Getting Administrative Assistant Job

Information on how to get that administrative assistant job quickly.

Check it out!
This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

7 Solopreneur Survival Tips For Being More Productive Working From Home

You are one of the many solopreneurs out there, and you just know that the competition is really stiff, so every morning, as you wake up, the first thing you do is sit in front of your computer to begin another day's work. As you check through your emails, you notice a ton of work facing you, and, although rather daunting, you are totally satisfied that your attempts to do some online personal branding to promote yourself are working. In fact, it is so successful, that you almost feel like a personal branding expert! However, somewhere in the back of your mind are the million and one things that have to be done and around your home, and, as reluctant as you are, you tear yourself away from your computer to get stuck into those boring household chores.

Okay, so you don't have to be a personal branding consultant to do them, but they nevertheless HAVE to be done. Just like any other day, you rush around trying to get as much done as possible, and in between the laundry and the dishes you rush back to your computer to check emails, all the time wishing that there were more than 24 hours in a day. It is very obvious that to become more productive, you need to divide your time between your work as a solopreneur and everyday life duties.

1. A good place to start is to make a list of all your household chores, decide on which day you are going to do them and at what time, and then stick to the schedule.

2. Put your list onto your refrigerator where it is the first thing you see in the morning. Concentrate on your list of chores, and get them done in the time you allocated yourself to do them.

3. Make sure that you stay focused on the job on hand, and don't think about those emails that are waiting for you.

4. If you are fortunate enough to have a laptop, make your work more interesting by working away from home sometimes - at the local park, at the beach or at any of your favorite spots.

5. Very importantly, if you, as a solopreneur are serious about your work, make sure that friends and relatives know how serious you are, by telling them that you are not available during the hours that you want to work.

6. Remember to take frequent breaks during your working day - this will keep you refreshed and more able to stay focused on what you are doing.

7. Working from home can sometimes result in you becoming one of those people who live their work - DON'T let this happen to you - set time aside each week for yourself, to get away from your projects and the household chores. In other words, have some fun in between all the work that you cram into each day.

Jason Okuma is the Founder of MindsetAndMarketing.com, a resource website for Experts, Trainers, Speakers, Consultants and Solo-Preneurs. Jason Okuma has a desire to make the entrepreneurs' business more effective by providing them with powerful support tools, services and information that will help in thrusting their ventures to the highest levels. Get your FREE subscription to their weekly IntelReport at http://www.MindsetAndMarketing.com

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

Lucrative Job Ideas For Moms Who Work From Home

Many women who want to work from home often have a difficult time deciding on what type of work they should pursue. As most folks know, owning a home business is no picnic. More and more companies are beginning to offer telecommute or "work at home" programs for their employees, but finding a lucrative way to make money from home still poses a great challenge for moms. If you're considering a work from home job or a home business, the tips below can help narrow your choices.

Child-Related Work for Moms

As a mom, you probably want to work from home to be closer to your children. Daycare is expensive, and working from home would definitely ease sitter expenses and allow you to spend more quality time with your family. Child-related jobs can help you reach this goal. You might consider babysitting, private tutoring, buying/selling children's products online, or even becoming a foster care provider. If you want to babysit, be sure to check with your local and state government to educate yourself about regulations on childcare. Each state varies on how many children you can keep at once without being a licensed daycare.

Internet Work

Consider what skills you have and how you can improve on those skills. Then go online to find out what companies are hiring employees to work from home with those skills. A good idea is to find companies that are hiring and view their job openings, salaries and educational requirements. If you notice an abundance of job openings in a particular field of interest, perhaps you can take training from home and be ready to work within a year or less in a field you truly enjoy.

You can also try freelancing on the Web and accept various projects in these fields: copywriting, Web or graphic design, IT and programming, paralegal work, accounting/bookkeeping, SEO and marketing, blogging, virtual secretarial services, data entry, transcription, proofreading, business plan or resume creations, counseling, etc. Check with freelance bidding sites. These often have a lot of competition, but you can often bid reasonably based on your skills without compromising pay. As you get your foot in the door, some clients will request your services directly. Then you'll be able to build a clientele of repeat customers and earn even more from home!

Some fantastic Internet home business ideas for moms include craft shops, gift shops, and women's products such as cosmetics, lotions, candles, herbs, diet/exercise products, etc. Also check out sewing services or Internet retail clothing stores, online auction sales (unique products can be found at thrift shops or yard sales), and home decor goods.

Offer Personal Services with a Flexible Schedule

If you prefer to leave your home ever so often, choose a field in which you can work from home and out in the field. You can create your own work schedule and possibly work only while your kids are in school or only several days per week. Some great fields that offer flexibility for moms include cleaning services, personal chef services, lawn care and gardening, pet sitting, real estate appraisals and title searches, elderly care, and errand services for the elderly or disabled.

Whatever your decision, choose a work from home endeavor that makes you happy. Being able to stay home is rewarding only if you choose a work at home career that you enjoy. Research home business tips or work from home opportunities beforehand so you can compare average salary, stress levels, flexibility, and how the job will fit with your family's normal routine. These tips can also help if you already have a job and want to earn extra money part-time from home. Learn to earn money with your skills by taking advantage of the thousands of free resources on the Web. These are available at your fingertips to help you achieve goals and become a successful WAHM!

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web.

Learn more about Work From Home [http://www.workfromhomeoptions.com].

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

The Top Ten Worst Work at Home Scams Part 2

6. Make Lots of Money Taking Surveys

You probably get one of these in your email a week. Sign up for free or for a few of them a fee, and you will soon earn a steady income just filling out surveys. It is true that people used to make money doing this. Not enough to quit there jobs and pay there bills but $30-$100 or more a month. With the influx of people surfing the internet trying to get a buck anywhere they can, this is no longer the case. If it were that easy to make money everyone would quit there jobs and do it and companies wouldn't be making much money. The sites are still there, but now most of them put you in a raffle to earn "cool stuff" not money. Other's will put you in a raffle to some money. But what are the chances of you winning. And what are the chances of you winning more than once a year? That is not steady income. The ones that do say they will pay you, up up $30 or more for a survey, leave something out. You will sit and wait for that email telling you that you have a survey, but you more than likely will never get one. Or even better you get one, and after filling out 3 or 4 questions such as age, sex, location, and yearly salary, you will quickly find out your not what there looking for. Other's will slam your email with surveys that pay 10 cents if your lucky. At the end if you can get even $20 a month on surveys then your still stuck, because many will only mail out checks of $25-$100 dollars, so it would be months before you get the money, IF you get it at all.

7.Customer Service

There are companies out there who you will apply free to work for them as a customer service rep, from your home. It seems legitimate because you didn't have to pay a fee, the website looks professional, which it usually is and you'll be earning an income and you don't have to sell anything. The fine print is, you have just applied to be a telemarketer. I myself just last year read over the entire site and in the end all the information and FAQ informed me that I would be making no cold calls, or outgoing calls. I would be taking incoming calls from people who are customers. That much was true. However the last phone call between me and my representative/manager I am informed that I will need to pay $29.99 a month for the phone fees and but I'll make it back with my commissions. Fee and commissions all in the same sentence about a job that wasn't telemarketing. Yes I would be receiving calls from customers, and I would be getting a salary but what you don't find out til you apply and are accepted is that you will be making maybe $2.00/hr if your lucky and you will be trying to get a bigger income by pushing extra products on there customers who are calling for help. You also don't know that when the customer calls and goes down the line of being transferred to you, they are already inundated with so many product ads from other phones workers and automated wait commercials that they will be cursing a blue streak at you, and good luck making an income. There are actually a handful of companies online who are hiring customer service reps. But just like the true typist jobs, many want someone with experience. They don't want someone who can't take care of their customer. And there are others who will train you if you have no experience but are someone they are looking for. There are a few, but it's hard finding them amid all the telephone job scams out there.

8. The Instant Online Business

You pay a sometimes huge fee and you can be making money in minutes. Or so they claim. Many of these sites are just selling you an ebook "telling" you how to start your own no fail work at home business. The website is filled with pictures of people on the beach, and yacht's having fun. There are the testimonials from people who they say already bought the book and made so much money in a short time. All you need to do is press the x on your browser and get off that site. The only person who is going to make money is the one selling that expensive ebook. There are books out there with real information that will help you. But people have to remember that the internet is big and most of these sites are selling what you can find for free other places. Plus starting an internet business is not easy and it's not quick. For some it took years before they really started earning an income that allowed them to live comfortably. For others they had to quit after losing hundred's of thousands of dollars. Online business creation companies will make you a website and tell you your good to go. You only have one problem, it's not hard to create a website, there are billions of them. The biggest problem of any internet business is getting traffic and sales. Neither happen overnight even with the best website and product.

9. Medical Transcriptionist/Medical Billing

There are ads all over from the hundred's that come up in search engines to the dozens that are emailed to you on any given month.

10. Craft Assembly

Even as I was doing research for this article I came across a message board where many people were responding to an ad that went like this:

"Work from home, no experience necessary. Make over $3000 a month." Medical transcription is actually a legitmate business but it takes a lot of hard work to get it going. The ads will tell you how easy it is. You pay them and mostly get a floppy disk or papers and that's it. All you find out is that you need to call doctor's offices to see if any of them will hire you. The fees are usually outrageous as well anywhere from $300 to well over $1000 for there "software" and just like the data entry, it's the only thing you can use. There are real places hiring transcriptionists online, however the no experience rule you see some advertise is a good indicator that they are a scam. You need experience, you need to know all of the coding and medical language. Would you want someone typing up your file who doesn't understand what there typing, and make key mistakes that could endanger your life? It should also be noted that the scammers have also extended the scam by creating "schools", for you to pay them and get a degree by doing a home course which is actually not a real certificate. To become a real certified Medical Transcriptionist you need to go to American Association for Medical Transcription and read all about the Medical Transcription Certification Program (MTCP).Work At Home! Make Crafts For cash!

Are you looking to work from home doing assembly, crafts, sewing or making jewelry, and getting paid for it? Start earning money from home today!"

I was so very disturbed to see over 50 people giving out there emails while begging for more information on this. Stay away from it unless you have done the work of really checking a company out and even then I would pass, because there are simply only a handful that are legitimate and I have NEVER even stumbled across them as of yet.

Craft Assemly, I saved the worst for last because the ones who run these ads online and offline, are right at the bottom of the scum bucket. There are 3 types of scammers for this one.

Crappy Materials - With all 3 types of companies it is usually the same.

Type1 sends out an ad. You respond to the ad and they want money from you, but don't worry it's "refundable". The amount of money is many times over a $1000, and they will tell you it's to weed out the people who aren't serious as well as to cover the cost of the materials. You will need to get expensive equipment such as a sewing machine or a machine to make signs. You of course have to get everything from their company because they need to make sure that you are using only the finest materials and equipment. You get the package and the materials are crap to say the least, the instructions are hardly understandable and you are left struggling to up together the dolls, aprons, crafts and other items. Your only problem is many of these so called "companies" are a P.O. Box which the owners have closed up and moved on. You are left with products that you will probably toss or have to sell yourself. End result all they were selling were the machines, that's where these people make there money from, not the "crafts" they want you to build.

