Effective marketing strategies to engage customers

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The goal of marketing is to attract and retain customers and to connect customers with a particular product. Consumers are bombarded with marketing messages every day. The challenge for marketing professionals is to devise effective marketing strategies that capture the attention of potential customers. The natural response is to gradually tune out the messages and limit the effectiveness of marketing

Traditional marketing practices seldom encourage active involvement of customers. The marketers often are satisfied with the regular purchase of the product by the customers and the level of engagement with the customers is limited to handling queries, handling complaints and loyalty programs.

The new economy has necessitated marketers to think beyond the typical purchase/sales orientation to a more pro-active customer engagement orientation. The web 2.0 and the rising popularity of social media have created a new cost effective platform for marketers to build and maintain customer engagement programs

Here are 5 things to get your hustle started…

(Listed in order of time/money investment.)

1. Social Media

It’s free! For those of you who like to “do-it-yourself,” it only takes about 5-10 minutes a day to post 1 relevant link to your network. For those too busy to care about social media—you can automate everything! Did I mention that it’s free?

What’s so important about social media (besides the fact that it’s free)?

Answer this question;
“Where do you get the majority of your business?”

Most people will answer current customers or referrals.

What better way to keep your current customers up-to-date on how awesome you are AND give them an easy way to share your awesomeness with their friends than through social media?

Make posting an article link, a thought, or an update about your business a priority. Let clients and prospects know what you’re up to and more importantly that you’re hustling for their business. Engage them…they will respond!

2. Email

Email marketing has become the true standard for companies who want to deliver value, stay in contact, AND have a targeted group of people to market to. Focus on building your list and continually adding value to your subscribers! Stop finding excuses not to implement an email marketing plan. People want your email.

3. Content

Adding value by offering your content through a blog or in product downloads such as ebooks or white papers shows your current and future customers that you have your finger on the pulse of what’s important to them. This kind of proactive effort is effective at building rapport and keeping you on the minds of everyone in your market. Remember, if you’re going to offer a free download, don’t give it away without asking for at least the name and email of the visitor (i.e.; integrate with your email marketing).

4. Webinars

Webinars should be renamed AUTHORITY MAKERS. Webinars help establish you as the expert and you can immediately become the authority on whatever subject you are speaking about. In some cases it might more more appropriate for your sales rep to do the presentations but either way you should be planning on putting a webinar together. Sales-type of webinars can be presented often (some present as much as once a week) and other special presentations can be offered once a quarter. Invite everyone and use all of your tools to promote the event. These are fantastic ways to personalize the customer experience and can be an extremely effective lead generation tool.

5. Promotions and Sweepstakes

Promotions and sweepstakes are a great way to provide an ongoing “Thank You” to current and future customers. These  can range from a monthly sweepstakes on your Facebook page to a time-sensitive offer like those found on Groupon or Yelp. Make sure you invest the necessary effort into creating a plan and outlining your expectations.

Note about promotions and sweepstakes:

• When you use promotions or sweepstakes on Facebook to get more fans, make sure you’re offering something that ONLY customers would want. If you try to offer something cool like an iPod or iPad you’ll end up getting a bunch of bogus entries that will skew your fan base. Focus on quality and not quantity.


• If you decide to go with a Groupon/Yelp deal make sure you’re not giving away the farm. (see: The ugly truth about Groupon…)

 

Surgery-Free Weight Loss Striking, But Short-Lived

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A one-year weight loss program based on lifestyle changes can help obese people shed almost as many pounds as surgery, German researchers say.

In a study published in the International Journal of Obesity, they found women who stuck with the program lost 43 pounds, while men trimmed their weight by 57 pounds.

But more than 40 percent quit before the year was up. And even among completers, three-quarters of the weight they'd lost had crept back after three years.

"Weight regain remains the Achilles' heel of all weight loss therapies," said Thomas Wadden, who runs the Center for Weight and Eating Disorders at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and was not involved in the new work.

Excess weight is one of the world's greatest health problems, tied to a host of chronic diseases, extra health care spending and early death. In the U.S., about a third of adults are obese.

While weight loss surgery effectively helps people slim down, complications and cost make the procedure less than ideal.

In the new study, Stephan Bischoff of the University of Hohenheim in Stuttgart and colleagues used a number of lifestyle changes, including a low-calorie diet, behavioral therapy, group meetings, nutritional counseling and exercise -- a weight loss program franchised by Nestle as OPTIFAST52. There is also an OPTIFAST program in the US, but it is only half as long as the German program.

The researchers, all of whom work for OPTIFAST centers, signed up more than 8,000 obese participants at dozens of centers across the country.

At the start of the program, women weighed about 247 pounds on average and men weighed 301 pounds. Combining all participants regardless of whether or not they finished the program, women lost an average of 33 pounds, with men shedding about 10 pounds more.

Those who stuck it out, about six out of every ten participants, lost 53 percent of their excess weight. That's close to the weight loss achieved by surgery -- about 60 percent -- the researchers note.

Completers also saw a number of other positive effects, such as lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels and better quality of life.

But when the researchers tracked a sample of 300 people three years after they'd completed the program, it turned out they had regained most of their original poundage. According to experts, that's less likely to happen after surgery.

Still, Bischoff said, a fifth of the participants were able to keep their new weight without further help.

Potential side effects from the program were rare, with the most common ones -- hair loss and constipation -- reported by less than one percent of the participants.

Whether those problems are a real consequence of the Nestle program is still uncertain, because the study didn't include a control group. By the same token, it's hard to be sure exactly what benefits came from the program itself, as opposed to just being part of a scientific study.

And there are other problems with the program, said Stanley Heshka, a nutrition researcher at Columbia University in New York.

Although OPTIFAST52 appears to work in the short term, he told Reuters Health by email, it is not a practical solution to America's obesity problem. Obese Americans tend to be poor, while intensive programs like Nestle's tend to be "very costly."

University of Pennsylvania's Wadden does see promise in weight loss programs, but said they need to do a better job of helping participants keep the pounds off.

"For every month that you spend losing weight, you should spend another month learning how to keep the weight off," he said.

5 Ways to Destress Right Now

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Need to get some relief, now? Whether you're at work or home, these five easy tips will leave you feeling relaxed and peaceful in a minute or less.

1. Stare up at the ceiling and count down from 60
Gazing upward stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which lowers blood pressure and slows the pace of the breath. Slow, deliberate counting will also help rid your mind of distractions.

2. Write down your worries in a notebook, then set it aside for tomorrow
Putting your problems down on paper—and knowing that they're there for you to work through later—may help take your mind off of them while you're trying to rest.

3. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth 10 times
Deep breathing slows the heart rate and calms the body. Focusing on your stomach rising and falling, and your breath flowing in and out, will help you concentrate on your body, instead of outside distractions.

4. Imagine floating on a cloud, and what you would see passing by
Guided imagery is a powerful meditation tool that can give you a temporary escape from everyday worries and stresses. Invite all your senses to participate: Imagine what you see, hear, and smell in this peaceful place.

