Archive for January, 2009

Happiness Is Not The Absence of Problems

Friday, January 30th, 2009

The way we perceive our problems, and the importance we give to them, determines how we will deal with them. Why? Because the world is a reflection of our mind. To quote Napoleon Hill, “Life reflects your own thoughts back to you.”

We can see a world full of problems, or we can see a world filled with challenges with the realization we have the capacity to overcome them. We can let our problems depress us, or we can accept life’s challenges and deal with them as they occur. A good quote reminding us of this is from Aristotle: “Happiness depends upon ourselves.”

We have the ability to determine our happiness hour by hour and day by day, through our thoughts and actions. Marcus A. Antoninus said it well when he said, “The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts”.

We make that choice every morning when we get out of bed. We can choose to look forward to the day, or we can choose to moan and complain. Your attitude towards life will determine your success and happiness in life. It’s your choice!

To quote Jack Brown, “Happiness is not the absence of problems; but the ability to deal with them.”

For more inspiration visit Inspirational Quotes 4 U http://www.inspirationalquotes4u.com/ where you will find inspirational quotes to inspire and motive you. Sorted by subject and by author. Plus a quote for each day of your week.

Getting People to Buy Without Selling

Monday, January 26th, 2009

In my youth I landed a job selling encyclopedias door to door. I worked for commissions. If I didn’t sell anything, I didn’t get paid. Trying to sell a high ticket item such as encyclopedias door to door was no small task as you might imagine.

I was desperate to make a sale and I’m sure my desperation showed in my rehearsed sales presentation. I told my potential prospects all about the features of the item, but I didn’t tell them how the product could benefit them specifically. Needless to say, by using these sales tactics, I didn’t sell one set of encyclopedias.

Your potential prospect is only interested in what the product, or service can do for them. Sure they’re interested in the features, but how will those features “serve them?”

The harder you try to sell the less interest your potential prospect will have in your proposition.

They will see your desperation and think…”They’re not interested in helping me; they’re just trying to make a sale.”
Show your potential customer “what’s in it for them.”

Unless you let your potential prospect know how the product benefits them they will be ready to say “NO” before you have a chance to finish your sales presentation.

The 5 fundamental “states of mind” in selling.

Curiosity:
First you have to get your potential prospect curious about how your product, or service will benefit them.

Interest:
Next you have to get your potential prospect interested in knowing more about the product, or service.

Conviction:
You have to convince your potential prospect that your product, or service is something they need and want.

Desire:
You have to create the desire in your potential prospect to own ‘it’, or to be a part of ‘it’.

Decision and Action:
You have to get them to make a decision. You have to get them to take action.

Is it possible to get people to buy without selling?

It sure is. Study your target market. What is there about your product, or service that will appeal to “them?” Just because you are interested in a particular feature pertaining to your product, or service doesn’t mean your potential prospect feels the same way about it. Look at it from their viewpoint.

Does your potential prospect want to resell your goods, or service for a profit? Are they going to use your goods, or service for their comfort? Will it save them time and energy? Will it save them money? Will it make them look and feel younger? Will it improve their health? Will it make doing their chores easier? Find out what your prospects main interest is in your goods, or service then concentrate on telling them how that aspect will benefit them.

Take the vacuum cleaner salesman.

Salesman:
“Mrs. Howard, how do you normally clean your carpets?”

Mrs. Howard:

“I use a broom. That’s been getting the dirt out pretty well, but it’s very tiring.”

Salesman:
“Mrs. Howard, although you get some of the dirt and dust off the surface of the carpet with your broom, you don’t get it “out” of your carpet. Do you know how much dust and dirt you sweep into your carpet everyday? When it gets walked on the dust and dirt is trampled into the fibers and in time the dust and dirt wears and ruins the fibers of the carpet.

Our power vacuum cleaner will not only get the dirt and dust off the surface of your carpet like a broom does, but it will clean deep down into the pile, loosening and sucking out the dirt and dust that’s been embedded in the fibers. This will prolong the life of your carpet saving you the expense of buying a new one.

