Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Ten Tips For Choosing a Roofing Contractor

Ten Tips For Choosing a Roofing Contractor
By Scott Siegal




One of the best ways to choose a roofing contractor is to speak with them over the phone or meet with them and ask them some questions. To locate a roofing contractor to contact you can ask friends and family for referrals or do a Google search as there are many great roofing directory sites that will provide a short list of roofers in your area. Its also worthwhile to check out the contractor's own website as well.



Doing a little digging might seem time-consuming but what is even more time-consuming not to mention costly is to fix a botched roof job. So how should you select a roofing contractor? Tips for selecting a roofing contractor fall into three categories: the contractor's qualifications, the contractor's work, and the contractor's past. Read the tips below.



Qualifications

  • First, do not hire a roofing contractor who is not licensed.



    However, just because a contractor is licensed does not necessarily mean the contractor is a committed professional who will do excellent work. You can tell more about a contractor's commitment by seeing if the contractor is a member of a trade association and if the contractor has taken any continuing education training. If the contractor says yes, call the trade association and ask to see certificates of the continuing education.



  • Make sure they have a permanent business.



    When selecting a contractor, you need to be confident that the contractor will be able to complete the work they promised to do. One of the best ways to have this confidence is to select a contractor who can financially commit to finishing your project. The contractor should have a permanent phone number and address. Visit their business to see if they have the equipment and employees to complete your project successfully.



  • Ask if they have insurance coverage and how much.



    Just because they have insurance, it might not be very much coverage. Have the contractor show you a certificate of insurance. Contractors can get a certificate of their insurance that shows coverage dates and policy limits from their insurance carrier. Also ask if they have workers' compensation coverage. Because property owners can be sued for accidents that occur on their property, it is very important that all contractors have workers' compensation insurance.



The Contractor's Workmanship

  • All contractors also need to have a safety plan so ask your potential contractor to provide you with one. Safety plans are important for making sure projects get completed and are required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).



  • Find out how long the contractor's warranty on work performed is. A typical time period is one year or longer. The length of the warranty doesn't matter so much as whether the contractor plans to stand behind the warranty. Good contractors often will work beyond a written contract. Keep in mind that the manufacturer provides product warranties and often warranties are only valid if a contractor is "certified" to install the product. Be sure to talk to your contractor about following manufacturer specifications that are necessary for product warranty.



  • The contractor should thoroughly discuss your home improvement project with you. Areas to talk about with your contractor include the color and type of products you want to use, how to get a permit if necessary, what the daily clean-up procedure is, and how the work will be paid for.



Past Performance and Customer Service

  • Find out how long the contractor has been in business. Though a contractor in business for a year or two might do excellent work, it would be better to select a contractor who has been in business for at least five years. Often the longer a contractor has been in business, the more experience they have, which often means more choices and better workmanship for your roof.



  • Ask to see pictures of the contractor's work and for references from past customers. Get this information on the contractor's website or by calling previous customers and asking what they thought.



  • Many of the best contractors have had to handle complaints. Complaints are not necessarily bad, but the way a contractor has handled them can be. Ask the contractor how they have dealt with complaints in the past or call the Better Business Bureau to find out.



In addition to the above advice, another worthwhile tip for selecting a roofing contractor is to have three contractors you are considering submit three bids in writing. Having three bids in writing is useful to compare prices and products the contractors will use to complete the project. If one bid is significantly higher or lower than the others, this could be a red flag. Again, roofing directory sites can help streamline the process here, by putting you in contact with three roofing companies by filling out just one estimate request form.

Remember, what it all comes down to is what your instinct is telling you about the contractor. Even if the contractor manages to meet the above tips but something is telling you not to hire the contractor, don't. With a home improvement job as important as repairing or replacing a roof, you need to hire a roofing contractor whom you feel very good about the work getting done.

Scott Siegal is the president of Maggio Roofing, a Maryland roofing contractor for three decades. Maggio Roofing handles various roof projects including maintenance, gutter cleaning, repairs, and replacements. The company pays attention to both the roof's function and style, serving both commercial and residential clients in and around the greater Washington DC region.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_Siegal
http://EzineArticles.com/?Ten-Tips-For-Choosing-a-Roofing-Contractor&id=1391232



Maryland Roofing Contractors

Saturday, November 28, 2009

As People Search for the Chance to Fame

As People Search for the Chance to Fame

Author: Emma G. Fox

Television plays a vital role in our society. It has become the leading means on bringing information to every family, through the shows they enjoy, right in the comfort of their own homes. With reality shows taking center stage in today’s entertainment industry, people search for their own shinning moment and try to grab hold of it when opportunity knocks on their doorstep. There are times they run after it believing that if they pursue it, they’ll get it one way or another. These are the dreams people search for all their lives. And now they have a chance to shine.

It’s one against many.

The ration of “me vs. the rest” has grown more and more every year. For every season a reality show strikes, especially those that focuses on talent productions, being famous has now become a matter of giving one great performance to win people’s attention rather than bringing home the first prize. However, competition has become tighter as every season pass.

Stakes are higher and things can get wilder at times in reality searches. From day one where the hopefuls are introduced, backstabbing and the “I’m better”, “I’m the best”, and “He / she is pathetic” starts rising. It’s a candidate’s attitude (standout presentation) that gives the knack to get ahead (or at least in the finalist list). These are usually common in shows, which require a person to interact with the rest of the candidates, or even a dashing debonair. Talent shows, on the other hand, gives attitude and fashion a boost giving them a stand out look like the goofy hopefuls in shows like American Idol.

Competition can give that boost of challenge but there are times that people tend to overly do it bringing someone down. These are tough times but one must be opt to take the challenge to be the next…

People’s choice

It’s winning the crowd. What makes reality show take on the pedestal in today’s TV programming is the people’s involvement in choosing who they think should win. It’s their vote and not what any judges would say that makes or breaks a contestant’s chance to win the prize. Their fate lies in the hands that would vote for them either through phone calls, text messages, or internet polls. This is the toughest of them all.

A contestant may be supported by family and friends. The fact still remains that there are persons out there, related to other contestants or not, that may think that a certain contestant is undeserving of winning or (and at times) of even joining. Contestants therefore show their character—their real selves but with the flavor of sportsmanship. They are game and are open to correction.

TV Programs had gone a long way with regards to how they deliver lessons. Reality shows gives that twist of comedy and drama that only real life can spice. However, as people search for their own chance to aim high, there’s a reminder we that need to keep in mind. There is nothing wrong in aiming higher and going for the most yearned success. However there is this need to look back at those who have given the support needed to be at the point of fame—learn to bow down.

About the Author:

Emma G. Fox is a freelance writer, with experiences working as a marketing executive in a leading authority on the web when it comes to conducting and searching background check and especially the find people, with the largest database consisting of over 26 billion government records is provided.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - As People Search for the Chance to Fame

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

iphone T199 dual sim wifi java TV iphone Wholesale from china

iphone T199 dual sim wifi java TV iphone Wholesale from china

Author: Andy

There's no questions that the overseas iPhone clones are gaining more acceptance. The economy has helped quite a bit with that, of course. It makes sense to not throw your money away on a contract or on minutes or Internet that you don't use. Sometimes, it's much cheaper to use pay as you go or pre paid so that you are actually paying for only what you use.

The iphone T199 has been a very popular addition the the clone line up. Some of the reasons for this popularity are the fact that this contract free phone has WiFi, GPS, and runs on the Windows operating system. It also is a quad band that includes Java, but this really only tells you the highlights of the phone. In the following article, I'll go over some of the particular specifications of the JAVA iphone T199.

