How To Buy Rental Property

By Grace Bloodwell
May 9, 2006

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If you are eager to become a landlord or you think that you have a good lead on an area of the city that would provide some great rental income, here are some tips on how to be successful in the realm of rental property. Investment real estate can be fruitful, but you must choose your property, your agent, and most importantly, your location carefully.

1. Location, location, location. You have heard it before; real estate is all about location. If you plan on purchasing a multi-family and renting it out for income, you must first find a place with a healthy--and hopefully booming--rental market. College cities and towns can be a great place to buy investment property since some students choose to live off-campus, and still more end up staying at least a year or two in the city where they went to school. Schools with large populations and graduate school programs are particularly good for rental income. Other locations to consider are cities in general (since people want to live close to where they work and close to the exciting city life). Rural communities and suburbs (unless they are very close to public transportation into the city) can be less fruitful.
2. Get an agent. Though you must do research about the community on your own, rely on an agent to do much of the legwork. Have an agent show you the rentals in town and get a firm grasp on what the market values are for one, two and three bedrooms. Make sure you pay attention to the caliber of renovation in each unit, as a three bedroom with new granite countertops and stainless steel may go for triple the amount of a bigger, but more run-down rental in the same area of town. Your agent will help you find a good rental property and will estimate the amount of income you might be able to generate with it.
3. Get a terrific mortgage broker. Getting financing for your rental property is crucial. You should be speaking to a mortgage broker even before you step foot inside a real estate office. Knowing how much you can afford is key to this process. Make sure your mortgage is less than the amount of income you will get from your renters. Usually this will require a good deal of money down and a low interest rate. Speak to your advisor about the possibilities, and remember to shop around for mortgage rate--they can vary widely.
4. Fixer-upper? If you are handy (or have the cash to hire a contractor), it may be a good idea to get a fixer-upper to convert into rental properties. But, be wary. Sometimes the cost of renovation far outweighs the benefits of renting. Some owners find that after the work is done, they might as well turn the units into condos and sell. If you are not up for a full-on project, steer clear of "contractor specials" that arise on the market.
5. Buy an existing cash cow. Cash cows are hard to come by, but if you take over a property that has existing tenants and a positive cash flow, you cannot go wrong as long as the building is not about to topple over. Sometimes older members of the population, tired of the landlord game, will give up their properties. Have your agent do a cash analysis of the rental income and the sales price to determine which homes on the market may be a good deal. Have an inspector make sure the building follows all building codes and that it is in good shape before you purchase. I suggest getting all the inspections possible, including structural and pest--just to make sure you aren't buying into a money pit.
6. Legal advice. It is always a great idea to have legal counsel for any real estate decisions. A lawyer can also help you with any issues that may arise with your tenants, and will provide you with assistance during the closing of your investment property. Have a contact ready before you make any purchases and consult him or her with any questions that may arise during the buying and renting process. Not all people will use a lawyer, but it is a good idea.
7. Make an offer. As always, you cannot lose by making an offer. If you see a property that you really like but it does not "cut it" on the financing side, make an offer anyway. If it is a buyer's market you may be surprised at how willing the seller is to meet your price. You never know.

8. Property managers. Once you secure an investment property, you need to find someone (if you are not going to do it) to be your property manager. This person will be on-call for any problems that may arise in your building. If you live out of town, a property manager is crucial. If you do not want to hire a property manager, at lease formulate a list of reliable handymen (plumbers, roofers, carpenters, HVAC company) that you can call on should any problems arise.
9. Get tenants. Have your agent advertise your rental properties at a price where you can make money on your investment. When you have your applicants, make sure you examine their credit, job history, references, and if possible, you should meet them. If you choose tenants that destroy your property or those that do not pay rent, you are not "gaining" with your investment. Always, always get a security deposit in addition to--or in replacement of--a last month's rent. Put any and all stipulations in the lease (no smoking, no pets, etc.) and make sure the tenants understand the terms and sign where appropriate on the lease.
10. Bank account. You will want to speak to your financial advisor about your bookkeeping, but remember that investment property entails a whole new set of IRS regulations and accounting nuances. Check with your accountant about the best way to keep your records. It is a good idea to line up all your help up (mortgage broker, property manager, real estate agent, lawyer and accountant) prior to making any purchases. Investment property can be a great source of income, but as with everything, advance preparation is the key to success. Good luck and enjoy being a landlord!

How To Exchange Foreign Currency

By Tonya Sandersfeld
October 10, 2006

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If you will be traveling outside of the United States, it's important to have some local currency for the area to which you are traveling. There are three basic ways to exchange American currency for foreign currency, and to exchange any leftover foreign currency back to American dollars when you return. Most foreign exchange services will accept cash for conversion to foreign currency, but you can also charge it to a major credit card. Besides obtaining foreign currency through one of these services, you can usually buy foreign currency traveler's checks, also.

1. Banks. Most banks offer at least a few foreign currencies for exchange. The advantage of exchanging your currency at a bank is that they are close to home, which makes them very convenient. You can also exchange your currency the same day, so if you've waited until the last minute, it's not a problem. The biggest disadvantage is that depending upon your location, they may have quite a lot of many currencies on hand, or practically nothing. Because of this, call your local bank before you count on being able to fulfill all of your foreign currency needs through them.
2. Airports. Every international airport has a foreign currency exchange counter where you can obtain currency for every location to which flight service is provided. They will also buy back foreign currency when you return from overseas. Airports are also a very convenient way to exchange foreign currency, but the rates that they charge can be high.
3. Online. There is a plethora of websites which offer foreign currency exchange services. Most of them offer quite reasonable rates, but there is usually an additional delivery charge. In addition, you will have to allow at least one business day for the currency to be delivered, and possibly as long as five days. Some websites offer the option of picking up your currency at a nearby location, which avoids the delivery charges. Two of the most popular websites are Travelex Worldwide Money and Wells Fargo Foreign Exchange Services.

