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Many restaurants charge a lot for what they call “gourmet food”, but often these dishes are just ordinary food prepared with extreme attention to detail. In fact, the secrets to gourmet cooking are proper garnishing and proper flavor proportion.

As opposed to fast food, gourmet cooking is done with stricter attention to and concern for sanitation, taste, excellence, and presentation. One very common trick performed by gourmet chefs is to tickle the taste buds with a lot of fats, seasonings and spices. For example, when you cook at home you use typical cooking oil sold in supermarkets. However, restaurant gourmet chefs cook with a full-fat method, using olive oil or butter instead of margarine or cooking oil. They also choose fatty meat cuts and use milk instead of cream. All these methods better bring out the flavors of an elaborate meal. In fact, most gourmet steaks are cooked drenched in loads of butter.

When you shop for ingredients for home style gourmet cooking, don’t forget to buy spices and seasonings of high quality. This is a time-tested way to jazz up your home cooked meals and make them taste more like the ones for which you wait half an hour in posh restaurants.

Of course, before you select your spices you must shop for the raw materials – the main ingredients. Make sure you only buy ingredients which are fresh and organic. Yes, this includes even the flavorings; these should be organic too. For example, say that you’re aiming to cook some authentic Italian food tonight. You can fake gourmet cooking by purchasing fresh pasta instead of dried pasta. And if you and your family love pasta and you’re feeling really adventurous, you can your own make homemade noodles with a high-grade pasta machine.

Growing your own spices and herbs will also help. Put your large garden to use by planting spices such as chili, onions, and garlic. The fresher and more organic they are, the better they will taste when mixed with your main course. Further, you can save lots of time and money with this method because organically grown spices are generally very expensive. Even though less expensive powdered versions are available, these kinds of shortcuts are considered crimes against gourmet cooking.

If you’re itching to prepare a gourmet dish, just spend a little more time in the kitchen with those fresh ingredients and a trusty DIY gourmet cookbook.

Wesley has reviewed and written about the Black and Decker Toaster Oven [http://blackanddeckertoasteroven.com], an appliance any family will not want to do without. For more details you can read about Black and Decker toaster oven [http://blackanddeckertoasteroven.com/black-and-decker-toaster-ovens/] reviews and history as well.

Wesley Lancombe has spent several years learning gourmet cooking and enjoys sharing his experiences with others. He now focuses on purchasing and testing several brands of kitchen appliances, and is in the process of compiling reviews.

Ignition System Trouble Shooting.

Last time we discussed how magnetic fields cause current to flow in wires. The current flow is then harnessed to make the spark plugs work.

Now we will discuss how to trouble shoot this system.

First of all the system consists of:

-A flywheel with a magnet

-A magneto with a main coil and a switching coil

-An On/Off wire

-A spark plug and spark plug wire.

That’s it.

{In the olden days you had a switching circuit called points, but I will not bore you with that. I have several old motors that have points. (If you are really interested in points I will write an article about trouble shooting those…but not today.)}

So what’s the problem?

The problem is that I was riding my go kart… blew the chain… made a massive clunk…engine still ran right up until I shut it off. I replaced the chain and now it won’t start.

What do I do? Cry? Uh…No…

First off all look at the system. So the engine not running must be symptomatic of

-No Gas

-Flooded (too much gas)

-No compression

-No Spark

-Switch is off!

So yes, I checked.. there is gas. (check!)

The engine has nice resistance and compression (no thrown rods, no loose valves, everything is tight…) (check)

Yes I checked it was ON! Also I removed the off wire from the switch near the engine. Still nothing. (check)

Pulled the spark plug out and tested for spark:

No Spark:

The possible causes for no spark are:

Faulty Spark Plug (ie short circuiting because of ash contaiminents, broken insulator, too much gas on plug)

Or a faulty ignition mechanism

Well I cleaned the plug well. Used a different plug…

Note: But you know what I should have done first? I should have taken the plug wire and tried it against the engine. Well I tried that too: no spark.

Not looking good here… What do we do next?

This is where stuff starts coming apart.

Understand that the system involves the flywheel, so we need to access it and see if the flywheel is okay.

By “okay” I mean the following:

-Is there a magnet in it anymore?

-Did it get damaged? (very unlikely) Check with screwdriver: does it stick? (check, yes there is a magnet)

The next critical thing is to check the keyway. 8 times out of 10 the key gets sheared. This can occur from sudden stops of the engine. A sudden stop can occur from various reasons such as a broken chain grabbing hold of an activated clutch. An instantaneous shock load can be introduced into the system.

The other way an engine can be come jammed suddenly is if the rod blew inside, or the engine ran out of oil (seized up).

Next time…. What happened to the ignition system?

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And for those with Vertical Lawnmower Engines, there is a special section just for you! Don’t throw away that vertical engine just yet!

While there are those who prefer to stick to traditional methods of cooking and traditional food, there are also a class of people who are always willing to experiment with new culinary delights! The French cuisine consists of traditional and regional dishes, as well as continental food flavored with the French ethnic touch. It is because of this that French food has become so popular in the rest of Europe, USA, and many other countries. This popularity has therefore led to the initiation of the French Cooking School USA.

The French Cooking School USA, an association of different schools, was inaugurated with the idea of imparting knowledge about French recipes and French delicacies to people wishing to qualify as professionals in the art of French cooking. Development of teaching skills is also a part of the program. In addition, the advancement of science and technology and schools under this association being placed at varied locations has ensured that distance poses no problem to learning.

Having earned the distinction of being the most exploratory international institution where the culinary arts and cooking are concerned, the French Cooking School USA uses varied cooking techniques unique to France and innovative recipes to provide an extraordinary learning experience for its students. The School is run by people thoroughly acquainted with French gourmet cooking as well as the essence of France?s culture. Is it any wonder then that superb masterpieces like Souffles and Bisques have come from the French Cooking School USA?

Two of the more popular schools associated with the French Cooking School USA are the Ecole Dijon Cooking School and the Cook Street School of Fine Cooking.

The Ecole Dijon Cooking School conducts classes at Chef Drew Holladay Home. There are small groups of students who are scheduled to attend eight sessions of teaching. This school basically caters to cooking in the home. So people who wish to confine their culinary skills to their own homes or bring a change in their regular menus take admission here. Trained cooks demonstrate newer ways of cooking routine food to bring about variety.

The students at Cook Street School of Fine Cooking in Colorado learn specialized French cooking and how to prepare wine. Certificates are awarded at the end of the course. Though the fees demanded are quite affordable, the students get thorough training in the science of good eating. They can therefore opt for careers in culinary art. The course program imparts knowledge about the heritage of French cuisine, how a menu has to be prepared, knowledge about wines, and how an appetite for good food is to be developed.

Another school of mention associated with the French Cooking School USA, is the New School of Cooking. An amateur takes admission and departs as a professional cook! There is the flexibility of taking up part-time, or full-time baking courses of one-year duration. Training is given by professional chefs. There is also the option of learning Italian and Asian cooking in addition to French cooking.

Thus, the French Cooking School USA provides an ideal atmosphere and learning experience for anyone desiring to master French cooking!

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Introduction

Education carried out by government and also private sector requires a real operating expenses height. Most all sector is relating to education must be bought. Book, chalk, ruler, and teaching aid readily uses for example, must be bought. Therefore, education requires cost.

Presumption like that not then is followed up with closing eyes and ear with interest places forward commercial factor than social. Education is not commodity, but effort carries out system and certain mechanism that man is able to improve; repair their/his self, can make balmy itself, and solvent of interaction as man.

Education paradigm growing in Indonesia in this XXI century step by step has started leaves aspiration of the founders this republic nation-state that is that every citizen entitled to get education that is competent. The republic founders aware to that performing of the education are addressed to makes man is humanitarianly and can make process towards at fullness of spirit hence would very ironic with situation of education these days.

The Role of the Government and Private sector

Education is responsibility of all suborder. By referring this assumption, education organizer is not merely government but also entangles the side of private sector individually and also group. Thereby, governmental hoped all members of publics responsible educate Indonesian.

Despitefully, because of limitation of cost, governmental given opportunity of it’s bigger to public to participate and develops business through education. This assumption comprehended by public by building opening school, courses, or skilled education type with facility that is better than school build and owned government. By giving supporting facilities for education that is rather differs in, rather complete, and promises makes education managed the side of private sector must be redeemed with cost that is not is cheap. So expensive education.

Indonesia has ever owned Perguruan Taman Siswa carrying out education for public? People with motivation educate public? People. Indonesia also has education system of pesantren (Islamic models) which is not collects payment which in the form of money from it’s the student. Student in pesantren modeled this salaf (classical) not only studies public sciences (like biology, physics, mathematics, language, and art) they also studies Islam science for the sake of individual and public.

Without realized already happened friction of motivation of organizer and the management of the existing education. Education organizer of private sector tends to sells dream with equipment of facility which they perform. They disregard condition of Indonesia public most doesn’t have purchasing power and energy? Power to bargain. Pupil old fellow will be given on to reality “expensive school” and “go to school for rich man children”.

Of course, must also be confessed that the school requires cost. However, collects expense of height for education is a real wrong deed; more than anything else in Constitution 1945 has expressed that any citizen [is] entitled to get education.

Capitalist: Having Under the Law

Shifts it purpose of education levying from formulated by the Republic of Indonesia founders is really peeping out suborder concern. If education only be carried out just for man who is having money, hence the biggest layer of Indonesia public? People will not have formal education. Poor people and people, who don’t have purchasing power, will yield apathetic generation. Thereby, will lose also one civilization links a nation.

Education carried out with only menitikberatkan at present financial advantage will only make man is more individually and once in a while overrules that the man basically is created autonomous. Tendency and dependency to get it’s (the capital returns will make education product to enable all ways, machiavelistical.

Other side, education system this time makes detached man from it’s (the area and sometimes abstracted from its (the community root. Properly is critical that education system this time makes educative participant not autonomous and sometimes forgets spirit to as social creature or according to opinion Aristotle’s that the man Zoon Politicon.

Semestinyalah had if education aimed at accomplishment of copartner ship standard (company) must be refused. Ideally, education must load agenda for “humanizes man” (humanization), non dehumanization. By collecting expense of height because law barium; by itself education has been transferred to accomplishment of industrial requirement. More than anything else in Indonesia, diploma is respectable reference and the only equipment to get work that is competent.

By positioning education carried out by government and also law barium private sector must, public trapped at acute dilemma. In one public sides requires education to increase it’s the humanity reality, medium on the other side no cost is small monster or endless nightmare.

Tussle between fears and desire of public to send to school it’s the children exploited by certain party sides. This condition is a real condition profits if evaluated from the aspect of business. Panic buyers are really condition hardly to the advantage of my pelaku-pela is business.

Opinion: Education is Sacral Factor

Indonesia Public till now still of opinion that formal education is equipment the only to improve; repair life, to get work with good production, good salary, and to fulfill primary requirements, beside can boost up degree. This assumption by generations and always is looked after causing peeps out assumption and places formal education as thing which sacral.

Though all formal education, vocational school is not interesting means. As it’s (the impact, vocational schools teaching is skilled becoming not draws. Vocational school is school for member of marginal public. Vocational school teaching how facing and draws up life is assumed not elite and ancient. Despitefully, vocational school is not place of for rich man children, but majored for children from poor family.

