Starting up a small business is really a testing time for any entrepreneur; one has to undergo a lot of stress full with so much to do in so less a time. The initial phase before starting up a business is also characterized by toiling under pressure to find out what is right and what is wrong.
The major issue of concern before starting up any small business is the availability of right resources. Do you have the right kind of guidance? Do you have enough small business information? What is the source of your information?
Internet is one of the best resources for searching for small business information. You can also get some practical information on ‘how to start your home business’ and can also search for some small business opportunities that suit your taste and budget.
However, the best thing would be to visit a small business information center. You can also find out about the addresses of some government based small business information centers and administrations.
There are many local Business Information Centers which provide the small business owners and the prospective entrepreneurs with important information. The small business centers also provide contacts for state regulatory requirements for people wanting to start up small businesses.
The primary objective of any small business information center is to facilitate sustainable small business development. You also find information about licenses and permits you need to obtain and maintain in order to run your business smoothly.
Small business information you need before starting up a business:
• Information for obtaining the necessary licenses and permits
• Availability of different financing options for your short term or long term goals
• Information on some copyright and trademark issues.
• Information on how you can get some guidance from external sources.
Some of the organizations that can help you to set up small businesses are the following:
Small Business Administration (SBA)
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business owners. The SBA helps Americans start, build and grow businesses. Through an extensive network of field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations, SBA delivers its services to people throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the U. S. Virgin Islands and Guam.
There are many SBA programs and services which support your small business. You can also get SBA-backed loans and find government contracting opportunities. SBA also provides disaster assistance and training programs to help your business succeed.
There are around 25 million strong small businesses providing strength to America’s economy. Despite their immense contribution to the economy, small businesses are heavily burdened by the costs of government regulation and excessive paperwork.
Office of Advocacy within the U.S Small Business Administration helps to reduce the burdens that federal policies impose on small firms and maximize the benefits small businesses receive from the government. It encourages policies that support the development and growth of American small business.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Choosing A Security System for Your Home and Office
Over the last few years, many home security companies have started to combination plans that will cover your home and your business. This can let you deal with a single company for all your security needs - both home and office.
In the past, it may have been necessary to deal with two different companies or at least two different accounts at a single company - one for your home and one for your office.
It wasn't so much a matter of needing different types of alarm systems as it was a matter of policy. Most security companies treated business security different than home security. By combining the two into a single plan, it simplifies things for the customer and it simplifies monitoring for the security outfit.
The basic security requirements are not really any different between a home and a business. The alarm system can be wired or wireless, monitored or stand-alone. These are decisions that you would make for either your home or your office, depending on your budget and your needs.
The difference between home and office systems lies mainly in the way the monitoring is handled. Both home and office systems offer central monitoring so the alarm company can alert you and the authorities in case of an alarm. Office systems are handled a little differently though.
Many businesses have security guards that keep track of things after hours - either hired by the business directly or supplied by the building management in rental offices. The alarm company can work with these security guards in case of an alarm, which is not something that is common in the case of home alarms.
Office alarms generally cover more than just break-ins too. They often include fire and smoke detection and the alarm company can alert the fire department in case of a fire.
In the past, it may have been necessary to deal with two different companies or at least two different accounts at a single company - one for your home and one for your office.
It wasn't so much a matter of needing different types of alarm systems as it was a matter of policy. Most security companies treated business security different than home security. By combining the two into a single plan, it simplifies things for the customer and it simplifies monitoring for the security outfit.
The basic security requirements are not really any different between a home and a business. The alarm system can be wired or wireless, monitored or stand-alone. These are decisions that you would make for either your home or your office, depending on your budget and your needs.
The difference between home and office systems lies mainly in the way the monitoring is handled. Both home and office systems offer central monitoring so the alarm company can alert you and the authorities in case of an alarm. Office systems are handled a little differently though.
Many businesses have security guards that keep track of things after hours - either hired by the business directly or supplied by the building management in rental offices. The alarm company can work with these security guards in case of an alarm, which is not something that is common in the case of home alarms.
Office alarms generally cover more than just break-ins too. They often include fire and smoke detection and the alarm company can alert the fire department in case of a fire.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Free Network Monitoring Software
Are you looking for a free solution for all your network monitoring needs? Then you should be really looking for free Linux networking status monitoring software online.
Today, businesses are seeking solutions for monitoring their networks and protecting them from unauthorized visitors. Software like Big Brother, Bandwidth Monitor and FreePing helps you protect your network from the unwarranted use of office software by the employees.
Free network monitoring software would help you to not only prepare reports on the uptime, downtime, and virus attacks, take backups of documents and passwords but also show online and offline time. Networking status monitoring can be done both internally as well as through remote controlling devices.
Free network monitoring software can help you find the complete status of your network and all your systems, and help you encrypt your emails and documents. Such software can also help you trace the routes of unauthorized visitors and debug their connections to your systems and network.
Before you can purchase network monitoring software, you need to get a thorough compatibility check done by a reliable third-party vendor. It could be from your own computer vendor or the manufacturing company.
Network status monitoring software usually comes for a nominal price of about $55 or more. The software is still priceless, since it serves multiple purposes and it all comes in one package. This would save a lot of your time you would have spent looking around, and give you maximum value for your investment.
Some free network monitoring software is also available in various languages (foreign or local). You could get reviews of various free networking monitoring software beforehand in some computer magazines online as well as offline. Finally, be choosy about the software you purchase.
Today, businesses are seeking solutions for monitoring their networks and protecting them from unauthorized visitors. Software like Big Brother, Bandwidth Monitor and FreePing helps you protect your network from the unwarranted use of office software by the employees.
Free network monitoring software would help you to not only prepare reports on the uptime, downtime, and virus attacks, take backups of documents and passwords but also show online and offline time. Networking status monitoring can be done both internally as well as through remote controlling devices.
Free network monitoring software can help you find the complete status of your network and all your systems, and help you encrypt your emails and documents. Such software can also help you trace the routes of unauthorized visitors and debug their connections to your systems and network.
Before you can purchase network monitoring software, you need to get a thorough compatibility check done by a reliable third-party vendor. It could be from your own computer vendor or the manufacturing company.
Network status monitoring software usually comes for a nominal price of about $55 or more. The software is still priceless, since it serves multiple purposes and it all comes in one package. This would save a lot of your time you would have spent looking around, and give you maximum value for your investment.
Some free network monitoring software is also available in various languages (foreign or local). You could get reviews of various free networking monitoring software beforehand in some computer magazines online as well as offline. Finally, be choosy about the software you purchase.
Associate Your Company With A Registered Office Address And Reap Business Benefits
It is mandatory (from legal perspective) for UK registered companies to use a registered UK address where the Government agencies can send official documents, such as statutory letters, court documents and so on. The registered office address will be recorded at Companies House.
A company when incorporated is assigned a registered office address that gets recorded in the public record, such as Companies House. All the official correspondence (letters and reminders) takes place at this address.
However, there are numerous small companies/business set-ups that do not wish to use their addresses as a registered address for official communication. This is because an effective and prestigious company address plays a crucial role in creating a good image of a company in the eyes of the customers. In addition, an effective registered office address ensures prompt and reliable delivery and receipt of official mails. All the office documents received at the registered address is forwarded to the designated address of the client. The small companies can use this address on their business stationary.
There are many firms that offer registered office address service to such small companies. For example, a small company run by a single director from his/her home can avail this service to enhance the efficiency of the business by ensuring reliable official correspondence. The director can use this separate company address to receive routine paperwork from Companies House and Inland Revenue.
The registered office address service is useful for the UK companies owned by people residing outside the UK. It is a legal requirement of a UK company to have a UK-registered address. So, such companies can avail this service and run their businesses smoothly.
The companies availing the registered address service should take care of not using the address as a 'trading address' for their general mails.
A company when incorporated is assigned a registered office address that gets recorded in the public record, such as Companies House. All the official correspondence (letters and reminders) takes place at this address.
However, there are numerous small companies/business set-ups that do not wish to use their addresses as a registered address for official communication. This is because an effective and prestigious company address plays a crucial role in creating a good image of a company in the eyes of the customers. In addition, an effective registered office address ensures prompt and reliable delivery and receipt of official mails. All the office documents received at the registered address is forwarded to the designated address of the client. The small companies can use this address on their business stationary.
There are many firms that offer registered office address service to such small companies. For example, a small company run by a single director from his/her home can avail this service to enhance the efficiency of the business by ensuring reliable official correspondence. The director can use this separate company address to receive routine paperwork from Companies House and Inland Revenue.
The registered office address service is useful for the UK companies owned by people residing outside the UK. It is a legal requirement of a UK company to have a UK-registered address. So, such companies can avail this service and run their businesses smoothly.
The companies availing the registered address service should take care of not using the address as a 'trading address' for their general mails.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Is Your Wireless Network a Home Security Breach?
Wireless networks for home computers are becoming more and more popular but do you know how to protect your Wi-Fi network?
A recent survey from www.wi-fi.org shows that protecting your wireless network has become one of the top three issues in home security. According to the survey the top three concerns about home security was:
* Locking windows and doors
* Installing a home alarm system
* Securing your wireless network.
More than 40 percent of the survey respondents felt that a protected Wi-Fi network was an important part of creating a safe home.
Is your neighbor using your Wi-Fi network?
Did you know that 17 percent of Americans thinks it's ok to use someone else's network. The wast majority thinks using your neighbor's Wi-Fi is like stealing. They don't like their neighbors borrowing their signal without their knowledge.
Most new laptop computers have access to Wi-Fi networks as a standard feature. Try taking your laptop for a drive in the neighborhood and you'll probably discover that your computer can connect to several networks - especially if you live in the city. Some "Wi-Fi snatchers" even put small graffitti marks on walls indicating where your can find an open network.
Only seven out of 10 respondents in the survey had activated their Wi-Fi network security - that leaves 30% of networks wide open. Securing you network does require a little technical knowledge, but most systems come with an easy step-by-step guide for setting up the network security. When you have secured your network you can really enjoy the freedom of Wi-Fi without worrying about bandwidth theft.
