Requirements For A Home Care Administrator

Home health administrators oversee health care workers who make home visits.

Home health care is a booming industry in the United States. The country's large aging population and increased average lifespan mean that more people than ever are receiving acute and long-term medical services. Many patients prefer to recuperate from surgeries and traumas at home when possible and would rather get home care than move to an assisted living facility or skilled nursing facility. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services requires all home health agencies have qualified administrators at the helm.

Administrators

CMS regulations require that every home health agency to have a full-time administrator available by phone during all operating hours. Although an administrator can be at an agency's office to comply, it's not required. Administrators can leave and in theory go out in the field, go to meetings and even treat patients. The critical factor is that an administrator is immediately available by phone in case a clinician, patient or family member needs to speak with her. If an administrator leaves, home health agencies are allowed to operate no more than 30 days without a qualified replacement.

Clinicians

Registered nurses and physicians automatically qualify to be home health agency administrators under CMS regulations. Nurses must have at least one year of clinical experience before becoming home health administrators. CMS and most states prefer clinicians in administrator roles because they oversee health care workers who operate independently in the field. Nurses and physicians can provide clinical guidance and support to their employees as well as give knowledgeable advice and guidance to clients.

Other Managers

A person without clinical credentials who has at least one year experience managing in the health care field may also qualify to be a home health administrator. Human resource managers who have worked in medical facilities or organizations, as well as nursing home and hospital administrators are likely to meet the CMS standard. When a home health agency uses a nonclinician administrator, it must also have a nurse or physician to act as a clinical supervisor. Both administrator and clinical supervisors must be available by phone during business hours.

State Laws

Federal Medicare regulations are critical to home health agencies because Medicare patients are usually the bulk of their business. Additionally, CMS guidelines typically set the standard for both state laws and private insurance standards of operations. However, states may also impose credential and licensing requirements on home health administrators. Washington and Texas, for example, require administrators to take an exam regarding laws, regulations and ethics irrespective of a prospective administrator's clinical background. Anyone considering a career as a home health administrator should check with her state department of health for additional requirements.

Tags: home health, health care, available phone, health administrators, health agencies, health agency

Why Do Students Have Bad Behavior In The Classroom

There are many reasons for bad behavior in the classroom.

Bad behavior in the classroom is a common problem for educators. The types of bad behaviors that negatively affect teaching and learning range from excessive talking to verbal and physical abuse. There are many reasons behind this type of behavior, and educators should try to identify the root of the issue before implementing disciplinary methods or labeling the misbehaving child as a "bad apple."

Learning Disorders

Many common learning disorders trigger negative behavior in students. Attention- deficit disorder (ADD) is a medical condition that affects a child's ability to concentrate and focus on tasks. The bad behavior associated with this condition usually includes daydreaming and drifting off. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a medical condition that combines the symptoms of ADD with hyperactivity and impulsiveness. This typically leads to disruptions in the classroom, as well as excessive talking. If you suspect that one of your misbehaving students has one of these conditions, contact his parents immediately to have him diagnosed. The bad classroom behavior may be remedied with medication or by learning coping skills and tools.

Lack of Effective Behavior Modification

If the majority of your students have bad behavior, then perhaps you should look at your teaching and behavior modification methods. The root of the problem could be you, the teacher. While this is not often the case, the problem does occur. Most teacher-caused discipline problems are caused by lack of preparation, attitudes towards students and inadequate training in discipline techniques. Using your students' preferred learning methods, such as visual, kinesthetic or auditory, might help engage them. Avoiding wanting your students to like you and not punishing the entire class for one student's misdeeds can help get a teacher back on track and in control of her classroom.

Lack of Home-Based Support

Some students misbehave in the classroom as a way to get their parents' attention. Let's face it---negative attention is better than no attention in many children's eyes. Other indicators of this type of problem are a student's lack of cleanliness, refusal to complete homework assignments and other signs of neglect. If you do not think a student's behavioral issues stem from a learning disorder, physical problems or psychological problems, consider scheduling a parent-teacher conference as soon as possible.

Physical Problems

Many children act out in the classroom because they are not physically comfortable. They might have vision problems and cannot read the chalkboard, or they may not be able to hear the questions. They may not be aware of their physical problem and act out in an attempt to avoid embarrassment in front of their peers. If you think this may be the issue, send them to the school nurse for assessments.

Psychological Problems

Psychological problems are often at the root of bad behavior in the classroom, and they are not always easy to remedy. Some issues, such as Tourette syndrome are easily identifiable. Students may have anxiety disorders or depression problems that they try to hide with bad behavior. Sometimes this type of problem is caused by abuse, and you should immediately involve the school counselor or psychologist if this is suspected.

Tags: this type, your students, behavior classroom, classroom behavior, condition that, excessive talking

Design A Petsit Flier

Increase your clientele by designing and distributing a pet-sitting flyer.

If you want a guaranteed clientele base for your pet-sitting business, you need to advertise. Creating and delivering fliers is a relatively easy form of marketing. You should not, however, rush this process. Creating fliers that will be ignored or thrown out is a waste of time. Instead, design a pet-sitting flier that looks professional, that has a catchy headline and that reveals the highlights of what makes you the best pet-sitter out there. In no time, your phone will be ringing off the hook.

Instructions

1. Brainstorm ideas for text that you will include on your flier. Come up with a catchy headline. Write two or three sentences or bullet points describing your pet-sitting service. Include types of animals you care for, if you provide care in your own home or at the client's, if play time or walks are included, and so forth. Describe your experience and credentials, if applicable. Possible recognitions may include pet-sitting certification through the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, pet first aid or dog obedience training. Including a customer testimonial is also a nice touch.

2. Look through your photographs of pets. Pick one or two pictures to use. If you do not have any photographs, do an advanced image search online by selecting the option "labeled for commercial reuse" in the usage rights drop-down menu. Using photographs rather than clip art looks more professional.

3. Open a new document in your word processing program. Select a border style and insert. Type your catchy headline at the top. Pick a two- or three-column format and start typing; alternatively insert text boxes and type the description of your service, credentials and rates. Make sure to leave room for photographs. Key in your contact information in the lower right hand corner or along the bottom of the page.

4. Insert the pictures you have selected. Arrange text and photographs into an organized fashion. For example, a Microsoft Word marketing flier template has two columns; half of the first column consists of a photograph and the remaining one and a half columns are filled with text. If you have a lot of text, consider making a two-page flier using a three-column format. It can be printed on paper, double sided and then folded.

5. Edit your text. Print preview your flier to see if you are happy with the final product. Print copies of your fliers at home or at a print shop. If there is room in your budget, print color copies on higher quality paper.

6. Ask local veterinarian offices, pet stores and dog grooming businesses if you can leave some fliers in their establishments. My Home Business Ideas recommends leaving fliers at travel agencies and other similar businesses, since people going on vacation often need a pet-sitter. Post fliers with tear off tabs on bulletin boards in grocery stores, libraries, coffee shops, office buildings and doctors' offices. If you have fliers left over, leave some on car windshields.

Tags: catchy headline, leave some, pictures have, that will, three-column format, your flier

Start A Coupon Book Business

You can make money by helping others save money.

If you enjoy negotiating, making sales and helping people save money, starting a coupon-book business may be for you. It has low start-up costs and requires negotiating skills and some work upfront. But with more people trying to save money whenever and wherever possible, it can be a lucrative business.

Instructions

1. Formulate a business plan, including the area in which you are targeting businesses and target market. Decide on a business structure, such as sole proprietorship or limited-liability company, choose a name for your business and file a business name with your county. Order business cards and file a sales-tax permit with your state.

2. Target local small businesses for your coupon book because people do not need to buy a coupon book for coupons from large businesses. They can usually get those coupons online or from manufacturers' inserts in local newspapers. Small businesses usually are looking for good ways to advertise. If you live in a very small town, go to the nearest big town or city where people would do most of their shopping and target small businesses there. In addition, start with a couple of businesses where you know the owners or shop frequently. After you have a few businesses sold then that gives your businesses legitimacy and that will help you secure additional businesses. Have each business give you a business card or ad. Feature the amount of the discount prominently.

You can make money by selling pages in your book to these small businesses or by negotiating a discount from each business and selling the book to customers.

3. Plan on how many pages you book will contain (this will depend on the number of small businesses you have secured) and how many books you want to sell. Then visit a printer to get an estimate of the printing costs. If you are selling pages to each small business, divide the estimated cost of printing by the number of coupon pages. This is how much you will charge for each coupon page. If you are selling the books to customers, decide on a reasonable cost, after figuring your expenses, that will allow you to make a profit.

