
There is no denying the aforementioned facts, on demand CRM offers you greater bang for your buck when compared to the conventional out of the box offerings. On demand CRM removes the headaches of IT maintenance along with its hefty costs, it optimizes your employee work rate and in turn, allows you to bring in more money while spending less. Not to mention your company info could not be more secure!
Invest In Your Internet Business Education:
There is a common misconception among some online business-owners: That everything you need to grow your business can be found online and you don’t need to pay for it. This is a belief that can have you running around in circles trying to figure out how to run your business online. I know because I’ve done it.
There are so many sites on the internet that offer you free business information, free courses, free forums and all kinds of things to help you grow your business. Now I’m not saying that these sites are not incredibly valuable (many are, many are not) but you need to know what is good information and what is not. Many times the only way to do that is to pay for it, that’s right, with real money.
I stress the money part because for a very long time I myself was under the impression that I need not pay out money for information I could find for free online. You see, the problem is much of the information is scattered all over the place, in no clear order, so it makes it very difficult to determine how to apply it to your business.
When you pay for a course, book or service you are buying information that someone else (who hopefully knows what they’re doing if you’ve chosen right) has taken the time to organize and prioritize so that you can learn from what they’ve already learned and save yourself tons of time in the process.
Even if you only earn a little back by using what you read it will increase your knowledge and allow you to make informed choices about what you need to know next time you invest in your business. Often the return on your invest will be huge and you will wonder why you didn’t invest in your Internet Business Education sooner!
Here are some steps to take when looking to purchase business self-education materials online:
· Read the sales copy all the way through – There will often be a lot of valuable information in the sales copy of someone who knows what they are doing. You can go through their sales page and learn just from that! If you are reading a page that is full of ‘fluff’ and ‘promises’ but no real solid facts or information, move on because they are probably selling you something not worth your money.
· Look for testimonials and check them out - Almost all reputable sites will have testimonials of people that have used their product and were very pleased with it. Often they will include a link to the site of the person who wrote the testimonial. Check out their site, have a look at what they have done with it and you may also learn a few things.
· Contact them and ask questions – If you have any questions about the product or service being offered use the contact information available and ask them. The amount of time it takes for a response and the quality of the response should give you a very good idea of whom you are dealing with.
· Ask around – If you belong to any discussion groups or forums, etc, ask around and see if you can find someone who has purchased what you are interested in and what they thought of it. I have done this before and it is great to get feedback from someone who’s already spend money on what you are looking to purchase.
The important thing to remember is that if you learn from it and grow your business it is not a waste of money. If you only break even you are still getting education that will help you in the future with your business.
I have used some online courses and services that I have found invaluable. It took me a long time to decide to invest in my business education, but once I did I was sorry I waited so long to start really learning!
Here are some courses/services I would recommend to start your internet business off right:
· http://www.marketingtips.com - Insider Secrets To Marketing Your Business On The Internet
· http://www.sitesell.com - Make Your Site Sell
· http://www.mommasterminds.com - Mom Masterminds
· http://www.perrymarshall.com - Perry Marshall’s ‘Definitive Guide To Google Adwords’
I would love to hear of any you have found to be worth your money, please let me know.
Good luck and Best Wishes In Your Business!
The Legal Issues Of Starting A Business:
When you want to start your own business, it is not just a matter of setting up shop and waiting for the customers to come to you. Depending on what kind of business you want to start, you may have to get permission from the town or city. Some areas of a city have special zoning regulations in place that do not permit a business in a residential area, even if you plan to operate it out of your home. You do have to get a license from the government for taxation purposes and so that you can claim your expenses when you have to file your income tax return.
Other issues that you have to look at when starting a business relate to finding a suitable location, a building and the staff that you can work with. Of course, you do have to have insurance on the building and the stock if you sell products and if you provide services, you will need to have your equipment insured. You might say that you plan to run an Internet business out of your home so none of these issues will apply to you. No matter what kind of business you have, you need to have a business taxation number that allows you to collect taxes from your customers. You also have to pay taxes on the income that your business generates.
If you plan on opening a business where you prepare or serve food, then you have to deal with health and safety issues. Government inspectors will do regular inspections to make sure that your premises are clean and that you prepare the food in the proper way. If you wish to serve alcohol, you will have to obtain a special licence.
Having your own business also means that you have to deal with issues of hiring and paying staff. Accurate financial records are necessary in order for you to determine whether or not your business is making a profit. If you don't have the talents to do this on your own, you will have to hire an accountant to help you out. These are all issues that you have to consider when you decide to start your own business.
What Makes A Great Working Environment?
We know a lot about what a great working environment is.
In a great working environment the mission is being accomplished and morale is high. It's the "user" side of the two key leadership objectives: accomplish the mission and care for your people.
Most people know exactly what I mean by a great working environment. They may not be able to list characteristics, or point to research, but they've usually experienced one. So have you.
Think about a time in your life when it was great to come to work. If you're lucky there are lots of them. If you're really lucky, now is one of those times.
What was it like then? I'll bet you were excited about the work you were doing, and you knew that it was appreciated. You almost certainly felt that you were being treated fairly and that you had some control over what you got to do.
