Create a Business Plan first
The primary necessity is to get a perfectly designed plan of action for a genuine business. A business plan on its own is useless. It is a mere reflection, but it will not suffice you also need an action plan. A business scheme is the first step in working out your idea into actions that you can follow. Well-illustrated business plans can be found online or at your library.
Begin now
• Do not be afraid of failure. Remember failure is the first stepping stone to success, if this home based business idea does not work out for you now do not let this deter you. Always remind yourself of the spider when you feel like losing hope.
• Do not let that wonderful home-based business idea gather dust. Start today.
• Waiting for the right time to start your business might make success elude you forever. If there is any specific right time, it is right now. Do not waste your precious time.
•
Put a figure on it
This is the greatest stumbling block for most home-based business owners. That is, they fail to evaluate their work. If you do not give proper attention to this, you may have to wrap up your business. You need to know that real figures and numbers are needed for you to stay in business. If this is not your agenda of work, you are probably going all wrong.
Large businesses usually set up balanced scorecards. The idea is to have a referring point to compare how successful your work is. For example, to get five customers in one month you could settle on free seminars but if you see that your plan is not getting you five clients, you need to reassess your plan. Change of plan prevents waste of energy and resources.
Friday 5 September 2008
Work Your Home Based Business Idea in Three Easy Steps
Saturday 16 August 2008
Make Money Online
Several day, i have trying register at bux.to
there is describe about bux.to :
At Bux.to, you get paid to click on ads and visit websites. The process is easy! You simply click a link and view a website for 30 seconds to earn money. You can earn even more by referring friends. You'll get paid $0.01 for each website you personally view and $0.01 for each website your referrals view. Payment requests can be made every day and are processed through AlertPay. The minimum payout is $10.00.
Earnings Example
» You click 10 ads per day = $0.10
» 20 referrals click 10 ads per day = $2.00
» Your daily earnings = $2.10
» Your weekly earnings = $14.70
» Your monthly earnings = $63.00
The above example is based only on 20 referrals and 10 daily clicks. Some days you will have more clicks available, some days you will have less. What if you had more referrals? What if there were more ads available?
If you want register bux.to register here
Sunday 20 July 2008
Why Should You Have a Business Plan?
Are you planning to start a new business? Or are you considering
expanding your current business and require a bank loan or
investment from outsiders?
If you are going to look for an investment of capital it is quite
likely that you will be required to have a business plan. If you
are starting a business, despite the work involved, a business
plan can prepare you for the obstacles ahead and help ensure your
success.
A business plan is something that many small businesses fail to
create, however, many business owners are adamant that having a
written business plan is one of the keys to their present
success. Creating a business plan forces you to contemplate
possible obstacles to your business and prepares you to find
solutions that will help you to overcome them.
To find investors or get a bank loan, they will want to see that
you have the experience or resources to run the business. They
will want to see your projected income as well as your suggested
repayment plan already laid out. Taking the time to do this is
not only important for them, but it gives you a measuring tool to
verify if your business is growing properly. You can gage your
success on how close to the plan your business has actually
performed. Perhaps you'll do worse, or perhaps you'll do better,
either way it helps you determine how well your business is
getting on.
If you have never seen a business plan before you may be
concerned that is is too difficult a proposition for you to
manage on your own.
While there are services available where you can hire someone to
write a business plan for you, depending on your needs it may be
wise to familiarize yourself with a business plan's layout. This
will not only help you to provide the necessary information, but
may encourage you to try your own hand at it.
There's a free tool at www.bdc.ca which will assist you in
creating a business plan. Some of the topics you will be required
to explain are your Market, Customer, Competition, Marketing
Plan, Research & Development along with financial forecasts. You
may consider hiring someone to help you with your financial
sheets after completing the written part of the Business Plan.
Your Business Plan will become your guide and silent business
partner - indicating where you need to improve and helping you
stay one step ahead of your competition. Make it a priority to
have this crucial road map for your business
Saturday 19 July 2008
Foreclosure Home Deals
Did you know that you can save tens of thousands of dollars on the purchase of your home by investing in a foreclosure or preforeclosure property? When you are trying to purchase a home for the first time, and you have limited resources and limited funds, it is particularly important that you get the most "bang for your buck".
One way for a young family to get the most home for their money is to purchase a "distressed" property. With research and due diligence, you may just end up with a larger or nicer home than you thought you could afford, but without the extra price tag.
One way to accomplish this is by purchasing a property that is in foreclosure. You may want to look for an REO Foreclosure.
What's an REO Foreclosure? This stands for "Real Estate Owned", or in other words,
property that was foreclosed upon by the bank holding the mortgage, and now belongs to the bank. But, the bank is a bank and not a real estate investment firm. They are simply not in the business of residential real estate and have no interest in the home other than to recoup
their investment.
How does this benefit you? Well, more than likely the previous owners of the property have been making payments on it for some time, bringing down the amount the bank was owed and increasing the equity in the property. Since the bank is only concerned about recouping what they are owed and not really attempting to make a profit, then you can essentially reap the benefit of the equity in the property and purchase the home for what is owed which is likely well below current market value.
This approach while simple in theory does require research, time, fixup, and perhaps even cash upfront. This approach is not for everyone, but if your situation allows for it, you may be able to snag a great deal on a nicer home than you could otherwise afford.
Friday 18 July 2008
The importance of planning
Are you planning to start a new business? Or are you considering expanding your current business and require a bank loan or investment from outsiders?
If you are going to look for an investment of capital it is quite likely that you will be required to have a business plan. If you are starting a business, despite the work involved, a business plan can prepare you for the obstacles ahead and help ensure your success.
A business plan is something that many small businesses fail to create, however, many business owners are adamant that having a written business plan is one of the keys to their present success. Creating a business plan forces you to contemplate possible obstacles to your business and prepares you to find solutions that will help you to overcome them.
To find investors or get a bank loan, they will want to see that you have the experience or resources to run the business. They will want to see your projected income as well as your suggested repayment plan already laid out. Taking the time to do this is not only important for them, but it gives you a measuring tool to verify if your business is growing properly. You can gage your success on how close to the plan your business has actually performed. Perhaps you'll do worse, or perhaps you'll do better, either way it helps you determine how well your business is getting on.
If you have never seen a business plan before you may be concerned that is is too difficult a proposition for you to manage on your own.
While there are services available where you can hire someone to write a business plan for you, depending on your needs it may be wise to familiarize yourself with a business plan's layout. This will not only help you to provide the necessary information, but may encourage you to try your own hand at it.
There's a free tool at www.bdc.ca which will assist you in creating a business plan. Some of the topics you will be required to explain are your Market, Customer, Competition, Marketing Plan, Research & Development along with financial forecasts. You may consider hiring someone to help you with your financial sheets after completing the written part of the Business Plan.
Your Business Plan will become your guide and silent business partner - indicating where you need to improve and helping you stay one step ahead of your competition. Make it a priority to have this crucial road map for your business.
Thursday 17 July 2008
Is It Necessary To Have a Business Plan?
Are you planning to start a new business? Or are you considering expanding your current business and require a bank loan or investment from outsiders?
If you are going to look for an investment of capital it is quite likely that you will be required to have a business plan. If you are starting a business, despite the work involved, a business plan can prepare you for the obstacles ahead and help ensure your success.