5. Slowly tense and relax your muscles, from your head down to your toes
The body responds to stress by involuntarily tensing your muscles, which can cause pain and discomfort. Progressive muscle relaxation reduces muscle tension and general mental anxiety

Skills For Your Home-based Business

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If you have a lot of free time, and wanted to do something about it, a home-based business would be perfect. Setting up businesses from home has become a trend, simply because they are less stressful and don't need the big start-up capital to start with, as other types of businesses.

However, a home-based business is not like setting up a Hot-dog stand on your front porch. It involves a lot more work and dedication. If you are serious about starting a business at home, there are certain skills you need to master. You needs these skills for the successful operation of your home-based business.
Planning

Marketing

This area is probably one of the toughest most people struggle with. Most people get marketing mixed up with ‘selling’.

Think about marketing as ‘attracting’ customers to you versus “selling’. It is all in the way you 'communicate'. 'Pull' versus 'push'.

Here’s an interesting perspective:

• Marketing PREPARES people to buy


• Marketing is romance. It’s a process!


• Marketing excites people.


• Marketing drives people to your website.


• Marketing gets people to beg to enroll or buy from you.


• Marketing puts people into a buying mode.

Really and truly understanding the difference between 'hard sell' or honestly supporting / helping people find a solution to their problem.

It is all about how to treat people like human beings, 'not prospects. Build a relationship on trust. (Wow that is sure missing these days isn't it?! A novelty!)

Someone who teaches this well is Ari Galper. The creator of Unlock The Game™.

Ari overturns the notion of selling as we know it today. He profoundly shifts one's mindset about sales, to a place of complete integrity aligning with your values.

His teachings are based on new words and phrases grounded in sincerity. It is this sincerity that has earned him distinction as the world's leading authority on how to build trust in the world of selling.

His methods can be used for any business, home based or otherwise.

Ari has a deep understanding of human communication and how it can be maximized in the sales process. He teaches you how to ‘think’ differently where 'selling' becomes a joy rather then a chore.

Advertising

This can be a tough nut to crack with so many variables. It takes time and there is a real art to it.

Briefly you may want to think of it like:

• Advertising does just the OPPOSITE of marketing.


• Advertising is selling and that turns people off.


• Advertising is a selfish display of ego.


• Advertising should only be for “name” brands.


• Advertising is good to secure an identity.


• Let Coke and Nike advertise. You shouldn’t.

Advertising can support a marketing campaign, but advertising alone doesn’t work.

 

Keep in mind that whatever you choose for your business, it's important that you enjoy it. You're going to be spending a great deal of time doing it, and you'll need to be self-motivated and self-disciplined for much of that time to make the business a success. Starting with something that you're passionate about, or that you love doing, is a great way to get you on the right path.

 

www.bytrade.com: Top Five Businesses to Start in 2011

www.bytrade.com: Top Five Businesses to Start in 2011: "Global B2B buy sell website: http://www.bytrade.com   By Kate Rogers Looking to start a business this year? You may want to consider food..."

Top Five Businesses to Start in 2011

Global B2B buy sell website: http://www.bytrade.com

 

By Kate Rogers

Looking to start a business this year? You may want to consider food catering or landscaping. According to Sageworks, Inc., a financial analysis firm that researches privately-held companies, those are among the best service businesses to start up in 2011.

Darlene Horton, marketing manager for financial analysis firm Sageworks, Inc., said although starting a business may be intimidating, less funding is needed for the ventures that ranked at the top of their list.

"Many of the jobs are really intuitive," Horton said. "Especially because these can be started with low capital. These small start ups see growth and a return a profit on investment."

Sageworks ran an analysis of 11,918 companies for stats on small businesses with less than $5 million in sales.  Here are their picks for the top five service businesses to start this year:

No. 1: Catering Services and Mobile Food Contractors. A combination of limited time and money has made this industry a success, Horton said. Average sales growth over the past 12 months was 6.5%.

"We feel discretionary spending by consumers will remain low," Horton said. "They want quick, inexpensive meals. Also finding time to take leisurely lunch breaks is not as prevalent as it used to be." Food contractors are becoming more common in workplaces, she said, to meet this need.

No. 2: Graphic, Interior, or Industrial Design Firm. In bad times, people want to make the best of what they have. In real estate, for example, Horton said this trend is common.

"You have these design firms so you can compete with other homes on the market," she said. "Design is a differentiator. People will want that, even if they have to spend market value for it." This industry grew by 6.2% in the past 12 months.

No. 3: Computer Programming and Web site Design Consulting. Much like the trend with the housing market, Horton said businesses want to present themselves as best they can, leading to growth in this sector.

"Companies are looking to various media outlets to reach consumers," she said. "The minimum requirement is a good Web site." This industry grew by 5.0% over the past year.

No. 4: Bookkeeping and Account Services. Many companies are looking for money in their budgets, Horton said, leading this area of the service industry to grow by 4.9% over the past year.

"Cash is the lifeblood of an organization," she said. "Accounting is in high demand because they want opportunities to free up cash they have but aren't able to access."

No. 5: Landscaping, Janitorial or Pest Control Services. According to Sageworks, these maintenance services never go out of style, despite cash being tight. They grew by 4.7% in the past 12 months.

"This is probably a result of the fact that people aren't moving out of the properties they are currently in, so they're taking care of them," she said.

 

The Common Keyword Mistakes

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Search engine users commonly check out only the top result list (the first page) because searching the entire list for a particular keyword would mean a waste of time. If ranking high on search engines result list is such fundamental for the exposure to a site, how can online entrepreneurs ensure that their website is findable?

Compliance to web standards is one of the proven SEO Internet marketing strategies. This means avoiding the common mistakes that web developers commit when designing websites, be it for themselves or their clients.

#1 - The List

Let's say you visit the home page of a website that sells beauty supplies. As you read the copy, you keep coming across a string of items: hair salon supplies, hair salon equipment and professional manicure tables. The copy reads something like this:

The Best Selection of Hair Salon Supplies, Hair Salon Equipment and Professional Manicure Tables On the Internet

When you're shopping for hair salon supplies, hair salon equipment and professional manicure tables, you need a vendor who offers great selection as well as great service. Because buying hair salon supplies, hair salon equipment and professional manicure tables can be an expensive venture, you also want a company that delivers the lowest price.

Trust ABC Beauty Supply to bring you the widest selection of hair salon supplies, hair salon equipment and professional manicure tables in stock every day. Orders are shipped within 24 hours and - for all hair salon supplies, hair salon equipment and professional manicure tables orders over $100 - shipping is absolutely free!

 

Do you see how that flows (or doesn't flow) when you use all your keyphrases in a row every single time? One time, sure. That's fine. Even twice, depending on the length of your copy. But to put all your keyphrases in a list and use them every time you have the smallest opportunity is just far too repetitive. What do you do instead?

Discuss each one in its own section. Talk about the various types of hair salon supplies. Review the reasons your hair salon equipment is better than that sold by others. Or even list the features and benefits of the line of manicure tables you offer.

