ewayman's Library

5 Tips to Improve Your Business Communications

2009-11-02T11:50:00.000-08:00

By Andrew Brown

In today’s day and age of e-mail, Blackberrys and text messaging, business environments are relying on technological advances to facilitate communication. Certainly, operations have become more efficient. However, are interactions becoming more effective as a result?
Continuing to develop interpersonal communication skills is never something that should take a back seat. Simply put, how you communicate is just as important - if not more important - than the product or service you are trying to sell. In our rapidly changing and fast-paced business environment, building relationships is critical to the success of any business. For small businesses in particular - that may not have a formal communications function - every individual in the business is a part of the communications effort.

From the Experts:
1) Pay attention to physical cues. Experts say that when you meet someone, you have just ten seconds to make an impression on them. Elements such as eye contact, a firm handshake and a calm speaking voice are all part of the communication you are delivering or the interaction you are facilitating. Keep checking the other person’s non-verbal cues as well to adjust your approach, mirroring their style - are they friendly or formal? Do they appear open to closer talking or prefer to have more space between each other? By answering these questions in real time and adjusting your physical style appropriately, you can easily make a potent first impression.
2) Employees come first. Meet with employees one-on-one at regular time intervals. Experts recommend weekly meetings and advise both parties to come prepared with updates or issues for discussion. This is a perfect time to discuss career path strategies for your employees as well. You can also take the time to inform employees of any performance issues that have arisen, giving them time to mark improvements before any formal reviews.
3) Take advantage of presentation training. Group speaking skills are critical, and especially important for small businesses looking to grow referrals and network in their industry or market. In addition, be able to effectively communicate to employee groups to build credibility and ensure consistent messaging about your expectations.
4) Be careful with emails. Know the difference between what messages can be delivered via email and what must be discussed in person. As a rule, save more emotional matters for face-to-face discussions. On the flip side, learn how to become more succinct with your e-mail communications to ensure you’re delivering the facts and outlining appropriate action steps so that everyone is clear on your requests. A good rule of thumb: write the way you speak and remember that longer is not necessarily better.
5) Use logic to construct your communications. Whether speaking or writing, state the facts to support your opinions. Avoid limiting your credibility by using statements like, “I feel.” Instead, use goal-oriented language and avoid unnecessary storytelling.
Andrew Brown and Small Business Guru provide Coaching, Inspiration and Practical Advice for Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs. Subscribe to the free, weekly newsletter at http://www.small-business-guru.com/.

Gossip

2009-09-14T13:19:00.000-07:00

By Zig Ziglar

Gossip is enormously destructive. We frequently hear little jokes about gossip, like the two people who were talking and one said, “I can’t tell you any more. I’ve already told you more than I heard.” In that line is much of the tragedy about gossip which can and often has destroyed a person’s reputation. Gossip always damages relationships and specifically with the person you are gossiping about. For example, once you have said something unkind about a person, you will feel uncomfortable around them and your relationship with them will suffer.

Dr. Adrian Rogers wisely points out that before we disseminate information which might be considered gossip, we must carefully ponder three questions: Number one, is it the truth? If it fails the first test, then it is not repeatable. Number two, even if it is the truth, do you really need to share it? Will it help anyone? Will it hurt anyone? Would it be better left unsaid? If there are no benefits to anyone, then what possible purpose could repeating it serve? Number three, is it kind? In our world so full of cynicism and skepticism, will repeating this story be kind? Can it be better left unsaid? Would you really be better off repeating this information? When you analyze it this way, your chances of being a gossiper are dramatically reduced.

When you consider the benefits of stopping gossip in its tracks, you’ll discover they’re substantial. First, you do not damage yourself, which means that your reputation and esteem are untarnished. That’s good. Second, you won’t harm someone else’s reputation. This means that your circle of friends will be larger. Since most of us do not have any friends we would like to lose, that’s good! Think about it and I’ll SEE YOU AT THE TOP!

Zig Ziglar is a motivator and teacher. He is the author of 27 books and loved by millions of people world wide for his practical wisdom and his gift of hope.

An I CAN Success Story

2009-09-14T13:11:00.000-07:00

By Bob Alexander

I CAN…Two powerful words that inspire our confidence…Serve as a testament to our determination to succeed…And reflect a desire to be our very best.
That’s why thousands of educators, students and parents across America are excited about Zig Ziglar’s I CAN program. Through I CAN, they’re not only learning the ABC’s of education, but more importantly, the ABC’s of Life – Attitude, Behavior and Character. These are the fundamentals that enable individuals to achieve their fullest potential and bring out the best in others.
The I CAN program is based on the foundational principles of honesty, integrity, character, trust, loyalty and love – principles upon which successful lives are built. Once this solid foundation is established, individuals develop a positive attitude and self-image, as well as strong, healthy relationships with others. Even more importantly, they are empowered to achieve their life’s goals and desires. Health, happiness, prosperity, friendship, peace and security are dreams transformed into everyday realities. Isn’t that what we all want for today’s youth?
Time and time again test and survey results show that students who adopt these traits excel in school and beyond. Middle school principal Dr. Paul Jennings wrote me a letter explaining his experience with the I CAN Program and said:
“Let me tell you about the impact the I CAN Program has had on many of our youngsters in this community. We distributed the material to our teachers after a staff development workshop that you conducted. Immediately after the workshop the teachers began using the principles of the program in their day to day instruction. But the most salient discovery was what I saw in the hallways…the cafeteria…the gymnasium and the bus stop. I began to notice…as did many of my teachers…that the students were beginning to “live” by the principles of the I CAN Program. The fact that students began to discover that…they can have everything in life they want…if they help enough other folks get what they want…began to become a reality to them.
Being “nice” is a choice. To have a friend…you must be a friend. Your attitude in life is the MOST important indicator of your future success. All of these attributes helped our youngsters get over the sometimes rocky road of adolescence. Thank you for bringing the I CAN Program to light in our community, and we look forward to staying focused on the “big deals” of life!
Robert Louis Stevenson once said, “The man is a success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much; who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of children; who leaves the world better than he found it, whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul; who never lacked appreciation of earth’s beauty or failed to express it; who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had.” Dr. Paul Jennings has done his part. What about you?
Bob Alexander is the President of The Alexander Resource Group and is the manufacturer and distributor of the I CAN Program. For more information on how you can bring the I CAN Program to your community, visit www.yesican.net or call 877-USA-ICAN (877-872-4226).

Stress - Good or Bad?

2009-07-30T15:56:00.000-07:00

By Zig Ziglar

The dictionary says that stress is “to force or drive.” It’s “urgency, pressure, importance.” It’s “focus, concentration of attention, to emphasize.” When we look at the entire dictionary definition of stress, we learn that stress can be either good or bad. Too much stress will cause you to lose sleep, make you edgy and irritable and give you high blood pressure. If you don’t feel any stress, it may mean that you’re not putting any significant importance on what you’re doing. That can be as bad as too much stress. It seems that a balance in our life is the key as far as stress is concerned.

How do we handle relatively minor stressful situations (temporary increase in work load, slightly overdrawn at the bank, car threatening us with a repair bill, etc.) and adjust it to the proper level? This is one area where our feelings are extremely important. Most of us can sense when we’re feeling too much stress, so let’s look at some methods for stress reduction. (The real “biggies” like divorce, bankruptcy, abuse, unemployment, etc., are more serious and will be the subject of a future article in this newsletter.)

First, we need to identify the cause of stress. Is it a misunderstanding with a co-worker or family member? Is it getting so involved in our responsibility that we lose our sense of perspective for the everyday facets of a balanced lifestyle? If so, what can we do about it? First, if it’s a people problem, take time to talk it out. Try to put yourself in the other person’s shoes. If you’re wrong, admit it and apologize. You won’t “lose face” – you’ll gain respect because you’ve acknowledged that you’re wiser today than you were yesterday. Second, find a pressure release. Take time for yourself, even if for just a few minutes. Some quiet reading, a good walk, some relaxation, a shift of scenery can work wonders. Take these steps to relieve that stress and I will SEE YOU AT THE TOP!

Zig Ziglar is a motivator and teacher. He is the author of 27 books and loved by millions of people world wide for his practical wisdom and his gift of hope.

5 Positive Things to Do Instead of Complain

2009-04-21T12:33:00.000-07:00

By Jon Gordon

One of the key principles of The No Complaining Rule is that we have a choice of how we invest our energy at home and at work. We can focus on the negative or the positive. We can focus on problems or use problems to create solutions. And we can focus on sharing positive energy or negative energy. It’s all about our intention, our focus and our habits. Bad habits create bad results and good habits create good results. And since one of the best ways to stop a bad habit is to replace it with a good habit, here are 5 positive things we can do each day instead of complain.

1.Practice Gratitude. Research shows that when we count three blessings a day, we get a measurable boost in happiness that uplifts and energizes us. It’s also physiologically impossible to be stressed and thankful at the same time. Two thoughts cannot occupy our mind at the same time. If you are focusing on gratitude, you can’t be negative. You can also energize and engage your co-workers by letting them know you are grateful for them and their work.

2. Praise Others. Instead of complaining about what others are doing wrong, start focusing on what they are doing right. Praise them and watch as they create more success as a result. Of course, point out their mistakes so they can learn and grow, but make sure you give three times as much praise as criticism.

3. Focus on Success. Start a success journal. Each night before you go to bed, write down the one great thing about your day. The one great conversation, accomplishment, or win that you are most proud of. Focus on your success, and you’ll look forward to creating more success tomorrow.

4. Let Go. Focus on the things that you have the power to change, and let go of the things that are beyond your control. You’ll be amazed that when you stop trying to control everything, it all somehow works out.

5. Pray and Meditate. Scientific research shows that these daily practices reduce stress; boost positive energy; and promote health, vitality, and longevity. When you are faced with the urge to complain or you are feeling stressed to the max, stop, be still, plug-in to the ultimate power, and recharge.