Have you checked if your Wi-Fi network is secure?
Can you take your laptop computer across the street and still access your home network? Does using your network require you to logon to the network? If not your network is probably wide open so everyone in the neighborhood can use your network. Maybe it's time to find the manual to your system and start doing something about your Wi-Fi security before someone starts stealing your bandwidth or worse - gets access to you computer.
A recent survey from www.wi-fi.org shows that protecting your wireless network has become one of the top three issues in home security. According to the survey the top three concerns about home security was:
* Locking windows and doors
* Installing a home alarm system
* Securing your wireless network.
More than 40 percent of the survey respondents felt that a protected Wi-Fi network was an important part of creating a safe home.
Is your neighbor using your Wi-Fi network?
Did you know that 17 percent of Americans thinks it's ok to use someone else's network. The wast majority thinks using your neighbor's Wi-Fi is like stealing. They don't like their neighbors borrowing their signal without their knowledge.
Most new laptop computers have access to Wi-Fi networks as a standard feature. Try taking your laptop for a drive in the neighborhood and you'll probably discover that your computer can connect to several networks - especially if you live in the city. Some "Wi-Fi snatchers" even put small graffitti marks on walls indicating where your can find an open network.
Only seven out of 10 respondents in the survey had activated their Wi-Fi network security - that leaves 30% of networks wide open. Securing you network does require a little technical knowledge, but most systems come with an easy step-by-step guide for setting up the network security. When you have secured your network you can really enjoy the freedom of Wi-Fi without worrying about bandwidth theft.
Have you checked if your Wi-Fi network is secure?
Can you take your laptop computer across the street and still access your home network? Does using your network require you to logon to the network? If not your network is probably wide open so everyone in the neighborhood can use your network. Maybe it's time to find the manual to your system and start doing something about your Wi-Fi security before someone starts stealing your bandwidth or worse - gets access to you computer.
Office Printing Solutions
Every office has different needs when it comes to their printing solutions. Most companies will grow from a home based business into a larger office will require a change in their printing solutions. It doesn't make sense for a business to have several small ink-jet printers running all at the same time each serving as individual employee. Ink-jet printers are notoriously expensive to maintain and can only serve one or two people at a time without causing a huge backlog of print jobs. A larger office should have a singular large format laser-jet printer that will process jobs more quickly and more efficiently than smaller individual printers can. In the long run this will be much better for your business as it will lower many of the costs your business will incur. Converting from individual printers to one central unit will require several things and you should be aware of them before moving forward with this process.
Your office will have to establish a network of some sort for all the machines in your office to print to a single machine. This could mean bringing in a computer expert to establish your network, or simply setting it up yourself. Setting up a network for your office is really quite simple and can be done in any office outfitted for DSL, which most already are. All you will need to do is to route the DSL through one central router and out to the individual machines and setup the central printer either through your router or one of the computer's on the network that can grant access to all the computer's on the network.
Once you have a network in place you should do plenty of research before purchasing the printer you are going to place on your office network. There are plenty of models out on the market from companies like Brother, Hewlett Packard, Epson and Lexmark. You should choose a machine that gives you the options you need and has the print capacity that fits your company.
Your office will have to establish a network of some sort for all the machines in your office to print to a single machine. This could mean bringing in a computer expert to establish your network, or simply setting it up yourself. Setting up a network for your office is really quite simple and can be done in any office outfitted for DSL, which most already are. All you will need to do is to route the DSL through one central router and out to the individual machines and setup the central printer either through your router or one of the computer's on the network that can grant access to all the computer's on the network.
Once you have a network in place you should do plenty of research before purchasing the printer you are going to place on your office network. There are plenty of models out on the market from companies like Brother, Hewlett Packard, Epson and Lexmark. You should choose a machine that gives you the options you need and has the print capacity that fits your company.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Understanding The True Cost Of Corporate Office Space
How do I assess my true office accommodation costs?
We have been asked by a number of clients to help them identify the true cost of an office or location. Here is a guide to the factors you should consider to assess total accommodation costs.
The UK Department of Trade and Industry commissioned a report into remote working in 2005 and found that a significant operational cost reduction was achieved.
In a recent report the following figures were published from a study of 13 large corporations, spanning some 30 teams (1.0)
• 86% of managers and 74% of staff spend time out of the office during any month.
• An average office worker spends 10-20% of time away from their desk.
Taking the above we can calculate, in rough terms, the expected usage of accommodation to staff ratio. (This is only a guide and further study of any organisation will be required.)
Total cost of location – In order to calculate the exact costs of providing a desk, a number of factors need to be considered. A recent report from The City University Business School calculated the average desk cost as follows;
• Central London - 20K per desk per year
• Other major UK cities - 13k to 8k per desk per year
The above is inclusive of all service costs to the desk and space such as corridors or larger personal enclosed office space. We can use these figure to show wastage costs per office or team.
Example:
100 staff with 10 managers
100 staff of which 74 are out of the office 10% of the time = 7.4 empty desks
10 managers of which 8 are out of the office 10% of the time = 0.8 of an empty desk.
Total yearly cost = 8.2 desks at 8k per year 65.6k
(This does not include sickness or holidays)
(Remember that unless you maximise the space left, savings will not be made in direct accommodation costs.)
Conclusion - It is recommended that a short study is commissioned to look at potential within the organisation and identify an appropriate project that will bring cost savings and increased productivity.
We have been asked by a number of clients to help them identify the true cost of an office or location. Here is a guide to the factors you should consider to assess total accommodation costs.
The UK Department of Trade and Industry commissioned a report into remote working in 2005 and found that a significant operational cost reduction was achieved.
In a recent report the following figures were published from a study of 13 large corporations, spanning some 30 teams (1.0)
• 86% of managers and 74% of staff spend time out of the office during any month.
• An average office worker spends 10-20% of time away from their desk.
Taking the above we can calculate, in rough terms, the expected usage of accommodation to staff ratio. (This is only a guide and further study of any organisation will be required.)
Total cost of location – In order to calculate the exact costs of providing a desk, a number of factors need to be considered. A recent report from The City University Business School calculated the average desk cost as follows;
• Central London - 20K per desk per year
• Other major UK cities - 13k to 8k per desk per year
The above is inclusive of all service costs to the desk and space such as corridors or larger personal enclosed office space. We can use these figure to show wastage costs per office or team.
Example:
100 staff with 10 managers
100 staff of which 74 are out of the office 10% of the time = 7.4 empty desks
10 managers of which 8 are out of the office 10% of the time = 0.8 of an empty desk.
Total yearly cost = 8.2 desks at 8k per year 65.6k
(This does not include sickness or holidays)
(Remember that unless you maximise the space left, savings will not be made in direct accommodation costs.)
Conclusion - It is recommended that a short study is commissioned to look at potential within the organisation and identify an appropriate project that will bring cost savings and increased productivity.
HughesNet Is The World's Leading Broadband Satellite Service For All Consumers
HughesNet offers several service plans to meet a variety of needs. From surfing the Internet at super-fast speeds, to managing a small business from home, HughesNet has solutions for home users and home businesses. HughesNet’s business-class service plans offer companies the ability to securely connect their locations with broadband Internet in areas where fiber, cable or DSL are not available.
HughesNet Speeds
Maximum download speeds are not guaranteed. Actual upload speed will likely be lower than speed indicated during peak hours. Download speeds may also be temporarily slowed in cases when patterns of system usage exceed the download threshold for an extended period of time. See the HughesNet Fair Access Policy for more information. If you choose to run VPN over satellite, your data speeds may be reduced by as much as 50-75%. Despite the high speeds, time-sensitive applications, such as multi-player “twitch” games, are also not recommended over HughesNet due to signal latency.
Dynamic IP Address (NAT – Network Address Translation)
HughesNet provides a dynamically allocated IP address to the DW7000 modem with each service plan except Business Internet. IP addresses are assigned via Network Address Translation which enables dynamic assignment of private IPs to devices, keeping them private from users outside of the network.
Static IP Addresses
Static IP Addresses are available for all service plans. With the exception of the Business Internet service plan, static IP addresses must be ordered separately.
A static IP address is a permanent Internet address for a computer, much like a telephone number. Static IPs make managing Internet connections more secure and email access easier. Generally, a subscriber’s Internet Service Provider (ISP) determines the type of IP address (static or dynamic) the subscriber uses. Because there are a limited number of static IP addresses available, most residential subscribers use dynamic IP addresses.
Dynamic IP addresses (also referred to as a NAT or Network Address Translation) are randomly assigned IP addresses from a pool of available addresses. When connecting to the Internet, users with a dynamic IP addresses use a new IP address each time they connect to the Internet. Static IP addresses are necessary for some Internet uses such as:
• Accessing some applications remotely
• Using video conferencing services
• Accessing home computers remotely
• Operating a home email or web server
• Using some applications requiring Internet access
• Accessing some protected or secure web sites
• Offering e-commerce transactions using SSL (Secured Socket Layered) encryptions
Dial Up Account
HughesNet provides dial up accounts for accessing the Internet and HughesNet email when traveling. HughesNet also provides web-based access to HughesNet email.
Warranty Extension
HughesNet offers a 15-month warranty extension for customers who select either the Home or Professional service plans with the upfront purchase option. The warranty extension is included in the cost of the Home or Professional service plans under the promotional payment plan option. Small Office and Business Internet service plans have a 24 month extended warranty that is included in the cost of both service plans.
Onsite Maintenance
HughesNet offers next-day onsite service for the Small Office and Business Internet service plans for an additional monthly fee.
HughesNet Speeds
Maximum download speeds are not guaranteed. Actual upload speed will likely be lower than speed indicated during peak hours. Download speeds may also be temporarily slowed in cases when patterns of system usage exceed the download threshold for an extended period of time. See the HughesNet Fair Access Policy for more information. If you choose to run VPN over satellite, your data speeds may be reduced by as much as 50-75%. Despite the high speeds, time-sensitive applications, such as multi-player “twitch” games, are also not recommended over HughesNet due to signal latency.