There's been quite a bit of formal research into the factors that make up a great working environment. Here's a quick summary of what the research tells us make for a great working environment.
* Interesting and Meaningful Work
* Clear and Reasonable Expectations
* Frequent and Usable Feedback
* Fairness (Consequences = Performance)
* Consistency (Predictability)
* Maximum Control Possible Over Work Life
In my training classes, I often do an exercise where participants identify the times when they were in a great working environment and what that was like. The language is often a bit different from the formal research, but the same things come up over and over again.
Interesting and Meaningful Work
People want to do work that's interesting and meaningful. They want what they do to be enriching for them and important to others.
Different people define interesting in different ways. For some people, it means that they're learning a lot, having lots of personal growth. For others, the most important thing is that there are lots of different situations to deal with or lots of different problems to solve.
Sometimes "interesting" is not so much about the work itself as it is about the people you work with. This self fulfillment comes from being part of a team, an elite group, or just a bunch of folks you like working with.
It's also important for the work to have value to others. The "others" can be the whole world, or just your customers or the people you work with.
Clear and Reasonable Expectations
People like to know what's expected of them. They like to know the rules of the game.
Expectations need to be clear. At the supervisory level, that may mean laying out detailed, step by step procedures. At the management level expectations may come out of discussions with several people. At the leadership level, slogans and other brief statements that people can use as a "test" of their plans or actions are usually the most effective.
Don't underestimate the values of frequency, simplicity, and memorability when you're communicating expectations. You have to communicate the important things over and over in memorable terms.
In fact, repeating things is one way of telling people what's important. Slogans are great for this. So are devices like pocket reminder cards with simple messages or messages in table form.
Use your regular forms of communication, like newsletters, emails, sales bulletins to reinforce your leadership message. Reinforce your written communications of expectations with oral communications. Reinforce your formal communications with informal ones.
Remember that you need to state expectations for the performance you want, but you also need to be clear about the consequences of performance that's beyond or not quite up to standard.
Frequent and Usable Feedback
People like to know how they're doing. Feedback is how they find out. To work, the feedback must be frequent (lots of small course corrections) and usable.
How frequent is frequent? The answer, which sounds something like a cop out is: "As often as necessary?"
Some people want and need a lot of feedback. Other people prefer to be left alone most of the time to do their work. You have to know who needs what and in what situations.
The idea is to make lots of small course corrections on the way to the clear target you've established with your expectations. Lots of small adjustments are almost always easier and more effective then a few giant ones.
Feedback also has to be usable. Time your feedback so it reaches people when it is the most helpful. In most situations, that means you want feedback as close to the performance as possible. If you can set up a system so people can get their own feedback, so much the better.
Work on your communications skills so you deliver feedback in the most effective way possible. Learn about different ways that people process information, and match your communication to their preferred style. Learn about Social Styles and other ways that help you communicate with people in the ways they most like to be communicated with.
Fairness (Consequences = Performance)
People want to know that they (and others) are being fairly rewarded based on their performance. This is one of those words that requires definition. Otherwise, it becomes one of those words that everyone agrees with, but no two people have a common definition for.
For us, fairness means that the consequences of the performance are determined by the quantity and quality of the performance. One of the people in my class put it in almost Biblical terms: "The good shall be rewarded and the underachievers shall be punished in accordance with their results."
This ties back to reasonable expectations. It depends on regular and usable feedback.
Consistency (Predictability)
Consistency means predictability. Subordinates want to know how their supervisor will react in a given situation. Consistency also relates to predictability in terms of performance.
Your people want to know how to predict your reaction in different situations. If they can't, they worry about whether or not to trust you.
According to some management studies, consistency (predictability) is the single most effective standard to establish with your own leadership behavior. It's actually another form of communication. It's a way of walking the talk.
Leadership by example means that you act out the values and principles that you say you and others stand for. To quote Howell Raines on Bear Bryant: "Coach Bryant had an idea about how a man ought to act and if you watched him, you could figure out what it was."
Leadership by example means that you consistently pay attention to the important things, consistently reward good performance, consistently see that rewards and punishments are meted out fairly.
Maximum Control Possible over Work Life
People want to have a say about things that affect their life. You can make that happen for them by giving them as much control as possible over issues that affect them at work.
Obviously that varies from person to person and situation to situation. Some people like to be left alone. Others want to see you frequently.
Some people are qualified to make lots of decisions about their work. Others need to develop their skills a bit before they can do the same.
Some people work hard and make an effort to do the job. Others slack off.
It's probably a good general rule to allow individuals as much control of the basic decisions about their work as they are capable of handling and willing to handle. In today's flatter organizations, this is easier to do from an organizational standpoint, but it's hard for many of us from a personal standpoint.
Part of your job as a boss is to create a great working environment for the people who work for you. It's not easy, but the result can be both high morale and high productivity.
The Functions Of Effective Management:
ou may have used the word ‘management’ thousands of times at personal level in the context of leading a hassle-free life. Today this term is used at commercial level too. It has entered all spheres of human life and its popularity has reached an unavoidable stage. This can be accounted with the needs of the present socio-economic structure of every society. Management has been in great practice in the recent past though it is true that earlier it was practiced at a very subtle level. Now it has become a profession and one of the most over-rated characteristics in the economic sector. At personal levels also management has become an essential virtue. This is the reason that more people are taking tips to manage their life with efficiency and pleasure. It cannot be denied that all this has happened for betterment as significant progress is witnessed in all the economic sectors as well as personal domain.