#2 - Substituting Keywords for Generic Terms

This technique (just like the one above) is perfectly fine IF you use it in moderation. However, to replace every instance of a generic term with a keyphrase will cause your copy to sound downright silly. Let's have a look at an example from a Web design site.

New Orleans Web Design

Our New Orleans Web design firm offers a high level of creativity to businesses located in the general area. Our New Orleans Web design styles are never made from templates. Each New Orleans Web design is a custom creation just for your site.

If you walked into a Web design company's office and the employees began to talk like that copy is written, you'd most likely think they were on drugs! So why in the world would you write your site copy that way? The reason is because most amateurs mistakenly think they can't write for both the search engines and the site visitors. I'm delighted to say they are wrong! You can most certainly write for both with great success.

 

5 Traps to Avoid When Starting Your Business

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While economists continue to debate whether we're truly rising out of the recession or entering into a double-dip, one thing is clear: The employment sector is still in a slump. The strongest job growth seems to be in the small business sector, which has accounted for 65% (or 9.8 million) of the net new private sector jobs created in the US between 1993 and 2009, according to the Small Business Administration. The small business sector has actually seen a surge in activity: Research from the Kauffman Foundation indicates that the number of American businesses created in 2009 marked a 14-year high, surpassing the number of businesses created during the 1999 and 2000 high-tech boom.

If you're thinking about starting or joining a small business in this economy, here are traps to avoid:

Undercapitalization

CNNMoney.com cites undercapitalization as the No. 1 reason businesses fail. New owners underestimate the amount of money they'll need to get started, or they overspend on expensive equipment and offices and blow through their budgets too quickly. They also might not take into account how long it takes to get cash flow started.

Joanna Krotz, co-author of the Microsoft Small Business Kit, points out that customers don't always pay promptly, and businesses need to account for this. She recommends adding 50 percent to the amount of money you think you'll need to start your business. And be conservative with your budget until you're sure your cash flow is stable. For example, consider starting with a small office and used furniture and upgrade later.

Lack of Research

Startup Professionals founder Martin Zwilling wrote in Forbes magazine that entrepreneurs sometimes believe that because they're in love with an idea, everyone else will love it too. Even if you build a better mousetrap, you should make sure the world is interested. Market research and a thorough evaluation of your competition are crucial parts of your business plan.

Selling Too Cheap

Undercutting the competition may sound like a good strategy, but it's not if you end up selling your product or service for less than it costs you to produce. Krotz, recommends you consider not only your wholesale costs, but also overhead and the profit margin you need to live on when you're pricing products or services.

Hiring the Wrong Help

Keeping your business in the family can pay off if your family members have the skills and drive to make the business a success. But choosing cousin Lenny to do your bookkeeping because he needs the job and once took an accounting course could cost you more than hiring a qualified accountant if Lenny messes up the books. Likewise, if all you can afford is unskilled labor, you might be better off doing the work yourself until you can afford someone with experience.

Burning Out

Starting a business requires a big commitment of time and resources. Failing to take time for your family and recharge yourself can lead to hurt feelings, damaged relationships and even debilitated health. Setting aside an hour a few times a week to exercise, making regular dates with your spouse and spending time with your children won't harm your business and might help you return to work with more energy and renewed enthusiasm.

Fortunately, more new businesses succeed than fail. According to the Census Bureau, nearly 7 in 10 new small businesses survive at least two years. What's most important isn't whether you succeed or fail in your intended milestones, but rather that you assess and learn from your actions along the way so that no mistake

Tips for Customer Retention

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Whether business is booming or suffering, ensuring that the business can keep its customers will mean that it will continue to exist. Retaining customers is an essential part of a successful company and it is the only way that a business will be able to grow. Many customer retention tips will relate to common courtesy and pleasantries that can be displayed in all aspects of life. As ruthless as some business areas can be, failing to treat customers well will not help the business. It should never be forgotten that where there is competition for business, there is choice for customers.

Here are 5 tips for customer retention:

1. Learn their needs. The number-one reason customers state for cancelling a service is “I no longer need it.” You need to find out why customers are saying they don’t have a use for your company any more. Within that answer is a marketing or product-improvement opportunity.

2. Develop a “save” strategy. If a good customer is headed out the door, what is your game plan for keeping them? Develop your strategy ahead of time so that your staff understands what to do if they learn a customer is departing.

3. Give them a great reason to come back
Special offers and incentives to your existing base can be very effective and have a higher conversion rate, than promotions to new customers. Unless you have a product or service that is likely to only be purchased once, this can be highly effective. Many businesses forget to let their existing customers know about new services or products on a regular basis or give them a more attractive incentive than new customers to come back or stay signed up.

4.Talk to your customers directly. Call them up, or meet one-on-one if you can. They’ll be honest about what they like and don’t about your products or services. Don’t just talk to your customers when it’s time to bill them – stay in touch all year.

5.Price for Loyalty
So many businesses use discounts or attractive offers to get you ‘hooked’ and then once you become a loyal and repeat customer and stay with them, charge you more or suddenly take away all the nice goodies! How does that make you feel? We’ve all signed up to those attractive incentives but then as soon as the price hikes we’re off shopping around again for the latest ‘deal’. The large High Street retailers, mobile phones, utilities and insurance companies to name but a few of the guilty, do this consistently. It only creates huge customer churn rates and their bucket becomes more leaky than ever! Price to reward your most loyal customers. If you offer a service, you can still give ‘hours or time’ for free – something for free now and then is usually noted and valued. I’m working with one of my client’s at present and we’ve introduced a loyalty pricing scheme to reward their members who stay over 2 years. Remember, the lifetime value of the customer is far more important to a business than a quick fling

 

By the same token, offering a month or two of free service or bonus products may help with customer acquisition, but it generally attracts many non-loyal customers. Make sure the revenue loss is worth it in the end.

 

Women can't keep breast implants for life: FDA

 Global B2B buy sell website: http://www.bytrade.com

By Anna Yukhananov

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Women who get silicone breast implants are likely to need additional surgery within 10 years to address complications such as rupturing of the device, U.S. health regulators said on Wednesday.

The Food and Drug Administration will work to revise safety labels for silicone breast implants after reviewing data from several long-term studies, which also showed that the products had a small link to a rare form of cancer.

The agency said the studies overall confirmed its decision that implants can be used safely, but noted the conclusions could be limited because some women dropped out.

"The key point is that breast implants are not lifetime devices," said Jeff Shuren, director of the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health. "The longer you have the implant, the more likely you are to have complications."

There were almost 400,000 breast enlargement or reconstruction procedures in the United States in 2010, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. That includes silicone and saline implants.

Up to 70 percent of all women who received surgery due to disease or trauma, and up to 40 percent of those getting an enlargement procedure using silicone, needed another operation within 10 years, post-approval studies showed.

The FDA approved silicone gel-filled breast implants sold by Allergan and Johnson & Johnson's Mentor unit in 2006. It had banned silicone implants for most U.S. women in 1992 after some complained that the devices leaked and made them chronically ill.

As a condition of taking the devices to market, both companies were required to conduct post-approval studies of 40,000 women for 10 years, as well as extend smaller pre-approval studies. The FDA considered the companies' results, as well as reports of negative events and scientific literature.