Dynamic IP Address (NAT – Network Address Translation)
HughesNet provides a dynamically allocated IP address to the DW7000 modem with each service plan except Business Internet. IP addresses are assigned via Network Address Translation which enables dynamic assignment of private IPs to devices, keeping them private from users outside of the network.
Static IP Addresses
Static IP Addresses are available for all service plans. With the exception of the Business Internet service plan, static IP addresses must be ordered separately.
A static IP address is a permanent Internet address for a computer, much like a telephone number. Static IPs make managing Internet connections more secure and email access easier. Generally, a subscriber’s Internet Service Provider (ISP) determines the type of IP address (static or dynamic) the subscriber uses. Because there are a limited number of static IP addresses available, most residential subscribers use dynamic IP addresses.
Dynamic IP addresses (also referred to as a NAT or Network Address Translation) are randomly assigned IP addresses from a pool of available addresses. When connecting to the Internet, users with a dynamic IP addresses use a new IP address each time they connect to the Internet. Static IP addresses are necessary for some Internet uses such as:
• Accessing some applications remotely
• Using video conferencing services
• Accessing home computers remotely
• Operating a home email or web server
• Using some applications requiring Internet access
• Accessing some protected or secure web sites
• Offering e-commerce transactions using SSL (Secured Socket Layered) encryptions
Dial Up Account
HughesNet provides dial up accounts for accessing the Internet and HughesNet email when traveling. HughesNet also provides web-based access to HughesNet email.
Warranty Extension
HughesNet offers a 15-month warranty extension for customers who select either the Home or Professional service plans with the upfront purchase option. The warranty extension is included in the cost of the Home or Professional service plans under the promotional payment plan option. Small Office and Business Internet service plans have a 24 month extended warranty that is included in the cost of both service plans.
Onsite Maintenance
HughesNet offers next-day onsite service for the Small Office and Business Internet service plans for an additional monthly fee.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
The Billows Family Name - Famous George Billows
The Billows Family name is not that common and there are no nobility links that can be found in the historical record. Billows Family name appears to have come from those who worked as bellowers in the 16th century and for the most part many were peasants although in more recent times a few have risen to the ranks of bureaucrats and paper work government workers. Others have become union workers and such.
In past periods some Billows were sent to the Australia Prison Colonies. Some Billows rose to the ranks of assistant engineers, although most were low-level worker bees who contributed at least some needed grunt labor. There was a George Billows who married into the Baker family in 1772, which up lifted that family lineage quite a bit, but their offspring did not make the any significant impacts on the forward progression of human civilization.
George Billows in 1772 who married Mary Baker, married well and this has been about the best records we have found to any real strength of the family name. To this date there have been no real major accomplishments or notices in the public record of the Billows Family name as achieving any thing of major significance other than a few named bureaucrats of government and industry.
Some of the records seem to indicate that the Billows family name was once Willows, but since the uneducated line of the family in the 1600s could not read, write or spell and it is hypothesized that the name was inadvertently changed, although this is merely speculation. If you have information on the Billows family name or if you can find anything, which can help show that this is a worthy name of note; please post it on ancestry.com bulletin boards at your earliest convenience to help.
In past periods some Billows were sent to the Australia Prison Colonies. Some Billows rose to the ranks of assistant engineers, although most were low-level worker bees who contributed at least some needed grunt labor. There was a George Billows who married into the Baker family in 1772, which up lifted that family lineage quite a bit, but their offspring did not make the any significant impacts on the forward progression of human civilization.
George Billows in 1772 who married Mary Baker, married well and this has been about the best records we have found to any real strength of the family name. To this date there have been no real major accomplishments or notices in the public record of the Billows Family name as achieving any thing of major significance other than a few named bureaucrats of government and industry.
Some of the records seem to indicate that the Billows family name was once Willows, but since the uneducated line of the family in the 1600s could not read, write or spell and it is hypothesized that the name was inadvertently changed, although this is merely speculation. If you have information on the Billows family name or if you can find anything, which can help show that this is a worthy name of note; please post it on ancestry.com bulletin boards at your earliest convenience to help.
How to Get Affordable Individual and Family Health Insurance
An affordable individual and family health insurance plan is an insurance plan provided only to individuals and their families, unlike the group insurance plans offered to employers or other organizations. Not everyone has the option of getting an employer-sponsored group health insurance plan, and not everyone belongs to an organization that offers group health insurance plans to their members. When this is the case for individuals with families, an affordable individual and family health insurance plan is ideal.
Affordable individual and family health insurance plans are often offered through an indemnity or managed care organization. With an indemnity, the policyholder – you – pays for all health care costs upfront. The individual and family health insurance plan will reimburse you once they receive a doctor or hospital bill. With a managed care plan, you usually only have to pay a co-payment at the time of your medical service. The doctor or hospital will then bill your individual and family health insurance company for the rest. Managed care organizations include Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs) and Point of Service (POS) plans, and they do not always provide the wide selection of doctors and other health care professionals offered by indemnity plans.
You may feel health insurance is too expensive for you, but there are affordable individual and family health insurance plans out there. Being without adequate health insurance is too risky – for your health and your bank account. Thanks to individual and family health insurance plans, it’s possible for you, your spouse, and your children to obtain affordable health insurance.
If you and your family are currently without affordable health insurance, act quickly. After you apply for an individual and family health insurance plan, the time between application and the date the plan actually starts varies. The speed of the process usually depends on the underwriting process of the insurance company, so it’s best to apply as soon as possible.
Affordable individual and family health insurance plans are often offered through an indemnity or managed care organization. With an indemnity, the policyholder – you – pays for all health care costs upfront. The individual and family health insurance plan will reimburse you once they receive a doctor or hospital bill. With a managed care plan, you usually only have to pay a co-payment at the time of your medical service. The doctor or hospital will then bill your individual and family health insurance company for the rest. Managed care organizations include Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs) and Point of Service (POS) plans, and they do not always provide the wide selection of doctors and other health care professionals offered by indemnity plans.
You may feel health insurance is too expensive for you, but there are affordable individual and family health insurance plans out there. Being without adequate health insurance is too risky – for your health and your bank account. Thanks to individual and family health insurance plans, it’s possible for you, your spouse, and your children to obtain affordable health insurance.
If you and your family are currently without affordable health insurance, act quickly. After you apply for an individual and family health insurance plan, the time between application and the date the plan actually starts varies. The speed of the process usually depends on the underwriting process of the insurance company, so it’s best to apply as soon as possible.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
7 Costly Mistakes You Need To Avoid When Networking
It is a fact that companies who do not network are missing tapping into a rich stream of new contacts and new business that can make them more successful, profitable and help them to understand their customers and the marketplace better whilst testing their message and its effectiveness. The other fact is that many people who do network make mistakes which can cost them winning new business in volume. Now we all make mistakes, so what can you look out for and how can you maximize your networking activities by avoiding costly errors?
1. Prejudging People.
You cannot afford to prejudge people; you simply do not know who they know or who they can connect you and your business to. I have had some of my best referrals from people who I initially thought could not help me. We've all heard the saying, never judge a book by its cover, but many of us do. Instead, give people time and your attention. It is also worth mentioning on the flipside that all that glitters is not gold, be open-minded and don't jump to conclusions.
2. Not Following Up
People go out there, get the contacts, business cards and introductions but fail to follow up or when they do follow up they are trying to sell. Top referral achievers know how to follow up and they follow up on all contacts and keep in regular contact. The people you meet at business networking forums are their as equals, they do not want to be sold to and they definitely do not want to be treated as prospects however they may become customers or clients in time and that is fine but your objective is to find out about them and build rapport with the view to becoming an advocate of their business. It is also worth remembering that in business, as in the sporting arena, top performers develop skill and success through persistence and a focus on continuous improvement. Please understand that networking is a marketing tool and not just an event that you go to. I would implore you to follow up, don't hesitate don't even allow that little voice in your head to put you off, JUST DO IT.
3. No Clear Objective
You want quality business, right? So your objective should be to build relationships on the following 3 criteria: know, like and trust.
*Know - getting to know your contact first is vital, a good way to get the conversation going is to ask open-ended questions in which the person cannot easily answer yes or no. For example, how did you get into this business? What type of businesses are you looking to be referred to?
*Like- this is all about building rapport and getting on well. Many business referral clubs have an annual membership investment fee of £500 to £600, which is great. However, too many people undervalue the unique opportunity that this investment can give them and their business. You should be looking to get a return of 40 to 50 times your investment and then some.
*Trust - mutual beneficial business relationships must be built on trust as we are talking about your reputation there must be no hidden agendas.
4. Not Listening
Your ability to listen is one of the most important skills to have and it will give you the edge if you can learn, develop and cultivate it. This isn't about just hearing what is said it is about understanding and taking in what people really mean. Real listening will require your complete focus and attention. What are people really looking to achieve? What do people think is important about their business, job, personal ambition, and family, what is important to them? Usually people don't listen because they are too busy focusing on what they want to say next in a conversation. Remember practice and write down key areas of importance so the next time you speak or follow up you can ask them about their interests. You have 2 choices you can be an interesting person or you can be an interested person, you decide!
5. Talking about what you do
Talk in terms of what benefits you deliver to your clients, suppliers, customers and contacts. Talk enthusiastically and be specific do not go into detail at an initial first meeting at a networking event. Try to get over, What is unique about you? Why do you do what you do? How do you deliver more value than others in your sector? Please do not fall into the trap of saying that it is your service or quality of your product that differentiates you, this is far too common and generic, explain how, and explain why. Explain any guarantees. Also let people know who you want to be referred to specifically, NEVER say anybody or everybody as you will usually get referred to nobody, because this is not specific enough.