In economic terms, you can describe management as the process of leading and directing all the parts of an organization or a business. It is basically done through an analysis and application of recourses (human, financial, strategic and intellectual). Management is an art to get things done correctly at right place and on right time. You can realize management as a very intrinsic quality that needs to be displayed with confidence at various extrinsic levels. There are many organizations, institutes and consultancy firms that offer management studies, training and tips. However, it entirely depends upon your observation and learning ability to make the best use of the studies. Following guidelines with discipline is a key factor in growing as a good manager. There can be nothing better than self coaching and it can only be accomplished when you are confident of yourself.
Management is a skill that is polished through regular practice and up-gradation. Understanding of the situation and determining the advantages and disadvantages is a primary task in management. An experienced manager will listen to suggestions and find a well-thought solution to some issues or problems. Management is also an art of balance between personal thoughts and influencing factors. Apart from personal management, every other form of management has to be directed towards group interest. Here lies the success of a manager and organization as a whole.
It would be beneficial to know that there are five functions of management. They are planning, organizing, leading, coordinating and controlling. You can understand that there is a need of dynamism for effective management. All these functions are directed towards the six separate branches of management that are categorized to facilitate the studies and application of management. Human resource, Operations management, Strategic management, Marketing management, financial management, and Information technology management
The one who manages various departments is called a manager. Every person is not blessed with this art of management but he or she can be a better manager with a disciplined approach towards learning management. Managers are responsible for all the planning and application of strategies. In an organizational set-up there is a hierarchy of managers who take care of all the management activities within and outside. CEO (he/she is the topmost authority responsible for the success and failure of the company. Sitting at the top of any management, every policies and activities pass through a CEO. Understanding the work of a CEO can give a complete insight to a management activity. Vice president, marketing (he or she is responsible for marketing strategies, advertising, promotions, sales, product management and pricing), Marketing managers and Promotion managers follow the footsteps of a CEO.
Growing Your Small Business With Honesty And Integrity:
Small business is America. Almost every person has at one time or another dreamed of owning their own business. Why not? I don't have to answer to a boss. I can set my own hours. In 10 or 20 years, I can live a life of leisure or somewhere at the top of the food chain.
So the goals are set, the die is cast and off you go into the world of owning your owm small business. You make a business plan, get some additional capitol financing, align personnel, arrange a facility and your off.
Now comes the real fun. Decision after decision on the best approach to service, products, marketing. You've done your homework. Your happy with the initial results. You say let's let this profit machine start rolling.
Six months later you get a real shock when the profit/loss statement comes out of the printer and the bottom line is still red. Your financial partner has called you a couple of times on the return on his investment. The spouse wants new livingroom furniture. The vendors have put you on COD. The pressure is mounting. You feel the weight of the organization on your shoulders. Then the test comes.
Fred's produce down the street pays you in cash. The thought occurs to you to keep the cash off the books to pay for the spouse's livingroom furniture and no one will be the wiser. Gee, that worked so well, why don't I cut back on the product quality, save a few bucks there and see if I can get my investment partner off my back.
Every small business owner has been at this fork in the road. Each one must make his own decision as to which road to take. Looking the other way is the easy route at first but it is costly in the long run. A small business should be built on partnerships of trust with customers, vendors and financial partners. Honesty and integrity in the marketplace are wonderful pillow partners. The kind of partners that will let you go to sleep at night with the satisfaction of knowing you were truthful and honest at any cost. There are no skeletons hidden in your closet which can rear their ugly heads. You don't have to be looking over your shoulder while your trying to move your business forward. At the end of the day you can say "It's been a good day!"
The Basics Of Project Management:
Any project can only be successful if the people behind the project implements proper project management skills or hire a reputable and dependable project management group.
Project management may sound like a complicated term and it really is as it involves the process of organizing the different factors involved in creating and completing a project.
All projects should start out with a good plan so that the project creator would know the things required for the project to proceed as well as the necessary timeframe within which these requirements must be accomplished. The project plan should identify the scope of the project and the people accountable for the various aspects of the project.
The plan should include the costs involved in managing the project including the costs involved in hiring human resources and materials for the project. A good and realistic plan will enable the project manager to fulfill the project requirements on time and in an efficient manner.
Like every other project, a project management plan should include a good plan for human resources as they will be the best resources the project manager can have. Another important aspect is the communications plan not only between and among the project manager and the employees or workers. It should also include a good communication system with the outside world.
The project manager should be more wary of a good communication plan especially if the project has a very great impact in a certain community. If this is the case, the project manager should also make sure to include a public relations plan as well as a communications plan in cases of emergency or negative reaction from the public.
Risk management should be one of the most important aspects of the project plan. The project manager should avoid being reactionary whenever emergencies or negative publicity comes up. To avoid this and to become proactive he should establish a contingency plan for possible situations.