No matter which source you choose for foreign currency exchange, they all work in similar ways. You trade in U.S. dollars for an equal amount of foreign currency. The currency exchange service calculates the currency exchange rate and gives you this amount of foreign currency in exchange. They will either add a set charge to this exchange or will adjust the exchange rate to include a surcharge. As mentioned above, there may also be a shipping and handling charge in some cases.

Another factor to consider when you're getting ready to travel to a foreign country is how the exchange rate fluctuates. If you have a very favorable exchange rate before your departure, you may wish to estimate how much local currency you will need for the entire trip and exchange it all at once. On the other hand, if the exchange rate is very unfavorable and you think it may improve while you're abroad, buy just enough foreign currency for the first few days of your trip and exchange the rest after you arrive. If you are unfamiliar with how the exchange rate varies in the country to which you are traveling, visit the Federal Reserve Historical Exchange Rate website. This site gives the exchange rate over the last six years for twenty-three foreign countries, plus the members of the European Union. Remember, you want a low exchange factor when trading from U.S. to foreign currency, and a high exchange factor when you trade foreign currency for U.S. dollars.

How To Finance a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle

By Ashtyn Evans
December 13, 2006

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For people in wheelchairs, attaining a wheelchair accessible vehicle can be much harder than it is to attain a non-accessible vehicle. People in wheelchairs need special seating options. Even people with partial mobility will have to have modifications done to their vehicles in order to comfortably drive or ride in their cars or vans.

One of the hardest parts of securing a wheelchair accessible vehicle deals with financing. Due to the high cost of wheelchair accessible vehicles and the struggles that many disabled people face concerning employment and living on government disability or social security, for many, a wheelchair accessible vehicle is something they want but are just not able to afford without help.

The good news is that there are financing options for the disabled person who needs a wheelchair accessible vehicle. While it may take a little bit longer to attain a vehicle, it is not impossible. All you need is some time to assess the possibilities and go through the process and you could have an accessible van in no time.

1. Do your homework - The number one reason people in wheelchairs do not have accessible transport is because they cannot afford it. However, there are services that can help you attain a vehicle if you have a plan that is well thought out. You need to know the correct pricing for a vehicle that is accessible and what it needs (any special features) to be suitable for you. Once you have a clue as to pricing, you can truly begin to attempt to find grants or financing that will help you attain a van of your own.

   The homework you do will also help you to determine fair pricing. With wheelchair accessible vans, you need to look at two essential costs. The first cost is the cost of the van itself and the second cost is the modifications that are necessary to accommodate the wheelchair. For some people, it may be an option to purchase the van without the modifications and have them done by a local company if the price is drastically cheaper. While this may give you two loans as opposed to one, it could be easier to find funding for wheelchair modifications as opposed to the cost of the van, and this could save you a significant amount of money in the long run.

2. Look for grants - There are numerous nonprofit agencies that will do their best to help with funding a new wheelchair accessible van for a non-ambulatory person. Of course, as with anything free, you will need to do a little digging to find these places. However, there are many nonprofits out there. You can choose one of two options. If you have a common disability, it is likely there is an organization out there that will help you.

   For example, the Muscular Dystrophy Family Foundation might be able to help if you have Muscular Dystrophy or United Cerebral Palsy may be able to help you find resources if you have CP. Your other option would be to find nonprofits that are not specific to a disability. Some of these options would include the Jaycees, the Masons, and other philanthropic groups. Keep in mind that those who want grants must request them in the proper manner. This will speed things up considerably and give you a better chance at getting the van you need.

3. Consider governmental help - Depending on your disability, if you are on Social Security Income (SSI), you may be eligible for the PASS program. PASS stands for Plan to Achieve Self Success. On the PASS plan, you create a plan to help achieve a better standard of living for yourself. For example, you might say you need a van to go to school or to become employed outside of the home. The money for the van payment is sent to you each month so that you can handle your payment.

   The payment will continue to be paid in full or part, depending on the price, as long as you continue to work toward your goal. This is a wonderful option for people who are unable to secure funding through a nonprofit agency.

4. Secure traditional financing - If you are planning to buy a wheelchair accessible van from a car dealership, you may be able to attain financing, depending on your credit and ability to pay your loan. Common loans range from three to five years. However, when purchasing a wheelchair accessible van, you may be able to get financing for longer loan terms.

   For example, some financing companies that work with accessible car dealerships will allow you to secure a loan for six to ten years. Generally, if you are purchasing a used van, you will end up with shorter terms than if you are buying a new or newer van.

5. Consider a fundraiser - If you have considered all of the above options and still find yourself in need of a van, then you might want to try and hold a fundraiser. If you have friends and family, you can easily plan a special dinner or event for your town. As each person/family comes to the event and offers money, this can go into a fund for your van. Fundraising ideas are excellent and can range from walks to dinners to selling things for profit. If you have the means, you could have a celebrity auction as they are generally very popular.

While securing money for a wheelchair accessible van can be time-consuming, it is often necessary for people who cannot use a standard vehicle. The important thing to remember is that it is not impossible. You can end up in a new van that is all yours with a little perseverance and hard work.

How To Find Finance Jobs

By Tonya Sandersfeld
November 12, 2006

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The outlook for finance jobs is expected to be steady for the foreseeable future, just as it has been for the last several decades. Obviously, this is a stable field to enter, which is an advantage for any job-seeker. There are quite a few ways to go about finding a finance job. The list below should give you a good start.