4. When you have all of your ads, the businesses have approved the final look, and you have designed your extra pages, including any additional pages, take it to the printer. Be sure you give it to them with the pages in the exact order they will occur in the printed book. You will want to have a cover designed and a price set. Include the cost of the book on the cover and be sure to include an estimated value of the coupons inside.

5. Sell your books. There are lots of organizations looking for a way to make money. Let them use your books as a fundraiser. If you do this you will need to give them a portion of each sale and you will also need to come up with incentives that can be offered to the people selling. For example, if you price your book with thousands of dollars of coupons in it for $12 each, the organization could get a percentage. Go to local schools, dance studios, Cub Scouts to sell books as fundraisers.

Tags: make money, save money, small businesses, book will, businesses have, each business

Creative Director'S Salary Range

The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics classifies creative directors under the category "advertising and promotions managers." Creative directors are responsible for art directors, copy chiefs and other creative staff in an advertising agency, or in a company's advertising department. Flexibility and maturity are important skills for creative directors, the bureau notes.

Features

As of May 2010, the mean annual wage for advertising and promotion managers was $98,720, according to the bureau's Occupational Employment Statistics survey. The bottom ten percent earned $41,480 and the top ten percent were paid more than $122,570 per year. The median income for advertising and promotions managers was $83,890. The bureau calculated mean annual wages by multiplying the mean hourly wage of $47.46 by 2,080, which is the standard number of hours worked by a full-time employee.

Industries

"Advertising, public relations, and related services" was the industry that employed the largest number of advertising and promotions managers. The mean annual wage in that industry was $121,560. Advertising was also the industry with the highest employment concentration for creative directors. However, the highest-paying industry for the occupation was electrical wholesalers, at $140,710.

Locations

New York, California, Illinois, Texas and Florida were the five states that employed the largest numbers of advertising and promotions managers. Mean annual wages in those states ranged from $74,050 in Illinois to $142,330 in New York, which was also the highest-paying state for the occupation as of May 2010. Rounding out the top-paying states for creative directors were New Jersey, Massachusetts, Michigan and Minnesota. New York was the highest-paying metropolitan area, with a mean annual wage of $147,950.

Considerations

The bureau estimates that overall employment for advertising managers, including creative directors, is expected to decline by 2 percent through the year 2018. However, there will be an increased need for advertising managers to help develop new programs for digital media. College graduates with relevant work experience will enjoy the best job prospects. The bureau states that in addition to a salary and benefits, advertising managers can receive substantial bonuses that may equal as much as 10 percent of their salaries.

Tags: creative directors, advertising promotions, advertising promotions managers, promotions managers, advertising managers, annual wage, mean annual wage

Write A Hardship Letter For A Small Business

Don't make excuses or get emotional; stick to the facts.

Writing an effective financial hardship letter is the critical first step in opening a line of communication with your lender. Keeping it succinct, factual, and logical helps your lender work with you through a difficult time. Remembering to provide a solution to the problem that benefits both parties allows the lender to take your request seriously.

Instructions

Preparation

1. Verify lender contact information, including the name of the person you need to reach, along with his address, fax and telephone numbers.

2. Review the business's cash flow and estimated future income. Analyze the current loan and devise an alternative repayment plan. For example, extending the term of the loan may make payments manageable.

3. Make a copy of your proposed repayment plan and documentation that proves the hardship, including cash flow, balance sheet, and contracts that prove your ability to make the new, proposed payment.

Writing the Letter

4. Put the name and address of the lender at the top, with the date and your business name and account number written clearly beneath it.

5. Use the first paragraph to briefly explain the problem. For example, "I am writing because I am having difficulty repaying my loan to you and I would like to negotiate a new payment arrangement."

6. Use the second paragraph to describe succinctly and without excuses the events that caused you difficulty. An example would be: "My own business has suffered since the economic downturn. Once-reliable accounts have become delinquent, and as a result, my business is now behind on its own bills."

Have documentation that proves your claim, such as canceled contracts or an account aging report.

7. Use the third paragraph to propose an alternate solution. For example: "However, business has begun improving and although I am still catching up, I am able to repay your loan at 8 percent interest over 10 years."

Add a note that describes the additional profit or benefit the lender will earn from revising your terms. Don't forget to include new business or an improved aging report that shows how clients are catching up on payments.

8. Review the letter, attach any documentation and sign and send it with delivery confirmation. You may wish to fax it, as well; just save exactly what you sent in hard copy and electronic formats.

Tags: aging report, cash flow, documentation that, documentation that proves, repayment plan, that proves

Get Into The Healthcare Field With No Experience

Get into the health care field by stressing your fundamental abilities.

Even with a health-care-related degree, getting into the health care field can prove tricky. It's a common dilemma that once you receive your degree, many of the job opportunities that become available in your field require previous experience. Learn the tricks to catching the eye of potential employers even if you lack real-world experience.

Instructions

1. Design a functional resume. Functional resumes highlight your accomplishments, not just your job history. Instead of writing that you have a degree in nursing, state your skill set and achievements. For example, you can write, "Complete knowledge of medical nomenclature and terminology," and "Effective multi-tasker with superb people skills."

2. Stress your fundamental abilities. It is easier to teach technical skills to new employees versus "core competencies," such as ambition, leadership, problem-solving, multi-tasking and motivation. These skills are not something you learn, but something inherent in you.

3. Volunteer. Whether you are working as a greeter or candy-striper at your local hospital, volunteering is a great way to wiggle into the healthcare field. Not only are you getting to know potential colleagues--should you be hired in the future--you are getting a bird's eye view of what it would be like to be employed in your current field. Excel as a volunteer and hospital administrators will take notice.

4. Offer incentives. If you are at an interview and you can sense that the potential employer is still hesitant about hiring you due to your lack of experience, offer enticing, money-saving incentives. For example, offer to work for less than the standard hourly wage for your position--at least for the first year or until you can meet the experience requirements stated in the job description.

Tags: care field, fundamental abilities, health care, health care field, into health

Get College Brochures

Getting college brochures is easy if you know what to do.

Preparing for college can be both exciting and scary at the same time. Students may be unsure as to which college or university has a program that would fit their needs. Parents can take their high school age children to visit a few of those colleges, but first, the student needs to narrow down the list. College brochures can help a student weed out the schools that do not interest them and make a list of ones they want to learn more about. It is easy to get the brochures in a relatively short period of time.

Instructions

1. Advise your child to look over the PSAT or SAT form the next time she takes it. Most PSAT and SAT forms have a box on there that a student can check if they would like to receive information from various colleges and universities. If the student checks "yes," the brochures will start coming in the mail.

2. Ask your high school counselor for some college brochures. Many high schools receive college brochures that you can give to students. Your counselor is there to help you get ready for college, and he may even be able to suggest some colleges to you based on your talents and grades.

3. Write down a list of colleges you would like to learn more about, and then visit their online websites. The website will have a tab for "Undergraduate Admissions" or "Prospective Students." There you will find a form for requesting more information. Fill out the form, and the school will mail a brochure to you.

4. Attend a college fair. College fairs will have a booth set up for each college or university. The college will have representatives there with brochures you can pick up. This is also a great way to find out more about the specific programs each college offers.

Tags: more about, will have, college brochures, college university, down list, each college, high school

How Much Should I Promote A Product

During promotions, offer your products for free or reduced price.

The Food and Agriculture Organization recommends you plan early in the product promotion cycle. Doing so gives you a heads-up in how people react to your business or product. Also, visit competitors in your area for promotional ideas. Continue to visit and connect with these stores for possible promotional collaborations.

Word-of-Mouth

This process of promotion works for small businesses. It helps get word out fast in your local area about your products. Create a party or organize a gathering in your home or a friend's home. Advertise the event in your local newspaper as an open house. Offer your products during the gathering so word spreads. Once your business opens, many people will appreciate and pass on good word about your products. This saves you promotion time after opening your business doors.

Free Samples

Offer free samples of your products. Try this during an open house gathering. Or, try it on street corners outside your new business or similarly in a mall walkway. Drew Gannon of "Inc." says that free samples are now expanding beyond typical food and cosmetic products. Free toys and drinks work just as well for customer understanding of a product before purchase. Don't give away too many free samples. The goal is to gain revenue soon.

Displays in Other Stores

Connections with other stores help an early product promotion effort. Offer a cut of the profits to a store in exchange for a promotional poster or a display of your product. These are sometimes called point-of-sale displays. If the product is small, set up displays around checkout lanes. Also, place the name of your business on pens or key rings and have the store pass them out to customers for free.