One of the most challenging projects to handle or to manage is a software project because of the technical emergencies that may happen, the sudden changes in costs and the sudden changes in technical people involved in the software project. However, a project manager should always be prepared for any eventuality for any type of project he is handling. The best thing to do is to prepare a very efficient project management plan so that he is not caught unaware of very important aspects of the project.
While most companies have specific policies and a printed procedure manual written up for employees to follow, your cleaning business may have started on a part-time basis with you doing everything. Most likely, nothing was put in writing. With many different tasks pulling you in a thousand directions, putting your procedures down into writing has most likely not made it to the top of your "to do" list. But what happens when you want to go on a vacation? Or if you become sick or injured? Having a written policy and procedures manual for your cleaning business means your business can keep running if you do become sick or injured or if you decide to take some much needed time off.
So how do you go about writing down the procedures you do to keep your business running? Start off by realizing this is an important task to take on. Following are a few tips to help you create a procedures manual for your cleaning business:
1. Don't try to sit down and write out your manual in one sitting. You will get discouraged and most likely set the document aside and never get back to it. You do not have to tackle this project all at once. Instead, set aside a block of time every day or once a week to work on your manual.
2. Set up your manual as a Microsoft Word document and password protect it. Microsoft Word is an easy program to work with and allows you to easily make changes. By password protecting the document it will not be accessible to anyone else. Just make sure you share the password with a spouse or trusted assistant in case something happens to you.
3. Start by putting basic information into your manual. This is the information that you needed to get your cleaning business up and running and is probably scattered about your office in numerous documents. Some of the information you'll want to document include: your business address, e-mail, phone number, fax number, your attorney's name and address, accountant's name and address, bank account information, Employee Identification Number (EIN), sales tax number and credit card information.
4. When you are working on specific tasks for your business, whether that be sending out billings, making sales calls, etc., write down your procedures. If there are particular tasks that have to be done regularly, or other tasks you feel are important to the business, make sure you document the procedures, step-by-step. You can even dictate the specific procedures into a tape recorder and have those transcribed.
5. If you have other people helping you, such as an assistant, bookkeeper, or salesperson, have them document what they do. For instance, if your bookkeeper is responsible for paying sales tax she should write down all relevant information including when to send in the taxes, where it goes, who she or he calls if there are questions. Keep your manual consistent by creating a simple template that you use for all of your procedures. Following is an example for the format of a section:
1. Date Updated: _________________
2. Updated by: ___________________
3. Procedures Required to ____________________________________
4. List step-by-step procedures
A filled out page might look something like this:
Date Updated: 9/15/06
Updated by: John Jones
Procedures Required to CheckVoicemail.
- Call 555-5555
- Press the # key to stop the message
- Enter code: 9156
- Listen to messages
- Press 3 to delete message, press 7 to save message
Listed below are additional items that you will probably want to include in your cleaning business' procedures manual. This is just a general list. One of your first steps in putting together your own manual will be to decide what information you need to include.
- Important contact information.
- Customer contact information and contract information.
- Account numbers and passwords.
- Vendor lists.
- Legal information
- Type of business entity, important account numbers.
- Computer procedures, software and product ID's, back-up systems.
- Website designer, website host and registrar for domain names.
- Bookkeeping procedures.
- Procedures for paying taxes.
- Payroll procedures.
- Employee evaluation procedures.
- Where to find equipment warranties and service information. Information on your safety program including where to find MSDS sheets.
The easiest way to begin putting together your manual is to make a list of all the things that you and others do for your cleaning company that need to be documented. If you can delegate some of these items to others then do so! That will make your job all that much easier. Put together a template that works for your cleaning business and then start filling in the blanks. Before you know it, your manual will be completed. Print it off and put it into a three-ring binder so you can use it as a reference. Then if for some reason you cannot work or if you decide to finally take that vacation there will be procedures in place so your cleaning business can run efficiently in your absence.
A Virtual Assistant Can Help You Grow Your Small Business Or Home Based Business:
A virtual assistant can help you grow your small business or home based business by handling your administrative support tasks. If you're a successful small business entrepreneur, you've already learned the value of outsourcing tasks (even ones you're capable of doing yourself) in order to spend your time strategically growing your business and working on bottom-line functions.
You probably already outsource tasks like your accounting and advertising. But did you even know that you can outsource your clerical and administrative support tasks to a virtual assistant? Also called a VA, a virtual assistant is an independent contractor who works from his or her own home or office space. A virtual assistant works virtually, thanks to technology like email, telephone, fax machines, postal mail and courier services. Virtual assistants can work for you on an hourly basis, project basis or on a monthly retainer basis.
Once you find a virtual assistant that meets your criteria, you will develop a long-term working relationship so that you can call on this VA for years to come. As your business grows, you may even develop working relationships with multiple VAs who can handle your administrative business needs. That way you will always have the administrative support you need at a moment's notice and you can outsource projects to various VAs based on their specialties such as Internet research, press release writing and distribution or translation. That's in addition to the ordinary administrative tasks a virtual assistant can do for you like database entry, updating your Outlook contacts, mail merges, creating reports and more.
Here are 12 reasons that you want to hire a virtual assistant now:
1. You will have more free time to spend with your family and friends.
2. You will have more time to work on growing your business.
3. Pay only for work you need completed.
4. Reduce your business overhead costs. You don't provide benefits, office equipment or office space. You don't even provide a paid lunch hour and holidays!
