Март 2009

How to Schedule Workflow for Profit

When you’re running a contracting business, time is essential. The company’s profit depends on the completion of a project, so how a contractor schedules workflow is of primary importance. A single delay in the delivery of certain materials, for example, can set a project back for days and incur high penalties. For smaller companies especially, where the margin of profit is a lot smaller, delay in a project can result in severe loss. Here are some tips on how to organize workflow to maximize profit and sales in your contracting business.

Beating the Deadline. Contractors must continuously monitor the progress of their projects to make sure that everything is going smoothly and the different phases of the project are being completed on time. Try to finish the project before the set deadline. This way, you’ll be entitled to a bonus or a performance payment. Make sure you have charts and time frames for every cycle of the project.

Record everything. Training all the people working under you to keep records of all transactions, sales, materials, change of orders, meeting, etc. is important if you want to keep an organized workflow. Documenting every little thing that happens during the project will help you trace a problem easily when something goes wrong. It will also help you keep track of expenses and stay within budget.

Supervise your subcontractors. This is the crucial part. Sometimes a contractor can get into a whole lot of trouble because their subcontractors’ failure to do their job properly. Make sure you study the contracts you enter with your subcontractors, especially the insurance policies. Also keep track on their expenses and make sure they stick to your budget.

Go wireless. The contracting business can be really tough, tiring and energy-consuming. All the running about from one place to the other, managing orders and deliveries, dealing with sometimes difficult subcontractors, managing a lot of employees under payroll and trying to stay within budget and timeframe can drive anyone up the wall. That’s why a lot of contractors today have decided to go wireless with their business.
There are a lot of software available in the market today that will allow you to keep all your data, charts, spreadsheets, etc. online. An advantage of this is that it allows you to get rid of taxing “paper trails.” It is more efficient too because you can access anything with just your laptop and internet – no matter where you are. It also saves up on time and energy. If you need to approve a change of order request, for example, you can just have your employee or co-worker scan or email you the request form, which you can print out and sign, rescan and send to all involved parties needing to be notified. It decreases the tiring leg work you have to do.

In scheduling workflow for profit, organization is really the key to make everything run smoothly. Work with responsible people, be hands-on and organized and you’ll always be doing a job well-done.

I am dreaming of a tropical Christmas

Being a predominantly Christian country Christmas is a big occasion in the Philippines. It is also still a religious occasion, which of course it should be. Only a tiny percentage of people can afford gifts, so the emphasis is on family holidays, time together, and for many going to church. Very few families have anything special for Christmas lunch they just don’t have the money. They do make up for it, though, as Filipinos certainly know how to enjoy themselves.

Despite the lack of money in most families, Christmas starts early in the stores, around August. One thing they go in for in a big way here is Christmas lights. Sometimes even the poorest homes will be adorned with fairy lights, some having quite spectacular displays. Even in early November last year, as I travelled back from the jungle’s edge about 90km south, it was quite magical to see the Christmas lights as we got near the city.

My first Christmas in the country was memorable. I was invited to a girlfriend’s house Christmas Eve, a very poor but very friendly neighbourhood with mostly small timber houses cramped next to each other intimate to say the least. Outside in the garden there were lights everywhere, set up for the party that would last all evening and into the night. I remember sitting there as they got everything organised around me, how magical and special it all was. Just a few months earlier I had been a resident in England and had only experienced Christmas in England. Now, I was sitting outside on a hot Christmas Eve, the sound of tropical insects a prelude to the modern disco music that was to follow later. I loved it.

As with most occasions in the Philippines, there were lots of children. Neighbours came and went, people moved from one party to another, and there was a constant flow of people and especially children. Children’s games were followed later by adult versions of children’s games, most of which have come from Western influence, but Filipinos always put their own stamp on the foreign habits they adopt. Alcohol would not have been a part of the occasion, but the adults were delighted when I offered to buy beer and rum.

At midnight, I was advised to go inside. I soon saw why. All hell broke loose with fireworks as midnight approached, exploding from every tightly packed, confined little garden in the neighbourhood. Fireworks that would have been banned in the UK, but I have to admit they were very loud and impressive. I was amazed, as nobody had warned me of this tradition beforehand.