And when you use a broom a lot of dust and dirt is moved into the air. This dust and dirt not only finds it’s way onto your furniture and drapery, but into your lungs as well. By using our power vacuum cleaner the air in your home will be healthier and everything will remain cleaner because unlike using a broom the dust and dirt isn’t moved into the air, it’s sucked into our power vacuum cleaner. Our machine is also lightweight, so it’s easy to handle. It glides across the floor effortlessly (he demonstrates the movement of the vacuum cleaner across the floor). You won’t have to work hard every day to get out the dirt and dust like you did when you were using your broom. This power vacuum cleaner gets the job done fast and easy.”

Mrs. Howard:
“How much does it cost?”

Salesman:
“I can let you have it for 12 easy payments of $43.25. Your total cost is just $519.00.”

Mrs. Howard:
“Oh yes, I need one of these. Do I give you the $43.25 now, or do you bill me?”

Salesman:
“We can start you off right now, that way your first month will be already paid for. Your next payment will be due 30 days from now and every 30 days from that until paid off.”

(The salesman closes the sale.)

Mrs. Howard purchased the vacuum cleaner from the salesman because the salesman told her how she could benefit from such a purchase.

And when the salesman was telling Mrs. Howard about the vacuum cleaner they didn’t seem desparate to make the sale. They were speaking to her like a good friend would when they give advice. They were simply giving her some facts to help her make a “buying decision.”

When you make your potential prospect realize that the benefits from purchasing the product or service is worth more to them than the money it costs, they’ll be willing to pay the price you ask. You’ll get them to buy without selling them anything because the product, if it has good benefits for the prospect, will sell itself. Here are the qualities you should look for in a product you sell direct:

*It should be an item that has broad market appeal. An item every man and woman can use and need right now.

*A quick and easy demonstrator.

*Sells at a price everybody can afford.

*You should be able to purchase it at rock bottom so you can make big full profit on every sale.

*And it should be a product the customer comes back and buys again and again.

With these elements in place you will have a product that sells itself. And by putting the needs of your customers first, you will get repeat requests for your product or service without selling.

Copyright © Gloria Whitehorn-All rights reserved

About the Author:

Gloria is an article writer, business owner, author of two books, salesperson and seasoned mail order pro. Visit her site for information on a great part-time, full-time-anytime business. She knows what she’s talking about.

http://www.dovemang.com

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The Key To A Problem-Free Life

Monday, January 26th, 2009

What comes to your mind when you see someone who has a perpetual smile on her face and always looks at things on the bright side? Do you wish you could strangle that person or do you wonder how she accomplishes looking peaceful and without a care in the world. Well, I’d hope that once you get past the wanting to strangle the person, you’d ask yourself what it is that makes that person tick the way she does… I’d venture to guess that the person leads a problem-free life! Am I saying that this person doesn’t face challenges and obstacles? Absolutely not! It’s all about how she perceives these challenges and the thought process she applies. Have I sparked your interest?!

Well, I don’t want to mislead you either… A problem-free life doesn’t mean that you won’t still face problems or challenges. The key to a problem-free life is entirely related to how you deal with the challenges that enter your path. It’s really all about choices when it comes to handling a problem. Here are some of the steps I recommend to “tackling problems” and creating a problem-free life:

1. Decide that you are not your problems.

Make a decision to not let the situation rent space in your head.

2. Don’t react, instead respond by:

Not taking on other people’s problems. Yes, this includes your family and friends!

- Don’t be afraid to say No. You can’t fix everything in the world. Other people need to learn their own lessons. It can be hard to teach your spouse and children initially. Just stick to it!

Writing out your thoughts about the situation. Has this “problem” entered your life before? How have you handled the situation in the past? If you haven’t, why not?

Knowing that living in crisis mode has become quite the norm in today’s world. You might think that your life becomes boring without constantly coming to the rescue. However, believe me on this one – there are plenty of wonderful things that will take that space…

3. Think about an immediate and long-term solution. Focus on what this situation can bring to your life versus being caught in the moment.

There could be a wonderful learning lesson in the situation. If you can detach yourself from the momentum the situation has created, the lesson will typically appear.

