Model Advisor KB

Cranfield University uses @RISK to Demonstrate Benefits of Investing in Product Reliability

Administrator — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:34:00 GMT

Abstract:

Cranfield University
uses @RISK to Demonstrate Benefits of Investing in
Product Reliability

Cranfield University is a wholly postgraduate institution with a worldwide reputation for excellence and expertise in aerospace, automotive, defence, engineering, environment and water, health, management, and manufacturing. It is one of the top five research universities in the UK and combines academic study and qualifications with the commercial and business focus of industry.

Starting with Product Design and @RISK
A recent project focusing on sub-sea equipment for the oil and gas industry at Cranfield University provided evidence to business managers that a better return on investment (ROI) is achieved through enhancing a product's longterm reliability as a result of spending time and resources early in the product design lifecycle. The project is funded in part by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), the UK's main government agency for funding research and training in engineering and the physical sciences.

Cranfield's School of Applied Sciences uses @Risk software from Palisade to calculate the likelihood of sub-sea oil and gas production equipment failing, and the overall cost throughout the project life cycle, should it do so. @RISK is an Excel add-in using Monte Carlo simulation to show all potential scenarios, as well as the likelihood that each will occur, thereby providing the decision-maker with the most complete picture possible.

Sub-sea oil and gas equipment can be required to function in excess of 2000m below sea level. This means that the failure of any product, or product component, has huge ramifications. There are the practical considerations of difficult repair work, as well as the financial aspects. Fo

Finding Clarity: Using MindManager® Pro 7 to Manage the Gray Areas

Administrator — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:31:00 GMT

Abstract:

Finding Clarity: Using MindManager® Pro 7 to Manage the Gray Areas

Jerry Manas is author of Managing the Gray Areas, president of project management consulting firm The Marengo Group, co-founder of the popular leadership blog site PMThink!, and a two-time Mindjet webinar presenter. He considers himself an organizational architect with a specialty in project management and virtual team dynamics, helping leaders create integrated organizations and teams.

Mindjet: What’s the value of using MindManager to organize information?

Jerry Manas: I often refer to MindManager as my “management Swiss Army knife,” whether it’s to organize thoughts around a book I’m writing, capture issues and actions during a meeting, facilitate a team planning session, or any number of other activities. People have commented to me that they appreciate seeing the principles, objectives, issues, planning topics and more, all in one map, along with links to supporting documents. Also, I do a lot of telephone consulting, where I coach and mentor people remotely. I typically send the client a questionnaire ahead of time, and then plug the answers into a map that we view together during our call. Over the course of a number of sessions, we’ll develop a map of solutions and ideas that they will walk away with, and even use as a template.

I recently attended a thought leadership summit with a cross-disciplinary group of thinkers, including experts in neuroscience, generative thinking, verbal and nonverbal communication, neuro-linguistic programming, and appreciative inquiry, brought tog

a Mailing List Building System with MindManager® Pro 7

Administrator — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:30:00 GMT

Abstract:

Create a Mailing List Building System with MindManager® Pro 7

By Stephanie Diamond

The Issue: How to Take Your Successful Business to the Next Level
Shea Writing and Training Solutions is a successful woman-owned communications business, with the tagline: “Helping Engineers Communicate Clearly Since 1997.” Shea has an impressive roster of clients like BP; Panhandle Energy (Southern Union Gas); Cheniere; Chevron; Baker Hughes; Hess, and recently determined that their customers fell into two primary groups: 1) retainer clients, and 2) immediate “hair-on-fire” clients. Shea’s goal is to find a way to add more variety to their customer groups, without spending too much valuable time away from their writing; client engagement participation has to be easy and quick.

The Approach: Create a Mailing List Building System
I determined that the best approach for Shea to increase growth would be to create a third client group that starts their association with Shea by planning and developing projects in advance. This would give Shea a chance to plan their resources and deliver services more effectively. The key to creating a self-perpetuating system is to build a mailing list of new customers who understand the value of advance planning.

What does a mailing list building system need to include? As I work with clients, I find that most of them have at least a small mailing list. When I ask what they are doing to build that list, they say they don’t have the time. What I have them do is create a way to fill up the list without stopping their core work.&nbs

Make Your Service Easy to Understand with MindManager®

Administrator — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:28:00 GMT

Abstract:

Make Your Service Easy to Understand with MindManager®

By Stephanie Diamond

Welcome to my second Mindjet newsletter column, where I present you with one online marketing solution each month using a map. Thanks to everyone who submitted an online marketing issue last month. Here’s the best way to submit your issue:

1. Simply answer these three questions with your contact information, then click the “submit” button at the bottom of the page;

2. If I chose your issue for the column, I’ll contact you for a 20-minute meeting (your name and company can be kept anonymous).

This month, we’ll be looking at an issue submitted by Yovia.com, a new Social Media Optimization service agency.

The Issue: Marketing a New Media Service
A new social media agency called Yovia.com wanted to create an easy way for potential customers to understand their approach to social media optimization. What makes them different from a search agency or other Web 2.0 service is that they create the structure and host social media content for vertical content blogs, Facebook®, bookmarking sites, etc. They also have a private network of writers who create quality content. No company starting their own social media program can hit the ground running and show growth as quickly without such support.

The Approach: Interactive Map for Service Businesses
The first thing they needed to do was decide the best way to explain and present the service using MindManager Pro 7. Then, they created a map with Yovia’s solution. Click on the notes fields on the hyperlinked topics to se

Use MindManager Pro 7 to Deal with Internal Politics Preventing a Sale

Administrator — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:27:00 GMT

Abstract:

Use MindManager Pro 7 to Deal with Internal Politics Preventing a Sale

By Stephanie Diamond

The Issue
Brett Thompson, a veteran wireless industry executive, decided to start his own consulting company when he realized the he could offer big savings to businesses with mobile accounts. He started CellularOptimization.com with his inside knowledge and a guarantee that he could save customers at least double what he charges so that his service pays for itself. He landed several big accounts.

However, as he tried to grow his business, he realized that due to internal politics, he was losing big accounts at the final hour. His leads were being generated by Google® ads, his website and local referrals, but he wasn’t targeting the people who’d ultimately say yes.

The Approach
Brett asked me what he could do to address this problem. He knew he could provide big returns, but politics kept getting in the way. We started by creating a map of the current status of his business— his message, and the politics.

Looking at the right side of the map, you see that the people he calls upon are either too high-up in the corporation and isolated from the rank-and-file, or too low in the organization and afraid to reveal to management that they missing finding the savings on their own. I determined that the best approach w

All Over the Map

Administrator — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:23:00 GMT

Abstract:

All Over the Map

By CJ Cornell

Lately the noise in my inbox has peaked with messages: Work smarter! Get things done! Be more productive, better informed and more effective with productivity software, web 2.0 and new media tools! The cacophony is becoming so bad that Outlook® is starting to filter all this productivity into my spam folder.

Waste Time Productively
Most of us MindManager users are already aware of and adept at using a variety of tools and techniques to make our work more productive, effective and efficient. Using MindManager has me so much more efficient in my work, that I have extra time to stop and smell the online roses— particularly to explore some of those other wonderful innovations on the web such as videos, music, and social media sites.

Parkinson's Law states that “work expands to fill the time available.” To this I’ll add Cornell’s Corollary: “each hour saved by a productivity tool is automatically filled by two hours of new leisure tasks.” It’s an arms race. For every new tool that saves us time, there seems to be two new ways of wasting time.

They Say I'm Lazy, But it Takes All My Time
U.S. Internet users watched more than 10 billion videos last month, an average of 72 videos per month; while 215 million people visited social media sites in February at an average of 25 minutes per site per day; while, TV viewing consistently averages about four hours per day per person. (Statistics quoted from ComScore’s Video Metrix and the A.C. Nielsen Co.)