Why Employees Don't Work to Full Capacity

2009-01-31T21:55:00.000-08:00

By Janae Wentworth

Many workplace studies show that at least 25% of workers said they were capable of doing 50% more work. On average, they estimated they could do 26% more. Why don’t they? About a third mentioned one or more of the following explanations:

1. Not being involved in decision making.
2. The lack of a reward for good performance.
3. No opportunity for advancement.
4. A lack of supervision and inadequate training.

Good managers remember to recognize and motivate employees. Great managers do it every day. Here are some proven methods for making sure that praising employees becomes part of your daily routine:

• Make employees a part of your weekly “to do” list. Add the names of the people who report to you to your list of goals to accomplish. Then cross off names as you praise them.

• Write notes at the end of the day. Keep a stack of note cards on your desk, where you cannot ignore them. At the end of the day, take a minute to write thank-you notes to any employee who made a difference that day.

• At the beginning of the day, put five coins in your pocket. Then, during the day, each time you praise an employee, transfer the coin to your other pocket. It may sound corny, but once you get in the habit, you’ll start relying on tricks like this one.

Many managers think that handing out praise indiscriminately is better than not praising at all. They are wrong. Do not make the mistake of thinking any praise is good praise! If you hand out praise the wrong way, at the wrong time, or for the wrong reasons, it can do more harm than good. Here are some guidelines to follow when using praise to motivate employees:

1. Be very specific about what you praise. Never say, “Bob, you are doing a great job, keep up the good work.” For all you know, Bob may have spent part of the morning making personal phone calls and goofing off. He is going to think that you are a pushover and easy to fool. Wait for something specific to praise, e.g., “Bob, you did a great job on the Anderson account. Keep up the good work.”
2. Do not praise ordinary performance. If you praise employees for daily routine tasks, they will not be motivated to do better. Also, if and when they do excellent work, your praise will not mean as much.
3. Do not just “hit and run.” If an employee does excellent work on a project, spend some time with that employee to let him or her know how much it means to you and the company. Better yet, take that employee to lunch as a way of rewarding the behavior.
4. Use praise to improve poor performance. If an employee is doing well in one area, but poorly in another, use praise to improve the poor performance. Sit the employee down, praise what he or she is doing right, and then say, “Now I want you to take the same approach on this other matter. . . “

Visualization, A Key To Success - By Leo Ryan

2007-06-07T01:56:00.001-07:00

Visualization can be a powerful key for anyone to achieve success. This can be in any area in our life, whether it's success in business, overcoming health issues, or achieving success in sporting ventures.

This is a technique that has been used by successful athletes, actors, politicians and business people. It is a technique that can make the difference between success and failure.

Arnold Schwarzenegger, now the governor of California, won the Mr. Universe title five times and he attributes his success to a great extent in using visualization to achieve that. He refers to the time before he won his first tournament. The title was already his. He had seen himself winning it so many times in his mind he had no doubt he would win it.

He makes the same claim about being a successful actor. He wasn't the greatest of actors but that did not stop him being successful and earning big money.

Visualization is nothing more than using your imagination. It is a matter of creating, in your mind, what you want to be, do, or have. It is like making a movie in your mind and you are the director. You have complete control.

I am reminded of a man who was involved in a plane crash. He naturally had multiple injuries and it was amazing he survived. The only thing he was able to do by himself was blink. However, he was able to use his mind.

It was thought he would never recover from his injuries but he was not prepared to accept that and he vowed to himself he would walk out of the hospital unaided by Christmas. The crash was in March.

So while he lay there all that time he made use of his mind by using visualization. He astounded everyone with his recovery and he eventually walked out of the hospital unaided before Christmas as he had visualized and decided he was going to do.

To be successful with visualization there are steps to follow:

1. Decide what you want to visualize. What is it you want to achieve? Is it success in a business opportunity? What will success mean? Finding your dream home, traveling, or something else?

2. Find a quiet spot, take a deep breath and relax.

3. Once you are completely at ease, begin your movie. You are now directing your imagined reality. It is happening before your eyes. You are already experiencing it. Keep your mind focused. Don't let it end until you are ready.

There are of course the cynics and the skeptics. There will be those who scoff at this as being hocus pocus and not based in reality. There will also be those who say they have heard it all before and claim to have tried it and it didn't work.

But this is crucial. Results will not occur unless the desired outcomes have been imprinted into your mind over and over again. It may take months of rewinding and repeating that same movie in your head to achieve the desired result. Get the message: repetition is essential. Think of it this way, by the time you have achieved what you want you won't be surprised. It will feel as if you expected it, as if you already achieved the reality.

When practiced now and then visualizing is like daydreaming. It has to be a daily practice without exception in order to draw you toward the achievement of any goal. Repetition is the key.

Position To Receive Presents: The 5 Ps For Success! - By Michael Matthews

2007-05-23T14:18:00.000-07:00

For most people success is defined by how much money you have or how much money your business makes. As a teenager my definition of success was like most people measured by making lots of money. As I grew up I realized in order to truly be successful I had to grasp certain principles that will allow me to be completely successful. As I began taking a deeper look at it, I found it is actually possible to be successful even before the money and possessions. How you ask? It has a lot to do with understanding principles and knowing no matter what you possess, you are already successful! Success is a state of mind. We need to adjust our mindset in order for us to recognize that we are successful and enable the true manifestation to take place. I'm going to share with you what I call The Five Ps For Success. They are Passion, Patience, Persistence, Perception and Purpose. I believe they will give you a sense of direction and deeper understanding as you walk in your own personal success!

Passion -

There is nothing in the world like doing something you want to do versus something you have to do. Whether you are working a regular job or have your own business, you have to make sure whatever it is you are doing you are passionate about it. You see, when you're passionate about something, the way you talk about it; everything just sounds different. You come off more confident and knowledgeable. People can sense your passion and you are simply more believable. See, when you are truly passionate about something you can deliver it, sell it or as I like to say close the deal. Having passion for something simply can not be made up. There is no formula, either you are into it or you're not. At the end of the day, you have to ask yourself how bad do you really want it.

Patience -

For most of us this is the hardest thing to do. exercise Patience. I'll be the first to say I wanted it yesterday, but that's just not realistic. No matter what it is in life you are trying to achieve you have to have patience. I'm sure at some point and time you've asked yourself will it ever happen. Like most people I too have been in a constant battle within myself trying to figure out is this going be THE year? What I've found out is that many of us "feel" we are ready and "truthfully we are not." This is where patience comes in. There comes a point when you have to realize if something is for you, it's for you. Nothing or no one can take it away. Sometimes in life we have to simply be patient and see things through no matter what obstacles lay ahead.

Persistence -

I have to ask the question. How bad do you want it? I think the biggest mistake I've seen as to why people are not successful is literally because they give up to soon. They are not persistent in their journey for success. Simply having persistence can get you along way in life. I often ask many successful entrepreneurs about how they obtained their success. A lot of them told me "they simply refused to give up!" They were so persistent in what they wanted; they would not let anything stand in their way. Being persistent can mean the difference between success and failure. No matter what it is you are in pursuit of, you have to remember to stay persistent. Persistence is everything when you're looking for success!

Perception -

Applied the right way perception can be very instrumental in your success. How people perceive you, your business or whatever you're trying to achieve can make all the difference in the world. My point of view is probably going to be a lot different from most because I market people for a living. I have to look at most things by how people's perception will be not by how it really is. It's like being an image consultant, the person's appearance basically is focused on more than who the person really is. Think about when you first put on a new suit or new dress you just feel different. It works both ways; the way you perceive yourself in it as well as the way others perceive you. The power of perception changes our entire outlook. Perception can catapult you and your business to another level.

Purpose -

Purpose is defined as something one intends to get or do. Do you know what your purpose is? I think for a lot of people the reason they are not successful is because they haven't found their purpose. Sometimes you have to ask yourself what is my true purpose for doing what I'm doing? See once you begin to understand the relevance of purpose, whatever it is you are trying to achieve becomes simple. You must be guided by purpose. There are many people with the desire to be successful but have no purpose to be successful. You have to make sure that whatever it is you are trying to achieve in life in order to be truly successful that you have really thought about your purpose first.

How to Handle Bossy People (Especially Those Who Aren't Even Your Boss!) - By Hale Dwoskin

2007-05-21T19:43:00.000-07:00

Among the many types of "difficult" people you will inevitably face in your life are the bossy ones. These are people who, for no other reason than they want to, tell you what you should be doing with your life, how you should be doing it, and -- everyone's favorite -- what you shouldn't have done already.

The thing about bossy people, though, is that they think they're doing you a favor. Your mother, for instance, simply must tell you to wash your hands (even though you're nearly 40 years old) because she can't bear to let you walk around with germs on them. Your spouse, meanwhile, may try to boss you around in the backyard because he or she is sure you'll pull out the tomato plant instead of the milkweed. The potential catastrophes are simply too great to not lend these pearls of wisdom.

To the recipient, of course, being bossed around can be downright maddening, particularly when it's coming from someone who is probably better off minding their own business. However, you don't have to let bossy people get the better of you.

How to Handle Bossy People (in a Kind and Healthy Way)

Because nobody likes being bossed around or controlled, you may be tempted to confront the bossy person in an accusatory way, which will surely escalate the situation and leave you with nothing but more strife. So the next time you find yourself with a bossy, controlling person, use these tips to handle the situation with eloquence, class, and a positive outcome for you.

1. Confront the person in an appreciative way. You certainly should address a bossy person's offensive behavior, but you must do so gently. Start out by showing your appreciation, then stating that you're happy doing things your own way. (Try, "I appreciate that you're trying to help me do the dishes more effectively, but I prefer to use the sponge, not the dish rag.")

2. Release your frustrations. Being bossed around can bring up many negative feelings, including anger, frustration, anxiety, and even a loss of self-esteem. The last thing you want to do is internalize these feelings and create an unnecessary source of stress in your life. The Sedona Method is an ideal tool you can use to release these negative emotions simply, quickly, and for good.