Type 2 is the same except you send them in the products and they tell you that the product is not up to there standards. They are right, after all with the shoddy materials they sent who can make a quality item? Congradulations, they have your money and that's about it. End result, they too have your money from the products you "had" to buy only from them.

Type 3 well, they are simply the worst of this little trinity. Everything goes the same as type 1 except that they might actually send good materials. You send back the finished product and you get a response saying that the product isn't up to there standards. Unlike Type 2, the product is usually good and they sell it, while they make you think they tossed it in the garbage because it was just so awful. They have the money from the machines and your crafts and you get the unpleasant experience of being scammed.

There they are for now. Unfortunately there are so many scams out there that was only the tip of the iceberg. The best advice I can give is to use common sense. If someone is telling you that you will make $10,000 a month, shut the door in there face, close the webpage, or hang up on them. Also be very wary of an ad that promises a lot but gives you virtually no information on what you are supposed to be doing.

Written by Marsha James

http://allabouttraffic.blogspot.com/

http://homeincometalk.seo-blog.org/

Please feel free to add my article to your website, forum, blog, newsletters and other ventures if you leave it in full format. If used in a newsletter please send it to me that I may view where my work is going. Thank You.

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

They'll Never Know - Tips to Saving Money When Planning Your Wedding

At least once a year, Internet headlines and the front page of your local paper's "Life" section declare the new "average" cost for weddings. Most recently, it's been in the ballpark of $30,000, which is about what it cost for me to go to college.

When I began to plan my wedding four years ago, I bought the phonebook-sized bridal magazines like every girl does. I spent time online gazing at gowns and table settings, but I went into the planning stages believing I could create almost everything the magazines insisted I have at my wedding - from invitations to centerpieces. And I was right. I could create them, and so can you.

Oh, and I also had a little extra inspiration: my fiancé and I were paying for most of our own wedding. This certainly helped the creative juices flow as I searched for ways to cut costs without looking like I had cut corners. It's easier than you may think.

First, some advice on where to start: think of the one thing most important to you on your wedding day and splurge there. If you've always dreamed of a particular dress designer, location, wedding cake designer, caterer or want spring flowers for your November nuptials, spend your money there.

Once you decide on your most important aspect of the wedding, make a list of the things you must have (like invitations) and things you'd like to have (like menu cards or guest favors). From here, you can identify the things you're actually capable of making yourself (with help, of course). Here are some ideas:

Invitations: Yes, you can buy a package of pre-designed "print at home" invitations at your local craft store, but that is not your only option when it comes to designing and printing your own invitations. Take advantage of the Internet! First, use the invitation catalogs you'll undoubtedly receive in the mail to pick out a design/color you like.

Then, find a paper company and purchase blank cardstock in the colors you want. If you know someone with a gift for design or have an idea of your own, play around in your word processing program with a couple options. When it comes time to print, you could send the job out to a local printer (still cheaper than buying invitations), or you can print at home. If you're doing the job in-house, make sure your printer is clean and its print settings are all on "high-quality," not high-speed. Do a few practice print outs. When you print the actual invitations, do them in small batches, not 200 at a time. This gives your printer a chance to clean itself and cool down.

Centerpieces: Depending on where you choose to hold your reception, centerpieces may be included in the cost to rent the space. Even so, you may have something else in mind. Use those thick bridal magazines for ideas and simply copy them. A centerpiece featured in full color in one of these bridal guides could easily cost into the hundreds. But an elegant knock off is well within reach. One of the décor items that add up quickly is votive candles. Glass holders that start at $1.00 each may seem inexpensive at first, but if you're planning to use 15 on each of 20 tables, you're looking at $300 for glass candle holders alone. A great substitute is plastic disposable votives, available through most church suppliers. I spent about $65 for 200 disposable red votives that burned for 10 hours. They were the most talked about décor item of the wedding and cost about the least!

Chair covers: Nothing dampens the elegance of a wedding like hard, upholstered chairs that don't match the wedding décor. It's hard to pull off burgundy seats when your color is pink. Many reception halls offer seat covers for a few dollars a piece. They are usually a plain white but can be jazzed up with some silk flowers or ribbon. If seat covers are not on the menu, find some very wide ribbon at a local craft or fabric retailer and create giant bows to tie around the backs of each chair. Not so great at tying bows? Use a bow-tying tool, like the Bowdabra (www.bowdabra.com). These "extra hands" are available online and at most craft retailers.

I actually had a chance to talk with Sandy Sandler, who created the Bowdabra, and asked her about some of the ways people have used the bow-maker for weddings.

"I have received some of the most incredible letters from people who have used the Bowdabra to create everything from pew bows to beautiful swags as centerpieces," said Sandler. Sandler features some wedding creations on her Web site.

Speaking of Bows...: You are most likely also responsible for decorating the church or actual wedding location. Of course you could hire someone or have your florist do this, but if you're looking to save a few dollars, pew bows are a very traditional adornment that are simple to make (especially if you have a bow-making tool!).

The cake: If your wedding cake isn't that "one thing" you decide to splurge on, you can implement the oldest cost-cutter in the book. Purchase a beautiful wedding cake at a price you can afford and buy sheet cakes of the same cake flavor, which will hide out in the kitchen until the "show cake" is cut. Your guests will never know the piece they take home wrapped in a napkin didn't come from the cake they saw in front.

Your shoes: Don't get talked into buying a pair of $50 "dyeable" wedding shoes when you buy your dress. Be creative and look for a pair of shoes you'll actually wear after the big day. I bought a pair of sparkly blue slides that were cute, comfortable, and served as my "something blue."

Consider an all-inclusive reception hall: If you're thinking of renting a location that requires you to bring in the tent, chairs, caterer, baker, music and alcohol, compare the cost to a reception hall where everything is included. You'll have fewer loose ends to worry about as you approach the wire and you're likely spend a lot less. This is of course, if "location," isn't your splurge item.

One of the most important things to keep in mind when planning your wedding is this: It's your wedding - there are no rules! If you don't want to wear your hair up, don't wear it up. If you don't want to wear a veil, don't wear one! If you'd rather not sit at a head table and eat before an audience, reserve a table on the main floor for yourselves and the wedding party.

Taking family tradition into consideration is one thing, but when it's society at large pressuring you to conform, you have the power to say "no!" You don't have to spend $30,000 on your wedding (save it for your honeymoon or your first home!).

Elizabeth Philpott is a freelance writer. She kept her 100-guest wedding under $6,500 (including her dress) and is confident anyone can plan a fantastic celebration of any type without spending a fortune. Contact her at philpott_elizabeth@yahoo.com.

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

You Never Have a Second Chance to Make a First Impression - In Any Form of Communication!

You never get a second chance to make a first impression. I use this saying a lot in my marketing pieces and when I speak at functions. How many people have heard this but not give it any credence? Many people I talk to assume this only relates to the visual aspect of a first impression or forget that it extends to all forms of communication. For example: have you ever received an email from an individual or company and immediately formed an opinion of the sender? Today I want to look at written forms of communication and give few tips and reminders about first impressions, which I call Gentle Reminders. I learned this from Miss Manners.

Email.

Oh, I love email. Oftentimes I would rather people communicate with me via email than on the phone because I can get my email on my computer and on my phone so I can instantly respond to them. Yes, I truly fit the definition of one that has a "CrackBerry", I am never without my phone and only during family time am I not checking it or responding to something I have received on it.

My first gentle reminder is this: email is not texting. You cannot abbreviate or use two letters for entire words. It is not acceptable and frankly you look uneducated when you do so. Can you imagine a hiring manager getting the response back, "tnx for the email, c u 2moro" It almost looks like a Prince song (wow, have I dated myself there).

Email gentle reminder two: please make sure your Caps Lock is NOT on. I have literally emailed someone back asking them to stop yelling at me when I receive an email in all capitol letters. It was a gentle reminder but effective. Read the following lines and see if you can pick up on the difference:

Thank you for your time yesterday; I truly enjoyed our conversation and look forward to meeting again next Tuesday at 3:00.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME YESTERDAY I TRULY ENJOYED OUR CONVERSATION AND LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING AGAIN NEXT TUESDAY AT 3:00.

Same sentence yet there is a major difference in tone.

Email gentle reminder three: Tone, humor and subtleties do not translate well in email so you must keep this in mind. A majority of humor and subtlety is translated through non-verbal communication i.e. a slight smile, a raising of the eyebrow, a widening of the eyes. The reader cannot see you, they cannot read your mind and they certainly do not know what frame of mind you are in when you are writing the email so you must be vigilant in creating a message that is clear and leaves no room for interpretation. Let me state it frankly - humor does not translate well at all, just do not use it period.

Here is another thought to keep in mind: the intended recipient may know you well enough to understand you, but do you really know that they are the only one that will read the email? How many companies have filtering programs for their emails? How many other eyes view their emails? That was something that I had to do in a former life, check all incoming emails for a company and let me tell you, I read a emails containing information that I really did not want to know and wish I could forget!

Email tip: Write the email then walk away. Let it sit then come back and read it again. I have written an email or even a blog and thought what I was writing was exactly what I was thinking and it all was very clear. Much to my dismay, in re-reading the information later I found that the two were not the same and revisions were necessary to make sure my point was clear.

Letters, Thank You Cards, Cover Letters etc.

Gentle Reminder One: First and foremost - check you spelling. Now check it again. Do no solely rely on spell check. I can tell you that I worked four Merrill Lynch. The word "four" in the previous sentence is spelled correctly, but it is the wrong for! And grammar check did not pick up on it either. One misspelled word can ruin a wonderful creation and send it straight into the trash. Have someone else proof it, someone you trust to proof read. I have business partners, two are wonderful at reading content for content alone, making sure the message is clear. The other is wonderful at spelling and grammar. They are an invaluable team: Manuel, Jackie and Jake, I value their opinions and trust their thoughts.

When I write a hand written note, I type it out on the computer first to use spell check as my first line of defense. Then I print it out and go through it word by word. Then I will copy it to the note. And if my writing is not neat, I throw it away and start again. No use sending a hand written note if no one can read it, it defeats the purpose.

Gentle Reminder Two: When writing a hand written note, be sure to reference something that the reader will remember in order to connect you to the interview. It should be something that was a positive exchange. For example, if you are sending a thank you note after an interview, be sure to include something discussed during the interview. "I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the new automotive ordering process, what an incredible time and money saver!"

One caveat, do not refer to an "inside" joke or lighthearted moment during the interview. It may have eased the situation at that moment, however a day or two later the recipient may not remember the environment in which the exchange transpired or simply not think it funny today.