T199

Highlights about wifi iphone T199

  • Dual sim dual standby
  • Wifi
  • Java2.0,
  • Bluetooth
  • Dual camera,
  • Analog TV
  • FM radio
  • Voice recorder
  • 3.2inch super huge screen,
  • Mini iphone outlook, built-in gravity inducer

Specifications:

  • Network:GSM900/1800mHz
  • Language:Chinese(Simplified),Chinese (Traditional),English,Russian, Arabic, Persian, Turkish, German,French
  • Memory:2GB, Document management
  • LCD screen Size: 3.2 inch, 260 thousand color; PX: 240*320px
  • FM radio: FM stereo, can play outside with earphone
  • Camera: 13.0 lacpixel; support to shoot video with sound, the time depends on storage
  • Data Transfer: USB cable/ card-reader/Bluetooth ( file transmission, voice, stereo)
  • Standby Photo: jpg,gif Main features
  • Telephone directories: 800groups,incoming call ringtones,incoming groups,incoming call firewall
  • SMS & MMS: 160 messages, MMS
  • Video: 3GP,MP4,AVI,can play full screen, auto horizonal
  • Ringtone: ; Ringtone format: mp3,mp4,midiMusic: play mp3 at background,equalizer,bluetooth stereo
  • Schedule power on/off: support auto start/close
  • Alarm clock: 5 group setting,can set up from Monday toSunday at random
  • Games: 4classic game,JAVA games
  • Additional Application: MP3/MP4/Handsfree/Voice recorder/WAP/Radio/Bluetooth/GPRS download/MMS/E-book/E-dictionary/online stock/IP dialing/calendar/to do list/alarm clock/editing ringtone/remit converter/unit converter/stopwatch/world time/schedule/health management

Agoodseller.com has excellent work group, it also has rich experiences of research, produce and sales at Consumer Electronics. Moreover, Agoodseller.com has the powerful technology and advanced equipment, All these make Agoodseller.com playing an important part in the electronic & digital line! Agoodseller.com make the efforts on products that are with new series, marketable models and best quality, Therefore, all the products are popular in the world.
Agoodseller.com is also cooperating closely with many factories, so the price that we offer to the consumer is directly from the Chinese Factory

About the Author:

http://www.agoodseller.com is specializing in supplying high quality Consumer Electronics to customers,It is located in shenzhen,which is the Consumer Electronics manufacturing center of China.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - iphone T199 dual sim wifi java TV iphone Wholesale from china

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Panama Corporation

Panama Corporation

Author: aaroah sunil

Panama corporations are growing in popularity everyday. Panama corporations have a lot of advantages associated with them. The major advantages that such companies offer is that of confidentiality and security, not to mention the obvious cost benefits.

Under Panamanian law, Panama corporations are exempted from reporting requirements. Also all business processes undertaken outside the territorial limits of Panama will not be subject to taxation. Panama Corporations also have the added benefit of a minimal government fee of just $300.

One of the most unique qualities of a Panama Corporation is that there is no opening capital requirement for it. The company can be started with as little capital as possible. The government also has no restrictions with foreigners controlling or forming such Panama Corporations.

Another unique feature of Panama Corporations is that they are allowed to issue shares in the bearer form. This means that the ownership of the share lies in the hands of the holder. This allows a greater degree of confidentiality as no names are involved.

Some other advantages of such corporations are that they are allowed to have their shareholders’ and directors’ meetings anywhere in the world. There are no requisites regarding the meetings having to be held in the head office or registered office, etc. Also, there are no geographical restrictions as to where the books of accounts need to be kept. Furthermore, there are no restrictions about the registered agent having to keep any records at all.

These are some of the major reasons for these corporations becoming so common in the recent past.

About the Author:

Kiren Raj is an expert when it comes to Indie Clothing and Vintage Tees.

You can also purchase the Ames bros .

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Panama Corporation

Thursday, November 19, 2009

MINI168 --best electronic Christmas gifts

MINI168 --best electronic Christmas gifts

Author: Andy

Electronics are the fashion of the decade. Whether you're shopping for a young child or a grandparent, there's always going to be one thing on their wish list for sure. But where will you get Christmas gifts of such a wide and varied nature? You can go to the mall, or you can go to department stores, but as the days before Christmas tick down, availability starts becoming an issue and the lines get downright nightmarish. Rather than suffer that, order it online, and if the days are getting short, do it with rush shipping to make sure it gets to you on time for Christmas.

Here at agoodseller.com you can avoid all that and get exactly the item you need without having to dig through returned items or fight with overworked sales clerks. Christmas gifts are supposed to be fun to buy, right?the following is called mini168 and it has more function than other cellphone,especially it can you a discount price

mini168

Electronics are the ne plus ultra of Christmas gifts. Unless you're buying a new car or a house, electronics can be the most expensive thing you can buy. It's important, therefore, to get the most bang for your buck. You wouldn't want to shell out a couple grand then be stuck with a shoddy product when a little more shopping around could have gotten you the best there is. The obvious solution is to browse around and find the best thing. But how?

Shopping online for Christmas gifts is far better than shopping in a store for a single reason: you have access to the internet while you're doing it. Why is this better? Have you ever bought an item, told a friend about it, and the first thing out of your friend's mouth is, "you should have gotten ____"? When shopping online, you have access to all the online reviews and you don't have to take the clerk's word for how good something is. Before buying something, look online and see what other people thought about the product, both long and short term.

Agoodseller - We have everything you need for your electronic Christmas gifts - every customer can get a wholesale price and can discount if you have lots,it continues to be at the forefront of technology, and provides customers with not only everything they need to satisfy their computer needs, but the customer service to back it up.

Agoodseller Electronics - Online retailer - Your resource for electronic Christmas gifts

About the Author:

Agoodseller Electronics http://www.agoodseller.com - Online retailer - Your resource for electronic Christmas gifts

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - MINI168 --best electronic Christmas gifts

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Using a Virtual PBX System to Allow Your Company to Use Virtual Employees

Using a Virtual PBX System to Allow Your Company to Use Virtual Employees

Author: Kathe555

Using a Virtual PBX System to Allow Your Company to Use Virtual Employees

My company, http://www.californiabusinessresource.com offers free business advice to budding entrepreneurs. We have lots of articles that we are constantly submitting to our site, and it causes us a lot of work. We like to use Virtual Assistants to do this work.

It didn’t take very long to notice that it would be excellent if we could have some of our V.A.s answer incoming phone calls, as well as make outbound calls to our existing clients. So we started on the search for a Virtual PBX system.

Not too long ago, it was the traditional PBX system used all around the world by businesses big or small. The traditional PBX systems or phone booth exchange systems as they were popularly called had the limitation of providing service to one location and all the employees had to be in one location to access it for attending calls, and checking voicemails. Moreover, they were costly in terms of money and effort. But this all changed with the innovation of VoIP that lead to the creation of new virtual PBX systems. These systems have changed the way businesses communicate and manage their employees. They are based on voice over internet protocol technology or VoIP that uses the internet to send and receive calls.

Using virtual employees through virtual PBX systems

If you get the right system, these virtual systems have redefined the way work is done. The flurry of benefits include giving a professional feel to the client with auto attendants, presenting a big picture, interaction with the callers while you are on move by diverting calls, and a virtual presence…and all that at very affordable prices! Another very important advantage of virtual PBX systems is the geographical limitlessness.

Many small businesses hire a number of freelancers or remote employees to take care of their various operations so that they can use their tiny budget in the most effective way. Virtual PBX systems allow your business to have employees all over the world and despite of geographical distance, they can be connected through this single phone system as if they are sitting in the next cubicle. Calls can be directed to any phone, may it be landline, mobile phone like iPhone or a software phone on employee’s laptop. There is no need to invest in new phones; old ones can be used making it highly affordable. The facility of conference calling allows you to be in touch with your employees irrespective of their location.