Social Lameness as poison impact goad to school which only is enjoyed by rich man children will peep out oppressed feeling and not balmy among poor people. Poor public of which cannot send to school it’s (the children will assume it as destiny which must be received and assumes it as penalization of God. Irony, of course. But this is reality when schools becomes is expensive and poor people [shall] no longer have place in school.

Minister of National Education in Indonesia for the existing likely increasingly far from nationality vision. Even with movement of schools autonomy increasingly clearly shows capitalization symptom of education. Now education is managed by using management of business that is then yields cost is sky. Expense of education more and more expensive, even impressed has become business commodity for the owner of capital (capitalist). By using pre-eminent school label, favorite school, peer school etcetera expense of education increasingly strangles poor people. Our education increasingly grinds marginal clan. Where situation of our education justice if certifiable school of that is just for they having money only?

While as man who sure is normal of public will choose best life. However, because of its (the disability and its (the kepicikan in looking at education problem, its (the objectivity is also disappears. Indonesia Public of course requires resuscitation that education is one essential part to improve; repair quality of it’s (the humanity. Of course, there is no guarantee that education will make people to become rich, influential, famous, and in command.

Cover? Conclusion

Debate of length still need to be strived before Indonesia public can look into formal education as not the only equipment to improve; repair its(the life. Public must realize formal education is not as of its (the pitch.

Resuscitation need to be trained to pebisnis. School that is till now is viewed as the only equipment which able to be used to reach for and can realize its (the aspiration is not farm to get advantage. Therefore, not righteously school utilized as means to make a living. In school still and ought to slip between idealism, so that there is no reason again to expensive of education that is with quality, complete supporting facilities, and has various facilities.

Other alternative is publicizing intensively that non diploma required but ethos and hard work, motivates to build their/his self, and desires to live in better front must be inculcated early. Public must be awaked that becoming public servant is not the price of death.

Wisnu Sujianto
was born in Salatiga, 48 years ago.

Reference

Mu’arif. 2002. Education of Nationality Vision. Yogyakarta: Our writer. Com Samsuri, Ahmad. 2007. Principal of Education. Surakarta: Yayasan Gramayudha. Zaezar, Muhammad. 2006. Better than Education Formal. Surakarta: Yayasan Gramayudha

Camps often focus on specialties that include: adventure, art, computer, dance, music, religion, horse riding, sports, theatre, and many others. There are camps with activities as traditional as model rocketry and riflery, to those nontraditional as aviation, computers, language studies, golf, martial arts or community service. Many kid campers are enrolled in summer camp by their parents early in the year, thus camps fill up quickly.

There are popular overnight summer camps in every state in the U.S. and every province in Canada; there are camps in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and just about every country in the world. Basically, if you can think of any subject of interest, there’s probably a camp that specializes in it. Beyond the traditional sports – baseball, softball, basketball, soccer, tennis, football, and more – there are camps for outdoor enthusiasts that can offer horseback riding, hiking, camping, fishing, and even rappelling.

Overnight summer camp is also known as a sleepaway camp when campers spend their nights at the camp; some camps do allow both daytime and overnight campers. There are four basic types of camps to choose from for your child: day programs, sleepaway or overnight summer camp, day programs with trips, and special needs camps. Planning early is important; you should be diligent in your efforts to visit camps during the peak season to make plans in advance of the next camping year.

Most camp counselors are in their late teens or early twenties and are high school and college students on their summer break. Visit the camp; you can view campers and counselors in their element, witness activities as they occur, and just obtain an overall feel of the camp, something that cannot be accurately experienced when the camp is closed. The reputation of an overnight summer camp can also be determined by asking what percentage of counselors returned from the previous year.

College credit courses are very popular at overnight summer camps that typically offer students the opportunity to explore a pre-college experience; usually, students entering grades 10 through 12 stay in college dormitories and attend summer classes run by the college faculty. Try to determine whether the director incorporates a similar philosophy to running the camp as you do in parenting your child or children. Non-profit camps often range from $1200 to $3000 for four weeks and $2500 to $5000 for eight weeks.

Four weeks at a good private overnight summer camp or sleepaway camp will cost anywhere from $3500 to $6500, and eight weeks will range from $4000 to $7000. Some camps are often called adventure camps – having a very specific theme or interest; many of these programs emphasize skill development and personal growth through the adventures the offer. Camps should have at least a 40% to 60% return staff ratio, which shows that the camp is seen as a good place to spend a summer.

Get to know the camp director from an in-person visit to your home if possible, phone conversations, email or other correspondence. Camp tuition can be expensive; similar to travel insurance, there are now insurance policies for families sending their children to overnight summer camp to cover last minute cancellations, homesickness, medical emergencies and emergency evacuations. Check the camper-counselor ratio to determine the number of campers for each counselor.

If you think your child may not be ready for a sleepaway or overnight summer camp, choose a local camp in case you end up having to make a late night pickup in the event he or she gets homesick. Think about what you and your child hope they’ll get from going to camp. Overnight summer camp is often the first time that most children spend a long period of time away from home. Typically an overnight summer camp experience will leave a lot of wonderful memories for the child or teen camper.

For more information on choosing the best overnight summer camp and finding the best sleepaway or overnight summer camp online and offline go to http://www.OvernightSummerCamp.biz a nurse’s website specializing in overnight summer camp tips, help, facts, free tuition resources, including information on overnight summer camp reviews

A wonderful way to invest in your families’ treasure trove of memories is by spending time in the great outdoors. Camping trips can be an excellent tradition that your family will look forward to and in time, look back upon with fond memories.

Whether you plan to camp at the same place every year or seek out new places doesn’t matter as camping is always filled with new adventures. Your family might have a favorite place you go to every year mixed with a new spot you select together for another weekend or extended holiday during the year. There are so many national parks to explore; your options really are quite limitless.

Camping doesn’t have to be an overly expensive expenditure. Again this all depends on how you’ll be camping. Camping in a tent carries a completely different dynamic than camping in a fully equipped camper. Camping in a tent is also relatively inexpensive. Perhaps the camper is something you’ll decide to invest in after a few years of tent camping, then again there are some who prefer to only go tent camping. There’s something to be said about the rustic quality of sleeping in a tent, you can hike to far off remote spots where you couldn’t get to with a camper in tow.

Regardless of how you’ll be camping you’ll want to have the proper camping gear and accessories. First off you want to have the best tent and sleeping bags you can possibly afford. As your tent will be your home away from home for your trip and your sleeping bag will keep you warm and covered for those long nights under the stars (there are tents available that have mesh roofs for star gazing, of coarse if it starts to rain, you can just cover it up with your tent fly), you’ll want to be sure that both these items keep you appropriately covered so to speak.

Next you’ll want to have proper camp accessories; a trustworthy camp stove, a lantern, flashlights, a first aid kit, tarp, cooking and eating utensils, a little axe (for chopping firewood, also doubles as a hammer for hammering in tent pegs), some rope (for clothes lines and securing tarp), and cooler. Along with your sleeping bag you’ll want to remember comfy pillows (unless your backpacking then you might want a convenient inflatable pillow) and very importantly a good sleep pad. An uncomfortable sleep experience on hard ground may steer you off tent camping altogether, so come prepared, a good sleeping pad is worth its weight in gold. A good idea to help you remember all these items is the camping check list.

It’s a good idea to store your camp gear in some plastic containers. This way it’s all in one place (with your camp list included), so when it’s time to pack up and go camping you can go through the containers making any necessary additions needed. It’s very important to check that all your equipment is properly maintained and cared for; there is nothing worse than getting to your destination and finding that your camp stove is not working. You’ll also want to be sure that your camp fuel supply is replenished and you have extra batteries (for flashlights, lanterns or radios).

One of the best things about the whole camping experience is the food. Now depending on where you’re camping and what time of year it is, if you’re lucky you’ll be able to do some of your cooking around the campfire. During dry seasons there may be fire restrictions due to forest fire concerns, if that’s the case you’ll do all your cooking atop your camping stove. Every meal always seems to taste a bit better when you’re camping, it might have something to do with all the fresh air, or maybe all the fun activity builds up you’re appetite, either way you’ll want to bring along some family favorites. For dinner maybe some grilling of the families select choices, accompanied by some corn on the cob and potatoes wrapped in tin foil cooked on the coals with a nice salad and later for dessert smores (marshmallow and a slice of chocolate sandwiched between two graham wafers), add to that some hot chocolate before bed and that’s a night of food to dream about.

The activities (or lack of activities) will also make your camping trip one to remember. Hiking, kayaking, cycling and sailing might be on your agenda. Most parks offer excellent groomed hiking trails. Research in advance the area you will be visiting to know what activities will be available, you may be able to rent a kayak and take a lesson at the same time. Many areas also offer great bike trails that the family can cycle on together. A late night walk is among favorite suggestions; you can check out the stars and just listen to the silence.

Bring along a book you’ve wanted to read or some magazines. Games are another excellent pastime, a deck of cards or a board game might be some fun. Of course you can always bring along some baseball gloves and a ball for a game of catch. Soccer balls, badminton rackets and a net or volleyball and net all make for a fun day at the park.

If your family has little one’s you’ll be presented with a whole new challenge. Depending on the ages of your babies or toddlers you’ll want to pack some extra conveniences. There are excellent baby back carriers available allowing you to hike all sorts of terrain with baby in tow while keeping your back feeling comfortable, as well there are a numerous variety of baby strollers to select from which are great for using on trails. For toddlers you may want to bring a playpen to keep baby safe. You can never bring too many toys; the more your child has to keep them entertained you can rest assure they will be more content.

Be prepared for weather changes by bringing along extra clothing. Most likely you will be camping in the warmer spring, summer and fall months. It’s wise to remember however that the evenings can often get quite cool. Bring along heavy sweaters or extra jackets for added warmth, it can never hurt to bring along a couple of extra blankets for comfort beside the fire (or for use at a day picnic). Rainwear is another excellent addition to your camping wardrobe. With good quality rain jackets, hats, rain pants and boots you can take advantage of the rainy weather and actually go out for a hike rather than staying inside the tent or worse yet ending your camp trip all together.

Camping certainly has its challenges. Knowing what to bring and having the proper equipment and accessories is the first hurtle. Once you arrive at your destination and set up you want to keep everyone as comfortable and happy as possible, whether it’s keeping the kids occupied without the use of video games or cooking a surefire dinner. Rest assured that after your first couple of trips when you find out what everyone enjoys doing and you realize all you like to include on your trip, you will certainly add camping to your families list of favorite excursions and traditions. The wonderful thing about camping is its always different, perhaps the site is different or the campground you selected is unique to the last you stayed at, whatever the difference is it always seems to be an adventure that the whole family can enjoy.

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The pet industry generates about 40 billion dollars of online sales annually, 70 million homes have pets and the average spent by a typical American is 150 dollars per month. Of course these are rough estimates but nevertheless, it is one hell of a lot of money.

Would it not be exciting to grab just the tiniest piece of this action?