6. Short Term Thinking
Don't be a hunter or a deal chaser to get the best results from your networking activities you need to take a long term approach you cannot afford to have an attitude of What's in it for me or what can I get out of this, you must replace this with the mantra How can I help you or How can I serve. Go out there to make a positive impact on someone's day. Effective people take a farming approach to networking, they focus on cultivating relationships for mutual long term benefit and they definitely do not chase deals or instant sales. You may attend a networking forum and do business initially that's great.
However, this should not be your primary objective as referral's work best if you develop a know like and trust strategy as mentioned, When you get a referral you want to know, that it is the type of business you want and importantly you want to know that you are going to get paid for your product or service so to protect yourself follow these 3 simple steps;
Step one get to know your networking colleagues know what they do, know what they like and don't like, know what they stand for and what they are about.
Step two get to like them, get them to like you and build a relationship whilst developing rapport.
Step three build trust and make sure they're reliable and test their reliability on little things first. I cannot stress how important it is to know like and trust your networking colleagues, because you cannot afford to introduce the wrong person, solution or Company to your valuable network, clients, contacts or customers if they cannot perform and also more importantly you cannot expect others to put you in front or introduce you and your company to their valuable contacts if you cannot perform and successfully deliver on your promises. People who you recommend represent you so don't cut corners.
7. Letting Fear Get The Better Of You
So you feel nervous about going up to a complete stranger and introducing yourself, you feel apprehensive, this makes you normal. We were all taught as children not to talk to strangers. As a kid this strategy was given to you to protect you. In certain situations or circumstances today this may be advisable however in most cases it definitely does not apply now. In business, however, talking to complete strangers is a way to generate interest and contacts for your products and services.
If you only talk to the people you already know and deal with, you will miss out on opportunities to make new connections. Set a target for yourself before you attend any networking event. Decide how many new contacts you want to make or how many strangers you want to meet. Above all make it fun, turn it into a game and take yourself out of your comfort zone and I promise you that with practice, determination and action you will look back and think what was I worried about, you will also find it to be one of the best business decisions you've ever made.
1. Prejudging People.
You cannot afford to prejudge people; you simply do not know who they know or who they can connect you and your business to. I have had some of my best referrals from people who I initially thought could not help me. We've all heard the saying, never judge a book by its cover, but many of us do. Instead, give people time and your attention. It is also worth mentioning on the flipside that all that glitters is not gold, be open-minded and don't jump to conclusions.
2. Not Following Up
People go out there, get the contacts, business cards and introductions but fail to follow up or when they do follow up they are trying to sell. Top referral achievers know how to follow up and they follow up on all contacts and keep in regular contact. The people you meet at business networking forums are their as equals, they do not want to be sold to and they definitely do not want to be treated as prospects however they may become customers or clients in time and that is fine but your objective is to find out about them and build rapport with the view to becoming an advocate of their business. It is also worth remembering that in business, as in the sporting arena, top performers develop skill and success through persistence and a focus on continuous improvement. Please understand that networking is a marketing tool and not just an event that you go to. I would implore you to follow up, don't hesitate don't even allow that little voice in your head to put you off, JUST DO IT.
3. No Clear Objective
You want quality business, right? So your objective should be to build relationships on the following 3 criteria: know, like and trust.
*Know - getting to know your contact first is vital, a good way to get the conversation going is to ask open-ended questions in which the person cannot easily answer yes or no. For example, how did you get into this business? What type of businesses are you looking to be referred to?
*Like- this is all about building rapport and getting on well. Many business referral clubs have an annual membership investment fee of £500 to £600, which is great. However, too many people undervalue the unique opportunity that this investment can give them and their business. You should be looking to get a return of 40 to 50 times your investment and then some.
*Trust - mutual beneficial business relationships must be built on trust as we are talking about your reputation there must be no hidden agendas.
4. Not Listening
Your ability to listen is one of the most important skills to have and it will give you the edge if you can learn, develop and cultivate it. This isn't about just hearing what is said it is about understanding and taking in what people really mean. Real listening will require your complete focus and attention. What are people really looking to achieve? What do people think is important about their business, job, personal ambition, and family, what is important to them? Usually people don't listen because they are too busy focusing on what they want to say next in a conversation. Remember practice and write down key areas of importance so the next time you speak or follow up you can ask them about their interests. You have 2 choices you can be an interesting person or you can be an interested person, you decide!
5. Talking about what you do
Talk in terms of what benefits you deliver to your clients, suppliers, customers and contacts. Talk enthusiastically and be specific do not go into detail at an initial first meeting at a networking event. Try to get over, What is unique about you? Why do you do what you do? How do you deliver more value than others in your sector? Please do not fall into the trap of saying that it is your service or quality of your product that differentiates you, this is far too common and generic, explain how, and explain why. Explain any guarantees. Also let people know who you want to be referred to specifically, NEVER say anybody or everybody as you will usually get referred to nobody, because this is not specific enough.
6. Short Term Thinking
Don't be a hunter or a deal chaser to get the best results from your networking activities you need to take a long term approach you cannot afford to have an attitude of What's in it for me or what can I get out of this, you must replace this with the mantra How can I help you or How can I serve. Go out there to make a positive impact on someone's day. Effective people take a farming approach to networking, they focus on cultivating relationships for mutual long term benefit and they definitely do not chase deals or instant sales. You may attend a networking forum and do business initially that's great.
However, this should not be your primary objective as referral's work best if you develop a know like and trust strategy as mentioned, When you get a referral you want to know, that it is the type of business you want and importantly you want to know that you are going to get paid for your product or service so to protect yourself follow these 3 simple steps;
Step one get to know your networking colleagues know what they do, know what they like and don't like, know what they stand for and what they are about.
Step two get to like them, get them to like you and build a relationship whilst developing rapport.
Step three build trust and make sure they're reliable and test their reliability on little things first. I cannot stress how important it is to know like and trust your networking colleagues, because you cannot afford to introduce the wrong person, solution or Company to your valuable network, clients, contacts or customers if they cannot perform and also more importantly you cannot expect others to put you in front or introduce you and your company to their valuable contacts if you cannot perform and successfully deliver on your promises. People who you recommend represent you so don't cut corners.
7. Letting Fear Get The Better Of You
So you feel nervous about going up to a complete stranger and introducing yourself, you feel apprehensive, this makes you normal. We were all taught as children not to talk to strangers. As a kid this strategy was given to you to protect you. In certain situations or circumstances today this may be advisable however in most cases it definitely does not apply now. In business, however, talking to complete strangers is a way to generate interest and contacts for your products and services.
If you only talk to the people you already know and deal with, you will miss out on opportunities to make new connections. Set a target for yourself before you attend any networking event. Decide how many new contacts you want to make or how many strangers you want to meet. Above all make it fun, turn it into a game and take yourself out of your comfort zone and I promise you that with practice, determination and action you will look back and think what was I worried about, you will also find it to be one of the best business decisions you've ever made.
MLM Training - Would You Perform Your Own Surgery?
Did you consider MLM training before you dove into your new Network Marketing Business? Training is absolutely essential to your MLM success.
Assuming you have no knowledge of electricity, would you decide to wire your brand new 3700 square foot home yourself?
How about surgery? Would you sit at the kitchen table with a steak knife and just get instructions from your surgeon over the phone on how to perform your own surgery? I doubt it. Yes that is a commercial.... hilarious once the guy realizes this might not be such a brilliant plan after all.
I realize it is hard to know what type of MLM training will help you succeed. The training takes time away from the building process in some ways, but just as it is essential to lay a strong foundation for your new home before beginning to frame the home.
It is equally important to lay a solid foundation of knowledge about the MLM industry, the company, MLM marketing and management skills before diving headlong into promoting.
My first few years in Network Marketing, my up-line didn't have the same definition of what training meant as I did. I was looking for practical MLM training tips and marketing ideas with substance I could use to build my Network Marketing business.
Those first few years, the training I received was focused mostly on product knowledge, which you do need to a certain extent. Basically they had no other marketing suggestions except to call my 50 friends and family again and again, sit in the mall and cold call.
They never considered my family and friends might not be my target market. I had no duplicable system to follow. My up-line's personality allowed for 99 "no's" to get that one "yes". My personality does not.
I needed a duplicable system. Cold calling in the mall, calling family and friends over and over is not a duplicable system. The rest of the MLM training I received was related more to "how to give a presentation" and "sell the prospect".
Network Marketing is not about "selling" the prospect on your "deal". Network Marketing is a teaching and mentoring business built on building relationships with others and truly trying to help others meet a need.
Helping others meet their needs and goals will help you to meet yours as well! The Golden Rule is quite applicable: "Treat others as you would have them treat you."
MLM training should be as individual as it is essential to the success of the distributor. Each person comes to the MLM industry with different needs, MLM goals and skills. All people can be successful in this business if they understand a few things:
1) They will NOT get rich quickly. (The average time it takes to make a desirable income is 3 to 5 years. Can it be done quicker? Of course!)
2) They WILL be required to WORK in their business. (It will not fall in their lap!)
3) Network Marketing Training and Up-Line support is essential to your business (Most of us can't succeed alone!)
4) The business model of the chosen MLM Company is crucial to the success it's distributors
5) Do you have a duplicable system for attracting prospects to your business?
Assuming you have no knowledge of electricity, would you decide to wire your brand new 3700 square foot home yourself?
How about surgery? Would you sit at the kitchen table with a steak knife and just get instructions from your surgeon over the phone on how to perform your own surgery? I doubt it. Yes that is a commercial.... hilarious once the guy realizes this might not be such a brilliant plan after all.
I realize it is hard to know what type of MLM training will help you succeed. The training takes time away from the building process in some ways, but just as it is essential to lay a strong foundation for your new home before beginning to frame the home.
It is equally important to lay a solid foundation of knowledge about the MLM industry, the company, MLM marketing and management skills before diving headlong into promoting.
My first few years in Network Marketing, my up-line didn't have the same definition of what training meant as I did. I was looking for practical MLM training tips and marketing ideas with substance I could use to build my Network Marketing business.