LOCALIZED COMPLICATIONS

Based on the data, the FDA said most common complications were localized, such as the hardening of the breast area around the implant, rupture or deflation of it, and the need for additional surgeries.

Other local complications include implant wrinkling, asymmetry, scarring, pain, and infection at the incision site.

The report also found a small correlation between implants and anaplastic large-cell lymphoma, a form of cancer that affects about 3,000 Americans a year.

From 1997 to 2010, there were about 60 cases of ALCL reported for women worldwide out of about 5 million to 10 million women who had breast implants, Shuren said.

"If there's a true association between that cancer and implants, it's very, very rare," he said.

The FDA said most long-term studies confirmed initial results, and that most risks of implants were well known.

"Most women reported high levels of satisfaction with their body image and the shape, feel and size of their implants," the FDA report said, adding that they should monitor their breasts for the rest of their lives.

The agency also cautioned that post-approval study data could be limited because of the low response rates.

In the large 10-year studies of 80,000 women, Allergan has collected preliminary two-year data for 60 percent of participants, while Mentor has collected three-year data for only 21 percent.

Diane Zuckerman, president of the advocacy group National Research Center for Women & Families, said the high dropout rates meant the study was not accurate.

"So many of the women dropped out before the research was completed that it is impossible to say what percentage of women need additional surgery or have health problems five or 10 years after getting breast implants," she said.

"This raises questions about FDA's reliance on studies required after a product is approved," she added.

Allergan shares were down 0.9 percent at $82.04 on the New York Stock Exchange, while Johnson & Johnson dipped 0.2 percent to $66.36.

 

The Right Way to Use Social Media

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By Dr. Woody

New York Rep. Anthony Weiner’s resignation last week proved the power of social media.

Nearly every day we get hit with some kind of social media misstep in celebrity culture, politics, and business that serves to both amuse and annoy us. Social media can be a powerful and incredibly cost-effective tool for reaching potential customers and supporters. But here’s the problem: Many people don’t take the time to learn how to harness the power of social media for positive gain as opposed to negative, which can wreak havoc on their careers.   

As a freelancer, independent consultant or small business owner, you can use social media to elevate your brand to actually compete with the major players. Social media is truly the great marketing equalizer. Think about the reach that both Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber have developed purely through their social media efforts.  

Don’t just take my word for it, the popular site Social Media Examiner released its 2011 Social Media Marketing Industry Report and the numbers are astounding. They surveyed more than 3,300 marketers and found the following:

    --The No.1 advantage of social media marketing is generating more business exposure, as indicated by 88% of marketers. Increased traffic (72%) and improved search rankings (62%) were also major advantages;

    --45% of people who've only invested 12 months or less in social media marketing reported they gained new partnerships;

    --“By spending as little six hours per week on social media efforts, 52% of marketers saw lead generation benefits.

So, what are you waiting for? If you haven’t done so already, it’s time to create your Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn pages and get your brand rolling. Here are a few tips to get your social media campaign going:

1) Use Management Tools: Social media management tools like Hootsuite or TweetDeck are great ways to manage accounts and save precious time. These tools allow you to schedule posts in advance and automatically release them over the course of time. These tools make it easy to keep your followers up to date without being strapped behind a keyboard. Make sure to still throw in something unique on each page so people have a reason to follow more than of your social networking accounts.

2) Engage and Interact: You must engage your followers: start conversations with people, respond promptly to questions/comments and thank them when they spread the word about your brand. Don’t think of social media as a one-way street; after all, it is called “social” media. Help promote your followers by spreading the word about their businesses and/or accomplishments as well.

3) Provide Value: You have to make sure you deliver some sort of value to those who are going to take the time to follow you. This might mean coupons, articles related to your niche, new product information, company news, or even a contest. The key is not to spend all your time shamelessly self promoting; people don’t want to follow a bunch of ads. Keep your profiles fresh and updated to keep your followers coming back.

4) Start a Blog: A blog will keep customers up to date with the day-to-day affairs of your company. Use it to give your company personality and boost your search engine optimization (SEO). Hire a part-time blogger if necessary--it’ll be worth the extra expense.

5) Set Goals: If you want to see results, you have to measure. This might be how much you want your Web traffic to increase, how many followers you want in six months, etc. Remember that meeting your goals might take months or even years, but the return on time investment is high if you are smart about how you use your time.

If you ever feel stuck, check out companies like yours that have successful social media campaigns. Observe what they are doing to grow their base. Which tactics are working?  Which aren’t?  Also, keep yourself up to date on current trends and strategies in social media marketing through sites like Mashable and Social Media Examiner.

Home based business mistakes

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Many folks dream of having their own business; even if it’s small in size to start with, due to numerous personal reasons. Although, it’s convenient that you can function in the privacy of your abode and that too at your own leisure time; however, it’s not all that simple. Most of the home based business owners fail to look into some of the common mistakes that they might make.

Below are the top 8 blunders that most of the new entrepreneurs are most likely overlook.

 

1. Failure to do market research. Many businesses, whether home-based or a large corporation, fail because there is not an adequate market for their products or services. A comprehensive analysis of the business is especially important for home businesses, since some businesses lend themselves well to a home-based environment, while some do not. If your business requires you to see clients, you must first check how your family (and neighbors) will react to the comings and goings of people in your house. If you have employees, check the zoning and parking laws in your area. Before starting any business, it is necessary that you conduct a thorough market examination and market analysis.

2. Passivity. If you are passive, your best bet is to work for someone else. Unless you can immediately afford to hire employees, you may start out as a solo operator. As a one-man team, expect to do everything – from writing your business plan, manufacturing your product, marketing and selling your products and services, doing bookkeeping chores, and a million other tasks! Remember, you have only yourself to rely on! While you may not be an outgoing person, you need to show aggressiveness in getting the word out about your business. No customers mean no business! Passiveness will not get you anywhere in business.

3. Poor time management. One of the advantages of working at home is that you get to manage your own time. This, however, presents an interesting dilemma: it is hard to manage your own time! Poor time management is the Achilles’ heel of many home office workers, since you are on your own with no one to supervise you, help you organize and prioritize. Complicating this problem is the fact that distractions may be a few steps away! Your spouse and kids may demand attention, your neighbors can drop by, and hey, Oprah has an interesting guest line-up today! There are a million and one reasons to distract you from being productive, and you need to learn to manage your time effectively!

4. Not having a client-friendly environment. You may need to have clients come to your home. Too many home business owners have had to make excuses for their house, kids, dog, and the lawn sprinklers before sitting down with their clients. Set up the office portion of the house for business only.

5. Technical insufficiencies. Many home-based businesses are not dedicated or up-to-date. Your business computers should not be networked to the home computer where your children are hogging valuable bandwidth downloading games. And your technical equipment should be as state-of-the-art as you need and can afford. Check out Technology and Equipment for Home-Based Businesses.