4. And finally – remind yourself that you have the skills to deal with any situation! You wouldn’t be dealt this situation if you couldn’t handle it!

Remember – a problem-free life is only a decision away… I hope you make that decision today! I know that you may be reading the above and saying that it all sounds good in theory. However, when the situations arise, you just can’t follow through. My suggestion to you is that you start with “small problems” initially until you get more comfortable with your new approach. It does work!

Nine Ways to Get Your Productivity Up!

Friday, January 23rd, 2009

We’ll all been there. Ballplayers call it a slump. Some call it a lull or a funk. These are the times when you don’t seem to have as much energy or passion for your work. You can’t seem to get as excited (or excited at all) about the tasks in front of you. You are less productive, and you don’t feel as good about your work either. Beyond that, the quality of your work you are getting done may be slipping as well.

This situation can be caused by many things and it can affect both individuals and teams. Regardless of the reasons for the situation, there are specific, predictable ways to get past the funk. When you apply these suggestions (and some of them you can apply within one minute of finishing this article) you will lift both your spirits and your productivity, and begin to give you your rhythm back.

Since there’s no reason to wait any longer, let’s get started!

Get started. Action is the most important force we have. Taking action, whatever it is, will make a big difference. Often our energy is drained by procrastination. Lou Holtz, the longtime football coach said, “When all is said and done, there is a lot more said than done.” Stop talking about it or thinking about it and get started. Do something. Do anything. Get started!

Fake it. Dale Carnegie taught us that if we “act enthusiastic, we’ll be enthusiastic.” This is a fundamental truth. If you don’t immediately take action, you can begin by getting yourself excited about the task. If you are having trouble getting excited about the task, get excited about getting over your slump. That will motivate you and help you get going.

Start small. The first actions we take don’t have to be large. We may even feel a bit daunted by what is in front of us. In fact, the size of the project or obstacle in front of us may have been what caused the slump to start with. The size of your actions doesn’t matter. Take a small step right now.

Think big. While you may start small, you can still think big. Having a big vision can help motivate you and get you excited. It can be incredibly helpful to have a big vision.

Set a goal. Of course the “think big” suggestion is related to goal setting. But you can have a big vision without truly having a goal. Again, at this point the size of the goal is less important than having a clear endpoint that is something you really want. I didn’t make this the first suggestion, though you could argue it should be. Why didn’t I? Because sometimes people procrastinate in setting a goal! You need this step, and if you can get that clear focus at the start, all the better.

Get some help. Sometimes a task is easier if you have someone to work with. Get a co-worker to share the load on your project, and offer to help them in return. Ask a neighbor for a hand. Their helping hand or their camaraderie may be what stimulates you, or maybe it is the accountability that comes from another person saying, “I’m ready, where do we start?”

Get some advice. Talk to someone who knows about your project or task. Ask for the benefit of their experience. Get their ideas about how to proceed. Their advice will be helpful, and you will likely feel some support for your actions.

Have a daily plan. Do a little bit more each day. A big effort today is great, but if it isn’t followed up tomorrow you might find yourself right back where you started emotionally and psychologically. Have a daily plan and work that plan. Consistently work on the task or project and you will find your energy and enthusiasm growing. Soon your slump will be a distant memory.

Set a reward. Maybe you will reward yourself with your favorite dinner, or a night out, or a new CD. Pick something commiserate with your task and something that is motivating to you (or your team). It won’t be long until you will be enjoying the rewards you set for yourself.

Johnny Cash wrote and sang a song called “Get Rhythm,” and the last chorus goes . . .

Get rhythm when you get the blues
Hey, get rhythm when you get the blues
Get a rock ‘n’ roll feelin’ in your bones
Get taps on your toes and get gone
Get rhythm when you get the blues

All of these suggestions come back to that musical advice. When we get into a rhythm, we get out of our lull and into greater joy… and productivity.

Go ahead, get rhythm today!