3. Stand your ground. While realizing that most bossy people do have good intentions, you should make it clear to him or her that you have no intention of changing your behaviors. It may be that the person continues to try and control you, but it's also possible that, upon seeing your confidence, he or she will eventually back down and leave you be. Again, this should be done in a kind, not accusatory, way. (Such as, "Mom, I do so many things around the house the way you do, but when it comes to making salad, I like to cut the tomatoes in quarters, not slices.")

4. Give them a taste of their own medicine. Sometimes bossy people may not realize how offensive their remarks can be... until they experience it themselves. Next time someone tries bossing you around, experiment with being bossy in return. It may just help to curb the behavior altogether. For instance, if a bossy friend tells you how to get your hair cut, tell them your opinion about how they should be cutting theirs. Just be careful not to go overboard with this and become a bossy person yourself!

Tips for Finding Quality Content on the Web By John Doetsch

2007-05-15T13:52:00.000-07:00

Understanding how to locate high quality content online can be a strategic advantage for small business growth.

It can sometimes be extremely difficult to find quality content on the web. The Internet’s growth has allowed nearly anyone to become an “authority” on any number of topics. This can make the task of ensuring the quality of your site’s content seem quite daunting. However, by strategically using online content provided through several web-based resources, you can design a site that is useful, relevant and powerful. More importantly, understanding how to more effectively use the available content provides the foundation for driving greater traffic to and popularity for your online site.

Begin searching for quality content by visiting websites that are both similar to your own and continuously appear at the top of search engine rankings. Chances are, if they have a high search engine ranking, they have mastered the elements of strategic website design. Read through these sites and see what kinds of articles they have posted. Since not all of these sites will allow you to use their content on your own site, you’ll need to do another search to find free articles that are similar in content to those found on the sites you hope to emulate.

Next, refine your search by culling free article sites to find content that is relevant to your own website’s theme. Subject or classified directories provide a tremendous amount of resources for your perusal. These directories differ from search engines in that people have reviewed the content before including it in the directory, and they can be searched by subject as well as classification. Not surprisingly, individuals who are new to online marketing may find the idea of website optimization somewhat complicated. Therefore, consider searching the web for tutorials on how to most effectively look for quality content and free articles.

Finally, once you have found a series of articles to use from online resources, begin incorporating them into your site. However, before publishing anything onto your website, do a thorough review of the information since what you put on your site will be associated with your brand regardless of whether the content originated directly from you or not.

When evaluating the quality content of free articles consider several points:

1. Is the information accurate? Can the information given in the article be verified should the reader wish to do so?

2. What are the credentials of the author? Anyone can post web content. You should carefully review free articles before using them on your website. It could prove embarrassing to learn that a ten-year-old actually wrote the article that you included in your most recent e-mailed newsletter.

3. Is the article well-written? Does the article use good grammar and spelling and indicate a high level of quality? A poorly written article can damage your website’s credibility, and discourage your current visitors from making a return trip to your site.

4. Is the article current? Has it been updated? Some articles can remain on the web for years. Check the date of the original article and any updates. Today’s more sophisticated readers demand up-to-the-minute information. An outdated article is of no value to you or your readers.

5. Is the article objective? Does the author present an unbiased view of the subject? You do not want to present a one-sided view to your readers.

6. Is contact information provided? You may wish to contact the author to acquire permission to post his/her article, or to answer any questions you or your readers might have.

7. Are there links to other sites? Can readers access other websites to obtain further information on the subject?
Developing quality content online can prove difficult. Therefore, consider using the content available through online resources, after conducting due diligence on its source, to increase the customer engagement on your site. In doing so, you can help to build a stronger and more effective online presence.

John Doetsch is the editor of Websition.com, a website content provider featuring articles written by the Internet's most gifted authors. http://www.websition.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

Road Trip to Empowerment - By Kay Richardson & Sarah Fuelling

2007-05-14T20:58:00.000-07:00

Sarah and I pulled into Yellowstone's north entrance at 2:00 a.m. and were greeted by the official National Park warning: "Beware of Bison!" The bright yellow flyer had a comic yet equally horrifying black sketch: a bison, head down, horns forward, tossing a flailing human into the air, his camera flying. On this dark, moonless night, with no other human being in sight, we were thrilled to arrive, but uncertain whether to proceed.

* The Power of Facing Our Fears

There was no one to collect our entrance fee, no one to tell us if we were safe to continue, and no one to help us if needed. We each heard the voice of caution familiar to many women--am I taking too great a risk? There are times to heed that voice by not continuing and times to simply hear it, recognize the possible dangers, and trust your instinct to move ahead.

Road trips provide multiple opportunities for empowerment, beginning with the chance to face our fears. Each time we push past what's comfortable and succeed, we gain confidence in our power of discernment. This frees us to live an adventurous life!

That night in Yellowstone, we embraced just such an opportunity. With adrenaline pumping, we drove on into the park for one of the most exciting and beautifully eerie experiences we've ever had. Everywhere we looked, there seemed to be eyes--little dots of light in the night looking back at us--a set of two here, a group of many there. We drove slowly, taking it all in.

* The Power of Spontaneity

After an hour or so we parked our trusty Saturn on the paved shoulder. It was very late; we'd covered many miles that day. It's surprising how comfortable you can get with reclined seats, a pillow, and a sleeping bag.

On that trip we simply stayed wherever was convenient. Ironically, we'd planned it that way. Our day-to-day lives were filled with deadlines, decisions, and goals to reach. This road trip was an opportunity to step outside that and simply do whatever we wanted, whenever we wanted--a unique chance to let the children in us play and the adults rest.

By 4:00 a.m., we just wanted sleep. So we got comfortable in the car, giggling at ourselves for selecting the one spot in front of a pay phone. You know, just in case one of those bison got ideas...

* The Power of Others

One of the things you discover on road trips is how many interesting, kind, and caring people there are in the world. There were the folks who gave us gas when we realized our tank was nearly empty in a huge national park with the nearest gas station miles away. There was the camp host who brought extra firewood and doted on us like a grandfather. There were the countless smiles and moments of small talk.

It's easy to become wary of strangers, particularly with the barrage of tragic stories in the media. Road trips are a chance to experience firsthand the larger community we live in and feel support outside our usual world of friends, family, and colleagues. The power of that knowing includes a sense of greater security in our day-to-day lives and a feeling of connection rather than isolation from others.

* The Power of Self-Knowledge

Yellowstone Park was one of many destinations on that luxuriously long road trip, and through our journey together, we got to know ourselves in a new way. We were open to such learning because we had fewer distractions and time to consider our experiences. Unlike many life lessons that require big change for us to stop and notice, the things we learned were, for the most part, fun and easy.

Many of these lessons were practical nuggets of wisdom about what we really need to be comfortable. You can live without a hair dryer--but not without toothbrush and toothpaste. Moist wipes can clean hands, clean spills, clean the car, and clean your body in a pinch. A hot shower is one of life's greatest sensual pleasures. Clothes that "feel like you" are essential and empowering. Having gear that keeps you cozy in any weather frees you to enjoy the outdoors. Less is more; being able to find what you need because your space isn't cluttered is freeing.

* The Power of Creating Your Dreams

As we got to know our essential selves in a new way, our real dreams for our lives had room to surface. Around late-night campfires, we rediscovered some of our childhood dreams and explored others we wanted to pursue. We decided to act on them by writing down "My Five Dreams." We began: "I co-create with the universe..." and then listed five of our most significant life dreams. This brought them right into the present, as we took responsibility and claimed support from the spiritual realm to attract our dreams into our lives. The expansiveness of the road was echoed in our dreams--rather than being limited to one, we had five to expand on. This helped us develop an exciting life vision to take home, inspiring us to continue on our highest path.

* The Power of Forgiving Yourself

Another tool we hit on in our travels was the power of giving ourselves a break. We did some soul searching by writing things from the past we were carrying guilt or regret about. Then, from a spiritually connected place, we simply said, "I forgive myself for _____." The joy of being spontaneous on the road was magnified by the lightness of being that comes from truly forgiving oneself.

* The Power of Being

The ultimate power of any road trip is the opportunity to be a "human being," rather than a "human doing." Most of us live such hectic daily lives that we don't realize we are whole and complete just by being ourselves. Instead, we are constantly in motion, our focus on the next thing to be done or on the list we haven't gotten to. As a result, we can become disconnected from our experiences, unaware of who we are or what we need because we are too busy to notice. We become unable to adjust our lives to better suit our dreams and passions because we don't have enough time to do so or the self-knowledge to make good choices. There is incredible power in stepping outside our typical selves and venturing into the unknown.

Leaving behind the familiar can be frightening, even intimidating, and we often engineer our lives to avoid such situations. But the joy of travel and being with friends can push us to venture into those places, with the added bonus of it being our choice to do so rather than circumstances making the choice for us. The resulting learning and life experience are bonuses over and above the simple pleasures of a road trip.

So take the chance to face your fears. To be spontaneous. To reach out to others and be touched by them. To know yourself. To create your highest dreams. To forgive yourself, and to simply be. And if your road trip takes you to Yellowstone, watch out for those bison!

The Truth about Debt By Dave Ramsey

2007-05-14T00:23:00.000-07:00

Myth: Debt is a tool and should be used to help create prosperity.
Truth: Debt isn't used by wealthy people nearly as much as we are led to believe.

Debt is dumb. Most normal people are just plain broke because they are in debt up to their eyeballs with no hope of help. If you're in debt, then you're a slave because you do not have the freedom to use your money to help change your family tree.

According to a recent USA Today article about debt, 78% of Baby Boomers have mortgage debt, 59% have credit card debt, and 56% have car payments. It takes a lot of will, discipline, courage and help to slay the debt monster. But it can be done. Imagine how much you could put toward retirement if you just didn't have a stinking car payment? This is how the wealthy really build their wealth. Debt is dumb. Welcome to the real world!