5. No need to train staff. VAs come equipped and trained in their specialty areas.
6. You will be provided with skills that you don't have but need (e.g. Create PowerPoint slide presentations).
7. Virtual assistants provide you with additional help. VAs are an additional set of hands.
8. You will have someone who helps you implement your great ideas quicker to build your business faster.
9. Virtual assistants do even your boring tasks! Hate data entry? Hire a VA to do it for you.
10. Get help with emergencies quick. 24 hour support available (by some VA's and VA agencies).
11. Use software you don't even own (many virtual assistants own and use PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat and more).
12. VAs are professionals and independent business owners. They understand better then anyone your needs as a home-based or small business owner and give your business the same care and service they expect in their own business.
When you use the services of a virtual assistant, you're investing in your business growth.
The Conference Call:
Conference calls are not a new thing, I can still remember that conference calls were held fifteen or maybe twenty years ago, but the main difference then was that this was something special, that an event has occurred that required a conference call, just the way you learned of an upcoming conference call would make you nervous.
Today things have changed significantly as conference calls are used on everyday basis not only by businesses and company managers but also by the general public and individual people. The reason that conference calls have become so wide spread is that it has become more available for people to communicate this way, conference calls rates are down and the public pays less for them, this makes conference calls a very powerful tool to use in business and marketing.
The main power of the conference call is to bring a detailed presentation of a service or even a product to a potential costumer, this is usually a situation where one company offers its services to another company, a demonstration can be synchronized with a conference call in a way that the people who are in the call will get the information and answers immediately from the people who are directly responsible for the actions they are viewing.
The conference call is particularly efficient when it comes to online services or internet services, since this is a computer based service you can have all the people involved in front of a computer screen and upload a certain program that is tailor made for that costumer needs, once the program is running you can walk the listeners through the complete process of the software and involve other experts on your part to further explain the benefits of the product.
The great advantage of the conference call is that unlike the usual "cold call" you will be able to form a relationship with a few of the people working for the other company, you can try and locate a person that you will find more cooperation with within that group and you could also control the way you make your sales by having a few of your manager on the line to make sure that the presentation is done according to the general plan that you had.
The development of the conference calls has also created a large product market, special conference phone products and companies that give full support for conference calling can be found on the market and they supply companies as well as individuals with all the services needed to conduct conference calls on a regular basis, this has led to the increase of non business related conference calls.
The latest way to use conference calls is to form social connections, for meeting other people and having the opportunity of an open discussion, this is a simple way of using this advanced idea in order to expand a phone call into a large meeting room in which people can wonder around and meet new and exciting people by phone.
How To Calculate CRM Total Cost Of Ownership (TCO):
Although it may look and sound complicated, calculating the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for on demand CRM is as simple as elementary subtraction. Or to go one step further, more money will be going into your business rather than the system that struggles to support it. The on demand model affords customers greater flexibility in accessibility and product, hassle free hosting of information, upgrades year round and greater security of information, just to name a few perks!
For those not using on demand CRM allow me to break down its cost effectiveness versus out of the box or custom built solutions:
For starters you can take your current IT costs and subtract all your hours and dollars spent on system maintenance, upgrades, integration and up keep.
Now further subtract the cost incurred for hosting your current network or CRM application. If it is in house then you can deduce server costs, power costs etc... If you host via third party you can go ahead and drop that cost all together.
So things are starting to look a little brighter!
For those who currently use an out of the box CRM system, you can go ahead and knock off the costs incurred for support, training, customization and yearly upgrades, and every other hidden fee you incur.
I am sure that by now some of you are probably feeling a little skeptical; and I don’t blame you, the potential to save this much money definitely warrants some initial second guessing. But don’t let me convince you, see for yourself and put your worries to rest once and for all.
No upfront costs – with on demand CRM, the software is already built and it is entirely hosted online, all you have to do is subscribe and start using it.
No downloads – the on demand CRM platform ensures you are never burdened by continual downloads cluttering up your computer and network while slowly eating up your memory.
No hosting fees – the on demand platform is designed, built and maintained by an expert IT staff, hosted at an external secure location with manned security personnel. Enabling you the user to focus solely on your business and only your business.
Customizable platform – the on demand SaaS platform is readily customizable by expert developers and product engineers. No longer will you have to fork over thousands of dollars to mash stand alone legacy systems into a tedious and often bug ridden enterprise solution.
Free upgrades – with the flexibility of the on demand CRM model, top CRM vendors can offer continual and seamless updates and enhancements to their solution. Security of Information – a common misconception with the on demand platform is the issue of information security. While many find comfort in having their information hosted on site, they are in fact more vulnerable to intruders or hackers, or disgruntled employees then they would be by using the ASP/on demand platform. A good CRM vendor out sources the hosting of their servers to ISP providers, thus guaranteeing greater security and up time for their customers.
There is no denying the aforementioned facts, on demand CRM offers you greater bang for your buck when compared to the conventional out of the box offerings. On demand CRM removes the headaches of IT maintenance along with its hefty costs, it optimizes your employee work rate and in turn, allows you to bring in more money while spending less. Not to mention your company info could not be more secure!