A business plan is something that many small businesses fail to create, however, many business owners are adamant that having a written business plan is one of the keys to their present success. Creating a business plan forces you to contemplate possible obstacles to your business and prepares you to find solutions that will help you to overcome them.
To find investors or get a bank loan, they will want to see that you have the experience or resources to run the business. They will want to see your projected income as well as your suggested repayment plan already laid out. Taking the time to do this is not only important for them, but it gives you a measuring tool to verify if your business is growing properly. You can gage your success on how close to the plan your business has actually performed. Perhaps you'll do worse, or perhaps you'll do better, either way it helps you determine how well your business is getting on.
If you have never seen a business plan before you may be concerned that is is too difficult a proposition for you to manage on your own.
While there are services available where you can hire someone to write a business plan for you, depending on your needs it may be wise to familiarize yourself with a business plan's layout. This will not only help you to provide the necessary information, but may encourage you to try your own hand at it.
There's a free tool at www.bdc.ca which will assist you in creating a business plan. Some of the topics you will be required to explain are your Market, Customer, Competition, Marketing Plan, Research & Development along with financial forecasts. You may consider hiring someone to help you with your financial sheets after completing the written part of the Business Plan.
Your Business Plan will become your guide and silent business partner - indicating where you need to improve and helping you stay one step ahead of your competition. Make it a priority to have this crucial road map for your business.
Wednesday 16 July 2008
Sales Tax vs. Income Tax
The United States is currently suffering under an unimaginably complex tax system. The maintenance of this beauracratic behemoth costs the taxpayers billions of dollars every year. The direct costs borne by the taxpayers are small in comparison to the costs borne by corporations and individual taxpayers in attempting to comply with all of these Federal government regulations.
The people of the United States and their elected representatives are now looking at two options to replace the current tax system: The Flat Income Tax and the National Sales Tax.
The Flat Income Tax represents a modification of the current tax system, where the National Sales Tax represents a complete re-architecture of the entire tax system.
A National Sales Tax Would Improve the Trade Deficit
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This is a bold claim, so I will explain it in simple terms using a small model of the global economic system. In our model, we will have only two companies and two consumers.
Our two companies are Alpha Company and Charlie Company. Alpha Company manufactures widgets in their plant in Plano, TX. Charlie Company manufactures similar widgets in their factory in Shanghai, China.
Our two consumers are John and Chon. John lives in Los Angeles, Califoria. Chon lives in Beijing, China.
For the purposes of our example, let us state that it costs Alpha Company $100 to manufacture a widget. To this $100, we must then add the burden of income taxes. Again, solely for the purposes of our model, let us state that this burden raises the cost of the Alpha Company Widget by $20.
Alpha Company must pass these additional costs on to the consumer. Therefore, if either John or Chon decide to purchase Alpha Company brand widgets, they must pay more for them.
In effect, the Income Tax makes Alpha Company widgets more expensive (and therefore less desirable) than Charlie Company widgets.
Now let's look at the effects of a National Sales Tax on international trade.
Once again, we will state that a widget costs Alpha Company $100 to produce. However, this time we will not burden Alpha Company with income tax.
In this model, there are no extra costs for Alpha Company to pass on to the consumers, John and Chon. When John decides to buy a widget, he is taxed the same National Sales Tax -- no matter which widget he buys. This allows Alpha Company to compete on an even level with Charlie Company.
Moreover, when Chon decides to buy a widget, he does not pay our National Sales Tax for the widget. This makes Alpha Company brand widgets price competitive in the China as well as in the United States.
Let me restate this succintly: The Income Tax destroys our national competitiveness and increases our trade deficit; The National Sales Tax restores our national competitiveness and enables us to compete on an even playing field with the rest of the world.
The Income Tax Discourages Working; The National Sales Tax Encourages Saving
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Any good animal trainer knows that animanls do what you reward them for doing and avoid doing what they are punished for doing.
The Income Tax effectively punishes people for working. For every extra dollar you make, you are forced to pay more Income Tax.
If you work for $10/hr, the income tax takes approximately $3.50 of that. You are now working for $6.50/hr. Isn't that significantly less motivating than $10.00/hr?
By reducing our motivation to work, succeed, and produce, the Income Tax robs our national economy of much of it's vigor. It hinders our ability to compete with other world economies.
The National Sales Tax, on the other hand, punishes Americans when they spend money. That $2 beer now costs $2.50. The $100 Walkman is now a $125 Walkman.
This acts to discourage spending. Discouraging spending automatically encourages savings. Savings become investment. Investment becomes wealth.
What does American business require to build and grow? Investment capital.
Where does American business currently get that investment capital? From overseas.
Why does American business get its investment capital from overseas? Because Americans don't save and invest.
Who profits from American business? The investors.
Who ends up owning American businesses? Foreigners.
We must be careful here not to blame the foreigners who now own a large number of American businesses. They took the risks and invested money when we didn't, and the markets rewarded them for this. What we must do, however, is build a tax system which enables and encourages Americans to save and invest in America.
Building wealth for foreigners is a good thing; Building wealth for Americans is a better thing.
Objections to the National Sales Tax
--------------
Objection:
The National Sales Tax is regressive. It taxes poor people more heavily than rich people.
Resolution:
In many states which currently collect sales tax, basic items are exempted from sales tax. These items include food, clothing, and housing.
Exempting these basics of living from the National Sales Tax has the effect of moving the National Sales Tax from a regressive to a progressive tax.
Objection:
The National Sales Tax will be difficult and expensive to collect.
Resolution:
Forty-five states are now collecting state sales taxes. The Federal government will be able to outsource the collection of the National Sales Tax to the existing organizations within the states.
Organizations to collect the National Sales Tax will have to be built in only five states.
Objection:
Switching to a National Sales Tax would require a repealing of the 16th Amendment.
Resolution:
The 16th Amendment allows the Federal government to levy an income tax, but does not [i]require[/i] it to do so.
We could switch to a National Sales Tax and repeal the 16th Amendment at some point far in the future.
Summary
--------------
Our nation is at a critical crossroads where we must choose to stay with our current broken system of taxation, attempt to repair it, or replace it entirely with something new.
The principles of economics show us clearly that the National Sales Tax is the right path to take to ensure the economic prosperity of America for our children and for their children.
Now is the time to build a tax system which encourages American values, supports American business, and builds prosperity for our futures and our childrens futures.
Tuesday 15 July 2008
Residential Income Property Financing: Part 2 of 3
Welcome to the second segment of a three-part series about income property. In this second segment we will be discussing financing options for residential income properties as well as the upside (and downside) of owning this type of property.
Financial Concerns
Financing options for residential income property vary widely from commercial or industrial properties. For one thing, most private lenders place size requirements on the apartment complexes they are willing to finance, usually five units or more. Smaller complexes just don�t have the revenue generation potential required to make your loan officer feel comfortable.
The good news is that residential income property loans usually carry a higher LTV ratio than other property types. If you recall from the first segment of this series, LTV (loan-to-value) ratio indicates the percentage of money your lender will lend you to the property�s market value. An 80% LTV is the maximum most lenders will provide for residential income property.
Loan terms usually range from 25 to 30 years with a maximum loan amount of up to $3 million. Current competitive interest rates can range from 4.70% up to 6.625% depending on several factors including your credit rating and the size of your down payment.
Most loans for residential income property are termed as �recourse loans�. This means that the lender has �recourse� to your personal assets in the event you default on the loan. Needless to say, you need to make sure you are ready to assume the financial responsibility of making your payments in a timely fashion.