Gentle Reminder Three: When addressing the envelope, please make sure that it is done neatly and professionally. Use full titles, company name, spell out the address (Suite 500 not Ste 500), use proper business form as it is business communication.

Assistance Letters

This I am making a separate topic due to the uniqueness of the letter. Whether this be a request for an information interview, an introduction or any other appeal make sure you are very clear. If you are appealing to someone to share their time, opinion or expertise please do not send them a five page flattery-dripping letter praising them and in the last sentence end with "by the way, can you...."

Be sincere, honest and direct. If you are asking someone to grant you their time, tell them why you are making this request, they will want to know. No mater who you are your most valuable asset is time and for someone to share theirs with you will require information. I am not simply going to meet with someone because they asked me to. I know that may sound snobbish, and in a way I suppose I am being selfish. I have children, a fianc?, family, friends and a business. My time is valuable and I have limited time to share with everyone that I would love to so please, let the recipient know your intentions.

For me, I want to know why you want to meet with me, what you would like to discuss, and an expectation of time. If you do not set the time expectation, I will. I would also like to know what lead you to contact me specifically.

Let me give you an example. I recently received a request for a meeting. The gentleman and I had met a few years ago through another company and he had found me on LinkedIn. He is a period of transition and would like my advice on a specific topic. He was very clear to tell me that he has attended workshops and done quite a bit of research, which tells me that he is not looking for me to provide all of the answers. He asked for a specific amount of time and suggested a time period for me to check my calendar, at my convenience.

I appreciated several things about this request:

1. He told me how he knew me and was able to establish a connection.

2. He has done his homework on the topic he would like to discuss.

3. He was very specific about the time requested.

4. He recognized the value of my time and promised to honor this.

5. He was specific about the topic, which will lead to a well run meeting.

6. He was very professional in all of his communication.

7. He used common courtesy and manners.

We are meeting next week and I am looking forward to meeting this gentleman, I have been impressed so far. I have no doubt, as there has been a stream of communication that he will present as professional in person as he has in the virtual world.

Gentle Reminder: You set a tone when you are writing correspondence. It is imperative that if you establish a very professional tone you uphold this through out any future contact or communication.

In short, take your time, be clear, be professional and be positive. The written word is a powerful thing when used wisely.

"Helping those looking for the right job look right for the job" - this is how Lisa K. McDonald of Career Polish, Inc. describes her purpose. Lisa is a pre-employment/transition strategist and Certified Professional Resume Writer who separates herself by focusing intently on the strategy of job searching.

This strategy includes many vital tools including resumes, cover letters, business communication, networking, social media and personal business branding. Central in her work is teaching clients how to emphasize or re-discover their strengths and be able to communicate them effectively in order to implement a successful job search strategy.

Lisa's passion for teaching and belief in giving individuals the right tools and the knowledge to implement these tools is always a central theme and extends beyond her work with individual clients. She teaches multiple workshops; is a requested speaker to various groups, organizations and businesses; consults with companies who are downsizing; and partners with companies to develop their sales force.

To learn more about Lisa K. McDonald and Career Polish, Inc. please visit http://www.CareerPolish.net.

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

Tips to Getting it All Done When Starting an Online Business While You Still Have a Day Job

I have owned a telecommunications consulting business for over 16 years. I started the company, I built it, nurtured it and enjoy a great little cash flow from it and am able to work from home. But, last year, I decided to branch out and create an online marketing business. I welcomed the challenge, and the opportunity to expand my market beyond my local geography. Some things became very apparent as I began to run on two tracks simultaneously. I want to give you my best tips to make your online business a success if you're still working another job.

Here is what a typical week looks like for me: (Note: I don't have children at home anymore. If you do, this will look very different!)

I start each day off with a good cup of coffee and my Bible. Then, I get to work.

I work on my telecommunications business in the morning hours and part of the afternoon. Then, in the afternoon, I switch gears entirely and spend the last part of my afternoon on my marketing business. I break for dinner and come back to the office later in the evening and work several more hours. I find these late hours are the best time for me to do the writing that I do - articles, blogs, press releases, product creations, etc. I do this Monday through Thursday, working at least 12 hours each of those 4 days.

On Friday, I only work a half day unless there's an emergency to tend to. If I want to work on Friday afternoons, I will, but only if I want to because I've given myself permission not to. Friday nights are usually date night with my husband.

Saturday is my free day - typically no email and no computer time. I almost never accept invitations to go out on Saturdays during the day - no wedding or baby showers, no parties, no luncheons, etc. I do my household chores that I am responsible for (that I have not outsourced), I make menus, shop for groceries, and spend Saturday evening however I want - sometimes with friends and sometimes just chilling out at home.

Sunday mornings are my private time when I read, write in a journal, pray, and get focused. Sunday afternoons I start to shift my focus to my work again, and spend some time in my office to gather my thoughts for the coming week and make sure I'm organized enough to hit the floor running on Monday morning.

My weeks are usually a 60-hour work week. And that's ok for now, although I don't want to do this forever. I have a definite goal in mind and for now, this is required.

So, as I have been at this for over a year now, here are my best tips for making a success of working two jobs when one of them is an online business.

Try your best to keep the jobs separated in terms of working hours.
Keep separate email accounts - sometimes 3 is needed (Job #1, Job #2 and Personal)
Outsource everything you possibly can, and I don't mean just business-related things. It could mean cleaning the house, doing the laundry, grocery shopping, etc.
Get a really good telephone system in place so that you're not a slave to answering the phone. Learn to put the phone on Do-Not-Disturb. Don't give out your cell phone number to anyone but close friends and family who know better than to call you while you're working.
Same thing with email - get a plan in place that works for you. Learn to manage your email before it manages you.
Use either an egg-timer or some kind of timer online to make sure you're not spending too much time on unproductive things. The one I use is called Cool Timer. Just do a Google search for it - it's free and it sits on my computer desktop, ready for me.
Minimize unplanned activities during your work week. Train your friends and family that just because you work from home, you're not always free to drop what you're doing and join in whatever they're doing.
Schedule fun time. (See my comments above about Friday nights)
Make sure to put personal and business growth on your calendar. That takes time. This could be attending seminars or conferences once in awhile. Or it could be setting aside a definite time to take an online course, listen to a replay of a webinar, an audio book, a podcast or blog radio.
Never waste time in the car listening to the radio. Pop in a CD that will add value to your life. Or, use your I-pod.

This is certainly not a comprehensive look at how to be productive when starting an online business, but it's a good place to start. I invite you to visit my personal blog where I write regularly on Tips for Life and Business.

Jeanne Kolenda has lived in Myrtle Beach, SC, for 20 years and is a telecommunications consultant and a small business marketing coach. Logon to http://www.businesstrainingteam.com and download a free eBook entitled Local Business Marketing On the Internet. To contact Jeanne, email Jeanne@businesstrainingteam.com.

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

XSitePro 2 - A Marketer's Dream?

XSitePro 2 is a simple solution disguised as website software for internet marketers. Why does XSitePro 2 deserve your attention more than the hundreds of other website software tools that are on the market? First of all, it's extremely easy to use and not at all complicated. The second reason is that internet marketers are always worried about optimizing their sites correctly for the search engines and increasing conversion rates; this software helps with both of those. Yes it is targeted toward a niche market, but it has been tailor made for the needs and wants of that niche market.

In this review article we will be looking into how XSitePro 2 can prove to be helpful to you and why it stands out of the crowd. Anyone using Dreamweaver would know how much time it first takes to create a webpage, especially if you're just starting out and don't have much technical knowledge? This is definitely the thing that led Paul in to creating this software so that online marketers didn't have to continue jumping through hoops to design their web pages.

Automated Website Creation - The best plus point of XSitePro 2 is that it is eminently user friendly and completely automates the process of generation supreme quality websites fast. You don't need to worry if you lack knowledge of HTML if you're utilizing XSitePro 2, though it is useful if you do know a little about coding. There are countless Internet marketers who are lacking in their technological insights, but still desire to construct websites and this software is great for them. Other than that, it indeed makes sense to spent a lower amount of time designing your site and a higher amount of time in increasing and developing your business. In general, automating the entire process of site design will decrease some stress from your business.

Hundreds of High Quality Site Templates - Website templates are continually useful when it comes to building a professional sit, but uncovering them or purchasing them one by one could drain your bank account. When you make the purchase of XSitePro 2, you'll have hundreds of templates at your fingertips, as they are built right into the software. In addition to that, you'll get an extra tool called the X Header, which allows you an opportunity to speedily and simply design professional site headers. This matter-of-factly means you can fire your graphic designer and finish the job on your own with no more money out of pocket.

Simple Limitations of XSitePro 2 - So is XSitePro 2 missing anything? Well, no software is flawless, which is why this tool does have a few boundaries. To begin with, if you already possess a great know-how about HTML coding, they you'll probably think the code implemented by XSitePro 2 are a little misplaced. You do obtain a "source tab" that allows you to edit the HTML, but it has some restrictions. This is how you're limited when you're utilizing automated web design software, but most of the time, this will be no problem. So if you absolutely desire to get the as much out of it as you can, you'll have to overlook some of the weak points, because the overall benefit you get from the software is amazing.

Mostly, XSitePro 2 proves to be conditioned software for building a website in a hurry. You plainly need to take into account it will take some time before you are actually able to start building fabulous sites with this software, particularly if this is all new to you.

A new course has been released and is causing a buzz, visit the internet marketing empire web page and find out more.
A new course has been released and is causing a buzz, visit the internet marketing empire review web page and find out more.

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

How To Create Your Own Website Using These Free Tools

If you always wanted to make money online and have the freedom to work from home, there is no better way than having an online business.

For people making money online, gone are the days of 9-5 jobs and relying on someone else for a paycheck.

Creating your own website is a very easy and profitable way to create an online business but most people never get past first base because they don't know how to build a website so they just continue doing what they've always done.

Creating your website is a lot easier than you think. You don't have to know HTML or graphics or any technical stuff. Simply copy the blueprint of those who have already succeeded online.

However, most people fail online because they feel the need to over-complicate things, thinking they have to study for months to learn SEO, graphics design, product creation, etc. Nope.

Everything has been done for you! Here's a rundown:

1. Choose a Niche

Creating your own website begins with a niche (a topic you want to build an online business around). The choices are endless for choosing a niche.

Here are some popular, in-demand, examples of a niche:

Golfing Weight Loss Panic/Anxiety Personal Development Internet Marketing Social Media

The list is endless but do a search online for a niche you'd like to create a webpage for. There's a guy online who makes great money teaching others how to build chicken coops. How's that for a niche! Seriously, you can build a website around any topic imaginable.

2. Choose A Hosting Company

A hosting company is where your website will sit. Consider it the land on which you build a website. I personally use HostGator because they offer a lot for the money and their service is excellent.