Invest In Your Internet Business Education:
There is a common misconception among some online business-owners: That everything you need to grow your business can be found online and you don’t need to pay for it. This is a belief that can have you running around in circles trying to figure out how to run your business online. I know because I’ve done it.
There are so many sites on the internet that offer you free business information, free courses, free forums and all kinds of things to help you grow your business. Now I’m not saying that these sites are not incredibly valuable (many are, many are not) but you need to know what is good information and what is not. Many times the only way to do that is to pay for it, that’s right, with real money.
I stress the money part because for a very long time I myself was under the impression that I need not pay out money for information I could find for free online. You see, the problem is much of the information is scattered all over the place, in no clear order, so it makes it very difficult to determine how to apply it to your business.
When you pay for a course, book or service you are buying information that someone else (who hopefully knows what they’re doing if you’ve chosen right) has taken the time to organize and prioritize so that you can learn from what they’ve already learned and save yourself tons of time in the process.
Even if you only earn a little back by using what you read it will increase your knowledge and allow you to make informed choices about what you need to know next time you invest in your business. Often the return on your invest will be huge and you will wonder why you didn’t invest in your Internet Business Education sooner!
Here are some steps to take when looking to purchase business self-education materials online:
· Read the sales copy all the way through – There will often be a lot of valuable information in the sales copy of someone who knows what they are doing. You can go through their sales page and learn just from that! If you are reading a page that is full of ‘fluff’ and ‘promises’ but no real solid facts or information, move on because they are probably selling you something not worth your money.
· Look for testimonials and check them out - Almost all reputable sites will have testimonials of people that have used their product and were very pleased with it. Often they will include a link to the site of the person who wrote the testimonial. Check out their site, have a look at what they have done with it and you may also learn a few things.
· Contact them and ask questions – If you have any questions about the product or service being offered use the contact information available and ask them. The amount of time it takes for a response and the quality of the response should give you a very good idea of whom you are dealing with.
· Ask around – If you belong to any discussion groups or forums, etc, ask around and see if you can find someone who has purchased what you are interested in and what they thought of it. I have done this before and it is great to get feedback from someone who’s already spend money on what you are looking to purchase.
The important thing to remember is that if you learn from it and grow your business it is not a waste of money. If you only break even you are still getting education that will help you in the future with your business.
I have used some online courses and services that I have found invaluable. It took me a long time to decide to invest in my business education, but once I did I was sorry I waited so long to start really learning!
Here are some courses/services I would recommend to start your internet business off right:
· http://www.marketingtips.com - Insider Secrets To Marketing Your Business On The Internet
· http://www.sitesell.com - Make Your Site Sell
· http://www.mommasterminds.com - Mom Masterminds
· http://www.perrymarshall.com - Perry Marshall’s ‘Definitive Guide To Google Adwords’
I would love to hear of any you have found to be worth your money, please let me know.
Good luck and Best Wishes In Your Business!
The Legal Issues Of Starting A Business:
When you want to start your own business, it is not just a matter of setting up shop and waiting for the customers to come to you. Depending on what kind of business you want to start, you may have to get permission from the town or city. Some areas of a city have special zoning regulations in place that do not permit a business in a residential area, even if you plan to operate it out of your home. You do have to get a license from the government for taxation purposes and so that you can claim your expenses when you have to file your income tax return.
Other issues that you have to look at when starting a business relate to finding a suitable location, a building and the staff that you can work with. Of course, you do have to have insurance on the building and the stock if you sell products and if you provide services, you will need to have your equipment insured. You might say that you plan to run an Internet business out of your home so none of these issues will apply to you. No matter what kind of business you have, you need to have a business taxation number that allows you to collect taxes from your customers. You also have to pay taxes on the income that your business generates.
If you plan on opening a business where you prepare or serve food, then you have to deal with health and safety issues. Government inspectors will do regular inspections to make sure that your premises are clean and that you prepare the food in the proper way. If you wish to serve alcohol, you will have to obtain a special licence.
Having your own business also means that you have to deal with issues of hiring and paying staff. Accurate financial records are necessary in order for you to determine whether or not your business is making a profit. If you don't have the talents to do this on your own, you will have to hire an accountant to help you out. These are all issues that you have to consider when you decide to start your own business.
What Makes A Great Working Environment?
We know a lot about what a great working environment is.
In a great working environment the mission is being accomplished and morale is high. It's the "user" side of the two key leadership objectives: accomplish the mission and care for your people.
Most people know exactly what I mean by a great working environment. They may not be able to list characteristics, or point to research, but they've usually experienced one. So have you.
Think about a time in your life when it was great to come to work. If you're lucky there are lots of them. If you're really lucky, now is one of those times.
What was it like then? I'll bet you were excited about the work you were doing, and you knew that it was appreciated. You almost certainly felt that you were being treated fairly and that you had some control over what you got to do.
There's been quite a bit of formal research into the factors that make up a great working environment. Here's a quick summary of what the research tells us make for a great working environment.