Managerial Challenges
Besides financial responsibility, residential income property management brings with it other unique challenges. Likewise, it demands certain skills above and beyond investment savvy and experience. To successfully manage your residential income property, you�ll need a good combination of street smarts, interpersonal, and handyman skills.
More than any other income property type, residential property will bring you into close contact with those renting or leasing your property. Possibly the most important part is screening those you rent to. Background checks, calls to previous landlords, and searching interviews can save you a lot of headache and money down the road.
It�s likely that at some point in the tenancy something will break or malfunction. If you have the ability to replace windows or wiring, know how to fix an A/C or refrigerator, or have rudimentary plumbing skills, chances are you will save some money by performing these tasks yourself.
Sometimes dealing with tenants can be the hardest part of owning residential income property. How well can you deal with angry, demanding people? Do you stay cool, calm, and collected in tense interpersonal situations? If so, you�ll be prepared to deal with some of the issues likely to crop up during your management experience.
Conclusion
It�s important to keep your goals in sight when managing a residential income property. Sometimes it�s easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day duties of running the property that you lose sight of making a profit. Know your rights as a landlord; know your bottom line as an investor. As with any investment, having an accurate idea of your time horizon will, to a large extent, dictate the amount of effort and money you should put into your income property.
Monday 14 July 2008
Is It Worth Becoming a Partner?
It�s a fact of life in the Big Four :you are there to become a partner. This expectation may not be explicit in Big Four culture, but the undercurrent is undeniable. If your every decision is not focused on becoming a �member of the firm�, your career is in perpetual jeopardy. The whole reason for your being is to attain that status.
The mystique of the partnership is evaporating, and it could change the character and composition of the Big Four fundamentally. Yes, Mr. Dylan, the times, they are a-changin�. Anecdotally, more and more senior managers talk quietly � never publicly � about what their next moves would be. Those illicit conversations occurred in hushed tones away from the office � often emerging from frank advice offered to more junior staff members.
But, where do you go?
Many senior managers are considering VP and C-level positions instead of shooting for the partnership. Citing lifestyle desires (i.e. getting off the road), earning potential, and less politically charged environments, even top-performing senior managers are exploring careers outside the Big Four.
Aside from these internal pressures, up-and-comers clearly have concerns about the resilience � and costs � of the partnership structure. Once upon a time, the partnership buy-in was considered a pristine investment opportunity. The past few years, though, have called this perception into question.
It all started with Enron.
Many of the consultants and accountants in our community are still in pain from the collapse of Andersen � especially the ex-Andersen folks who have sought refuge at the remaining Big Four. Professionals who worked at Andersen, especially former partners, are acutely aware of the risks inherent in buying into the partnership. New partners, with fewer than five years as members of Andersen, were brutalized financially. Their buy-in loans were collateralized with their partnership units. The collapse of Andersen led to a negative equity situation for them; partners owed hundreds of thousands of dollars and could not divest their units to repay the loans.
A similar fear rippled through KPMG, recently. Under investigation for selling abusive tax shelters, KPMG settled with the Justice Department. The settlement included a fine of $456 million. While KPMG avoided the fate of Andersen, the resulting fine equates to around $300 thousand for each of KPMG�s 1,600 partners.
The declining interest in firm membership is supported by potential changes in firm organization. Accenture and BearingPoint have forsaken the partnership model, and both now trade on public markets. Doubts as to the protections of the limited liability partnership model are causing the Big Four to consider incorporation � instead of partnership.
Once recognized as an elite club in the accounting and consulting industries, the major partnerships are losing their mystique. The firms themselves continue to provide the best services available on the market, but the firms themselves are undergoing a fundamental shift. Every associate used to hope to grow up to become a partner. Senior managers could taste it � and would think of nothing else.
The Big Four�s preferred structure is under attack from the outside. Once considered an almost risk-free investment, we have learned from Andersen and KPMG the contrary. This investment risk is magnified by the erosion of protections offered by the LLP structure. Greener pastures lure talent from the partnership while the legal system lays siege to this venerable institution.
Sunday 13 July 2008
You Are What You Wear
When you step into a room, you get one free moment. In that moment colleagues and clients are making assumptions of who and what you are all about. If your visual integrity does not reflect your capabilities, it may take many further meetings to undo that first impression.
Call it impression management, style or good grooming, the business professional knows the power of a positive image. Savvy business style requires more than an expensive suit! Details from your shirt to your shoes, and your hairstyle to your accessories can reveal an approachable, professional harmony or compromise your credibility in the blink of an eye.
In today�s highly competitive market, your image is an investment. Whether corporate or business casual, suitable clothing enhances your personal silhouette, colouring and reflects your current business environment. Business casual does not mean weekend wear. Good quality separates can stretch your wardrobe and still polish your professional look.
William Thoroulby was the Marlboro man; he became one of America�s first male image consultants. His favourite phrase was �you are what to wear.� Something to seriously consider�
Saturday 12 July 2008
ISO 9001 Registration � 8 Steps for Success
You�ve made the plans, built the quality system and conducted the audit. So how do you register your company as ISO 9001 conformant? And how can you be sure you�re getting the most value for your investment? Here�s how the process works.
Certifying Your Company for ISO 9001
After your company's ISO 9001 audit, you will want to register your company to show that you've met the requirements. And to do this effectively, you will need to follow eight essential steps.
1. Finding a Registrar
You�ll need to begin searching for an ISO registrar during the 2 to 3 months your company is still building its quality system. You can search the Registrar Accreditation Board (RAB) at http://www.rabnet.com to select the registrar right for you.
2. Selecting a Registrar
Select a registrar that has experience within the scope category of your specific industry, which you can also find on the RAB site. Keep in mind accreditation, scheduling issues, fees and comfort level when selecting the registrar right for you.
3. Creating an Application
A company and a registrar will agree on the application, contract. This defines the rights and obligations of both parties, and includes liability issues, confidentiality and access rights.
4. Conducting a Document Review
The registrar will require a copy of your quality manual and procedures to verify that all the requirements of the standard are addressed. Allow 2-4 weeks in advance for the registrar to fully review all of the necessary documents.
5. Determining Preassessment
Though optional, this 2-4 week initial review of the system identifies any significant omissions or weaknesses. It saves time and allows the registrar to assess any issues and resolve logistics before the actual assessment audit.
6. Issuing an Assessment
During the audit, or physical onsite inspection of procedures in action, the auditors will issue findings if they assess anything that doesn�t meet requirements, or nonconformities. The length of this step will depend on the scope of the audit and the size your organization.
7. Completing ISO Registration
After all of the findings are put into the audit report and nonconformities are addressed, your company has the option to register as ISO 9001 conformant. You will receive a certificate and can also be listed in a register, which the company can use to publicize its registration and use in advertising.
8. Checking with Surveillances
To ensure that the system is maintained and that changes don�t result in deficiencies in the system, registrars perform regular surveillances of the system. Over the three-year period of your certificate, auditors will perform one full and two partial checks of your system.
Considerations in Planning
The Document Review and Preassessment typically require 2-4 weeks each. However, the number of registrars and the number of days for each stage of the registration audit depends on the size and complexity of your organization. So set target dates accordingly to allow both you and the registrar time to fully prepare.