Now, all my Christmases are tropical, and very different from those in England. I sometimes wonder how much Christmas would change here if it ever became a wealthy country. The major differences between here and England are the profligate spending and materialism in England, and the normal subdued spending in the Philippines. Yet, it is the Filipinos who seem more able to enjoy it that the English.

While the body of the business plan should be 15 to 25 pages, the Appendix can be used for supplemental information. The Appendix should include a full set of financial projections, and as appropriate, technical and or operational drawings, partnership and or customer agreements, expanded competitor reviews, and lists of key customers among others.

If the Appendix is long, a divider should be used to separate it from the body of the plan, or a separate Appendix document should be prepared. These techniques ensure that the investor is not handed a thick business plan, which will make them queasy before even opening it up.

To summarize, the goal of the business plan is to create interest not to have an investor write you a check. In creating interest, the full story of your company need not be told. Rather, the plan should include the essential elements regarding why an investor should invest and spend more time examining the business opportunity. The shorter length does not mean that your business plan should take less time to prepare. Rather, it will take more time. As Mark Twain once said, If I had more time, I would write a shorter story. Likewise, condensing your business plan to a concise, compelling document is challenging and time consuming. Fortunately the rewards are significant.
When raising capital for a business venture, a company can either raise debt capital, equity capital or a combination of the two. Debt capital is money loaned to the company at an agreed interest rate for a fixed time period. Conversely, equity capital is money invested by owners shareholders for use in business operations that need not be repaid. Combinations include convertible securities which may be debt that can be converted into equity at some point in the future.

The simplest form of equity capital is common stock. Common stock has many distinguishing factors as follows:

Common stock is not convertible into another type of security
Each share enjoys one vote
Dividends are payable without limit but only when declared by the board of directors
In liquidation, common stock holders are the last priority to which to distribute assets

In venture capital transactions, there may be two types of common stock which are issued. The first is Class A common stock, which is like preferred stock without the special voting rights which some statutes require in shares labeled preferred. A second type of common stock is junior common stock. While this type of stock is not used very frequently, it allows companies to get cheap stock into the hands of key employees at minimal tax cost.

Determining what type of capital to raise and how to structure the financing transaction is of critical importance to growing ventures. As such, it is crucial to understand the key terms and consult the appropriate legal and business advisors when embarking on the capital raising process.

How to Decide on the Right Home Based Business to Make a Ton of Money Online!

There are a lot of ways to make money online as a home based business. Online marketing from home can be a very successful adventure. Then there are online home based businesses that are simply just not giving you the right tools needed to succeed! I encourage anyone out there to do there research when they choose an online home based business. There are a lot of companies that promise you the world and do not deliver! In anything you do in online, you cannot expect to be successful, if you do not treat it like a real business. If you work only an hour here and there, you will get part-time results period! The key is to set a mind frame that when you are going to work hard by setting up a schedule to attend by. If you only want to work for 10-12 hours a week at, that’s fine then stick to and do not let any outside distractions get in your way. So many individuals have the idea that it sells itself, well it does not! I believe the main reason individuals fail is because they did not do there research and compare it to other online home based businesses.

When you start your search for the right online home based business, you want to talk to individuals within the organization. For example, what I tell people that are thinking about starting up with a online business is to first «show me the money». Is that person really making it or faking it? I would want to see the money first hand because anyone can tell you they are making it. If it were myself not only would that be mandatory but I would want to see at least 2-3 different deposits from there part-time home based business.

Training and support is also a vital key to success. You should watch some training videos first. Now, if they do not have both audio and video training, I would simply walk away. There are a lot of people that do not have the time to read a training manual that is the size of a car tire. It seems to me if you read, listen, and visualize something, you will have a better chance of remembering the material. What I have found is that most individuals tend to pay more attention to video than other methods. Video is more interesting and will keep your attention a lot longer than other methods. I would also look and make sure they have a call center and other members to call for support. This is very important so you do not get overwhelmed and give up. Live presentations on the web are always a great tool for internet home based businesses so you can interact with other members that are going through the same challenges you face.

I think the methods that a company provides for an online home business, is the most vital key to success. Training, support, team atmosphere, & open line of communication is the key to wealth in creating your own online home based business.