Well anyone can do exactly that. You can set up an online pet supply business with very little trouble. If you have a real passion for pets, this could be right up your street. Even if you have no interest in pets, the online pet supply business is for everyone and is very profitable. Some people are making a very, very good living by selling other peoples pet supplies online for them

It is a very real business and should be treated as such. You can put a little effort into the business and make some extra spending money but if you want to take it to extremes and drive huge amounts of online web traffic to your pet store business, the world is your oyster.

Your online pet supply business comes with a free start-up kit that will enable you to get your online pet supply store up and running immediately. It is a pre-built store so there is no worry about having to set up your own website. Your online business comes equipped with a large amount of pet products in many categories that will ensure your customers will keep coming back for further products in the future.

There are numerous guides that are supplied. There is a marketing guide that will explain how to drive customers to your online pet supply business by various methods. There are other marketing tips and general techniques designed to help grow your online pet supply store. There are other guides that help you with general business aspects like cash flow, accounts, taxes and wealth and retirement issues.

If you are thinking where and how do I store all of the pet products? Don’t worry because of that side is taken care of. All that you do is get the customers to your online supply store where they buy the supplies and you get your hefty commissions. The actual storage and mailing of the pet supplies is totally in someone else’s hands.

Everything is included that you need to create a successful pet supply store. Once you have it up and running and you have all of the customers that you want, you can take a back seat and leave it alone and it will take care of itself. Of course you will have to spend time on your pet supply store now and again to keep it current.

Your online pet supply business will continue to earn you money when you are asleep, when you are on holiday and when you are busy enjoying your free time. It will work for you 24 hours a day 365 days per year, you don’t have to pay wages and you won’t have any employee-related problems.

If you want to find out more about how to divert some of the billions spent with your own online pet supply business and start living your life how you want to, click here Online Pet Supply Business [http://www.onlinepetbusiness.com/onlinepetsupplybusiness.html]

Now that you’ve decided to eat a primarily raw-vegan food based diet, you may wonder how you can dine out at regular food restaurants. Of course you want to maintain and even grow your social life, right?

Right. Well you have good reason to be thinking ahead about this because dining out at restaurants and in other people’s homes is definitely going to happen. In fact, dining out is our culture’s most popular social activity.

Rest assured, it is possible eat a healthy, raw, satiating meal while out with friends or family. The key here, as with maintaining a raw lifestyle while traveling, is planning and packing.

Most likely you’re going to be ordering a salad. It can be a chicken salad without the chicken, a shrimp salad without the shrimp, or an order or two of the simple garden salad. If the restaurant offers an organic or local salad-even better!

Never be afraid to ask your server to “customize” a salad for you. What I usually do is create my own salad by looking at the menu and seeing what ingredients they have on hand (including vegetables used in entrée sides). I think this leads to the most gorgeous and most colorful salads. Ask for a big salad with greens, other than iceberg, as the base and lots of different chopped raw vegetables on it. Ask for as many different colors as possible. If the restaurant has any guacamole or avocado anywhere on the menu-great! Now you know they have avocados back there and can ask for avocado to be put on your salad as well if you want to.

For dressing you could choose the restaurant’s vinaigrette, lemon juice, or oil and vinegar on the side. I usually don’t worry about the house vinaigrette being entirely raw. After all, that’s what detoxing is for!

Your salad is most likely going to have people turning their heads in your direction asking “where was that on the menu? That looks great!”

Now, you may not get enough protein, fat, carbohydrates, or calories from this salad and this is where a bit of planning comes in handy. In your purse or pocket, I recommend bringing a handful of nuts or seeds, dried fruit (can be your dessert!), flax crackers, or a raw food bar. Whatever it takes for you to feel full and happy with your dinner.

You could also supplement your salad with hemp seeds and sea veggies but be prepared, as this will definitely turn some heads. It depends on how comfortable you are around the party you’re with. I know someone who does this to salads at regular restaurants and sticks with it. She wants to raise the vibration of the food before it reaches her mouth.

More tips for the raw foodist dining out at a non-raw restaurant:

• Nuts and seeds on salads are usually toasted or candied.
• Make sure to ask to hold the cheese or dairy-based dressings on your salad.
• Bringing some sort of sweet with you is a great idea if you’re going to be tempted to eat a cooked/baked dessert that others will be eating (I used to bring a date rolled in cacao nibs and that would completely satisfy my chocolate cake desires).
• If you’re not entirely “raw”, you can ask for plain steamed vegetables as an entrée.

Others in your party may or may not notice what you’re doing. If you’re comfortable, confident, and nonchalant about what you’re doing, they probably won’t notice. They’re more likely to notice and focus on you if you feel uncomfortable and embarrassed about it yourself. I’ve found that others are usually really interested in what I’m eating and will even comment on how good my salads look! If people ask about your diet, have a simple definition planned and memorized that you can give them. If you don’t want the entire dinner conversation to focus on raw foods, just say it’s how you prefer to eat right now or you’re trying something new out for a while. In a nutshell, choose your line and deliver it in a positive and confident way.

If you’re not comfortable dining out with others on the raw food diet and lifestyle, you can always eat beforehand and let others know you had a late lunch or breakfast. Just make sure to bring a snack in your purse or pocket just in case you’ll be out for a while.

In time, you will definitely get used to how to eat out on a raw food diet. Dining at fine restaurants may not be as fun as it used to be, but that’s because you know you can eat a much healthier and more satisfying meal at home for pennies on the dollar now. Propose a night out for your non-raw friends at your favorite raw restaurant. This is a great way to introduce them to raw foods and all they have to offer.

Soon we’ll need an article of tips to help cooked food eaters survive in the raw-vegan world!

Lenette Nakauchi is a raw foodist who is passionate about teaching, coaching and demonstrating to others how to go and stay “raw” in a fun, healthy, sustainable way. Learn more about the raw food lifestyle and about superfoods by visiting her websites http://www.gorawhavefun.com and http://www.eatsuperfoods.com

If you enjoy cooking you probably realize that there are many different ways of cooking the same foods. There are so many styles of cooking as well. You can create Italian dishes, Chinese, Greek, and many other types of delicious meals. You can make all these dishes with so many different kids of appliances and utilities available today. There are stoves, ovens, pressure cookers, slow cookers or any other kind of appliance.

Some people like to specialize in specific areas of expertise while others enjoy being more well rounded and finding out as much as possible about different cooking cultures. For those who are looking to specialize in just pressure cooking, there are several ways to do this.

One great way to learn about a particular cooking technique is to search the internet about the details and intricacies of a particular area. The web is an amazing source of information for anything out there and it is a great way to find out new recipes and learn different preparation techniques. There are tons of pressure cooking dishes to be found on the internet and pressure cooking is a perfect way to make tasty and healthy meals.

If the internet seems too daunting or you just prefer to have a good cook book nearby while you cook, then you can head to your local bookstore and search through their countless cook books in stock. You will be sure to find many cook books that specialize in dishes for your pressure cooker. Pick up one of those cook books and find a particular recipe that might interest you and make that dish several times. In no time you will be able to cook it perfectly and it will become a timeless classic recipe for you to cook.

If you prefer a more personal experience while you cook, then talk with others who also share the same passion for cooking that you do. Find out if they enjoy pressure cooking and if they have any tips or recipes that can be passed on to you. Because pressure cooking is so easy and quick, you’ll be sure to find someone who has lots of experience with using pressure cookers. Sharing recipes is a great way to learn new dishes and techniques. Be sure to ask them for tips on cooking those recipes and what they might do to make cooking with their pressure cooking easier. If you have the time, join forces and create a dish together or better yet, come up with a completely new and creative dish that the two of you can call your own.

Learning as many recipes for your pressure cooker is a sure fire way to becoming the brilliant chef you want to be. Not only is it an enjoyable thing for you to do, but you’ll be learning in the process. If you are really into meeting new people and learning new things and you know many others that are as interested as you are, you could even start a pressure cooking club. Hold monthly meetings where people can bring dish to share along with the recipes on how to make them. There is no finer way to learn new things than with the collaboration of others.

Finally, don’t forget the cooking shows on TV. There are even entire channels now dedicated to cooking and showing you the ins and outs of learning certain dishes. It is a great way to get visual lessons without leaving your kitchen.

Whichever method you prefer to use to learn, just be sure to never stop or get discouraged. You’ll be cooking those favorite dishes of yours perfectly in your pressure cooker before you know it!

Aaron Guhl writes articles regarding cooking and gives tips on different cooking techniques. He frequently writes on pressure cooking and how to use a pressure cooker properly and safely. For more information on pressure cookers, visit: http://www.stainlesspressurecookers.com/Learn-Pressure-Cooking

In recent years, business has been given a bad rap. Global warming, war, environmental destruction, refugee displacement, and erosion of human and worker rights, and child hunger and starvation can all be traced back to the behavior of business driven by the profit motive. However, for every business who falls into this category there are, literally thousands of others whose activities make a significant contribution to the well-being of their staff, communities, ecologies and planet.

The common thread between these businesses is not always immediately obvious. They come in many different shapes and sizes. They include large corporations, family businesses, local cooperatives and collectives, cottage industries, not-for-profit organizations, and simply those individuals with an idea whose time has come. These businesses are also diverse in their focus, vision and activity ranging from carpet manufacturing, to cosmetic sales, accounting services, community art, software developers and news services.

Rather than purpose or structure, the common thread between these organizations is that, together, they are redefining the concept of creativity in business. Traditionally, creativity has been seen as something to do with innovating new products and services. These businesses however, reflect a much more thoughtful uptake of creativity and are driven by creativity as a set of principles. These businesses engage ten principles of creativity not as something to be exploited in pursuit of the next big profit, but conversely as the purpose for which we ultimately seek to make our profits.

Principle 1 – Consciousness & The Body Shop

Creativity starts with consciousness – a willingness to be present and aware of this moment in all of its glory and all of its horror. There is perhaps no greater example of a business who applied the principle of consciousness than the Body Shop.

When the first Body Shop opened in Brighton (UK) during the 1970′s, the global cosmetics industry was based on a chain of supply that depended on the exploitation of people, land and animals on an unimaginable scale. The willingness of the Body Shop not only made cosmetics its business, but also made it their business to be completely conscious of the source of its ingredients. This was, at the time, almost unheard of and critics forecast that seeking to base a business on consciousness would never survive.

Over 40 years later the Body Shop is continues to be one of the most significant players in the cosmetics industry, and still retains its focus on supply consciousness and public awareness. The Body Shop pioneered what it means to be fully present and acknowledge the sometimes harsh reality of current business practices – rather than covering it up with glossy brochures. The consciousness of the Body Shop established an imperative for creating new possibilities so strong that innovation and change was inevitable. Businesses who are willing to acknowledge the genuine reality of current circumstances establish fertile ground for creating change.

Principle 2 – Courage & Greenpeace

When we think of courage in business we typically revere the Donald Trumps of the world who take risks with big money that mostly seem to “pay off”. However, courage in creative businesses has a different meaning.

Perhaps there is no more obvious example of genuine courage in business than Greenpeace. This work of this not-for-profit business focuses on peaceful action that gives voice to, and protects, those living in our world who do not have a voice of their own.

Greenpeace upholds the type of courage that gives rise to genuine creativity. Creative businesses such as Greenpeace are not willing to stand by and say “that’s not my problem, that has nothing to do with me”. Courage is not about only about taking risks, but is reflected in the sorts of risks that businesses are willing to take.