O.K., I confess, I’m in one or m

Personal Finance 101

Administrator — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:22:00 GMT

Abstract:

Personal Finance 101
By Simple Joe, Inc

The subject of personal finance is very broad, but as a beginning, I would like to discuss what I consider the foundations of personal finance: Security, Stability, Growth and Protection & Management. Security Security to me means that I am repared for the "hit by a bus" scenario. I have life insurance to provide for my wife and children. Health, disability, auto and home insurance policies also provide me additional protection in their respective areas. I also have a list of where these policies are, who my agents are, phone numbers and basic policy information (#s, amounts, costs, etc.) I keep this information both in a file at my house and in a safety deposit box at the bank (a friends home will also work - think: "house burns down" scenario). Also my wife and my brother and sister-in-law who live nearby also know where these things are. I also try to maintain an emergency fund of cash in a bank account or money market account (with checks) so that I am prepared for a financial disaster, layoff, or natural disaster. It took several years to build up this cash fund. I started with a goal to have enough cash for 6 months of my normal financial needs (mortgage, food, insurance, transportation, etc.). Now I am trying for 12 months' worth. I do this by saving a little each month, and "investing" a portion of all "found" money (gifts,inheritances, tax returns, anything unexpected). I have a will and update it each year around New Year's to reflect any changes in my life during the past year (new children, new home or business, etc.). Most people don't need an extensive will, the forms you buy at your office supply store will do. But in some states if you die without one, watch out. What happens to your money and even your children could be entirely up to some state o

10 "No Money Down" Ways to Buy Real Estate

Administrator — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:20:00 GMT

Abstract:

10 "No Money Down" Ways to Buy Real Estate
By Richard Massey

Turn the Television on any Sunday morning and you'll find yourself in the middle of a 'œhow to buy real estate's infomercial. Can you really buy a house with no down payment? Can you really make thousands or millions of dollars buying real estate. Of course the answer is 'œyes's and 'œno'. The real question is, are you willing to pay anywhere from $500 to $5000 for the information, classes and hotline? Most important are you self disciplined enough to follow the program.

Before you spend money on these expensive programs, here are my top ten 'œno money down' ways to buy real estate. If you're self disciplined and willing to hear the word 'œno's many times before you get a 'œyes's, then maybe you can buy a house without a down payment.

1. First is to check out the many new zero down programs now available from lenders. Especially if you're a fist time buyer. Also FHA and VA have loans that may not be zero down, but are very close.

2. Borrow money for the down payment “ Borrow the money from family, friends or a business partner at a high interest rate or a percentage of the profit when the property is sold

3. Raise the price and lower the terms “ Offer the seller more than he is asking provided he is willing to accept the down payment in the form of a note. If the seller is asking $150,000 with $15,000 down and willing to carry the balance of $135,000. Try offering $155,000 in the form of a promissory not instead of cash. The seller gets a little more money for the additional risk.

4. Borrow against a life insurance policy “ Many life insurance policyâ€™s let you borrow against the policy for the purpose of investing in real estate or other investments.

Thinking Beyond Debt Consolidation Loans

Administrator — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:20:00 GMT

Abstract:

Thinking Beyond Debt Consolidation Loans
By James Taylor

This must not however discourage us from finding a solution to the debts. Debts can make lives difficult. You will have creditors making regular phone calls and then dropping by at your house demanding the amount lent out. With the creditors making a scene, the personal image and the credit is badly marred. The mind is heavily stressed and some people may even contemplate suicide.
But how many of us do actually take the step to end ones life? Only a handful of us; because we value our lives and because we know that ending ones life is not going to solve the problem of debts. The creditors do not intend to leave the amount. Once the principal borrower deceases, they catch the co-borrowers or the dependants of the principal borrower.

A simpler method of getting rid of debts is debt consolidation. Debt consolidation can provide relief from the debts without burdening the borrowers. Debt consolidation as the name goes consolidates or brings the various debts on the borrowers account together. The debts could have been dealt individually, but this would have been a tedious process. The consolidation of debts helps to generate the feeling that they are not as invincible as they appear.

Once the debts are consolidated or brought together, they are ready to be settled. The borrower will have to choose from a variety of ways of debt consolidation. In the following section we shall discuss the methods of debt consolidation in detail.

Debt consolidation through credit cards:

Credit cards can be an excellent method of debt consolidation. There is no requirement of the collateral. This saves the users from the fear of losing assets in case they are not able to repay. However credit cards are very costly. The interest rate charged by the credit

A Few Things About Value Investing

Administrator — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:20:00 GMT

Abstract:

A Few Things About Value Investing
By Global Investment Institute

Value investing is the act of investors selecting stocks based upon a perceived value rather than solely looking at pricing trends in the stock's history.

In fact, value investing may seem to go against convention investment wisdom in many cases because value investors tend to seek out stocks that they believe the market has undervalued. This can include so called â€œpenny stocks' at times, but is more often associated with undervalued stocks on a major exchange such as NASDAQ or the NYSE.

Value investors strategically and actively seek stocks that trade at low values with the intention of getting out of the investment when the market has corrected what the value investor sees as an error in valuation of the stock.

Value investing requires above average insight and savvy concerning the potential value of a particular company's stock, but it requires a keen sense of perception and skill of research as well.

It is not necessarily riskier than traditional market investing, but does require that the investor be correct about the market's underestimation of a particular company. When the value investor is correct, she stands to make a lot of money. When she's wrong she can be sitting on a worthless or low value stock for a long time.

Value investing is based on the idea that the stock market overreacts to both good and bad news regarding companies and the effects of those pieces of information on the potential for a stock's performance.

This assumption on the part of value investors is usually correct as the stock market is often full of nervous investors who will pull their investments at a moment's notice or the first, smallest signs of troubl

Get Your Web Site to Function Like a Virtual Assistant With MindManager® Pro 7

Administrator — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:19:00 GMT

Abstract:

Get Your Web Site to Function Like a Virtual Assistant
With MindManager® Pro 7

By Stephanie Diamond

The Issue: How Does a New Business Owner Help Potential Customers Take Action on Her Website?

Natalie Currie in Ontario, Canada recently started a business called Natalie Currie Clinical Research Consulting. With 15 years of broad-based experience, she provides training and consulting to the pharmaceutical and bio-technology industries.

At this point, she is the sole entrepreneur, wearing all the hats. She presently spends 60% of her time developing and teaching course material, 30% on networking and business development, and 10% on administration. Over time she will be able to balance this by repurposing the material she’s creating and hiring assistants. Right now training demands most of her attention, which leaves minimal time for administration and developing the training courses.

The Approach: Create a Website that Operates like a Virtual Assistant

To begin with, we designed a template map using MindManager Pro 7 to show the big picture view of her business. When you look at the left side of the map you’ll see how she gets business, the processes she uses to network and her current revenue generators. She needs to make her website work harder to collect and focus the people she sends to it from her networking efforts.

I determined that the best approach was to make her website operate like a virtual assistant

I am trying to do a tornado analysis. When ing input cells I get a message indicating that the cell is not a valid input. This only happens with some of my input cells, others are accepted. How do I resolve this problem? Thanx Izak

Administrator — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:18:00 GMT

Abstract:

The message means you must select a cell with a numeric value (cell with no formula) ... moreover, that cell must be referenced in any formula.

Thanks for your question and Best regards,

Model Advisor Team

What is a Commercial Business Loan?

Administrator — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:17:00 GMT

Abstract:

What is a Commercial Business Loan?
by John Mussi

A commercial business loan is designed for a wide range of small, medium and startup business needs including the purchase, refinance, expansion of a business, development loans or any type of commercial investment.

Finance is the lifeblood of a business. Without it you cannot grow.

Commercial business loans are generally available from £50,000 to £50,000,000 at highly competitive interest rates from leading commercial loan lenders.

A commercial business loan can be secured by all types of UK business property, commercial and residential properties.

Commercial Business Loans can offer up to 79% LTV (Loan to Valuation) with variable rates, depending on status and length of term.

Commercial business loans are normally offered on Freehold and long Leasehold properties with Bricks and Mortar valuations required. Legal and valuation fees are payable by the client.