Quality Procedures Investment
Always keep in mind, registration should provide you with valuable feedback to improve your system. So make sure to seek the appropriate registrar, and take full advantage of the entire audit process. After all, it�s your company, it�s your registration, and so make sure you get a strong return on YOUR investment.
Friday 11 July 2008
Online business is a real business like all other off-line ones, do it, seriously.
Yes, online business is a kind of business, not scam. How to be serious about it? Own your own domain name and website. Just image that you can gain a free website site from internet, yes, you can do that. But, you need an independent domain, not just sub-domain. You are the boss of your business, like, www.yourbusiness.com, instead of www.otherdomain.com/yourbusiness.com. You can see, which one is more formal and commercial?
Now days everybody surfs internet. For people, even many people, they treat online business as a redundant thing. They just want to earn some extra money from it. They don�t want to do the necessary investment for it. Getting a free website, post some ads, telling their friends that they will earn some money, blablabla� After excitement, they could not get what they expected, then they say that online business are full of shit, scam. We can say that online business is not good for them. They also can safe their time for other interesting things. Facts show that online business is a business, do it properly and consistently, you will get it. And your independent website site is your ID card in the home business world. Be serious to your business means you need to do this investment for that.
Domain name is your online name. Can you see how valuable it is for those successful domain names, which bring them huge online traffics, like, yahoo.com, google.com, Microsoft.com, � These names stand for credibility, reputation.
You can choose whatever name you want, but the basic rule is that, be catchy and easy, related to your business is also better. And the main task for you is to publish your website to increase its traffic as much as you can, using different ways, free ways, and/or paid ways.
Don�t be shocked that even some big business guys own more than ten different websites. Think about that, how huge the traffic for them? Now we just need to start from one website, do it. Don�t think too much.
Also that you can own a formal email address instead of free email ones, like, yourname@yourdomain.com. Sounds good, isn�t it?
Thursday 10 July 2008
Make an Informed Decision Buying a Forklift
An accurate and meaningful parallel can be drawn between forklift prices and automobile prices. The variations in forklift pricing depend on several factors, such as manufacturing brand, technology, and overall reliability. Top class forklifts are expensive but they also ensure a longer operating life and overall increased durability and efficiency. The variations in prices, just like with cars, also depend on geographical positioning, dealerships, local regulations and the state of the machine.
In order to compare prices you would have to see at least three different retailers. Let�s take the industry standard forklift � the 5,000 lb one. New electric forklifts in this category may be sold for an average of $20,000, with a maximum of $25,000. A few extra thousand dollars will be spent on a charger and batteries. The other options are internal combustion forklift models, which are also priced close to their electric peers. While prices for internal combustion types start at around $15,000, you can also end up paying double depending on model type and accessories that accompany it. Prices go up with the heavier and more powerful models. You will pay anywhere from $30,000 to $45,000 for a 10,000 lb combustion forklift and over $100,000 for the high end - over 35,000 lb forklifts.
If you don�t want to spend that much on a new forklift or you simply cannot afford one, you can go for a used model that will sell for about half the price of a new one. 5,000 pound used forklifts that cost $25,000 new can be bought used for $11,000 to $12,000. However, when determining your investment costs, also try to figure out another important element: your hourly operating costs. If the forklift is used daily for a few hours, you might notice a high hourly operating cost due to breakdowns and maintenance time. When calculating the operating costs, include the following elements: fuel cost, additional supplies like filters and oil, maintenance time, and downtime.
Since the initial investment in a forklift is so high, many investors prefer to lease the vehicle. With most dealers you will find some sort of financing option, either straight from the manufacturer or through local banks and financial institutions. You may also try a long-term rental � usually for a period over a year, in which you will have to pay a monthly payment. This last option has more benefits for short-term projects or for contractors, since the lower monthly fee and the included maintenance can produce some nice profit. You can also get different service plans to accompany your purchase. Full maintenance plans will take care of any problem you might encounter with the forklift, a very useful option if you are getting a used machine from a dealer.
Wednesday 9 July 2008
Invest In Yourself, Invest In Your Future
Commonly held wisdom tells us that it is a very good idea to save 10% of what we earn.
Many popular authors of financial self help books explain in great detail that after 20 to 30 years this 10% savings can likely help you retire from your day job. In fact, you probably know of such people that live in your neighborhood that have paid themselves first in this manner and over the years amassed considerable wealth.
If you are able to sit down today and adjust your living expenses so that you can live on 90% of your income to start saving 10% you are fortunate indeed. Especially if you happen to live in an urban area where the cost of living is continually increasing. Additionally, if you, as many people do, already give regularly to a local church or charity 10% of your present income that will only leave you with 80% to budget.
Most people think such a savings strategy to be extremely difficult if not impossible to follow. However if you read more closely to the advice given by popular authors, they are trying to tell you that you should use some of the 10% you are saving to improve your skills so you can earn more. Their message is to continually improve your earning ability in order to increase the amount you can earn.
Nobody expects NEVER to get a raise or earn more money. They may not believe that this could happen any time soon at their current job but certainly they realize that their life�s ambitions are not limited by their current situation. Unfortunately when they sit down and attempt to map out a financial strategy to get ahead they usually forget a basic fundamental economic principle. Learning new skills always means the ability to earn higher wages.
Even in something as simple as weaving carpets there are lousy cheap polyester carpets and very expensive Persian wool rugs. Some created by lousy carpet weavers at minimum wage. Other�s created by expert carpet weavers that have studied their craft and honed their skills in modern factories.
Most people think earning more money means that they have to have a second and third and maybe even fourth job. How depressing! What they really need is an opportunity to earn more income and then have the income grow exponentially. In financial terms this type of income is usually called residual income.
When you go to an investment advisor they always like to explain that if put X dollars in an investment and reinvest the interest then it will begin to grow exponentially. If you practice this type of investment strategy it can lead to a very large sum after 20 years. Especially if over those years you contribute monthly a small amount to cause the principle to grow.
Network Marketing is a business opportunity that can lead to exponential income growth or residual income. You begin by starting a part time home based business usually called an independent distributorship that earns income by recommending the products to others and earning commission income on those referrals.
The key to exponential growth in Network Marketing that is important to understand is simply this: You always introduce the business opportunity to others when they buy the products because you are expecting to find some people who will also be interested in the business opportunity. Those people you train to do the same as you are doing. Recommend and introduce.
By sponsoring new distributors and teaching them to do the same a downline is created. Network Marketing companies like Tahitian Noni International pay 53% of retail cost of the products back to the distributors. This 53% is divided up amongst the distributors who had a part on recommending the products up to 8 levels deep in the downline. Like the interest investment, the goal is simply to continue recommending the products to others and training those whom you sponsor as new distributors to do the same. This activity ensures that you will experience exponential growth in your organization.
Over time this simple duplicatable activity will lead to a very large group of people who are doing the same work of recommending the products every day in your organization. Overtime this also can lead to very large commission cheques because of the exponential growth.
By investing in yourself a small portion of the 10% savings to learn the art of network marketing you will have a new skill. This new skill will allow you to over a few short years to establish a business owned by yourself that�s income is only limited by the number of people you introduce the business to as well as train them to do the same.
Since there are considerable tax advantages to owning a home based business you should also consult a tax consultant for information for your province or state. Usually the tax savings amount to over 10% of your income so if you�re careful you can create a business that breaks even in the first month.