* Interesting and Meaningful Work
* Clear and Reasonable Expectations
* Frequent and Usable Feedback
* Fairness (Consequences = Performance)
* Consistency (Predictability)
* Maximum Control Possible Over Work Life
In my training classes, I often do an exercise where participants identify the times when they were in a great working environment and what that was like. The language is often a bit different from the formal research, but the same things come up over and over again.
Interesting and Meaningful Work
People want to do work that's interesting and meaningful. They want what they do to be enriching for them and important to others.
Different people define interesting in different ways. For some people, it means that they're learning a lot, having lots of personal growth. For others, the most important thing is that there are lots of different situations to deal with or lots of different problems to solve.
Sometimes "interesting" is not so much about the work itself as it is about the people you work with. This self fulfillment comes from being part of a team, an elite group, or just a bunch of folks you like working with.
It's also important for the work to have value to others. The "others" can be the whole world, or just your customers or the people you work with.
Clear and Reasonable Expectations
People like to know what's expected of them. They like to know the rules of the game.
Expectations need to be clear. At the supervisory level, that may mean laying out detailed, step by step procedures. At the management level expectations may come out of discussions with several people. At the leadership level, slogans and other brief statements that people can use as a "test" of their plans or actions are usually the most effective.
Don't underestimate the values of frequency, simplicity, and memorability when you're communicating expectations. You have to communicate the important things over and over in memorable terms.
In fact, repeating things is one way of telling people what's important. Slogans are great for this. So are devices like pocket reminder cards with simple messages or messages in table form.
Use your regular forms of communication, like newsletters, emails, sales bulletins to reinforce your leadership message. Reinforce your written communications of expectations with oral communications. Reinforce your formal communications with informal ones.
Remember that you need to state expectations for the performance you want, but you also need to be clear about the consequences of performance that's beyond or not quite up to standard.
Frequent and Usable Feedback
People like to know how they're doing. Feedback is how they find out. To work, the feedback must be frequent (lots of small course corrections) and usable.
How frequent is frequent? The answer, which sounds something like a cop out is: "As often as necessary?"
Some people want and need a lot of feedback. Other people prefer to be left alone most of the time to do their work. You have to know who needs what and in what situations.
The idea is to make lots of small course corrections on the way to the clear target you've established with your expectations. Lots of small adjustments are almost always easier and more effective then a few giant ones.
Feedback also has to be usable. Time your feedback so it reaches people when it is the most helpful. In most situations, that means you want feedback as close to the performance as possible. If you can set up a system so people can get their own feedback, so much the better.
Work on your communications skills so you deliver feedback in the most effective way possible. Learn about different ways that people process information, and match your communication to their preferred style. Learn about Social Styles and other ways that help you communicate with people in the ways they most like to be communicated with.
Fairness (Consequences = Performance)
People want to know that they (and others) are being fairly rewarded based on their performance. This is one of those words that requires definition. Otherwise, it becomes one of those words that everyone agrees with, but no two people have a common definition for.
For us, fairness means that the consequences of the performance are determined by the quantity and quality of the performance. One of the people in my class put it in almost Biblical terms: "The good shall be rewarded and the underachievers shall be punished in accordance with their results."
This ties back to reasonable expectations. It depends on regular and usable feedback.
Consistency (Predictability)
Consistency means predictability. Subordinates want to know how their supervisor will react in a given situation. Consistency also relates to predictability in terms of performance.
Your people want to know how to predict your reaction in different situations. If they can't, they worry about whether or not to trust you.
According to some management studies, consistency (predictability) is the single most effective standard to establish with your own leadership behavior. It's actually another form of communication. It's a way of walking the talk.
Leadership by example means that you act out the values and principles that you say you and others stand for. To quote Howell Raines on Bear Bryant: "Coach Bryant had an idea about how a man ought to act and if you watched him, you could figure out what it was."
Leadership by example means that you consistently pay attention to the important things, consistently reward good performance, consistently see that rewards and punishments are meted out fairly.
Maximum Control Possible over Work Life
People want to have a say about things that affect their life. You can make that happen for them by giving them as much control as possible over issues that affect them at work.
Obviously that varies from person to person and situation to situation. Some people like to be left alone. Others want to see you frequently.
Some people are qualified to make lots of decisions about their work. Others need to develop their skills a bit before they can do the same.
Some people work hard and make an effort to do the job. Others slack off.
It's probably a good general rule to allow individuals as much control of the basic decisions about their work as they are capable of handling and willing to handle. In today's flatter organizations, this is easier to do from an organizational standpoint, but it's hard for many of us from a personal standpoint.
Part of your job as a boss is to create a great working environment for the people who work for you. It's not easy, but the result can be both high morale and high productivity.
The Functions Of Effective Management:
ou may have used the word ‘management’ thousands of times at personal level in the context of leading a hassle-free life. Today this term is used at commercial level too. It has entered all spheres of human life and its popularity has reached an unavoidable stage. This can be accounted with the needs of the present socio-economic structure of every society. Management has been in great practice in the recent past though it is true that earlier it was practiced at a very subtle level. Now it has become a profession and one of the most over-rated characteristics in the economic sector. At personal levels also management has become an essential virtue. This is the reason that more people are taking tips to manage their life with efficiency and pleasure. It cannot be denied that all this has happened for betterment as significant progress is witnessed in all the economic sectors as well as personal domain.