6. Zoning nightmares. You may not know the zoning laws for your neighborhood, but your neighbors may be able to recite them. There are many stories of home business nightmares because of zoning laws. The more discrete your business is, the less likely you will have problems. However, read the zoning laws regardless. For a primer on dealing with zoning issues, see Dealing with Zoning Issues for Your Home-Based Business.

7. Overlapping home and office. One of the advantages of working from a home-based office is that you can spend more time with your family. However, as much you love them, you need to have a separate office space and set some ground rules so you can work while other activities are taking place at home. For advice on balancing life and work, check out 9 Tips for Separating Your Home from Your Business.

8. Lack of a business plan. Just because it is a home-based business does not mean you do not need a business plan. You should be taking your business just as seriously as if you were heading into any other type of business

No matter how hard you try, there will be hardships when you are running business from home. Every home based business person should draft contingency plans or fall-back scenarios. This will ensure that you have a cushion in times of emergency.

 

Top 5 Steps to Find Your Ideal business Market

Global B2B buy sell website: http://www.bytrade.com

 

Have you always dreamed of owning your own home business but never been able to figure out exactly what business it is? Does that innovative idea of yours often look so near--and yet so far? You're not alone. According to a survey by the Kauffman Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership in Kansas City, Mo., one in 12 Americans wants to start his or her own business, but only half succeed.

 

Here's a simple 5-step process to identify your ideal market segment

 

1)  Analyze your sales
Most businesses will find some semblance of an 80/20 rule behind their customer profitability: 20% of customers will drive 80% of the profits. Many a business owner has mistaken volume for profitability. Spending energy to find more of the 80% who are the least profitable is a recipe for disaster.  

2)    Analyze your non-customers
What percentage of your most profitable customer market do you already have? If you have 100% of that type of customer, spending money to find more of them will be fruitless. If you have only 5% of that market, you'll have a fabulous focus for your business plan.

3)  Do your research.

The internet is a powerful tool for extracting information in minutes. Make use of this powerful medium to research the list of potential business ideas you are interested in. Things to determine are:

a)     Is there a similar product or service already?

b)     Is there a market for this idea?

c)     Who are your customers?

d)     Who are the industry giants and how do they operate their businesses?

 

4)    Sift through your customer feedback and satisfaction surveys
A less obvious way to look at them is by analyzing the type of feedback they provide you when you ask. How extensive is their their product knowledge? How do they use your product? Do they share attitudes towards price or quality?

5)  Prepare a customer profile
Another way to think about customers is to profile their lifestyle, their values or their personality. Often these types of market segments are the most interesting and fun to pinpoint ('Professional Duets', 'Active Technocrats', 'Pacific Fusion') but they may also be the most difficult to target. Research is complex and expensive to identify them, and they may not be easy to find or reach

 

6）Never give up.

If the research and tasks seem too overwhelming, ask for help and divide them into smaller chunks. Get a core group of family or friends together to brainstorm, then divide up each idea or task into smaller, more manageable objectives. Nothing worthwhile comes without an investment of time and energy. Remind yourself of how much you want it and what the reward will be. As the Nike slogan goes, "Just do it!" You'll be glad you did.

Olive Oil May Prevent Strokes, Study Says

 Global B2B buy sell website: http://www.bytrade.com

 

 
We’ve been hearing about the benefits of olive oil for years, but now it looks like it could help prevent strokes in elderly people, according to a new French study.

Researchers at the University of Bordeaux studied medical records from nearly 8,000 people aged 65 and older.

Olive oil consumption was labeled in participants as “no use,” “moderate use” and “intensive use.”

Over the five-year study period, 148 people had strokes.

Results from the study show that people who used olive in both cooking and as a dressing or with bread had a 41 percent lower risk of stroke compared to those people who never used olive oil in their diet.

As a result, researchers said people over age 65 may need a new set of dietary guidelines.

“Olive oil is a big part of the Mediterranean Diet, which is a healthy diet that includes olive oil as their primary fat source, so as a result it’s not surprising to see that this is beneficial,” Carolyn Snyder, a registered dietician at the Cleveland Clinic, said in a news release.

And the good news is that olive oil is easy to add to any diet.

“It’s a very simple salad dressing, mixing that with a little balsamic vinaigrette,” Snyder said. “You can use it to dip whole grain breads in with a little bit of seasoning like basil.”

 

Wall Street rebounds in oversold market

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NEW YORK (Reuters) – Stocks posted their biggest gains in nearly two months on Tuesday as retail sales figures allayed fears over the economy that had driven a six-week slump in the market.

Many analysts said the rally was likely a one-day wonder. Though still weak, the retail sales data was not as bad as most had expected, which provided an excuse to buy after the market had neared its most oversold conditions in a year.

"It's the long-term trend which is still disturbing," said Alan Valdes, director of floor operations at DME Securities in New York. "If you look at the S&P 500, they've lost over $1 trillion in value since the beginning of May -- that is telling.

"We were so oversold you had to see a plus day."

Many headwinds remain, including concerns over debt problems in Europe and the United States, along with the expiration at the end of this month of the U.S. Federal Reserve's bond-buying program, which has been a key source of liquidity for markets.

U.S. retail sales declined for the first time in 11 months in May, but the fall was less than forecast. China data also helped to ease worries about global growth.

Gains were spread across the board, with the Morgan Stanley retail index (.MVR), up 2.8 percent, among the best performers. Energy also outperformed, with the S&P energy sector (.GSPE) up 2 percent as oil prices rose.

J.C. Penney Co Inc (JCP.N) jumped 17.5 percent to $35.37 after the department store chain named Ron Johnson, Apple Inc's (AAPL.O) senior vice president of retail, as its new chief executive.

The Dow Jones industrial average (.DJI) gained 123.14 points, or 1.03 percent, to 12,076.11. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index (.SPX) rose 16.04 points, or 1.26 percent, to 1,287.87. The Nasdaq Composite Index (.IXIC) advanced 39.03 points, or 1.48 percent, to 2,678.72.

Expectations for further selling this summer hovered in the background even as the market rallied.

Many investors are eyeing a possible retreat in the S&P 500 to its March low near the 1,250 level. The index closed flat on Monday after falling to near a three-month low last Friday.

That level could be seen as a near-term bottom and attract additional buyers, analysts have said.

The S&P 500 is down about 5.4 percent from its high in early May as recent weak data sparked worries about the sustainability of an economic recovery.

In a sign that individual investors may be losing confidence in the stock market, customer trading slowed substantially last month, with more clients' money moving into cash and out of stocks and other areas, according to brokerage Charles Schwab Corp (SCHW.N).

In China, inflation was still a concern after consumer prices rose at their fastest pace in almost three years in May, but industrial output grew from a year ago, in line with forecasts. China's central bank increased the reserve requirement ratio for commercial lenders by 50 basis points.

"People that were saying 'hard landing for China'-- so far the numbers don't show that," said Jeffrey Saut, chief investment strategist for Raymond James Financial, in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Options expiration this week also could generate more volume and amplify stock moves as traders adjust their hedges. Such dynamics can lead to pinning where a stock or index closes at or around its corresponding at-the-money option strike.