Those first few years, the training I received was focused mostly on product knowledge, which you do need to a certain extent. Basically they had no other marketing suggestions except to call my 50 friends and family again and again, sit in the mall and cold call.
They never considered my family and friends might not be my target market. I had no duplicable system to follow. My up-line's personality allowed for 99 "no's" to get that one "yes". My personality does not.
I needed a duplicable system. Cold calling in the mall, calling family and friends over and over is not a duplicable system. The rest of the MLM training I received was related more to "how to give a presentation" and "sell the prospect".
Network Marketing is not about "selling" the prospect on your "deal". Network Marketing is a teaching and mentoring business built on building relationships with others and truly trying to help others meet a need.
Helping others meet their needs and goals will help you to meet yours as well! The Golden Rule is quite applicable: "Treat others as you would have them treat you."
MLM training should be as individual as it is essential to the success of the distributor. Each person comes to the MLM industry with different needs, MLM goals and skills. All people can be successful in this business if they understand a few things:
1) They will NOT get rich quickly. (The average time it takes to make a desirable income is 3 to 5 years. Can it be done quicker? Of course!)
2) They WILL be required to WORK in their business. (It will not fall in their lap!)
3) Network Marketing Training and Up-Line support is essential to your business (Most of us can't succeed alone!)
4) The business model of the chosen MLM Company is crucial to the success it's distributors
5) Do you have a duplicable system for attracting prospects to your business?
Friday, December 14, 2007
How To Network Your Way To Success In Any Industry
You have no doubt heard the expression: "It's not what you know, it's who you know."
Your ability to quickly and effectively transform yourself from a perfect stranger into the perfect ally in a matter of minutes will give you a tremendous advantage over your reserved peers and competitors. It is through successful networking that you gain access to the people and resources you need to achieve your goals. But what exactly does networking mean? Webster offers the following definition:
"A process by where people who have common interests and concerns come together to exchange ideas and information, for the purpose of professional development and accomplishment."
If you have a product, service, talent, or company to market and you are fully prepared to do business with others, the following steps will help you network your way to success.
1.) Upgrade Your Appearance: Humans are visually oriented creatures. We develop impressions, form judgments, and make assumptions (right or wrong) based upon what we see. Take time to pay attention to the details of your appearance and look the part that you want to play (e.g. consultant, accountant, marketer, lawyer, etc.). This does not mean that you need to be decked out in designer clothes. It means you need to understand the importance of putting together a visual presentation that says you care about how you are perceived.
2.) Be Objective Oriented: Before you set out to network ask yourself, "What do I have to offer of value to others?" It's in helping others fulfill their objectives that your services, products, and talents are utilized. Your mission is to make sure that the information you share with others is applicable to the fulfillment of those objectives. Keep this in mind as you navigate your way through conversations.
3.) Be Tactful: In this reality tv-driven era that we live in where everything is bold and crass, those tactics don't work in networking situations. People are more likely to be offended by brash, over-the-top personalities. Don't let your personality quirks blind people to the benefits of doing business with you.
4.) Have A Mental Script: Practice your introductions and be able to clearly and concisely explain who you are, what you do. It's also crucial that you supply supporting facts and details to give people a deeper understanding and greater appreciation of what you have to offer as an ally. And be consistent with the professional information that you publicly divulge. People often share notes with each other about who they meet. When those notes are compared, you want to make sure that an accurate and authentic picture of you is painted.
5.) Provide Business Reasons: Why should anyone care about what you have to say? They don't - until you make your conversation beneficial to them and provide the business reasons to take interest in what you are saying. The real interest people have is not in you, but what you can offer or do for them. Cater to it at every turn.
6.) Qualify Your Contacts: This is done by done by asking questions. Asking questions allow you to get clarification or amplification of details which will confirm or diminish interest, and reflect your comprehension of what your contact is saying.
7.) Listen More Than You Talk: This rule applies no matter who you are networking with. Through active listening we can evaluate what our potential business ally has to offer and identify their needs and concerns. Talking too much reduces your chances of getting this vital information and makes you come off as self-centered. It's also annoying. You will discover that asking questions will help you to balance your conversations in both directions.
8.) Issue A Call To Action: After you have qualified your contact as a potential business ally, you should issue a call to action. This can be an invitation to meet with you at a future date to incorporate yourself into the equation for their (greater) success, to offer services that provide solutions to challenges/problems, negotiate the sharing of resources, or discuss business ideas, plans, or opportunities. This is usually done over lunch or dinner, but you can think outside of the box and invite people to activities and events that afford you the opportunity for one-on-one dialogue with minimal distraction. This is why golf has become the networking activity of corporate America. Rule of thumb: if you issue the invite, you pay the tab.
9.) Follow-Up & Follow-Through: Once you obtain your new contacts, it's imperative that you follow-up with them. Send an email to say hello, or to arrange for the aforementioned lunch or dinner date. It's important to note that it's during this critical stage which most people stop their networking efforts when in fact, the greatest effort and energy utilized in the networking process should be used to convert your contacts into profitable relationships. By profitable I mean relationships that yield beneficial dividends - financially or otherwise.
10.) Deliver The Goods: We network as a means to an end. Often that end is the delivery of a product or a service, but it's also being able to deliver on potential or a promise. Ultimately, when we network, we are seeking those opportunities. At the end of the day, that's what networking your way to success is all about.
Your ability to quickly and effectively transform yourself from a perfect stranger into the perfect ally in a matter of minutes will give you a tremendous advantage over your reserved peers and competitors. It is through successful networking that you gain access to the people and resources you need to achieve your goals. But what exactly does networking mean? Webster offers the following definition:
"A process by where people who have common interests and concerns come together to exchange ideas and information, for the purpose of professional development and accomplishment."
If you have a product, service, talent, or company to market and you are fully prepared to do business with others, the following steps will help you network your way to success.
1.) Upgrade Your Appearance: Humans are visually oriented creatures. We develop impressions, form judgments, and make assumptions (right or wrong) based upon what we see. Take time to pay attention to the details of your appearance and look the part that you want to play (e.g. consultant, accountant, marketer, lawyer, etc.). This does not mean that you need to be decked out in designer clothes. It means you need to understand the importance of putting together a visual presentation that says you care about how you are perceived.
2.) Be Objective Oriented: Before you set out to network ask yourself, "What do I have to offer of value to others?" It's in helping others fulfill their objectives that your services, products, and talents are utilized. Your mission is to make sure that the information you share with others is applicable to the fulfillment of those objectives. Keep this in mind as you navigate your way through conversations.
3.) Be Tactful: In this reality tv-driven era that we live in where everything is bold and crass, those tactics don't work in networking situations. People are more likely to be offended by brash, over-the-top personalities. Don't let your personality quirks blind people to the benefits of doing business with you.
4.) Have A Mental Script: Practice your introductions and be able to clearly and concisely explain who you are, what you do. It's also crucial that you supply supporting facts and details to give people a deeper understanding and greater appreciation of what you have to offer as an ally. And be consistent with the professional information that you publicly divulge. People often share notes with each other about who they meet. When those notes are compared, you want to make sure that an accurate and authentic picture of you is painted.
5.) Provide Business Reasons: Why should anyone care about what you have to say? They don't - until you make your conversation beneficial to them and provide the business reasons to take interest in what you are saying. The real interest people have is not in you, but what you can offer or do for them. Cater to it at every turn.
6.) Qualify Your Contacts: This is done by done by asking questions. Asking questions allow you to get clarification or amplification of details which will confirm or diminish interest, and reflect your comprehension of what your contact is saying.
7.) Listen More Than You Talk: This rule applies no matter who you are networking with. Through active listening we can evaluate what our potential business ally has to offer and identify their needs and concerns. Talking too much reduces your chances of getting this vital information and makes you come off as self-centered. It's also annoying. You will discover that asking questions will help you to balance your conversations in both directions.
8.) Issue A Call To Action: After you have qualified your contact as a potential business ally, you should issue a call to action. This can be an invitation to meet with you at a future date to incorporate yourself into the equation for their (greater) success, to offer services that provide solutions to challenges/problems, negotiate the sharing of resources, or discuss business ideas, plans, or opportunities. This is usually done over lunch or dinner, but you can think outside of the box and invite people to activities and events that afford you the opportunity for one-on-one dialogue with minimal distraction. This is why golf has become the networking activity of corporate America. Rule of thumb: if you issue the invite, you pay the tab.
9.) Follow-Up & Follow-Through: Once you obtain your new contacts, it's imperative that you follow-up with them. Send an email to say hello, or to arrange for the aforementioned lunch or dinner date. It's important to note that it's during this critical stage which most people stop their networking efforts when in fact, the greatest effort and energy utilized in the networking process should be used to convert your contacts into profitable relationships. By profitable I mean relationships that yield beneficial dividends - financially or otherwise.
10.) Deliver The Goods: We network as a means to an end. Often that end is the delivery of a product or a service, but it's also being able to deliver on potential or a promise. Ultimately, when we network, we are seeking those opportunities. At the end of the day, that's what networking your way to success is all about.
Pump Up Those Business Networking Genes to Increase Sales
Business networking is one of the most effective marketing strategies. The more people you meet the greater likelihood of increasing leads and putting them into your marketing funnel.
Since people buy from people they know and trust, business networking event provide opportunities for people to meet you , to begin to know you and hopefully start to trust you.
How good you are at business networking is a reflection of how well you unite your marketing skills, selling skills and self leadership skills. All of these skills are necessary when you are actively marketing yourself through networking event.
So the question is: How good are you at meet and greet? And, more importantly what are your results from these business events? Do you have stacks of business cards accumulating on or near your desk? What process do you have in place to start capturing some of the hidden wealth within these cards?
Networking as defined by Lillian Bjorseth in her book Breakthrough Networking: Building Relationships That Last is:
A mutually beneficial relationship
Unfortunately, many in business see networking as a one way relationship - What's in it for me? They forget to view people as people, because they are viewing them as objects. This perspective is well explored in the book by the Arbinger Institute Leadership and Self Deception.