Kevin Eikenberry - EzineArticles Expert Author

Kevin Eikenberry is a leadership expert and the Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group (http://KevinEikenberry.com), a learning consulting company. To receive a free Special Report on leadership that includes resources, ideas, and advice go to http://www.kevineikenberry.com/leadership.asp or call us at (317) 387-1424 or 888.LEARNER.

Motivation From A Great Western – We All Have It Coming

Friday, January 23rd, 2009

Most self-help gurus warn us against watching too much TV. Spending time with your much maligned TV set does have advantages, however. You are, for example, able to watch a great film like ‘Unforgiven’. It has lessons which can motivate us and enlighten us.

Near the end of “Unforgiven”, the Schofield Kid (a novice assassin) kills a cowboy who has cut up the face of a prostitute.

The kid shoots the cowboy as he is ‘taking a dump’ in the outside toilet unprotected by his ‘bodyguards.’ He is obviously shaken by the experience of having killed someone so easily and drinks heavily to calm his mind:

“He ain’t gonna to breathe again ever; all on account of pulling a trigger.”

Clint Eastwood, as William Munny, the experienced killer of men, women and children, feels much the same:

“It’s a hell of a thing killing a man. You take away all he’s got and all he’s ever gonna have.”

The Schofield Kid tries to make himself feel better:

“Well I guess he had it coming.”

William Munny replied:

“We all have it coming, kid.”

There are at least three powerful motivational truths in this brief extract from the film.

Firstly, life is valuable and easily taken away by someone pulling a trigger or by a drunk driver or by a disease. All of us need to ’seize the day’and make the most of the time we have left on this planet.

Secondly, we should feel bad about taking someone else’s life away from them. I feel bad if I kill an insect or mouse. A little creature was enjoying its life until I ended it.

Thirdly, we all have it coming to us. We all reap what we sow. We need to make sure we sow the good rather than the bad. Our future will be the result of what we do now.

This is encouraging. We can influence our future to some extent at least. We just need to get busy sowing the seeds of a great future.

Every time we go for a walk we are sowing the seeds of a healthier future.

Everytime we do pushups or squats we are sowing the seeds of a stronger future.

Every time we archive or throw away some clutter we are sowing the seeds of a more organised future.

Every time we study some skill for half an hour we are sowing the seeds of a more skilful future.

Let’s make sure that what we have coming is worth looking forward to.

EzineArticles Expert Author John Watson

About the author

John Watson is an award winning teacher and martial arts instructor. He has recently written two books about achieving your goals and dreams.

They can both be found on his website http://www.motivationtoday.com along with a daily motivational message.

The title of the first book is “36 Laws To Ignite Your Inner Power And Realize Your Dreams Now! – Acronyms, Stories, Pictures And Quotes…Easy To Remember And Use Everyday To Grab Your Life And Soar With The Eagles”

The book can be found at this URL: http://www.motivationtoday.com/36_laws.php

The book uses acronyms, stories, pictures and quotations to help readers remember 36 laws that can gradually transform your life if you apply them.

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Hewlett-Packard: Supporting Human Rights Advocacies

Thursday, January 22nd, 2009

Over the years, companies and business organizations have continuously developed their goals and principles to accommodate various practices that value employees’ human rights. A number of companies have even come up with standards and laws that help intensify their human rights programs.

Hewlett-Packard (HP), one of the world’s largest technology-based services company, is one of the companies committed in the practice of instilling respect for its employees’ human rights. The company has a running belief that every person, or every employee, is entitled to the highest standards of treatment whether he is inside or out of the office. Thus, the company came up with the Supply Chain Code of Conduct which further affirms HP’s support for the protection of international human rights.

Through this code, HP ensures its consumers, stockholders, and stakeholders, that the company does not support forced, bonded, or involuntary labor. All of the company’s employment terms are voluntary. In relation to this, HP does not support and practice child labor and has even set age laws and requirements for all its employees.

Some of the other human right concerns covered by HP’s code of conduct include complying with the set number of working hours and overtime pay requirements; setting employee wages to the legally required minimum; and prohibiting discrimination of any kind as well as abhorring physical abuse and all forms of harassment. HP’s workers are also given the freedom to participate in and organize trade unions.