Volume was light with about 6.45 billion shares traded on the New York Stock Exchange, NYSE Amex and Nasdaq, below the daily average of 7.58 billion.

Advancing stocks outnumbered declining ones on the NYSE by 2,511 to 503, while on the Nasdaq advancers beat decliners 2,034 to 592.

 

5 Flexible Career Choices

Global B2B buy sell website: http://www.bytrade.com

 

By Chris Kyle   

Want some flexibility with your work schedule? To the cloud!

Cloud-computing refers to the ability to share files and applications via the internet.

Cloud-working, meanwhile, is a new way to describe an old career trend that is surging in popularity: telecommuting.

"We've seen a 400 percent increase in telecommuting job openings over the last three years," says Sara Sutton-Fell, founder and CEO of FlexJobs, a subscription job search site.

Would you like a career with a more flexible work schedule? Keep reading to see which careers often offer convenient telecommuting options.

Flexible Career #1 - Medical and Health

Medical and health care opportunities lead all other flexible and telecommuting career categories in job listings, according to a May 2011 FlexJobs survey. Newer innovations like digital images have led to an increase in opportunities for everyone from nurses to health care support workers to work offsite via an internet connection and telephone.

How to Prepare: Studying medical assisting in a certificate or associate's degree program is a common way to prepare for a career as a medical assistant, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. For nurses, earning your associate's or bachelor's degree in nursing is recommended.

Average Earning Potential for Medical and Health Careers:*

• Medical Assistants: $29,760


• Medical Transcriptionists: $33,530


• Registered Nurses: $67,720

Want to Pursue a Career in the Medical Field?

Flexible Career #2 - Sales

In sales, your numbers refer to your productivity and your performance is what could ultimately define you and your career. Do your job well and you may be able to pick and choose where you work. In fact, many sales reps have the freedom to determine their own schedules, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

How to Prepare: Sales reps with a college degree have the best job prospects, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Recommended degrees include sales, marketing, and business administration.

Average Earning Potential for Sales Careers:*

• Sales Reps: $60,430


• Sales Reps (Wholesale and Manufacturing): $62,720


• Sales Reps (Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific): $84,360

Want to Pursue a Sales Career Path?

Flexible Career #3 - Online Teaching and Tutoring

The proliferation of online schools has led to an increase in demand for online teachers, according to Sutton-Fell, who also mentions tutoring as a possible telecommuting career option. Many lessons are posted in advance, though some classes involve real-time lecturing via a headset and webcam. Online teaching and tutoring opportunities could also serve as potential second and third jobs that you can fit around work and family responsibilities.

How to Prepare: You'll need a bachelor's degree, at a minimum, and often a graduate-level degree in the area you want to teach could be necessary, particularly if you plan to teach at a college or university, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. To teach public school, you need your teacher certification. For tutors, any degrees and certification you earn could help you build up your resume to attract clients.

Average Earning Potential for Teaching and Tutoring Careers:*

• Adult Basic and Secondary Education and Literacy Teachers and Instructors: $51,080


• Postsecondary Communications Teachers: $67,820


• Postsecondary Computer Science Teachers: $78,190

Flexible Career #4 - Customer Service and Support

Working from home is becoming more common for customer service reps, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, which describes it as one of the largest occupations in the country. For those who work in a call center, the Department of Labor says there are many part-time and split shift customer service opportunities available.

How to Prepare: While it is possible to get hired with just a high school diploma, customer service reps with an associate's or bachelor's degree could have better odds of finding a job, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, which recommends taking computer-related courses or studying English and business.

Average Earning Potential for Customer Service and Support Careers:*

• Administrative Support Workers: $32,600


• Customer Service Reps: $32,780


• Computer Support Specialists: $49,930

Flexible Career #5 - Web & Software Development

Working in the cloud-computing industry is a great way to use the "cloud" to work where and when you want. Whether you are designing applications and networks or developing software, a laptop may be all that's required in this flexible career choice.

How to Prepare: Having a degree or certificate can help demonstrate to employers that you are qualified for this type of work. The U.S. Department of Labor recommends studying subjects like computer science, engineering, programming & software, network administration, and database technology.

Average Earning Potential for Web & Software Development Careers:*

• Network Systems Administrators: $72,200


• Computer Programmers: $74,900


• Computer Support Specialists: $49,930

 

source from : http://education.yahoo.net/articles/5_flexible_career_choices.htm?wid=1&svid=5M1tWRqmG6HGZdL1Adi%2B%2BQ%3D%3D&svkid=SRBR&partner=1946&usid=482d2350-9568-11e0-bec9-002219651dc9

7 Habits of Successful Snackers

Global B2B buy sell website: http://www.bytrade.com

 

By Jane Kirby

Hint: None include chips from the vending machine. Learn the rules for getting through the afternoon satisfied and junk-free.

1. Fix Your Own Food
Even if you need to be tied to the mast of your shopping cart (or chained to your desk) to avoid the tempting call of those cellophane-wrapped, curlicue-topped cupcakes, you must resist. Most ready-made snacks are low in vitamins, nutrients, and protein and high in calories, fat, sugar, and sodium, which can inhibit the body's retention of much needed calcium. (Sports and protein bars are a shining exception.)

2. Eat a Balanced Snack
A pear instead of Reese's Pieces? You think you're being so virtuous―and you are, to some extent. That pear is largely carbohydrates, but the ideal slow-burn snack has carbohydrates, protein, and, of all things, fat. Carbohydrates are metabolized first and deliver their calories fastest―just ask anyone who has binged on a handful of Jolly Ranchers, felt a sudden and frantic spike of energy, and suffered an equally sudden crash.

Say, for example, you grab a quick snack of saltines, which contain refined-flour carbohydrates: As soon as they're in your mouth, the enzymes in your saliva go to work. In about 20 minutes, the carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, which peaks in your bloodstream, turning down your internal hunger alarm. Unfortunately, in about another 20 minutes, that glucose is completely burnt out or stored up, so the alarm starts ringing again.

Fruit, which has more fiber than crackers, will take slightly longer to metabolize. To prolong the satisfaction, you need to add in protein and fat (they often go hand in hand), which take longer to metabolize. So eat that pear with a chunk of cheddar or some low-fat yogurt and you'll be set for a few hours.

3. Snack to Maintain Weight
Snacks can keep you from getting fat. There it is, even though it's the opposite of what your mother spent years nagging you about. According to a recent study in Scotland, eating snacks helps you control both your appetite and your weight, because when you don't arrive at the table famished, you're less likely to speed-eat, overeat, or just sit there emptying the bread basket into your gullet as fast as is humanly possible. (Another theory is that eating more frequently burns calories, because digestion requires energy, at least briefly.)

Most women need about 2,000 calories a day, including snacks. Ideally, you would have five mini-meals of 400 calories, but that's not realistic. (Imagine riding roundup to get everyone to the table more often than you already do.) What's recommended is the traditional "big three," only slightly down-sized, plus two well-balanced mini-meals.