Features

Virtual PBX systems are loaded with many features. Call transferring, call distribution, call prioritization, voice mail, find me follow me call forwarding, fax, auto attendants, all get together to make handing of virtual employees much easier and profitable for your business. Call auto attendants eliminate the need of real receptionists and handle the customers with professional messages and customized menus. Calls are redirected at the appropriate place with find me follow me call forwarding to the appropriate employee even if he or she is actually residing half way down the globe. There are many virtual PBX systems available in the market. OnSIP by junction networks, AccessDirect USA, Halloo, Axon and Grasshopper are among the most popular on the VoIP communication scene. Halloo is a personal favorite of many entrepreneurs because it provides real time transfers and works as a perfect system for call centers. Many will allow you to transfer your existing toll free numbers without any extra charge.

Virtual PBX systems provide a very cost effective way to communicate and to use virtual employees no matter where they are. The productivity enhancing features save your money and time. Virtual PBX systems with timely upgrades and good support system reduce the expenses to a great extent and allow you to concentrate more on your business.

For more information that can assist your business, please go to www.californiabusinessresource.com

About the Author:

Kathe is a SCORE volunteer and is very active in the small business community. For more information that can help your business, go to http://www.californiabusinessresource.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Using a Virtual PBX System to Allow Your Company to Use Virtual Employees

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Internet Consulting Business - Why Not Start Your Own

Internet Consulting Business - Why Not Start Your Own

Author: Stanko K

Do your friends come to you with every question under the sun, because they know you are the most resourceful one in the group, the "Center of Influence"? If so, why not refer them to a company you started, provide products and services priced in such a way that makes you both affordable and competitive and make some extra cash?

There are many good companies out there who offer services that you refer business to. Sure they may give you a referral fee, or compensate you in some way, but they are making big bucks off of your networking abilities.

We all want to live the American dream (get married, buy a house and become a business owner). Now you can be the CEO of Your Network. Here is a list of ways to do that:

1. Put together a list of services that you yourself can complete.

2. Add to that list all of the other services you would normally refer out and include that in your company offering of services.

3. Make an arrangement with the company that you would have normally outsourced the business to and "white label" their services. That way you get the job completed and your own company gets all of the credit for the quality work.

4. Add the completed job to your portfolio and now you can say you offer everything under the sun.

What you have accomplished in all of this is:

1. Created a company for yourself.

2. Helped your friends and network with whatever services they needed to be completed.

3. Made some extra cash on the side!

Most businesses fail not because they do poor quality work, but because they have trouble finding the clients to do the work for. If you have a large network, that means the heavy lifting has already been done.

About the Author:

If you would like help starting your own Consulting Business, or to get your company Discovered Locally, please visit http://www.discoveredlocally.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Internet Consulting Business - Why Not Start Your Own

Sunday, November 8, 2009

When 90% of Internet Marketers Fail, How is it Possible to Achieve Success?

When 90% of Internet Marketers Fail, How is it Possible to Achieve Success?

Author: John

This is a question asked by many online entrepreneurs. This is very understandable since only 10% of people that jump into internet marketing actually make it back alive. How is success possible? The raw truth may surprise you, there are a few simple steps you can take to become a part in the 10% group. Its time to make it a reality.

One skill the 10% have and you may not have is discipline. It takes serious discipline in this industry to get anywhere. People with internet discipline can say no to the many online business opportunities that will point you in the wrong direction because there are many people that will take advantage of a new comer and point them in a wrong direction.

Having the discipline to stay focused on one project at a time will separate you from everyone else. Sounds simple right? Giving up is the cause of failure. You can never fail if you never give up right? This was my problem i always jumped from one project to the next. I could literally write a book full of online business projects i had done.

The point is this, learn the discipline to stay focuses on one project until it is finished. Giving up is not an option for you. Drill this in you head over and over until everything sinks in. Most importantly though, you must not give up until your goals are reached. The best selling book in the history of the world says, "Ask and you shall receive". So start asking today!

This is what will take the most time and genuine dedication, but its a necessary step to make this all happen for you.

About the Author:

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Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - When 90% of Internet Marketers Fail, How is it Possible to Achieve Success?

Saturday, November 7, 2009

How To Make Money On The Internet

How To Make Money On The Internet

Author: Jmac

Being the owner of an online business is one of the best feelings I know.

The startup costs are very small in comparison to starting a "dirt world" business. Before the Internet, setting up in business was a high risk activity. You could invest thousands in an idea that you really believe in only to find and nobody else believes in it. I'm sure you've heard the statistics : ninety five percent of new startups fail. Not a great figure, it has to be said.

I'm not saying that starting an Internet business is likely to succeed any more than a regular business but the risks involved are much smaller. You could start up fifty online businesses for the amount of money you may have invested in a real world business. That is quite a powerful fact. On the Internet you have room to fail. You just have to pick yourself up and try something else.

Another reason setting up an Internet business is a smart decision these days, is the fact that more and more people are parting with their cash online every single day. No, I'm not talking about credit card fraud, I'm talking about consumers starting to prefer the online experience to traipsing around a shopping center arguing with their partner! Or is that just me?

Many people are starting to trust online transactions and this can only continue. As a matter of fact, buying products online is a much safer activity than handing over your credit card in your favorite restaurant. So you trust that guy behind the counter do you? This increase in online transactions is good news for you if you're looking to start an online business.

In 2005, for the first time, the Internet advertising spend overtook traditional media advertising. This is a hugely significant fact. Comparatively, companies spent more advertising online than they did placing adverts in print media, television and radio. This means that companies are beginning to see the power of the Internet and what it can do for their business.

Furthermore, a fantastic benefit to doing business online is the fact that in most cases, selling instantly deliverable products on the Internet such as ebooks and software provides a passive income for years to come. You set the business up once and it pays you over and over again. Does that beat working the 9-5 for forty years? ummmm ... you bet it does.

Of course you do need to maintain your business, or businesses but compared to an offline business this pales into insignificance. You can easily maintain ten, twenty or even fifty online businesses every day. I should know, I have done so.

Something else to think about is that many investment companies are now looking online and they are buying web properties in ever increasing numbers. For them it's a no brainer. If you can demonstrate that you are putting a certain amount of money in and realizing a certain return then you have a quantifiable business. Businesses which can prove they are in profit are selling for big money online at the moment.

This is only set to continue. Recently I saw one website sell for upwards of forty grand. This website has only been online for six months but the owner knew enough to be able to instantly create a profitable business. Forty thousand dollars! For you, maybe this is a lot of money but to an investment firm this is nothing. Especially if the business can create a thousand percent profit which many online businesses can easily do.

It's an investment firm's dream come true. Why should they have to rely on uncertain and downright dodgy investments when they can buy web properties which are almost guaranteed to turn a profit. In the years to come you will see many valuable web properties being bought and sold online. Now is the time to build your business.

In 2005 one guy sold four web sites for over five million dollars. He had owned these web sites for just over one year. He had been able to show a consistent profit over the twelve months and so had created a very valuable web property. Five million dollars may sound like a lot but these websites will have the potential to make way more than that over time. By the way, these were one or two page web sites.

You can easily create businesses for around one hundred dollars. You will have to invest another couple of hundred in advertising but if you do it right you could be turning a profit inside thirty days. Keep records for three to six months and sell your business for a massive profit. The best bit is, once you have sold your business you can do it all over again. You can even do it in the same niche if you like!

So now there is no doubt left in your mind that setting up an online business is what you want to do .. how do you do it? This is where the fun begins! There's so much information out there that you will almost certainly suffer from information overload at some point. We've all been there.

However, most of this info is filler and misinformation. There are only three or four genuine tactics which you need to know about in order to profit handsomely online. To get more info on these strategies please see the resource box at the end of this article. Now go forth and profit!