Commercial business loans are available for Self-Declaration with CCJ's & Mortgage Arrears.

Commercial Business Loans cover most types of UK property, including:

Development property, new & redevelopment

Country properties

Retail / offices / factories / warehouses

Investment & owner occupied

Leisure buildings (Hotels / Pubs)

Professional practice premises

You may freely reprint this article provided the author's biography remains intact:

About the Author:
John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help UK homeowners find the best available loans via t

Up to 90% of spreadsheets are wrong…

Administrator — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:17:00 GMT
Abstract:
Up to 90% of spreadsheets are wrong…
by Iain Webster
…so are you sure that yours are right? Corporate Finance Partner Iain Webster and Corporate Finance Manager James Beswick offer some timely tips on making your spreadsheets as accurate as possible.
In today’s business world enormous numbers of financial models are built using spreadsheet programs. These range from single-page, single-purpose spreadsheets to multi-page, fully interactive models which replicate whole business entities. Some will be used to derive figures for budgets, others for project financing or management buy-outs, and some will be developed for use as databases to give continuous output. Most will be used by senior management to make business decisions, including some critical ones, such as deciding whether to develop new products, capital expenditure decisions and even bidding decisions in the case of tender situations.
Models can therefore range from simple formulae to complex computer programs that may take days to run. But no matter what the level of complexity the fact is that business-critical decisions are often made on the basis of the output.
Recently we built just such a model for the tender bid for the Northern Isles Ferry Service on behalf of our client, Caledonian MacBrayne Limited. This lifeline ferry service runs daily passenger and vehicle vessels between the mainland and the Orkney and Shetland Isles.
The purpose of the model was to determine the level of financial aid required from the Scottish Executive to support the uninterrupted running of the lifeline services, and it projected the entire business over a six-year period and extended to over 60 worksheets and more than 120 pages of output. The 12 megabyte mo

Are You A Corporate Mystic?

Administrator — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:16:00 GMT
Abstract:
Are You A Corporate Mystic?
by Money Chi
"If we plant a seed in the ground we know that the sun will shine and the rain will water, and we leave it to the Law to bring results. Well, the desire you image is the seed, your occasional closing of the eyes in imagery is the sun, and your constant, though not anxious, expectation is the rain and cultivation necessary to bring absolutely sure results..."
Francis Larimer Warner, Our Invisible Supply (1907)
I am certain that if you check the curriculum at Harvard Business School, Wharton or the London School of Economics, you won't find a course on corporate mysticism. After all, succeeding in business is a competitive, numbers-driven game that relies on hard facts, financial analysis and exploitation of markets, isn't it? What a vested interest many of us have in that belief. After all, could we actually succeed in business by employing our intuition, by tapping into a collective consciousness of readily available signs and guideposts to bring our intended result?
Believe it or not, the evidence says yes. Although some of the methodologies and strategies that are taught at Harvard and other revered institutions may be good measurements of how well a company is operating, the overwhelming reason why business decisions are made by the top executives in most organizations is "intuition' or "gut feelings."
Are you kidding me? Business decisions being made by "feel" rather than cold, hard market data? Well, it certainly is a growing trend. The evidence is all around us. Most people are familiar with the "odd stories" of Thomas Edison awakening from a nap carrying the solution to a seemingly daunting problem. Or Richard Branson "just happening" to be at the right

How to Navigate in Excel Without Using Scrollbars or Arrows

Administrator — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:15:00 GMT
Abstract:
How to Navigate in Excel Without Using Scrollbars or Arrows
By Wikihows
You have a long column of numbers...you scroll down...suddenly you've gone too far. Here are ways to stop doing that forever.
Steps
Select any cell in the column - The cell will now have a thick line around it to indicate it is selected.

Position the mouse on the bottom-centre of the rectangle where the arrow points

The cursor changes from a "black & white plus" to a "North-South-East-West arrow"
Double click the bottom-centre to move to the last cell in the column.
Double click the top-centre to move to the first cell in the column.
Double click the left-centre to move to the first cell in the row.
Double click the right-centre to move to the last cell in the row.
Tips
Make sure you don't move your mouse as you double click or you may not do what you wanted.
Clicking on any edge of the rectangular selection will work - I usually aim for the centre of an edge for safety.
Warnings
If you double-click the bottom-right of the cell, you will copy the formula down the column. So if you want to move to the right-most cell, make sure you click in the right-centre of the cell.
Double clicking the bottom-right of the cell only works if the column to the left ha

Payroll Management: Success To Business

Administrator — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:15:00 GMT
Abstract:
Payroll Management: Success To Business
By George Purdy
Global organizations are faced with the challenge of managing human resources. Added into this challenge is the process of achieving substainable profit growth. This issue is often transferred to a sub-section of a company, as managing the human resource aspect of this policy is often limited to the human resource department. Payroll management policies and procedures are often initiated to achieve this growth. The initiation of this service often provides unmatched benefits, along with growth and management achievements.
There is a reason that managers put so much emphasis on the effective management of payrolls. A good manager understands that, while his employees may also find great satisfaction from their jobs, there is really one major reason that motivates people to work. Put simply, it is that jobs are the mechanism through which we earn our livings and put food on the table. Therefore, workers must be able to trust that the payroll system will function smoothly.
A paycheck is the biggest reason for most employees to do a good job. Employees assume if they have done a good job throughout the year, they will get an increase in their pay. Career firms are very interested in changes made to pay rates. Most businesses want to take a close look at their salary costs and examine the impact of career management efforts on the company’s overall financial well being.
There is another rationale for payroll management. Naturally, each company must pay the government its mandated business taxes. In addition, workers’ tax returns are frequently filed via the corporation, since some taxes are taken out when the payroll is processed. Ther

Forecasts For the 2008 Workplace

Administrator — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:15:00 GMT
Abstract:
Forecasts For the 2008 Workplace
Okay, forecast is too strong a word. Prediction is even more precarious. So let's speak the truth and just call them educated guesses. Here's some of the best current thinking about what's likely to happen in 2008 in regard to workforce issues:
Productivity ho! If the Institute for Corporate Productivity (i4cp) didn't think productivity would continue to be a major issue for the future, of course, we'd never have embedded it into the name of our company. Even so, there are some good reasons to think this is going to be an even higher priority in 2008.
First, with the exception of the latest quarterly data, the U.S. has seen dismal productivity growth recently. In fact, 2006 saw the lowest U.S. productivity rate increases since 1995, and the first half of 2007 was worse than the first half of 2006 (U.S. Department of Labor, 2007). In the meantime, global competition is heating up in the area of productivity. Privately owned technology firms in China, for instance, have seen large gains in productivity in recent years, managing to nearly match the levels of their foreign competitors operating in that nation. Companies are also going to worry, at least in the short term, about the possibility of economic sluggishness partly brought on by a housing downturn and the subprime mortgage mess.
This all adds to up to the idea that companies will want to improve their productivity performance as they strive to ensure that every employee is working as efficiently as possible. Companies might also become more cautious about making new hires in the current climate even as they focus more intensely on issues such as performance management. In fact, a whopping 95% of 157 HR professionals surveyed

How to Make a Spreadsheet in Excel

Administrator — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:14:00 GMT
Abstract:
How to Make a Spreadsheet in Excel
By Wikihow
A spreadsheet is a great tool for adding the total cost of a series of items. This article explains how to make a basic spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel, using a simple expense report as an example.
Steps
Open Excel
Notice there are rows and columns.
Each column has a capital letter on the top to show what column it is.
Each row has a number to the immediate left of the first column, to show what row it is.
Each cell is identified by a unique address consisting of the column letter followed by the row number. For example, the address of the cell in the first column, first row is A1. The address of the cell in the second column, third row is B3.
If you click a cell, the cell address appears just above column A.
Click cell A1 and type: Item.
Click cell B1 and type: Cost.
Click cell A2 and type: Printing.
Click in cell B2 and type 80.00. After you click outside of cell B2, 80 will show in cell B2.
Click cell A3 and type: Postage.
Click cell B3 and type: 75.55. After you click outside of cell B3, 75.5 will show in cell B3.