Dave Ramsey's Background

When training for my first career in real estate, I was told that debt was a tool. "Debt is like a fulcrum and lever," allowing us to lift what we otherwise could not lift. We can buy a home, a car, start a business, or go out to eat and not be bothered with having to wait. I remember a finance professor telling us that debt was a two-edged sword, which would cut for you like a tool but could also cut into you and bring harm.

The myth has been sold that we should use OPM (other people's money) to prosper. The academic garbage is spread really thick on this issue. We are told with sufficient snobbery and noses in the air that sophisticated and disciplined financiers use debt to their advantage. Careful there, you'll get a sunburn on your upper lip.

Consider the Risk

My contention is that debt brings on enough risk to offset any advantage that could be gained through leverage of debt. Given time - a lifetime - risk will destroy the perceived returns purported by the myth-sayers. I once was a myth-sayer myself and could repeat the myths very convincingly. I was especially good with the "debt is a tool" myth. I even sold rental property that was losing money to investors by showing them, with very sophisticated internal rates of return, how they would actually make money!

Boy, what a reach. I could spout the myth with enthusiasm, but life and God had some lessons to teach me. Only after losing everything I owned and finding myself bankrupt did I think that risk should be factored in, even mathematically. It took my waking up in "intensive care" to realize how dumb and dangerous this myth is. Life hit me hard enough to get my attention and teach me.

According to Proverbs 22:7, "The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave of the lender" (NRSV). I was confronted with this scripture and had to make a conscious decision of who was right - my broke finance professor, who taught that debt is a tool, or God, who showed the obvious disdain for debt. Beverly Sills had it right when she said, "There is no shortcut to any place worth going."

The Secret to Saving Money By Dave Ramsey

2007-05-08T00:36:00.000-07:00

In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has. -Proverbs 21:20

Saving money is not a matter of math. You will not save money when you get that next raise. You will not save money when that car is paid off. You will not save money when the kids are grown. You will only save money when it becomes an emotional priority.

We all know we need to save, but most people don't save like they know they need to save. Why? Because they have competing goals. The goal to save isn't a high enough priority to delay that purchase of the pizza, DVD player, new computer, or china cabinet. So we purchase, buy, consume all our dollars away or, worse yet, go into debt to buy these things. That debt means monthly payments that control our paychecks and make us say things like, "We just don't make enough to save any money!" Wrong, wrong, wrong! We DO make enough to save money; we just aren't willing to quit spoiling ourselves with our little projects or pleasures to have enough left to save. I don't care what you make - you can save money. It just has to become a big enough priority to you.

If a doctor told you that your child was dying and could only be saved with a $15,000 operation that your insurance would not cover and could only be performed 9 months from today, could you save $15,000? Yes! Of course you could! You would sell things, you would stop any spending that wasn't required to survive, and you would take two extra jobs. For that short 9 months, you would become a saving madman (or madwoman). You would give up virtually anything to accomplish that $15,000 goal. SAVING WOULD BECOME A PRIORITY.

The secret to saving? FOCUSED EMOTION. The secret to saving money is to make it a priority, and that is done ONLY when you get some healthy anger or fear and then focus that emotion on your personal decisions. Harnessing that emotion will make you move yourself to the top of your creditor list. Then ask yourself, "Which bill is the most important? After tithing, who should I pay first this month?" The answer is YOU! Until you pay God first, then yourself, then everyone and everything else, you will never save money.

The advertisers and marketing community are affecting our emotions every day and taking every dollar we have by making us see our wants as needs. It is time for this to stop! Emotions make great slaves, but they are lousy masters. No matter how educated or sophisticated we are, if we are not saving all we should be, we are being ruled by emotions, not harnessing them as financial planning slaves.
So whether you are saving for college tuition, a trip to the family reunion, new school clothes for little Bobby or Sally, or anything else, start saving NOW! It's never too late!

Worry by Zig Ziglar

2007-04-26T01:37:00.000-07:00

Worry has been described as "interest paid on trouble before it comes due." One of America's worst enemies is worry. Worry is like a rocking chair; it requires a lot of energy, and it gets you nowhere. Leo Buscaglia said, "Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy."

Question: Are you a worrier? Americans take more pills to forget more worries about more things than ever before and more than people in any other nation in history. That's bad. According to Dr. Charles Mayo, "Worry affects the circulation and the whole nervous system. I've never known a man who died from overwork, but I've known many who have died from doubt." Doubt always creates worry, and in most cases, lack of information raises the doubt.

Life is much like Christmas. You're more apt to get what you expect than what you want.

Mathematically speaking, it really doesn't make sense to worry. Psychologists and other researchers tell us that roughly 40 percent of what we worry about will never happen and 30 percent has already happened. Additionally, 12 percent of our worries are over unfounded health concerns. Another 10 percent of our worries involve the daily miscellaneous fretting that accomplishes nothing. That leaves only 8 percent. Plainly speaking, Americans are worrying 92 percent of the time for no good reason, and if Dr. Mayo is right, it's killing us.

One solution that will reduce your worry is this: Don't worry about what you can't change. Example: For a number of years I've flown in excess of 200,000 miles a year. On occasion, flights are canceled or delayed. As I write this, I'm sitting on the runway waiting for my gate to clear. If I worry or get angry, nothing will change. If I take constructive action and finish this article, I'm ahead of the game. That's a positive way to use the energy that I would have wasted on anger, frustration, or worrying.

The message is clear: If you don't like your situation in life, don't fret or worry--do something about it. Worry less, and act more.

Easy Ways You Can Control Anger

2007-04-25T02:53:00.000-07:00

According to health experts, anger is defined as "an emotional state that varies in intensity from mild irritation to intense fury and rage." Anger can be brought on by either external or internal factors. Anger can come about as the result of a fight, a traffic jam, a run in with the boss and even a past memory of a hurt suffered can cause anger. Recognizing when you are angry and finding ways to control the emotion are very important. Anger can be constructive to a point but can very easily lead to destructive behavior. Let's take a closer look at how to control anger.

Developing better problem solving skills is one way to control anger. Sometimes anger takes place in relation to circumstances that a person cannot control. When this happens, make a concise plan about how to deal with the problem and then pay attention to your progress in coping with the situation at hand. Do the best you can but do not beat yourself up if things do not go as planned. Just keep on trying your best.

Control anger by taking yourself out of the environment that is a breeding ground for more anger. Always take a breather from stressful times and schedule some down time or personal time for yourself every day, even if it is just an hour per day. Do something you enjoy or something that makes you happy, such as reading a book, watching a movie, taking a walk, relaxing in the bathtub, gardening, going window shopping, and so on. Learning to relax is an excellent way to diffuse a situation where anger is taking hold. Try some basic relaxation exercises such as using imagery or deep breathing to help you feel calmer and more centered. For example,learn to breathe from your diaphragm, as breathing from your chest as most people tend to do is not going to help relax your mind and body at all. Choose a word or a phrase and repeat it to yourself in your head whenever you are feeling angry. Suggestions are using the word "calm" or "relaxed,” “take a breath," "calm down,” or “take it easy.” Imagery goes a long way in making relaxation a reality. Visualize a scene or a memory that helps to calm you and brings you joy.

Yoga is another way to relax yourself from the top of your head to the bottom of your toes. There are many different forms of yoga. So, make sure you choose the one that is slow and non-strenuous to the body. Yoga helps to relax the muscles as well as calm the mind. Other ways to relax in order to control anger include getting a massage or taking the time to learn to meditate.

Cognitive restructuring is another method of controlling anger. Put more simply, this means altering the way you think about events, people and the like. Angry people often exaggerate, blow situations out of proportion and leave all forms of logic behind. Always remind yourself that in the end anger solves nothing; instead, it complicates situations even more. An attitude adjustment is often an effective means of controlling anger.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

How to Use the Law of Attraction - 4 Secret Keys - By Michael Lee

2007-04-19T01:19:00.000-07:00

The law of attraction has become one of the most popular topics today in the world of personal development. Many people have experienced massive changes in their life since they have watched the life-changing movie entitled "The Secret". This movie focused on what is believed to be the most powerful law in the universe - the law of attraction.

People everywhere are interested to know how to use the power of this universal law to attract their desires and achieve their ambitions in life.

For those who are not familiar, you might be asking, "What is the law of attraction?"

It is a universal entity that attracts to you whatever you focus your attention on majority of the time. This magnetic power allows you to manifest your thoughts and emotions into reality.

You may have not been aware, but it has been existent since the beginning of creation. The greatest people who have ever lived practiced the law of attraction. The most successful people in the world today are practicing it, including Oprah Winfrey.

It is vital for anyone who is applying this universal law to know how to use it to its full advantage. The law of attraction does not merely rely on the "ask, believe, and receive" formula. Nope, sorry to say but it's not that simple. To unleash its full magnetic power, you have to observe the following:

1. Visualize in your mind the very thing you desire to be, do, or have. Believe without a doubt that it is already happening in your life. Feel the happiness or satisfaction of having achieved your dream in your whole body, mind, heart, and soul. It is highly recommended that you create a vision board (a cardboard will do, with pictures of things that delight your heart). This will greatly boost your visual faculty.

2. Declare your intentions, believe that you are already receiving what you are asking for, and state your affirmations whenever you can. If you want to be a best-selling author, say, "I am a best-selling author!" many times throughout the day with belief, conviction, and emotion. It is highly recommended to go to a room alone to focus on your self-talk.

At any time of the day when you are about to say something negative like "I can never do this!" or "I'm so dumb!" hold your tongue and say "Cancel! Cancel!" or "Delete! Delete!" It is vital to keep your inner dialogue purely positive and free from pessimistic toxins.

3. Take inspired action! The universe helps those who help themselves. If you've been watching "My Name is Earl," you'll probably be familiar with karma. It states that if you do something good, an equally good thing will come back to you. And if you do something bad, an equally bad thing will come back to you. You reap what you sow. Therefore, if you just keep daydreaming and don't do anything, the universe won't do anything to help you either.

