How often do people try to sell us something before we have expressed an interest, have a desire, or are in the market for what they have? It seems the standard for many salespeople is to try to sell to anyone and everyone regardless of the interest level. When someone attempts to sell us something before we have expressed an interest, the initial thought may be, "Why would I buy from you? You haven't earned the right to sell to me!" The fact of...more
Using sample business plans and their structure, along with studying as many business plan examples as you can, will provide you with the necessary framework to consider your business from every possible angle.Starting or running your business without a business plan is akin to being a human without a skeleton!Not only will using a sample structure highlight any areas you haven't fully thought through, but it will also provide you with a good...more
"Please -- Pretty Please!! I really, really want to do this." From the sounds of things you'd think a parent and a child were in "one of those" arguments. But it's really a wife trying to persuade her husband to let her work from home. Getting your husband to back your home business can, at times, be as hazardous as those black diamond ski slopes.This past week there has been a very active discussion on one of the work-at-home mom listservs about how to get support from a husband who isn't even close to being thrilled about your home business idea. Here are a few answers.Men are getting very comfortable with the two income situations that women have begged to have for many years now. When mom and dad are bringing in two checks every couple of weeks, the pressure of keeping that job and worries of downsizing aren't nearly as scary when they know their wife is helping with the finances. The idea of mom staying home and starting a business that may or may not make money any time soon is enough to turn a man white with fear. If your husband is one of those who has reservations about you wanting to come home and hang out your shingle, start by showing him a couple facts. ยท Who will...more
There has been a rapid growth in the availability of zero per cent rates in the credit card industry. These have been caused by the combination of very low national interest rates, and the injection of fierce competition from American lenders such as Capital One. The UK credit card industry is now recognised as one of the most sophisticated and...more
As you apply for a home loan or look to refinance your home, it is important to understand your situation and how it will be affected by the type of loan that you will be applying for.But first, it is important to find out why you need the loan. For instance, do you need it for a home loan.The next step is to do your research in order to escape the...more
Consumer worries about credit card fraud have resulted in numerous protections being created. A consumer whose credit card is wrongly used by another generally has one hundred percent protection. If your personal credit card is stolen and used by an unauthorized party, the card issuer is usually able to refund all lost monies and will have your account corrected within days if not hours.This consumer protection is wonderful. After all, none of us want to suffer the damages of identity theft or credit card fraud. The idea of a thieving stranger creating thousands of dollars of additional debt for us or cleaning out our bank account on lark is a frightening one. As consumers, we all want and need protection from this kind of criminal activity.The other side of the consumer protection coin however, is not quite as shiny for those involved with the other end of the transaction. All deals involve two parties: a buyer and a seller. Unfortunately, it seems, every gain made by one party produces a loss for the other. It appears to be a zero-sum game, and merchants who process credit card orders are learning that the consumer protections they love when a bank card is misplaced can...more
For over 20 years I have worked as an independent IT/Business consultant for some of the most prestigious organisations in the world including companies like Telstra, BHP, BMA Coal, Suncorp Metway and many many more. But it still astounds me, that...more
The peddlers of hot penny stocks today peddle their wares much like the hot cross bun streetsellers of the 19th. Century. They don't exactly hawk their wares round the shopping malls crying out "Get your hot penny stocks tips here", but...more
The advantages of time management include reducing stress, gaining time, reducing avoidance, while promoting reviews and eliminating cramming. Another advantage is that managing time helps us to stay motivated while we avoid procrastination.The trick...more
Another year ended, and another round of UK debt statistics. CreditAction has just announced the latest summing up of the personal debt situation in the UK. Their figures show that the end of 2005 has seen the total level of personal debt rise to...more
The minimum payment on next month's credit card bill could be almost double what you were required to pay this month due to the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005. How will higher credit card minimum payments affect your...more
Today's electronic world pushes the envelop further. With the advent of online trading systems such as eBay, many new forms of payment have flourished. First of all, on eBay, the mode of payment depends on the agreement between the buyer and the...more