Did you find this article helpful? visit http://www.effiliatecity.info/

About the Author:

Jmac is an online researcher of Affiliate Marketing, for more insight on how people all over the world are earning an income online go to
http://www.effiliatecity.info/what-is-affiliate-marketing.php

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - How To Make Money On The Internet

Friday, November 6, 2009

Social Networking

Social Networking

Author: Alfred

Social networking websites are, for the most part, easy to use. Most are easy to navigate. In fact, many require little knowledge of the internet. In addition to being easy to navigate, social networking websites also make it easier to meet new people online. There are millions of internet users who would love to be able to make new friends online; however, that can sometimes be difficult do.

From a conceptual standpoint, online social networking is no different than traditional networking and socializing. You meet people and get to know them by sharing information about each other. Those you like and/or share interests with become part of your "network." The marketing magic kicks in when those in your network start talking about you. Your reputation spreads by word-of-mouth.

Indeed, social networking is popular nowadays, but of course it takes a matter of time before it was adapted by people or group of people such as the business people. But now, there is business to business social networking. And there are actually some advantages in business to business social networking.

The concept of social networking for business is to rely on “word of mouth”. Members of a particular site would invite other people to expand their contacts. As the owner of an online business, you should see this as a great opportunity to indirectly advertise. Imagine, if your product becomes a hit, members of the social networking site that you joined will be promoting your product to people who will easily believe them.

Earning from social networking is not uncommon. Many advertisers look for sites, which have high traffic and pay the owner to advertise. It is also a well-known fact in the internet community that social networking websites have millions of visitors and just to direct a fraction of them to your business’s site will surely increase your potential profit. Many surveys and researches have also confirmed that these sites earn much and countless businesses have profited off it easily.

The social networking web sites are very popular these days. If you look at the figures of revenue generated by the web sites in the past few years, you will notice that most of the highest earners are from the social networking category. Social networking web sites are generally very well visited ones. Squidoo and MySpace are two such names.

Seven. You will want to make sure that you are active at social networking sites. Profitable social networking depends upon the amount of time that you devote to this exercise. Eight. Finally, there are some consultants that can provide you with professional advice when it comes to social networking in this day and age.

The first tip in utilizing the power of social networking websites is to continue to grow and build your network. The greater or larger your network, the larger your reach is amongst the masses. The larger the number of people you can reach, the better your chance to market and promote your business’s products.

There are some people who believe in the myth of individualism in which everyone succeeds or fails on the basis of an individuals own abilities and efforts. However research shows that having a strong social network increases the chance of getting a job, pay and promotion, influence and effectiveness, etc.

Read about chimpanzee habitat. Also read about theory of evolution and social networking

About the Author:

Read about ayushveda blogs.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Social Networking

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Oven Ready Property Development Projects in the UK

Oven Ready Property Development Projects in the UK

Author: Chris Dowdeswell

Perhaps it is a sign of improving times in the property market and the UK economy that we are now able to offer to our clients a very exciting new opportunity to establish or grow your business through refurbishing and developing residential property within the UK.

CD Property Finance has teamed up with a former Development Director of a major UK house builder who can offer profitable small developments to suitable applicants in a variety of locations around the UK.

The main features of this property development scheme are set out below:

  • The developments are primarily single unit refurbishment and development schemes using Permitted Development Rights so that planning consent is not required.
  • Maximum Gross Development Value of £500,000
  • Up to 100% development funding available - client must have clean credit history.
  • Up to 75% funding through buy to let on completion of project, if this is required
  • Each project to show minimum of 25% profit based on Gross Development Value.
  • It is not essential that the client should have direct experience of the construction industry.

Our partner provides a full service right from the start of the project and this only concludes with the sale or refinance of the developed property. Our partner services includes:

1 - Property finding and appraisal

2 - Arrangement of funding

3 - Architectural design

4 - Quantity surveying and project management

5 - Assistance with sales and marketing

If this scheme is of interest to you, please contact us by email chris@cdpropertyfinance.com and we will provide you with further information. You can also visit or website or blogspot for more information on CD Property Finance.

Chris Dowdeswell - CD Property Finance Ltd

www.cdpropertyfinance.com

www.cdpropertyfinance.blogspot.com

About the Author:

Chris Dowdeswell is an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers and a long standing member of the National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers.

Chris Dowdeswell worked in commercial and property banking in the City of London and overseas for over 20 years before setting up CDPF and has a wealth of experience and contacts which he uses for the benefit of his clients.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Oven Ready Property Development Projects in the UK

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Direct Sales Tips: What is Direct Sales?

Direct Sales Tips: What is Direct Sales?

Author: elan pfalzgraf

Direct sales is a method of selling a consumer product or a service, person-to-person and away from a fixed retail location. These consumer products are sold through in-home product demonstrations, "home parties" and one-on-one selling by salespeople. Such products or services are usually marketed to customers by independent salespeople or teams of salespeople. Depending on the sales company structure, the salespeople may be called consultants, distributors, representatives, or a number of other different titles. Direct selling can be a part time job or a full time business, depending on the needs and wants of the salesperson. Direct sales is one of the oldest sales methods still going strong today.

Industry representative, the World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFDSA), reported that its 59 regional member associations had accounted for over US$114 Billion in retail sales in 2007, through the activities of over 62 million independent sales representatives.

According to the WFDSA, consumers and customers benefit from direct selling and sales because of the high quality of service, convenience, delivery method, and the satisfaction gaurantees provided. A major benefit to an individual that wants to begin a career in the independent direct selling business is the usually low startup costs. Most companies require little or no required inventory or other cash commitments to begin. If a company you are interested in joining does require high costs for inventory and startups, be very careful. These companies may actually be pyramid schemes, not direct selling or sales companies.

Research by the United States Direct Selling Association (DSA) reported that in the year 2000, 55% of adult Americans had at some time purchased items or services from a direct sales consultant and 20% reported that they were currently(6%) or had been in the past(14%) a direct sales consultant.

Direct selling is different from direct marketing because it is focused on individual sales agents contacting, networking, and dealing directly with clients and customers. Direct marketing is business organizations more focused on seeking a relationship with their customers without going through a salesperson or retail outlet.

Direct sales companies also usually offer a multi-level compensation plan that greatly benefits the individual consultants. Not only does the company pay commission to the salesperson for their own individual sales, but they will also pay bonuses on sales of other salespersons that were introduced and trained by that particular salesperson. Not only can someone make decent income by networking and selling the services or products, but by building and training a large successful team of individual consultants.

Direct selling can be the key to running your own business and being able to control your income. With a successful direct sales company and a well thought out plan of attack, Direct Selling can be your ticket to freedom from bosses, commutes, and time restraints.

About the Author:

ECP has years of experience running successful direct sales businesses. Learn more direct sales tips and information. You don't have to suffer through trial and error for months, get your direct sales business information!

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Direct Sales Tips: What is Direct Sales?

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

False Mortgage Ads Mean More Business

False Mortgage Ads Mean More Business

Author: Rob Blake

Looks can be deceiving. No true words were ever spoken, especially when spoken about mortgage ads. Knowing the lies stuffed in the average mortgage ad is the first step to becoming a better mortgage shopper. So, let’s get started.

Mortgage advertisements are not to be trusted.

A Good Faith Estimate (GFE) is legally required to show you costs, rate, payment, and cash needed to close. And in the hands of an ethical mortgage broker, you can bank on the numbers.

But all too often, that is the exception, not the rule.

Radio spots, newspaper advertisements, and TV commercials, are all designed to get the phone to ring, not give you real information.

The No Cost Mortgage Lie

The phrase "no cost" in mortgage ads is a case in point. There is no such thing as a "no cost" loan, and the state of California outlawed the phrase in mortgage advertising in their state, but that does help those of you outside California.

Many large banks and small mortgage lenders alike have used this lie in their national ad campaigns. They may call their program a No Fee or No Closing Cost loan, but regardless of the name...it is one of the most deceptive of mortgage advertisements.