1. Understand the term "finance." The first step in finding a finance job is to understand the difference between finance, economics and accounting. Finance deals with the interpretation of the stock market on the business side, as opposed to economics, which is the interpretation of the stock market on the sociological side. Accountants work with accounting for a business' financial performance. Therefore, finance is going to be a broad-brushstroke kind of job, whereas accounting is a nitty-gritty details kind of job.
2. Determine if you have the proper qualifications. To get a job in the finance field, you'll usually need a bachelor's degree or higher in accounting, finance or economics. An accounting degree can be an asset because you will have greater analytical skills if your company runs into problems. An economics degree can be helpful, too, because you will have the ability to interpret how world leaders and events will affect your business. A finance degree will prove the most helpful in finding a finance job, of course.
3. Start your search. This can be the hardest part of starting any career. However, with an organized, targeted approach, you can find many job possibilities. Remember to stay organized as you search - keep an accurate list of the companies to which you have submitted resumes, as well as their responses.
   • There are many websites devoted to helping you find a finance job. Most of these websites charge potential employers a fee to advertise a job on their website. All that's required of you is a simple registration, which is free. You are then welcome to browse through the job listings until you find one that you like. One of the best websites for finding finance jobs is eFinancialCareers. Finance jobs are listed according to a variety of categories. Some other valuable websites are CareerBuilder and Monster. If you are looking for a job in your area, it pays to check every potential website. Most companies advertise on only one website.
   • Believe it or not, working as a temp can be a great way to get into a finance position. Many companies use temps - to fill in for an employee who is out on maternity leave, or with an extended illness, or just to fill in the gaps during an especially busy time. Although you may be hired for a very basic, entry-level position, such as receptionist or data entry clerk, this can be your opportunity to show off what you know, and possibly get hired permanently when a position in finance opens up.
   • If you are still in college, take any opportunity for an internship that presents itself. More than likely, you'll be placed in a large financial firm, where plenty of finance jobs become available on a regular basis. When you graduate, there just may be a full-time position waiting for you. Even if you are not offered a job with your internship firm, it will give you valuable job experience that looks great on a resume.
   • Network, network, network! Networking is probably the number one way to obtain a job in the finance industry. After all, if you were going to hire an employee for a job that required a high degree of confidentiality like finance, would you hire someone with a great resume whom you'd never met, or the dynamic go-getter that you've met at several conferences? Attend any finance-related meetings to which you are invited, join every finance and accounting club at college, and make sure that you leave a good impression with everyone to whom you speak. Most importantly, hoard business cards like they are gold! When you begin your job hunt, call the people that you've come in contact with and ask them if they know of any potential job openings. You just may fall right into the perfect job!
   • Don't underestimate the power of the classifieds! Although many large firms do not advertise in newspapers, some smaller ones do. If you choose to apply for a job that's listed in the classifieds, consider submitting a snail mail resume, rather than e-mailing it. Most human resources managers will get lots of e-mail responses to a job listing, but very few by mail. Sending your resume can be a good way to "stick out" in a field of applicants.
   • Try cold calling. Call firms or businesses for which you would like to work. Ask to speak with the hiring manager and tell him that you are interested in any finance jobs that the company may have. It's a good idea to write down the points that you'd like to highlight when cold calling. If you take the term literally and call with no preparation, you'll likely come across as unprofessional and flustered. Even if you are unable to speak with the hiring manager, speak respectfully to whomever answers the phone. There may be later job openings at the company, and you don't want to have a reputation as the person who was a jerk to the receptionist!
4. Prepare to make a great first impression! Once you've snagged an interview or two, remember all the basics of interviewing. Dress appropriately, present a polished resume, and make sure that your references are well-prepared. Finance is generally not a business casual sort of field, so don't show up for the interview in jeans and a sweatshirt! Well-prepared references are a must when interviewing for a finance job. If it's been a while since you've been in contact with one of your references, give him a call to update him about what you've been doing and any awards or acknowledgments that you've received. After the interview is complete, it's acceptable to follow up with a short e-mail thanking the interviewers for their time. Anything more than this is typically perceived as desperate and annoying.

Good luck and happy job hunting!

How To Choose Wedding Ceremony Music

By Laura Johnston
May 8, 2006

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Finding your wedding ceremony music can present many challenges including the type of music to play and the way to play it, whether it is a string quartet or the church's organist. The music you select sets the mood for the entire day and should not only be appropriate, but should means something to you.

1. Church setting. The setting is important because it will have a major bearing on the type of music you select. You can opt for a traditional church ceremony or a more non-religious outdoor ceremony. If you are getting married in a church, you need to inquire about the guidelines for music. Some churches will not allow recorded music or disc jockeys. Inquire about acceptable music and if there are any restrictions on the types of music in the particular house of worship. Most churches will not allow non-religious music during a wedding but some may allow it during the prelude or interlude. If your ceremony is outside of the church but is still officiated by a clergy, you need to keep these same considerations in mind.
2. Non-religious setting. You can choose any music you would like for this type of ceremony. It is a personal decision but make sure the music is in good taste for your special day!
3. Music Types. Weddings can have a wide range of music and even a wider range of the presentation. Here are some ideas:
• Vocalists. This adds a very personal, meaningful touch and has an added effect when accompanied by guitar or harp.
• Instrumental. A string quartet, harpist, organist or pianist is appropriate for an elegant or classic setting.
• Disc jockey. There are many options with a disc jockey. They have virtually every type of music available and often in differing styles.
• Classical music. Very appropriate for wedding ceremonies. It can be played in any way, through musicians, an organist or even the disc jockey.
• Contemporary. Incorporating contemporary music can be fun. Just make sure the music is appropriate!
4. Ask for suggestions. If you are at a loss of what music to even begin with, talk to your disc jockey, band leader or church organist. They often have play lists and suggestions to get you started. You can also research via the internet to find common songs.
5. Wedding sections. The typical wedding ceremony has six parts.
• Prelude. This lasts about 20-30 minutes prior to the ceremony while guests are seated and conversing. Music should be light, lively and played at a low volume.
• Wedding party processional. This is the official beginning of the ceremony. Music should be played at a higher volume.
• Bride's processional. Here comes the bride! The music here casts the mood for your special moment. The obvious traditional choice for this moment is Wagner's Bridal Chorus.
• Interlude. This can be more than one occasion in the ceremony where words are not spoken for a short while. It can be played during lighting of a unity or memorial candle and moments of reflection. Calm, classical music such as "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" by Bach is a popular selection.
• Recessional. After the married couple is introduced, it's time for some upbeat and joyous music as the happy couple makes their way down the aisle. Mendelssohn's "Wedding March" is the most popular musical selection.
• Postlude. The postlude lasts anywhere from 10-30 minutes as guests are leaving the ceremony area. It should be upbeat and fun!