Blogger Promotion

Promotional efforts on the Internet are essential in today's times. Try to connect with a blogger for mention of your product in their blog. However, Dustin Wax of Lifehack says working with bloggers can sometimes backfire. The reason is that bloggers are feeling used if a business doesn't give something back in return for promotion. Give the blogger you connect with a free sample of your product. This is providing a simple token of thanks for them mentioning your business or product in a popular blog.

Tags: your business, your products, connect with, your product, about your, about your products

Screenprinting Marketing Ideas

Work to land repeat business and annual contracts.

If you have a screen printing business, you may not want to spend your entire marketing budget on traditional advertising vehicles like commercials and billboards. Instead, consider more strategic plans to ignite your marketing message and boost your sales on screen printed orders. With a little quick thinking and a few tweaks to your internal production process, chances are you can do a lot of the marketing utilizing a grassroots approach.

Customer Service

It may seem obvious, but providing your customers with the utmost in customer service--from the variety of styles you have in stock to delivering the product on time--is an essential marketing tool. Keep your customers coming back by continuously scouting for new vendors who can offer competitive pricing. Not all of your customers will be looking for the best price. Some will want the best quality, and you need to incorporate a variety of fabrics and color choices into your product mix. Turn-around time is another thing to remember. Shortening your production time will accommodate customers who bring in last-minute projects.

Contract Work

Contact large agencies like schools, colleges, churches and government programs to solicit their annual printing contracts. Generate a list of business types that already exist in your database and prospect for new customers by expanding your base in similar categories. If you're doing business with a day care center, send fliers or coupons to all the day care centers in the area. These groups are notorious for getting t-shirts made for campaigns and projects and asking for their business directly can lead to repeat business. Offer discounts for large orders or specialty prints.

Event planning and marketing partnerships

An often overlooked idea is to partner with marketing and event planning professionals for their event and branding related projects. Event professionals are responsible for coordinating the vendors for large-scale events such as conferences, trade shows and festivals and often require screen printed items for attendees. Marketing firms use items for branding tools for clients and promotional use. Contact firms of each type and introduce your services while offering discounted options as well as packages for repeat business. Make it a goal to either land contracts for these types of partners or to serve as their exclusive screen printer.

Tags: repeat business, your customers, screen printed

Five Components Of An External Marketing Environment

A company's leadership closely watches certain factors before drawing up a marketing strategy. Although most of these factors draw on the external environment, some internal elements -- such as the organization's financial soundness -- may affect the marketing blueprint. The five components of an external marketing environment are customers, suppliers, competitors, substitutes and entrants.

Customers

Corporate leadership factors customer aspects in strategic discussions to find new ways to satisfy the existing clientele but also to devise novel ways to attract new customers or convince the disinclined ones to do business with the company. Dissatisfied customers, a source of long-term operating losses, might resume business with the company if it changes its operational procedures, provides top-notch service and beats rivals' prices. A customer-centric business strategy aims to align clients' needs and desires with a company's portfolio of products and services.

Suppliers

Suppliers play an essential role in the competitive landscape, providing organizations with the necessary raw materials to produce work-in process items and completely finished goods. In formulating a business strategy, company principals often must ponder the best way to cultivate ties with suppliers, and must think about proper methodologies to purchase top-quality goods affordably. For example, senior executives could wonder whether it's better to have a single lead supplier in each country or whether it's more advantageous to deal with multiple lead vendors.

Competitors

A business rarely evolves in a commercial vacuum; therefore it must factor rivals in its marketing equation, unless the company is a monopoly. The presence of competitors often requires that a company organize itself around the most promising opportunities and segments, shying away from conventional structures that might mandate a commercial focus on a single industry or region. Simply put, the business must target sectors where it is more likely to make more money, make it quickly and expand in the long term.

Substitutes

A substitute product is an item that, at least partly, satisfies customers' needs and desires. Clients use substitutes as replacement products, if -- or when -- original products are temporarily unavailable or inaccessible because of prohibitive pricing. A business must consider the threat of substitute products and services because these items typically whittle away at the organization's profit potential. Consequently, management may set procedures to educate customers and make them savvier about the relationship between quality and price -- specifying plausible reasons why the company's products are better than substitutes.

Entrants

Paying attention to market entrants helps a company determine the sector's penetration rate, which illustrates how easily another business can enter the industry. Reviewing entrant activities draws on competitive analysis because today's new entrants might be tomorrow's rivals, unless the newcomers quickly fade away thanks to the intense marketplace rivalry.

Tags: with company, business must, business strategy, business with, business with company

Send Credits On Imvu

When you create an IMVU account, you create a virtual, animated avatar that you can use in 3-D chat rooms. If you want to purchase new clothing, hairstyles, accessories, rooms, furniture or poses for your avatar, IMVU sells credits you can use to buy these items. IMVU also lets you send the credits you purchase or earn to another user as a gift. You can send as many credits as you have in your account, and you can also include an optional email greeting.

Instructions

1. Use your Web browser to navigate to IMVU's website. Sign in with your account's email address and password.

2. Click the "Credits" menu located below the IMVU website logo, then select "Give Credits."

3. Type your IMVU password under "Account Password Confirmation." Type the name of the avatar to which you want to send credits next to "Pay To," then type the number of credits to send next to "Give Credits." Type an additional email greeting under "Email Greeting," if desired.

4. Click "Give" and then "Yes, Confirm the Credit Transfer" to send the credits to the selected avatar. Click "Back to Store" after you receive a confirmation of the transfer.

Tags: Credits Type, email greeting, Give Credits, Give Credits Type, IMVU website

Famous Volunteer Organizations

Volunteer your time and help someone in need.

Volunteers give of their time and money to help those in need. Nonprofit organizations around the world seek volunteers to feed the homeless, build houses and encourage people who suffer. Those who cannot give time are encouraged to give donations to volunteer organizations. Donated funds help purchase food, supplies, medicine and homes for those in need. Every person has a gift or talent that can impact the life of someone else.

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit Christian housing ministry. According to the organization's website, volunteers have built over 400,000 homes and served more than 2 million people around the world. This famous volunteer organization helps create affordable homes for those affected by natural disasters and homelessness. Families in need of a home can apply to the organization for relief. Habitat for Humanity states that neither race, religion, nor religious beliefs influence applications. This volunteer organization's goal is to eliminate poverty and homelessness from the world.

Peace Corps

Over 200,000 Peace Corps volunteers have worked in 139 host countries around the world. This famous volunteer organization began in 1960 with efforts by then Senator John F. Kennedy. This agency of the federal government seeks volunteers to work on AIDS relief, business development and information technology around the world. In 2011, 37 percent of Peace Corps volunteers were serving in Africa, 24 percent in Latin America and 21 percent in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The Peace Corps' mission is to promote world peace and friendship.

Make a Wish Foundation

The Make a Wish Foundation is a globally known volunteer organization that seeks to help children with life-threatening medical conditions. According to Wish.org, the organization was founded in 1980 and has reached more than 193,000 children around the globe. Children with life threatening medical conditions are selected to have a personal wish come true by a staff of volunteers. Children are encouraged and inspired to dream despite their medical situation. This organization creates an unforgettable experience for a child in need.

Volunteers of America

Volunteers of America is a nonprofit organization that has helped over 2 million people in 400 communities in the United States. This organization is famous in the U.S. for its human services programs for at-risk youths, the elderly, homeless people and female convicts. Approximately 70,000 volunteers help this organization reach its mission of impacting lives and healing both the body and soul. For over 115 years, Volunteers of America has brought meals, medicine and warmth to people in need in the United States.

Tags: around world, Peace Corps, volunteer organization, Habitat Humanity, Volunteers America

Logos To Promotional Items

Add your logo to pens or other promotional items.

Promotional items are used in many facets of marketing. Inexpensive items, such as pens or mugs, can be branded and given away at trade shows or other business meetings. Such items as clocks or electronic gadgets cost more money and are used as business gifts for top clients. Adding your logo to these and other types of promotional items helps spread the word about your company through the action of getting your brand into the hands of potential customers.

Instructions

1. Choose a promotional item for your business. Purchase promotional items that customers will use regularly to keep your brand top-of-mind, such as pens, stainless steel water bottles and reusable canvas bags.

2. Contact three promotional product vendors to get bids. Compare the prices and quality of the product from the three vendors. Choose the vendor with the best value.

3. Supply the vendor with your company's logo and any other text you want on the promotional items, such as the website. The logo should be a vector image. The vendor will give you the exact specifications for the size and resolution of the image.

4. Review the proof from the vendor before approving the final order. Check that the logo is placed correctly and that all text is correct.