4. Receive openly. The law of attraction is more powerful if you open up and allow yourself to receive the abundance that the universe supplies to you. If you reject your blessings, you are stopping the flow of prosperity and decreasing your attracting force. Acknowledge even the smallest things in life. Remember to always say "Thank you." Let the universe know how much you appreciate all the abundant gifts you are receiving. Show sincere gratitude, and the universe will respond appropriately by giving you more.

The law of attraction is so precise; it never fails. Understand it, know exactly how to unleash its full potential, and start applying its principles to manifest everything you've always dreamed of. You can do it! May the attraction power be with you.

Keep Word commands handy with Office 2007's Quick Access Toolbar by Mary Ann Richardson

2007-04-18T02:38:00.000-07:00

With Word 2007, there's no reason to click the mouse more than once to execute a command. If you find yourself frequently clicking around the ribbon to get to the same handful of commands, just add them to Word's Quick Access Toolbar, and you will not have to hunt for it again.

For example, if your job often entails reviewing document comments, follow these steps to add the most frequently used reviewing tools to the top of the screen.

1. In the Quick Access toolbar to the right of the Office button, click
the Customer Quick Access list arrow.
2. Click More Commands.
3. Select Choose Commands from the drop-down list.
4. Click All Commands.
5. In the left column, click and then click the Add button.
6. Scroll to and click Accept And Move To Next, then click the Add button.
7. Click and then click the Add button.
8. Scroll to and click Reject and Move to Next, then click the Add button.
9. Click OK.

Once you add a tool, you can remove it from the toolbar by right-clicking the tool and selecting Remove From Quick Access Toolbar.

Saying No Gracefully to Customers and Colleagues - By Terri Zwierzynski

2007-04-11T14:37:00.000-07:00

Envision the scenario: You've just been asked at the last minute by Chris, the organizer of your local networking group, to replace the scheduled speaker at next month's meeting. You already have too many commitments on your plate. Imagine your response:

You: "Well, I don't think I'd have enough time to prepare. I'm awfully sorry-I wish I could help you!"

Chris: "Your last speech was super-maybe you could just talk some more about that topic? I'd really appreciate it!"

You: "I'm glad you liked it--maybe I could do it.<

Chris: "Oh that would be great! Just let me know the title."

How might you feel about doing this speech? You might feel stressed or resentful. You might not be at your best when you do the speech. Other work that you'd really like to be doing might suffer.

Now imagine a different response:

You: "No, I can't be prepared on such short notice. I know how hard it is to find someone-Alex speaks on a variety of topics and I think she could fill in for you. I'll give you her number."

Chris: "Thanks! That will really help."

This is a win-win-win: Alex gets an opportunity to speak (her specialty), Chris gets a speaker, and you aren't saddled with a commitment you don't want--plus, you've probably earned some good will from both Alex and Chris. What a difference!

Whether you are saying no to a collaborator asking you to do something, or saying no to a potential client that you really don't want to have, the ability to say no gracefully is a key skill when you are in business as a solo entrepreneur. Here are four quick steps to learning this skill:

1.Understand the reasons you say "yes", even when you don't really want to. Here are some common reasons; which ones apply to you?
* You want to please people; you don't want to hurt anyone's feelings.
* The customer is always right, you can't say no to the customer!
* It's not polite to say no; if you say no you feel you are being self-centered.
* You are flattered by the request.
* You feel like you need the business!
* You can't think of a nice way to say no fast enough.
* You think there might be other unforeseen negative consequences if you say no.

2. Recognize the good things that can come out of saying "no":
* You have more opportunities to say "yes" to the right customer.
* You have more time to do the things you *want* to do.
* Saying no expresses how you *really* feel. You are taking responsibility for your own feelings and letting others take responsibility for theirs.
* Someone else who really wants this customer's business, has a chance to get it

3. Learn how to say "no" gracefully:
* "No, I can't do that." Don't beat around the bush-put "no" right upfront.
* Use non-verbal cues to underscore the "no"-shake your head; use a firm and direct voice, use eye-contact.
* Add an explanation if you want, but don't apologize: "I have another commitment." - even if that commitment is to yourself!
* Be empathetic if the situation calls for it: "I know how hard it is to find a tax-preparer at this time of year."
* Recommend an alternative if one is available: "Let me refer you to..."
* If you're not sure, it's always OK to ask for more time to think it over!

4. Practice your new skill:
* Rehearse ahead of time if you think it will help. Role play with your business coach or a friend or colleague.
* Choose a low-risk situation first. Practice on your significant other, family, friends. Or practice on strangers, if that's easier for you: the salesclerk who wants to sell you one more thing, the telemarketer calling at dinner.
* Work your way up to friendly clients. They are likely to appreciate the boundaries you are setting!
* When you have the courage to fire that client who hasn't paid and makes unreasonable demands-you'll know you've mastered saying "NO!" (Hint: refer them to someone else that is a better fit and help manage the transition!)

Saying "no" gives you freedom. It is a way of honoring both yourself and the person you are saying "no" to. Learn to do it well, and you will earn the respect of others--and yourself!

About the Author:
Terri Zwierzynski is a coach to small business owners and Solo Entrepreneurs. She is also the CEI (Conductor of Extraordinary Ideas) at Solo-E.com. Terri is an MBA honors graduate from UNC-Chapel Hill. Terri has been coaching for over 10 years in a variety of settings, including 6 years as a senior-level coach and consultant for a Fortune 500 company. She opened her private coaching practice in 2001. Contact her at: http://www.Solo-E.com.

Hitting the Bull's Eye

2007-04-11T00:16:00.000-07:00

Somebody once said the difference between a big shot and little shot is that the big shot was the little shot who kept on shooting. There's much truth in that witticism. The reality is, no matter what our target might be, we seldom hit it on the first try unless the target is low, which means the accomplishment--and the rewards--will be insignificant.

In bow shooting, experienced archers test the wind by using the first shot to judge its strength and direction, enabling them to zero in on the target with their following shots. In short, archers learn from their mistakes. That's good advice for all of us. Success in business, athletics, science, politics, etc., seldom comes on the first effort. Walt Disney went bankrupt a number of times and had at least one nervous breakdown before he made it big. Athletic skills are acquired over a long period of time and after countless hours of practice. Authors by the hundreds can tell you stories by the thousands of those rejection slips before they found a publisher who was willing to "gamble" on an unknown.

It's more than just a cliché that persistent, enthusiastic effort produces powerful, positive results, that failure is an event--not a person--and that the only time you must not fail is the last time you try. Whatever your target might be, chances are good that you're not going to hit the bull's eye on the first effort you make at being "successful." The key is persistence and the willingness to try again in the face of those early misses.

You can learn from those early mistakes and if you do keep on shooting, it's just a question of time before you, too, are hitting the bull's eye.

This article was adapted from Zig's book, Something Else to Smile About.

Eight Success Lessons from My Mom - By Michael G. Rayel

2007-04-10T01:49:00.000-07:00

As my mom receives treatment for a lingering illness, I can't help but think about what she has done for me and our family. As a young boy, my father used to remind me that without Mom, our family would have crumbled. "In every good family, there's always a good mother behind it," he emphasized.I can't forget those words coming from my dad, but my young brain couldn't fully appreciate it at that time. While I was growing up, Mom never talked about any success principle. However, through her attitude and actions over the years, I have realized that Mom is indeed the strength and foundation of the family. In fact, she has instilled in me life lessons important to success.

* Be Enthusiastic. My mom has always been enthusiastic. She was enthusiastic as a teacher, as a businesswoman, and as a mother. You could feel her presence because her positive attitude was infectious. Her smile, speech, and gestures showed a woman full of confidence in doing her tasks.A relative once commented that my mom was "a woman in a hurry" and "always busy." And yet you could always find a smile on her face, even during stressful times. She would tackle her task with ease and gladness. It was her positive attitude and enthusiasm that helped her develop long-term friendships and business relationships all through the years.

* Pursue Your Priorities. When she got married, she committed to raise her family the best way she could. Mom was always there for us, always willing to provide her precious time. We prayed, went to church, and had fun together as a family. Moreover, she gave us the necessary tools to do well in school. Many times, she had to swallow her pride just to borrow or rent Boy Scout uniforms or formal attire so we could participate in school programs. Early on, she made us aware of her mission. Her priority was to provide each of us with a college education regardless of her financial circumstances. She considered education as the only way to prepare us for the future.When the family business was thriving, she used the additional income to buy properties as investments. Her intention was to save for her children's future needs. So when I was in medical school and money was tight, she never hesitated to sell them just so I could pay my tuition fees and other school expenses.

* Develop a Strong Focus. My mom worked hard. She used to wake up early (around 5:00 a.m.), despite going to bed late (around 1:00 or 2:00 a.m.), to prepare the store for the day. Aside from her day job as a teacher, she was a full-time businesswoman in the evenings. She took care of her small restaurant and barbershop after work. During the day she would bring products to sell in a school store. I saw her rush to school, not just with a lesson plan but also with products in tow. On weekends she spent her free time with the customers and buying supplies, such as flour, bread, and meat, in nearby cities. Through hard work and focus Mom and Dad expanded their farm and grew their small business.

* Establish Your Integrity. My mom's coworkers and friends have always talked about Mom's integrity. Her words were consistently followed by appropriate actions. In short, her words were her actions, and vice versa. No wonder she gained the trust of her friends, relatives, and customers. Even lenders trusted her with their money. Each time she needed money, lenders would not hesitate to give her what she needed. Because of her integrity, some friends and relatives had asked her to borrow funds for them from "difficult" lenders or to serve as a guarantor. She had helped many families through these unselfish actions.

* Believe in Your Abilities. Mom has always made us believe that we're capable of achieving our goals. I was only 10 years old when she would announce to everyone how "intelligent" my siblings and I were. To prove her point, she would even ask me or my older siblings for suggestions about family or personal matters. My mom has always been proud of us. She values us. She focuses on our strengths and appreciates our efforts. She frequently reminds us that we each have a bright future. Because of her praise and positive expectations, we have confidence and strong belief in ourselves.