How To Wire Transfer Money

By Brad Halvorsen
July 12, 2006

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There are times in life when we have to send money, and send it fast. When sending a check or giving cash are not options, you may choose to wire transfer money. Wire transfers are quick, cheap and will allow you to send money anywhere in the world. Before beginning the process of transferring money by wire, you should have the following information handy:

1. How much money you wish to transfer. If transferring from a bank account, make sure that you have sufficient funds to cover the transaction, including any service costs. Fees for overdrawn accounts can be very steep!
2. Name of who will receive the money you are sending.
3. The bank account number of the party who is to receive the money.
4. The routing number of the bank or financial institution that holds the account the money is being sent to. This is also referred to as the ABA (American Banking Association) routing number.
5. The bank account number and routing number of the account you are sending the money from.

Once you have that information on hand, you are ready to proceed with the wire transfer.

1. Contact the bank or financial institution that you would like to use for the wire transfer. It is recommended that you use the bank that has your account as there are fees that go with a wire transfer and they will likely be lower through your own bank.
2. Advise the bank how much money you wish to transfer and who you wish to transfer it to. Provide them with the information listed above. If possible, do so in writing as it is easy to transpose numbers if you are passing them over the phone.
3. Request a confirmation number or receipt that the transfer has been completed.

It is also possible to transfer money over the Internet. Perhaps the most popular website is WesternUnion. Completing a wire transfer over the Internet is done by following the same steps as a bank initiated transfer.

Wire transfer have evolved over time and new services like PayPal and Google Check Out have taken the next step in instant money transfer. Both sites now allow you to send money over the Internet to any party with an email address.

If you are looking to wire transfer money in a short time frame, make sure you ask the bank for its deadline and transfer time. Most banks will transfer money the same day requested, but there is usually a deadline that you will need to be aware of if you need the money to be received by a particular time. When you are requesting the wire transfer, ask the bank when the money will arrive.

Quick Tips:

Have the necessary information prepared before initiating the wire transfer.

Make sure you have sufficient funds in your account to cover the transaction.

Useful Links:

Western Union

How To Encourage Employee Loyalty

By Malcolm Tatum
March 12, 2007

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Regardless of whether you run a small business with a handful of employees, or a corporation that employs thousands, one of your greatest assets will be the loyalty and devotion of your employees. However, employee loyalty is not something that will endure unless there are some specific efforts made to keep it alive and thriving. Here are a few ideas on how you can inspire and grow employee loyalty in your company.

1. One of the easiest things you can do to encourage employee loyalty is to extend respect to each and every person who is part of your organization. Everyone likes to be in an environment where he feels as if he is valued for who he is and what he brings to the table. Such little things as remembering people's names or taking a moment to listen when an employee needs five minutes of your time goes a long way. Acknowledging the presence of your employees with a smile and nod as you walk through a department is another simple yet eloquent gesture that says, "I know you are here and I appreciate your presence."
2. Communication is also important in any good working relationship. You can deflate the most enthusiastic employee by conveying the message that he is not worthy of knowing what is happening with the company. This does not mean you have to share sensitive data with everyone. However, by taking the time to let everyone know how sales are going, how many units were shipped last month, the good news that a new customer will be coming on board and just in general how the company is doing will make all the difference in the world. Some companies use the model of a quick fifteen to twenty-minute meeting or conference call on Friday afternoons. Others like to pull employees together in face to face groups once a month, allowing employees to ask upper management questions. The methods may vary, but the point is that communicating with your employees help them to feel like a full part of the team, and thus loyal to you and their coworkers.
   
   
3. Acknowledging employee loyalty in several manners also helps to foster continued dedication to the company. Make a big deal when someone has been with the company for ten years. Let everyone know about the employee who salvaged a client relationship last week. Never forget to say "thank you" and "I appreciate what you bring to this company" and be specific about the event or skill you are talking about. It is relatively easy to say "I appreciate you" but it sends a much stronger message when you can cite the exact reason for your appreciation.
4. When circumstances allow, reward people for a job well done. Sometimes this may be in the form of a bonus in the payroll envelope. At other times, throwing a company-wide picnic might be the ticket. Even something as simple as having pizza brought in for everyone when the day is unusually busy sends a clear signal that you appreciate the hard work.
   
   
5. Also, never forget that an increase in benefits can also help to inspire employee loyalty. As companies grow, there is often the chance to improve benefits such as hospitalization, dental and visual coverage, more vacation time or sick leave and life insurance coverage. As the company reaches a new level of financial stability, reward your employees with increased benefits. This sends a clear message that you know the employees play a large role in the success of the company, and you want them to have a better standard of living.

Employee loyalty is all about letting people know they are valued and appreciated. This may come from words, from increases in pay and from other perks as well. Find the most appropriate ways to extend that appreciation and acknowledgment of worth within your corporate culture and you will have employees that will stick by you through thick and thin.

Quick Tips:

Respect is basic to winning employee loyalty.

Acknowledge the worth of each employee in word and in deed.

How To Identify a Target Market

By Daniel Adeyanju
September 3, 2006

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Before beginning your advertising campaign, it is important that you first identify your target market. A target market is basically the type of person that will want or need your product or services. By targeting a specific market, you will be able to save money by spending less on marketing and increase marketing. The process of identifying a target market is called market segmentation. Using market segmentation, a business can use a top-down approach to identifying a target group or niche. Once you have identified a niche using target segmentation, you will be able to concentrate your efforts on marketing to attract a specific consumer group.

As a business owner or executive, you have probably heard of using market research. Market research is the process of using various techniques to collect, analyze, and report data about potential consumer groups. Formal market segmentation requires comprehensive market research. The market research will help you to identify quantitative and qualitative patterns in consumer groups. Quantitative data refers to numbers such as age, income, and family size while qualitative data relies on characteristics such as education, occupation, and personality. There are severals ways you can go about segmenting a population to target a market. Some are more relevant to your business than others. The following describes different aspects of market segmentation that will help you in identifying a niche and maximizing your marketing dollars.