Tuesday 8 July 2008
Realism vs. Optimism in the Business Plan
The most important function of a business plan is to create interest among investors so that they write a check. In achieving this goal, business plan writers are often challenged by determining the proper level of optimism in their plan. That is, they must create a compelling story to investors while maintaining credibility.
Optimism shows investors that a company is confident about the market opportunity, its ability to execute on the opportunity, etc. Over-optimism, however, leads investors to believe that the management team does not fully understand the opportunity or the tough road ahead. As such, business plans must be sure to limit over-optimism and show investors they are realistic and credible.
Realism, the opposite of over-optimism, should be used in business plans to portray sobriety and credibility to investors. Realism should manifest itself in management team bios that tell the actual accomplishments of managers, rather than fluff. It should manifest itself in credible market forecasts and sober assumptions of the company�s growth.
While business plans must excite investors so they take action, if they are too optimistic, investors will discount their merit. Conversely, if they are too sober, investors may not feel they will get an adequate return on their investment. As such, business plans should present a compelling, optimistic picture, but continuously refer to hard facts and realistic assumptions to build credibility and genuine excitement
Monday 7 July 2008
Sales 101: Learning about Price vs. Cost
For as long as there have been documented records, there have been merchants, or as we are called in modern vernacular, salespeople. People want things. People need things. Considering that there will always be a public demand for something, there will always be a need for salespeople! It has been said that "Nothing happens until someone sells something." This is absolutely true. The sales function drives every other aspect of a modern company. Sales must come first, for without sales, there is no need for marketing, accounting, manufacturing, human resources, etc�
Ask almost any average salesperson what his greatest problem or objection is and more than likely you will hear the word price. "My prices are higher than my competitors" or "Our prices are too high" are often the mantra or excuse for lackluster sales figures. Ask a superior salesperson however, and I suspect that you will find, in reality, she has learned that price is seldom the real issue. Let's consider the acronym P.R.I.C.E. for a moment: Perceived-Reality-Investment-Cost-Expectation.
Perceived: Sales are most often a process involving perception, or perceived value. Our job as professional salespeople is to sell the value of our goods and services. Once the customer sees that the value of the product or service offers more to him than the selling price asked, the sale is made and the issue of pricing actually never became an issue at all.
Reality: Let's face it, so often sales people use the price excuse for the reason why a sale was not made. Assuming that you are dealing with a qualified prospect, and you are wasting your time if you are not, the reality is that your prospect needs to learn exactly how your product or service fills his need, closes the void and meets his requirements in a timely manner. That is plain reality.
Investment: The customer must be shown that by purchasing from you, she is making a wise investment and not simply incurring an additional expense. Buyers are not interested in driving their costs higher by spending more money. They are interested in solving their problems. They desire to make cost-effective decisions based upon perception and education.
Cost: As a professional salesperson, interested in meeting and exceeding the expectations of your prospects and customers, you must always be aware that price is simply not equal to cost. Remember the old axiom� "Beware the cost of the lowest price." Cost of ownership, payback time and solving problems are the true issues a professional buyer is really looking for.
Expectation: Today's customer assumes quality. They assume service and delivery. Your buyer expects that the products and services that you propose are actually presented with her best interests in mind and that they will meet her needs. That is the starting point. Do not be fooled when a buyer asks you about pricing. If they can maximize their value and get it at a lower price, they will attempt to get it, but they will buy at your set price point if expected value is there.
To simplify things further, remember that the customer actually makes the purchase decision only once. The money allocated to acquire your product or service is typically spent one time for each purchasing decision. For each purchase, the company must then deal with the reality of that decision. The item purchased is then placed into service within the structure of the buyers' company. After this point, various employees and internal departments such as engineering or maintenance must deal with that particular purchase decision. There will often be ramifications from each purchasing decision within other departments in the company. The true cost of each purchasing decision will show itself over time. Cost issues continue to present themselves over the useful life of the product or service purchased, long after the purchase was actually made.
Cost and price are two very different concerns indeed. Do not get caught in the trap of thinking otherwise. Superior salespeople have learned that hard lesson at some point earlier in their careers. Do what all superior salespeople do; shorten your learning curve by acting on this new information. Move your career into high gear by accelerating your learning of these superior principles.
Tuesday 24 June 2008
Finance Your Real Estate Investment Properties
Unlike traditional residential real estate mortgages, real estate investment financing is way more creative and offers more options than you think. The golden rule in real estate investment is OPM (Other People’s Money).
I have enough money; shouldn’t I buy my real estate investment for cash? No, I absolutely advice against investing large sums of cash into a single real estate investment. There are two reasons why not. First, you give away most of your profits by not leveraging your real estate investment. Second, it is far too risky to put every egg into one basket.
Let me explain the leverage issue for a moment. I will give you an example of a $100,000 investment property that typically increases its value (appreciates) by 7% average a year. Maybe more, maybe less depending where you live. Paying all cash for this property will yield in a 7% appreciation profit plus the net profit from renting the place. Now you’re looking at roughly 15% of returns.
If you’re conservative with your investments you might be satisfied with this kind of a return. These days you might get equal or better returns with other conservative investments minus the hassle of being a landlord. But you don’t mind being a landlord, because you understand and utilize the leveraging method with financing your real estate investment.
With the example above you will make roughly $15,000 a year in profits from your investment. Now let’s take a closer look at what leveraging can do for you. Today a typical real estate investor can get financing as high as 95% - 97% of the purchase price. Occasionally 100% financing is available as well. But this would be totally unfair in this example to compare this with all cash purchasing.
15% return sounds like a lot, but wait till you see this. Let’s assume that the rental income will cover all your expenses including the mortgage payments. Taking the same example from before your net return would be the 7% appreciation profits of your property. This would translate into a $7,000 a year profit. With a 95% financing in place you would get $7,000 return on $5,000 (your 5% down payment) invested. This is a whopping 140%
return on investment.
With the same $100,000 you can go out there and get 20 investment properties, finance 95% of it and make an amazing $140,000 profit a year. This beats the projected $15,000 profits with an all cash transaction any day.
Of course you will have a lot of trouble to get financing for 20 properties in a single year. Typically 5-6 new rental property mortgages are the maximum lenders will allow these days. This is the signal to get creative with your financing structures.
In this case sellers financing would be your key to achieve your goal of maximum leverage of your investment dollars. Despite the message from all these late night infomercials, seller financing is harder to get than they want you to make believe it is.
It all depends on the seller’s ability to offer seller financing and the seller’s motivation. Only about 1 out of 20 properties for sale are able to get seller financing. That means that there’s no mortgage balance on the property. From this narrow selection the seller must be motivated to sell under these conditions. This could be tax reasons, time constraints, personal reasons and many more.
As you can see this translates into a lot of work to achieve your goals. But let me tell you one thing. This separates the tire kicker real estate investors from the real go-getters. Wouldn’t you agree that a little bit of hard work and determination is well worth it to build a real estate empire?
I think it is well worth the trouble and hard work. At the end of the day you keep building your real estate investment portfolio and sooner than later you will be able to cash in.
Monday 23 June 2008
Best Stock Market Simulation Games
A stock market simulation game is a great way to practice your investment skills before actually investing any "real" money in the stock market.
Simulation games are usually played on the internet, where people can experience the thrill of investing in the stock market without any risks, costs or any fear of losing money when and if they make a poor investment decision.