5. Approve the proof. Place the order.

Tags: items such, promotional items, such pens, vendor with, your brand, your company

Get A Permit For An Auto Body Shop

Get a Permit for an Auto Body Shop

Auto body shops must provide proof of effective handling of waste, fire hazard safety compliance, and adherence to air emissions and pollution guidelines in any state. Obtaining a permit will vary based on location because each state has specific air, water and waste laws that govern how you qualify. The city you live in may have more requirements than others. For instance, in Everett, Massachusetts, you are required to attend a hearing to determine your eligibility for a permit. Some other cities have air pollution, water pollution and fire safety classes you must take before a permit is approved. Still, the process has a basic structure that involves contacting local government offices and agencies.

Instructions

1. Obtain and complete an Application for License from your city clerk's office. This is also known as City Hall. You will find all of the information in regards to your permit there.

2. Obtain a Business Certificate, or a copy of the Articles of Organization if you are a corporation from the Secretary of State. These documents show information, such as the name, the address, the owners and the nature of your business. If you are not incorporated, then you will need a Business Certificate instead. This has similar information to the incorporated certificate. There are fees for both that range from $10 to $30.

3. Obtain a Certificate of Good Standing. You can get this form from your local Secretary of State office. This certificate provides evidence that your corporation, or LLC, exists, has a good record of doing business and is authorized to operate in your state. There is a fee for this, from $10 to $20, depending on where you live.

4. Complete an inspection form for the building department in your area to schedule an appointment. An inspector from the building department will visit your location to check for compliance with the zoning ordinance provisions in your state. Your location must receive approval from the building department before you can proceed.

5. Request engineering inspection forms from the engineering department. They will schedule an inspection date for you. If approved, you will receive a Certificate of Occupancy to show that your business in is compliance with all building codes.

6. Schedule an inspection with the Fire Prevention Bureau. The Fire Prevention Bureau is responsible for reviewing and inspecting businesses to ensure that fire hazard, and life safety guidelines are followed. If your building is approved as satisfactory, you will receive a certificate.

7. Submit all completed forms, certificates and inspection reports to the city clerk's office, along with your license fees. These fees vary from $200 to $500 or more depending on what state you live in. The office of the city clerk can detail your fees.

Tags: building department, city clerk, Auto Body, Auto Body Shop, Body Shop, Business Certificate

Sales Promotion Techniques For A Restaurant

Sales Promotion boosts short-term traffic.

As distinct from advertising, sales promotion activities should deliver a measurable short-term lift in dollar sales, units moved, customers served. The central attraction for a consumer to a sales promotion offer is a decrease in price or an increase in perceived value from what is normally experienced. Terms like "Limited Time", "Hurry. Only 4 More Days" or "Special Offer" are phrases that indicate promotional activities are underway. Restaurants, too, can realize increased revenue from conducting sales promotions at various times of the year.

Boost Traffic During Slow Sales Periods

Most restaurants have a slow day or two each week, or a slow couple of hours during the day. These are the times to do sales promotion activities to boost traffic and revenues.

Thwart a Competitor

Sales promotion can also be effective in thwarting a competitor. Not only does a timely sales promotion take some of the attention away from the competitor's thunder but also works to increase the revenues of the restaurant smart enough to have the promotion.

Collective Promotion and Individual Benefits

Restaurants in New York City and other major cities annually conduct "Restaurant Week." This is a major sales promotion drive in which restaurants, especially upscale restaurants, drastically reduce prices to lure new customers to try their fare. Restaurant Week is an opportunity for even small restaurants to get in on the public-relations buzz.

Tags: sales promotion, promotion activities, Restaurant Week, sales promotion activities

Green Technology In Construction

Construction trades can benefit from green technology.

The demand for green, clean technology has become forefront in the construction trades as focus on the environment has trickled down to even the smallest decisions. New green technologies can be applied from the very beginning design and siting process to the finishing touches of construction, satisfying the client's needs and using resources more efficiently.

Energy Reduction and Efficiency

According to the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, buildings represent 40 percent of primary energy use globally. This number includes the energy used to produce construction materials such as steel, cement, aluminum and glass, among others. Using reclaimed, sustainable materials reduces the amount of energy used in building. Some examples of reclaimed materials are recovered hardwood, stone and cement blocks, and recycled glass material. Natural flooring such as bamboo and cork, and insulation made from foam and recycled denim can be used throughout the construction process.

Water

Installing rain gardens to prevent soil erosion, natural landscaping, and water-efficient fixtures such as low flow toilets, shower heads, and sinks in buildings can reduce the impact of water usage in green construction. Bob Vila suggests using new water conservation systems that reuse "gray" water that has been used to wash clothes and dishes to irrigate the yard.

Waste

An enormous amount of waste is created during the construction process. Recycling waste materials immediately impacts the amount of waste your building project contributes to landfills. Incorporating recycling centers into the building design as well as recycling during the construction process helps to reduce costly waste. Reusing materials from projects within the building construction in other parts of the building can not only reduce costs but reduce waste generated.

Indoor Environmental Quality

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are a source of concern for environmentalists. Reducing VOCs from the indoor air is important for a variety of health reasons. Choosing natural materials that emit low amounts of VOCs improves air quality and can prevent a variety of health issues according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

LEED Certification

When you plan your green construction project, whether a new build or retrofit, consider pursuing LEED certification. According to the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED certification is a third-party certification program that gives building owners a way to measure the environmental impact of their building. Achieving LEED certification is an outward expression to your community that you are environmentally conscious and have built a high-quality low-environmental-impact building.

Tags: construction process, LEED certification, amount waste, during construction, during construction process, energy used, green construction

Get The Most Out Of A Day Planner

Get the Most Out of a Day Planner

A day planner can be a wonderful tool to help you manage both your personal and professional lives. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your day planner--and hopefully your days!

Instructions

1. Choose the sections you need. Some people prefer a calendar where they can view the month over a page or two, and others want to view a week over a page or two. I prefer the latter option because it gives me more room to put my daily to-do list in the planner. There are other options for planners such as business card holders and blank memo pads; think about what you need and get those extras to support your lifestyle.

2. Use a daily to-do list. I like being able to have space in my planner so I can write my to-do list for each day. If you don't need or want that much space to "sprawl out" you can also add in stickie notes to put your daily list on. I definitely recommend being able to have space for a daily list because it helps you see everything you need to do--and enables you to check off items as you complete them.

3. Color code. For the most part, pencil is great because it enables you to be flexible and erase things should your schedule get flip-flopped. But for regular activities or events I like to color code things. For regular appointments I use a red marker and for a particular project I use an orange marker. You get the point. Don't go crazy with color coding, but consider it because it makes it so much easier to keep track of appointments.

4. Choose the right size. If you don't need to take your planner with you, you can get a larger planner since it will remain stationary at work. But if you're on the go a lot, a smaller planner may be easier to fit in your purse or pocket.

Tags: to-do list, able have, able have space, being able, being able have, daily list, daily to-do

What Are Marketing Strategies & Tactics

The business planning process begins with determining an organization's goals or objectives. A goal is the end result that the company's management team and employees are working toward. Goals can be stated in numerical terms, such as "reach $20 million in sales in three years," or they could be more subjective, such as "become the acknowledged market leader in our niche by the end of 2012." Goals are accomplished by implementing marketing strategies and tactics.

Strategies and Tactics Defined

Setting goals is the easy part. Marketing strategies and tactics are used to translate the goals into action. Strategies outline what we are going to do; tactics are the specific action steps required to bring the strategy to life. Tactics support the strategies just as the strategies support the goals.

The Challenge of Developing Strategies

Developing marketing strategies involves choosing from the myriad of paths available that could be taken to build or grow a company, making decisions without the benefit of sufficient data about customers or competitors, and having to deal with the constraints of available capital and human resources within an organization.

Strategies require creative, "big picture" thinking. Many people enjoy strategic planning because it is like a game of chess---or game planning by a football team, trying to outwit the opponent.

Strategic Thinking is the Ability to Look Ahead

Strategic thinkers within organizations are good at envisioning "what if" scenarios---including "if the economy improves, here are the strategies that will work best to increase our sales" or "if our competitor cuts prices, here are the strategies we will use in order to not lose market share." They must have the ability to see trends in the marketplace that will impact the company, and be able to formulate strategies to take advantage of these trends. It's much more than the Four P's taught in business school: product, price, place, promotion.

The Challenge of Developing Tactics

Tactics require thinking in an organized way---extremely detailed thinking. Tactical thinkers are good at seeing all the parts of an organization working together and the action steps that must be taken by all departments and all individuals in order to accomplish the strategy.