Internet Flower Delivery

Flowers are expressions of thoughtfulness and love, congratulations and sympathy, along with a heartfelt method of saying a easy, «I treatment about you!» Remembering and finding time to express these sentiments in today’s global society can sometimes be challenging. In case you moved aside from your hometown but yet need to send adore for your mother on her birthday or just desire to maintain near with college roommates long following graduation, distance and convenience are important concerns. Luckily, with new engineering, it is possible to remain close to virtually anyone, anywhere by purchasing flowers via the internet.

Purchasing blossoms over the Internet has by no means been so trouble-free and is fast starting to be the most popular indicates of mailing the best bouquet to friends or loved ones. Men and women from each and every walk of existence are enjoying the benefits with the private computer, which is proving to become ultra quickly, inexpensive, and surprisingly secure to utilize for individuals to the prowl for a definitely great offer. Regardless of whether you’ve ordered blossoms via internet prior to or have just believed about it, here are some good reasons why getting blossoms over the Broad web isn’t only a fantastic concept but will also save you time and cash!

one) You know what you are getting! Placing orders by means of a phone support has classically been luck on the draw. Regardless of whether mailing flowers to some funeral or as congratulations for any unique function, you may give a basic concept of what you wanted by mobile phone but had little manage above the ultimate style or design. Web ordering enables you to easily go with and select the style, color scheme, flower kinds, and price range you would like! Just click about the photos that appeal for you most. It’s possible to swiftly compare possibilities within just one particular website or around several web-sites. This may be a fantastic option to assure that your present sends just the proper message.

2) Store whenever, anywhere! Cannot pick time to go shopping? You do not must leave your house or office to deliver blossoms. Allow your fingers do the walking on your keyboard. You can easlily shop inside your pajamas if you choose, whenever working day or night. It doesn’t subject that other stores are closed; your web florist is at all times open. Buying flowers e-commerce is quick, and florists are, as well. They specialize in same-day and next-day delivery. With a lot of internet florists, you possibly can purchase blossoms in the morning for delivery practically anywhere that similar morning. Obviously, at Christmas, Valentine’s, and Mother’s Morning, it’s finest to steer clear of the rush by purchasing a morning or two in advance. Otherwise, same working day or up coming working day flower delivery is no trouble.

three) Never neglect an event once more! Does your evening get so completely hectic that anniversaries, birthdays, and other necessary occasions simply slip your thoughts? Most using the net florists have a free of charge reminder services, so you never must worry about forgetting a unique date ever again! The florist will instantly deliver you an email about each and every upcoming function to jog your memory. There’s no obligation, the specifics is private, and you can easily add or change dates whenever you want. That it is like owning your own private secretary.

4) Professionally developed flowers create a statement. You can find products that ship cut blossoms in a box along with a vase and guidelines. They are regularly a bargain, but the recipient has to cut and arrange his or her own blossoms. As an choice, mailing a finished arrangement assures you obtain your stage all around with out the recipient getting «work for» the gift. In other words, whilst boxed flowers are a great issue, they’re not normally the very best alternative. A lot depends within the occasion and recipient. For deliveries towards the workplace, a hospital, or a funeral property, arranged flowers are normally very best. One particular point is certain, it must be YOUR selection, and you’ll obtain both varieties of floral gifts once you shop internet.

five) Internet ordering is one stop purchasing! There’s no need to drive from store to shop or waste time standing in lines. You’re able to seek virtually anything at all you need to have e-commerce. For example, several web-based florists present a assortment of products for example gift baskets, balloons, teddy bears, and chocolates. So, if you desire to send flowers including a fruit basket or roses and balloons, you have that option not having possessing to produce separate purchases at several web-sites.

6) Transactions are secure and basic. Purchasing flowers by the Web is really a breeze with regards to safeguarding your privacy and protection. All reputable via internet florists use safe buy types. Just look for «https» within your address bar whenever you get towards the buy form. It indicates the tips you submit is encrypted for privacy. You will find it only takes a handful of minutes to complete your order. All significant credit cards are accepted. Plus, should you use a card with reward incentives, you will appreciate that additional bonus with your purchase.

7) You’ll seek plenty of valuable tips at your fingertips. Unsure around the name of the particular floral? Don’t be embarrassed; your net florist can support. You’ll acquire item descriptions, flower photographs and names, wedding flower helpful hints, meanings of flowers, care info, decorating recommendations, and a lot much more web based. Whether you are a seasoned flower qualified or gift-sending novice, world wide web floral shops offer you a wealth of zero cost data and resources. You can actually browse at your leisure, research favored floral topics, or simply delight in the images. It’s actually like possessing a complete floral store proper in your Personal computer.