To understand this lie, you must understand in order for the bank or lender to make your loan a "no cost or no fee loan, they must jack up the rate. I don't see how anyone could consider a rate 1% or more above a normal rate is not "costing" the customer.
It is.

The Low Ball Rate Quote Lie

Mortgage advertisers always low-ball rates in their ads. I once worked for a company and the branch manager consistently low-balled the rate for the Sunday Newspaper display ad, saying when I questioned him on it, "Hey, I'm not paying $1200 for the ad and not getting the phone ring.”

So don't believe rates quoted in kind of mortgage advertisement.

Think about it...every mortgage customer has a different credit score, loan-to value, and income picture, so how could one rate apply to all?

Simply put, it can't.

The Missing Rate Lie

Also if the rate is mysteriously missing, that itself should raise a red flag!

When the ad on focuses on "closing costs" (or the lack of them) or the "flat fee", or the low payments and therefore the amount of "savings" you'll get....look out!

The Quicken Advantage loan ad campaign comes to mind. The ad said you could save $6000 a year with their loan. Sounds good right?

Wrong!

If you read the fine print, you would realize this mortgage had an adjustable rate and you only paid the interest with each payment.

This means if rates go up, you'll lose any savings by having to refinance again. And to add insult to injury, you may not be able to refinance to get away from the rising rate since your balance has not moved, but your home value may have dropped.

Misleading ads are here to stay. So always be aware of the built-in deceptions when mortgage shopping or suffer the consequences.

About the Author:

Rob K. Blake, mortgage expert and author, educates mortgage shoppers on finding local providers by state like California Mortgage Brokers and Lenders and provides reviews of national companies like ABN AMRO Mortgage.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - False Mortgage Ads Mean More Business

Monday, November 2, 2009

Top 10 Cities For Business Golf

Top 10 Cities For Business Golf (1)

Author: sylvia

In these challenging times, the old saw that there's more business done on the golf course (Top 10 Strangest Golf Courses) than in the boardroom may need some revising. Then again, it's hard to refute. Whether you're looking to impress or relax, a great golf course offers the perfect refuge. If you're lacking private club access, or you're on a schmooze-fest out of town, you'll need exactly the right kind of course to seal the deal. Here are 20 quality tracks in 10 of the top U.S. business centers.

1. Business Hub: New York
Upscale Course Guaranteed to Impress
Ballyowen Golf Club
973-827-5996
crystalgolfresort.com
$80-$145

An hour's drive southeast of Manhattan into the rural highlands of north-central New Jersey sits this well rendered homage to Scottish and Irish links, complete with rumpled, near-treeless terrain, fierce, waving fescues framing the fairways and a bagpiper at dusk. Now 11 years old, this Roger Rulewich design sports enough water and sand to compel some serious shotmaking, but the be-knickered staff, superb grooming and handsome two-story clubhouse will make you and your associates forget about any double-bogies.

Value Course Guaranteed to Impress
Bethpage State Park (Red)
516-249-0700
nysparks.com
$41-$92

OK, so it's not the Black ... but it's the next best thing. Compared to the Black, you'll save nearly $30, have a much easier time getting on and have much more fun playing it. This 1935 A.W. Tillinghast Long Island creation opens with one of the region's toughest par-4s, but calms down considerably after that. After the round, you can kick back in the sprawling clubhouse and bask in the lingering U.S. Open aura.

2. Business Hub: Los Angeles
Upscale Course Guaranteed to Impress
Trump National Los Angeles
310-303-3240
trumpnationallosangeles.com
$160-$275

Donald Trump is all about making memorable, lasting impressions, and the only public course in his growing portfolio does just that in spectacular fashion. While the 7,200-yard track is a tad claustrophobic in spots, its bluff-top location overlooking the Pacific Ocean, some 25 minutes south of LAX in Rancho Palos Verdes, is unforgettable — as are the service, clubhouse decor, and dining.

Value Course Guaranteed to Impress
Rustic Canyon Golf Club
805-530-0221
rusticcanyongolfcourse.com
$25-$73

It's worth the hour drive northwest of L.A. to sample one of the nation's best bargains, a firm, fast shotmakers' delight that sports huge, undulating greens, massive tattered-edge bunkers and tons of strategic options.

3. Business Hub: Atlanta
Upscale Course Guaranteed to Impress
Bear's Best Golf Club
678-714-2582
bearsbest.com
$64-$114

Some 45 minutes northeast of Atlanta, Jack Nicklaus has replicated 18 holes of his own designs scattered about the globe. What could have been a messy gimmick instead is a seamlessly flowing track, thanks to Jack's wise choice of holes. Some are famous, others are not, but they all fit in nicely on the rolling, wooded tract. Two par-3s, one from Florida's PGA National, the other from Ohio's Muirfield Village, will leave you grinning, even as they wreck your scorecard.

Value Course Guaranteed to Impress
Stone Mountain Park (Lakemont)
770-465-3278
stonemountainpark.com
$55-$69

An easy half-hour drive east of downtown, Stone Mountain boasts two solid 18s. The Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed Stonemont course is the stronger test, but the newer Lakemont is more interesting and memorable, starting with the opening par-5 that's backdropped by a lake and by Stone Mountain itself, complete with Rushmore-style carvings of Confederate leaders.

4. Business Hub: Boston
Upscale Course Guaranteed to Impress
Pinehills Golf Club
508-209-3000
pinehillsgolf.com
$60-$110

This 36-hole retreat 40 miles south of Boston is private-course posh without the initiation fees or monthly dues. Wayward hitters will find the Rees Jones course the slightly tougher of the two, while the Jack Nicklaus II design entertains with wider fairways. No matter your preference, the remarkable practice facility and clubhouse are guaranteed to wow.

Value Course Guaranteed to Impress
George Wright Golf Course
617-364-2300
cityofboston.gov
$31-$64

Only 10 minutes from downtown in Hyde Park, this conveniently located urban greenbelt may offer iffy conditioning due to heavy play, but its classic Donald Ross design has aged beautifully.

5. Business Hub: San Francisco/San Jose
Upscale Course Guaranteed to Impress
Half Moon Bay (Ocean course)
650-726-1800
hmbgolflinks.com
$160-$205

The tree-lined, Arnold Palmer/Frank Duane-designed Old course, renowned for its cliff-top par-4 18th, dates to 1973, but it's the 11-year-old, Arthur Hills-designed Ocean course that captivates. Despite its cramped front nine, the Ocean roars with a closing stretch of holes that, when free of fog, rival anything you'll play on either coast. Toss in the oceanside Mullins Bar & Grill and the off-the-charts service and amenities next door at the Ritz-Carlton, and you'll see why Half Moon Bay shines so brightly for your business escape.

Value Course Guaranteed to Impress
Callippe Preserve
925-426-6666
playcallippe.com
$36-$78

Blend equal parts trees, bunkers, elevation changes and mountain views with a rustic but convenient East Bay location, and you have Callippe Preserve. Native oaks, twisting Happy Valley Creek and postcard views of Mt. Diablo add further charm. It's a straight shot up I-680 from San Jose, and you get from Silicon Valley sprawl to fields of butterflies in a hurry.

Business Etiquette Tips

Copyright reserved by Golfleading.com

About the Author:

Golf is an attitude.

Discount Golf Clubs

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Top 10 Cities For Business Golf (1)

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Best Home Based Business - Is EBay Online Business Right For You?

Best Home Based Business - Is EBay Online Business Right For You?


Author:
Judson Solomon



With the economy continuing to struggle and the unemployment rate at a outrageous level, more and more people are seeking for jobs on the net. One of the numerous work from home ideas entrepreneurs run into is EBay. As with any position you look into, there are benefits and cons to turning EBay into an online business.