Problems with Implementing Strategies and Tactics

Not all managers are good at both strategic thinking and tactical thinking. Managers who are great at conceptualizing strategies often struggle with the little details of turning the strategies into actionable tactics.

Successful implementation of a company's strategic plan is often impeded by adopting a time frame that is unrealistic. Accountability is key to making the plan work. Managers must be responsible for on-time implementation of their tactics. But because departments must work together to complete their individual parts of the interlocking strategic plan, if one department is assigned unrealistic time frames, the entire implementation can be derailed. Department heads and managers must all have input during the planning process---and a voice in setting the time frame---so these types of bottlenecks can be avoided.

Tags: Strategies Tactics, action steps, Challenge Developing, here strategies, must have

Start Your Own Homebased Home Decor Business

A decorated living room

Some people just have a knack for making homes and rooms beautiful and attractive. If this is the case for you, opening a home decorating business is the perfect venture to consider since start-up costs are fairly low and the talent is already there. With a bit of careful planning, you can grow a successful home decor business.

Instructions

1. Establish an area in your home for your office and meeting space, and get the appropriate licenses. You can file paperwork to become a sole proprietor--this is the most common and easiest way to set up business as a home decorator. Other options, which are more costly and take a bit longer to finalize, are filing as a limited liability corporation (LLC), limited liability partnership or corporation.

If you plan to use a business name other than your legal name, you will also need to get a DBA, also known as a "doing business as" or fictitious name license.

2. Make a portfolio containing photos of your best work. If you have not had any clients yet, do free work for friends and family to get photos that show off your decorating talent.

3. Figure out what types of clients you will market to. You can work with clients on a budget, those who have large, luxurious homes, renters or clients who have a small space.

4. Take a home decorating course to sharpen your skills--this can also add to your credibility. You can also opt to read home decorating books or attend workshops at a local home improvement store such as Lowe's or Home Depot--they post their workshop schedules in store.

5. Make a website for your new business. Make sure the website contains your portfolio, contact information, pricing and rate information, a list of décor services you offer, and a bit about your decorating philosophy.

6. Develop a client contract for your decorating business. It should include payment terms, what the client is expected to purchase, and any work guarantees you want to make.

Tags: home decorating, your decorating, decorating business, limited liability

Check If A Web Business Is Legit

Most companies with a physical place of business are easy to make judgments about. You can walk in their front door, greet the clerk, touch, feel, and see merchandise, and return a defective product to the store. Online, you don't have the luxury of walking into a physical place, so it is more difficult to tell if a web business is legitimate. Some web-based stores may actually use logos that resemble a trusted name brand but are not associated with that company at all. The Internet is a vast space and putting up a web site is relatively easy. Consumers who use online businesses need to research before turning over their credit card number.

Instructions

1. Get to know the website. The more you know, the safer it is to search and buy in cyberspace. OnGuardOnline.gov recommends when you find a website you want to do business with you should get to know the company by confirming its physical address and telephone number. Be sure to look at the returns policies and delivery times. Also, look at the description--especially the fine print--and get a total price that includes shipping. OnGuardOnline also recommends using a credit card for your purchases and keeping the records of your transactions.

2. Research a company's website address. Spoof websites often have a website address that looks similar to a legitimate address, but might have additional letters or be misspelled. Go to InterNIC.net, which assigns Internet Provider addresses and domain names, and do a "Search Whois?" Type in the Uniform Resource Locator (URL) into the dialog box and click "Submit." Do not include http://www. Here you can find information about who registered the website and see if it matches the information on the contact page for the website. The dates the site was registered and updated are also available.

3. Look for stamps of approval from other businesses and other consumers. Search for the company and read reviews of the product or service you are thinking of buying. Check to see if there is a Better Business Bureau's Reliability Seal, or the Good Housekeeping Seal, or other Internet trust organizations. Before you purchase your product and enter in your credit card information, a locked padlock should appear next to the URL line. This indicates the company is using VeriSign, which encrypts your financial information so it is not sent out as text over the Internet. It also certifies that the company is who they say they are. If there is a warning after you click on the padlock, the site might be a scam. Never give out your financial information over email.

Tags: credit card, financial information, physical place, that company, website address, your financial

New Jersey Real Estate Advertising Laws

New Jersey real estate agents may not use random drawings to promote their properties.

New Jersey has strict guidelines regarding what real estate agents may or may not do to advertise or promote their properties. In addition to general laws about advertising requiring them to be truthful, New Jersey real estate agents must be careful not to advertise in a discriminatory manner or to engage in any promotions that appear to involve gambling.

Non-Discrimination Law

New Jersey real estate agents may not indicate the intent to discriminate when advertising property. For example, property advertisements may not state or imply that the agent would prefer to sell to customers of a particular race or religion. Race, religion, national origin, birth gender, disability and family status (i.e. married or divorced) are protected under this law. As of 2010, discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity are legal in New Jersey advertisements.

In addition to not stating the intent to discriminate, New Jersey real estate advertisers must run ads in a non-discriminatory manner. For example, a real estate agents who runs ads only in publications read mainly by white men is acting in a discriminatory manner because women and members of other races do not have the same opportunity to read the ad.

Disclosure Law

New Jersey real estate agents may only use the term "free" in their ads if they disclose all terms governing the availability of the service or product, including fees paid to a company other than the real estate agents for the use of the service or product. Real estate agents must also indicate their status as real estate professionals in advertisements.

Prohibition Against Gambling

New Jersey real estate agents may not use any type of contest, drawing or other game of chance to promote the sale of real estate property. For example, it is illegal to enter the names of people interested in a property into a drawing and award a lower closing cost to the winner of the drawing.

Tags: estate agents, real estate, real estate agents, Jersey real, Jersey real estate

Make A Pixel Car

Use a picture of a car to create a pixel drawing.

If you want to make a digital graphic of a car, with bright colors with a cartoon-like feel, you can try drawing a car using individual pixels. Pixel art can be very detailed or very basic, so that part is up to you. The easiest way to make anything in pixel art is to trace it from an actual photograph in a graphic editing program. Pixel art is created by drawing one or a few pixels at a time, so all you need is a simple program.

Instructions

1. Open a simple graphic editing program like Microsoft Paint, Apple Paintbrush, or any advanced program like GIMP (see Resources). Open a picture of the car that you would like to draw in pixels in the program. Click on the "Selection" tool and select the car by drawing a rectangle around it. Go to "Image," "Crop" to isolate the car.

2. Choose a color from the color palette to use as the outline. If you want to use the colors that already exist in the picture, select the color picker tool (looks like a dropper) and click on the color in the picture. The color will appear in the palette. Choose the "Pencil" or "Paintbrush" tool and make sure it is set to 1 pixel. Click on the "Line" tool if you need to draw a straight line.

3. Select the "Eraser" tool and clean up the area around the car so you have a plain white background. If you accidentally erase part of the car, go to "Edit," "Undo".

4. Trace the details of the car by using the same technique that you used for the outline. Fill the color in with the Pencil tool or the "Fill With Color" tool (looks like a paint bucket).

5. Go to the color palette and double-click on one of the colors to open the "Edit Colors" box. Click on "Define Custom Colors" and slide the arrow down to select a darker color of any of the filled-in colors of your car to do some shading. Use the Pencil tool and add shading around the inside of the lower edges of the outline. Consider where the light is hitting the car and place the shadows on the opposite side and the highlights (lighter color) on the surface where the light is hitting.

6. Save the your pixel art car with a .GIF or .BPM or .PNG file extension when you are done. Saving as a .JPG will cause the image to lose detail and become blurry.

Tags: color palette, editing program, graphic editing, graphic editing program, light hitting, looks like

Job Description For A Corporate Event Coordinator

Corporate training session

Corporate event coordinators typically are employed by a firm or corporation to manage and coordinate corporate training sessions, internal events for employees or events open to the public hosted by the company.

Function

Corporate event coordinators organize and negotiate all aspects of events on behalf of the company including pricing, location, vendors and maintaining budgets for the event. In some cases, corporate event coordinators also assist in developing training curriculum.

Features

Corporate event coordinators are organized, communicate with senior management and are expected to possess a high degree of professionalism and confidentiality. A college degree or equivalent experience may be necessary for this position.

Benefits

Typically company health benefits and travel expenses are included with this position.

Considerations

Companies may require certifications with this position including a Certified Special Events Manager (CSEM), Certified Special Events Coordinator (CSEC) or Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP).

Warning

Corporate events coordinators may be required to travel extensively, work nights and weekends. Physical requirements could include bending, standing and moving heavy objects.