Like Greenpeace, businesses who are creative have the courage to take full ownership of their own part in humanity, of their desires, their fears, their passions, their responsibilities and their possibilities. Creative businesses have the courage to do their work that does not come at the cost of their connection to the communities that they belong to.

Principle 3 – Connection & SimpleSavings

Businesses with the courage to take ownership of their own thread in the fabric of humanity, open up possibilities for connecting themselves to people and communities on a level that matters. This connection creates a wholeness that is not possible otherwise, providing the basis for creativity that has meaning, relevance and integrity.

SimpleSavings is a small web-based business run by a stay-at-home mum. This business provides a platform for a community of individuals sharing ways of saving money and reducing consumerism in real terms. This business now has over 40, 000 customers and over 8.500 unique saving and spending strategies in their ever-growing “vault”.

SimpleSavings is an example that when one business has the courage to take ownership of the issues that matter, they generate a deep and profound connection with people. This connection provides an essential element for creativity in business because genuine creativity is a collaborative process that is enriched through diversity and participation.

Principle 4: Conscience & Australia Zoo.

A business that is made up of people who form an authentic connection to the world around them establish the basis of business conscience.

One of the most inspirational examples of a business with conscience is Australia Zoo, founded by the parents of the late Steve Irwin. As well as being a fully commercial tourist attraction, the conscience of this business sparked probably an immeasurable impact on changing the world. Profits from this business are funneled back into wilderness rehabilitation and the establishment of sanctuary. Importantly, this business has also been a pioneer in conservation education, and it is likely that the full impact of Steve Irwin’s legacy is yet to be fully felt.

When business conscience is based on guilt, it creates a drain on both the finances and energy of businesses. Australia Zoo demonstrates that instead of guilt, the conscience of a truly creative business is based on passion. Conscience in this context provides the spark and energy required to reveal the creative possibilities beyond the every-day.

Principle 5: Compassion & Amnesty International

Finding genuine compassion is probably one of the greatest challenges for businesses in realizing their full creative potential. Sympathy for people or issues considered a “worthy cause” is easy pickings for businesses. However, genuine compassion emerges out of a willingness to do what it takes to be inclusive and encompassing. Genuine compassion requires more than a grants chequebook.

Amnesty International has made its business out of genuine compassion, This not-for-profit business responds to issues that are neither popular nor attractive by seeking an end political oppression and violence in all of its forms. These guys tackle the hard issues of human rights, including for people who society would prefer to forget. Amnesty International is often the only voice representing people who, for whatever reason, have been deemed unworthy by societies or governments. Amnesty International provides the same attention to women and children oppressed by gender-based violence, as they do to convicted murders on death row.

Amnesty International shows us that the true test of compassion is when business is asked to apply it to people who are “not worthy”. The finding of common ground with those we see as “the Other” is essential to businesses who are creating futures that are free from conflict and oppression based on race, gender, age, economic status or any other characteristic.

Principle 6: Commitment & Inclusion Press.

When genuine compassion is found (as opposed to “giving” sympathy to “worthy causes”) it can often be overwhelming for businesses. Commitment is the quality that allows businesses to set about creating their vision despite its enormity.

Inclusion Press is one business who demonstrates a humble commitment to creating their vision. This business develops and publishes resources, tools and workshops that support schools, families and teachers working to include all children, including those with “disabilities”. Their vision is for schools that are child-centered, rather than centered on curriculums and standards.

Like Inclusion Press, all creative businesses have a vision which seeks to address fundamental needs of humanity over the long term, rather than quick profits or quick fixes. This type of creativity therefore depends on a commitment to be in it for the long haul, even when the end is not always easily in sight.

Principle 7: Confidence & FotoKids

Confidence is a peaceful stance that invites – rather than coerces – others to join and participate in creating the vision for the business.

FotoKids is a fully functioning business that seeks to create new possibilities for children growing up in the city slums of Guatemala. This business is run by the children themselves (some as young as four years old), who undertake photography classes and produce documentaries and art works for galleries. Money generated by the sale of photographs, is used by the children to fund their education and family income.

Rather than seeking to “convince” others, or to limit the space available to competing voices, creative businesses have a focus on opening up and creating dialogue. The confidence of a creative business is reflected in its willingness to trust its own voice and the voice of the people who have a stake in the vision.

Principle 8: Contribution & the Creations out of the Blue Ltd.

Rather than an identity of entitlement, creative businesses see themselves as contributors whose role is to give something of themselves. For creative businesses the size of the potential impact is no deterrent to contribution.

Creations out of the Blue Ltd. is a small community cooperative nestled in an isolated area of NSW, Australia. Located in a community where rates of drug addition, domestic violence and unemployment are amongst the highest in the state, this business makes all the difference. Run by 12 local women, the business provides a place where the women can contribute their art and craft skills to others, and generate an income from the sale of their works.

Creative businesses are not limited by the notion that contribution has to be big and grand, or that it only happens in board rooms. Like Creations out of the Blue, a creative business actively sets out to identify and mobilize the strengths available to it. A creative business has the talent for recognizing potential and talents in situations that others see as “hopeless”. These businesses create real change in the world by recognizing the importance of their own contribution, and the contribution of the people who it is connected to.

Principle 9: Commune & Imajica.

The principle of communing expands from the principle of connection to others, and encompasses connection to whole environments and across time. Businesses who employ the principle of communing understand that creativity arises out of a sense of knowing where we came from and what our place is in the world today.

Imajica is a small sailing charter business operated by Jesse Martin, off a remote island to the north of the Papua New Guinea mainland. Jesse first came to attention when he became the youngest person to sail solo around the world. With Imajica Jesse continues to change the world by providing people with the opportunity to remove themselves from the distractions of modern life, and reconnect with their true nature.

Businesses like Imajica understand that creative potential emerges best when people have the space both to go within, and to connect beyond. The principle of communion challenges each business to reexamine its physical spaces and its relationships with the built and natural environments, in order to both generate creativity and to create change.

Principle 10: Celebration & Circus Ethiopia.

The ultimate reason that creative businesses work toward their vision is, presumably, to bring about a way of life that is worth living. The change that many creative businesses dream of may not come within one lifetime. The principle of celebration serves to remind us what we are working toward, and of the progress we have made so far.

The Ethiopian Circus is a shining example of a business who understand the role of celebration in creating change. In stark contrast to the environmental and political setting where they are located, the circus is a place of joy and excitement. Its cast is made up entirely of children, and the business started out by teaching its performers to juggle with stones.

Circus Ethiopia is a wonderful reminder that it is joy that gives meaning our lives and purpose to our work. In turn, it is joy and meaning that are the staples sustaining our creative potential, our courage, and our commitment to change for the long-haul.

This article provides only a brief overview of a tiny sample of the thousands of creative businesses working to change our world. Any number of businesses could have been included in this article. The Creative Life Website is dedicated to providing support, resources and inspiration for individuals, families and businesses working toward a more creative, authentic and hopeful future. If you know of a creative business, let us know and we will be only too happy to include them as a detailed case study on our website.

For 18 years Mary has worked with communities, families, schools and organisations affected by poverty, war, child abuse, torture, geographic isolation, natural disaster and displacement to transform their futures. She is the author of The Ten Principles of a Creative Life [http://www.creativelife.citymax.com/books.html] and the creative life website.

INTRODUCTION:

There are so many ways that you can market your company in order to increase business. In fact, there are so many different methods that one can use that a single article would not be long enough to write about this. Here are some suggestions on how to increase business through marketing:

TIP 1 ~ START A WEBSITE OR BLOG TO PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS ONLINE:

It doesn’t matter what type of business that you run, you will always have a distinct advantage if you take the time to set up a page that describes your company, and have contact details clearly listed: address, telephone number/s, fax number, email address/es etc. The sheer number of people that use the Internet these days will mean that you have a greater volume of visitors to your business through your website.

If you cannot afford to pay a professional to start up an appropriate site then consider studying a course in website creation or even start up a free blog that details all that your business has to offer the consumer. I find that the easiest way to create an online presence is to go to a blogging platform such as Blogger or WordPress and begin posting today.

One advantage of having a blog is that you can easily post comments on other people’s blogs and have links that lead back to your website. Of course, it helps if you visit other blogs that are in your ‘niche’ (topic) but I find that the occasional commenting on some of the biggest and most famous blogs in the world can pay dividends in terms of marketing exposure! Blogs such as #1 ranked ‘The Huffington Post’, ‘Techcrunch’, ‘Endgadget’, and my favorite, the quirky and delightful ‘Boing Boing’ are all worth visiting, to leave an insightful, witting, attention-grabbing comment on in order to further market your business. I happen to be the #1 commenter this week on Reed Floren’s blog (a famous American Internet Businessman) and receive an increase of business to my websites from being so positioned!

My other success with blogging has been the attainment of the status as world #1 ranked weblogger on a very famous site called ‘Icon’. This is a subdomain of Madonna.com and I had a large readership and avid following on this site! As I had links from my Icon blog to my own websites and pay-per-view articles, I earned a modest income from this, so could technically list Madonna as a former employer. Great fun!

In most cases it won’t cost you anything to set up a blog and they are simple and easy to begin. Add pictures of what your business sells and make sure to include an autoresponder, an installed device that captures the names and email addresses of people that you can sell to in the future. Offer a free bonus or valuable incentive, perhaps a discount voucher that can be used in your business, to entice people to sign up to your list! Your business can increase markedly if you establish an ‘opt-in’ list from an autoresponder as you can market many products to your collection of clients by regular emailings.

TIP 2 ~ WRITE A SQUIDOO LENS TO PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS:

Many people haven’t heard about Squidoo and it is a tool that is probably underused. If you have set up a website that promotes your business (see above) then the next best step just might be to start a Squidoo lens in order to attract even more customers.

Write regular articles on your lens and offer promotions and free gifts, with URL links back to your site/s: A URL link is a website address and looks something like this: http://www.YourSiteName.com. The Squidoo lens should help you to increase business as it directs potential customers straight to your site!

TIP 3 ~ TRAFFIC EXCHANGES:

Many people avoid the use of Traffic Exchanges as they seem to think that this method is an inferior way to market, yet the fact remains that T.E.’s can be an amazingly effective avenue to promote your business.

There are so many to choose from that it is hard to know where to start. As an experienced member of several Traffic Exchanges, I shall rank them in order of the best ones that should be considered. Also, if you can afford it, consider upgrading your membership on a few of the exchanges in order to get bonuses and extra advantages for marketing your business.

Consider getting a ‘splash page’ designed professionally, one that effectively advertises your business, with a link to your website embedded in the page. A ‘splash page’ is merely an abbreviated website that holds the attention of customers for a brief passage of time. If you display your entire website on a Traffic Exchange, you are likely to not have much success with increased business as attention spans of surfers on these sites are often quite low, so you need to grab them with short, sharp, catchy adcopy and with something attractive, like a free offer, to capture their attention with!

(If you don’t have time to ‘surf’ at traffic exchanges, meaning to look at other people’s sites in a set time frame before moving on to the next one – advertising credits are awarded to your account so you can market your business/es, then why not buy some credits for your site that you can allocate, then leave. Your business’s website will be shown in rotation with others, the more credits you purchase, the more times your site will be displayed!)