4. Keep Stress in Check
You may recognize the symptoms of stress: fatigue, lack of concentration, short temper, or...a minivan floor littered with candy wrappers and sundae cups. According to a study from the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at University College London, students ate more snack foods and fewer fruits and vegetables when they were under pressure. What triggers a stress case's need to feed is the hormone cortisol, say researchers at the University of California at San Francisco. Cortisol is released during physical or emotional stress, and that increases one's appetite for carbohydrates, especially sweets.

5. Once a Month, Allow Yourself More
Is it that time of the month? Women are most likely to binge or overeat in the two weeks prior to their periods if they've ovulated (most women on the Pill do not ovulate). Menstrual flow is triggered by the secretion of progesterone, which is thermogenic, or calorie burning. Thus, without so much as lifting an extra three-pound weight―or finger, for that matter―your body burns more calories than it does during the rest of the month, and your hunger kicks in to compensate. In a study at the University of British Columbia, women ate an average of 260 extra calories a day when they were ovulating.

6. Crave Calcium and Shun Sodium
You need to start reaching for the right white stuff―the milk bottle, not the salt shaker. In other words, calcium instead of sodium. The recommended daily allowance for calcium is 1,000 milligrams, and most women don't come close to getting enough. What's more, the more salt you eat, the less calcium your body retains. For instance, one 3 1/2-ounce bag of cheese puffs contains 1,000 milligrams of sodium, which will cost you 20 milligrams of calcium, something an osteoporosis-prone woman should think twice about.

7. Drink Lots of Water
You've eaten lunch. You've already scarfed your snack. And all you want to do is curl up and take a nap. When you find yourself lacking energy like this, make your way to the water bottle and down a glass. Studies have shown that fatigue is one of the first signs of dehydration, and when you're run-down, it's easy to confuse thirst for hunger. Airplanes, cars, and office buildings are especially arid and climate controlled, so you may need to make a concerted effort to drink even more water than you usually do. Now, get chugging.

Best Careers For A Fresh Start

Global B2B buy sell website: http://www.bytrade.com

 

By Lynda Phung   

If you want to change careers and are looking for a fresh start, you're not alone.

According to a 2008 MetLife/Civic Ventures survey, nearly 50 percent of Americans over the age of 40 have considered a new career start.

The good news is that if you're willing to put in the work, you could be prepared to pursue a new career in one to two years.

Want a fresh start in a new career? Check out these 5 hot options.

#1 - Medical assistant

Medical assistants provide administrative and clinical help in the doctors' office, scheduling appointments, taking patients' medical histories, and performing day-to-day administrative duties.

Get with the program: If you think a fresh start in this field is what you need, consider enrolling in a medical assisting certificate or associate's degree program, which could take about one to two years to complete, respectively.

Career outlook: Employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 34 percent between 2008 and 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor,

Average earning potential: The average annual wage for medical assistants is $28,860. Top earners average at $40,190.*

#2 - Paralegal

If you want a fresh start in the legal field, look into paralegal opportunities. Paralegals play an important role in law firms, helping lawyers by drafting legal documents, investigating cases, and providing assistance during trials.

Get with the program: An associate's degree in paralegal studies generally takes about two years to complete. If you already have a bachelor's degree, earning a certificate in paralegal studies is another option. Certificate programs could be completed in as little as nine months.

Career outlook: Employment of paralegals and legal assistants is projected to grow 28 percent between 2008 and 2018, according to the Department of Labor.

Average earning potential: Paralegals have an average annual income of $46,680. The top ten percent average at $74,870.*

#3 - Administrative assistant

Administrative assistants often provide customer support, organize important documents, and schedule meetings.

Get with the program: Consider completing a one- or two-year program in office administration. According to the Department of Labor, opportunities may be best if you have strong knowledge of computer software applications.

Career outlook: Employment for administrative assistants is projected to grow 11 percent between 2008 and 2018.

Average earning potential: The average annual wage for secretaries and administrative assistants is $32,000. The highest 10 percent have an average yearly wage of $46,430.*

#4 - Computer support specialist

Computer support specialists usually work as technical or help-desk support, providing support and advice to individuals and organizations that are dependent on information technology.

Get with the program: An associate's degree in a computer-related topic of study could be enough for some computer support positions, according to the Department of Labor.

Career outlook: The Department of Labor says growth for computer support specialists is expected to increase by 14 percent from 2008 to 2018, with the highest growth projected for industries that rely heavily on technology.

Average earning potential: The average annual income for computer support specialists is $46,260 with the top 10 percent averaging at $76,970.*

#5 - Dental assistant

Dental assistants are the dentist's second pair of hands, prepping the instruments required for procedures and preparing patients for treatment by updating their records and making them comfortable during their appointments.

Get with the program: Consider enrolling in a two-year associate's degree program or a certificate in dental assisting, which could take approximately one year to complete.

Career outlook: Careers in dental assisting are projected to grow by 36 percent from 2008 to 2018, according to the Department of Labor.

Average earning potential: The average annual wage for dental assistants is $33,470. The top 10 percent average at $47,090.*

 source from: http://education.yahoo.net/articles/best_careers_for_a_fresh_start.htm?wid=1&svid=4vR7ef9m2MOE%2Ft4zLpuOaA%3D%3D&svkid=16K8M&partner=1946&usid=97ff2a00-9300-11e0-aa0e-0022195be248

Top Steps For Building A Successful Home Based Business

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Everyone dreams of owning their own business. If they can stay home and do it, even better! To even begin to fathom what it takes to own a home business, you need to sit down and analyze what you want to do. The majority of things to consider will include finances, space, and manual labor. Do you have the money set aside to take time to start this business? Do you have space to run an office and/or hold inventory if needed? Can you commit to working more than a regular 40 hour work week to get your business going? The last major thing to consider is how you will pay yourself for benefits and wages.

So here are 5 essential steps that’ll help you make your home business work

Step 1 - Pick a niche with plenty of competition

Too many people search endlessly for niches with very little competition, but in-fact those with the most competition mean there is the most money to be made. A niche with tons of competition means you can make endless amounts of money, but it also means you will have to dive in and work hard to make that money.

Step 2 - Learn a lot about your niche

In order to succeed you absolutely have to have a knowledge base that is above the majority of those out there. Learn by reading and studying the topics of your niche on a regular basis before you start to create your own content.

Step 3 - Help people first and foremost

The biggest mistake people make when starting an online business if the goal of making a ton of money first and foremost, but this often leads to failure. Instead, make your ultimate goal to help others, then the money will follow.

Step 4 - Learn how to market your business

Most of your time should be spend actually marketing yourself, your brand, and your business. A big mistake people make is putting too much time into doing things that don't get themselves out there, such as constantly creating products without writing articles, making blog posts, or doing other things that add value and content to the world.

Step 5 - Be patient and persistent

Above everything else, the most important thing you need for success is patience and persistence. Those who don't succeed often quit too early and assume that they won't be successful because they haven't made millions in their first month. Understand that to build a successful business you have to be patient and persistent, and over time you will make money

There is always a fifth thing to consider as well. Take this as a bonus step! Believe in yourself. You took this chance to work from home, embrace it, and make it all you had hoped for. You are the only set back in having your own home business.