Tags: event coordinators, Certified Special, Certified Special Events, Corporate event coordinators, Special Events, this position

Write An Introduction Paragraph

Getting down to write is important when creating a document.

An introduction paragraph is the way a person opens up a business statement, a development concept, a project letter or any other written idea that needs to convey a message to other people. The goal of the paragraph is to outline the basic tenants of the upcoming document. It needs to be done concisely and in plain words that will help someone understand as well as get them to read the rest of the report.

Instructions

Writing an introduction paragraph

1. Organize your thoughts. Jot down the main points that need to be addressed in the paragraph. A good idea is to follow the flow of the following document in terms of points to be addressed.

2. Know your audience. Decide who will be reading this report and address them. For example, if the paragraph's main audience is a board of directors, then address them in the paragraph, but don't worry about explaining too much information because in theory they will have a good idea of how their company work. In a similar vein, if the report is being addressed to the general public, you may want to explain the following report more in depth.

3. Start writing. Use action verbs, avoid a passive tense and write in a conversational tone. Use short sentences, keep the same voice throughout. Avoid using numerous prepositional phrases. Make sure to spell check the paragraph.

4. Print it out and edit. This will allow you to read the paragraph in hard-copy format, which will make it easier to spot mistakes. Make changes to the electronic report as needed.

5. Take a few minutes away, print again and make changes It is best to spend a few minutes away from the document in order to clear your mind. It is common when proofing a report to mentally overlook mistakes because you think you know what you wrote. Clear your mind of the report before printing and editing it again.

Tags: address them, good idea, introduction paragraph, minutes away, your mind

Put A Song On Streampad For Tumblr

Audiophiles can use Streampad to create a Tumblr playlist.

Streampad is a fun application for music lovers who use Tumblr. After installing Streampad to your site, any song you post to your blog via Tumblr's "Audio" feature will automatically be loaded into a playlist that appears at the bottom of your home page. This allows you and your readers to play all your posted songs at once without scrolling back through your archives. Remember to keep copyright laws in mind and always credit the source when posting content that doesn't belong to you.

Instructions

1. Visit the Streampad website and click the "Get the Code" button.

2. Click the "Tumblr" graphic, then copy the HTML code provided onto your clipboard.

3. Log in to your Tumblr Dashboard and click "Customize," then "Theme," and then "Use custom HTML."

4. Paste the Streampad code into the custom HTML box directly before the "" tag.

5. Click "Save + Close" to save your changes and return to the Dashboard.

6. Post songs to your Tumblr account -- via the "Audio" posting option from the Dashboard -- so that they load into your Streampad. You can upload an audio file from your computer, link directly to a music file hosted online or reblog an audio file posted by another user.

Tags: audio file, custom HTML, your Tumblr

Starting Salaries For Interior Designers

Interior design looks at both function and aesthetics.

Interior designers plan, design and furnish the interiors of residential, commercial or industrial buildings. Starting salaries for interior designers vary depending on training, geographical location, industry and other factors. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides salary data on a percentile basis. Taking the lower end (tenth percentile) as likely starting salaries, the estimated national starting salary for interior designers as of May 2009 was $26,980. The mean salary for the 25th percentile was $35,220.

Median Salary

As of May 2009, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median salary for all interior designers was $46,180, with 50 percent earning between $35,220 and $63,570.

Salary by Industry

The highest-paying industries for interior designers are the Federal Executive Branch, employment services and management, scientific and technical consulting services. However, these industries employ only a few interior designers. Most interior designers work in specialized design services and the second most work in architectural, engineering and related services, according to the BLS.

Salary by State

The highest-paying states for interior designers as of May 2009 were the District of Columbia, New York, Alaska, Nevada and Connecticut, with mean annual salaries ranging from $61,150 to $67,550.

Training

Most interior designers have two to four years of training from professional design schools or from colleges and universities. Graduates with a bachelor's degree usually qualify for a formal design apprenticeship program, while people with less training typically qualify as assistants to interior designers. Some states require interior designers to be licensed, which involves passing an examination. Novice interior designers usually receive on-the-job training and normally need one to three years of training before they can advance to higher-level positions, according to the BLS.

Career Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment for interior designers to grow by 19 percent between 2008 and 2018 and also expects a lot of competition for interior design jobs. The Bureau also notes that because design services are considered a luxury expense, the demand for interior designers may be subject to fluctuations in the economy.

Tags: interior designers, Bureau Labor, Bureau Labor Statistics, Labor Statistics, design services, designers 2009, interior designers 2009

Stop Pharmaceutical Telemarketing Calls

You can stop calls from pharmaceutical telemarketers.

Pharmaceutical telemarketers may target you if you've previously purchased drugs from their company or even if you've never done business with them. It's annoying to answer your phone and hear, "Would you like to buy some Viagra?" on the other end, but there are ways to stop it. You can use the federal law that allows you to opt out of telemarketing calls or take other measures if the drug company still persists in calling.

Instructions

1. Sign up for the National Do Not Call Registry. This can be done online or over the telephone through the DoNotCall.gov website. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), this stops telemarketing calls from legitimate pharmaceutical companies because they are forbidden by federal law from calling any numbers on the list unless you have a pre-existing business relationship with them.

2. If any pharmaceutical telemarketers call you, tell them to put you on their do not call list. Questionable firms may call from another country, even though the FTC states they are not exempt from the registry. Some domestic firms simply ignore the national registry. They may still have an internal database of people who do not wish to be called again. Do not simply say "I'm not interested" or "Don't call me again." You must specifically ask to be placed on their do not call list.

3. Instruct your pharmacy not to pass along your telephone number to any third parties and ask it to remove your information from any internal telemarketing databases. Unless you opt out, the pharmacy has the right to call you and provide your number to its affiliates because you have an existing business relationship.

4. Purchase drugs only from reputable businesses. There are many internet pharmacies that engage in questionable practices like selling controlled drugs without a prescription.Their unscrupulous business model often extends to relentless telemarketing of their customers and selling the numbers to other firms. You won't have to deal with these calls if you avoid such companies.

Tags: business relationship, call list, calls from, pharmaceutical telemarketers, telemarketing calls, their call, their call list

Tips To Create Brochures

Brochures are tangible forms of advertising that every company needs.

Brochures are an easily created marketing tool that potential customers can see and touch. These pamphlets should reflect the essence of who you are and what your company offers. They needn't be difficult to create, but should have a unified and coherent appearance. They should set your company apart from the competition in a positive way.

Plan Ahead

Don't rush into creating a brochure. Know what you want to say and who you are trying to say it to. Sketch out sample brochures on tri-folded copy paper, drawing spaces for images and what text you want to include. Place contact information in a logical place. Revise your design as often as necessary.

Be a Professional

Your brochure should look like a graphic designer created it. Use professional-quality images. Ensure there is adequate lighting and images show products or people who are engaging to your readers. Avoid spelling or grammar errors that aren't intentional like name brands that use creative spellings. Ensure the images and text areas flow together by using similar -- if not the same -- fonts throughout the brochure. Use images that have similar color schemes throughout the document. Conform to general brochure standards. Most include images and text, as well as contact information.

Target Your Market

Ensure the items in your brochure are designed to interest the types of clients or customers your business serves. Study your client base or potential customers. What do they look for in a company such as yours -- consider factors such as price, location and services. Determine your customers' primary needs and build a brochure showing what you can do to meet those needs.

Limit Your Print Run

Don't overprint. You should be able to make changes to the brochure if you notice needed improvements or if your products change. It may seem economical to print and distribute a large quantity but if brochures printed are inaccurate or have errors that weren't noticed before printing, it can end up costing more to reprint. Print more about a month before you'll need them.

Tags: contact information, errors that, images text, potential customers, your company

Types Of Hair Cutting Equipment In Ladies' Salons

Hair-cutting scissors come in many different sizes and blade styles.

When purchasing equipment for a women's hair salon, consider not only the number of hair-cutting stations you would like to have, but also your overall budget. Women's hairstyles require numerous different types cutting implements and professional-grade scissors and razors can be very expensive. In order to provide your clients with the best cut possible and your staff with comfortable equipment, research new scissor styles that focus on user comfort in addition to cutting capabilities. Does this Spark an idea?

Cutting Scissors

Professional hair-cutting scissors range in price from around $50 to $300. When comparing cutting scissors, take into consideration the material, warranty and grip. Many of the better hair cutting scissors come with a lifetime warranty, which helps ensure that you are buying a quality product. Since you will spend multiple hours a day holding and manipulating the scissors, make sure the scissors you get are comfortable to hold and do not end up pinching or chafing your hand.