How to Apply Conditional Formatting in Excel

Administrator — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:14:00 GMT
Abstract:
How to Apply Conditional Formatting in Excel
By Wikihows
Do you ever need to know when you're over or under budget? Want to pick out the important data from a huge list? Excel's conditional formatting can help with all of this and more. While it is a little difficult to use, knowing the basics can help you make sense of whatever project you are working on.
Steps
1. Input all of your data or download a practice file here. This is useful because conditional formatting is best understood by testing it on data you already have. While you can apply conditional formatting to empty cells, it is easiest to see if the formatting works by using pre-existing data.
2. Click on the cell you want to be formatted. Conditional formatting only allows you to change font style, underline, color, and strike-through as well as borders and shading. You cannot change the font or the font size.
3. Click "Format" then "Conditional Formatting" to begin the conditional formatting process.
4. Click "Add >>" to use two conditions. For this example, two conditions are used to see how each one plays

7 Habits Of Highly Successful Forex Traders

Administrator — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:13:00 GMT
Abstract:
7 Habits Of Highly Successful Forex Traders
As it turns out those who are successful in Forex trading seem to have a number of traits in common. Wouldn't it be nice to have the same habits as the most successful traders?
1 - Planning is a big part of a successful Forex traders profitability. As the saying goes "if you fail to plan, you plan to fail". Too many Forex traders use the "fire, aim, ready" method. Let em tell you from personal experience that this is not the way to go.
2 - To be successful you must have adequate capital. No one should go into any business for the long term without adequate working capital. No matter how good your trading methods are inadequate capital can take you out of the game right when things are starting to go well for you.
3 - Have realistic expectations. You will not profit in Forex trading if you don't start to trade until you find a trading method that yields 1000% per month.
4 - All successful trades must have discipline. If you see a trader that has made a ton of money without having discipline then they were probably just lucky. Lucky traders who believe they are geniuses soon find out that being consistently profitable is what's important.
5 - To trade profitably you must think in a big picture fashion with long-term wealth and prosperity in mind. You will have loses in all Forex trading. They are inevitable and part of doing business in Forex. You will profit as long as the sum total of your wins exceeds the sum total of your losses.
6 - Plan to be successful by making sure that you do your homework. I've seen people jump into Forex trading after studying the trading business for the same amount of time it takes to read a lunch

Getting Help from Currency Trading Software

Administrator — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:13:00 GMT
Abstract:
Getting Help from Currency Trading Software
By Jane Mac Rae
If you are a Forex player, you may have already been taking the advantage of currency trading software to automate your business.
In the past, many Forex traders relied on third party services to help with their trading activities. Help was provided by those who provided signals. These signals are like warning signs for traders to decide whether it was time to sell or to buy. This was a great way to lessen the risk of a big loss and increase the likelihood of making a profit. Traders did not mind at all if they had to pay for the service because it was worth it.
There are some reasons why some traders are hesitant to pay for providers of signals. Some currency traders simply do not wish to become dependent on signals. If they always had to rely on signals, they would not gain the skills to analyze trends and make decisions on their own.
Some traders also realise that it is not easy to look for signal companies that are quite good and reliable. With the vast number of companies offering their services, it can be a chore to sift the ones with a good track record from the ones that are no better than guessers. If you do not get a good signal provider, you could end up spending more than you bargained for. A worse situation would be spending a total of more than your actual profits can support.
One good option that you can take aside from paying a signal provider would be to get software for currency trading. This can give you the opportunity to get the signals you need while you try to learn the ropes of currency trading. With good software, you get accuracy and reliability.
There are many options for you when it come

Getting Help from Currency Trading Software

Administrator — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:13:00 GMT
Abstract:
Getting Help from Currency Trading Software
By Jane Mac Rae
If you are a Forex player, you may have already been taking the advantage of currency trading software to automate your business.
In the past, many Forex traders relied on third party services to help with their trading activities. Help was provided by those who provided signals. These signals are like warning signs for traders to decide whether it was time to sell or to buy. This was a great way to lessen the risk of a big loss and increase the likelihood of making a profit. Traders did not mind at all if they had to pay for the service because it was worth it.
There are some reasons why some traders are hesitant to pay for providers of signals. Some currency traders simply do not wish to become dependent on signals. If they always had to rely on signals, they would not gain the skills to analyze trends and make decisions on their own.
Some traders also realise that it is not easy to look for signal companies that are quite good and reliable. With the vast number of companies offering their services, it can be a chore to sift the ones with a good track record from the ones that are no better than guessers. If you do not get a good signal provider, you could end up spending more than you bargained for. A worse situation would be spending a total of more than your actual profits can support.
One good option that you can take aside from paying a signal provider would be to get software for currency trading. This can give you the opportunity to get the signals you need while you try to learn the ropes of currency trading. With good software, you get accuracy and reliability.
There are many options for you when it come

Mortgage Refinancing For The Purpose Of Debt Consolidation

Administrator — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:12:00 GMT
Abstract:
Mortgage Refinancing For The Purpose Of Debt Consolidation
By Andrew McAllister
By refinancing your mortgage loan, you may get a better interest rate and save a great deal of money. But did you know that with the same loan, you can also eliminate other debts? Debt consolidation refinancing allows you to do just that!
Debt consolidation is the process of combining all or part of existing debt into a single loan. This enables you to save money with a lower interest rate and by making one monthly payment. That new loan is called a debt consolidation loan. With a debt consolidation loan pre-existing debts are paid in full resulting in improved credit ratings. This type of loan also eliminates harassing phone calls from collectors, large multiple payments and higher interest rates.
Combining debt by refinancing through using a mortgage consolidation loan, homeowners may qualify for lower interest rates and lower payments. Be aware that taking advantage of lower interest rates on a refinance loan and lower payments will extend the overall length of the loan. You will pay more interest over a longer period of time. The duration of the loan and how quickly the loan is paid off are also considerations.
If you combine loans that originally had, for example, a 12 year repayment schedule into a new debt consolidation refinance loan, you might be extending the overall period of repayment to as much as 30 years. The total amount of interest paid, despite the lower interest rate, will increase based on the time it takes to repay the loan.
It is important to understand that a loan of this type is not without its problems. Your immediate cash flow problems may be diminished, but overall the amount of credit yo

The Teamwork Alphabet

Administrator — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:12:00 GMT
Abstract:
The Teamwork Alphabet
by Susan Friedmann
What differentiates a great trade show exhibit from a so-so one? The booth staff! The best displays are manned by a coordinated team working together to ensure the exhibit's success, rather than a haphazard handful of employees who happened to be available that week. How do you transform
your staff members into a strong team? Just remember your ABC's.
A: Assign creative, intelligent, and enthusiastic people to trade show duty.
B: Begin early to be adequately prepared for the show.
C: Create goals and objectives for the show.
D: Determine benchmarks for the show, both for individuals and for the entire team.
E: Establish a time-frame for each of the benchmarks.
F: Find ways to make the trade show fun and exciting for all staff members.
G: Get upper management involved to make the show a success!
H: Highlight each team member's strengths with appropriate job assignments.
I: Identify how team members can support each other to reach team goals.
J: Justify all trade show activities: Are they helping your team achieve their goals?
K: Knock off any practices or behaviors that keep your team from succeeding.
L: Last minute contingencies require advance planning and coordination.
M: Maintain a chain of command. Every staff member needs to know who is in charge.
N: New ideas are valuable: Encourage, capture, and implement the best.
O: Open your mind to creative, innovative displays and approaches.
P: Plan how to convey essential information and skills to your staff members.
Q: Question your staff. What do they know? What do they need to learn?
R: Reco

Managing Inventory for Profitability

Administrator — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:11:00 GMT
Abstract:
Managing Inventory for Profitability
by Ellen DePasquale
You don't have to pay an arm and a leg to gain control of stock levels, pricing and cash flow.