1. Demographics:
   • Age: Teenagers targeted by acne medication company.
   • Income: A person earning $200,000 is more likely to purchase a Cadillac than a person earning $10,000.
   • Family size: Wholesale distributors that keep prices low by selling in bulk would target larger families.
   • Education: A calculator company may target high school math students.
   • Occupation: A shoe company might sell a shoe targeted for construction workers.
   • Gender: A handbag company will target women.
   • Nationality/Race: A small business selling foodstuffs from Africa would target the immigrant African community.
2. Geography:
   • Region of the world: The shoe company, Puma, most aggressively targets consumers in Latin America and Europe for their soccer shoes.
   • Climate: A snow plow manufacturer will target areas where it snows.
3. Behaviors:
   • Brand loyalty: Apple targets a niche of consumers loyal to its products.
   • Value of quality: Higher-end watch companies like Seiko target consumers that value high-quality timepieces.
4. Psychographic:
   • Personality: A person who likes to show off is more likely to buy a Hummer H2 than a reserved person.
   • Lifestyle: A shoe company like Vans, that sells skateboarding shoes would target skateboarders with their advertising.
   • Interests: Stores that sell arts and crafts materials target hobbyists and students alike.
5. Other Questions to Ask in Market Research:
   • Readiness to buy: How soon will they purchase your product?
   • Frequency of purchase: How often will they purchase your product?
   • How likely are they to purchase your type of product?
   • What kind of music do they like?
   • What kind of ____(fill in the blank) do they like?
6. Types of Market Research:
   • Surveys are the most commonly used and least expensive market research method available. They can be conducted online, in person, or by phone.
   • Focus groups are a method by which companies gain feedback on products by asking questions in an interactive group setting. This method might also be used to gain feedback on services, concept, advertisement, ideas, or packaging.
7. An Introduction to Surveys:
   • Establish goals of survey. What market segmentation criteria will you use? Ask specific questions so you won't lose sight of your target.
   • Sample size. Who will be asked to complete the survey? The sample size should be as random as possible to ensure a variety of different type of people complete it. Also, the greater the sample size the greater the accuracy of the research.
   • Method.
     1. Personal interview: Ask past customers to answer some of your questions.
     2. Telephone: Hire telemarketers to conduct the surveys for you.
     3. Mail: Purchase the addresses from direct mailing companies and mail in bulk.
     4. Web-based: Search for a website with a survey panel that has existed for a long time and has good results for past clients. You can also conduct your own research by putting surveys on your website or sending e-mail messages with links to your survey.
   • Planning the research.
     1. How much will the research method take?
     2. How long will it take to write and edit a survey?
     3. When will you implement the survey?
     4. When will you complete the survey and analyze the data?
   • Processing and analyzing data.
     1. For large market research campaigns with a very large sample size, computer software is a must. You might want to hire a company that conducts surveys or someone familiar with statistics to help you with this aspect.
     2. For smaller market research campaigns you can simply look through the surveys and get an idea of what your niche is.
     3. Create a report detailing your findings and how it will fit into your marketing plan.

How To Choose Payroll Systems

By Tonya Sandersfeld
November 8, 2006

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Processing payroll can be one of the most complex tasks facing an organization. Besides simply paying your employees, you will need to file taxes, submit reports and process year-end data for tax-reporting purposes. To determine the best payroll system for your company, consider the following points:

1. What types of payroll systems are available? There are three basic types of payroll systems.
   • Manual payroll means that you, or another employee within your company, calculates the payroll each pay period entirely on paper. You will need to calculate taxes, insurance, 401K, and any other applicable deductions in addition to each employee's actual earnings. The advantage of using a manual system is that it is very inexpensive, with virtually no start-up costs. The disadvantage is that whatever you save on start-up costs will probably be eaten up by the amount of time it takes to process payroll. In addition, it's very easy to make mistakes when processing payroll manually, and the penalty for mistakes, especially mistakes in taxing, can be very costly.
   • The second type of payroll system is computerized. Many companies offer computer software that will assist you in processing payroll. You will need to input information for each employee when he is hired, but after that, the software will calculate taxes and other deductions automatically. Most programs will also process W-2 forms for each employee at year-end, which can be a real time-saver. The advantage of this type of system are numerous - fewer potential mistakes and less time spent processing payroll. In addition, employees can be trained to run the program more easily, so you won't need to depend on just one person to process payroll. The disadvantages are that you still have to input each employee's hours manually, and the software has to be updated annually or whenever new tax laws go into effect. There can also be additional charges if the software has to be configured specifically for your business.
   • The final type of payroll system is to use an external payroll service. Companies such as ADP and Paychex will process your payroll for you, including submitting all necessary tax payments and generating year-end reports. Although this is the most expensive type of payroll system, it can pay for itself in larger companies, which might otherwise have to hire a full-time employee dedicated to processing payroll. A payroll service may also offer a direct-deposit option to your employees, which is very popular. When you are researching payroll services, check to see what services they offer, and if the reports that they provide to you are helpful. If not, see if they can customize their services to better suit your needs. Another important consideration is to find a payroll service that is bonded. This protects you from liability in the case of mishandled finances. Check with any potential payroll services to be certain that they will pay any applicable penalties if they make mistakes in remitting tax payments, and that they can re-process payroll quickly if there are mistakes. The main disadvantage to this system, besides the higher cost, is that security can be an issue if your payroll computer is on the same network as all of the other computers in your company. To avoid this, you should have a computer which is used only for payroll that can go online without using the same connection as your other computers. Also, keep in mind that you will still have to transmit employee payment information to the payroll service each pay period.

2. How many employees do you have? If you have fewer than ten employees and their hours stay basically the same from one pay period to the next, or they are salaried, it may be relatively easy to process payroll manually. If your company has between ten and fifty employees, a software package may work well for you, as long as there are relatively few complex issues involved. If your company is large - fifty employees or more - you'll either want to hire an outside payroll service, or hire an employee strictly to process payroll.
3. What accounting software do you use? If your current accounting software includes a payroll-processing system, you may want to use it, because you can then integrate all of your financial information into one package. When you consider this, think about how well the program meets your needs, and if it can be adapted to meet your future needs.