One of the desirable qualities to having an EBay business is that there are little to no skills indispensable. You don't need to be an internet promotion expert or be absolutely computer savvy. As long as you have products to sell and have an account by ways of the web site, you can come to a living off of such a business.

You will find it to be doable to sell just about anything imaginable on EBay. What can be junk to you can be gold to somebody else. For this circumstance, there is no limit as to what you can make cash off of. This opens the doors for potentially an excellent deal of business.

Finally, you get to work from the comfort of your own home. You can work always that you want, do whatever you want, and pile up your earnings with little work involved. No longer do you require to take orders from a boss or do projects you have no desire to do.

Unfortunately, with the good comes the bad. While there is the potential to sell just about anything you can call to mind on EBay, there is no certify that you will sell the products you have. Each day you must get on and hope that somebody has bid on the products enough that you will actually profit off of them.

As with numerous other areas of internet promotion, the competition is incredibly stiff. There are hundreds of thousands of other people all offering similar items on EBay hoping for an identical thing as you; to come to a living off of this work from home opportunity. This can make it hard to actually see the kind of results you had hoped for.

The last downside to running an EBay business online is that there are many fees associated with this. EBay has redone their charge structure through the last few years by raising the charges. While they are still relatively low, it can decrease the little amount of profit you are generating in the first place.

There are several benefits and cons to work from home opportunities such as starting an EBay business. While the potential for victory is there, there are no real guarantees as to what form of results you will see.

About the Author:

About the author:
Judson Solomon is the owner and web master of http://www.Alpha-WorkFromHome.com and reviews popular Work From Home Ideas. Visit his web site to find out how to earn money at home.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Best Home Based Business - Is EBay Online Business Right For You?

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Market Shares

Market Shares

Author: Alfred

Income stocks are the stocks of companies with high and stable earnings that pay high dividends to the shareholders. The shares of such companies usually use mutual funds in the plans for middle-aged and elderly people.

No other investment promises such big and quick returns as the stock market. . Shares are liquid assets, which can be easily sold or bought, and you can even sell a portion of it. Moreover, this entire process of selling and buying shares doesn't take more than a few seconds especially with online stockbrokers available.

Now Sarasota and the commercial real estate market that is tagged with its name, real estate investors and realtors are pouring in. Developers have created different kinds of strategies to market the new and attractive fast life for every client. Real estate do not only use ads and media, nowadays, the Internet has also become one of the main sources of information for a commercial real estate property find.

You can take part in one of the many free-to-enter stockpicking competitions that the popular financial websites sometimes run. A few of them offer cash prizes. As a beginner you wouldn't expect to win. But you could fluke it. And in the meantime it will help hone your selection skills.

Now a interesting fact has emerged that you might not be aware of is that in the Chinese share market, which is full of domestic investors (only 47, yes 47 foreign investors are authorized to invest directly in the Chinese market),

If you are also willing to invest in stocks, the most common suggestion you might get from your friends and relatives is that you need a lot of research about the flexible market trends. In fact, it's a sound advice, but your research should be in the appropriate direction. There are several stock trading firms, Websites, and various online information that you can access through the Internet

The first thing you need to know is how the share market works. You need to understand what is going on and how and why it works. This means that you should take some time to learn about it, and you would even want to read some books from some great investors to learn their techniques and perspective on trading.

If you should go back to the olden days, you would realize that trading was never such a complicated and difficult-to-grasp business as it is today! Terminology like stocks and securities, stock market day trading, currency trading and so on, did not even exist in those days!

Stock Options give the holder the right to buy or sell particular shares at a fixed pre-determined price within a fixed period of time. Stock options can be traded in the same way that the underlying stock can be bought and sold.

Stock Market terminology can be daunting especially for the beginner, and Stock Options can be even harder to understand. I have put together a glossary of common terms relating to options trading that may help the novice trader.

Read about cage ferret. Also read about electrochemistry and market shares

About the Author:

Read about ayushveda blogs.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Market Shares

Friday, October 30, 2009

Retirement Plan Options For Small Businesses

Retirement Plan Options For Small Businesses

Author: MiNeeds

Author: Ron Leyva

Article Source: MiNeeds.com, where consumers get competitive bids from Accountants/CPA’s. Read reviews, compare offers & save. It’s free!

Article Link: http://www.mineeds.com/Claremont/Leyva-Business-Services/Articles/Retirement-Plan-Options-For-Small-Businesses

Tags: MiNeeds, Accountants / CPAs, Claremont, CA, 91711, Leyva Business Services, Ron, Leyva, Retirement Plan Options For Small Businesses

So, you have gone into business for yourself...Way to go. But you want to put a retirement plan in place for you employees, but don't know what you can do. Here are some options that might be in interest to you. This article is a bit long, but I hope that it provides you with some information that can make take some worry off your mind.

According to The Pension & Welfare Benefits Administration, small businesses employ nearly 40% of the private-sector workforce in the United States. However, a majority of small businesses do not offer their workers retirement savings benefits.

If you're like many other small business owners in the United States, you may be considering the various retirement plan options available for your company. Employer-sponsored retirement plans have become a key component for retirement savings. They are also an increasingly important tool for attracting and retaining the high-quality employees you need to compete in today's competitive environment.

Besides helping employees save for the future, however, instituting a retirement plan can provide you, as the employer, with benefits that enable you to make the most of your business's assets. Such benefits include:

• Tax-deferred growth on earnings within the plan

• Current tax savings on individual contributions to the plan

• Immediate tax deductions for employer contributions

• Easy to establish and maintain

• Low-cost benefit with a highly-perceived value by your employees

Types of Plans

Most private sector retirement plans are either defined benefit plans or defined contribution plans. Defined benefit plans are designed to provide a desired retirement benefit for each participant. This type of plan can allow for a rapid accumulation of assets over a short period of time. The required contribution is actuarially determined each year, based on factors such as age, years of employment, the desired retirement benefit, and the value of plan assets. Contributions are generally required each year and can vary widely.

A defined contribution plan, on the other hand, does not promise a specific amount of benefit at retirement. In these plans, employees or their employer (or both) contribute to employees' individual accounts under the plan, sometimes at a set rate (such as 5 percent of salary annually). A 401(k) plan is one type of defined contribution plan. Other types of defined contribution plans include profit-sharing plans, money purchase plans, and employee stock ownership plans.

Small businesses may choose to offer a defined benefit plan or any of these defined contribution plans. Many financial institutions and pension practitioners make available both defined benefit and defined contribution "prototype" plans that have been pre approved by the IRS. When such a plan meets the requirements of the tax code it is said to be qualified and will receive four significant tax benefits.

1. The income generated by the plan assets is not subject to income tax, because the income is earned and managed within the framework of a tax-exempt trust.

2. An employer is entitled to a current tax deduction for contributions to the plan.

3. The plan participants (the employees or their beneficiaries) do not have to pay income tax on the amounts contributed on their behalf until the year the funds are distributed to them by the employer.

4. Under the right circumstances, beneficiaries of qualified plan distributors are afforded special tax treatment.

It is necessary to note that all retirement plans have important tax, business and other implications for employers and employees. Therefore, you should discuss any retirement savings plan that you consider implementing with your accountant or other financial advisor.

Here's a brief look at some plans that can help you and your employees save.

SIMPLE: Savings Incentive Match Plans for Employees of Small Employers

A SIMPLE plan allows employees to contribute a percentage of their salary each paycheck and to have their employer match their contribution. Under SIMPLE plans, employees can set aside up to $11,500 in 2009 ($10,500 in 2008) by payroll deduction. If the employee is 50 or older then they may contribute an additional $2,500. Employers can either match employee contributions dollar for dollar - up to 3 percent of an employees wage - or make a fixed contribution of 2 percent of pay for all eligible employees instead of a matching contribution.