Any business that manages inventory lives and dies by stock levels. Knowing how much is on hand is important and easy to obtain with a physical inventory count. But knowing what items are selling fastest, how long it takes to receive new stock, and what sales are seasonal is crucial information that is more difficult to acquire.

Accounting software that includes an inventory module is the first step in gaining greater control of item stock levels, as well as profitable pricing and cash flow management. The good news is that you don't have to pay an arm and a leg to for an inventory system. Low-end software, such as QuickBooks Premium, QuickBooks Pro, Peachtree by Sage Pro Accounting, MYOB Premier Accounting Small Business Suite and MYOB AccountEdge all offer inventory management functionality.

"There were times when I was sold out, but over the course of the three years I have learned. Now we are at a point where we are almost never out of stock on an item when someone wants to order it," declares Pauline Lewis, owner of oovoo design, a handbag manufacturer based in Alexandria, VA. Lewis uses QuickBooks Premier to manage her line of handbags.

As great as this sounds, Lewis admits it took time to get to this point. She started, as most new businesses do, by trial and error. At first she set QuickBooks to alert her whenever any of her items reached an inventory level of five. Over time she identified two mistakes with that setup. The first was that waiting to be alerted until stock levels reached five was causing them

Online investing - HYIP - alternative investments

Administrator — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:11:00 GMT
Abstract:
Online investing - HYIP - alternative investments
by Chris Anderson
INVESTING ONLINE-WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Online investment for most of us is a new concept and most of the people are not at all familiar with the world of online investing. What should be understood is that you cannot turn a blind eye towards online investment and you should be well prepared for it. The world of online investment offers un-ignorable returns but on the other hand the risks associated with online investment are also very high. So, there are things that you should be aware of, before you venture into the field of online investment.
If you are unaware of the path ahead, you should always put a tentative foot ahead. The same goes for online investing also. You are starting something new. So, there is no sense in putting all your life's saving's into some online account. It is commonsensical to start with small amount of money. When you find that you can manage your account and when you find that you get decent returns out of your investment, you should think of investing more money in it. That can be the safest way of starting with online investment. It is no doubt time taking but it is also secure.
The best option for investing online or for that matter investment as such is to invest money in mutual funds. The reason is that when you are new to this field, you won't have ample information about the different portfolios. But when you invest in mutual funds, you are piggy banking on the expertise of people who have the know-how in this field. You should also plan on long term investments.
The commission charged by online brokers may be far less than the full service brokers, yet you should be carefu

Seven Qualities of a Good Leader

Administrator — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:10:00 GMT
Abstract:
Seven Qualities of a Good Leader
by Barbara White
How often have you heard the comment, "He or she is a born leader?" There are certain characteristics found in some people that seem to naturally put them in a position where they're looked up to as a leader.
Whether in fact a person is born a leader or develops skills and abilities to become a leader is open for debate. There are some clear characteristics that are found in good leaders. These qualities can be developed or may be naturally part of their personality. Let us explore them further.
Seven Personal Qualities Found In A Good Leader
1. A good leader has an exemplary character. It is of utmost importance that a leader is trustworthy to lead others. A leader needs to be trusted and be known to live their life with honestly and integrity. A good leader "walks the talk" and in doing so earns the right to have responsibility for others. True authority is born from respect for the good character and trustworthiness of the person who leads.

2. A good leader is enthusiastic about their work or cause and also about their role as leader. People will respond more openly to a person of passion and dedication. Leaders need to be able to be a source of inspiration, and be a motivator towards the required action or cause. Although the responsibilities and roles of a leader may be different, the leader needs to be seen to be part of the team working towards the goal. This kind of leader will not be afraid to roll up their sleeves and get dirty.

3. A good leader is confident. In order to lead and set direction a leader needs to appear confident as a person and in the lea

Basic Management Skills

Administrator — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:10:00 GMT
Abstract:
Basic Management Skills
by Christopher Thomas
Recent studies have shown that industrial supervisors are working at less than 60 % of their potential. Basic management skills training is guaranteed to change all this and at such little cost
Manager in context
Most of my adult life has been spent working as a supervisor or manager on industrial projects throughout the world. As the years passed I have become more and more convinced that the supervisor is the most critical of all roles in industry. The supervisor controls the key organizational ground that separates management from the workforce, which is fundamental to introducing and sustaining effective change.

Unfortunately, many managers are given their demanding roles without adequate preparation. People are commonly promoted into management and supervisory positions without being given the basic skills to be a manager. As a result millions of dollars are lost each year and so many personal ambitions are never realized.
Born to lead
Many people believe that good managers, like some good sportsmen, are born, not made. Fortunately research does not support this view. In fact, history shows us the damage caused by these so called natural leaders.
We must be careful not to confuse charisma with leadership skills. Of course some of us are endowed with more potential in some areas than others.
Most top athletes have some natural endowment but it is the constant coaching and practice that brings success. The same is true for a good manager.
Management skills can be learnt and practiced to perfection just like using your local tennis or golf pro. It will take time, effort, and determination but no one said it would be easy.

Earn money from home with e currency exchange

Administrator — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:09:00 GMT
Abstract:
Earn money from home with e currency exchange
by Chris Rohrer
Today it seems everyone is searching the internet looking for quick ways to earn a buck. I have noticed a lot of new programs on the internet claming to make a lot of money. I also know that a lot of these are all scams and a quick way just to make the person selling them get rich while you are left in the cold with nothing.
So how are people working from home and earning money then if there are so many work at home scams on the internet? I have done a lot of research on forums, and just reading blogs to find out what is the big money making secret on the net today. Everyone said the money is to be made in currency exchange. So I looked into currency exchange, and I found that it is a real business first off so its not a scam which is good because its hard not to find something that isn't a scam. Second I found that it makes a lot of money which was another good thing. The only thing I didn't like about the currency exchange was that it was hard to learn and understand. I read forums books and they helped me out, but I still wasn't sure how to make a lot of money.
My solution to this problem was going back online and researching helpful ways to learn currency exchange. I came across a course called Mazu. I did some research on it and found that it was a perfect way for me to finally learn the ins and outs of e currency exchange. It came with books, videos, and step-by-step instructions on how to start up in currency exchange. It went very slow which was good since I was just starting out in currency exchange.
Now let me give you a brief over view of how you make money using this currency exchange system. First you make a small investment

Behavioral Finance—Benefiting from Irrational Investors

Administrator — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:09:00 GMT
Abstract:
Behavioral Finance—Benefiting from Irrational Investors
by Julia Hanna
How "sleepy" or "awake" are you when it comes to your stock portfolio? If you're like most people, you probably don't spend a great deal of time monitoring your investments. So when another company uses stock to acquire a firm in which you hold a stake, what do you do with the new shares you suddenly own of a company that you never intended to buy in the first place?
Logic suggests that you would be likely to sell those shares. But research by Associate Professor Malcolm Baker, Professor Joshua Coval, and Harvard University professor Jeremy C. Stein shows that 80 percent of individual investors and 30 percent of institutional investors appear to be more inertial than logical. They take the default option, passively accepting the shares offered as consideration in stock mergers and acquisitions.
In "Corporate Financing Decisions When Investors Take the Path of Least Resistance," a paper forthcoming in the Journal of Financial Economics, the authors argue that this sort of passive behavior can have a significant effect on how companies make strategic financing decisions.
It all fits under the heading of behavioral finance, the focus of Baker's research and the title of a second-year course he teaches at HBS.
"At the foundation of finance is the idea that investors and managers act rationally, so that capital market prices reflect fundamentals and managers respond to incentives in predictable ways," he says. "But investors don't act like computers in financial models. Behavioral finance replaces these idealized decisi