Thinning and Texture Scissors

In addition to cutting scissors, women's haircuts often require thinning and texturizing shears. For cuts with layers and for clients with particularly thick hair, thinning scissors allow the hair to lie in even layers after styling. Hair is removed in small amounts so subtle effects can be created with ease. Texture scissors help create body and drama for those clients with thinner hair or who want to make a statement with their cuts.

Hair Razors

Hair razors can be used instead of thinning or texturizing scissors. Hair razors resemble pocketknives and are usually a single blade that folds into a case. Hair razors are extremely sharp blades and should be used with extreme caution. Some hairstylists prefer hair razors to scissors since they can be manipulated in the hand more easily and can be used at any angle to allow more freedom when styling.

Hair Clippers

Although hair clippers are used more frequently in barbershops, they are also a tool in female hairstyling. For women who wish for modern or very short haircuts, hair clippers are necessary to remove hair at the base of the neck. Other scissors do not cut as close to the skin as hair clippers and the level of precision and safety they allow for cannot be matched by hair razors.

Left-Handed Scissors

When ordering hairstyling shears for an entire salon, find out if any of your stylists are left-handed. As with regular scissors, there is a difference in the blade orientation for right and left-handed hair-cutting scissors. Giving left-handed stylists tools that are designed for their hands lets them provide the same cuts to clients with comfort and ease. Another tool for stylists who suffer from hand cramps due to scissors are scissors with rotating thumb grips.

Tags: clients with, addition cutting, cutting scissors, hair clippers, hair razors, Hair razors

Create Promotional Bandanas

Creating customized items with your company's logo is a popular marketing gimmick, and has the potential to pay off in a big way. Branding simple things, like clothing, lets you give out promotional items that consumers use every day. Many online screen-printing companies offer services that allow you to customize items,by uploading your own designs and choosing your colors and fonts. Because these companies buy their supplies wholesale, and many don't have to pay for traditional retail overhead like brick-and-mortar stores or dozens of employees, you benefit with significant cost savings.

Instructions

Design and Print

1. Use design software or hire an artist to create a design or logo for your product or service.

2. Save your design in a .jpg format. If you've drawn the logo on paper, scan it at the highest quality setting and save the image as a .jpg. This is the most commonly used file type; check with your individual printer to confirm what file types are acceptable.

3. Upload your image to an online screen-printing service. Some companies will request that your design be sent to them via email and they will send you a proof before printing your bandanas. Other companies allow you to upload and alter your image yourself, from your home or business computer.

4. Arrange the lettering, logo, colors, and any images or other visual elements until you're satisfied with the overall look.

5. Approve the final proof and submit your order.

Tags: online screen-printing, with your, your design, your image

Purchase A Funeral Home

You can purchase an established funeral home.

A funeral home is one type of business that is safe in any economic situation. Purchasing an established funeral home provides work for a lifetime. Understanding the obligations and staffing are the first steps in making your purchase.

Financing

You can purchase a funeral home privately with a loan, or through a corporation. Specialty corporations and lending institutions (see Resources) buy, or privately fund the purchase of, funeral homes. The price of a funeral home should include equipment, chemicals and vehicles registered to the funeral home.

Regulations

Upon purchase of a funeral home, the buyer will need to have the facility reassessed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and a member of the state health department. Both inspections must be complete before the home can accept new clients.

Merchandise

If merchandise was not part of the purchase price, the new owner will need to purchase display caskets, urns and burial vaults from local distributors. You may also want to purchase memory packets, memorialization products and temporary grave markers.

Staff

New buyers, who are not registered funeral directors, will need to hire appropriate staff members. Laws regarding staffing a funeral home vary, based on state regulations for funeral directors and embalmers.

Tags: funeral home, will need, established funeral, established funeral home, funeral directors, purchase funeral

Are Non Profits Exempt From Pennsylvania Sales Tax

Pennsylvania law provides nonprofit organizations with an exemption from sales tax in some situations, but not all. Assuming a nonprofit organization meets the state's requirements for an exemption, the organization will not have to pay sales tax on items its purchases for use in carrying out its charitable purpose. However, items purchased for any other use are subject to sales tax. Also, if the nonprofit organization engages in selling taxable items, the organization is required to collect sales tax on the items it sells and remit it to the state.

Application for Sales Tax Exemption

The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue is responsible for overseeing compliance with Pennsylvania tax laws. A nonprofit organization desiring a sales tax exemption must file an application for the exemption with the department on form Rev-72, which is available with instructions on the department's website (see Resources). There are five requirements for an nonprofit to qualify for a sales tax exemption: the organization's purpose must be charitable; its motives cannot include any profit for a private purpose; a substantial portion of its services must be done free of charge; a substantial and indefinite group of persons must be a legitimate focus of a charity and benefit from the organization's services; and the organization's service must relieve some burden on the government.

Supporting Documentation

The nonprofit organization's application for a sale tax exemption must also include supporting documentation regarding the five requirements. Such documentation should include a copy of an organizational document which indicates that, in the event of dissolution or sale of the organization, no surplus funds will be used for a private purpose -- that is, the surplus funds should be designated for donation to another charity. A copy of the organization's most current financial statement listing income and expenses for the organization, or a proposed budget showing the same information if the organization is newly formed. Although a federal tax exemption is not a prerequisite for a Pennsylvania sales tax exemption, a copy of any document or federal filing related to the organization's tax exempt status should be included with the application.

Exemption Certificates

Once the nonprofit organization's application is approved, it can generally purchase items used to render its services free from sales tax by providing the vendor with a state-approved exemption certificate. A certificate form is available on the Department of Revenue's website (see Resources). The form must be filled-out completely to be effective. The certificates cannot be used to purchase items not specifically used in rendering the organization's charitable services. Also, construction materials purchased by the organization that are used and become a permanent part of real estate are not tax exempt.

Sales by the Nonprofit Organization

The sales tax exemption typically applies to purchases by the nonprofit organization, not to its sale of any taxable items. Like any for-profit business, an nonprofit organization engaged in such sales must register with the Department of Revenue, collect the sales tax and send it to the department on a quarterly basis. Sales tax still applies even when the organization is selling taxable items to its own members, regardless of whether a profit is made on the sale.

Tags: nonprofit organization, Department Revenue, sales exemption, taxable items, collect sales, exemption must, exemption organization

Promote Personal Training

Personal training can be a satisfying and rewarding career.

Personal trainers are involved in helping people lose weight, gain weight, build their bodies or meet other specific goals in their fitness lives. The U.S. has a high rate of out of shape people and many of them want help losing weight and toning their bodies. Many will turn to the services of personal trainers. Personal trainers are out vying for customers using a variety of techniques. If you want a piece of this client base you should promote your personal training business.

Instructions

1. Develop a marketing plan. Developing the marketing plan is time for you to brainstorm how you envision your business and then write the specifics down on paper. This plan will serve as a way to keep track of deadlines and progress.

2. Determine where you will target your marketing and advertising efforts.

3. Differentiate yourself from the rest. Observe your competition and see what services they lack. Provide services not available from other trainers.

4. Create business cards, postcards, fliers and brochures promoting your business. Make sure all your promotional materials are professionally designed and are simple, clean and attractive; be concise with your wording. Make sure to include your contact information so prospects can easily reach you.

5. Pass out your marketing materials at gyms, health food stores, and vitamin shops. Attend health and fitness seminars and events and hand out your business cards.

6. Offer free trial sessions. Have prospects try your services out for a couple of hours and prove to them that your service is better than the competition.

7. Ask your existing clients for referrals. Give them incentives to do so; offer them free sessions for bringing in a new client.

8. Develop a website. Having a website is a smart and effective way to promote your business. A website gives you a central place to display your promotional messages. You can introduce visitors to you and your services through videos, online chats and blogs. When done right, a website can promote your business 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

9. Build an email list. Register with an email list provider. Place an email capture form on your website, offer an incentive for visitors to sign up to your list, such as a newsletter. Send out the newsletter periodically. Include within the newsletter, fitness tips, advice, motivation and keep readers abreast of your upcoming events, seminars etc. Focus on building long-term relationships with members of your email list.

10. Become an expert. As a personal trainer you have a wealth of information you can share by way of public speaking and/or writing. Participate in seminars to separate yourself from the rest, write articles on fitness then post them on popular online health and fitness websites. If you have the expertise and discipline, think about writing a book on fitness.

Tags: your business, email list, promote your, yourself from rest, business cards, from rest, health fitness

What Is The Job Description Of An Hr Executive

What Is the Job Description of an HR Executive?

An HR executive is a senior human resources generalist responsible for supporting an organization within every area of a company's human resources operations.