3. Choose A Domain Name

Choose a domain name that is relevant to your website. If your niche is golfing, then perhaps "golftipsforyou" or "improveyourgolfslice". Use the Google Keyword Search Tool to find tips for choosing a domain name. Do keep your selections under 60,000 monthly searches as those will yield more targeted keywords for your domain name.

4. Creating Your Website

From there you would build a website. Building your own webpage may seem scary but you can download free templates from the internet that make customizing a webpage a snap.

Type in "free website templates" and you'll be given a choice of thousands to choose from. Download one you like and customize it using an HTML editor like Kompozer (don't get scared, I'm about to make things alot easier for you!)

In a nutshell,

Your hosting company is the land

Your website is the house that sits on your land

Your domain name is the sign you hang on the door

This article can only scrape the surface of how to start a successful website and make money online. But remember what I told you earlier? You don't have to reinvent the wheel, just use free the tools that have already been created.

I did and I make a great living online with my own successful websites, and I used the very same free tools I'm offering you now. It doesn't get any easier.

Do you want to make money online but don't know where to begin?

These free videos will save you time, money and energy! Click here to download them now! http://www.yourformulaforsuccess.com

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

When to Use Free Stuff to Market Your Products and Services

SIT AND CONTEMPLATE THIS STORY

In 1999, I was contacted by a furniture company asking for advice about how to turn around their internet business. It seems that they were very successful in the non-digital, real-world, business environment. They were a small enterprise generating a few million dollars a year in sales for their furniture products.

Yet, they had been on the internet for three years at that time, and they had yet to sell their first piece of furniture online.

As was explained to me, they were pumping the traffic through their website to the tune of 100,000 unique visitors every month. But, for some reason, they were selling zero products.

This was a manufacturing company who was trying to jump into the retail market through their website.

I took a look at their site. Their products looked excellent. Their website could have been tweaked to make it easier to navigate. They could have changed the color scheme to make it a bit more attractive and easier on the eyes.

But, the truth be known, manufacturers are not always the best people to write the sales copy for their products. Sure, their descriptions were great if they were using their websites to reach out to more retailers and wholesale agents, but they were trying to reach into the direct retail market.

They honestly needed a different type of copywriter to sit down and write the sales copy for their products. They needed someone who specialized in selling products to the end user rather than someone who was good at selling to the people who wished to buy and sell their products. They also needed a copywriter who understood the nuances of using words to help drive targeted traffic to their website through the search engines and online advertising.

Each of these points helped them to better tailor their website to reach their intended customers. But, the one point that helped them to turn their bad money into good money was to recognize that they Should Not give away a free office chair every month to some lucky visitor.

I don't know if you realize it or not, but there are hundreds of websites and ezines dedicated to help people to find free stuff on the internet for the taking.

My ex-girlfriend spent a solid six months online looking for free stuff and registering for give-aways. She was knocking down anywhere from $300 to $500 per month just in free products from the websites she visited.

The important question to ask yourself is this.

Did she ever intend to buy a single product from a single website that she visited??? Nope. She was Not on the internet to buy things. She was on the internet to Get free things.

In the previous 18 months, the furniture company that I was advising had given away 18 office chairs with a value of $300 each.

As soon as they removed the monthly drawing for a free chair, their traffic nearly dried up. As it turned out, 98% of their site traffic was only dropping around to register for a chance to win a free chair.

Now, our furniture company was ready to get down to the business of selling chairs without wasting their resources on people who were there only for the freebie.

THERE IS A TIME AND PLACE FOR EVERYTHING, INCLUDING "FREE"

So-called internet guru's jump up on their soapboxes and declare that you should give away something in order to drive paying customers to your website.

What kind of "customers" do they say? Paying Customers?

I don't think so.

If the thing that you are giving away has any real value, then be prepared for an onslaught of freebie-seekers to come around sucking up your bandwidth and your free products and services of value.

If what you are offering has zero real value, then you need to know that the people you are trying to draw in with your freebie will see right through your offer and see you for the sham that you are trying to sell.

FREE EBOOKS OR FREE ADS TO GET SUBSCRIBERS

I used to believe that I could offer a free ebook to people to get them to subscribe to my ezine. I should have known better.

For a six-week period, I tested the concept of "free" to get subscribers for my own ezine. On the surface, it worked great. Under the microscope, it was an abject failure.

In the six weeks that I offered a free ebook in exchange for a new subscriber, I netted 500 new subscribers per week. Then on the following week, I noticed that I had really only netted 50 new subscribers for my efforts. Okay cool, I thought, I am picking up 50 new subscribers every week on account of my promotion. So, I ran my promotion again with similar results.

At the end of six weeks, I thought to myself, "Wow! I picked up 300 new subscribers for my efforts."

Then a funny thing happened. I stopped the promotion for a few weeks and found myself up only twenty subscribers from when I started my freebie campaign.

Odd I thought. At the time, I was running my own list server, and I had a hankering to know the truth.

If you don't know what a "hankering" is, I am from Oklahoma, so we get those a lot.;-) Dictionary.com defines a "hankering" as, "To have a strong, often restless desire."

When you have a hankering and you have the time, you can find the truth of a matter.

After comparing the timing of the release of my "freebie" advertisement with the subscription timestamps, comparing those with my new subscriber comments to eliminate the people who told me they subscribed as a result of a referral, and then comparing the remaining addresses to my unsubscription records, I learned what I should have known in advance of my campaign.

90% of the people who came for the freebie were gone in a week. A full 99% of the people who came for the freebie were gone in three weeks. Only 1% of the freebie takers lasted for more than a few weeks, and a large majority of those were completely gone after three months.

The successes that I felt that I had accomplished, from offering a freebie for subscription, turned out to be a complete waste of my time and energy.

NEVER EVER GIVE AWAY YOUR BREAD AND BUTTER

Those of you who know who I am also know that I offer a service of value to people who write articles to promote their online businesses.

Now and again, I will get someone knocking on my door, promising me tons of new business, if only I will give them one freebie to prove the value of my service.

Going against my better instincts, I did take this offer on two occasions. I won't do it again.

See, the thing is that the writer is responsible for creating a title that is appealing to both the publishers and the readers. Without a good title, an article will fail to produce results.

The writer is responsible for the creation of the article and the presentation of his information in an interesting and intriguing manner. Without a good story, an article will fail to produce results.

The writer is responsible for the wording of the Author's Resource Box. If the resource box is unappealing to the reader, then the reader will not click through and review the writer's website or program.

The writer is responsible for tackling a topic that would be of interest to his target market. If an article does not reach the people who would be interested in what the writer is selling, then the article will again fail to produce the desired results.

If a writer sends me a crud article that has no hope for accomplishing the results that he or she desires, then the fault is not mine. I did my part. I put their article into the hands of more than 12,000 publishers who were looking for content to reprint in their ezines and their websites.

If the writer fails to create an article that will serve his desired end, and he gets to use my service to put it into circulation, then the writer will need a scapegoat for his or her failure. There I am, the scapegoat for the failures of the writer.

I SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF MYSELF, THEY SAY...

The last guy who asked me to give a freebie distribution for his article got mad when I said no. He proceeded to brow beat me for being unwilling to give away something away in order to earn his business on the backside. After all he said, he gives away a lot of free stuff on his website to drum up new business.

It is true that it takes a lot to ruffle my feathers. Everyone who knows me well knows that it takes a miracle to make me mad. This is a fact seriously upsets my wife when she is in a mood to argue...;-)

This guy made me mad, but I held my temper in check.

Sir, if you knew me, you would also know that I give several hours of my week to help other writers distribute their articles for free on the internet. People who know me know that I own and moderate hundreds of open-membership, moderated-posting, article distribution groups on the internet.

It takes a lot of my time to make these resources available to the internet community and to make sure that these resources are not abused, and I do not get paid to provide these "free" writer resources.

Sir, I give a lot back to the writer's who make up the writing community on the internet. I just don't give away my bread and butter. And, if I were to give away a bread and butter job, I would much prefer to give that service to a paying customer rather than to a person who out-of-the-blue is promising me the moon and the stars.

IN CONCLUSION

I don't give away my bread and butter, to anyone, and you should not either. There is a time and place for everything, including freebies. Just be careful that you don't give your products and services to people who are only there to get a freebie from you.

Copyright Bill Platt - All Rights Reserved.

Bill Platt has owned and operated http://www.thePhantomWriters.com/ since 2001. If you have an offline business, and you are looking to bring customers into your storefront from the Internet, Bill can help you. Learn more about our online and offline advertising services at Online Marketing for Local Businesses at http://OnlineMarketingLocal.com/

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

Win Money Writing - Paychecks Are Printed on Paper

I came to the conclusion that paychecks are printed on paper and so are your writings so you might as well get paid to write. These are my suggestions on how writers can get paid to do what they do...

It was like I was dreaming but I was awake when I saw a vision of a check coming to me for something I had written. I believe that every writer's dream is to get paid for what they love to do. Maybe it is just to share their unique views, imagined inventions and creative expressions with the world. Even if you would write for free how much better would it be to get paid for what you would do for no charge?

Many writers have dreams that turn into nightmares as they struggle for a way to get published. How scary it is when broad daylight turns to night before your face because the light of your writing can't seem to shine through anywhere. I know this dark fate but I also know that because I am a writer I can write my own ticket and put something on paper that will create a light brighter than any sky adorned by the sun with my words.

Yes, I said, "My Words!" The first thing an author must do is to own their words. Everything you script out of your essence belongs to you and has an extreme value far beyond what anyone will pay for it. What price can you place on creation, imagination and gifted scripted expression? The words we offer as poets and authors touch and change lives and that is priceless.

During the course of my lifetime I have learned that purpose is the reason why a thing exists. If you are living, breathing and moving it means that you have purpose because you exist. A car's purpose is to transport people. A chair's purpose is to provide people with a place to sit. Your purpose as a writer is to take what is in you and reproduce it on the printed page.

Some of the greatest writers of all time such as William Shakespeare, Maya Angelo, Edgar Allen Poe, Winston Churchill and others have not only paved the way for your literary genius, they have opened up a spot for you in the Writer's Hall of Fame. As a writer that is truly passionate about your purpose you need to uncover the mystery of the history of writing and realize the present as a gift to write upon for the possibilities of the future. You could be the next great writer of this common age.

It was when I was a little girl that I came into the knowledge that I was a writer. I didn't have the money to purchase my mom a birthday card so I made one for her and wrote a poem for her inside of it. What a glorious feeling it was for her to read my writing and love it; not just because she was my mom but because it was heart felt and good.

From that moment on I was a writer. I was always different but I like to call it extraordinary as writers often are. Don't worry about being misunderstood; many great writers are and being misunderstood is an opportunity for explanation and translation such as the world has never seen. In my teens I created works of unbelievable magnitude; when I read these works years later I had no understanding as to how I could have written such excellence at such a young age. Now I know that in the prime of youth is when we are most free and untainted by the world's views. These times in our lives provide the platforms for some of our most excellent performances.