The Future of the Venture Capital Cycle

Administrator — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:08:00 GMT
Abstract:
The Future of the Venture Capital Cycle
By Paul A. Gompers and Josh Lerner
Over the past two decades, there has been a tremendous boom in the venture capital industry. The pool of U.S. venture capital funds has grown from less than $1 billion in 1976 (Charles River Associates 1976) to over $60 billion in 1999. This growth has outstripped that of almost every class of financial product.
The supply of venture capital is also likely to continue growing. Within the past two years, numerous pension funds have invested in private equity for the first time. Many experienced investors have also decided to increase their allocations to venture capital and buyout funds. These increased allocations will take a number of years to implement.
This growth naturally begs the question of sustainability. As has been highlighted throughout this volume, short-run shifts in the supply of or demand for venture capital investments have had dramatic effects. For instance, periods with a rapid increase in capital commitments have led to less restrictive partnership agreements, large investments in portfolio firms, and higher valuations for those investments. These patterns have led many practitioners to conclude that the industry is inherently cyclical. In short, this view implies that the side effects associated with periods of rapid growth generate sufficient difficulties that periods of retrenchment are sure to follow.
Neoclassical economics teaches us to examine not just the short-run supply and demand effects. Rather, it is also important to consider the nature of long-run supply and demand conditions. In the short run, intense competition between private-equity groups may lead to a willingness to pay a premium for certain types of firms (e.g., firms specializing in tools and content for

Financial Reporting Goes Global

Administrator — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:07:00 GMT
Abstract:
Financial Reporting Goes Global
By Cynthia Churchwell
As business goes global, pressure is increasing for adoption of a single set of accounting standards worldwide. In this e-mail interview, Harvard Business School professor Gregory S. Miller discusses this trend and India's unique position to be a leader in the international accounting environment.
Miller and colleague V.G. Narayanan have made this case to the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, and wrote "Accounting Standards and the Globalisation of Indian Businesses," which appeared in the July 2005 issue of The Chartered Accountant.
Cynthia Churchwell: What prompted you to write about globalization, accounting standards and, in particular, Indian accounting standards?
Gregory Miller: Globalization is the major issue in determining the future of financial reporting. As financial and product markets become global, the need for a global set of accounting information to facilitate global transactions has really become overwhelming. This is clear in practice, both with the International Accounting Standards Board attempting to pull together one set of global standards and with the U.S. Financial Accounting Standards Board agreeing to an attempt to converge U.S. standards with international standards. I can't say what accounting standards will look like in ten years, but I can say that globalization will have been a major force in determining what they are. Given this situation, many accounting researchers and practitioners are spending a large amount of their time considering the implications of a set of global standards.
My work, and that of others in the area, shows that global differences in accounting have important economic impacts. For example, in my peer-reviewed research I have examined how global differences in accounting impact investment around the world (we find non-domestic investors are more likely to invest in firms with accounting similar to th

Starting Early With Financial Planning

Administrator — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:06:00 GMT
Abstract:
Starting Early With Financial Planning
By Glenn Curtis
Young people have it made. They have their whole lives ahead of them, and ample time to plan for retirement. The trouble is that few actually plan. Even those that save a decent percentage of their take-home pay rarely plan for the future and fund tax advantaged accounts like they should. But the good news is that you can achieve your financial goals if you start early enough.
To that end, below are some tips that will help you have a comfortable retirement.
Saving
How much should you save? There is no perfect answer to this question. However, you should save as much as you can without adversely impacting the quality of your life. In other words, it is OK to indulge in a night out once in a while, or a latte from Starbucks - as long as it doesn't become such a regular occurrence that you aren't left with money to save. (To read more, see Enjoy Life Now And Still Save For Later and The Beauty Of Budgeting.)
Ideally everyone should strive to save at least 10% of their salaries each year. That may not always be possible - after all, nearly everyone has months where they can't save a dime. Perhaps you have to shell out for a new washing machine, or for new tires and brakes for the car. When you do have one of those months, however, you should really try to tighten your belt the following month.
Also, consider your spending habits. Do you really need the super sports cable television package, the magazine subscription, the big minute cell phone plan, or the high-end brand name clothes? Sure, when you are young, this might seem extreme, but in the long run, you're building good habits - and saving money in the proces

Get Your Finances In Order

Administrator — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 16:58:00 GMT
Abstract:
Get Your Finances In Order
By Dan Fitzgerald
For years investment advisors have been writing about how if people only started to save and/or invest earlier in life, most of their money issues later in life would be solved. Obviously, some issues arise unexpectedly but, for the most part, you will have a better chance of retiring early, traveling more, and being able to spend more time with your family and grandchildren if you start early.
But with all this advice in books, magazines and online, people in their 20s still are not beginning all that much earlier than their parents did. Perhaps, it's like father like son? Or like mother like daughter? While we are not going to delve into the specifics of what to invest in, we'll show you how to take a few easy steps to turn around your financial future from stressful to stress-free by taking control your current situation.
Make a Pledge
To begin, you should make a pledge to yourself that over the next three days, you will:
Plan on taking four very easy steps to increase your chances of having a secure financial future.
Promise yourself today - right now, this minute - that you won't be surprised by financial windfalls or pitfalls in the future because you're going to plan accordingly.
Don't get too pumped up now, we're not talking about giving up your daily Starbucks here. This is going to be a lifelong process, but it's important that we get started sooner rather than later. There is no exact date for this "financial pilgrimage", so no work will be missed, no concerts will be passed up and no after-work sports leagues will be canceled. Relax. The advice below will require

Venturing Into Non-Dollar Currencies

Administrator — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 16:58:00 GMT
Abstract:
Venturing Into Non-Dollar Currencies
By Brian Bloch
Although it is highly advisable for American investors not to rely too much on the domestic market, any investments in non-dollar currencies entail exchange-rate risks. Nonetheless, these risks can be managed and even turned into opportunities. Read on to learn about how to manage the risk in foreign investments. (For related reading, see Broadening The Borders Of Your Portfolios.)
Essential Diversification – But At a Price
The positive side of foreign investments is that they are an important and often essential part of portfolio diversification. Making foreign investments, however, does not mean that the investor is speculating in foreign currencies, although the risk may still be substantial. After all, a low American dollar, for example, is bound to rise at some point, which will substantially reduce the value of money coming back into the U.S. On the other hand, a high U.S. dollar means the exact opposite to non-American investors because they will be looking to take their money out of the U.S. and return it to their home countries, where it will be more valuable.
Currency Fluctuations
For example, in early 2000, the dollar was worth 1.25 euros, but by the end of 2004, it was worth only 0.73 euros. During this period, foreigners investing in America saw the effective value of their investments decline by 40%. (For related reading, see A Primer On The Forex Market.)
Then there is the issue of yen loans. For years, the incredibly low Japanese interest rates encouraged people to borrow yen to invest elsewhere. However, if the yen were to rise substantially before such a loa

Beware of Balance Transfer Fees

Administrator — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 16:56:00 GMT
Abstract:
Beware of Balance Transfer Fees
by Sarah Dinkins
0% Balance Transfer and 0% APR Promotional Periods
Not so long ago, the 0% balance transfer promotional periods were introduced in the credit card industry. The idea was that for a period of time (Usually 6 months) the credit card company wouldn't charge interests over unpaid balances transferred from other credit cards. Sometimes, this offer came together with a 0% APR promotional period too, which implied that there was no interest rate for purchases either.
These offers draw attention to many credit card holders who immediately turned to credit cards that featured this benefit. In a short amount of time almost all credit card companies where offering this kind of cards.
Smart people saw a great opportunity, they could keep transferring the balance from one card to another just before the promotional period ended, thus getting free finance for an uninterrupted period of time. This was immediately noticed by credit card issuers who limited this practice in many different ways.
Balance Transfer Fees and other Charges
The solution that the credit card industry implemented consists on charging a fee (instead of an interest rate) for balance transfers. The idea of 0% balance transfer is lost since, though there is no interest rate, transferring the balance from one card to another is no longer free of charge.
Moreover, in order to cover their costs, credit card issuers charge other fees and costs. In order to compensate for the 0% interest rate on balance transfers, this kind of credit cards come with higher issuing fees, renovation fees, maintenance fees, penalty fee