My suggested traffic exchanges by rank:

#1 Traffic Swarm: I, and many others, believe that this is the pick of the crop as far as T.E.’s go; it is easy to use, very effective in increasing business and regarded as the top choice by several expert sources. Upgrade to Pro membership and receive even more ways to effectively market your business!

#2 Easy Hits 4 U: This exchange if often touted as being rated #1 and with nearly 90,000 members you’ll get a lot of wide, global exposure for whatever you are marketing!

#3 Traffic Splash: Owned and operated by Paul Kinder and his team, this exchange is often voted #1 by critics and members alike. There are so many free bonuses on offer, giveaways, no cost marketing manuals and prizes galore! Simply surf 750 sites in a 24 hour period and you will receive 5000 banner credits to your account! If you have a banner (a small, colorful image that advertises a business and/or website), made up you can use these credits for even more marketing exposure for your business. Traffic Splash is a real winner!

#4 Hit2Hit: Another very well run traffic exchange! The public relations for this site is spot on and I have rarely come across such an enthusiastic and polite team; having a presence here will surely increase business for you!

#5 ts25 (Traffic Syndicate 25): This is a well-established pick, designed by Logiscape, a company that knows all the secrets in setting up effective marketing sites! Join a syndicate (automatic if you upgrade) and earn bonuses and extra credits to use in widening the exposure of your business!

#6 Trafficera: This is one of the newer exchanges and is the fastest growing online marketing website! With opportunities to network with other business owners, it is a very effective tool for marketing with! Join a team and collect bonuses to earn advertising credits. I am on the #1 team on this site, LogiSurfers, and I receive hundreds of dollars in free advertising each month from all the competitions that we win. My member ranking has climbed rapidly, and I am now positioned at #18 on the list of ‘Top Members’ out of a fast-growing base of 30,000 plus subscribers! I can vouch that this site is a great one for assisting business owners in marketing their wares!

#7 Traffic Pods: Another Logiscape creation and a highly entertaining exchange! Your business levels should increase if you have an account with this site and it’s great fun to search for bonuses that you can use as extra advertising credits to market your business. The security levels on this site are simply awesome and there is little chance that anyone could hack in to Traffic Pods so your website and business are quite safe here; recommended!

#8 Traffic Roundup: For all the aspiring cowboys and cowgirls out there, this established site has a membership of over 30,000 and it’s well worth using to market your business to a growing global audience – git out on the range Pardners!

#9 MythologySurf: This is probably the newest exchange in the list and I include it as it is very well set up, colorful in its graphics and with a very efficient administration. Hunting for cards of the classical Greek Gods and Goddesses is great entertainment! Zeus, Poseidon, Hera, Artemis, Hercules, Athena and the dreaded Hades are all up for grabs, winning you advertising bonuses to increase the marketing exposure of your business!

#10 Lords-of-Traffic: I love this site, specifically because it offers something known as ‘hover-surfing’! ‘What is that!?’ you might ask; hover surfing means that you can dispense with the ‘clicking’ of a mouse and provides for a smooth and satisfying surfing experience! Adventures, knight tales and secret artifacts await you on Lords-of-Traffic!

TIP 4 ~ SET UP SOME SOCIAL NETWORKING ACCOUNTS:

Sites such as MySpace, Facebook, hi5 and Orkut have really taken off on the Internet and can be a surprisingly effective portal from which you can further market your business to a growing, cashed-up, global customer base!

I first started on MySpace a few years ago and have tweaked my profile to include direct links to my online business. Over time, I have ‘collected’ more than a 1000 friends on this site, these are people that I send ‘bulletins’ to for marketing purposes. Very effective!

The newly designed Facebook has so many features for online businesspeople that it is no wonder that it features in the top 5 visited sites on the Internet! Designed by computer experts from Harvard University in order to network with other students, Facebook has grown to become a multi-billion dollar company! Make business associates and spread the word about your own business too!

TIP 5 ~ USE SOCIAL BOOKMARKING SITES:

Anyone who regularly uses the Internet would have heard about sites such as Digg, Technorati, Twitter and StumbleUpon. I would highly recommend to any business owner with an online presence to frequent these sites as often as possible! Add to this list Propeller, Mixx, and a few others, and you have a very effective stage in order to further market your business.

Take for example, Digg.com: founded and run by computer ‘whiz-kid’ Kevin Rose, Digg allows the user to promote news stories and websites for a growing global audience to read and vote on! I have even promoted some of my own websites on Digg and have received a large number of visitors to them because of my ‘digging’ activities! If you are skilled enough to make the ‘Home Page’ on this site with any of your recommended articles/websites, then you can expect an enormous rush of free traffic to any site you care to nominate! A real bonanza!

If you took my advice (mentioned in Tip 1) and started your own business related blog, then make sure to start an account at Technorati, an absolute Godsend for anyone active in the ‘Blogosphere’! You can gain a lot of attention from using Technorati so make sure not to rule it out as another option to market your business with!

I mentioned a site called Twitter too! For anyone who doesn’t have time to blog, Twitter might be a perfect alternative for you. On this website you get to ‘micro-blog’, which means that you send small messages as often as you wish to a very large international audience! People choose to ‘follow’ you on Twitter and you can send your micro-messages, that can contain a direct link to your business’s website, to thousands of people. Very effective marketing! A large list of famous names can be found on Twitter and I am even being followed by one Barack Obama, and yes, it is actually the real deal!

TIP 6 ~ INCLUDE A LINK TO YOUR WEBSITE IN YOUR EMAIL AND FORUM SIGNATURES:

This is one of my favorite business marketing strategies and one that can be highly effective too! In most email accounts you can access the settings in order to set up your own personalized signature that can be included at the base of all emails that you send!

One of my email signatures reads thus: ‘For expert information on marketing and for the best online money-making products please click Here!’. When the reader does this they are taken straight to my website, a very effective marketing tool! I have four free email addresses at a company called ‘mail.com’ and I would highly recommend them as they offer personalized options so that you can create the exact email address of your choice. My email addresses with mail.com are: 007th_heaven@2die4.com, romeo_and_moon_goddess@earthling.net, olympics@post.com, and springborg_4_premier@mail.com. All very catchy and attention grabbing I find, a great way to market and communicate with panache!

You can also have links to your business in your forum signatures; a forum is simply a website that lets people post comments on a variety of topics or even set up their own ‘thread’, this being a stand-alone topic that other people then discuss and add to. This is a great way to market and get large visitor numbers to your businesses website! The forums that I would highly recommend (they all have impressive Alexa rankings, meaning that they have huge numbers of visitors) are Digital Point Forum, Site Point Forum, Off-topic Forum, The Warrior Forum, and there are many others besides. The world’s largest and most visited forum is known as Gaia and has an unbelievable number of subscribers, countless millions in fact!

TIP 7 ~ ARTICLE MARKETING:

Sometimes known as ‘bum marketing’, this is a very effective way in order to market your business. Start by writing a few expert pieces on products that your business sells (at least 250 words) then submit them to article sites such as Ezine Articles.com. At the bottom of each of your writings, in the ‘bio box’, include a link that leads to your website. The advantage of having your articles published on Ezine Articles is that there are thousands of eyes reading these articles, and with a bit of luck you should gain a large audience.

If another website chooses to publish your article on their site or even in a newsletter, your knowledge and site link will then spread across the Internet and potentially reach an audience of 1000′s if not 100′s of thousands, or more! The best part about article marketing is that it is 100% free and can be a gold mine in marketing terms!

I suggest Ezine Articles as they are widely regarded as the best article site in the world and therefore receive huge traffic numbers! Other article submission websites include: Article City, Article Dashboard, Go Articles, Associated Content, Article Base, and dozens of others; simply do a search and you will find plenty!

TIP 8 ~ USE ‘VIRAL’ MARKETING VIDEOS:

YouTube is an extremely famous site that many millions of people frequent on a daily basis. If you have well-made, attractive, short promotional videos that highlight your business, then you can upload them on to YouTube. You can gain thousands of extra customers for your business in this way.

Also, your video may be picked up by other sites and displayed around the world; be sure to include a text advertisement that displays the address of your website somewhere in the video so that people can quickly and easily access your business.

TIP 9 ~ P.P.C. MARKETING:

This one really should have been placed much higher in the list as it can be an extremely effective way to market your business! There are a few Pay Per Click sites on the Internet but I suggest that you start with the biggest and most influential of them, that being, Google Adwords. Set up an account, choose the geo-target of your ad/s (region/s of world to be displayed), and start writing some P.P.C. advertisements to market your business.

Keep the adcopy sharp, interesting and relevant and make sure to have an attention grabbing headline too! Choose a list of keywords that will bring up your ad when somebody inputs a search term on Google. Make sure to keep your keywords and adcopy very relevant to the terms used on your own website as Google will reward you for this by displaying your ad higher up the list.

Pay per click can be a very expensive proposition but not if you know exactly what you are doing with it. Keep your keyword bids (more about this explained on Google Adword’s website) at a reasonable, affordable level and don’t try too hard to achieve the #1 positioned ad as this one often gets click from curious visitors who have no intention of buying anything!

One of the beauties about P.P.C. advertising is that you only have to pay when somebody actually click on your advertisement. With a bit of luck, this person will buy something from your site and perhaps even promote your web page by word of mouth to their friends and family!

If you have a successful marketing campaign on Google Adwords, then seriously consider duplicating this on other P.P.C. sites, such as Yahoo! Search Marketing and the MSN version too; your business should boom!

Finally, on Google Adwords you can adjust the settings so that your advertisement gets shown on the Adsense network too. What this means is that your business’s ad will be displayed on other websites in the same niche (category) as your site. The exposure from this can be truly enormous, keeping in mind that Google is the biggest search engine on the planet!

TIP 10 ~ OFFLINE BUSINESS MARKETING:

To improve the visibility and patronage of my business I had 100′s of professional business cards printed, containing my name and contact details as well as a list of benefits that my business offered. An online company called Vista Print helped me to select the perfect design and layout and I paid a very small fee to have them printed. I then distributed the cards ‘virally’ by mailing them to post boxes (ones that did not have a ‘No Junk Mail’ sticker on them!) and I even put a few under the windscreen wipers of parked cars at my local shopping mall!

Vista Print offers promotions where you can get 250 Premium business cards printed for no charge, except for postage of course. As well as business cards, you can have pens, hats, t-shirts, jackets, notepaper, promotional flyers and just about anything you can think of designed to display your company’s logos and address!

Some more offbeat business marketing ideas include having clearly worded promotional posters printed, with tear off strips containing your business phone numbers and/or website URL’s for people to take home with them. I tacked these posters up on supermarket community boards, and, as I was travelling across Australia, I made sure to have a poster displayed in towns that I visited. Very effective! Of course you could have personalized business magnets made up that could be left in a variety of locations too – effective marketing!

Be sure to list details of your business, website address and phone/fax numbers in the Yellow Pages, or even the White Pages too! You can actually submit your listings online, this can be a very effective way to market!

Take out classified ads, that promote your business, in newspapers and magazines; this needn’t be an expensive way to market and you can get some good deals if you search for appropriate publications.

One final idea is that I draw the URL/website address of my business in the sand at the beach while I go walking. ‘Crazy!’ you might be thinking, but it did work in exposing my business to beach walkers and holiday makers. Of course, it helps if you have a shortish, easily remembered domain name for your website, these can be purchased for a small charge online at sites like GoDaddy.com.