* Practice Self-Reflection. As a teenager, I was rebellious. I used to share with her my unconventional ideas about morality, religion, and politics. Instead of making comments, she would listen intently and made sure she understood me. Even during those times when I made mistakes, she never argued nor gave advice. Her infrequent and minimal comments would instead focus on the fact that I was "smart enough" to know what was good and appropriate. But I realized later that her "quiet" response was more powerful than any argument or advice in the world. Her unexpected response allowed me to analyze and criticize my own thoughts and behavior during my quiet moments. Likewise, it allowed me to learn from my mistakes through self-reflection.

* Be Generous. All her life, my mom has always been generous. She gives even if she has little. I remember as a young boy when she had to borrow money so she could give to a relative or a close friend who required urgent assistance. In addition, she sent some of our poor relatives' kids to school. She liked to help because she experienced the harsh reality of poverty when she was young. Her intention was to help stop the cycle of lack in those families through education.Moreover, she never hesitated to help a friend or a relative in need of basic necessities such as food and clothing. Her mindset was to serve others even if it meant sacrificing her own comfortable existence. It was, however, this profound sensitivity that endeared her to the hearts of others.

* Have Faith. Like any woman who has had to deal with an unfaithful husband, she suffered from sleepless nights and emotional pain. When my dad eventually left her for a younger woman, her only refuge was prayer. I saw her endure from that ordeal. She wept. She lost weight and had some restless nights. And yet, through constant prayer, she maintained her equanimity and survived the worst storm in her life.Her faith was tested yet again when my grandmother was suffering from the complications of dementia. For at least 10 years she was the only caregiver who was in my grandma's presence to meet her needs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Through her unceasing faith, she faced the challenges of caregiving and provided for her mother's care without complaint. Now that she faces another adversity--her own serious medical illness--she will remain strong as she has always been. For sure, her character and her faith will once again shine. Life has handed Mom its wonders and hardships, its opportunities and challenges, and its surprises and disappointments. No doubt, she has embraced them all with acceptance and firm resolve. My mom, who rarely gave direct advice, has proven that role modeling is crucial in teaching young minds the life lessons of success.

About the Author:This article was written by Michael Rayel, M.D., contributing author to "101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life: Volume 2." Dr. Rayel, CEO of Oikos Global--the maker of emotional intelligence games and educational products--has helped others learn emotional intelligence through his award-winning invention, the Oikos Game Series. For details, visit http://www.oikosglobal.com and http://www.oikosinsights.com

Growing Your Business One Customer at a Time - By Liz Tahir

2007-04-06T12:45:00.000-07:00

The "people" aspect of business is really what it is all about. Rule #1: Think of customers as individuals. Once we think that way, we realize our business is our customer, not our product or services. Putting all the focus on the merchandise in our store, or the services our corporation offers, leaves out the most important component: each individual customer.Keeping those individual customers in mind, here are some easy, down-home steps-to-remember when you want to keep 'em coming back!1. Remember there is no way that the quality of customer service can exceed the quality of the people who provide it. Think you can get by paying the lowest wage, giving the fewest of benefits, doing the least training for your employees? It will show. Companies don't help customers..people do.2. Realize that your people will treat your customer the way they are treated. Employees take their cue from management. Do you greet your employees enthusiastically each day; are you polite in your dealings with them; do you try to accommodate their requests; do you listen to them when they speak? Consistent rude service is a reflection not as much on the employee as on management.3. Do you know who your customers are? If a regular customer came in to your facility, would you recognize them? Could you call them by name? All of us like to feel important; calling someone by name is a simple way to do it and lets them know you value them as customers. Recently I signed on with a new fitness center. I had been a member of another one for the past ten years, renewing my membership every 6 months when the notice arrived. I had been thinking about changing, joining the one nearer my home and with more state-of-the-art equipment. So when the renewal notice came, I didn't renew. That was 8 months ago. Was I contacted by the fitness center and asked why I did not renew? Did anyone telephone me to find out why an established customer was no longer a member or to tell me they missed me? No and No. My guess is they don't even know they lost a long-time customer, and apparently wouldn't care.4. Do your customers know who you are? If they see you, would they recognize you? Could they call you by name? A visible management is an asset. At the Piccadilly Cafeteria chain, the pictures of the manager and the assistant manager are posted on a wall at the food selection line and it is a policy that the manager's office is placed only a few feet from the cashier's stand at the end of that line, in full view of the customers, and with the door kept open. The manager is easily accessible and there is no doubt about "who's in charge here". You have only to beckon to get a manager at your table to talk with you.5. Go the extra mile. Include a thank-you note in a customer's package; send a birthday card; clip the article when you see their name or photo in print; write a congratulatory note when they get a promotion. There are all sorts of ways for you to keep in touch with your customers and bring them closer to you.6. Are your customers greeted when they walk in the door or at least within 30-40 seconds upon entering? Is it possible they could come in, look around, and go out without ever having their presence acknowledged? It is ironic it took a discount merchant known for price, not service, to teach the retail world the importance of greeting customers at the door. Could it be that's because Sam Walton knew this simple but important gesture is a matter of respect, of saying "we appreciate your coming in," having nothing to do with the price of merchandise?7. Give customers the benefit of the doubt. Proving to him why he's wrong and you're right isn't worth losing a customer over. You will never win an argument with a customer, and you should never, ever put a customer in that position.8. If a customer makes a request for something special, do everything you can to say Yes. The fact that a customer cared enough to ask is all you need to know in trying to accommodate her. It may be an exception from your policy, but (if it isn't illegal) try to do it. Remember you are just making one exception for one customer, not making new policy. Mr. Marshall Field was right-on in his famous statement: "Give the lady what she wants."9. Are your associates properly trained in how to handle a customer complaint or an irate person? Give them guidelines for what to say and do in every conceivable case. People on the frontline of a situation play the most critical role in your customer's experience. Make sure they know what to do and say to make that customer's experience a positive, pleasant one.10. Want to know what your customers think of your company? Ask them! Compose a "How're We Doing?" card and leave it at the exit or register stand, or include it in their next statement. Keep it short and simple. Ask things like: what it is they like; what they don't like; what they would change; what you could do better; about their latest experience there, etc. To ensure the customer sends it in: have it pre-stamped. And if the customer has given their name and address, be sure to acknowledge receipt of the card.Remember that the big money isn't as much in winning customers as in keeping customers. Each individual customer's perception of your company will determine how well you do this.About the Author:Liz Tahir is an international marketing consultant, speaker, and seminar leader, whose mission is to help companies be more effective and profitable. Based in New Orleans, LA, USA, she can be contacted at (504)-569-1670; liz@liztahir.com; http://www.liztahir.com.

Don't Take Your Inner Brat to Work! - By Pauline Wallin

2007-04-03T14:23:00.000-07:00

Is your inner brat taking over your job? Everyone has an inner brat. It's the part of us that's still a two-year-old. It lives on in the dark recesses of our minds, no matter how much we've accomplished.The inner brat gets furious at the slightest inconvenience. It feels entitled to get what it wants, when it wants, and it complains when things don't go its way. Your inner brat not only makes you miserable; it makes work unpleasant for everyone else."Hmm," you might be saying to yourself right now. "That describes someone I work with." It's always easier to spot someone else's inner brat than your own. But take a moment now to reflect on yourself, and answer the following questions.* Do you frequently complain that something isn't fair?* Do you get angry at least once a day?* Do you hate at least one person at work?* Have you almost quit your job on the spot because you were upset?* Are you a spreader of gossip?* Do you frequently "forget" to do work or pass on messages that other people are waiting for?If you answered yes to any of these questions, you probably don't enjoy your job very much. And when you're in a negative mood, your inner brat brings you down even more. Research has shown that while some jobs are more stressful than others, dissatisfaction has more to do with your attitude than with the job itself. For example, consider two women, Abigail and Betty, who work as nurse's aides in a hospital. Abigail complains, "All I do is clean up other people's messes. Patients don't appreciate what I do for them. If I'm five minutes late or if I forget to wash out a bedpan, I get yelled at. When I first started here, they promised I'd get two breaks a day. Now I'm lucky if I even get one. I hate this job."Now here's how Betty sees her job: "I like to know that I can make the patients more comfortable. They don't always show appreciation, but I guess I wouldn't either if I was in as much pain as they are. Sometimes I get so busy that I forget things, and my supervisor gets mad. She's got the administration breathing down her neck and can't afford any patient complaints. There are days when I don't even get a break, but the time sure flies by on those days. Even though it's a hard job, I like helping people." The Key Is Changing PerspectiveYou can see from this example that your job is what you make it. It makes no difference whether you work inside or outside, at a desk or behind a counter, or whether you wear jeans or a suit to work. If you focus on the negative, you will never enjoy your job, no matter what you do or how much you get paid.Abigail in the above example has a strong inner brat. She complains and finds fault. She perceives herself as a victim. Not only will her inner brat make her irritable and hard to get along with, but it will deprive her of the opportunity to feel good about herself.Betty is more positive about her job, but at the same time she is also realistic. She's aware of the hard work and lack of appreciation. However, instead of dwelling on what's missing from her job, she focuses on why she chose to work there in the first place. She gets tired and stressed, but she also goes home with a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. No one is cheerful 100 percent of the time. Still, people who don't let their inner brats make mountains out of molehills suffer less stress, are less angry, and are more optimistic about the future.There are many things you cannot control at work. For example, you have no control over your boss's moods. If your boss is in a bad mood, he or she might take it out on you. But you don't have to let your boss's inner brat push your buttons and unleash your own inner brat.Some aspects of your job may be monotonous or unpleasant. But even then, you can view them in a different way, for example, by setting up a challenge, such as racing the clock, or by doing things in a different order or with different tools. By doing so, you gain a sense of control over your work, thereby reducing both physical and mental stress."How can I possibly like my job when I work with impossible people!?"Who hasn't had to work with someone who was unpleasant, uncooperative, or a troublemaker? Such people not only bring their inner brats to work with them; they allow them to take over. It's even worse when the inner brat belongs to your boss.The main problem with other people's inner brats is that they trigger your own inner brat. Thus when Mary fails to relay an important phone message to you because she's angry at you, this gets your own inner brat screaming inside your head, "How dare she do that! She's not going to get away with this!" Then your inner brat spends precious time brooding or plotting revenge.Here are some things you can do when confronted with other people's inner brats.* Ask yourself who "owns" the problem. Did you do something wrong, or is the other person overreacting? If it's the latter, don't feel that you have to fix things. Just minimize your interactions with the person, and don't complain or gossip to someone else.* If your boss is overreacting, say something to acknowledge her feelings, such as, "I can see why you're upset." But don't try to explain or defend yourself at this point. Wait until your boss has calmed down.* When a coworker's uncooperativeness affects your ability to do your job, ask yourself if this is the first time. If so, offer to help him expedite his end of the job. If the person is habitually uncooperative, it's time to start documenting your efforts and later bring it to the attention of a superior if things don't improve. But do so in an objective way, documenting only facts, not your opinions or feelings.* Keep in mind that focusing on other people's bad moods, sarcastic comments, and uncooperative behavior will drain you of energy. Wouldn't you rather save your energy for something more productive or enjoyable?* Finally, remember that it's easier to spot an inner brat in someone else than in yourself. Are you sure it's the other guy's inner brat that's upsetting you... or is it your own?Copyright © 2004, 2006, Pauline Wallin, PhD. All rights reserved.About the Author:This article was written by Pauline Wallin, Ph.D., contributing author to "101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life: Volume 2." Dr. Wallin is a psychologist in Camp Hill, PA, and the author of "Taming Your Inner Brat: A Guide for Transforming Self-Defeating Behavior" (Wildcat Canyon Press, 2004). Visit http://www.innerbrat.com for more information and to subscribe to her free monthly "Inner Brat Newsletter."Her article above is one of 101 great chapters that can be found in "101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life: Volume 2." This powerful compilation book -- with John Gray, Jack Canfield, Richard Carlson, Bob Proctor, Alan Cohen, and countless other experts -- contains 101 chapters of proven advice on how to improve your life.