I've worked many jobs in my day and not one of them has been my dream job which is to be a writer that gets paid for doing what I love. For awhile I received gratification simply for the compliments of those who read my writings. Now I want and more and I suspect if you are reading this you do too. So how do you get paid for doing what seems like play and recreation to you? The answer is that you come up with a plan and strategy or a blueprint so to speak to build your writing career from laying a foundation to build it upon.

Before I share with you on how you can get paid to write I would like to give you some information on protecting your creative expressions. When you write you produce what is called intellectual property and there is protection for your IP. Just like you would protect a house or a car you need insurance on your intellectual property which is something known as a copyright.

Most people are under the misconception that you have to have a copyright registered with the Library of Congress to protect your works and that isn't at all true. I took a course in Copyright, Trademark and Patent Law in an electronic environment and learned so much. I am going to give you some basic truths that will bless you in the sanctuary of your writing but I also encourage you to educate yourself on this subject and further research the intricacies of copyright in an online, electronic or digital environment. The laws are always changing even as fast as the thoughts of your mind. It is also important with the advancement of technology to understand the rules of your playing field which is no longer just on the printed page but is also now on the internet.

Now and days, thieves don't just break into houses; they steal original creative content from online environments on the internet. One of the first steps any author should take is to protect what they produce which can provide them a living based off of doing what they love.

Every author has a desktop copyright which means that the moment you fix your creative expression into a tangible form such as printing it or recording it in a tangible medium you automatically own copyright to the creative work. The best thing to do to prevent unauthorized duplication and use of your work is to add copyright information to it. This information is the name of the author or entity that creates it, the year it was created, the copyright symbol and wording such as, "copyrighted" or "All Rights Reserved." This way you are protected even if the work is not registered. Even though the work is protected the very best way to protect it is to obtain a registered copyright. In the event you would ever have to go to court over your creation the registration of the copyright would most likely be needed to help you win the case.

There are several types of copyrights for different types of original creations such as Copyrights, Trademarks, Patents, Trade Secrets and more. As an author and creator of original material there is a lot for you to learn on copyright subjects such as public domain and fair use. There is too much to say in this article alone but there is a lot of information available to you on the internet. What you learn today informs you beyond what you knew yesterday so I encourage you to learn more. I will say to you that while you are in the plight of protecting your own works learn the laws so that you also don't infringe upon other's works. There are steep fines and penalties for copyright infringement and it is important to step lightly in this area.

The exclusive rights given to an author are that of: The Right to Reproduce, The Right to Derivative Works, The Right of Distribution, The Right to Public Display, The Right to Public Performance and The Right to Digitally Transmit. I recommend that you do a Google search on these exclusive rights to understand them in further detail.

The main reason I wrote this article was to provide you with ways you can get paid for your writing. I wish you happy and successful writings. Please find my suggestions below for you to Make Money Writing:

o Protect your original creations with a copyright.

o Use a Publish on Demand Publisher to get your work in formal print.

o Obtain a literary agent to represent you in your writing efforts.

o Publish your writings on the internet on sites where you can publish for free.

o Conduct a buzz campaign starting with family and friends to distribute your work.

o Contact stores and find out how to get your publication on their shelves.

o Advertise your written works for sale.

o Enter writing contests where you can win money for your writings.

o Become known as a writer through social avenues.

o Get booked on radio and television shows.

o Get a professional picture made and put it on all of your writings with a bio.

I wish you all the best in your writing career. As a fellow writer I advise you to do whatever it takes to manifest your dream in a written form that you get paid for. Start out as your own publicist and then graduate to higher levels of publicity. Make a video and put your book's or creative expression's information for purchase on YouTube. Get a website and offer your writings for sale. Advertise free whenever and wherever you can. Perfect your writing image. You are huge you just don't know it yet. Every big time writer you see started out small so don't despise the day of small beginnings for great shall be your latter ending.

Nobody can tell your stories like you! Paychecks are printed on paper and it is the paper you print your work on as a writer that can get you paid for your writing!

Hopefully you can find additional help on my website where you can win money writing and possibly get paid to do what you love. WinMoneyWriting.com is a haven for aspiring writers where they can receive information and tips on how they can get paid to do what they love...WRITE! Our site features writing contests every 90 days where authors and poets can submit their original works to win cash prizes of $500, $1000 or more. Our goal is to help writers everywhere get published and paid for their talent. We want to see you succeed and prosper through the pages of your written artistry. We honor and value all fellow writers. If you are a writer please visit our site now by clicking on the following link: Win $500 Writing!

Deneene A. Collins
Writer, author, poet and inspirational speaker dedicated to helping others succeed and achiever their dreams. Deneene holds a Master's of Business Administration with an emphasis in Internet Business, as well as, a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology. She is a gift to the world waiting to be unwrapped.

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

Stress Solutions - Tips and Information on Meditation

We're flooded by information, news, new ideas, technology, work, personal demands, relationship problems, financial worries, etc. Even during times of relaxation, we're aware of pressures and problems. The body has to function in a heightened sense of arousal and alertness, in the fight-or-flight stress response with its associated cascade of physiological reactions. The anxiety sends constant signals and internal alarms of survival fear coursing throughout our bodies and minds.

All of this makes it nearly impossible to tune into our inner selves, our true nature. Meditation techniques help us clear our minds, manage our emotions, get rid of stress, become truly calm and relaxed.

Whenever we experience stress, our bodies automatically react to prepare us for the stress reaction of fight or flight/run/avoid. When faced with extreme danger, this reaction can be a life saver. A prolonged state of such arousal, however, can lead to physical damage and disease in every part of the body and mind. Meditation has an opposite effect to this stress reaction. It helps to restore the body and mind to a sense of inner calm, assists in cellular repair, while preventing the damage from the physical effects of stress.

The more we meditate, the more we move away from the superficial stresses, the worries, anxiety and tension that mostly happens in the left brain with high tension beta waves. It allows the right brain with its slower alpha waves to become more prominent. When relaxed, we have whole brain function where left and right brain work as an integrated whole, making us happier, healthier, more creative and able to solve problems and find solutions. Meditation, just like any new technique learnt, requires patience and practice, but as you continue to meditate every day, your patience will actually increase! 

Meditation involves concentrating on an object, such as a flower, a candle, a sound or word, or your own breath. Over time, the number of random thoughts diminish. More importantly, your attachment to these thoughts, and your identification with them, progressively lessen. Thoughts will still intrude, especially when you start practicing meditation for the first time, but once you become aware of this, attention is gently brought back to the object of concentration. Meditation can also be objectless, for example consisting of just sitting, standing or walking.

 

Experiences during meditation vary from one person to the next. Relaxation, increased awareness, mental focus and clarity, and a sense of peace are the most common results of meditation. Meditation, however, is a complete practice in and of itself. The experiences and benefits are only an added bonus, and not the main purpose at all! Never meditate with any goal in mind, like 'am I doing this right?', 'is this working?', 'will I heal, work harder, earn more money?', or mindless monkey chatter: 'this is nonsense, I'm wasting my time!', 'people will think I'm a fool!'. Your mind will be captured by your thoughts again, going off on a tangent, completely forgetting that you're actually meditating. This will spoil your practice and the benefits of meditation. The best attitude is not to have any expectations at all. The ego self and inner self will soon form a relaxed relationship of integrated wholeness, living together in peace, learning from and growing from strength to strength.

 

Since meditation involves becoming more aware and more sensitive to your inner self, you might find unpleasant parts of yourself also rise to consciousness, by way of deeply buried strong negative emotions. That's okay. Make peace with all you are and let go any attachment to painful emotions and thoughts. Become aware of them, discuss them with a mental health practitioner or friend, if necessary. Work with and through them, learning more and more about yourself and life in the process. Then trust, surrender and let it go.

 

Failure to experience silence, peace of mind, mental clarity, bliss, or any other promoted benefit of meditation, is not in itself a sign of incorrect practice or that one can't concentrate properly or long enough to be good at meditation. Remember, meditation is not a goal oriented practice. It's not the usual striving for perfection, improvement and achievement of your everyday life! Whether you experience peace or bliss is not important. Being disciplined enough to practice regularly, preferably at the same time every day, in the same spot, always trying gently to return your thoughts to your chosen focus of meditation, is important. It is very difficult for the Western mind bathed in left brain consciousness, to become still. It really takes some practice for you to let go of thoughts, ideas, expectations, fears and worries, even for 10-20 minutes a day! Don't be concerned: you remain consciously awake, aware and in control! Nobody or nothing will 'steal' your mind, put thoughts in your head or hypnotise you!

 

There is no right or wrong technique - choose one that's right for you! You can practice meditation without belonging to any specific religious order. Meditation has, however, always been a part of all religions, Eastern and Western, Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, Sufi, Hindu, Muslim, etc. If you find it very difficult to practice on your own, or with tapes or CD's, it might be well worth your while to join a meditation group. There are Transcendental Meditation groups in all the major centres, also visualisation, Buddhist retreat centres, etc. Go on a quest, explore and search for a practice that fits and soothes your soul. An old Chinese saying to assist you on your journey: 'When the student is ready, the teacher will appear'. The 'teacher' being a person, book, group, your own life and relationships!

 

Tips for meditation practice:


Do it every day, preferably at the same time.
You can do it early in the morning upon waking or at sunset, or both. Some people find it beneficial to meditate in the middle of the day.
Keep your eyes open, half open or closed. Just be aware that wide open eyes tend to wander!
Do it preferably before, rather than after, a meal.
Pick a special spot that you use only for meditation. Use a comfortable chair, cushion, or mat; arrange your own special relics (sea shells, crystals, feathers, dream catcher) and perform your own cleansing (a warm bath with your special choice of oils, or a handful of course sea salt) and focusing rituals (lighting a candle, saying a prayer, burning aromatherapy oil in a burner, lighting incense, etc.). Give your creative imagination free reign! Let this be the distinctive place where you honour your inner being, looking forward to the privilege and comfort of its enveloping grace every day. With slight adaptations, you can also create a meditation sanctuary at work - all you need are a few likeminded colleagues, a small private room and creative imagination!
Sit with the spine straight, head and chin lifted, arms and hands relaxed in your lap. You can sit cross legged on the floor with a small cushion behind your buttocks, lifting them, or in a comfortable chair. Lying down, you'll easily fall asleep. This is fine for rest, but you won't be meditating.  

How to meditate

All you need:


A quiet place
A few minutes
 A willing mind

    * Sit in a comfortable position to enable you to relax completely. Use a comfortable chair, or sit cross legged on the ground.

    * Close your eyes.

    * Focus on your breathing and make it deliberately deep and slow.

    * With each out breath, feel yourself relaxing more and more. Notice any thoughts and simply let them float by like clouds in the sky. Try to detach from your thoughts. This quieting of the incessant monkey chatter of the left brain, is the most difficult part of learning to meditate!

    * Try to do this for 5 minutes in the morning and evening. Gradually increase this to 20 minutes twice a day.