Guide to Secured Personal Loans

Administrator — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 16:56:00 GMT
Abstract:
Guide to Secured Personal Loans
by John Mussi
Here is a useful guide to secured personal loans. A secured personal loan is the generic term for a loan. A secured personal loan is when you take out a loan that is secured on your property.
A secured personal loan is secured against your home to act as security to the lender for the money you have borrowed. A secured personal loan is often referred to as a homeowner loan.
Secured personal loans are an ideal solution for homeowners who have recently been refused a personal loan or for home owners wanting to borrow a larger loan amount.
The property you own is valued and the lender can then decide how much they are willing to loan you. A secured personal loan can sometimes be the best option if you are looking for lower rates of interest, longer repayment lengths and own your home.
Secured personal loans are 'secured' on the assets of the borrower. The most often used asset for a secured personal loan is the borrower's home. In some cases lenders may allow the loan to be secured against other items of value. Because the lender has security, the interest rate (APR) offered is usually lower than for unsecured loans, but rates can vary greatly depending on individual circumstances. Secured personal loans offer lower interest rates, due to the lower risk that is being taken on by the loan company.
So, why do people take out secured personal loans? Well, firstly you may want to borrow money in order to increase your home's value by making improvements to your home. Others may take on a debt consolidation loan, which means that you take on a large loan fo

How Debt Consolidation Can Help You

Administrator — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 16:55:00 GMT
Abstract:
How Debt Consolidation Can Help You
By Jeff Dragt
If debt is currently an issue in your life, debt consolidation really can save you from the stress of bills, debt collectors, and the nagging thoughts of foreclosure or even bankruptcy.
Debt consolidation can drastically change your life for the better within weeks, months, or years depending on your current debt situation. Consolidating your debts will allow you to live with peace of mind that you are taking care of your financial obligations while continuing to live a happy life.
Debt consolidation is simply the process of taking all of your debts and fitting them into one monthly payment. Putting all of your bills into one payment also means one interest rate, which will limit the amount you pay out every month, saving you a lot of money in the long run.
Debt consolidation also makes paying off multiple debts easier because the monthly payments can be lowered when you take away insane interest rates. The average debtor pays more interest every month than they do on the actual principal balance of their debt! Eliminating the sky-high interest rates is a good start to getting your debts paid, without going completely broke.
Many people assume that when they can’t pay the bills it’s time to just throw up their hands and consider drastic actions such as foreclosure, repossession and bankruptcy. While there are some extreme cases where bankruptcy would be the best option, foreclosure is almost always avoidable as is repossession.
Banks, car dealerships, mortgage companies, and creditors don’t like to have to take back property or write off your debts, they would rather work with you on debt consolidation so that they can get

Does A Personal Loan Company Help?

Administrator — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 16:55:00 GMT
Abstract:
Does A Personal Loan Company Help?
By Reethi Rai
A personal loan company is a good option if a borrower has been unable to get a loan at a bank or through conventional lenders. An established personal loan company will be a one stop solution for a borrower who wants to borrow loans to deal with his financial problems. Specialist advisors at a personal loan company will discuss various loan options, interest rates and repayment terms with borrowers and help them choose a loan deal which matches their requirements.
A personal loan company can source the best loan deals through a wide network of lenders. The borrower can gain access to the best loan deals from the convenience of his/her home and deal with all financial adversity even in case bad credit, arrears, CCJ’s etc. Personal loan companies are dedicated to sourcing and matching personal loans to borrowers depending on their needs and constraints. Personal-loans-company-uk.co.uk will scour the market for the best personal loan deal.
When looking for a loan, it is wise to shop around and before deciding on a lender borrowers must get free quotes and then decide on a loan deal. However a personal loan company simplifies the whole process by doing the necessary legwork to find the best loan deal so a borrower can solve his financial worries by simply opting for services of a personal loan company. A reputed personal loan company will offer the borrower lowest rates and quick approvals. Few loan companies also waive any arrangement fees. Trained financial advisors at personal loan companies will assist borrowers by providing timely and effective financial advise to ensure that borrowers make the right choice while choosing a loan.
With the number of options avai

Fixed Asset Management Software

Administrator — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 16:55:00 GMT
Abstract:
Fixed Asset Management Software
By Michale Jordon
Asset management is a way of managing infrastructure capital assets that minimizes the cost of owning and operating those assets and maximizing their performance over time. It is a systematic process of maintaining and operating physical assets cost effectively. The basic processes in fixed asset management software are facility inventory, capacity, criticality and condition assessment and asset valuation. Some advanced processes are formalized operation and maintenance program and life cycle cost analyses and evaluations. Fixed asset management software imparts many benefits to an organization. It optimizes asset life, normalizes CIP sending, improves reliability, reduces unnecessary maintenance and prepares for regulatory and financial community.
Some silent features of fixed asset management software are easy asset setup, intuitive interface, asset categories, depreciation management, asset review, asset manipulation, asset and inventory tracking and barcode scanners. It generates many reports that are handy for management review.
Asset Management is not a specific product or service, but rather a way of doing business. It provides a solid foundation from which to monitor the transportation system and optimize the preservation. It is a framework for making decisions in order to
use resources efficiently. Assets can take various forms - People, money, information and physical resources.
Inventory asset management software brings depth of experience and great expertise to every physical inventory project, ensuring a smoother, faster, accurate inventory. IntelliNt System Consultant will oversee the en

Pricing Websites: The Importance of the Discount Rate

Administrator — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 16:53:00 GMT
Abstract:
Pricing Websites: The Importance of the Discount Rate
By Mike Batta
When website valuation or pricing websites is discussed far too often the emphasis is on the "x month's revenue" metric. It is not surprising that this is the case given that the market for buying and selling websites is extremely immature and the standard business techniques have not found their way into it yet.
In most markets where transactions take place to exchange assets it is commonly understood that there is an expected return from the asset, or a certain amount of income that the asset will bring to it's new owner. The prices for these assets in established markets are typically derived by taking the expected returns and mathematically 'discounting' them back to a present value (the expected returns are in the future.)
Since the market for buying and selling websites is so immature, transaction participants typically engage in an elementary approach to establishing a website value, which bears little if any resemblance to the asset's actual value when considering risks and expected return. Often times this number, something like "15 month's revenue," is simply pulled out of thin air or based on some Internet marketing forum post. One of the many problems with this approach is there is no scientific method to assessing the risk and including a risk component in the price. By establishing a risk-adjusted expected return and discounting future cash flows by this return, there is some science behind the price establishment process from which deal negotiations can begin. This last statement is important since it is not the math that will determine the price, but ultimately what the buyer is willing to p

Debt Consolidation - Relief From Crushing Debt

Administrator — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 16:52:00 GMT
Abstract:
Debt Consolidation - Relief From Crushing Debt
Reprinted from http://www.rlrouse.com/
Debt consolidation is the process of combining several of your small debts (and monthly payments) into one larger debt (and payment).On the surface, this may sound like a bad idea. But if done properly, consolidating your debts can provide fast relief from the suffocation and anxiety of being under a crushing mountain of debt.If properly planned, debt consolidation usually results in one monthly payment that is much lower than the combined amount of all of your previous smaller debt payments. It's quite common for debt consolidation to reduce total monthly debt service by 50% or more!Credit cards are by far the most common cause of a crushing debt load. The interest on these accounts can be upwards of 21%. And to add insult to injury, the minimum amount due when each statement arrives allows for retiring just a very small amount of the principal balance. In other words, if you pay just the minimum amount due month after month, it will take years to pay off that account!And if you continue using the card on a regular basis, the principal balance will actually grow over time instead of shrink. Multiply this by 5 to 7 credit cards (the national per-person average), and you begin to realize the importance of debt consolidation.The process of consolidating your debts is very simple and straightforward. You simply contact a couple of lenders and tell them that you're interested in a debt consolidation loan.First, they'll have you fill out a detailed loan application. Be prepared. Have with you a list of all of your debts, inc

What is an Auto Loan?