CONCLUSION:

I haven’t mentioned all the ways that you can promote and market your business. There are dozens of other ideas out there and I’m sure that you can come up with an even bigger list than the one I’ve mentioned here! Keep business marketing simple and effective, avoid ‘hype’ at all costs, be honest, down-to-earth, friendly and informative with your marketing efforts and watch your business explode!

For more business-related articles and products, please visit: http://howyoucanmakebigmoney.blogspot.com/

Do you watch too much Television? Are you concerned about the effect Television watching may be having on your family? Here are some suggestions that may help you keep your Television watching under control.

1 FIND OUT HOW MUCH YOU WATCH

It is wise to analyze your Television watching habits to see if changes should be made. Keep a diary for a week or so, writing down how much time you spend on Television watching. You may also want to list the programs that you watched, what you learned, and how much you enjoyed these programs. The main thing, though, is to calculate how much time you spend on Television watching. You may be surprised at what you find. Just knowing how much your life is devoted to Television watching may move you to make charges.

2. REDUCE YOUR TELEVISION WATCHING TIME

Try to do without Television watching for one day a week, a whole week, or a month. Instead you may want to set limits on the time spend on Television viewing each day. If you cut Television watching by half hour each day, you will have an extra 15 hours every month. Use that time, in meaningful activities, such as; pursuing spiritual interest, reading a good book, or spending time with family and friends. Studies have shown that people who do little Television watching enjoy it more than people who watch a lot of it.

3. REDUCE CHILDREN’S TELEVISION WATCHING TIME.

One way to reduce Television watching is to move the Television out of the bedroom. Children who have Television in their room spend nearly one and half hour on Television watching than children who do not. Further, when a Television is in a youngster’s room, parents do not know what the child is viewing. Parents and couples will find out that they will have more time for each other if they move the television out of their bedroom too. Some, by choice, have decided not to have a television in the home at all.

4. REDUCE WHAT YOU WATCH

There are, of course, many good programs to see. Rather than surfing through the channels or watching whatever comes on, check the listings in advance to select, the programs you want to watch. Turn the television on when the program you have chosen begins and turn the television off when it is over. Or instead of watching a program when it is aired, you may wish to record it for later viewing. That will make it possible to watch at a more convenient time and to fast-forward through commercials.

5 BE SELECTIVE

You will probably agree with me that many television characters are just like “Lovers of themselves, Lovers of money, self-assuming, haughty, unthankful, disobedient to parents, disloyal, having no natural affection, fierce, without self-control, puffed up with pride.

Being selective involves self-control. Have you ever watched the first few minutes of a drama or movie and, though you realized it was unacceptable, watched the entire film just to find out what would happen next? Many have however, if you have the will power to turn off the television so you can do something else, you will probably find that you don’t really care about what happened.

Television Watching is an exposé on the time an average person spends in front of the TV, addictive nature of too much Television watching,effects on the children etc. Family Matters provides interesting topics on family issues and parenting.

When you have a pet it always seems that there are some type of pet supplies that you are in short supply of. For many pet owners the filling of these supplies are pleased by whatever store is nearby to them. This is a fine answer for comfort shopping but their assortment doesn’t always represent the best solution for your pet. Most stores either dedicate one aisle or four foot section where they stuff in generic toys, food and pet supplies for all pets. This really restricts what you can get for your pet which may not be the very best path to follow concerning the wellbeing of your animal.

For the several pet owners who understand the limitations they are finding from local stores the best option to access the very best pet supplies is with the net. The low cost generic supplies aren’t chosen in these stores for the high quality product pets require but for their low cost in order to produce impulse buying. If you’re actually seeking the best products available for your animals, the internet can provide you with a wide variety of both generic and excellent products that will permit you to make the choice on what is best for your pet instead of having to select from only what is available in a store.

If you are in search of dog supplies, the internet offers a huge variety of all types of goods. Regardless of whether you are seeking a shelter for them to live in, the right products to entertain your pal or the finest food to keep your dog fit, you can feel confident that you are accessing the widest variety of dog supplies for your best friend. This is true for any pet supplies you’ll discover that you need so as to keep your pet happy and healthy. Additionally, when you access the internet to gather your pet supplies you will have the chance to access the most knowledgeable sources of info available to the general public. This opportunity far surpasses the familiarity of the random teenage associate you will find working in those random stores of convenience.

Of course the net is a wide network of businesses and not all businesses represent your best option to discovering pet supplies. This is why its necessary that before you make any purchases on line that you discover the best options available to you. A quality pet supplies site will cater to all animals, providing you a large array of products, rates and quality that would provide you with the chance to choose the finest pet supplies for your animal.

Renel Jean is an owner of a wide variety of online specialty shops that offers various dog supplies. His goal is to make the shopping experience as customer focused as possible, and to offer the very best customer service. His site http://www.AprilsWindow.com offers the best Pet Collars and other pet supplies ever. Visit the site to know more.

Discount pet supplies are definitely for people like me, who end up buying a whole lot more things than they set out to in the first place! I’m a shopaholic alright, and even when it comes to getting supplies for my cat, Tabby, I just cannot control myself. Sometimes I even end up buying things my pet doesn’t even require! But I just can’t help it, and I’m not ashamed to admit it! So discount pet supplies are a boon for me!

Smart Moves

Discount pet supplies lets you have everything your pet needs, but at a much lower price. And as we all know, that’s really important because you need to stick to your monthly budget. You also need to make smart purchases. This is because if you don’t buy smartly, you’re probably going to end up spending a whole lot more than you set out to.

When you’re buying bowls for your pet, for drinking water or even for feeding, make sure you get sturdy, stainless steel ones. They last much longer than plastic and if you get them as part of your discount pet supplies, then it’s a very good buy indeed. Not only are you getting it at a lower price, it will also serve it’s purpose for a longer period of time than it’s fancy plastic counterparts.

Turning To the Internet

You can also look at other avenues for your discount pet supplies. Online stores stock a whole lot of supplies from leading brands and the best part is, they offer these to you at unbeatable prices. For example, for my Tabby, who is quite old and has a whole list of dental problems, I purchase food from there, because they stock foods which are specially developed for cats with dental problems.

You also have the added advantage of getting these items dropped right to your doorstep. Shipping is fast and efficient and totally worth the extra money you are charged for it! Yes you still pay for shipping but it’s still cheaper than going to the store. Remember there’s no gas involved. And depending on where you live, you may not have to pay local sales taxes either.

So the internet is definitely an option when you’re looking for discount pet supply store. Also, don’t forget to look out for the discount coupons and sales which many online stores offer. All you need to do is be vigilant and you’ll get already cheap pet supplies at an even cheaper price!

Discount pet supplies are also offered by your favorite retailer or your neighborhood pet stores, but only during sale season, so just keep a lookout for the “sale” sign when you drive buy. After all, why would you want to pay a steeper price for your pet supplies when you’re sure to get them at a discounted price at certain times of the year? When you find a discount pet supply store both you and your pet will be much happier.

To learn more about how to find a discount pet supply store be sure to visit our website at WholesaleDogProducts.net. And if you don’t mind buying in bulk and storing items, you can also look at getting wholesale dog products or cat products for your pets.

June is quickly approaching and for most coastal regions the thought of a hurricane begins to creep into our minds.

We become concerned about the safety of our homes, our pets and ourselves.

However, hurricanes are not the only disasters that can confront our well being and that of our pets. Floods, wildfires, tornadoes, riots and terrorists attacks add to the list of things that can happen.

The important thing is to have a plan. Hurricane Katrina was a disaster that displaced not only thousands of people but displaced many animals and unfortunately many died along with their owners. It is said that approximately 44 percent of Hurricane Katrina’s victims were pet owners that would not leave their pets.

Until Katrina hit, our country was not too pet friendly in the light of disasters. Most, if not all, did not allow pets of any kind to be brought to a designated shelter.

Currently many states are now providing shelters for owners and their pets providing they follow certain restrictions. Red Cross shelters however, will not allow pets. It is not their rule, but that of the local health departments. A Red Cross shelter is for the benefit of those who do not have pets, who are afraid of pets or who have allergies to pets.

It is up to “you” the pet owner to check your local facilities and see what shelters will allow pets and what size and kind of pet is allowed.

Planning ahead for yourself and your pet should be at the top of your list of things to do. The problem with advance preparing is that many of us go into the “denial mode.” We tell ourselves that whatever the disaster is “it is not going to involve us.” Then it hits and we are not even prepared for ourselves let alone our pets.

So what should a pet owner do? In the following paragraphs I am going to give you some tips on how to keep your cat or dog as safe as humanly possible. The important thing is to remember you need to prepare before a disaster strikes.

A disaster kit should be large enough to contain all the things you normally need for your pet for at least a 7-day period. It should be waterproof (a plastic container with a tight fitting lid) and labeled “disaster supplies cat or dog.”

Owning a pet is a big responsibility and with that responsibility comes the job of seeing that your pet is safe and well taken care of. A pet is not a thow-away item, it is a breathing living being and deserves the best care you can give it. For more information on taking care of your pet, please visit my website http://www.cats-and-dogs-on-the-web.com

A Step-By-Step Tutorial: How to buy a car with bad credit without it turning into a nightmare.

Are you tired of hearing the word ‘No’ when it comes to a car loan? I set up ‘How to buy a car with bad credit’ specifically so that you could hear the words ‘yes’. Who am I, you ask?

I spent 14 years in the automobile business as a Finance Manager so I believe it’s fair to say that I know a thing or two about getting a loan financed, irregardless of your past credit history.

Remember, regardless of your past credit history, you still need a car, want a car and most of all, you deserve a car. You should also be treated with respect and given choices. I’m going to teach you how to have a choice with auto bad credit financing loan.

First of all, all lenders now purchase deals based on what is called a beacon score, which is the same as your credit score. There are three credit bureaus that make up the package. Each lender will choose whichever credit bureau(s) they prefer when looking at your credit or a combination of bureaus.

I highly advise everyone to have all three credit bureaus pulled when checking your credit and to pay for the credit score. If you only look at one bureau, you’re only seeing part of the whole picture.

With the exception of a few minor things, beacon score will play a large part in your approval. Staying within your financial means is another, so be realistic. If you make $2500 per month and have $1200 going out, don’t walk in all high-and-mighty and tell the Finance Manager that you will only have an Expedition or nothing. You’ll end up with nothing.

In order to effectively use auto bad credit financing, you are going to have to know what your credit looks like and what your credit score actually is. Otherwise, you are working in the dark.

Pay for the credit score or it’s just almost useless. With the credit score, you will know whether or not you qualify for a lender such as Ford. Also, the higher the score, the lower the interest rate. Got it? With an auto bad credit loan, the higher the beacon score, the better.

Let me explain websites like cars.com and the such: They collect applications for car loans online. They then have a network of dealerships that PAY them for the leads. These are generally dealerships that have departments that specialize in getting you financed, regardless of your credit. These departments pay for these leads, so most take them very seriously, as they are their bread-and-butter, so to speak.

If you have a lower than usual credit score, a current repo or just plain, all-around bad credit, this might be the way to go. If your credit is really that bad, remember that you are going to need some cash or a paid-for trade in that’s actually worth something.