When you meet and greet people with the attitude (habit of thought) that you are there to help them, you can begin to develop authentic relationships that will last. Then you will learn if they have a need for your products or services. The more they talk, the more you will discover and be able to overcome any future stalls and objections if and when you make that sales presentation.
One indicator of how much your networking gene is really pumped is when people start asking you about this person or that person. When you are authentically connected, people will know and you will not have to tell them.
Since people buy from people they know and trust, business networking event provide opportunities for people to meet you , to begin to know you and hopefully start to trust you.
How good you are at business networking is a reflection of how well you unite your marketing skills, selling skills and self leadership skills. All of these skills are necessary when you are actively marketing yourself through networking event.
So the question is: How good are you at meet and greet? And, more importantly what are your results from these business events? Do you have stacks of business cards accumulating on or near your desk? What process do you have in place to start capturing some of the hidden wealth within these cards?
Networking as defined by Lillian Bjorseth in her book Breakthrough Networking: Building Relationships That Last is:
A mutually beneficial relationship
Unfortunately, many in business see networking as a one way relationship - What's in it for me? They forget to view people as people, because they are viewing them as objects. This perspective is well explored in the book by the Arbinger Institute Leadership and Self Deception.
When you meet and greet people with the attitude (habit of thought) that you are there to help them, you can begin to develop authentic relationships that will last. Then you will learn if they have a need for your products or services. The more they talk, the more you will discover and be able to overcome any future stalls and objections if and when you make that sales presentation.
One indicator of how much your networking gene is really pumped is when people start asking you about this person or that person. When you are authentically connected, people will know and you will not have to tell them.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Business Card Do's and Don'ts
The business card is one of the most used and least understood tools in business today. Whether CEO of a Fortune 500 Company or founder and part-time CEO of a web-based start-up, the business card is an effective communication and marketing tool. But like any tool, it must be used properly. The do's and don'ts of business card etiquette, while not the key to wealth and success are helpful to prosper in a business or organization of any size.
The Business Card
If you work for a mid-sized to large company or organization, the style and format of the business card will have been decided for you. If you have your own company or organization, then keep the business card traditional in size and shape. Have them printed with all your key contact information in additional to you company or organization's name, logo and tag line.
When to Carry Business Cards
Unless you are going swimming or otherwise actively engagement in sports, carry your business cards. Do no limit carrying them to work days, the office or business functions. Some of the best opportunities for business networking are at the least likely events or times.
How to Carry Business Cards
Some people carry business cards loose in their pockets or their purse. The best thing to carry them in is a business card case. These are available in metal and leather. I carry the leather one made by COACH and it has served me well. The metal ones are acceptable also as long as they are no bigger than the business cards.
When to Offer Your Business Card
Some people whip out their business card every time they meet someone at work or at a work related function. The best times to offer your business card are:
- When someone asks for your card.
- When you ask someone for their business card.
- At the END of a meeting with a client or potential client before they leave.
- If someone asks for your contact information (business or otherwise).
- At the end of an air flight if you have talked with the person sitting next to you.
- If you dine next to someone outside of your company at a professional or networking function (business-related), you may tell them that it was enjoyable talking with them and offer them your card as you shake hand and leave.
Business Card "Don'ts"
- Don't give your business card to people who work with you. If you are that unmemorable you may need a professional coach.
- Don't give your business card to people at a reception or networking function unless they ask for yours or your contact information.
- Don't drop them in bowls for raffles as you will only be contacted by someone trying to sell you something.
- Don't give them to others to hand-out for you.
- Don't leave them on bulletin boards or in stacks at any place other than your own desk - and only then if you meet face-to-face with customers or clients.
- Don't hand them out to anyone at a church service (social functions are acceptable) or at funerals.
Old Business Cards
Old business cards make great book marks and also work well for "to do" lists.
Business cards are both a blessing and a curse. Until everyone passes all contact information through technology, we will still have a tool called the business card. Know when and how to use them as an effective business development and communication tool remains essential to success.
The Business Card
If you work for a mid-sized to large company or organization, the style and format of the business card will have been decided for you. If you have your own company or organization, then keep the business card traditional in size and shape. Have them printed with all your key contact information in additional to you company or organization's name, logo and tag line.
When to Carry Business Cards
Unless you are going swimming or otherwise actively engagement in sports, carry your business cards. Do no limit carrying them to work days, the office or business functions. Some of the best opportunities for business networking are at the least likely events or times.
How to Carry Business Cards
Some people carry business cards loose in their pockets or their purse. The best thing to carry them in is a business card case. These are available in metal and leather. I carry the leather one made by COACH and it has served me well. The metal ones are acceptable also as long as they are no bigger than the business cards.
When to Offer Your Business Card
Some people whip out their business card every time they meet someone at work or at a work related function. The best times to offer your business card are:
- When someone asks for your card.
- When you ask someone for their business card.
- At the END of a meeting with a client or potential client before they leave.
- If someone asks for your contact information (business or otherwise).
- At the end of an air flight if you have talked with the person sitting next to you.
- If you dine next to someone outside of your company at a professional or networking function (business-related), you may tell them that it was enjoyable talking with them and offer them your card as you shake hand and leave.
Business Card "Don'ts"
- Don't give your business card to people who work with you. If you are that unmemorable you may need a professional coach.
- Don't give your business card to people at a reception or networking function unless they ask for yours or your contact information.
- Don't drop them in bowls for raffles as you will only be contacted by someone trying to sell you something.
- Don't give them to others to hand-out for you.
- Don't leave them on bulletin boards or in stacks at any place other than your own desk - and only then if you meet face-to-face with customers or clients.
- Don't hand them out to anyone at a church service (social functions are acceptable) or at funerals.
Old Business Cards
Old business cards make great book marks and also work well for "to do" lists.
Business cards are both a blessing and a curse. Until everyone passes all contact information through technology, we will still have a tool called the business card. Know when and how to use them as an effective business development and communication tool remains essential to success.
How To Network Your Way To Success In Any Industry
Your ability to quickly and effectively transform yourself from a perfect stranger into the perfect ally in a matter of minutes will give you a tremendous advantage over your reserved peers and competitors. It is through successful networking that you gain access to the people and resources you need to achieve your goals. But what exactly does networking mean? Webster offers the following definition:
"A process by where people who have common interests and concerns come together to exchange ideas and information, for the purpose of professional development and accomplishment."
If you have a product, service, talent, or company to market and you are fully prepared to do business with others, the following steps will help you network your way to success.
1.) Upgrade Your Appearance: Humans are visually oriented creatures. We develop impressions, form judgments, and make assumptions (right or wrong) based upon what we see. Take time to pay attention to the details of your appearance and look the part that you want to play (e.g. consultant, accountant, marketer, lawyer, etc.). This does not mean that you need to be decked out in designer clothes. It means you need to understand the importance of putting together a visual presentation that says you care about how you are perceived.
2.) Be Objective Oriented: Before you set out to network ask yourself, "What do I have to offer of value to others?" It's in helping others fulfill their objectives that your services, products, and talents are utilized. Your mission is to make sure that the information you share with others is applicable to the fulfillment of those objectives. Keep this in mind as you navigate your way through conversations.
3.) Be Tactful: In this reality tv-driven era that we live in where everything is bold and crass, those tactics don't work in networking situations. People are more likely to be offended by brash, over-the-top personalities. Don't let your personality quirks blind people to the benefits of doing business with you.
4.) Have A Mental Script: Practice your introductions and be able to clearly and concisely explain who you are, what you do. It's also crucial that you supply supporting facts and details to give people a deeper understanding and greater appreciation of what you have to offer as an ally. And be consistent with the professional information that you publicly divulge. People often share notes with each other about who they meet. When those notes are compared, you want to make sure that an accurate and authentic picture of you is painted.
5.) Provide Business Reasons: Why should anyone care about what you have to say? They don't - until you make your conversation beneficial to them and provide the business reasons to take interest in what you are saying. The real interest people have is not in you, but what you can offer or do for them. Cater to it at every turn.
6.) Qualify Your Contacts: This is done by done by asking questions. Asking questions allow you to get clarification or amplification of details which will confirm or diminish interest, and reflect your comprehension of what your contact is saying.
7.) Listen More Than You Talk: This rule applies no matter who you are networking with. Through active listening we can evaluate what our potential business ally has to offer and identify their needs and concerns. Talking too much reduces your chances of getting this vital information and makes you come off as self-centered. It's also annoying. You will discover that asking questions will help you to balance your conversations in both directions.
8.) Issue A Call To Action: After you have qualified your contact as a potential business ally, you should issue a call to action. This can be an invitation to meet with you at a future date to incorporate yourself into the equation for their (greater) success, to offer services that provide solutions to challenges/problems, negotiate the sharing of resources, or discuss business ideas, plans, or opportunities. This is usually done over lunch or dinner, but you can think outside of the box and invite people to activities and events that afford you the opportunity for one-on-one dialogue with minimal distraction. This is why golf has become the networking activity of corporate America. Rule of thumb: if you issue the invite, you pay the tab.
9.) Follow-Up & Follow-Through: Once you obtain your new contacts, it's imperative that you follow-up with them. Send an email to say hello, or to arrange for the aforementioned lunch or dinner date. It's important to note that it's during this critical stage which most people stop their networking efforts when in fact, the greatest effort and energy utilized in the networking process should be used to convert your contacts into profitable relationships. By profitable I mean relationships that yield beneficial dividends - financially or otherwise.
10.) Deliver The Goods: We network as a means to an end. Often that end is the delivery of a product or a service, but it's also being able to deliver on potential or a promise. Ultimately, when we network, we are seeking those opportunities. At the end of the day, that's what networking your way to success is all about.
"A process by where people who have common interests and concerns come together to exchange ideas and information, for the purpose of professional development and accomplishment."
If you have a product, service, talent, or company to market and you are fully prepared to do business with others, the following steps will help you network your way to success.