Many teachers and professors of banking and finance are now using stock market simulation games to teach their students about the rudiments of investing in stocks. Most stock market simulation games come with a fee to get started, but there are some that are free of any charge. One does not need have prior knowledge about the stock market to join.
This is how stock market simulation games usually work:
First, players must register. After registration, players are given an initial sum of "virtual" money to invest in companies of their choice. Players build a portfolio of stocks by buying and selling shares in companies. Most stock market simulation games use real-time market data.
The objective of most stock market simulation games is simple:
To increase the value of your portfolio of stocks so that it is greater than that of the other game players.
Below are some tips on choosing a stock market simulation game:
• Choose a stock market simulation game that is used and recommended by reputable colleges, high schools, middle school, investment clubs, brokers in training, corporate education courses and any other group of individuals studying markets in the U.S. and worldwide.
• Choose a stock market simulation game that is comprehensive and easy to implement in any Finance, Economics, or Investments class. A good stock market simulation game should feature trading of stocks, options, futures, mutual funds, bonds from the U.S. and many of the world's major markets.
• Choose a stock market simulation game that provides a valuable, reliable, and realistic trading simulation at a reasonable price to members and other individuals who are interested in learning more about investing and trading. The simulation game should also have some capability for testing a variety for investment strategies.
• Choose a stock market simulation game that has a toll-free customer service phone number and excellent e-mail support for members. The support function should be able to quickly answer any questions that members/players may have.
• Choose a stock market simulation game that is easy to use and easy to teach even to those who have never had any real hands-on investment experience.
Small business investments
State laws have been relaxed to make it easier for small business to raise start-up and growth financing from the public. Many investors view this as an opportunity to “get in on the ground floor†of an emerging business and to “hit it big†as the small businesses grow into large ones.
Statistically, most small businesses fail within the first few years. Small business investments are among the most risky that investors can make. This guide suggests factors to consider for determining whether you should make a small business investment.
Risks and investment strategy
A basic principle of investing in a small business is: Never make small business investments that you cannot afford to lose! Never use funds that may be needed for other purposes, such as college education, retirement, loan repayment, or medical expenses.
Instead, use funds that would otherwise be used for a consumer purchase, such as a vacation or a down payment on a boat or a new car.
Above all, never let a commissioned securities salesperson or office or directors of a company convince you that the investment is not risky. Small business investments are generally hard to convert to cash (illiquid), even though the securities may technically be freely transferable. Thus, you will usually be unable to sell your securities if the company takes a turn for the worse.
In addition, just because the state has registered the offering does not mean that the particular investment will be successful. The state does not evaluate or endorse any investments. If anyone suggests otherwise, they are breaking the law.
If you plan to invest a large amount of money in a small business, you should consider investing smaller amounts in several small businesses. A few highly successful investments can offset the unsuccessful ones. However, even when using this strategy, only invest money you can afford to lose.
Analyzing the investment
Although there is no magic formula for making successful investment decisions, certain factors are considered important by professional venture investors. Some questions to consider are:
Ø How long has the company been in business? If it is a start-up or has only a brief operating history, are you being asked to pay more than the shares are worth?
Ø Consider whether management is dealing unfairly with investors by taking salaries or other benefits that are too large in view of the company’s stage of development, or by retaining an inordinate amount of equity stock of the company compared with the amount investors will receive. For example, is the public putting up 80 percent of the money but only receiving 10 percent of the company shares?
Ø How much experience does management have in the industry and in a small business? How successful were the managers in previous businesses?
Ø Do you know enough about the industry to be able to evaluate the company and to make a wise investment?
Ø Does the company have a realistic marketing plan and do they have the resources to market the product or service successfully?
Ø How or when will you get a return on your investment?
Making money on your investment
The two classic methods of making money on an investment in a small business are resale of stock in the public securities markets following a public offering, and receiving cash or marketable securities in a merger or other acquisition of the company.
If the company is not likely to go public or be sold out within a reasonable time (i.e., a family-owned or closely held corporation), it may not be a good investment for you – despite its prospects for success – because of the lack of opportunity to cash in on the investment. Management of a successful private company may receive a good return indefinitely through salaries and bonuses, but it is unlikely that there will be profits sufficient to pay dividends in proportion with the risk of the investment.
Other suggestions
Investors must be provided with a disclosure document – a prospectus – before making a final decision to invest. You need to read this material before investing.
Even the best small business venture offerings are highly risky. If you have a nagging sense of doubt, there is probably a good reason for it. Good investments are based on sound business criteria and not emotions. If you are not entirely comfortable, the best approach is usually not to invest. There will be many other opportunities. Do not let a securities salesperson pressure you into making a decision.
It is generally a good idea to see management of the company face-to-face to size them up. Focus on experience and record of accomplishment rather than a smooth sales presentation. If possible, take a sophisticated businessperson with you to help in your analysis. Beware of any information that differs from, or is not included in the disclosure document. All significant information is required by law to be in the disclosure document. Immediately report any problems to your state Office of the Commissioner of Securities.
Conclusion
Greater numbers of public investors are “getting on the ground floor†by investing in small businesses. When successful, these enterprises enhance the economy and provide jobs. They can also provide new investment opportunities, but the advantages must be balanced against the risky nature of small business investments.
Sunday 22 June 2008
Do you want to generate extra dollars and new friends in the stock market?
What is an Investment Club?
The definition of an investment club is simple: a group of people who share an interest in the stock market pooling their resources into one large investment. Defining how an investment club works is more complicated.
The majority of the time the investment decisions will be made after some research has been done regarding the stock that is under consideration. This will be discussed at length further in this book.
An important feature of an investment club is that the members are there to have fun as they invest their money and learn about the stock market. Making a profit isn’t the only goal of the club and members are encouraged to have fun as they invest their money.
You Don't Have To Be An Expert Stock Broker To Get Started Today!
Saturday 21 June 2008
How Investment Plans Work
More people are choosing investment plans than ever before. With the rising cost of living and the growing insecurity about the availability of many retirement funds, many individuals are looking to investment plans to begin a nest egg or to make some additional money via investment without having to spend a lot of time purchasing stocks and bonds.
Investment plans allow individuals to simply purchase a specific amount of stocks, bonds, or indices on a regular repeating basis, cutting out a large part of the hassle while allowing for some of the main advantages of investment.
If you've been considering an investment plan but aren't completely sure what they might entail, the following information might help you to decide whether or not an investment plan is the right investment option for you.
The Mechanics of an Investment Plan
Basically, an investment plan is a method of making multiple investments over time at regular set intervals. The funds for the investment are taken from a cheque, savings, or money market account automatically, and are used to purchase stocks or bonds that you have decided upon beforehand. In most cases you can change the amount, frequency, or purchased stocks or bonds of the automatic investments at any time, though depending upon the broker through whom you're doing the investments you may be subject to fees or penalties especially if changing details relatively close to the next investment date. Most online investment firms offer investment plans that you can change at any time free of charge.
Deciding How Much to Invest
When deciding how much to invest each cycle with an investment plan, you should take care not to overextend your funds and bring yourself up short. Make sure that the amount that you choose is available and that you'll have it to spare each time your investment comes up… it can be difficult to plan for events in the future, and just because you have a surplus now doesn't mean that you won't find money running tight a few investment cycles from now.
If you feel that you're reaching a point where you won't be able to afford your regular investment, go ahead and reduce the investment amount or put a hold on the next scheduled investment… better to put less in than short yourself afterwards.