Microsoft makes copying Vista a monster task

2007-03-31T23:44:00.000-07:00

Do you think copying Windows Vista is a huge task?With Windows XP, antipiracy measures were a bit of an afterthought. But with Windows Vista, Microsoft had pirates in its sights from the get-go. See the image: Microsoft aims to stay ahead of pirates. From the box to the software, Redmond is clamping down, forcing pirates to go to greater lengths to create "Frankenbuilds" that can evade detection. How long do you think it will take before someone cracks the copying code?

Voice Mail and E-Mail Etiquette

2007-03-29T02:22:00.000-07:00

Technology has changed the face of business. But that doesn’t mean our customers have to like it. Think about it from the customer’s point of view – what technology annoys you as a customer? Now think specifically about your customers, is there any technology your business uses that has the potential to annoy your customers? Two common technologies used are voice mail and e-mail. Both of these offer great benefits to your customers – if you use them wisely.Read more...

Create a prototype application with Access' built-in or online templates

2007-03-29T01:31:00.000-07:00

Access can set up prototype applications for you, which will save you time and provide you with a better idea of what your users want. Mary Ann Richardson explains how to create a prototype using Access' built-in or online templates.

Hide the last logon in Windows 2000 Professional

2007-03-28T01:01:00.000-07:00

Don't unwittingly open yourself up to a security breach--ensure a blank slate each time you log in to Windows 2000 Professional by hiding your user name altogether. Here's a simple way to tighten security in Windows.

Why Learning is a Leader's Most Important Skill - By Kevin Eikenberry

2007-03-28T00:06:00.000-07:00

Ask anyone to give you a list of skills that describe a highly effective leader, and I'm guessing they'll give you a pretty extensive list. (Go ahead, make a quick mental list right now.) Since I've done this many times in groups, I am accustomed to what I will hear or read. These lists typically include that leaders must have vision, they must be compassionate, they must be good communicators, they must build relationships, they must work well in teams, they must be powerful persuaders...and many other similar sentiments. All are excellent observations. Rarely, though, do I find someone listing the most basic, underlying skill of all. Learning. Highly effective, remarkable leaders must be continuous, lifelong learners.There are at least four reasons why I believe this is true: the complexity of leadership, the nature of change, the role of leaders to model for others, and the overall source of leadership. Let me explain. Leadership is a complex endeavor. Humans are complex, and a leader is dealing with more than just his or her own complexities. They are tasked with understanding the complexity of human behavior and interactions across many people. When we put it this way, the role can seem daunting. Something this complex won't be mastered quickly. Remarkable leaders know that the mastery of these complexities is a lifelong journey with no defined endpoint. The result? The need and desire to be in a continuously learning mindset.The status quo requires no leadership. Think about it. If everything in the current situation was great -- if there was no need for change -- how much leadership would be needed? Leadership is required because we want to move somewhere. In other words, the need for leadership is predicated on change, and so leaders must be prepared to work under changing conditions. If conditions change, then learning is required to continually adapt to and work under the changing conditions. Remarkable leaders know their job is to move people through status quo. Therefore, they know that they must continue to grow themselves to meet the needs of the situations and the people they are leading.We must model it for others. While the needs and forces for learning are great, leaders aren't just learning for themselves. Sure, they are learning for their own competency and confidence as well as to better serve those they are leading, but they also are setting a tone and modeling for those that are following them. When you are a leader, whether by position or reputation, people are looking to you -- whether you like it or not, you are a role model. How then can leaders expect their teams to continue to grow and develop if they aren't doing it themselves? Better leader = better human. The best leaders are learners for all of the reasons above (and their own other reasons), but they also know something else. They know that in the end, the skills that make them better leaders also make them more highly functioning human beings. Remarkable leaders are learners because they want to be better leaders and because they want to be better people. For example, learning how to communicate more effectively makes you more effective in more than just your role as a leader -- that skill development, that growth, spills out into every part of your life. If none of the other reasons above are compelling enough for you, this one should be!So, if learning is such an important skill, why don't people notice it and/or add it to the list of traits of great leaders? Precisely because it is the underlying skill. People can become exceptional at the other skills on the list because they are willing to learn, grow, improve, and change. They know that to become more effective they must continue to improve. They know that effective leadership is a journey -- so they remain focused on becoming more effective, not on arriving and maintaining. The mindset of being on the path, of constantly being a learner, is the path of the truly remarkable leader.The good news is that you can choose that path every day. You can choose to be a more effective leader -- and your first choice is to become a learner.You can make that choice anytime. Today's the day to start.About the Author:Kevin Eikenberry is a leadership expert and the Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group, a learning consulting company that helps clients reach their potential through a variety of training, consulting, and speaking services.

Unbearable Boredom: A Call to a Magnificent Life - By Annette Colby

2007-03-28T00:04:00.000-07:00

"Life is okay, but I'm bored with it all. I get up, go through my morning habits, and generally keep going. During the day I smile, engage in friendly conversations, attend to the requirements of my work. After work, it's home to watch television, eat, and sleep. In between, there's the movies, gym, music, and shopping. My days are predictable and routine. What is joy? What is excitement? I think I'm missing the meaning of my life."If you ever find yourself dealing with unbearable boredom, treat it not as an undesirable invader, but celebrate the arrival of an important messenger. Without boredom we'd comfortably vegetate in neutral, passing time by doing the same things in the same ways over and over again. Boredom's appearance is a glorious sign of impending growth. New interests, passions, talents, or strengths seek expression. It's a wake-up call indicating a readiness for more: more self-love, self-leadership, self-expression, pleasure, passion, and spontaneity. Boredom is an invitation to allow an old self to fade away and a new potential self to emerge. Certain facets of self-control and repetitive behaviors are ready to be released in favor of expanded imagination, creativity, inspiration, and spontaneity. What was once an effective, useful routine has now become stagnant, stale, and passive. Boredom is the interim period; a place neither here nor there. On one side lies the safe, comfortable, and dependable, yet outgrown past. On the other side lies an intriguing, daring, more passionate future. Boredom identifies the natural resistance we all have toward letting go of the known and entering the unknown.Once boredom reveals its presence, several options are available: we can sink deeper into passivity and dullness; the physical edginess can be temporarily concealed with greater levels of entertainment, distractions, and diversions; or the boredom can be sedated with food, drink, or choice addictions. Another alternative exists: embrace the message of boredom. Beneath the uncomfortable discontentment lies a natural, inherent call to the lifelong process of individuation. It is time to broaden personal horizons beyond past former levels of conformity and social adaptation. Greater individuality, power, love, and creation beckon from within. A readiness is brewing to connect more deeply with the heart of our existence. The chains of boredom are more easily shed by allowing time to welcome ideas that spark the imagination and expand the heart. What is truly important; what fascinates and engages our spirit? We have the ability to go inside, sort through some ideas, and decide what an exciting life would look like. We feel good, and our bodies feel good, when we assume responsibility for choosing to focus on stimulating desires, personal interests, and inner passions. Only we know what feels good within, what excites, ignites, and enlivens. We gently allow for the emergence of new potentials and new possibilities--and decide to feel good in the process. Instead of letting life just happen, we can go inside and ask, "What do I want?" Typically, the first answers are filled with details about what is not wanted. Accept this as an excellent starting point. But our responsibility is to make sure we take the extra step and actually find an exciting vision to focus on. We become what we think about, and it is up to us to determine what thoughts and visions dominate our mind. We take control of our lives as we spend more time with thoughts that increase excitement and less with those that decrease excitement. Will an exciting life happen instantaneously just because we shift thoughts from boredom to more passionate visions? Obviously, the answer is no. Some individuals will wonder how in the world they can possibly imagine exciting outcomes when they are currently just barely getting through the day. They don't have a clue what to imagine; they are frustrated and mad at themselves for being in this position. For anyone, creating a larger life requires effort, patience, and time. Yet not much changes without first engaging imagination and intention. Excitement is the element that moves us toward unfinished business and unfolding potential. It is what we want to be doing right now, while providing the energy necessary to do it.Who we are and what excites us matters. The irritation of boredom simply reminds us, in a very noticeable way, that energy is swirling about without passionate direction or purpose. Rather than permitting our lives to be blown about like leaves on the dirt, victims of circumstance, we allow imagination to set the foundation for direction and purpose in life. Boredom is an indication of a certain readiness to become increasingly loyal to internal passions, desires, and values. We can decide we are worthy of forming enthusiastic relationships with what we care about. Feeling good, feeling alive, and being a radiant human is important for us and for the world. We consciously develop our divine natures through the joyful manifestation of dreams and desires. A loving community begins first with a party of one. It begins by forming excited relationships with our bodies, thoughts, emotions, and ideas. Our inner dreams are the joy of life, the salvation of earth, and the future of the people of this planet. Bringing paradise to earth is more than just a lofty concept; it is an individual endeavor, a personal responsibility. As human beings, we suffer when this physical connection between spirit and earth is no longer expanding and evolving as it is meant to. Our most important task is to first give permission to love, excite, and empower ourselves. We take the time to ensure we are the ones balanced, enlightened, and joyful. To share and expand love with all life on this incredible earth, we begin with ourselves. We serve others when we become living, breathing, walking examples of inspired, excited lives. We inspire others to greatness when we ourselves have come to realize that happiness, success, abundance, empowerment, and joy are possible. The magic spreads as we become the magic. Personal success is allowed, so our beautiful concepts are no longer lofty spiritual abstractions, but tangible, physical manifestations. The next time you are perpetually bored, realize the beautiful magic wishing to unfold. An invitation has been issued to venture beneath the surface and investigate new and exciting potentials and possibilities. Inspiration spreads as the success of one individual ignites the desires and dreams of another. It makes a difference that we, you and I, carry excitement once more. Boredom asks us to become the living, breathing embodiment of joy. Our joy brings light into the world. About the Author:This article was written by Dr. Annette Colby, RD., contributing author to "101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life: Volume 2." Dr. Colby is a leader in the field of personal growth and consciousness. As a nationally known consultant, educator, and author, she inspires people to believe in themselves and find themselves worthy of receiving their dreams. Visit http://www.LovingMiracles.com for a free, weekly, life-changing newsletter.Her article above is one of 101 great chapters that can be found in "101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life: Volume 2." This powerful compilation book -- with John Gray, Jack Canfield, Richard Carlson, Bob Proctor, Alan Cohen, and countless other experts -- contains 101 chapters of proven advice on how to improve your life. *** If you purchase just one copy of their new book today, you will also receïve $1,500 worth of valuable bonus gifts. To see this special book package, please visit http://www.selfgrowth.com/products/greatwaysbook2.html