1.) Upgrade Your Appearance: Humans are visually oriented creatures. We develop impressions, form judgments, and make assumptions (right or wrong) based upon what we see. Take time to pay attention to the details of your appearance and look the part that you want to play (e.g. consultant, accountant, marketer, lawyer, etc.). This does not mean that you need to be decked out in designer clothes. It means you need to understand the importance of putting together a visual presentation that says you care about how you are perceived.
2.) Be Objective Oriented: Before you set out to network ask yourself, "What do I have to offer of value to others?" It's in helping others fulfill their objectives that your services, products, and talents are utilized. Your mission is to make sure that the information you share with others is applicable to the fulfillment of those objectives. Keep this in mind as you navigate your way through conversations.
3.) Be Tactful: In this reality tv-driven era that we live in where everything is bold and crass, those tactics don't work in networking situations. People are more likely to be offended by brash, over-the-top personalities. Don't let your personality quirks blind people to the benefits of doing business with you.
4.) Have A Mental Script: Practice your introductions and be able to clearly and concisely explain who you are, what you do. It's also crucial that you supply supporting facts and details to give people a deeper understanding and greater appreciation of what you have to offer as an ally. And be consistent with the professional information that you publicly divulge. People often share notes with each other about who they meet. When those notes are compared, you want to make sure that an accurate and authentic picture of you is painted.
5.) Provide Business Reasons: Why should anyone care about what you have to say? They don't - until you make your conversation beneficial to them and provide the business reasons to take interest in what you are saying. The real interest people have is not in you, but what you can offer or do for them. Cater to it at every turn.
6.) Qualify Your Contacts: This is done by done by asking questions. Asking questions allow you to get clarification or amplification of details which will confirm or diminish interest, and reflect your comprehension of what your contact is saying.
7.) Listen More Than You Talk: This rule applies no matter who you are networking with. Through active listening we can evaluate what our potential business ally has to offer and identify their needs and concerns. Talking too much reduces your chances of getting this vital information and makes you come off as self-centered. It's also annoying. You will discover that asking questions will help you to balance your conversations in both directions.
8.) Issue A Call To Action: After you have qualified your contact as a potential business ally, you should issue a call to action. This can be an invitation to meet with you at a future date to incorporate yourself into the equation for their (greater) success, to offer services that provide solutions to challenges/problems, negotiate the sharing of resources, or discuss business ideas, plans, or opportunities. This is usually done over lunch or dinner, but you can think outside of the box and invite people to activities and events that afford you the opportunity for one-on-one dialogue with minimal distraction. This is why golf has become the networking activity of corporate America. Rule of thumb: if you issue the invite, you pay the tab.
9.) Follow-Up & Follow-Through: Once you obtain your new contacts, it's imperative that you follow-up with them. Send an email to say hello, or to arrange for the aforementioned lunch or dinner date. It's important to note that it's during this critical stage which most people stop their networking efforts when in fact, the greatest effort and energy utilized in the networking process should be used to convert your contacts into profitable relationships. By profitable I mean relationships that yield beneficial dividends - financially or otherwise.
10.) Deliver The Goods: We network as a means to an end. Often that end is the delivery of a product or a service, but it's also being able to deliver on potential or a promise. Ultimately, when we network, we are seeking those opportunities. At the end of the day, that's what networking your way to success is all about.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
How To Set Up a Wireless Network
How To set up a Wireless Network
This article is aimed at helping you to set up a wireless network in your home. We will assume you already have a broadband connection to a modem which connects directly to your computer.
Equipment Required
1. A Wireless Router
2. A Wireless PCI Card for any desktop PC's
3. A PCMCIA wireless card for any notebook computers you have
Setting Up the Wireless Network
Step 1...Set up the router
It is always best to have one computer on the network hard wired into the router. This is because if the security settings are lost you always have one computer that will allow you access to the router and recover them. To set up the router unplug the modem from its power and turn off the computer. Plug the modem directly into the router with Ethernet cable into the WAN port. Then plug the router directly to your Desktop PC via the LAN port. Plug in the modem and allow it to return to the status ready. Plug the power into the router and turn it on. Turn on the computer and let it boot into windows. Take the setup CD and place it into the Desktop machine and run the setup wizard. Change the administrators default password to one you will know as hackers tend to know the default passwords. Change the SSID of the network (network name) hackers also know the default SSID and can use it to gain access to your network. Refer to the printed guide with your router and set up WEP/WPA encryption to provide security on the network.
IMPORTANT: Write down the key that the router produces you will need this to gain access to your network from other machines.
Step2...Adding other computers to the network
To add a desktop PC unplug the computer and install the PCI card into the machine. Turn the computer on after you have installed the wireless card. Insert the CD and run the setup program to install the drivers for the wireless card. Once this is done restart your computer and wait for windows to load. When windows loads you should see a small icon in the system tray that says wireless network detected. Click on this and view the wireless network available and select the one you have set up on the router. The computer should be able to connect to it, adjust the security settings to match those of the router i.e. the encryption key your router produced should now be entered.
To set up a notebook PCMCIA card refer to the printed guide with your card and install the relevant software from the CD. Turn off the notebook and plug in the card to an available slot on the side of the laptop. Turn on the notebook and the hardware should be detected and then wireless networks should be visible. Select your network and enter the Key provided by your router as you do on a Desktop PC.
Step3...Running Windows XP network setup wizard
To run the wizard click Start > My Network Places on the left you should see a column that says Set Up a Home or Small Office Network. Run the wizard and follow the onscreen instructions. Repeat this on all machines on the network entering the same information each time.
Congratulations you have now successfully set up a wireless network.
There are extra peripherals that you can install such as a wireless adapter for your sound system to stream music off your computer through your television. Setting Up the Wireless Network Step 1...Set up the router
It is always best to have one computer on the network hard wired into the router. This is because if the security settings are lost you always have one computer that will allow you access to the router and recover them. To set up the router unplug the modem from its power and turn off the computer. Plug the modem directly into the router with Ethernet cable into the WAN port. Then plug the router directly to your Desktop PC via the LAN port. Plug in the modem and allow it to return to the status ready. Plug the power into the router and turn it on. Turn on the computer and let it boot into windows. Take the setup CD and place it into the Desktop machine and run the setup wizard. Change the administrators default password to one you will know as hackers tend to know the default passwords. Change the SSID of the network (network name) hackers also know the default SSID and can use it to gain access to your network. Refer to the printed guide with your router and set up WEP/WPA encryption to provide security on the network.
IMPORTANT: Write down the key that the router produces you will need this to gain access to your network from other machines.
Step2...Adding other computers to the network
To add a desktop PC unplug the computer and install the PCI card into the machine. Turn the computer on after you have installed the wireless card. Insert the CD and run the setup program to install the drivers for the wireless card. Once this is done restart your computer and wait for windows to load. When windows loads you should see a small icon in the system tray that says wireless network detected. Click on this and view the wireless network available and select the one you have set up on the router. The computer should be able to connect to it, adjust the security settings to match those of the router i.e. the encryption key your router produced should now be entered.
To set up a notebook PCMCIA card refer to the printed guide with your card and install the relevant software from the CD. Turn off the notebook and plug in the card to an available slot on the side of the laptop. Turn on the notebook and the hardware should be detected and then wireless networks should be visible. Select your network and enter the Key provided by your router as you do on a Desktop PC.
Step3...Running Windows XP network setup wizard
To run the wizard click Start > My Network Places on the left you should see a column that says Set Up a Home or Small Office Network. Run the wizard and follow the onscreen instructions. Repeat this on all machines on the network entering the same information each time.
This article is aimed at helping you to set up a wireless network in your home. We will assume you already have a broadband connection to a modem which connects directly to your computer.
Equipment Required
1. A Wireless Router
2. A Wireless PCI Card for any desktop PC's
3. A PCMCIA wireless card for any notebook computers you have
Setting Up the Wireless Network
Step 1...Set up the router
It is always best to have one computer on the network hard wired into the router. This is because if the security settings are lost you always have one computer that will allow you access to the router and recover them. To set up the router unplug the modem from its power and turn off the computer. Plug the modem directly into the router with Ethernet cable into the WAN port. Then plug the router directly to your Desktop PC via the LAN port. Plug in the modem and allow it to return to the status ready. Plug the power into the router and turn it on. Turn on the computer and let it boot into windows. Take the setup CD and place it into the Desktop machine and run the setup wizard. Change the administrators default password to one you will know as hackers tend to know the default passwords. Change the SSID of the network (network name) hackers also know the default SSID and can use it to gain access to your network. Refer to the printed guide with your router and set up WEP/WPA encryption to provide security on the network.
IMPORTANT: Write down the key that the router produces you will need this to gain access to your network from other machines.
Step2...Adding other computers to the network
To add a desktop PC unplug the computer and install the PCI card into the machine. Turn the computer on after you have installed the wireless card. Insert the CD and run the setup program to install the drivers for the wireless card. Once this is done restart your computer and wait for windows to load. When windows loads you should see a small icon in the system tray that says wireless network detected. Click on this and view the wireless network available and select the one you have set up on the router. The computer should be able to connect to it, adjust the security settings to match those of the router i.e. the encryption key your router produced should now be entered.
To set up a notebook PCMCIA card refer to the printed guide with your card and install the relevant software from the CD. Turn off the notebook and plug in the card to an available slot on the side of the laptop. Turn on the notebook and the hardware should be detected and then wireless networks should be visible. Select your network and enter the Key provided by your router as you do on a Desktop PC.
Step3...Running Windows XP network setup wizard
To run the wizard click Start > My Network Places on the left you should see a column that says Set Up a Home or Small Office Network. Run the wizard and follow the onscreen instructions. Repeat this on all machines on the network entering the same information each time.
Congratulations you have now successfully set up a wireless network.