8) On the net florists provide their credentials. Examining rooms are decorated with diplomas, which enable you see for your self if the physician has the credentials needed to serve your needs. Most reputable World wide web buying web sites do the exact. Major florists web generally have awards and feedback from clients posted conspicuously for one’s gain. Look for set up florists with business credentials, buyer testimonials, a support ensure, along with a toll-free consumer services phone amount. Then, you’re sure to become upon the appropriate track.

9) Obtain the benefits of mid- to large-size businesses as well as the personalization of little, nearby florists in one. The web florists contain the methods, staffing, industry connections, and buying volume you’d anticipate from large firms. Most assure satisfaction. So, you delight in the support and costs you deserve. But, they also deliver by way of a vast network of pick smaller florists all around the country and somewhere around the globe. When choosing florist shipped flowers, your gift is professionally intended and personally delivered by these nearby flower shops. You have the good quality and individual attention of a hometown florist, together with the assistance and service of a nationwide company, too.

10) Purchasing flowers by the Online creates gifting effortless! Purchasing flowers over the World-wide-web is probably the most handy method to send blossoms to just about anybody. Most florists on-line could have categories based upon within the occasion, selling price variety, or floral sorts with which to sort and view the numerous bouquets. You will adore how uncomplicated it is to store for flowers via internet and how convenient it might be ordering from your residence or office.

Blossoms and also the believed behind them definitely mean a good deal and definitely touch men and women. The classic method to send a present of flowers has traditionally been telephone ordering. Nowadays, we possess the benefit, quality, range, and manage of purchasing flowers about
the World-wide-web, as well. It is made our lives less complicated and created our lives far better. Since, right after all, that it is not about blossoms, it’s about sending a message and staying close with those people we treatment about. That’s what flowers are all about. The Web just helps make sending flowers that a good deal simpler.

My Realty Deal

My Realty Deal

Internet Flower Delivery

How To Get Repeat Sales On Ebay

Most people can make one sale on ebay, but very few people know how to make consistent, repeat sales—and even less know how to make those sales using mechanisms other than ebay.

The most important part of making these «repeat sales» is building a base of interested customers. This process starts with selling on ebay, but most people who sell on ebay don’t know how to do it.

Once you complete a sale on ebay, you should always contact your customer to thank her for purchasing from you and to give her any follow up details she will need to complete the transaction. In addition to this, you should also ask your customer whether or not she is interested in receiving emails from you when your business is offering special deals, item lotteries, or product coupons.

This is where «building a base of interested customers» comes in. If you effectively pitch your email list idea to a customer (who has already purchased from you and therefore has a high probability of being interested), you have a decent chance of getting a positive response. If your customer says yes, add her to a database on excel, along with her name, email address, and what she purchased from you.

You will also want to save the email as a record of her response. As unsolicited bulk email is against the law, it is always crucial that you have evidence to prove that everyone you are mailing with offers has specifically asked to be added to your list.

You should continue to do this—make sales and record names and information.

Periodically, you should make special offers on your ebay store inventory. For instance, you could offer 20% off on certain items for one week. Or you could offer 25% off on all lightbulb sales in the future, provided they purchase a lamp within the next two weeks. Or perhaps you could excite your list by raffling of an expensive item from your ebay business, like a plasma TV.

Whatever offer you use to lure them in, just keep your goal in mind—and that is to drive repeat sales by directing them to your ebay inventory on a regular basis.

As I mentioned previously, unsolicited bulk email is against the law. So, along with each notification you send them, you should include a written explanation of how they can «opt out» of your mailing list.

One trick you can use to make this method particularly effective is selling low and then reselling high. This simply means that you sell inventory on ebay for low prices, so customers have a low resistance to purchasing it. If they see something interesting for a dollar, they might just grab it because it is inexpensive. You complete that dollar sale—and then use it to get an interested buyer who could potentially purchase something far more substantial in the future.

In addition to using different tricks to maximize your profits with this technique, there are also more effective methods you can use to collect large amounts of personal information and to conduct email correspondence campaigns. Autoresponders, websites, and name capture pages are a few of these tools. Once you become proficient in the simple tactics I explained above, you should spend some time researching the tools I just mentioned.