 

5 Foods That Can Save Your Life

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By Stephanie Leung

 
In today’s Western society it’s much easier, and not to mention quicker, to spend a few bucks at the McDonald’s across the street than it is to make a satisfying dinner. 

In a world of Big Macs, KFC and Häagen-Dazs ice cream, who really wants to eat their spinach and celery sticks? As a result, however, our fat-filled diets have brought about an epidemic of heart disease, which has become North America’s No. 1 killer. 

Fortunately, over the years scientists and nutritionists have studied the foods that are good for the heart, and some of these might come as a surprise. So, here's a list of the best heart foods that you should include in your diet, and maybe it will help you avoid a trip to the doctor’s.

1. Oats
Oats belong to a larger category of foods referred to as whole grains. Whole grains contain the entire kernel as opposed to refined grains that have been processed to remove the bran and the germ. While this process allows certain grains to last longer on store shelves, it also removes much of the good stuff like B vitamins, vitamin E, fiber, and antioxidants. Oats, in particular, as found in your morning oatmeal, contain a soluble fiber known as beta-glucan that decreases the total cholesterol in your blood as well as your low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. This is important because it is the LDL or “bad” cholesterol that’s responsible for heart attacks. Some studies that required people’s diets to be supplemented with oat bran showed a decrease in total cholesterol by as much as 18 percent while others have found a drop in LDL cholesterol by as much as 9 percent.

In addition, whole grains have a low glycemic index, which is a measure of how high a food raises your blood sugar level. Foods with a low glycemic index have a clear health advantage, particularly in helping to prevent diabetes (a major risk factor for coronary heart disease). Next time you reach for that cereal bar for breakfast, maybe you should reconsider and make a bowl of oatmeal.

2. Red wine
Want to have your cake and eat it too? Then drink red wine. In moderation (4 to 8 ounces/day), red wine is cardio-protective. This effect comes from antioxidants found in red wine, particularly resveratrol. This compound found in grape extracts has several beneficial effects on the heart, including reducing LDL as well as total blood cholesterol. Moreover, resveratrol, as well as other polyphenols found in red wine, have been shown to reduce blood clots by inhibiting a component found in blood known as platelets. Similar to the action of aspirin, which is one of the mainstay therapies in heart attack prevention, red wine helps to prevent platelets from clumping together, which is a key event in coronary artery blockage.

More recent scientific studies have shown that red wine has the ability to relax arteries and, therefore, lower your blood pressure. In addition, wine consumption is also associated with lower levels of C-reactive protein, which is a marker of coronary vessel inflammation. This means that drinking wine could decrease your risk of CHD.

3. Spinach
Spinach, and many other green leafy vegetables such as lettuce, contains folate, also known as vitamin B9. Although folate deficiency is well known for its effects in causing spinal malformations in newborns, recent studies reveal that folate may have a role in heart disease by reducing circulating levels of homocysteine in the blood. High homocysteine levels increase your risk of heart attacks as well as stroke; therefore, increasing your dietary intake of folate-containing foods may help reduce the risk of CHD.

In general, a diet rich in vegetables as well as fruit can significantly reduce hypertension, a major risk factor for CHD. In the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension study, those who consumed more fruits and vegetables showed a drop in blood pressure over only an eight-week period.

4. Almonds
Almonds and other nuts are a rich source of mono and polyunsaturated fats that can not only reduce total cholesterol but also raise your high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, the “good” cholesterol. Almonds also contain phytosterols that are naturally occurring plant steroids that block the intestinal tract from absorbing all types of fats. In 2003, the FDA claimed that “foods containing at least [a] 0.4-gram per serving of plant sterols, eaten twice a day with meals for a daily total intake of at least 0.8 grams as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease.” One pooled study showed that subjects in the group with the highest nut consumption had reduced their risk of CHD by 35 percent.

One drawback of almonds and other nuts, however, is that they are calorie-rich, so not more than a handful of nuts should be consumed per day.

5. Salmon
Salmon and other fish are the foods with probably the most scientific evidence for heart protection. The active ingredient in salmon is omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce risk of CHD by several mechanisms including reducing blood pressure, blocking platelet function and clot formation, and preventing plaque formation in artery walls. One study in the Netherlands following men over a 20-year period showed an obvious inverse relationship between fish consumption and CHD.

Omega-3 fatty acids also help to regulate the electrical activity of the heart, thereby reducing the likelihood of sudden cardiac death. How much fish do you need to eat to reap these benefits? Only two or more servings of fish per week have been associated with a reduced risk of CHD by as much as 30 percent.

Take Heart
Healthy eating requires a change in behavior as much as a change in what we eat. For example, simply substituting foods with trans fats with unsaturated (mono or polyunsaturated) fats have been shown in some studies to reduce the risk of diabetes. Similar benefits can be met by replacing red meats with fish and poultry. Diet is only one modifiable factor in the development of coronary heart disease, and so we have to remember that regular exercise and smoking cessation should always be incorporated in promoting a healthy lifestyle.

Ten Ways to Lose a Customer

 Global B2B buy sell website: http://www.bytrade.com

 

Without customers, we wouldn't be in business. That is why it is surprising how easily retail shops unintentionally drive customers away. Sometimes, understanding the what can ruin a business can help us focus on what not to do while building our enterprise. Here are five simple ways to lose customers.

 

1. Wrong Product Pricing

Besides cost, some of the things to consider when choosing the best strategy for your retail business are the market, the channels of distribution and the competition. Here are a few of the more popular pricing strategies to consider.

2. Busyness - The wrong type of website can turn off visitors and repel sales. Create a website designed for your target audience. For example, if you're selling aromatherapy products, you'll want a relaxing environment. However, if you're a life coach you want to pump people up. Your website should be full of life and activity.

3. Point of Contact - When visitors to your website have a question they want to be able to easily find your contact information. Many websites display their email address, phone number, or a link to their contact information either in their menu or at the top/bottom of their website,

4. Customer Service - You can set your business apart from all the rest by offering fast, friendly and helpful service to your customers. Try to respond to emails and phone calls within twenty-fours hours. Smile while you type or talk on the phone because your customers will hear the lilt in your voice and respond.

5. Follow-up - If your customer asks a question about a product or service, follow up within 48 hours to see if they have further questions. Many times this follow-up can lead to a sale. Neglecting follow-up can lose you customers.

6 Spam - If you offer a newsletter or other type of mailing list, be careful with what you send to your subscribers. Avoid mailings that look like spam. Choose a template that works for you and that will be recognizable to your readers.

7. Professional Conduct - In the business world it's important that you're professional, especially when dealing with difficult clients. It's imperative to be kind, courteous and take care of business. Refrain from any type of name calling or blame placing. Stand up for your business in a professional manner and treat your customers with respect at all times. Remember the old adage - the customer is always right.

8. Payment Options/Security - Customers want to know that they can trust you with their financial information. Choose a payment provider that offers a secure way to transit orders and credit card information. If possible, offer more than one payment option to give your customers the ability to choose how they will pay.