There are extra peripherals that you can install such as a wireless adapter for your sound system to stream music off your computer through your television. Setting Up the Wireless Network Step 1...Set up the router
It is always best to have one computer on the network hard wired into the router. This is because if the security settings are lost you always have one computer that will allow you access to the router and recover them. To set up the router unplug the modem from its power and turn off the computer. Plug the modem directly into the router with Ethernet cable into the WAN port. Then plug the router directly to your Desktop PC via the LAN port. Plug in the modem and allow it to return to the status ready. Plug the power into the router and turn it on. Turn on the computer and let it boot into windows. Take the setup CD and place it into the Desktop machine and run the setup wizard. Change the administrators default password to one you will know as hackers tend to know the default passwords. Change the SSID of the network (network name) hackers also know the default SSID and can use it to gain access to your network. Refer to the printed guide with your router and set up WEP/WPA encryption to provide security on the network.
IMPORTANT: Write down the key that the router produces you will need this to gain access to your network from other machines.
Step2...Adding other computers to the network
To add a desktop PC unplug the computer and install the PCI card into the machine. Turn the computer on after you have installed the wireless card. Insert the CD and run the setup program to install the drivers for the wireless card. Once this is done restart your computer and wait for windows to load. When windows loads you should see a small icon in the system tray that says wireless network detected. Click on this and view the wireless network available and select the one you have set up on the router. The computer should be able to connect to it, adjust the security settings to match those of the router i.e. the encryption key your router produced should now be entered.
To set up a notebook PCMCIA card refer to the printed guide with your card and install the relevant software from the CD. Turn off the notebook and plug in the card to an available slot on the side of the laptop. Turn on the notebook and the hardware should be detected and then wireless networks should be visible. Select your network and enter the Key provided by your router as you do on a Desktop PC.
Step3...Running Windows XP network setup wizard
To run the wizard click Start > My Network Places on the left you should see a column that says Set Up a Home or Small Office Network. Run the wizard and follow the onscreen instructions. Repeat this on all machines on the network entering the same information each time.
Setting Up Your Network
Configuring a LAN used to be a real pain. You had to manually assign a network address to each device on the network, and keep a record of them to make sure that you didn’t use the same one twice – if you did, both devices would stop working. However, modern LANs with routers using a system called DHCP.
DHCP stands for dynamic host configuration protocol. It’s a fancy way of saying that when a device connects to the network, it asks the router which addresses are free, and then the router allocates one to it for a limited amount of time. This allows you to connect and disconnect things from your network whenever you want, without having to configure them. Even if your laptop has never connected to a network before, you can just plug it in, and off you go, without needing to know anything about how the network is configured.
In general, to get a modern network up and running, all you need to do is wire up each computer to the router using an Ethernet cable. Often this will be enough to get the computers to see each other, but occasionally you need some extra configuration. In Windows, the easiest way to configure a network is to go to My Network Places on the desktop or the Start menu, and then click ‘Set up a home or small office network’.
Once you’ve done that, any printers or other devices that are connected to any of the computers, or to the router itself, will be automatically shared. If you want to share individual folders between computers, that’s also simple to do – just right click them in My Computer, choose Properties then the Sharing tab, and then put a tick in the ‘Share this folder on the network’ box.
DHCP stands for dynamic host configuration protocol. It’s a fancy way of saying that when a device connects to the network, it asks the router which addresses are free, and then the router allocates one to it for a limited amount of time. This allows you to connect and disconnect things from your network whenever you want, without having to configure them. Even if your laptop has never connected to a network before, you can just plug it in, and off you go, without needing to know anything about how the network is configured.
In general, to get a modern network up and running, all you need to do is wire up each computer to the router using an Ethernet cable. Often this will be enough to get the computers to see each other, but occasionally you need some extra configuration. In Windows, the easiest way to configure a network is to go to My Network Places on the desktop or the Start menu, and then click ‘Set up a home or small office network’.
Once you’ve done that, any printers or other devices that are connected to any of the computers, or to the router itself, will be automatically shared. If you want to share individual folders between computers, that’s also simple to do – just right click them in My Computer, choose Properties then the Sharing tab, and then put a tick in the ‘Share this folder on the network’ box.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Differences In A Home Based Network Marketing Business From A Traditional Business
A home based network marketing business is the perfect business to start if you are looking for a way to make extra money from the comfort of your own home. The beauty of starting a network marketing business and running it at home is all of the savings you will enjoy over a traditional business. Here are a few big differences a network marketing business offers in the way of saving over the brick and mortar business.
1. No outside office space to rent. Work in the comfort of your own home. You don't even need an office. Just a place for your computer and phone. Renting office space is not cheap. And you wont's have to spend time meeting with property managers finding the right location. The right location for your home based business is wherever you want it in your home.
2. No warehouse space. Most network marketing products are ordered and direct shipped from the factory warehouse. In the old days of network marketing businesses people would stock products in their basement or garages. Not anymore. All orders can be direct shipped and you never ever handle the product.
3. No sales people needed. With a network marketing business you get paid on the sales of your downline without actually hiring them as employees. You are paid in residual income to help train them to run their own business. Thanks to the internet and conference calls anyone can do that regardless of their current experience.
4. No office staff needed. All orders can be done via a 1-800 or your company provided website. As more and more people get comfortable ordering online you just refer them to your website to make a sale or recruit them as a distributor.
5.. No special equipment to buy. All you need is a computer and a phone. You don't even need to set up a separate phone line for business. Running a home based business allows you to use what you already have.
A network marketing home based business is going require you to work hard to develop retail customers and a network of distributors doing the same. You make money on your sales and the sales of your group.The beauty of this is called duplication. By helping people set up their own home based network marketing business you are able to accomplish more than if you had to do all of the work yourself or if you had to hire employees.
1. No outside office space to rent. Work in the comfort of your own home. You don't even need an office. Just a place for your computer and phone. Renting office space is not cheap. And you wont's have to spend time meeting with property managers finding the right location. The right location for your home based business is wherever you want it in your home.
2. No warehouse space. Most network marketing products are ordered and direct shipped from the factory warehouse. In the old days of network marketing businesses people would stock products in their basement or garages. Not anymore. All orders can be direct shipped and you never ever handle the product.
3. No sales people needed. With a network marketing business you get paid on the sales of your downline without actually hiring them as employees. You are paid in residual income to help train them to run their own business. Thanks to the internet and conference calls anyone can do that regardless of their current experience.
4. No office staff needed. All orders can be done via a 1-800 or your company provided website. As more and more people get comfortable ordering online you just refer them to your website to make a sale or recruit them as a distributor.
5.. No special equipment to buy. All you need is a computer and a phone. You don't even need to set up a separate phone line for business. Running a home based business allows you to use what you already have.
A network marketing home based business is going require you to work hard to develop retail customers and a network of distributors doing the same. You make money on your sales and the sales of your group.The beauty of this is called duplication. By helping people set up their own home based network marketing business you are able to accomplish more than if you had to do all of the work yourself or if you had to hire employees.
Is Your Wireless Network a Home Security Breach?
Wireless networks for home computers are becoming more and more popular but do you know how to protect your Wi-Fi network?
A recent survey from www.wi-fi.org shows that protecting your wireless network has become one of the top three issues in home security. According to the survey the top three concerns about home security was:
* Locking windows and doors
* Installing a home alarm system
* Securing your wireless network.
More than 40 percent of the survey respondents felt that a protected Wi-Fi network was an important part of creating a safe home.
Is your neighbor using your Wi-Fi network?
Did you know that 17 percent of Americans thinks it's ok to use someone else's network. The wast majority thinks using your neighbor's Wi-Fi is like stealing. They don't like their neighbors borrowing their signal without their knowledge.
Most new laptop computers have access to Wi-Fi networks as a standard feature. Try taking your laptop for a drive in the neighborhood and you'll probably discover that your computer can connect to several networks - especially if you live in the city. Some "Wi-Fi snatchers" even put small graffitti marks on walls indicating where your can find an open network.
Only seven out of 10 respondents in the survey had activated their Wi-Fi network security - that leaves 30% of networks wide open. Securing you network does require a little technical knowledge, but most systems come with an easy step-by-step guide for setting up the network security. When you have secured your network you can really enjoy the freedom of Wi-Fi without worrying about bandwidth theft.
Have you checked if your Wi-Fi network is secure?
Can you take your laptop computer across the street and still access your home network? Does using your network require you to logon to the network? If not your network is probably wide open so everyone in the neighborhood can use your network. Maybe it's time to find the manual to your system and start doing something about your Wi-Fi security before someone starts stealing your bandwidth or worse - gets access to you computer.
A recent survey from www.wi-fi.org shows that protecting your wireless network has become one of the top three issues in home security. According to the survey the top three concerns about home security was:
* Locking windows and doors
* Installing a home alarm system
* Securing your wireless network.
More than 40 percent of the survey respondents felt that a protected Wi-Fi network was an important part of creating a safe home.
Is your neighbor using your Wi-Fi network?
Did you know that 17 percent of Americans thinks it's ok to use someone else's network. The wast majority thinks using your neighbor's Wi-Fi is like stealing. They don't like their neighbors borrowing their signal without their knowledge.
Most new laptop computers have access to Wi-Fi networks as a standard feature. Try taking your laptop for a drive in the neighborhood and you'll probably discover that your computer can connect to several networks - especially if you live in the city. Some "Wi-Fi snatchers" even put small graffitti marks on walls indicating where your can find an open network.
Only seven out of 10 respondents in the survey had activated their Wi-Fi network security - that leaves 30% of networks wide open. Securing you network does require a little technical knowledge, but most systems come with an easy step-by-step guide for setting up the network security. When you have secured your network you can really enjoy the freedom of Wi-Fi without worrying about bandwidth theft.
Have you checked if your Wi-Fi network is secure?
Can you take your laptop computer across the street and still access your home network? Does using your network require you to logon to the network? If not your network is probably wide open so everyone in the neighborhood can use your network. Maybe it's time to find the manual to your system and start doing something about your Wi-Fi security before someone starts stealing your bandwidth or worse - gets access to you computer.
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