In economic terms, you can describe management as the process of leading and directing all the parts of an organization or a business. It is basically done through an analysis and application of recourses (human, financial, strategic and intellectual). Management is an art to get things done correctly at right place and on right time. You can realize management as a very intrinsic quality that needs to be displayed with confidence at various extrinsic levels. There are many organizations, institutes and consultancy firms that offer management studies, training and tips. However, it entirely depends upon your observation and learning ability to make the best use of the studies. Following guidelines with discipline is a key factor in growing as a good manager. There can be nothing better than self coaching and it can only be accomplished when you are confident of yourself.
Management is a skill that is polished through regular practice and up-gradation. Understanding of the situation and determining the advantages and disadvantages is a primary task in management. An experienced manager will listen to suggestions and find a well-thought solution to some issues or problems. Management is also an art of balance between personal thoughts and influencing factors. Apart from personal management, every other form of management has to be directed towards group interest. Here lies the success of a manager and organization as a whole.
It would be beneficial to know that there are five functions of management. They are planning, organizing, leading, coordinating and controlling. You can understand that there is a need of dynamism for effective management. All these functions are directed towards the six separate branches of management that are categorized to facilitate the studies and application of management. Human resource, Operations management, Strategic management, Marketing management, financial management, and Information technology management
The one who manages various departments is called a manager. Every person is not blessed with this art of management but he or she can be a better manager with a disciplined approach towards learning management. Managers are responsible for all the planning and application of strategies. In an organizational set-up there is a hierarchy of managers who take care of all the management activities within and outside. CEO (he/she is the topmost authority responsible for the success and failure of the company. Sitting at the top of any management, every policies and activities pass through a CEO. Understanding the work of a CEO can give a complete insight to a management activity. Vice president, marketing (he or she is responsible for marketing strategies, advertising, promotions, sales, product management and pricing), Marketing managers and Promotion managers follow the footsteps of a CEO.
Growing Your Small Business With Honesty And Integrity:
Small business is America. Almost every person has at one time or another dreamed of owning their own business. Why not? I don't have to answer to a boss. I can set my own hours. In 10 or 20 years, I can live a life of leisure or somewhere at the top of the food chain.
So the goals are set, the die is cast and off you go into the world of owning your owm small business. You make a business plan, get some additional capitol financing, align personnel, arrange a facility and your off.
Now comes the real fun. Decision after decision on the best approach to service, products, marketing. You've done your homework. Your happy with the initial results. You say let's let this profit machine start rolling.
Six months later you get a real shock when the profit/loss statement comes out of the printer and the bottom line is still red. Your financial partner has called you a couple of times on the return on his investment. The spouse wants new livingroom furniture. The vendors have put you on COD. The pressure is mounting. You feel the weight of the organization on your shoulders. Then the test comes.
Fred's produce down the street pays you in cash. The thought occurs to you to keep the cash off the books to pay for the spouse's livingroom furniture and no one will be the wiser. Gee, that worked so well, why don't I cut back on the product quality, save a few bucks there and see if I can get my investment partner off my back.
Every small business owner has been at this fork in the road. Each one must make his own decision as to which road to take. Looking the other way is the easy route at first but it is costly in the long run. A small business should be built on partnerships of trust with customers, vendors and financial partners. Honesty and integrity in the marketplace are wonderful pillow partners. The kind of partners that will let you go to sleep at night with the satisfaction of knowing you were truthful and honest at any cost. There are no skeletons hidden in your closet which can rear their ugly heads. You don't have to be looking over your shoulder while your trying to move your business forward. At the end of the day you can say "It's been a good day!"
The Basics Of Project Management:
Any project can only be successful if the people behind the project implements proper project management skills or hire a reputable and dependable project management group.
Project management may sound like a complicated term and it really is as it involves the process of organizing the different factors involved in creating and completing a project.
All projects should start out with a good plan so that the project creator would know the things required for the project to proceed as well as the necessary timeframe within which these requirements must be accomplished. The project plan should identify the scope of the project and the people accountable for the various aspects of the project.
The plan should include the costs involved in managing the project including the costs involved in hiring human resources and materials for the project. A good and realistic plan will enable the project manager to fulfill the project requirements on time and in an efficient manner.
Like every other project, a project management plan should include a good plan for human resources as they will be the best resources the project manager can have. Another important aspect is the communications plan not only between and among the project manager and the employees or workers. It should also include a good communication system with the outside world.
The project manager should be more wary of a good communication plan especially if the project has a very great impact in a certain community. If this is the case, the project manager should also make sure to include a public relations plan as well as a communications plan in cases of emergency or negative reaction from the public.
Risk management should be one of the most important aspects of the project plan. The project manager should avoid being reactionary whenever emergencies or negative publicity comes up. To avoid this and to become proactive he should establish a contingency plan for possible situations.
One of the most challenging projects to handle or to manage is a software project because of the technical emergencies that may happen, the sudden changes in costs and the sudden changes in technical people involved in the software project. However, a project manager should always be prepared for any eventuality for any type of project he is handling. The best thing to do is to prepare a very efficient project management plan so that he is not caught unaware of very important aspects of the project.
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