4. How complex is your payroll? If your payroll is quite complex - for example, if you have many employees at different pay rates, and on different pay scales, possibly even with different insurance packages from which to choose, you may spend a lot of time processing payroll, and on trying to keep up with changes. Such a task may be better suited to an external payroll service. However, be certain that you understand what is included in your basic fee, and what is considered extra. Some companies include only the minimally necessary steps in processing payroll, and everything else is an extra charge. The best way to avoid this problem is to assemble a typical payroll for your company, then ask any potential payroll services to quote the job.

The key to determining an ideal payroll solution for your business is to be realistic about how much time and money you can devote to this task. Also, consider whether or not you have an employee in your accounting or human resources department with the knowledge and time to dedicate to payroll. If a payroll system isn't working for you, don't feel tied to it just because that's the way it's always been done. It may take a few tries to find a great fit!

Caution:

Always use up-to-date tax tables when preparing your payroll. Penalties for mistakes can be very costly.

Useful Links:

All Business Payroll Software and Services Resources

How To Use Website Design Software

By D M
February 11, 2007

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Designing your own website can be fun and rewarding. Once you have selected a website design package like Microsoft FrontPage or Macromedia Dreamweaver, it's time to get started on your website. Regardless of the package you choose, there are certain commonalities in how you use web design software.

1. Select a background. This gives you the basis for your color scheme. You can either choose a solid color, a printed background, or even a watermark of your company logo.
2. Choose color. If you choose a solid color, you will find a menu of colors in your software. If the basic color you choose isn't quite right, you can "tweak" it, making it darker, lighter, brighter, whatever you like. You will likely also find complimentary colors if your program has a color wheel; choose adjacent colors or colors on a diagonal from your original choice.
3. Pattern. If you want to use a pattern, you can either use one that you create in a graphic design program, or one from a stock photo collection. You can buy stock photos either piecemeal online, or by whole collection either online or at any software store. While they are called photos, you will be able to find pattern graphics in these collections.
4. Logo. If you want your company's logo as a watermarked background, set your logo as the background image, and then indicate in the background options that you would like to have it as a watermark. State your preference as to its placement - on either side or right in the middle of the page. You can choose for it to just appear once, or for your text to "glide" over it.
5. Design a header. This might include the website's name, your logo, a graphic - whatever you want to immediately convey to your visitor. Make sure your header isn't too big; you want your visitor to see some content above the fold (what appears on the screen prior to scrolling down), and someone is likely to leave if a graphic takes to long to load. The point is to catch your visitor's attention without detracting from your content.
6. Choose where you want to put your menu links. This is up to your preference, but standard practice is either in the middle up top, on the left side, or, if you don't have a lot of content on each page, you can have your menu links on the bottom of the page. Think about appearance of links. Do you want them to look like regular text, but for an underline to appear when your visitor mouses over each link? Do you want the standard underlined and blue link appearance? You can experiment to see what looks best and conveys the look you want.
7. Choose your font and font color. The font can set the tone of your website. Do you want a serious tone to your site? A casual tone? Is your website geared towards kids and families? After you have inputted some content, you may want to select your text and try out various fonts to see which one catches your eye. In general, Times New Roman, Arial, Garamond, and Verdana are safe bets that stay consistent regardless of your visitor's monitor. Other fonts may look odd on different monitors and operating systems.

   As far as color, make sure it is a hue that compliments your background, while being enough of a contrast to stand out against your background. Light colors look good against dark or busy backgrounds, while navy or another dark color looks good against light background.

   Make sure that your text size is reasonable; your visitor won't read through your content if your text size is too small. Many sites use size 8, which is a bit on the small side, but generally readable if your background is a solid color and light. 10 is a good size - not too big, not too small. Large text on the whole page looks either amateurish or comical. Use with caution.

8. Determine your content. Your content will have a lot to do with your search engine rankings, as well as your ability to retain a visitor once they are on your site.
9. Consider add-ons. Flash movies, demonstration videos, software product demos - these are all good thing to consider adding to your site. Beware of music, however. If someone is at work or at a library, music playing without the visitor's consent is the fastest way to get the browser shut down and the visitor convinced never to go back to your website.
10. Always have a contact form or e-mail. This way, potential clients can get in touch with you, or someone can contribute their thoughts about your website. And frankly, strangers come out of the woodwork to correct your spelling and grammar - free proofreading!
11. Speaking of which, run a grammar and spell check on your content in your web design software. A site looks far less professional if there are abundant spelling and grammatical errors. This is a great feature common to most web design software packages. They tend to work like word processors, so the process should be fairly intuitive.
12. Add meta-data. Meta-data does not appear on your website, but rather is read by the search engines and used to determine your search engine rankings among other things. This is where copyright data appears (although you can certainly put a visible copyright mark anywhere on your site), as well as date last modified, keywords, etc. If you are looking for search engine traffic, this is an especially important step. Do not try to falsely improve your rankings by including non-relevant keywords or descriptions. The search engine robots can detect this and you will be penalized for it. Most web design packages have wizards or intuitive menus to help you create your meta-data.

Those are the basic elements you need in order to use website design software. Be sure to choose a software package you are comfortable with, and have fun designing your website!

Required Tools:

Website design software

Caution:

Don't use a font that is too small or too large. Size 10 is good, size 8 is ok too.

Don't use automatic-playing music on your site unless there is a good reason.

Don't use keywords in your meta-data that have nothing to do with your site; the search engine will penalize you for it.

Quick Tips:

Make sure the background of your website fits in with the theme of your website.

Make sure your header doesn't take too much room.

The font you use can help determine the tone of your website. Make its color and size readable.

Keep your content short and to the point.

Make sure to use your Website Design Software's spelling and grammar check, and proofread your content yourself as well.

Adding meta-data may improve your website's search engine rankings.