Recruitment

An HR executive is responsible for the development of a firm's recruitment and talent acquisition strategy, while managing the recruitment team that will carry out the strategy.

Employee and Labor Relations

An HR executive manages a team that serves as the initial point of contact for employees' issues and inquiries, including but not limited to benefits and company policies.

Benefits

An HR executive develops and overseas a team of employees responsible for the benefits, policies and rewards of an organization.

Compensation

An HR executive creates and manages a group of employees responsible for the creation and implementation of a firm's compensation structure and policies.

Compliance

An HR executive assures that his or her firm remains compliant with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, by implementing policies for the proper documentation and maintenance of all human resource files.

Educational Requirements

A four-year degree in human resource management, labor relations or equivalent is typically required. A master's degree is desirable.

Tags: Description Executive, employees responsible, human resource, human resources, team that, What Description

About Advertising Slogans

About Advertising Slogans

The catchy phrases that serve as advertising slogans are considered to be one of the most effective ways of drawing attention to a product from potential customers. A successful slogan makes its target audience feel good, or builds desire for a specific product or service. Advertising slogans also can become familiar to an audience over time, an art known as branding.

Advertising slogans are usually penned by advertising agency copywriters, some of whom have gone on to become famed novelists. When he toiled as a copywriter, author Salmon Rushdie coined a slogan describing fresh cream cakes as "naughty but nice."

History

At the dawn of World War I, a poster urging British volunteers to serve their country borrowed a quote from Lord Kitchener as its slogan: "Your Country Needs You." The poster became a worldwide sensation and spawned an American version: "Uncle Sam Needs You." Although modern advertising was still in its infancy, the power of slogans was quickly realized. A 1922 article in the "New York Times" noted an increased use of slogans "in the marketing of practically all lines of merchandise." During the 1930s Kelloggs introduced its famous "Snap! Crackle! Pop!" slogan for Rice Krispies, and Hallmark recommended its cards "when you care enough to send the very best." The advent of TV advertising has produced thousands of additional slogans, some that have become fixtures of contemporary culture, but also many others that vanished without leaving much of a mark.

Significance

More than $140 billion is spent on advertising annually in the United States. The agencies creating these ads are always searching for the next magical slogan that will improve the image and increase the sales of a key client.

Features

An effective advertise slogan strives to make a simple and direct yet often witty statement; adopt a distinctive tone or personality; state the key benefits of a product or brand to potential customers; promote the credibility of a brand or product; create a consumer demand or desire for a brand or product; and stick in the viewer's memory.

Famous Advertising Slogans

According to "Advertising Age" magazine, the 10 best slogans from the past 100 years include:

1. Diamonds are forever (DeBeers)

2. Just do it (Nike)

3. The pause that refreshes (Coca-Cola)

4. Tastes great, less filling (Miller Lite)

5. We try harder (Avis)

6. Good to the last drop (Maxwell House)

7. Breakfast of champions (Wheaties)

8. Does she ... or doesn't she? (Clairol)

9. When it rains it pours (Morton Salt)

10. Where's the beef? (Wendy's)

Other Slogans

In addition to their role in advertising, slogans can be used to promote public behaviors and attitudes. In 1944, Smokey Bear became a symbol for outdoor fire safety when he warned people "Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires." Woodsy Owl did his part to keep the environment clean when he starting urging children in 1970 to "Give a hoot. Don't Pollute."

Slogans also have a long history in political campaigns. During the 2008 presidential campaign, Republican John McCain embraced the "Country First" slogan while Democrat Barack Obama opted for "Change We Can Believe In."

Tags: About Advertising, About Advertising Slogans, brand product, potential customers

Become An Affiliate For Free

One way to start building an income on the Internet is to promote the products or services of an existing website for a percentage of the sale, a commission similar to that earned by traditional salespeople offline. Those who promote the services or products of online merchants are called affiliates. Many merchant websites have affiliate programs. Most of these programs are free to join, and there's no limit to how many affiliate programs you can join.

Instructions

1. Sign up with an affiliate directory managing the affiliate programs for merchants that offer similar products. Websites like ClickBank and Credit track and disburse earnings for affiliates who are promoting sales for their member merchants. ClickBank tracks and disburses earnings for affiliates promoting eBooks for their member merchants. Credit tracks and disburses earnings for affiliates promoting credit card and credit services for their member merchants. Dealing with an affiliate management company such as ClickBank or Credit allows you to track your earnings from many different vendors in one account. You will then receive payment from the management company rather than from each single merchant. Each member may offer its affiliates a different percentage of sales, or commission rate.

2. Sign up with an affiliate directory managing a variety of different web merchants who sell many different types of products online. Some popular affiliate directories are LinkShare and Commission Junction. These two sites manage affiliate programs for more popular merchants such as Macy's, Champion, and iTunes. Unlike joining a directory like ClickBank, when you sign up with LinkShare and Commission Junction you will still have to apply to become an affiliate for many of the member merchants that they represent. Some of these merchants prefer that you already have an established website that fits within their specific guidelines for what type of site is acceptable for their advertising. For example, iTunes may not approve you as an affiliate if your website is promoting online gambling or some other off-topic subject.

3. Go directly to a website you are interested in becoming an affiliate for. Websites such as Ebay, Fandango and Blockbuster offer links to their affiliate programs at the bottom of their home pages. Most websites that offer affiliate programs have a link toward the end of their home page that reads "Affiliates" or "Webmasters" or something similiar. Click on the link and read their terms and conditions. Filling out an application is usually free.

4. Compare affiliate programs from websites offering similar products. For example, online travel agencies like Orbitz, Travelocity and Expedia all offer affiliate programs. Many companies will not exclude you from becoming an affiliate of another company offering a similar product, but if you are planning to spend any money promoting a product or service you may want to concentrate your funds on the product that will yield the best results. Look at the actual product or service being offered, how much it cost the customer as compared to competitors, and how much you are getting paid for each completed sale. You may also want to consider other features such as cookie duration and promotional materials available for affiliates to use.

Tags: affiliate programs, member merchants, affiliates promoting, earnings affiliates, earnings affiliates promoting, their member, their member merchants

Sell Insurance

Sell Insurance

Cold-calling is an archaic way of making insurance sales, but it is surprising how many agents use the tactic still. With caller IDs and call waiting it is nearly impossible to be successful selling insurance if cold calling is your main strategy. Buying insurance tends to be the last part of a financial plan-there is a perception that insurance isn't really necessary.

Instructions

1. Study your product line until you can recite it in your sleep. Product knowledge is an invaluable tool.

2. Realize your sales ability-if you have short comings, then fix them. Admitting that your skills may not be as great as you think is one of the first steps to sales success.

3. Generate appointments through customer need rather than your product. What this means is focus on total customer satisfaction rather than what you want to sell.

4. Telephone your customers to confirm appointments and follow up on their needs. Once you have met your client's needs then they will want you to help them make their wants a reality.

5. Make yourself visible in your community. If people see you as a well-rounded person, they will seek your professional advice more often.

6. Meet with potential clients in places where they are comfortable. There is no need to invade a new client's home until they are comfortable with you.

7. Plan your free time around your work. Insurance is not a 9 to 5 job-your schedule must be versatile in order to provide total customer service.

Tags: rather than, Sell Insurance, they comfortable, they will, total customer, your product

Manage Effective Communication

The biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has happened.

Effective communication is achieved when both parties have the same concept of the material being communicated. Always work at the level that other people can understand; for example, when speaking to children use a vocabulary that is not too advanced for them. Never assume someone understands simply because she is nodding. Verify that communication has taken place. Communication is also non-verbal; reading body language and facial cues can help give context to communication.

Instructions

1. Frame the communication. Before speaking, choose the words that will be used carefully. Avoid being too flowery with language and use simple, direct and explicit wording. If a complex concept is being communicated then break it down in parts. Start with the simplest part then build on it.

2. Speak clearly, slowly and use your voice to convey the tone of the communication. For example, something serious would not be communicated with disinterest. Look for congruity in what is being said in the body language of the person communicating. For example, avoiding eye contact and facing away from a person indicates that you are not interested in talking to them.

3. Respond to the listener. Allow natural pauses in conversation for questions. Check the listener's body language constantly to make sure they are engaged and paying attention.

4. Ask the listener to repeat back the information that was just received. Ask questions about content or ask them to explain back what was said in her own words. Do this covertly by asking questions that require the listener to apply what she just heard in the conversation. Finally, ask her if she understood what you just said and if she has any questions.

5. Listen and pay attention when the other person speaks. Show her the same respect she showed you.

Tags: body language, being communicated, what just