Choosing What to Invest In
Making the decision of which stocks and bonds to invest in can take some time, but it's worth it… this is your money that you're dealing with, and you shouldn't invest it without putting some thought and research into your decisions. Find stocks or bonds that have performed well over time, and that are likely to continue doing so… they may be expensive at times, but you aren't making your total investment all at once so it doesn't matter as much.
Don't be afraid to add new stocks or bonds to your plan later, either… this can help to diversify your portfolio.
Deciding On an Investment Interval
You also need to decide how often you wish to make your investments… this will largely depend upon the cycle of your paycheques and your monthly bills and expenses. You may decide to invest once per month, after everything has been paid, or you might want to invest a little from every paycheque.
The more often you invest, the lower the amount of each investment can be… after all, two or four small investments per month might end up purchasing more than one larger one.
Decide on what works best for your lifestyle, and modify it as needed later if it doesn't seem to work out for you.
Monday 16 June 2008
Entrecard E-Book Release
Entrecard is a fairly new free exchange network. As usual I was skeptical at first, but after doing a little research it looked like it would be worth.
I like to try most of the social networking / link exchanging systems.
I installed Entrecard 1 month ago and started researching their site. I have been very happy with,
Entrecard has realeased new e-book, If you’re new to Entrecard, and wondering what to do first, this E-Book will guide you along the way. And if you’re an intermediate or advanced user, it’s packed full of strategies you can use to get the absolute most from our service. Download from the link above..
How to Rank N1 in Google for a HIGHLY competitive keyword
source http://www.essam.org/index.php/2008/06/04/
how-to-rank-n1-in-google-for-a-highly-competitive-keyword/
I am using TNX.net from one month. This post is review of my experience with them. This is also an information on how am I using them for my benefit and also how can you use them.
When I read about TNX on Digital Point forum, I thought, oh no, not one more text link selling/buying website. But when I studied it thoroughly to find out how it is different from text-link-ads.com and similar other link buying/selling websites, I found out that it has a major plus point, which is missing in all others. The plus point in TNX is that you can sell links on any website and any page even when the page has PR0 page rank. Most of the other text link buying/selling networks don’t accept such sites.
So, if you have a site which has less PR and not able to get into Text-Link-Ads or similar other networks, you can still join TNX.net and earn some revenue. No need to wait for your website to get higher page rank.
Now, that said, how did I used it and how much did I got paid?
Well, first of all I put it on a website which did not had much unique content but had a page rank of 4 and around 5000 pages indexed. I hope everybody knows how easy it is to create such non-unique sites, but those sites do not get search engine traffic. But I did not need search engine traffic. I added the code from TNX in my template so the links were sold for every page. In one month, I made around 160,000 TNX-points.
Now after earning those points, I had two options, either get paid for those points or use those points for my benefits. I have chosen to do the both. I redeemed around 100,000 points for cash and using 60,000 points for launch my 2 new sites.
So, overall what I got in return of a useless (because of it non-uniqueness) PR4 sites are:
- Cash of $66/month
- Around 5000 to 6000 PR0 and PR1 back links for my new sites. (I did not need higher PR link for my new sites right now)
So, I am really happy using them and highly recommend them.
Friday 13 June 2008
Yahoo reaches Google ad deal, Microsoft talks fail
By Michele Gershberg and Anupreeta Das Thu Jun 12, 7:09 PM ET
NEW YORK/SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Yahoo Inc (YHOO.O) and Microsoft Corp (MSFT.O) ended talks as the Web pioneer agreed to let archrival Google Inc (GOOG.O) sell search ads on its site, the companies said on Thursday.
Separate statements from Microsoft and Yahoo signaled a more permanent rift between the two after months of on-again, off-again talks. It also heightened pressure on Yahoo to outline an alternative strategy. Yahoo shares fell 10 percent.
Yahoo said it had agreed to let Google put search ads on its site in what it called an $800 million annual revenue opportunity that would boost cash flow by $250 million to $450 million in the first 12 months.
Yahoo's ads and Google's would be pitted against each other in an auction style process that could make a deal easier to pass regulatory approval.
"Yahoo is being a reseller of Google whenever it makes sense and that is likely to be a lot of the time given how much more effective Google Web search ads have proven to be," Global Crown Capital analyst Martin Pyykkonen said.
The deal is expected to face a major antitrust review given the rising power of Google, and Sen. Herb Kohl, a Wisconsin Democrat and chairman of a U.S. Senate antitrust subcommittee, said he would investigate the deal.
Microsoft had sought a tie-up with Yahoo for more than a year and by early May had offered up to $47.5 billion, or $33 per share, to buy the Internet company.
Its latest offer included buying Yahoo's search business and paying $35 per share for a 16 percent stake in Yahoo, said two people briefed on the matter but not authorized to speak publicly about it.
After talks fell through, Yahoo shares fell to $23.52 on Nasdaq. Following details of the Google deal, they rose to $24.00 in after-hours trade.
Microsoft had hoped a Yahoo deal would accelerate its ability to capitalize on Web advertising growth and compete with Google, which is increasingly fighting for the same Internet audience.
Yahoo said on Thursday that Microsoft had made it clear in a meeting on June 8 that it was no longer interested in buying the company outright, even at the price of $33 per share Microsoft had most recently proposed.
That may not appease Yahoo shareholders, including billionaire Carl Icahn, who have been pressuring Yahoo to reach a deal with Microsoft. Icahn has called for Chief Executive Jerry Yang to be ousted.
Microsoft said it was not interested in "rebidding" for all of Yahoo, sending its shares up more than 4 percent as investors showed relief that the company would not be paying too high a price for a deal they considered risky.
On Thursday, Yahoo said that an alternative Microsoft proposal to buy only its search business did not fit into Yahoo's plan to grow search and display advertising.
Microsoft said in a statement that its alternative offer was still open for discussion. It said that its most recent discussion with Yahoo for a partial deal would have valued Yahoo at more than $33 per share.
THE END?
Analysts said they did not expect that Yahoo and Microsoft would try another round of negotiations.
"It certainly seems to be the end," said Derek Brown, an analyst at Cantor Fitzgerald. "In their most recent discussions, they were talking about totally separate visions of both a deal and the future."
Microsoft is expected to soon be on the prowl for other acquisition targets since it has not given up its goal for online advertising.
"Microsoft will keep trying," said Morningstar analyst Toan Tran. "Yahoo is one of most popular sites on the Web and there is no one else with as much traffic. AOL may be one option and it may not be as expensive."
Icahn, who has waged a proxy battle to remove Yahoo's board at its August 1 annual meeting, had urged Yahoo to secure a higher price from Microsoft. Icahn has said a partnership with Google should only be a second choice.
Icahn could not be reached for comment.
Yahoo shares sank as low as $22.50 on news of the talks failing and expectations of the Google deal. It was their lowest level since January 31, the day before Microsoft announced its offer for the company.
Google shares finished up $7.75 at $552.95, and Microsoft closed up $1.12 at $28.24.