Two tips for giving your Excel worksheets a professional look

2007-03-21T14:53:00.000-07:00

Two tips for giving your Excel worksheets a professional look
Mary Ann Richardson describes how you can give your Excel spreadsheets a polished look by using the appropriate type of line formatting and removing zero values.

Four Lessons the Wealthy can Teach youby Dave Ramsey

2007-03-20T13:21:00.000-07:00

It's a fact... people who are wealthy live in ways that make them that way. They don't believe in car loans, wasteful spending or "easy" payments. Even though most people will never have the wealth of Bill Gates or Donald Trump, that doesn't mean you can't be wealthy if you work at it. In 2004, the number of households worth $1 million (not including primary residences) grew 21% to 7.5 million.Read more...

Some Simple Rules for a Satisfying Life - By Andreas Stark

2007-03-20T00:09:00.000-07:00

Life has taught me that success, abundance, prosperity, peace, and happiness are all created through exercising a planned routine. To create a happy and prosperous life, we need some instructions, or rules, for living.

Rule 1: Spread love. In order to produce great achievements, we have to take great risks. The greater the required achievement, the greater the personal risk involved. The greater the love we show and give, the greater the vulnerability, but the greater the return.

Rule 2: Learn from life. We have to learn from the lessons in life. When we do lose, as we all will from time to time, we should lose gracefully and learn from the lesson that life has taught us through the experience, turning it into a positive to build on.

Rule 3: Show respect. We need to respect others as we respect ourselves. Above all we should respect ourselves and show that respect. In today's society, there seems to be a great lack of self-respect. Just look at the way people behave and dress.

Rule 4: Be responsible. We need to take full responsibility for all our actions. Always do things for the right reason and from a position of love for your fellow man. Remember that anything done for the greater good will always succeed.

Rule 5: Be ethical. Live a life that is honorable and ethical. Especially in today's world, there seem to be a lot of questions about ethics and deceit. It is very important to stay true and honest to the fundamental rules of ethics and fairness.

Rule 6: Admit fallibility. Remember to take immediate action when you realize you have made a mistake. It is very important that you admit when you have made a mistake and that you take immediate steps to correct the mistake. It is a sign of maturity and of courage to own up to your own fallibility.

Rule 7: Show forgiveness. Do not let little things interfere or destroy a great relationship. Whether in your personal life or in business, relationships are precious and should not be taken lightly, so when minor disagreements occur, do not let these destroy the relationship. Show forgiveness, and move on.

Rule 8: Allow change. Be open to change, but do not compromise on your values and ethics. Through change we grow and learn. Too often, however, people tend to change for opportunistic reasons and are willing to forego all that is good and valuable for immediate gratification or greed.

Rule 9: Learn to listen. There are times when it is better to be silent than to speak. Too often, we feel the need to say our piece, but there are many situations in life where it is better to be quiet and listen. It is through listening that we learn the other person's point of view and get a better understanding of the situation under consideration. This could be a hard rule to master for some of us.

Rule 10: Create abundance. Create a loving and harmonious atmosphere in the home. When we create an atmosphere of love, we create the foundation for happiness, abundance, and prosperity. Remember that it is through giving that we receive the greatest joy and rewards.

Rule 11: Practice quiet reflection. Spend some time alone at least once a day. This is the time you can spend to meditate and reflect on the happenings of the day. This is your opportunity to recharge and to connect with your inner self. Here you will create the foundation for your abundance and prosperity.

Rule 12: Give of yourself. Remember that in any relationship your love for each other exceeds your need for each other. In other words, it is in the giving of yourself without any attachments or expectations that you receive the greatest satisfaction and rewards.

These twelve simple rules, when followed in a consistent manner, will bring you lots of abundance, prosperity, and happiness. They will create a life experience that you will gladly look back on. They have certainly helped me in reaching my life and business goals. It will take time to learn and practice these rules faithfully, but the time spent will surely pay benefits in your life's journey. Always have unwavering faith in what you set out to do, as long as it is done for the right reasons and within the universal rules of ethics.

About the Author:This article was written by Andreas Stark, MSc, contributing author to "101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life: Volume 2." Andreas is a consultant, entrepreneur, and teacher. He and his wife Regina have an independent energy consulting business that specializes in earth sciences and in teaching and training. Andreas has written many educational course manuals for the energy industry as well as for postsecondary education.His article above is one of 101 great chapters that can be found in "101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life: Volume 2." This powerful compilation book -- with John Gray, Jack Canfield, Richard Carlson, Bob Proctor, Alan Cohen, and countless other experts -- contains 101 chapters of proven advice on how to improve your life.

Google adding search privacy protections

2007-03-15T20:30:00.000-07:00

Anonymization of PCs used in searchesUnder a new policy, Google will make it harder to identify specific computers used in searches by anonymizing the final eight bits of the IP address and the cookie data after 18 months and 24 months. Privacy advocates in general said the policy change is a step in the right direction but not nearly enough to really protect Web searchers from overzealous law enforcers. How would you rate Google's policy change on a scale from one to 10?

2007-03-13T20:23:00.000-07:00

"You never know when a helping hand will change another person's entire life."
Zig Ziglar

The Customer is the One Who Matters

2007-03-13T20:18:00.000-07:00

The Customer is the One Who Matters
By Janae Wentworth

Excellent customer service exceeds customer needs (real or perceived) in a consistent and dependable manner.
Note the phrase “real or perceived.” This is very important in understanding excellent customer service. It is not your perception of how good the service is that counts. It is the customer’s perception that matters!Read more...

Protect Yourself from Online attacks

2007-02-26T21:31:00.000-08:00

According to computer experts, we have to know whether our system has been attacked by virus. Some signs to watch for are

(a) a dramatic slowing of our system, either overall or intermittently;
(b) numerous crashes;
(c) a lot of bounced email;
(d) pop-up windows appearing when online or when browser is not running; and
(e) new shorcuts appearing on desktops or liks or toolbars appearing in the browser.

How can we fight them back? We have to set ourselves with a good collection of anti-mailware tools and use some commonsense precautions. Our security toolkit should include the following:

Anti-virus program - free antivirus programs such as: AVG Anti-Virus Free (free.grisoft.com/doc/1), Avast (www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html), Comodo (antivirus.comodo.com) and ClamWin (www.clamwin.com).

Antipspyware programs such as: Windows defender (www.microsoft.com/defender), AVG Anti-spyware (tinyurl.com/c3b8l), and Spybot Search & Destroy (www.safer-networking.org), which are all free.

A firewall to monitor information flowing to and from our monitor: Comodo free firewall (www.personalfirewall.comodo.com)

A spam blocker: Spamex (www.spamex.com), which let us create an unlimited nuber of disposable email addresses.

There are lots of useful websites featured in most computer magazines.

Quote for Today

2007-02-26T00:58:00.000-08:00

Hot heads and cold hearts never solved anything -- Billy Graham

Card making

2007-02-18T01:03:00.000-08:00

By the way one of my hobbies is customizing birthday cards for friends and relatives. I use this site to get ideas: http://www.making-greeting-cards.com/card-making-tips.html

Personal

2007-02-18T01:00:00.000-08:00

Hello everybody, this is my first post. I'm Lyn