O.K., now for the step-by-step system that I promised. First, take control of your car deal! You need to be in the driver’s seat, if at all possible. Go online and run a copy of a tri-merge, which is all three credit bureaus, plus pay for your credit score. You can get a FREE copy of your credit report once per year HERE:

http://www.annualcreditreport.com

This is the new Federal law that actually entitles you to receive a FREE copy of your credit bureau once per year and with some other exceptions. This is not a credit monitoring site. You have to run each bureau separately; Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. Then, you have to pay for the credit score.

So as to hold down on confusion, here’s the scoop: Each credit score for each separate bureau will be different. That’s why a Tri-Merge is called what it is called. You can run a specific bureau called a Tri-Merge from one company (there are many-just do a Google search) and you actually get one bureau (it’s actually all three combined but the credit score is also one credit score). It’s more expensive and generally runs around $34.00 but it just depends on your preference.

Now, with your credit score in hand and a copy(s) of your credit bureau, look at your credit. Do you have anything strange on there that is not yours? If so, it’s time to fix it. You should review your credit bureau at least every 6 months to a year. Plus, if your identity has been stolen, you will know quickly. P.S. you can also have a liner placed on the bottom of your bureau that simply states “Do not extend any credit on my behalf without contacting me first. Work # (111)222-3333 Home#(222)333-4444 Cell# (333)444-5555.” Call or write the credit bureaus and request that this is done. You can now do this online for free. Again, do a Google search for all three bureaus listed above.

How do you fix your credit, you ask? I give away a totally FREE book that I wrote on the subject simply for the asking. Email me with Free Credit Repair Book in the headline and I’ll email it to you.

Next in line: Know what you want to buy BEFORE you even go out shopping! Let me make this very clear. Car dealer’s jobs are to sell you a car on your very first visit. A salesman/woman and their sales manager believe that if you walk into their dealership and do not leave with a car, you will never come back again. They are going to hammer on you until they either A) Make you mad and you get up and leave or B) Sell you a car. It’s the nature of the beast. Accept it ahead of time.

What do you want to buy? Where can you get unbiased information on the auto? Again, Google for Kelley Blue Book or NADA and you can get cost, warranty repairs, recalls, and information on problems and tons of info beforehand. Limit your shopping to three models. Keep it simple. Those will be the ones that you will shop for.

Can you afford the car? You may think you can afford the car, but the bank may think otherwise! I have seen this so many times in my career. Automobile economics 101: Take your gross income (what you make per year BEFORE Uncle Sam taxes you) and remember, this income needs to be provable-tax returns, check stubs with taxes taken out or a W-2. If you are self-employed, you will need two years of tax returns with Schedule C’s. This is the income that you actually paid taxes on. Being self-employed can be tough. You may need to combine a spouse’s income if you are self-employed.

Now with your gross income figured out, find out what all of your debts are that are going out each month. Include everything…it’s listed on your credit bureau’s. Example: Car note=$450.00 + House note= $560.00 + Credit card debt= $425.00

Boat note= $310.00 Charge-offs=$1200.00 (yes, charge-offs; these are bills that you never paid and they were written off). Add all of your debts up. With just your obvious debts (including the charge-offs), you have $1805.00 per month going out. I arrived at that figure by adding up all the monthly notes and taking 5% of the charge-offs. 5% of $1200.00 = $60.00. We’re not through, though. Now we have to figure in cost of living-utilities. Each lender has their own algorithm for utilities but a good range to estimate would be to add $300.00. Now we have a total outgo of $2105.00. This is what you have to have to pay your current bills before you take on any other debt.

Almost all lenders will not allow your new car note to exceed 20% of your current income. For our example, let’s assume that your gross income is $5300.00 per month. Let’s take $5300.00 and subtract your debts, which are $2105.00. That leaves you with $3195.00. To make it easy, take $2105.00 and double it. That would be $4210.00. That would leave you with disposable income of $1090.00. What the lender is looking at here is referred to as debt-to-income. They want to know if you have more going out than you can handle. This is strictly a case of numbers and provable numbers. If your gross income was $4500.00 and you had $2105.00 in debts each month, you need to be prepared for one of two things; add your spouse’s income and your spouse to the deal or trade in the other auto. If your debt-to-income is running too close to 50%, you’re going to have a hard time getting a loan for anything. Make sense? The way the bank looks at it is this: you can’t afford both cars so they assume that you are going to let the other (older) car go back to the lender-repossession. That’s their take. Debt-to-income is a HUGE deal.

In this case, your disposable leftover income is $1090.00. 20% of that would be $1060.00. Whoa! Let me be the first to inform you that you are NOT getting a car payment of $1060.00! Why? Well, you only have $1090.00 left over for starters. Let’s be realistic here. Most lenders will slice that in half which will equal $530.00. Your payment call should be around that figure, give or take a few dollars.

How expensive of a car can I buy on a $530.00 payment? Good question and one that you absolutely need to know so that you can pick out the correct car. One answer depends on the term of the loan. You can finance for 36, 48, 60 or 72 months, as a for-instance. That equates to 3 years, 4 years, 5 years and 6 years. I will tell you this: the worst thing you can do is extend the note out the longest amount of time in order to get the payment where you can afford it. That creates a syndrome that now affects over 75% of car owners called being “Upside Down.” It means that you owe more on your car than it’s worth. It also means that you need more money down when you go to trade it in. The only way around that is a lot of money down or a short-term loan.

You can again do a Google search for a ‘car loan calculator’. You will punch in the loan amount you want to borrow, the term (48,60, etc.) and the interest rate. If you have not gotten approved already and know the rate, you will have to guesstimate. Here’s a rule of thumb for you-it’s not an exact science without knowing your credit, but it is a guide you can follow to get you close. Let’s base the rate on your beacon score: that’s what most of the lenders are going to look at.

If your beacon (credit score) is in the 400 or lower range, you will need to figure your interest rate on a new car at 21% (state maximums differ-it could be 18%). If you are looking at a used car, figure on 33%. If your beacon score is in the low 500 range, figure your new car loan as you would for the above-mentioned 400 beacon. If your beacon score is in the mid to high 500-range, figure a new car at 18% and a used car at 27%. If you have a beacon of 600 to 649, figure a new car at 16% and a used car at 20%. If you have a beacon score of 650 to 699, figure a new car rate at 12% and a used car rate at 16%. I may be hitting too high on a few of these, but I live in a state that has the highest rates in the nation. Better safe than sorry.

Get Pre-Approved BEFORE you start shopping. This is the easy part, in a way. Remember I told you at the beginning of this article to take charge of your car deal instead of letting the dealer lead you by the hand. It all boils down to financing. If you can walk in with a check in your hand, you are in control. I will recommend a few companies that are reputable, have a proven track record in sub prime loans and all mail the check to you at home. You then go into a dealership and pick out your vehicle, negotiate and buy like a cash buyer! These companies are Household Finance, Capital One Finance, Americredit and E-Loan. You can do a Google search for all four, apply online, and get either an instant approval or one really quickly. When you are approved, they mail the contract to you and then the check. It’s that easy.

On the final decision for the car-work smart here. There is nothing more valuable than time and nothing more rewarding than piece of mind. Please don’t go running from dealership to dealership. Wrong. Pick out the 3 models of auto that you can afford. If you are looking for a program car (rental), call dealerships and inquire as to whether or not they have any. If you want a new, ask other people that are driving that model where they bought theirs and would they purchase there again. If you start hearing a lot of “I’ll never buy from them again”, move on. Something is wrong. Your new car is only as good as the service you will get AFTER the sale.

Negotiating-Most people hate this. I have only met 2 people in 14 years that enjoyed it; they were both retired and had nothing better to do. One did it for the fun of it and never even bought if you agreed to his price. Don’t waste other people’s time. If you don’t like the car, don’t negotiate on it. When you do find a car that you would own, tell the salesman you’d buy it right then if the price was right and if they provided you with a Car Fax. The keyword here is: ‘If the price is right’. How do you know what a good price is? Well…glad you asked. If it’s a new car, Kelley Blue Book will have dealer cost. Go to: http://www.kbb.com

If it’s a used car, compare used car figures at http://www.kbb.com

And

[http://www.nadaguides.com]

What’s the difference? Most dealers (with the exception of the West coast) will use NADA as their guide.

Here’s what’s transpired so far:

Before you ever drove the car, you went by the dealership on Sunday, when there are no salespeople and you got the Vin# of the car and the equipment, year model and had a good look at it. You already know if you like the car when you drive it, that you would buy it. The list price is in your pre-approved check category, to boot. You’ve already gone online and gotten wholesale, trade-in and retail values for the car.

Retail is what the dealer should ask for the car. This will help you to know whether or not the salesman is trying to add money to the car, or if the dealership is. Trade-in is a figure to gauge approximately what the dealership traded for the car for. It will give you an idea of what the dealer paid for the car, before reconditioning fees and any ticket from service. Now, not every make of car will bring trade-in value. Two that will at this time are a Honda and a Toyota. Those cars will bring trade-in value. Domestic cars generally will not bring trade-in value, with the exception of new, hot models. Other models will only bring wholesale. As an example, Kia makes a great car, but most will not bring close to trade-in value. Mitsubishi is going through changes and also won’t bring close to trade-in value. There are exceptions to the rule: Katrina and Rita-two hurricanes that created a short supply of used cars. If you live in the south, that will be the case for a while. With the exception of a Honda and a Toyota, you can probably be safe offering less than trade-in. Not thousands, mind you, but less.

Take into consideration the other costs of trading for a car. Also, ask the salesperson how long they’ve had the car. If the salesperson slips up and tells you they’ve had it a while, your negotiating should be easier. The reason behind that is that the dealer is paying interest on the car every month it does not sell. The book value is also dropping every month so it needs to go.

Throughout the car deal, make sure they know you are paying cash. Don’t mention that you have a check from Americredit or whoever. That’s none of their business. When you make a deal, insist on the Used Car Manager running a Car Fax before you sign any paperwork. A Car Fax will show if the vehicle has been involved in a serious wreck, was bought back from the original customer or is salvaged. This will put your mind at ease. If you don’t like the Car Fax, don’t buy the car.

Throughout your shopping, I can’t stress this enough-Do NOT fill out credit applications at each dealership. Every time you sign a credit application, the dealer pulls your credit report and your beacon score goes DOWN. That’s why I advise on getting approved ahead of time. There are numerous advantages to getting approved ahead of time. The main advantage is that you are in control, not the dealership. That’s worth a fortune in itself. Their job is to take control of you from the start of every meeting. Believe me; I know what I’m telling you. I lived that life for a long time.

For some reason, should you not be able to get pre-approved because your credit is extremely bad (a discharged bankruptcy is an instant-approval, by the way), and you have to go through an online clearinghouse like cars.com, don’t despair. Continue to follow my previous steps and advice and negotiate and insist on a Car Fax report.

When you do decide on a car and go into the Finance Office to sign the papers, I would like for everyone to know that you do not have to purchase any products in order to get the loan. If anyone in Finance tells you that you have to purchase a warranty and credit life to get the loan, which is a bold-faced lie. Why would a Finance Manager do that? Because they work on commission, also. Surprised? Don’t be. That’s the way dealers set up Finance Offices from the start when they realized how much money could be made. The Finance Manager makes money off of the rate they quote you, the warranty they sell you, the gap insurance and the credit life and disability you buy. That’s how they make a living.