How To Navigate Through the Airport (and Airport Security Line)

By Liz Smith
June 13, 2007

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If you’re not an avid traveler, the airport can be a confusing, frustrating place. People are rolling their luggage swiftly behind them, on a mission to get through security and reach their gates. There’s no time or space for you to wander around lost, trying to figure out how to get your boarding pass, check your luggage and fiddle around with your carry-on bags in the security line. Here are some tips to help you streamline your airport experience and look like an old pro at the airport:

1. Print your boarding pass at home. If you’re not checking bags, you can save a lot of time for yourself (and others) by printing out your boarding pass at home. Most airlines will send you an email 24 hours before your flight, reminding you about this option. Whether you get a reminder or not, you can go to your airline’s website, login with your flight confirmation code or frequent flier number and check in for your flight. Then, if you don’t have any bags, you can proceed directly to the security line and bypass the ticket counter.
2. Use the electronic ticket kiosk. Even if you have bags to check, you can save time by using an e-ticket kiosk at the ticket counter to print your boarding pass. You can retrieve your flight information by swiping your credit card (don’t worry, it just reads your name, it doesn’t charge you anything), swiping your passport, entering your confirmation code or flight number, or if you don’t have any of that information, you can enter the city that you’re traveling to and your last name.
3. Once you find your reservation you can add your frequent flyer number (although if you buy your ticket online, you can add it before you get to the airport — you can also add it at your gate, where fewer people will be waiting behind you), choose your seat (which can usually also be done online or at your gate) and indicate the number of bags that you’re checking. Once you’ve printed your boarding pass, an airline representative will come by and label your bags. Make sure you have your ID ready because you’ll have to show it and your boarding pass to the airline representative when he or she takes your bags.
4. Find your gate. If you printed your ticket at home or the airline representative didn’t tell you what your gate was at the ticket counter, you need to figure out where you’re going. Look for the TV screens with the “departure” information and find the city you’re flying to. Keep in mind that if you’re making a connection you’ll likely need to look for the city you’re connecting through, and not your final destination. When you’re viewing the departure screen, stand out of the walkway so people trying to get to their gate don’t have to maneuver around you and your luggage. Stand by the wall or directly in front of or under the TV screens.
5. Stand in the security line…everyone’s favorite thing to do. You usually have a lot of time in the security line to prepare yourself for actually going through security. There are a few important things to consider.
   • Have your ID ready. You’ll need to show your boarding pass and ID to a TSA agent before you enter the security screening area. Once your ID has been checked, you can put it away. You no longer need to show it at the gate when you’re boarding the plane. But keep your boarding pass out. You’ll probably need to show it as you walk through the metal detector.
   • Shoes. You have to take them off. Even sandals and flip-flops. Untie your shoes while you’re waiting in line so that you can easily slip them off when you reach the x-ray machine.
   • Laptop. Take your laptop out of it’s bag and put it in a plastic bin of its own. You can’t place jackets, shoes or any other items on top of your laptop.
     
     
   • Larger bags and purses. These don’t need to go in a plastic bin if they’re big enough to go through the x-ray machine on their own. You should be fine with two bins: one for your laptop and one for any other loose items. Don’t get bin happy.
   • Boarding pass. Make sure to hang on to your boarding pass. Don’t leave it in your wallet and send it though the x-ray machine. The TSA agent will most likely want to see it when you walk through the metal detector.
   • Liquids and Gels. The latest TSA regulations stipulate that all of your liquids and gels must fit into a quart-size plastic, Ziploc bag. Each individual container must be 3 oz. or smaller and, when going through security, you’ll have to remove the Ziploc bag from your carry-on luggage so it can be inspected. Be aware that if the container your liquid is in does not indicate how many ounces it holds, you may be asked to throw it away.
   • Retrieve your belongings. Once you’ve made it through security, grab your belongings, slip your shoes on and move away from the line. Don’t stand at the x-ray machine tying your shoes and re-packing your bag. There are usually chairs set up just beyond the security area where you can stop to sit down, tie your shoes and place your laptop back in its bag. There’s nothing worse than standing in line for 5 minutes, watching someone struggle to get his shoelaces tied back into the perfect knot.
6. Buy a coffee or water. As long as you purchase liquids beyond the security checkpoint, you can bring them on the plane. So, if you’re thirsty or need a shot of caffeine, you don’t have to worry about throwing these liquids away. Or, if you don’t want to buy water, you can bring an empty bottle through security with you and fill it up at a drinking fountain on the other side.
7. Boarding the plane. As mentioned earlier, you no longer need to present your ID when you’re boarding the plane, just your boarding pass. Double check your seat assignment so you don’t end up on the wrong side of the plane and head on down the jetway. Once you’re on the plane, step into your row so that the people behind you can pass. If your carry-on is small enough, place it under the seat in front of you. Don’t cram everything into an overhead bin if you can help it. If you have to get your carry-on up there, put it in as quickly as possible, with wheels facing out, then get into your row so that people can pass by. The longer you’re in the aisle, the more people are waiting on you and the longer it’ll take to get everyone settled and the plane off the ground.

Now you’re on the plane. Use this time to reflect on your airport experience and critique your actions. Were you as streamlined as you could have been? Did you trip over your shoelaces and fall into another passenger, causing a serious delay in the security line? Being aware of other passengers and making sure that you’re as efficient as possible will make everyone’s experience at the airport (including yours) much easier.

Useful Links:

TSA Regulations

How To Get Car Insurance on a Budget

By Joshua Murphy
August 11, 2006

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Car insurance isn't cheap, but it's a necessary protection for you and your family. You can get a better deal on your insurance by following these simple guidelines.