SIMPLE plans are easy to set up - you fill out a short form, administrative costs are low, and much of the paperwork is done by the financial institution that handles the SIMPLE plan accounts. Employers may choose either to permit employees to select the IRA to which their contributions will be sent, or to send contributions for all employees to one financial institution. Employees are 100% vested in contributions, get to decide how and where the money will be invested, and keep their IRA accounts even when they change jobs.

SEPs: Simplified Employee Pensions

A SEP allows employers to set up a type of individual retirement account - known as a SEP-IRA - for themselves and their employees. Employers must contribute a uniform percentage of pay for each employee. Employer contributions are limited to the lesser of 25 percent of an employee's annual salary or $49,000 in 2009 ($46,000 in 2008. This amount is indexed for inflation and will vary each year). SEPs can be started by most employers, including those that are self-employed.

SEPs have low start-up and operating costs and can be established using a single quarter-page form. Businesses are not locked into making contributions every year. You can decide how much to put into a SEP each year - offering you some flexibility when business conditions vary.

401(k)Plans

401(k) plans have become a widely accepted savings vehicle for small businesses. Today, an estimated 25 million American workers are enrolled in 401(k) plans that hold total assets of about $1 trillion.

A 401(k) Plan allows employees to contribute a portion of their own incomes toward their retirement. The employee contributions, not to exceed $16,500 in 2009 ($15,500 in 2008), reduce a participant's pay before income taxes, so that pre-tax dollars are invested. If the employee is 50 or older then they may contribute another $5,500 in 2009 ($5,000 and 2008). Employers may offer to match a certain percentage of the employees' contribution, increasing participation in the plan.

While more complex, 401(k)plans offer higher contribution limits than SIMPLE plans and IRAs, allowing employees to accumulate greater savings.

Profit-Sharing Plans

Employers also may make profit-sharing contributions to a plan that are unrelated to any amounts an employee chooses to contribute. Profit-sharing Plans are well suited for businesses with uncertain or fluctuating profits. In addition to the flexibility in deciding the amounts of the contributions, a Profit-Sharing Plan can include options such as service requirements, vesting schedules and plan loans that are not available under SEPs.

Contributions may range from 0% to 25% of eligible employees' compensation, to a maximum of $49,000 in 2009 ($46,000 in 2008) per employee. The contribution in any one year cannot exceed 25% of the total compensation of the employees participating in the plan. Contributions need not be the same percentage for all employees. Key employees may actually get as much as 25%, while others may get as little as 3%. A plan may combine these profit-sharing contributions with 401(k) contributions (and matching contributions).

Your Goals for a Retirement Plan

Business owners setup retirement plans for different reasons. Why are you considering one? Do you want to:

• Take advantage of the tax breaks, to save more money than you'd otherwise be able to?

• Provide competitive benefits in addition to - or in lieu of - high pay to employees?

• Primarily save for your own retirement?

You might say "all of the above." Small employers who want to set up retirement plans generally fall into one of two groups. The first group includes those who want to set up a retirement plan primarily because they want to create a tax-advantage savings vehicle for themselves and thus want to allocate the greatest possible part of the contribution to the owners. The second group includes those who just want a low-cost, simple retirement plan for employees.

If there were one plan that was most efficient in doing all these things, there wouldn't be so many choices. That's why it's so important to know what your goal is. Each type of plan has different advantages and disadvantages, and you can't really pick the best ones unless you know what your real purpose is in offering a plan. Once you have an idea of what your motives are, you're in a better position to weigh the alternatives and make the right pension choice.

If you do decide that you want to offer a retirement plan, you are definitely going to need some professional advice and guidance. Pension rules are complex, and the tax aspects of retirement plans can also be confusing. Make sure you confer with your accountant before deciding which plan is right for you and your employees.

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Retirement Plan Options For Small Businesses

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Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Retirement Plan Options For Small Businesses

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Business Prospects of a Home Health Agency

Business Prospects of a Home Health Agency

Author: Alice Shown

If you are thinking of starting your own business then don’t miss out the scopes of opening a home health agency. Home health care agencies are companies that provide both medical and non-medical care to aged individuals and patients suffering from critical ailments or those recovering from injuries and surgeries.

The advancement of medical science has increased the normal life expectancy leading to a rise in the number of aged citizens who need constant care and attention. The companies provide complete medical assistance to such people through trained and experienced nurses, clinical assistants and competent caregivers.

There are training centers offering extensive health care training programs which can prove to be fairly handy while operating the business. Some of these training programs are accompanied by various business support services.

The business operator can choose to provide either non-medical, medical health care services or both depending on his resources. The non-medical health services include personal care, assistance in daily living chores, medication reminders and transportation. Medical health services comprise regular coordination with the client’s physician, on-time medication, adequate medical attention to wounds and pain management.

How to start the health care agency?

* Location plays a crucial role in the success of your home health care business. It is advisable to select an area with the highest number of senior citizens so that you can offer your health service to a larger group of clients.

* Obtaining a license is mandatory in order to legally operate your business. The licensing requirements vary from state to state.

* Sometimes in special cases, additional certification and licensing acts are required. In certain cases, the licensing authorities demand that the agency should have at least seven clients along with steady revenue and operating funds for three months.

* The success of the business rests on the shoulders of the employees. Hence one must not compromise with the quality of service provided. If an agency offers medical health services then it must have experienced and trained medical professionals.

* It is advisable that the business operator develops a close network with the allied medical institutes in the locality so that they can seek valuable assistance in times of medical emergency.

Home health care agencies are one of the most flourishing businesses in the health care industry. If you have a sense of empathy for patients and the zeal to serve, then home health services can be a great career option. Visit us at http://www.homehealthstartup.com

About the Author:

Start a Home Health Agency - We at HomeHealthStartup.com have helped more than 200 Nurses, Elder care workers and Entrepreneurs start their own Agency. We have equipped them with the tools for success & helped them control their own destiny.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Business Prospects of a Home Health Agency

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Ideals For Home Based Business

Ideals For Home Based Business

Author: Calvin McCarthy

What are Home Based Business Ideals? Some things that you can do from your home would be a home based business. Like selling trinkets, selling or managing a real estate business. Any business large or small can be a home based business. Another example is a person may be a licensed counselor or even a doctor and they can operate from their home as well.

It is up to the individual as to what kind of a business he or she would like to operate or run from home. It may be something someone does only part time as a hobby. On the other hand, it can be something that someone is passionate about and loves to do full time. This can be a career and full time income as well.

Many things can be, done from home like Affiliate Marketing, or Telephone Operators, are, just a couple of things that can be, done from home. Affiliate Marketing is advertising products for others to receive a commission or portion of the sale of the products you promote. The Telephone Operators enter data from the customers into a companies system and are, paid an hourly wage. These are both Home Based Business Ideals and provide a good income.

Also Freelance Writer for hire this is where you write articles, books, e-books or web content for other people for a wage. People can even Build and Maintain Websites for others. These are all examples of Home Based Businesses Ideals that people can do in their home.

When you operate your own home business you can usually charge as little or as much as you wish for your services. Most of the times you will be a contractor for hire. This means that you will be responsible for paying your own taxes. Therefore, you should keep this in mind and save some back from each job. This will help you to pay the taxes at the end of the year.

In order to be able to have and operate a home based business. A person would need a large, quiet room, attic, or basement to convert, or make into an office. Then the office should have all the necessary equipment to run an office efficiently.

Your Home Based Business Ideal should be able to do all the daily functions of a professional business establishment easily. Once your home business Ideal is well, established you may even need to hire another person. They will be able to help you maintain the workload. Moreover, they could run the home business for you if you want to take some time off.