    * Remember the 3 P's: practice, patience, perseverance! Learn to just sit there, doing nothing, simply being!

 

Health benefits of regular meditation practice


Complete relaxation with a decrease in stress hormones and other stress chemicals, with muscle relaxation, improved oxygen and nutrient supply to all cells and systems, also improved clearing of toxins, debris and cellular waste.
Reduced metabolic rate
Increased blood flow with oxygen and nutrients to the brain
Reduced cortisol and other stress hormone levels (as opposed to an increase during long term stress)
Reduced muscle tone (as opposed to muscle spasm associated with stress)
Integration of left and right sides of the brain with whole brain functioning. creation of new communication pathways between the logical right and creative left sides of your brain, balancing your brain and giving you a whole being experience. Areas in the brain associated with positive emotions like happiness, peace and joy are activated. All of this leads to increased orderliness of brain function, access to unconscious resources and abilities, allowing creative imagery, problem solving skills, clarity, productivity. There is also an increased ability to make good decisions based on values, improved mental alertness with more energy, vitality and a relaxed, focused mental alertness, leading to learning in an effortless manner
Dramatically improve your learning ability, memory, intuition, creativity, perception and ability to focus, concentrate and think more clearly!
Lowering of blood pressure and breathing rate
Improved immune system function with higher levels of antibodies
Increased self awareness and management of thoughts and emotions
Improved production of vital, pleasurable brain chemicals (e.g. endorphins and serotonin) related to longevity, wellbeing, vitality, happiness and quality of life

More benefits of meditation


Reduction in health care costs, need for medicines, visits to hospitals, doctors and other primary care health professionals
Reduction in major risk factors for disease: high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, drug abuse, obesity, cardiovascular reactivity to stress, anxiety, depression, hostility
Enhanced appreciation of health protecting factors, e.g. job satisfaction, love of life and psychological health

The second article in this series on meditation will discuss different meditation techniques.

Written by Dr Arien van der Merwe, medical doctor, specialist corporate health & wellness service provider and author of Stress Solutions, 'Relax & Unwind' relaxation CD, Health & Happiness and Training manuals on Wellness/Peer Education, Stress Management and Workplace Wellness.

For more info & to order: www.HealthStressWellness.com

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

Forecasting E-Commerce

No one can deny the strong effect that e-commerce has had on our daily lives. E-commerce is an USA $5.2 billion market. Many companies use e-commerce to order products for sale, service or general operational needs. Consumers use e-commerce for many reasons. From ordering the favorite blouse they can't find in the local store to researching the vacation of their dreams. The difficulty of the business to consumer relationship is providing ease of ordering as well as exciting options. This is the same for the business to business relationship. Companies strive for the best and the easiest possible way to promote their product. Ease of ordering can make it a fluid transaction for both parties involved. It can be a technology manager's best moment when he is able to orchestrate that perfect marriage between point of sale and the actual exchange of funds. The introduction of new technology as well as the ever changing needs of the consumer make it difficult to predict the future of e-commerce. By analyzing some of the technologies which are currently successful, it may be possible to road map future e-commerce possibilities.

The following ideas about Road mapping have come from the article Road mapping Integrates Business and Technology. Some The Road mapping Concept - which by definition is "a process that contributes to the integration of business and technology and to the definition of technology strategy by displaying the interaction between products and technologies over time, taking into account both short- and long -term product and technology aspects" has many key points that make the process work. The long term view of Road mapping helps to serve markets with the right products at the right time, improve new product creation, and stimulates learning in organizations through openness and desire to perform better. Road mapping can take up to ten years to fully execute. This includes two-three years in the planning phase (looking at available resources for development) and three -six years in the vision phase(highly important in the road mapping process). Some requirements of road mapping must show alternative product of technology developments and use standardized formats which describes the product characteristics and technologies. The process of Road mapping is supported by other tools. An example of one of the tools includes Quality Function Deployment (QFD). These tools help structure the relationship between the parameters of product, technology and time. Customer oriented approach that links customer requirements (whats) with product characteristics (hows). This might alternatively be considered linking future product with future technology, which is the essence of Road mapping.

The benefits of Road mapping include: The creation of a shared product-technology strategy, the creation of long-range product and technology planning, facilitates learning which ensures that functions communicate and collaborate, and road mapping improves a competitive edge.

Two important factors to consider when considering good e-commerce practices are functional requirements and non functional requirements. Each of these affects the daily operation of the online procurement system. The consumer interacts with each item and their sub compartments during each purchase. Functional requirements are the expected services provided by procurement systems. Non functional requirements deal with how well the systems work. The difference between the two is important, but they cannot operate fluidly without each other.

Functional requirements of the procurement system can support the identification, selection and execution phases of the procurement process. In the identification phase the vendor must provide descriptive information and attempt to entice the consumer to seek more guidance about products offered. It is the front line of the system and the first opportunity a consumer gets to see the product. In the selection phase the vendor needs to provide pricing and other relevant information that lets the consumer compare different product offerings. This can be comparison within your business and comparisons with other items offered online from competitors. The execution phase facilitates the exchange of information needed to complete the transaction. Ease of purchase, online tracking and post sale follow-up are all factors of the execution phase of procurement. This is the final exposure a purchaser has with the company. At this point many simple things should be established to solidify a repeat customer.

Non functional requirements focus on the usability, security, reliability, and the performance of the procurement system. The usability function refers to the ease a particular system is to understand and use. Security of the procurement system touches on the hazards that someone may encounter while using the system. Over the past few years this has become one of the most important issues in online purchasing. Consumers are targeted often by criminals who fleece them of their money as well as their information. Reliability refers to the proper functioning that will allow the system to perform effectively every time. The overall performance of the procurement system must incorporate all these factors to maintain all the non functional requirements.

A comprehensive study reported in the article assessing critical functional and non functional requirements for web-based procurement systems shows the importance of the relationship between functioning and non functioning web based procurement systems. The findings below were accessed by using a questionnaire. The findings show no significant difference between early and late participants, the base group reflects a large population of corporate buyers.

The graph can help technology managers developing a business to business procurement system. This graph shows web systems rate high on usability and on the identification function. Users also see a reduction in search costs. The down side of the study shows that consumers rate web systems low on reliability, security and post sale follow-up. A technology manager can use this information to create a better procurement system to improve what is perceived as lacking by the consumer.

Incorporating new technologies like 3D modeling and 3D video into a business's procurement system has improved the identification and selection processes. Companies including Land's End, Lane Bryant, and Glamor all use virtual model technology. The My Virtual Model helps shoppers input their personal information into a database and they receive a 3D model image which they can use throughout the website. They can try on clothes and accessories and compare them from the comforts of their own home. Currently there are more than 5 million registered models. This technology is used in business to business e-commerce activities. A business can develop their item/product and compare how that product interacts with the other products vendors are offering. Seeing a 3d model of a product can make it easy to compare the product to what they are currently using and this can aid in the decision process. One important tool in the 3D model is the zoom tool this is a key effect that shows first hand, close-up detail of the product. This is a very costly system that many companies simply cannot initially afford. Faster download times and improved navigation are making this easier to market. Many companies are interested in the basic tools and steer away from the "extra features".

3D video tours are another important topic to be considered. Most hotel sites, cruise lines and many university campuses use this application to aid the consumer in visualizing their environment. This is becoming a standard in the selection phase of hotel comparisons. By offering a 3D video tour hotels can show of their best features while the consumer sits back and watches in the comfort of their own home. This can also work for businesses trying to offer new products into the procurement process. The business can use video streaming to show quality control, as well as, the overall operation of the company. This is a good way to get a foot in the door while consumers compare products offered on the internet.

A technology manager's job will always change while he absorbs new technologies available. One of the biggest obstacles is trying to entice your target consumer to use your site. An example of this can be found in an article from Design Tips magazine in May 2008. The article focuses on teenagers and online shopping. Even though they don't have their own credit cards they still shop online. Teenagers are more plugged in to the net than we realize. As a technology manager you must try to keep the interest of the teen consumers to your website. Teenagers are attracted to sites that are hip looking and offer cutting edge graphics, but in the end they want things done.

They want to explore the product site and the feel a sense of accomplishment at the end. This also is important for business to business procurement. The consumers' equipment and speed of information exchange must also be considered. The customer may not have the newest equipment and best connection while surfing your site. This is referenced from a quote within the article which states "Teens often use outdated equipment, including donated equipment at schools and libraries. Even if their parents have the latest gear, teens are often working with hand-me-down equipment." Not having adequate equipment is not often a problem in businesses, but is there equipment better or less operational than yours? By not having a good grasp on your consumers' abilities and needs then you may lose their interest even before you can show them a product.

Many of the buyers for corporate organizations are young and have a vast exposure to computers. This consumer will want to explore websites that are interesting as well as informative. Some of the key rules listed include: show prices upfront, allow sort preference, offer wish lists, don't require registrations and a speedy checkout. With any procurement system the easier the product is to understand the better the consumer can make their decision. If the information in the description will not answer the consumer's inquiry then the product will be over looked. Many products sold business to business must be specific in their description. There is a fine line between fulfilling the basic information and flourishing the description with too much technical information.

Starting your own e-business has its own challenges. Developing a basic business structure is the easy part. The most difficult aspect of any e-business venture includes a business plan. There is a difference between the two. In a business structure you choose your software, develop a marketing plan, open a credit card account, and don't forget all the cash outlay needs. The business plan is essentially what it means to do business online. "The biggest favor you do yourself in the beginning is to take time to really think about what you are doing-make deliberate decisions," says Jeff Binder, CEO of Saffron Rough and an expert in starting online businesses. What makes your site different than the other sites selling the same widgets you may produce is a key factor in the success of your e-business. Your site may simply be easier to use and more efficient that the other sites and this will ease the customer towards the checkout process. The ultimate goal of an e-business is to make that sale. Scope out the competition and gather information to add to your business plan. Find out who are your customers and end users.

Evaluate their needs. Try to find your niche. Before you start your online business realize that other competitors have established some of their own ways to entice consumers. One example is Overstock.com, they will ship any product for $2.99. You can purchase a 70lb bed frame for $300 and have it shipped to your door for less than $3. This is basically free shipping to the customer. An important part of the technology manager's job is finding that hook will set your e-business apart from all the others.

E-commerce has proven itself to be a growing force to be reckoned with on the internet. Trying to forecast the success of your business to business e-commerce venture has many different paths to consider. Each day technologies become better, faster and cheaper to operate. This affects how successful the business operates online. Businesses seek information through online research. They make purchases and evaluate whether they will make additional future purchases each time they compare your company's product with others online. Having a strong front line of technology managers who can take into consideration all the aspects of a successful procurement process can secure your site a place in the successful world of e-commerce.