I’m not saying that any of these products are bad, though. I believe in extended warranties. I’m just telling you to shop around first. If you find a cheap warranty, check out the company and make sure they will give the dealer a credit card over the phone immediately when in need of repairs in any state. All in all, I will say this-A manufacturers warranty is always better than an after-market warranty. Always. Just negotiate on it if you want it.

The only reason why you would not want gap insurance would be if you literally paid cash for the car. Otherwise, gap is cheap (should retail around $495) and will pay the portion that insurance won’t pay if it’s totaled. Just remember what I said about the book dropping on a car every month. It will never be worth what you owe unless you put down a lot of money at the time of purchase.

Credit life and Disability insurance are a personal matter. If you have a life insurance policy, it can be used to pay off the car in the event of your death. If you are single, why do you need Credit Life? The only benefit would be if you are married with a family, it cuts down the payout time. In this situation, your spouse would not lose the car.

Disability Insurance pays out for a specified amount of time. It will not pay out for the entirety of the loan. It also has a specified start date from the time you are disabled. It doesn’t just kick in immediately.

This is a lengthy article, but the gist of it is this: do your homework at home first. Then get approved online. Then shop on Sunday. Then go get your car and negotiate on everything. It will be the easiest car-buying experience you have ever had.

Regardless of your credit situation, if you follow my steps, you’ll have a car in no time and you’ll be an educated and informed customer during the process. Good luck!

Alicia Guidry spent 14 years in the retail automobile industry as a finance manager, sales manager and general sales manager.

For additional sources, see:

Bad Credit Car Loan [http://bad-credit-card-applications.com/auto-bad-credit-financing-loan.html]

Corporate marketing groups – especially bandwidth-challenged small-to-mid-sized departments – can be so focused on tactics and fire fighting that they jeopardize their marketing investment. There is a tendency to overreact to events, to tackle symptoms rather than underlying fundamental problems and to jump at the opportunity to please the boss. Many times, this kind of tactical knee jerking may be fatal.

Without great marketing, companies won’t flourish, especially those in highly

competitive markets. Yet the chaotic nature of emerging or dynamic growth

companies and the tendency to place the marketing burden on too few individuals is

a setup for failure. Promising companies may be left in the dust, or at least

handicapped at the starting gate.

Marketing Operations is emerging as an important discipline for improving

performance and measuring ROI in admired technology companies (like Intel, IBM

and Amazon) who have refined and fine-tuned their marketing organization with an

operational focus. Given the demands that these organizations face today, an

innovative approach is central to solving critical issues like results measurement,

bandwidth constraints and creativity limitations, and building value-added

outsourced supplier relationships and effectively managing budget. Many of the

best practices, efficient processes and systems approach from large company

Marketing Operations can and should be applied by emerging companies that are

serious about their marketing investment. Here’s why:

PROBLEM #1

Ill-defined metrics

Today, more than ever, corporate marketing departments need to justify their

existence. The need to measure results is unavoidable. However, the instincts and

skills that make an outbound marketing practitioner great-action-orientation,

verbal and written acuity, persuasiveness, the ability to build strong relationships-

often don’t translate into an ability or willingness to scientifically and objectively

evaluate success. Add in broken systems and the organization’s unwillingness to

pay for marketing evaluation, and it’s no surprise that many marketing departments

are unable to define meaningful success metrics.

SOLUTION

Marketing Operations ensures that the right processes are in place to establish

meaningful metrics at the front-end of marketing process, enabling the

measurement of success at key intervals, and as each program concludes.

PROBLEM #2

Slammed resources

The prevailing attitude of “doing more with less” can leave key people discouraged,

overwhelmed, near burnout, and eventually, circulating their

resumes. The consequences for organizations are costly mistakes, high turnover,

and collapsed programs when key people leave, and missed opportunities to

leverage the “ugly-stepsister-Cinderella-in-waiting” programs that never get off the

ground because of a lack of ownership.

SOLUTION

Marketing Operations addresses these resource limitations by ensuring workload is

effectively allocated, roles are clearly defined, interdependencies are understood,

team members feel satisfied with their jobs and the programs and additional

resources, whether through additional headcount or outsourcing, can be

successfully justified to executive management.

PROBLEM #3

Sketchy institutional memory

Marketing is dependent on accurate information, a historical view into past

successes and failures, and the ability to recognize patterns that link seemingly

unrelated data points. Unfortunately, knowledge in many marketing organizations is

scattered all over the company. It’s in the heads of individual workers, on shelves,

on people’s hard drives, in long forgotten filing systems. When people leave, a big

piece of organizational knowledge goes with them. Information loss is a huge

productivity killer for marketing teams. Lost insight that must be regained or

reacquired wastes previous marketing investments.

SOLUTION

Marketing Operations facilitates knowledge sharing, an enduring repository of

information and greater decision-making based on fact, as opposed to hunch.

PROBLEM #4

Constrained creativity

The best creativity comes from many brains working together in collaboration. A

consequence of the age of the “individual contributor” director is constrained

creativity. When the entire creative burden falls mostly on one outbound marketing

person, the ability to think out of the box can be severely impacted. Creative

synergy results from many minds thinking as one.

SOLUTION

Marketing Operations enables the creative process to benefit from the synergy of

team.

PROBLEM #5

Failed supplier relationships

Most successful companies can point to strong, long-term marketing supplier

relationships as integral to their success. Likewise, a pattern of failed supplier

relationships is often an indicator of marketing department failure, rather than poor

vendor performance. Unfortunately, companies that have had consistently bad

relationships with outsource suppliers often react by seizing control and bringing

everything in house. While this strategy may provides the illusion of control, it lets

marketing managers deflect blame for failures, rather than teaching them how to

manage their outsource suppliers by taking responsibility for the results. In

addition, this strategy won’t scale with the growth of the organization.

SOLUTION

Marketing Operations helps set realistic expectations and mutual accountability

between suppliers and the organization, increasing the effectiveness of outsource

partners by empowering them to act as an extension of the internal team.

PROBLEM #6

Lost discretionary budgets

Use it or lose it. Misuse it and lose it anyway. Many corporate marketing

departments are leaving discretionary budget on the table or allocating it to

the wrong initiatives. This discretionary marketing budget “Catch 22″ occurs

because:

o It’s very time consuming to manage the budget effectively, especially in companies

with broken financial systems

o Each marketing spend-decision creates more work for the one-person or small-

team

marketing department in terms of project management, measurement, supplier

management, etc.

o Doubt persists about the ability to successfully justify the expenditure to

management

o Focus is instinctively on high-visibility marketing activities and C-level executive

“requests” over fiscal management (marketing people are more inclined toward

marketing than finance)

SOLUTION

Marketing Operations facilitates implementing the system support infrastructure

and financial management discipline needed to protect precious marketing budgets.

PROBLEM #7

Narrow marketing mix

Many companies align their fate with the success of too few marketing programs.

Whether it’s lead generation, public relations, trade shows or advertising, the over-

reliance on any one particular program can derail a company-especially if a key

program unexpectedly loses momentum. In the meantime, programs that could

have had strong leverage never get a chance to prove their mettle and are forever

relegated to the “B” list.

SOLUTION

Marketing Operations puts the means in place to launch potentially high-value

marketing programs that would never otherwise get out of the starting gate.

The Bottom Line

In a nutshell, Marketing Operations is an organization’s best bet to:

o Ensure that success can be measured and replicated

o Leverage systems and processes to enable consistently excellent performance

o Encourage great marketing departments to stay together

o Allow the marketing organization to flourish, despite the unexpected, but often

inevitable, loss of a key employee.

Gary M. Katz, APR, is president and CEO of CommPros Group, a Santa-Clara, Calif.- based firm that provides marketing operations services to help companies leverage their marketing investment, plus a variety of outsourced marketing program management services to support lean marketing departments. Gary is a veteran with more than twenty years of experience in the technology industry where he directed corporate marketing, communications, public relations, lead generation and qualification, investor relations, and employee communications programs. He has served as director of communications for ShoreTel, director of corporate marketing for Aplix Corporation, senior manager of corporate communications for Insignia Solutions, and as a director, account supervisor, or preferred subcontractor for more than a dozen leading public relations and marketing communications agencies. A past president of Silicon Valley PRSA, he holds a master’s degree in organization development from the University of San Francisco and a BA degree in public relations from San Jose State University.

If you enjoy cooking you probably realize that there are many different ways of cooking the same foods. There are so many styles of cooking as well. You can create Italian dishes, Chinese, Greek, and many other types of delicious meals. You can make all these dishes with so many different kids of appliances and utilities available today. There are stoves, ovens, pressure cookers, slow cookers or any other kind of appliance.

Some people like to specialize in specific areas of expertise while others enjoy being more well rounded and finding out as much as possible about different cooking cultures. For those who are looking to specialize in just pressure cooking, there are several ways to do this.

One great way to learn about a particular cooking technique is to search the internet about the details and intricacies of a particular area. The web is an amazing source of information for anything out there and it is a great way to find out new recipes and learn different preparation techniques. There are tons of pressure cooking dishes to be found on the internet and pressure cooking is a perfect way to make tasty and healthy meals.

If the internet seems too daunting or you just prefer to have a good cook book nearby while you cook, then you can head to your local bookstore and search through their countless cook books in stock. You will be sure to find many cook books that specialize in dishes for your pressure cooker. Pick up one of those cook books and find a particular recipe that might interest you and make that dish several times. In no time you will be able to cook it perfectly and it will become a timeless classic recipe for you to cook.

If you prefer a more personal experience while you cook, then talk with others who also share the same passion for cooking that you do. Find out if they enjoy pressure cooking and if they have any tips or recipes that can be passed on to you. Because pressure cooking is so easy and quick, you’ll be sure to find someone who has lots of experience with using pressure cookers. Sharing recipes is a great way to learn new dishes and techniques. Be sure to ask them for tips on cooking those recipes and what they might do to make cooking with their pressure cooking easier. If you have the time, join forces and create a dish together or better yet, come up with a completely new and creative dish that the two of you can call your own.

Learning as many recipes for your pressure cooker is a sure fire way to becoming the brilliant chef you want to be. Not only is it an enjoyable thing for you to do, but you’ll be learning in the process. If you are really into meeting new people and learning new things and you know many others that are as interested as you are, you could even start a pressure cooking club. Hold monthly meetings where people can bring dish to share along with the recipes on how to make them. There is no finer way to learn new things than with the collaboration of others.

Finally, don’t forget the cooking shows on TV. There are even entire channels now dedicated to cooking and showing you the ins and outs of learning certain dishes. It is a great way to get visual lessons without leaving your kitchen.

Whichever method you prefer to use to learn, just be sure to never stop or get discouraged. You’ll be cooking those favorite dishes of yours perfectly in your pressure cooker before you know it!

Aaron Guhl writes articles regarding cooking and gives tips on different cooking techniques. He frequently writes on pressure cooking and how to use a pressure cooker properly and safely. For more information on pressure cookers, visit: http://www.stainlesspressurecookers.com/Learn-Pressure-Cooking