1. Some things are hard to change: The price of your insurance is mostly controlled by a few uncontrollable variables. Your age, sex, and marital status all affect the rate you pay because insurance companies statistically justify charging different amounts to drivers based on these personal criteria. You can't really do much to change these--and I don't recommend proposing to your girlfriend just to get a better rate.
2. Sell yourself a little better: Other determinants such as where you park the car, your driving history, and your credit rating can all impact the price you pay for auto insurance. Living in a low crime neighborhood can reduce the amount you pay. Safe drivers are rewarded with lower insurance rates because the insurance company expects that a driver who has demonstrated that he is a safe driver in the past will likely continue to drive in a similar manner.
3. Good credit pays: A sticking point for many consumers is that insurance companies now adjust your rates based on your credit history. Good credit pays off with lower insurance rates; however, if you have poor credit, you are likely to pay a little extra.
4. Get the minimum legal coverage: The amount and type of coverage that you carry can and does have a large effect on the price you are required to pay. A large full coverage policy costs much more than carrying the minimum liability coverage allowed by your state.
5. Liability Insurance: Nearly every state requires that you carry, at a minimum, liability insurance. Liability insurance is designed to pay for damages that you cause when you have an accident. It does not pay for repairs to your car nor does it pay for medical coverage if you are hurt in an accident. If you're trying to get insurance coverage at the lowest rate possible, car owners have the option of carrying liability insurance coverage only. However, if a lien exists on your vehicle, you are required to carry full coverage insurance as opposed to liability only.

   If you're shopping for the lowest priced car insurance available, you should consider getting only liability insurance at the minimum level allowed by your state. Remember, though, that liability coverage only covers the other party should you be at fault in an accident. It will not cover the cost of repairs to your vehicle if you are at fault.

6. Raise your deductible: If you are willing to pay more out of pocket should an accident occur, you can reduce the cost of comprehensive insurance coverage by as much as 30 to 40%.
7. Carry your auto insurance with the same company that provides your home insurance. This usually qualifies you for a savings of as much as 15%.
8. Look in all the right places. You can get the best insurance deals by shopping online. It's true! Insurance companies often have specials or deals that are only available online. You can easily save 10% by dealing directly with an insurance company and bypassing insurance agents. It's free to get an insurance quote, and it should take only a few minutes. Here are a couple of the companies and websites that I've found to be most helpful:

• Allstate Just like it sounds, this is the website for Allstate insurance company.
• Gmac123 A subsidiary of GMAC, this company also offers insurance coverage in all 50 states.
• Progressive Progressive specializes in online insurance quotes. They have a relatively good track record, and the website is fairly intuitive and easy to use.
• Geico Geico is a company very similar to Progressive. They specialize in offering most of their services online.
• Yahoo Yahoo sometimes partners with insurance companies to provide online insurance quotes.
• Insweb, Esurance, and Insure all provide access to online quotes as well.

Still want to know more? Check out Insurance Information Institute online for nine ways to reduce your auto insurance costs.

Quick Tips:

It's a good general rule that online insurance deals are almost always better than those that you can get through an agent. Compare the offers of both to prove it.

How To Clean Up Your Arteries by Controlling Fat in Your Diet

By Staff Writer
October 19, 2006

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Although everyone seems more frightened by cancer, it is heart disease that is the number one killer of men and women alike in this country. One of the key risk factors for heart disease is an elevated blood cholesterol level. This is because cholesterol and fat attach to the walls of the coronary arteries (a process known as atherosclerosis), narrowing them and reducing the flow of blood and nutrients to the heart.

Angina, or chest pain, happens when reduced blood flow starves the heart of oxygen. If the blood supply is completely cut off, you will experience a heart attack. Similarly, if narrowed vessels cut off the blood supply to the brain, you will experience a stroke. Here are a few things you should know about how you can clean up your arteries by controlling the fat and cholesterol in your diet:

1. Cholesterol occurs naturally in many different part of the body and is something that your body uses to produce bile acids, hormones and Vitamin D. Your body requires only a small amount of cholesterol to accomplish these functions; the extra gets deposited in arteries.
2. Cholesterol is transported in the blood via lipoproteins. Because cholesterol is a fatty, waxy substance, it does not mix with blood (which is water-based). Thus, the cholesterol made in the liver is combined with a protein to make lipoproteins that carry fats around the body. There are two types of lipoproteins, which have become commonly known as "bad" and "good" cholesterol.
3. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), known as the "bad" cholesterol, carries most of the cholesterol in the blood, and is also the primary source of the deposits in coronary arteries. The higher the LDL cholesterol level in the blood, the greater the risk of heart disease. Treatment to reduce cholesterol focuses on reducing the LDL component of your blood.
4. High-density lipoprotein (HDL), known as the "good" cholesterol, carries LDL cholesterol back to the liver where it can be eliminated. Having a high HDL level helps to prevent cholesterol buildup in the arteries.

You have no control over some risk factors for coronary heart disease, including age (45 years or older for men and 55 years or older for women). But you do have control over many other lifestyle issues, including diet, your weight, exercise, smoking and control of diabetes. If you have received a diagnosis of high blood cholesterol, you can help to clean up your arteries by controlling fat in your diet. You will need to pay attention to several kinds of fat in your diet:

1. Saturated fat: Saturated fat will raise your LDL cholesterol level more than anything else in the diet. Studies have shown that in both men and women of diverse ages and ethnicity, lowering dietary saturated fat will reduce blood cholesterol. Saturated fat is a type of fat found mostly in foods that come from animals: Think of the fat on a steak and you'll have a good visual for saturated fat. (Saturated fat is close to a solid at room temperature.) Another factor that may contribute to the unhealthfulness of saturated fat is the oxidation that occurs during cooking
2. Trans fat: While both saturated and trans fat increase the levels of LDL cholesterol in your blood, trans fat also lowers the levels of HDL cholesterol. Trans fat is fat that has been hydrogenated, which means that the chemical structure of an unsaturated fat is changed by adding hydrogen atoms to make the fat more saturated. Trans fat is the type of fat present in margarine. Because trans fat increases shelf life, it is also found in manufactured foods.
   
   
3. Cholesterol: Cholesterol comes only from animal products such as meat, eggs, dairy products, poultry, and seafood. Organ meats such as brains and liver have especially high levels of cholesterol.

In short, increase your consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables and decrease your consumption of saturated fats, animal products, and manufactured foods, particularly those made with hydrogenated oils. If lifestyle changes and controlling fat in your diet are not enough to lower your blood cholesterol, you may be put on a drug regime.