(Additional reporting by Eric Auchard in San Francisco; Writing by Michele Gershberg; editing by Dave Zimmerman, Jeffrey Benkoe, Toni Reinhold)
Monday 26 May 2008
TS-109
Features
QNAP TS-109 Turbo Station is the most powerful Network Attached Storage (NAS) product designed for SOHO/ Home users. With the friendly web-based interface, users can easily set up a network system for all sorts of storage applications without MIS help. With stylish silver/ black aluminum housing, noise-free (Silent PC) design, easy installation, and complete server feature sets, you can easily build up a perfect multimedia storage center for backing up and sharing multimedia files with your friends and family. TS-109 provides a lot of attractive server functions, such as iTunes Server, UPnP/ DLNA Media Server (TwonkyMedia) with Internet Radio, Multimedia Station, BitTorrent Download Station, etc. for multimedia applications.
All-in-one NAS server also provides the most complete backup solution for SOHO/ Home users: Remote Replication (R.R); Anto-Sync/ Instant/ Schedule client backup by professional Netbak Replicator; Unique Q-RAID 1 mirroring for real-time system redundancy to secure the priceless files safely. QNAP TS-109 Turbo Station supports high volume SATA disk of up to 1 TB and is extendable to 2 TB by ultra-fast eSATA and USB 2.0 port. Besides, more valuable features such as disk checking, bad block scanning, and network recycle bin, etc. are included. TS-109 is definitely one of the most powerful and safest repository to ensure all of your precious digital files be stored securely and will never be lost or damaged. TS-109 can run 24x7 without any fan noise at low power consumption for only 14.4W. It is perfectly designed for a quiet SOHO/ Home environment.
Powerful All-in-one NAS Server (12-in-1 Server !!!)
 | UPnP Media Server (with built-in TwonkyMedia Server) TS-109 is a perfect media storage center and it works well with DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) compliant media players. You can play the photos and videos on TV. In addition, you can listen to your favorite music and Internet Radio on your Hi-Fi System. |
 | Share your music by iTunes Server Music fans and Apple enthusiasts will be certainly rocked by the coolest music-sharing feature of TS-109! All your MP3 music can be collectively stored and streamed to Mac or Windows PC. Just turn on the iTunes program and enjoy all the music around your home network |
 | Multimedia Station for photo sharing Now you can share photos with your family and friends by TS-109. By uploading your photos to TS-109, the server automatically generates a web-based photo album with thumbnails and details, such as date, resolution, focal length, aperture, etc.. You can browse and share the digital photos in a convenient way! |
 | Enjoy continuous download independent of PC TS-109 serves as a continuous download machine without turning on your PC. TS-109 supports download through BitTorrent, FTP and HTTP. The great web-based interface allows you to manage the download tasks anytime, anywhere! |
 | Create your own File Server in the easiest way The basic purpose of File Server is to allow users to store and share files. Users often concern that their private data or confidential files would be accessed by others. TS-109 allows server manager to create user ID and password, and define the authority and quota for each user. Thus personal data stored on TS-109 are well protected. |
 | FTP Server simplifies the data sharing Having troubles with sending large files by e-mail due to the limited capacity? You can establish your own FTP server by using TS-109. You can manage the access authority of the FTP server and share your files with your friends or customers easily in a few steps. |
 | Backup Server with the most professional auto-backup software |
 | Enhanced data protection by optional RAID-1 mirroring |
 | Remote Replication |
 | Establish your interactive Web Server |
 | MySQL Server |
 | Share your printer resource by Printer Server You can share your printer device over the network without duplicating investment by simply connecting a USB printer to TS-109's USB port and enabling the printer sharing function. |
Sharing files across Windows and Mac
TS-109 is specially designed for different users to share the files across Windows and Mac environment.
Stylish silver/ black aluminum case
TS-109 uses the stylish silver/ black aluminum housing to match your interior design.
No fan design
The fan used inside a device is for the purpose of cooling system, no matter how quiet it is, the fan has to be activated for air ventilation. Somehow, it is inevitable to generate intermittent chirping noise which distracts your work or diminishes your enjoyment. TS-109 adapts no fan design approach by using silver/ black aluminum case for thermal dissipation. It provides an absolute quiet working environment for you!!
For more details about fanless design
One touch USB auto copy
When a USB device such as digital camera, digital camcorder, or pen drive is plugging into the front panel USB port, data in the USB flash disk or digital photos in your camera can be backed up to TS-109 automatically by simply pressing the USB copy button.
Unique advanced HDD health scanning (HHS)
No idea how's the health status of your centralized storage hard disk? TS-109 is embedded with HHS technology which lets you to perform checking disk and bad blocks scanning to prevent potential data loss.
Unique Web File Manager
TS-109 provides unique Web File Manager function for you to easily download, upload and manage the files on the server by browser.
SSL Security (HTTPS)
You can access and manage your Turbo Station by using web browser securely. All connections between PC and NAS including user ID, password, files, download tasks, etc. are encrypted in SSL tunnels and are well protected.
Remote management of download tasks on multiple Turbo Stations
QGet is powerful P2P download management software provided with QNAP's Turbo Station series. QGet can be installed on any Windows computers for users to simultaneously manage BitTorrent, FTP and HTTP download tasks of multiple Turbo Station servers.
Network Recycle Bin
Can you imagine if you delete an important file on the NAS by mistake and lose it forever? You don't need to worry now! The files deleted from the network shares of the TS-109 will be moved to a particular recycle bin folder. You can restore your data anytime in case of unintended file deletion.
Built-in DDNS support
TS-109 supports dynamic DNS (DDNS). You can register a unique domain name from a DDNS service provider and assign it to your Turbo Station. There is no more need to remember a lengthy IP address!
Establish a PC-less Home Multimedia Center by Using QNAP NAS and PS3 or Xbox 360
All the multimedia contents stored on QNAP NAS can be automatically shared to a PS3 or an Xbox 360 in the home network. Users can play their stored photos and videos on a TV, or listen to the music via their Hi-Fi system. QNAP NAS can be a perfect home storage and sharing center for establishing a PC-less, HD video-playing (via PS3, video resolution up to 1080p), highly accessible, and power-saving digital home theatre.
Ultra-high-speed Performance
Thermal Performance
For more details about fanless design
Low Power Consumption
Quiet and Noise-free Design
Sunday 25 May 2008
Latest (preliminary) Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) values
Note: Calculated using the 1887-1989 base period. This information is usually updated every weekday at 2:00pm (AEST), public holidays excluded.
Date: 22 May, 2008
Average SOI for last 30 days : -1.22
Average SOI for last 90 days : 6.16
Daily contributor to SOI calculation: -10.78
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Monthly Average SOI Values
Feb: 20.99
Mar: 10.21
Apr: 4.44
Great Recipes today
Golden Margarita
"When creating the archetypical tequila drink, get authentic flavor with the gold standard in tequila, Jose Cuervo Especial® tequila."
| PREP TIME | 5 Min |
| READY IN | 5 Min |
| SERVINGS & SCALING | ||
| Original recipe yield: 1 serving | ||
| |
INGREDIENTS
- 1/2 lime
- Salt
- 1 cup ice
- 1 ounce Jose Cuervo Especial® Tequila
- 1/2 ounce Grand Marnier liqueur
- 3 ounces Jose Cuervo Lime Margarita Mix
DIRECTIONS
- Rub the rim of a chilled margarita glass with half a lime; dip the rim into salt to coat.
- Pour Jose Cuervo Especial® Tequila, Jose Cuervo Lime Margarita Mix, and Grand Marnier liqueur into a shaker with ice.
- Shake the cocktail and strain into the prepared glass filled with ice.
For more great recipes, visit thebar.com Always open. Always serving responsibly.
