I decided to write this article today after closing a home purchase loan for a couple that had some major credit issues. They got into the house with ZERO down payment, and only had to bring $600 for the closing costs. Their situation was pretty bad, I'm talking about a bankruptcy 2 years ago, thousands of dollars in outstanding collections, charge-offs and debt to income ratio of 49%. By the way, we left all of their outstanding charge-offs...more
If you're like most people, you probably started with wonderful ideas of fulfilling your dreams, to be successful and to take charge of your own destiny.I hope you have achieved those or are well on your way.You wouldn't think of starting your business without a business plan and you shouldn't even consider marketing your product or services without a marketing plan. A solid business plan and marketing plan are your roadmaps to help you to know...more
This beautifully laid out trade paperback has a gorgeous and practical design both inside and out. I recommend you read this book with a highlighter and a pen and be ready to take copious notes in the blank pages thoughtfully provided between chapters.Manners That Sell: Adding The Polish That Builds Profits should be required reading for high school and college students and for anyone already in the business environment. Once upon a time, good manners were taught in school and at home, but that time has long since passed. This book provides the perfect refresher course for those of us who were taught manners but no longer remember the finer points of etiquette.While reading this book I discovered that the author, Lydia Ramsey, covered every conceivable point of etiquette including many that I'd never been taught. Each of the twelve chapters covers one main topic broken down into digestible bite sized chunks of rules and guidelines to enhance credibility and professionalism. Topics include first impressions, greetings and introductions, the art of conversation, dressing for business, telephone courtesy, electronic etiquette, correspondence in business, etiquette in the...more
If your key - that's KEY - outside audiences don't exhibit the kind of behaviors that lead to results like these, you need to take a closer look at your public relations effort. Results like fresh proposals for strategic alliances and joint ventures; rising membership applications, customers starting to make repeat purchases creating bounces in...more
In my work with hundreds of coaches, consultants, and small business owners, I have found that there are specific actions that have created their success. Here are seven success elements that they use effectively to earn $100,000 plus a year. By focusing on these important elements, you too can grow your business to reach this goal. Six-Figure...more
The word 'investments' is one that most of us are familiar with hearing in financial context. For many of us, it may make us thing of big business and vasts sums of money, but there's much to the world of investments than multi-million dollar deals.Although it's true that, at the top level, investments may run into many millions, it is possible for the average person in the street to invest smaller amounts of money and to invest it wisely. If you've ever thought about trying to help your money to grow, then maybe you've wondered what opportunities are available.In truth, investments can cover a wide range of options. One of the most traditional types of investing is in the stock market. This has been viewed by some as being a difficult type of investment to get into, but times are changing. The new range of online stockbrokers available mean that it's now easy (and fairly inexpensive) to get involved in buying and selling shares. If you're interested in share dealing yourself, then you'd be wise to remember that there is a risk involved ("shares may go down in value, as well as up"). It's vital that you investigate the area thoroughly before taking the plunge and you should view...more
As a work at home Mother, I know the value of a deal. Any smart business person knows that the best way to make money is to SAVE money.Recently my husband quit his 9 to 5 salaried career to work from home with me. In order to afford this we had to...more
Being an entrepreneur and running a successful home-based business is stressful at times, and can be hectic. Success within a home-based business though, absolutely demands time management skills, or the chores that need to get done will be left...more
I don't know if you have ever seriously considered bartering. If you haven't considered it, it's probably about time that you did. Why? Well, besides the fact that both parties involved in a barter leave feeling satisfied, it can also build lifelong...more
Most with excellent keyboarding skills wonder if it is possible to use this talent in a home business venture. Unfortunately, many would be entrepreneurs often fall prey to the misleading ads on and off-line recruiting work at home typist. Most of...more
According to a recent survey, 52% of job candidates polled lied on their resume about having a college degree. Here are 3 brief horror stories: A new Director of Logistics and his family were actually loading the moving van provided by his new...more
Allowing the audience to ask questions after your presentation is an excellent way to reinforce your message and to continue to sell your ideas. In addition, because listeners can ask for clarification, audience members are less likely to leave your...more