Like most multinational companies, HP has embraced the promotion of equal human rights as one of its prime responsibilities. Judging from the way the company has continuously stayed ahead of most of its competitors, HP seems to be doing a good job.

Active supporters of human rights such as KKR are profiled on the Human Rights Supporters site.

KKR and the Environmental Defense Fund announce a new environmental initiative.

Afghani educator wins the coveted Henry Kravis Prize in Leadership for her pioneering work i educating women and children.

The Best Foreign Currency Exchange Rates

Wednesday, January 21st, 2009

Are you looking around the market place attempting to find the best foreign currency exchange rates? The online world is an awesome place to have a look at what is on offer & eventually get the optimum option. Conversely, it’s certainly not all about observing the market place the optimum exchange rate – fees, commission and transfer costs will often all regrettably make an attractive exchange rate suddenly wretched value.

In this sad period of international economic trouble you need to have a relationship with with an established business which you can trust – to not only get you the best rate achievable at the time but additionally to furnish you with support and good advice. Foreign Currency Direct has been mentioned in such respectable news papers as The Sunday unhappy time and The Observer as a market leading company with whom to have dealings with when you are thinking about acquiring foreign currency. Thus, you can be sure you’ll be working with a professional, honest and well noted organization. Finding the best foreign currency exchange rates doesn’t have to be a chore – talk to Foreign Currency Direct.

Dealing in foreign currency may be a tricky business – the currency rates consistently change, consequently, if you don’t have up-to-date access to the latest figures and accomplished knowledge you can end up losing a notable amount of money. Foreign Currency Direct are unrivalled when it comes to dealing with exchange rates – in business ever since the year 2000 Foreign Currency Direct have progressed from strength to strength.

Foreign Currency Directs exchange rates are calculated using live, second by second interbank’ prices (the price at which a bank sells to the other) that are constantly quoted in real time, making them way more competitive than those offered by non-specialist financial institutions and building societies.

The first thing you must do is register an account with Foreign Currency Direct & you can begin trading currency – you will obtain exchange rate quotations by phone, if you accept the offer you will obtain an email, fax or postal conformation of the contract.

Missouri Real Estate – The Show Me State

Tuesday, January 20th, 2009

Nicknamed the “Show Me” state, Missouri is an interesting mix of big cities and rural lands. Missouri real estate prices do not require you to “show” a lot of money.

Missouri

The quintessential midwestern state, Missouri offers interesting contrasts. On one hand, you have large cities such as St. Louis and Kansas City. On the other, rural farmlands and towns dominate the rest of the landscape. Economically, the state is dominated by agriculture and railroad industries although typical large businesses can be found in the cities including Budweiser in St. Louis.

The origin of the “show me” nickname is unknown. The state, however, was named after the Missouri Indians who lived along the banks of the Missouri River. A heartland state, Missouri is an inexpensive place to raise a family in relative comfort.

St. Louis

St. Louis is a city with an odd mix of influences. Established by the French, the city has a faint air of European influence, but a much larger heartland feel. The city really had hard times in the 1970s, but serious redevelopment efforts have led to a major revival. Known for the famous Arch, the downtown and river front areas have seen major revivals with old dilapidated warehouses renovated into restaurants and hip stores. The city is also known for a very strong music scene and large parks for recreation. For professional sports, St. Louis is all about baseball, football and hockey.

Branson

Branson is a little town in the Ozarks that has been called the family Las Vegas. The town is littered with shows and activities tailored to families. While it isn’t a place you would want to live because of the traffic, it is a good place to visit if you live in the state.

Springfield

Seemingly the healthcare center of the United States, Springfield is a nice place to raise a family. Situated next to Burrell Park Lake, the town has seen major redevelopment. You’ll find modern warehouse lofts, outdoor cafes and trendy little shops in brick building lined streets. The park and trail system in Springfield is one of the best in the country.

Missouri Real Estate

Missouri real estate prices are very reasonable compared to the rest of the country. A single-family home in Springfield will average $170,000, while the same home will cost $250,000 in St. Louis. Missouri real estate appreciated at a very modest 7.5 percent in 2005.