Garicano, Luis and Kaplan, Steven N. (2000) The Effects of Business-to Business E-Commerce on Transaction Costs. Economics Centre for Economic Policy Research

Kerner, Sean M. (2005) Choosing a Hosted E-Commerce Solution. The E-Commerce Guide

Maguire, James (2005) Starting Your Own E-Business: Part 1-The Plan. The E-Commerce Guide

Kuchinskas, Susan (2004) Where are We Now? A Decade of E-Commerce. Internetnews.com

Benslimane, Younes (2007) Assessing Critical Functional and Non-functional Requirements For Web-based Procurement Systems. Springer-Verlag London Limited

Gill, Lisa (2002) The Future of 3-D E-Commerce. E-Commerce News

Maguire, James (2006) Teens and E-Commerce: Selling to the Teen Shopper. The E-Commerce Guide

Metcalfe B (1997) What's Wrong With the Internet: It's the Economy Stupid. IEEE Internet Comput

Groenveld, Pieter (2007) Roadmapping Integrates Business and Technology Industrial Research Institute, Inc.

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

Happiness - 10 Quick Fixes From Emotional Distress to Your Happy Centered Place

Do you feel shock, panic, anger, anxiety and frustration from recent lay-offs, firings or re-orgs?

Are you stressed and overwhelmed from too much work?

Are you feeling isolated and lonely from lack of family or friends?

Are you experiencing boredom, apathy and listlessness from lack of purpose?

Do you feel trapped and helpless from financial debt, toxic relationships or health issues?

Are you feeling confused, guilty and conflicted from a cultural identity crisis?

Are you feeling a sense of grief, sadness and depression from a separation, divorce or death of a loved one?

Would you like to get some instant relief from your emotional distress and get to your happy, centered place quickly?

The quick fixes outlined below are what I use to provide me with relief when the emotional pain is so intense it prevents me from thinking clearly. I am always able to return to my happy centered place quickly. Just by releasing the negative emotions, it clears my mind. This allows my creativity to kick in and I would find the solution to the problem or the solution will present itself. Just by the simple fact of changing my actions, it changes my energy and as a result, I attracted a different outcome and it has always been for the better. This often leads to a chain reaction of good things - directing me down a path I would never have thought of exploring. This has happened so many times that when I run into obstacles now, there is always a little part of me that goes "Ooh, I wonder what great adventure is around the corner?".

So, the first thing you need to do to overcome your obstacle is to release all these negative emotions and find your happy centered place. Even though you may not feel like doing any of these quick-fixes, you need to override those feelings and force yourself to take action. It's only in taking action that you can change your results. Apply "MYA" - Move Your Ass. There were times I did not feel like getting out of the house or even out of bed - but by using any of the quick-fixes on myself; I will always feel a thousand times better.

Although the quick-fixes below are based around my passions and interests - you will apply these general ideas around your own passions and interests and develop your own 10 quick-fixes to help you find your happy centered place quickly. If you do not have any passions or interests, then by trying these quick-fixes, you will find your own passions or interest. Do not limit yourself to what is just on my list, brain-storm and come up with your own ideas. Please use the worksheet at the end (Appendix A) to write your own Quick-fixes.

Start now - 10 Quick-fixes

These are not in any order - you can do any combinations of these several times a day or at minimum, once a day. Continue this everyday and vary the activities so that it does not become a routine and you won't get bored.

1. Playing good music loudly

? This just makes me want to freestyle dance, always brings a smile to my face and leaves me feeling carefree and light. Disco and Abba is great for me. Also samba. Anything with a great African based rhythm. I stay away from death metal - that gives me a headache. I also like classical music - it's peaceful and lyrical and puts me in a calm, serene state.

? Choose songs that immediately make you smile, move or calms you down. Pandora.com is a free radio station on the internet - enter one of your favorite songs and it will find you songs of a similar type. Make several compilations: happy dance songs, peaceful calming songs etc.

? If music is not your thing, move on to the next action.

2. Do your favorite exercises that make you sweat and your heart pumping for at least 20 mins to 1 hr. The important part is the sweating and the heart pumping. The natural endorphins your body releases will make you feel better. If you have a friend who is positive, exercise with them but don't discuss the problem. You just need to release the negative energy. I recommend doing these at least 2-3 times per week. I exercise daily.

? I go out dancing - salsa, hustle, ballroom, argentine tango, swing, freestyle, hip-hop, samba, belly-dancing. I always feel happy, excited and centered after dancing hard. The more stressed I am, the later I stay out dancing. In my corporate years, I would dance every night until 2-4am. I may be tired the next day, but I find I am in a better mood and when handling conflict, it brings about a better result when I am not emotionally attached to the problem. The other side benefits are that dancing has kept me healthy and fit and my dance technique has improved from all that practice. Now, I am a ballroom dance coach.

? Other examples - horse-back riding, wind-surfing, surfing, running, walking briskly, cycling, kick-boxing, spinning, skiing, snow-boarding, aerobics, swimming, racquetball, water-polo, swimming etc.

? If you do not have exercise in your life, you need to get started now. Not only will it help you with your current situation, the long term benefits to your health and mental well-being is enormous. If you continue to exercise regularly at least 2-3 times per week, this will help you in your path to enduring happiness and health.

3. Take a class in your area of passion or interest - learning will take your mind temporarily away from your problems, and get you out of your routine.

? I love to learn so it puts me in a good mood. It has also solved many of my problems. I take business, marketing, sales, leadership, personal development, dance or art lessons. In the past, I've taken golfing, skiing, drumming, piano, surfing, wind-surfing, framing, yoga, pilates lessons. If you are on limited funds, there are plenty of free webinars/teleconferences on the internet. The other alternative is to learn from a book, CD or DVD which you can borrow from your local library. My personal library is filled with books on leadership, business, marketing, sales, success, personal development, framing, art, dance and biographies of interesting people.

? I signed up for Ballroom teacher training to help reduce the friction between my boyfriend and me when I was teaching him ballroom. My teachers hired me to teach their beginner Ballroom classes after my first semester and I graduated top of my class 16 months later. Now, I transform lives through coaching, ballroom dancing and art!

? If you have insecurities about learning, don't do this yet. Build up your confidence first.

4. Teach someone else your expertise/passion/interest

? I cannot tell you the number of times my students have literally fallen through my door with gasps of "You cannot believe the day/week/month I've had" and left relaxed with a smile on their faces after 2 hours of painting. Or they leave rejuvenated and ready to conquer the world after one my of group or private dance lessons. In the case of first time beginners, the joy I see on their faces and the light in their eyes when they discover they can do something that they never thought they could. It is transformational for them. Or when clients call up overwhelmed and distraught and I am able to get them calm, happy, optimistic and armed with an action plan. Even when I'm having a rough day, helping my students and clients and receiving these positive emotions back always lifts me up and energizes me.

? Even if you do not think you can teach, you should give it a try. I used to be afraid to ask questions in class and could not speak publicly until the age of 20. I suggest starting in a 1:1 situation if this is new to you. You can start with a family member or friend. Someone who is supportive and cares about you and needs your help. Then you can work your way to smaller groups. Who knows, this may lead to your next career. Working in the computer industry and in startups forced me speak regularly to large and small groups of people all over Asia Pacific, Europe and US. My art and dance technique has improved tremendously through teaching. Worst case, you are just going to get better in your area of expertise/passion/interest.

5. Read an inspirational book, an inspirational blog or watch an inspirational movie or biography show on TV.

? I like reading autobiographies and biographies of real people and how they have risen above their circumstances or adversities. Some people find this depressing, I find it motivational. It's like - "Well, if they can get over this, so can I". Some of my favorite books are:

"Wild Swans: The three daughters of China" by Jung Chang,

"Such a long journey" by Rohinton Mistry,

"Stolen Lives" by Malika Oufkir and Michele Fitoussi,

"Daughter of Destiny - an autobiography" by Benazir Bhutto,

"The autobiography of Quincy Jones" by Quincy Jones,

"Jack: Straight from the Gut" by Jack Welch and John A Byrne

"The Power of One" by Bryce Courtenay - don't see the movie, read the book. Even though it's fiction, I really identified with the lonely little boy. And so many other books I could not bring with me as I've moved around so much.

? I loved the movie "Seabiscuit"... I am "Seabiscuit" - I didn't fit in, was once a cripple, do not look like everyone else and was expected to fail. The biography movies and shows on TV profiling successful business people, musicians, artists, athletes and world leaders have been eye-opening and inspiring - Warren Buffet, Oprah, Bill Gates, Sting, Jon Bon Jovi, Shania Twain, Jim Carrey, Christina Aguilera, Gandhi, Malcolm X, Ray Charles, Mohammed Ali, Tina Turner, Olga Korbut, Oksana Baiul etc.

? I bought "The Millionaire Maker" book by Loral Langemeier to help solve my boyfriend's problem; I ended up reading the book and signing up for their coaching services. My coaches recognized my vast personal experience in the arena of life transformations, my skills in teaching others and led me to my life purpose as a coach!

? Your local library is a great free resource for books and some movies. Netflix.com is great for easy convenient access to movies. I buy my books from Amazon.com - there is a used section if you have limited funds.

6. Call up or visit a friend

? Friends who have more problems than you - make him/her feel better.

I have a few friends in this category - I don't tell them about what I'm going through. I just focus on them, make them laugh or tell them what a great mother/father/son/daughter/grandparent they are and how if they were my parents or siblings or grandparents, I would be so lucky. Then I proceed to tell them about how they are special. If they are in the midst of a crisis, I see what I can do to help. It's surprising how quickly you can gain perspective on your problems when someone else you care about is facing life or death situations.

? Friends who are wise happy souls who can put things in perspective.

My friends, students, staff, clients confide in me when they are having problems - I'm their wise happy soul. It makes me feel good and adds to my happiness when I'm able to bring a smile to their face or provide some relief for their emotional pain. I usually ask them in the big scheme of things, if they were to die tomorrow, how important is this pain/adversity compared to all the wonderful things they have going on in their lives?

I have one close friend who I call when I'm in the middle of a relationship crisis and she can reflect back and summarize my jumbled thoughts into something cohesive which I can take action on.

As I have always helped others, I didn't get a lot of help myself until I signed up for my first coaching program which has been life changing.

? Avoid calling friends who will just keep you in that negative loop. They enjoy hearing your tales of misery and have more tales of misery for you to confirm how much your life sucks. And even more evidence that the world is a cruel place so you may as well just slit your throat and end it now. Ok I'm exaggerating but you know what I'm talking about. These people do not offer solutions - they just like to wallow in doom and gloom.

? If you do not have friends, this will need to be in your long term strategy for happiness and prosperity. You can volunteer at non-profits to help others less fortunate and hire a coach as your wise happy friend.