About the Author:

Want to build a profitable, legitimate online business? Learn the secrets to making money on the internet at AllAboutWebBusiness.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Ideals For Home Based Business

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Complete Office Solutions

Complete Office Solutions

Author: Jenny Andrew

Access Control Systems

Do you know who is in your office? When, where, and at what time?
Your data and your business assets are critical to you. With a secure access control system, not only are staff secure, their own integrity can be safeguarded. From simple clocking in 'time & attendance' functions to full remote monitoring and messaging services, Future Office Access Control solutions are safeguarding our clients large and small throughout the UK right now.

Within the systems, cctv can be integrated, fire and security alarms plus external barrier & turnstile controls for both human and vehicular access. i-Box, for example, operates both security and environmental monitoring and remote site monitoring, perfect for central IT management.Screens and Partitions

In today's open plan offices, there are times when you 'need to escape' or need privacy for client confidentiality etc.

Screens and partitions can be installed on a desktop or can be freestanding. From a simple desktop divider through to a self contained office unit, screens offer flexibility to a business where space is at a premium.

Screens are usually available in fabric, acrylic, vinyl and glazed finishes, with screens to fit all requirements and interiors.
Fixed glazed and permanent partitioning is designed and installed to suit individual requirements. Partners who can etch or emboss glass with corporate logo's can be introduced to enable you to create your own unique environment.

Storage partitioning offers an ideal alternative to conventional partitioning, using cupboard storage to effectively create office and meeting space. Such systems combine the features of breaking up space with the functionality of essential storage units.

Audio Visual & Presentation Systems
As companies work to limit paper use, how do we keep our clients and staff informed?
The ability to scan straight to 'flash pen/usb drives' means it is easier than ever to have truly portable documents. Why have your message on a laptop when it can be presented on a wall?

Projection, audio systems, display screens and touch screen technologies, bringing interactive learning and commerce to a business. Such systems can produce deal clinching boardroom, adding that important finishing touch to a presentation suite, impressing clients and showing off a business to its best potential.

Health and safety in the workplace has cost many companies significant sums of money in recent years through lack of compliance. Staff are the key assets to a company, critical to the day to day business service delivery. Comfortable staff work longer hours, are more productive and show a better return for their employers.

Office furniture suppliers look at the environment staff work in, the space needed to work effectively in and the number of people that are required to be accommodated within that space. The new office is then planned out, observing importantly the HSE guidelines on a modern working space to ensure your business' compliancy to ever changing directives. Many offer a full service which assists with not just office desks and office seating but all aspects of an office make-over or build including flooring, lighting, electronics and cabling.

People are all different shapes and sizes and all have different roles and requirements. Understanding ergonomics and the role it plays in the office is essential. After the common cold, backache is the greatest cause of absenteeism in the UK and a major cause is incorrect posture and more importantly, unsuitable office workplace seating. The cost of one week's salary will often cover the cost of high grade seating.

Office seating should provide good back support and have the ability to be easily adjustable to the correct working height. It is important that elbows sit at the same height as the keyboard and feet are placed comfortably, flat on the floor.

About the Author:

Future Office provide office furniture, office desks, seating, storage and screen solutions to create the perfect environment to welcome your clients and your employees.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Complete Office Solutions

Monday, October 26, 2009

Future Of Accounting: IFRS v. GAAP

Future Of Accounting: IFRS v. GAAP

Author: Spriggan13

The actions of Bernie Madoff and Kenneth Lay (Enron Co.) made quite an impact on business America. While thousands lost everything they had, the U.S economy lost something far greater; their ethical backbone and credibility. Since then, many consumers, corporations, and world economies put the U.S. economy under a microscope. GAAP and industry standards have been scrutinized, revised, and reformed. Despite the recent changes and strengthening of U.S. GAPP, the adoption of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) has become a potential possibility.

The adoption of IFRS has several positive attributes, with its greatest being the improvement of financial reporting to global investors, the facilitation of cross-border investments, and the integration of capital markets. Given that the global “IFRS network” has already reached a significant scale, the United States would benefit greatly by conforming, rather than remaining in the smaller underdeveloped IFRS network. It is difficult to gauge the magnitude of the effects but several studies and beliefs exist regarding the various effects of adopting IFRS.

Empirical studies show that the costs and benefits of IFRS adoption vary amongst firms. Evidence shows that voluntary IFRS adoption typically results in benefits exceeding costs. Voluntary adopters tend to have similar characteristics; larger in size, more likely to have international dispersed operations, more diffused ownership, and rely more on outside funding. In some respects, GAAP creates barriers for many U.S. companies limiting both expansion and growth. Consistent with the notion of comparability benefits, the primary beneficiaries of IFRS adoption would be the U.S. multinational firms, as well as their investors.

All accounting standards use discretion, since several figures stem from evaluations and approximations (such as the useful life of an asset, the value of company goodwill, etc). IFRS is no exception, and whether firms implement IFRS in ways that make the numbers more informative (such as footnotes and recognition) still poses a threat to the reliability of information. A single set of accounting standards does not guarantee the comparability of firms’ reporting practices, since enforcement is not the sole influence in achieving successful results. Ethics and other variables will always play a factor in the exercise of any accounting standards. It is essential to realize that the key elements of an institutional infrastructure fit and reinforce each other.

The best results have been seen in countries with strict enforcement regimes and institutional structures that provide strong reporting incentives. These countries are more likely to have discernable capital-market effects when using IFRS reporting. A “serious” commitment to IFRS has shown larger cost of capital and market liquidity benefits compared to adopting IFRS as a “label”. The comparison of accounting numbers under German GAAP against the use International Accounting Standards (IAS) for the same years reveal greater total assets, and book value of equity under IAS.

Mixed results including the benefit of mandatory IAS, do exist however between various industries. Regardless, a study spanning 26 different countries, with strict enforcement regimes and strong reporting incentives consistently showed an increase in market liquidity of 3-6%, a decrease in firms’ costs of capital, and a corresponding increase in equity valuations. Voluntary adopters of IFRS have better initial reporting incentives and are more responsive to institutional changes (switching to IFRS), resulting in greater benefits over the mandatory adopters. This raises the question whether the benefits received reside in the type of accounting practices and standards used or instead the incentives and changes that lie in other institutional factors. Perhaps creating standard incentives for strict adherence to the current GAAP would have a similar effect as adopting IFRS.

The intensity of public enforcement efforts in the U.S is unparalleled not just in terms of rules and regulations but also the staffing levels and budgets, actual enforcement actions, and sanctions imposed. The primarily enforcement agencies are the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC), U.S Congress, and the courts. In this aspect, the U.S stands as one of the greatest potential beneficiaries of IFRS.

In comparison, U.S. GAAP and IFRS are based on the same underlying philosophy, roots used in common law tradition, and capital-market orientation. In fact, U.S. GAAP constitutes a set of high-quality standards that is fairly similar to IFRS and expected to be even closer by the time the U.S may adopt IFRS. The IFRS adoption would be an easy transition insuring the same quality and benefits already enjoyed with GAAP. The comparability benefits and network effects of IFRS, however, provide a strong rationale to make the switch. Even if these benefits are modest, they are recurring in nature and accrue in the long run.

The U.S. uses GAAP that already mimics IFRS, has a large number of international operations, and monitors business through a strict enforcement regime. When considering the switch we must evaluate the cost-benefit trade off. The cost of IFRS would be the initial transition and the shift of accounting authority to the FASB. In return, America would benefit from the comparability benefits previously discussed, which are modest but accrue over a long term basis, and the recurring cost savings of reporting, which mainly effect multinational U.S. companies. Regardless, U.S. GAAP is slowly evolving through its adoption of various standards and practices of the IFRS. Others, including myself feel that the capitalist nature of a free market society will eventually meld the two standards together pushing the global economy to a new level of success.

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Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Future Of Accounting: IFRS v. GAAP