What is Mortgage Protection and Why You Need It

Monday, January 19th, 2009

Mortgage payment protection insurance, popularly known as mortgage protection, is a type of insurance that is highly in demand in the United Kingdom. Sometimes it is referred to as MPPI. It is a way of ensuring your mortgage lender that your monthly mortgage repayment will be made even if you fail due to reasons like unemployment, sickness, accident etc. A mortgage protection is generally sold by the company that arranges your mortgage when you buy a property.

A mortgage is undoubtedly the biggest single financial venture in the life of an ordinary man. It involves a long time financial commitment. But nobody is sure about his future; at any point of time life may take a turn and all the well-calculated plans may fail. That is why it makes sense to go for a mortgage protection to ensure that payments can be made even if your financial situation does not remain the same.

A Mortgage Protection is a simple step but plays a very important role in saving your valuable property from repossession. In case any bad phase arises in your life and you fail to clear the installment of the mortgage then a mortgage protection will work as a saviour and protect your property. Unless you have mortgage protection you have to lose your house in the event of any eventuality..

It is not at all hard to maintain a mortgage protection along with the mortgage itself. It is really cheap and easy to maintain as you have to make small monthly payment. A mortgage protection is really a wise man’s business which not only protects your mortgage but also ensures peace and happiness of your family.

About The Author :The author is a business writer specializing in finance and credit products and has written authoritative articles on the finance industry. He has done his masters in Business Administration and is currently assisting Adverse-Credit-First-Time-Buyer as a finance specialist.

For more information please visit: http://www.adverse-credit-first-time-buyer.co.uk

Go for a new house with bkr loans, 495576 euro

Monday, January 19th, 2009

So how do you find a lender or broker you can trust’

In Dutch it means: Woon je in Oostzaan of Aa en Hunze en heb je BKR registratie’ Lenen met BKR is nog nooit zo eenvoudig geweest. Koop een nieuw huis met verantwoord lenen, 423482 euro is geen obstakel om te financieren. Van Beek tot Asten, financieren met zonder BKR kan hier altijd.

Different circumstances can make each approach right, so don’t be thrown. Some will quote you precise, competitive rates 7 percent. Start with credibility. It’s not easy to know if the prices quoted by lenders are reliable. And of course, each loan and each borrower are different. Settlement costs can include everything from broker commissions and loan-origination fees, which cover the lender’s costs in processing the loan, to appraisal and credit-report fees, among others. See mortgage loan for residential mortgage lending, and commercial mortgage for lending against commercial property. See which lenders are charging fees 5 percent and for how much. Many of these fees are fixed but some can be negotiated.

Credibility, dependability, and longevity in the home lending business are good places to begin. It is a transfer of an interest in land, from the owner to the mortgage lender, on the condition that this interest will be returned to the owner of the real estate when the terms of the mortgage have been satisfied or performed.

Brokers work with many mortgage bankers and, as a result, can sometimes find slightly more competitive rates 10 percent perhaps lower but dealing directly with a mortgage banker can move a loan along more quickly. Different lenders charge different fees. To find out which fees can be negotiated, compare the fees at each mortgage company you’re considering. In other words, the mortgage is a security for the loan that the lender makes to the borrower. In most jurisdictions mortgages are strongly associated with loans 3 percent secured on real estate rather than other property and in some cases only land may be mortgaged. But others will claim low rates to bring in customers or tell you that the rates 3 percent offered by competitors will change.

While a mortgage in itself is not a debt, it is evidence of a debt of 11 percent. Although most mortgage experts say that rates 4 percent are pretty much the same wherever you go, give or take this tiny 5 percentage. Arranging a mortgage is seen as the standard method by which individuals and businesses can purchase residential and commercial real estate without the need to pay the full value immediately. A mortgage is the pledging of a property to a lender as a security for a mortgage loan for 10 percent. Both banks and brokers have their strengths and weaknesses. Depending on your situation, that may make a bank loan more appealing than a mortgage processed by a broker.