7. Go to a peaceful place - do this in your mind or in reality

? I'm not good at meditating but this technique works for me. I am lucky to live in a peaceful place so I can just sit in my yard, look at the canyons and do these breathing exercises - I drop my head down to my chest and I breathe in deeply and when exhaling, I am imagining that I am pushing out the negative emotions that are causing the clutching in my chest or that knot in my stomach. I keep doing this until the intense feelings are reduced. Then I replace it with thoughts of good things like how lucky I am to have a home, to have my health, to have good people in my life, to have a sound mind etc. This is an adaptation of Larry Crane's release technique. I discovered this in my 40s and it really made a difference. I got rid of a growth by doing this - when I went in for the procedure, the ob-gyn looked at me in shock and said it was gone! There were many other obstacles that just worked themselves out when I concentrated on releasing the negative emotions around those problems. For example: I hate driving and used to drive up to 3-5 hours round-trip at times for business. By releasing on these emotions, through an amazing series of events, the studio owner of a local ballroom studio offered me a teaching position at his studio, just 13 minutes from my home (this is close for Los Angeles area).

I do a modified breathing exercise with my art students - they really like it as it immediately disengages their mind from their problems and relaxes them. Some of my students have to battle Los Angeles traffic (always horrendous) to get to my art classes so they arrive rather stressed and rattled. I first start by getting them to take a deep breath - most of them jump up from their chairs at this point and stretch their arms up in the air while they are breathing in. Then when they breathe out, I encourage them to shake, rotate or stretch out their tense muscles, usually in their heads, necks, shoulders, arms, etc. Then we take another deep breath and when breathing out, I instruct them to push out the negative thoughts and anxieties that are inside their heads, or the clutching in their chest or stomach. Then on the final deep breath, I thank them for being there with me, I remind them how they are all beautiful people and how lucky we are to be painting with each other.

? Drive out to the ocean and listen to the surf - that always centers me, brings a feeling of calmness and makes me feel strong and powerful again. When my relationship was falling apart, when my uncle passed away, when I was burned out - just a few hours by the ocean got me going again.

? Go for a walk in nature. Try to get away from cars, technology and people. I find that very healing.

? If you have funds, get a massage. If only the leaders of the world would regularly get good massages. Perhaps there will be less fighting and more love. I only discovered this when I was in my late 30s - boy did that help me with my stress.

? If you love animals, getting a pet can help you. Just stroking your cat or dog is very calming and peaceful.

8. Create something

? I usually paint - I get out my watercolors and start playing around with the colors. After a while, some inspiration will come and this process of creation always makes me feel better.

? Or I cook - it's even better when I can cook and feed someone else. The sounds of someone appreciating my cooking always make me smile. Don't do this if you have weight issues - you will just get more depressed.

? When I injured my knee and could not walk upstairs, I started sewing as that activity involved sitting in one place or cutting from the floor. I taught myself how to sew and made ball-gowns to hide my bent leg when I was dancing. Yes, I still went dancing even though I spent most of the time sitting down. It distracted me from my painful knee and now I have 10+ new outfits to wear dancing!

? Start a journal - write down 3 good things that happened to you today. Do this every day. It can be as simple as a friend calling you on the phone. Or the sun coming out. Those are good things. Or write down everything you are feeling every day. It does not have to make sense, just dump it out. Who knows, this may lead to your next career - writing. That's how I started writing. I have lots of little unfinished stories scattered around in my computer and in several journals. All produced during times of great stress, anxiety, grief or shock.

? If you have never done anything creative before but have a general interest, go with that. If you do not know how to get started, buy a how-to book or signup for a class in wood carving, pottery, art, glass-blowing, cooking, writing, piano, violin, bass, dance etc. That's how I got started in painting - I woke up one day with this strong compulsion to paint with the Chinese brush in 2001. I went on the internet and found a Chinese brush painting class in San Francisco and on that Saturday painted for the first time. Boy did that change my life forever!

9. Express love and gratitude to your loved ones. If you have a spouse, children, family or friends who love you - reach out to them and tell them how much you love them and how much they mean to you. Give them a hug or a kiss.

? I don't have family but I write emails to my close friends at odd times. It's usually too late to call. I will tell them I'm thinking of them and hope they are doing well. I thank them for their friendship, and tell them how special they are. When you tell people they are special, it means more to them if you spell out what it is they are good at or identify a specific event which highlights their talents eg: great listeners, patient, creative problem solvers, great sense of humor etc.

? I tell my boyfriend all the time how much I love him, what his specials talents are. I reach out and ask for a hug when I need it. That always makes me feel better.

10. Take a trip to somewhere completely opposite to what you are going through - if you were burned by people, then go to a third world country like Brazil or Cuba where there are still happy people who care about each other even though they are really poor. If you are coming out of a completely frazzled situation - go somewhere remote and peaceful without a lot of people - the more unknown the better.

? When I left Oracle for a startup which went bankrupt 6 months later, those 6 months were so intense it left me drained, numb and tired of bad people.

Instead of doing what I would normally do in that situation - update my resume and job search, I flew out to Cancun, met with a dance friend and exploring pyramids, wells, caves and beautiful beaches. We found a little place in Tulum, 2 hours south of Cancun and stayed in a little hut on the beach. There was no electricity; the floor of the hut was sand. It cost almost nothing. That was on of the most rejuvenating times for me. We then flew to Miami for the largest Salsa festival in the US - Calle Ocho and danced our butt off for 1 week with 2 other dance friends. I came back to San Francisco with a tan, lost about 10 pounds, a smile on my face and found a voice-mail from the President of a new startup inviting me in for an interview. He hired me on the spot as Director of Marketing. How cool was that!

? There was a time when I was really burned out from dealing with unethical people and people who took advantage of my kind helpful nature. I began to lose my faith in the human race. I found myself in a deep depression, not wanting to eat, not able to sleep, not wanting to interact with anyone. I signed up for a dance program to Cuba and the 2 weeks there was life changing. Cuba was just coming out of their famine and the people there were so poor - food was hard to come by, even if you had money, there was nothing to buy in the stores. But I have never happier people in my life. They were filled with joy, laughter and love. Their abundance spilled out to all of us -foreigners - all broken in our many ways. What was clear to me then was because there was no money or material things to buy, their time was not spent in pursuit of money. Their time was spent with each other, laughing, singing, dancing, talking, hugging, playing music or doing other things together. There are no lonely people in Cuba. When I was with our group of local Cuban dancers, if I wandered off on my own, they would always call out, "Come walk with us, don't walk alone". Their children are their national treasure - children can wander everywhere and they are held, loved, taken care of and fed by their neighbors and total strangers. Someone will always bring the kids home to their parents at the end of the day. How amazing is that?

? Other places I've been to which are great for recovering your spirits - Koh Chang in Thailand, Pulau Langkawi or Pulau Tioman in Malaysia, Morro de Sao Paolo in Brazil. These places are all inexpensive, remote and peaceful. I had an ocean-front beach hut for $9/night in Thailand and daily massages for $10/hr. I stay away from the hectic expensive resorts. I only went to hectic expensive resorts when it was funded by my work. When I'm funding it, then it could also be expensive resorts but peaceful ones - like the Kea Lani in Maui and the Grand Wailea in Maui (only for the incredible spa - the rest of the resort is too chaotic).

Not all of these are long term strategies for enduring happiness but they will help get you out of your state of shock, despair, numbness, depression, paralysis, anxiety or frustration etc. The release of the negative emotions that are tying you up in knots will allow your objectivity and creativity to kick in. Often, the obstacle/adversity is not going to be as insurmountable as it first appears and the solution will present itself once your head is clear. Just by the simple fact of taking some action, you be changing your results... you are no longer beating up on yourself or repeated asking your mind for a solution when it clearly does not have enough information to make a decision. Changing your actions, bypasses your current negative thoughts and feelings and that changes the result. The change in your energy will allow you to attract a different result. And often one good thing will lead to another to another.

Appendix A: Your "10 Quick-fixes to Happiness and Prosperity"

Use this worksheet to develop your own "10 Quick-fixes". Develop them around your own interests and passions. If you do not have any passions or interests, then by trying the quick-fixes, you will find your own passions or interest. Do not limit yourself to what is just on my list, brain-storm and come up with your own ideas. Send them to me and I will compile them into a "Best of Quick-fixes".

Do any combinations of these several times a day or at minimum, once a day. Continue this everyday, vary the activities so that it does not get boring.

1. Play good music loudly Start date:_________

Write down the songs that make you smile and dance or make you feel calm and peaceful. Make a compilation. Use Pandora.com to find more similar songs

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

2. Exercise 30 mins - 1 hr, sweat-heart pumping! Start date:_________

Name your exercise(s): _____________________________________________

3. Take a Class around your interest or passion Start date:_________

List your interest/passion(s): ________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

4. Teach someone your expertise/passion/interest Start date: ____________

What can you teach? ______________________________________________

Who will you teach this to? _________________________________________

5. Read inspirational books/ blogs/movies Start date: ____________

_______________________________________________________________

6. Call up a friend - Start date: ____________

Name of friend(s) who has more problems than you _____________________

________________________________________________________________

Name of friend(s) who is a wise happy soul _____________________________

________________________________________________________________

7. Go to a peaceful place Start date: ____________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

8. Create something Start date: ____________

What have you created in the past, go as far back as when you were a kid that always put a smile on your face or peace in your soul? What are the 10 things in your life you are grateful for?

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

9. Express love and gratitude to your loved ones Start date: ____________

List their special qualities: ___________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

10. Take a trip Start date: ____________

I use my credit card for my purchases to accumulate frequent flyer miles so I can take a trip anywhere. Make sure you pay the full amount off every month!

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

Karen is an expert in overcoming obstacles and making life choices that bring true happiness and prosperity.

Karen was born in Malaysia, the result of adoption gone wrong. She left home at 18 with no money, no plan, no friends, and 8 months in a new country, Australia. She was finally free and for the first time in 10 years...happy again. Karen picked raspberries and then put herself through college, working 4-5 jobs. She graduated with Bachelor of Science degrees in Chemistry and Computer Science and a graduate Honors degree in Chemistry, creating 15 new compounds. 2 scientific papers were published on her research.

Karen worked 16+ years in the technology Industry in Australia, Asia Pacific and US, with many startups, Oracle and Microsoft. She had a lot of fun and was rewarded with top performer awards, bonuses, promotions, and 100% clubs. The last start-up was a winner: she was a millionaire at 38.

Karen tried many activities like sailing, golfing, skiing, drumming, motor-cycling, wind-surfing before falling in love with salsa dancing. A severe foot injury led her to Ballroom dancing which led her to Ballroom competitions and coaching.

Karen walked away from a lot of money when she left the computing industry in 2001. She started painting...thus began her emotional transformation. She was featured on HGTV and selected as the artist of the year by the City of Buena Park and began coaching beginner adults, helping them with their creative transformations.

Karen has transformed the lives of 400+ individuals, helping them find their passions, succeed in business or unleash their creativity! Through her business and life coaching practice, Karen is helping individuals and business owners work less, make more money and get their lives back!

coaching: http://www.coachinglifeadventures.com
art and dance: http://www.ricepaperart.com

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.