Administrator — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 16:52:00 GMT
Abstract:
What is an Auto Loan?
By John Mussi
An Auto loan is basically another name for a car loan. An auto loan is an agreement between a lender and a borrower in which the lender gives the borrower money and the borrower promised to pay back the amount of the loan and the interest. Auto loans are only offered for the purpose of purchasing a vehicle.
Auto loans are the most popular type of loan that people apply for. Auto loans, as the name suggests, are unsecured loans specifically designed for the purchase of a vehicle.
An auto loan is a type of credit offered by a bank or other lender for the specific purpose of buying a vehicle. You then pay back the loan over a set period of time.
If you are taking out an auto loan it is very important that you find out the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) that the lender is offering. This is the yearly charge for the loan, a low APR means a cheaper loan.
The payments you make consist of both the principal amount of the loan plus interest. With this type of loan you own the vehicle from the time you buy it. Auto loans are form of personal loan of which there are several basic types with slightly different conditions attached.
Auto loans can be seen as the riskiest of loans from the lender's point of view. This is because an auto loan is for an asset that depreciates very quickly. Thus you will find that auto loans have generally a higher rate of interest than any other type of loan.
One of the advantages of getting an auto loan is that when you get it before you go to the dealer, you can negotiate as a cash buyer. Often you will save money when you negotiate from a cash buying position.
The main disadv

Forex Trading

Administrator — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 16:52:00 GMT
Abstract:
Forex Trading
By Ikey Benney
If you search on the internet you will find millions of investment programs such as real estate, stock trading, bond trading, mutual funds, CDs, auction programs and various internet programs.
I have not done many internet income opportunities or programs or affiliate programs because I had been lucky to discover a very easy way to make money through forex trading, (Foreign currency trading) safely on the internet.
Perhaps you know about only stock trading or bond trading which are common, but not forex trading.
Forex trading is the most profitable and attractive internet income opportunity because you can do it from home or office and from any country in the world.
In forex trading, you do not need to do any marketing or selling or internet promotion to succeed.
In currency forex trading, you do not need to spend thousands of dollars to do any internet promotion.
In forex online trading, you do not need any stocks or warehousing.
In forex online trading , all that you have to do is open an account with one of the brokers with as little as $300 or $2000.
Then follow simple instructions to buy and sell the currencies.
When the price of the currency is low, you buy.
In a few seconds or minutes, the price will go up, and you sell it and make a profit.
By so doing , in a day, you can easily make $500-$1000 by just buying, selling and trading these foreign currencies for about 3 or 4 hrs!
And get this:

Do You Make These 7 Mistakes In Your Business?

Administrator — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 16:51:00 GMT
Abstract:
Do You Make These 7 Mistakes In Your Business?
By Ray L. Edwards
Mistakes. Nobody likes to make them. But when we do we try to learn from them, survive them and then value the 'experience' that we now have because of them.
As a internet marketing consultant having worked with many different businesses I've seen a lot of foul-ups in my career. In this article I'll just like to address 7 of these mistakes that have crippled or handicapped many companies that otherwise could have been very successful.
1. Failure to differentiate your business by showing the unique benefits you provide the customer.
Some may call this the Unique Selling Position (USP) or a host of other titles meaning the very same thing, but you want to show how you are different from your competition. Even if you are selling a very common product you can still differentiate yourself from your competition by picking one unique quality.
If you own a pizza place then maybe you are the only business in the area that delivers after midnight or offer star-shaped pizzas. Whatever will help you to stand out from the other pizza places will help you to stand out in the customer's mind. Think about how many credit card companies, gas stations, bakeries � and a host of other businesses that offer similar services to other companies.
Differentiate and you'll win.
2. Failure to test your advertising strategies.
There are many companies that run various ads. This includes Yellow Pages, radio spots, newspapers and direct mail. Yet they cannot

Tips For Selling Your Francise Business

Administrator — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 16:50:00 GMT
Abstract:
Tips For Selling Your Francise Business
by Dennis L. Monroe
The selling price of franchise businesses has significantly increased. Nearly every week someone asks us if it is time to sell. Even though it may be an appropriate time to sell in terms of the market, it may not be the appropriate time to sell in terms of your business cycle or being prepared for selling (both of which can give you a significantly lower price than the market data would indicate).
Let’s look at five areas of planning for a franchisee operator preparing to sell: (1) Unit economics; (2) Financial statements and reporting; (3) Legal structure; (4) Tax planning; and (5) Financing issues.
Unit economics. It is important that each store in your franchise business be reasonably profitable. If you have a large number of stores, it is unlikely that all of the stores are profitable; in fact, you may have a group of stores that are dragging down a higher overall profitability of your company. It is important to deal with the unprofitable stores prior to marketing the business for sale. There are two common approaches:
Drop the unprofitable stores into a separate entity. This will segregate these stores from the overall business and allow the good stores to be sold under either an asset or stock sale. More importantly, the unprofitable stores will have separate books and records; thus, not confusing the buyer.
Bite the bullet and deal with these troubled stores by closing or reletting. If you own the real estate, sell the real estate.
Buyers may love your business but they do not want your troubled assets. If the unit economics are merely a result of a short-term problem (such as road closures or population growth, which are inevitable), then it may be important to tell that stor

The New Real Estate

Administrator — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 16:50:00 GMT
Abstract:
The New Real Estate
How long can the real estate boom last?
by Arthur I. Segel
No one knows the answer, but this is the most exciting time in real estate during my almost thirty years in the business. The world is awash with liquidity, and real estate is capturing much of it for three reasons.
First, because of the stock market crash of 2001, real estate has become a legitimate asset class and a good diversifier from stocks and bonds. Second, with graying populations in the West and Japan, real estate is particularly appreciated because it is a strong generator of current cash flow needed to pay pensioners. And third, the returns relative to all asset classes have been enormous.
Let's take a moment on this last point, high returns relative to other investments. The public real estate markets as recorded by the Dow Jones Wilshire Real Estate Securities index for the period ending January 31, 2007 (and before the recent market downswing) was 30 percent over the last three years, 26 percent over the last five years and 16 percent over the last ten years. This compares favorably with the S&P at 10 percent, 7 percent, and 8 percent, and even well against Emerging Markets equities at 29 percent, 25 percent, and 8 percent over the same time. (It should be noted that over shorter periods, some emerging markets such as the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the SENSEX index for the Bombay market last year grew by 84 percent and 48.5 percent respectively.)
Investors are witnessing improving fundamentals (increasing rents and decreasing vacancies) coupled with continuing low interest rates.Durin

Analyze Cash Flow The Easy Way

Administrator — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 16:49:00 GMT
Abstract:
Analyze Cash Flow The Easy Way
By Richard Loth
If you believe in the old adage, "it takes money to make money," then you can grasp the essence of cash flow and what it means to a company. The statement of cash flows reveals how a company spends its money (cash outflows) and where the money comes from (cash inflows). (To read more about cash flow statements, see What Is A Cash Flow Statement?, Operating Cash Flow: Better Than Net Income? and The Essentials Of Cash Flow.)

We know that a company's profitability, as shown by its net income, is an important investment evaluator. It would be nice to be able to think of this net income figure as a quick and easy way to judge a company's overall performance. However, although accrual accounting provides a basis for matching revenues and expenses, this system does not actually reflect the amount the company has received from the profits illustrated in this system. This can be a vital distinction. In this article, we'll explain what the cash flow statement can tell you and show you where to look to find this information.
Difference Between Earnings and Cash
In an August 1995 article in Individual Investor, Jonathan Moreland provides a very succinct assessment of the difference between earnings and cash. He says "at least as important as a company's profitability is its liquidity - whether or not it's taking in enough money to meet its obligations. Companies, after all, go bankrupt because they cannot pay their bills, not because they are unprofitable. Now, that's an obvious point. Even so, many investors routinely ignore it. How? By looking only at a firm's income statement and not the cash flow statement."
The Statement of Cash Flows
Cash flow statements have three distinct sections, each of which relates

Uncovering Closed-End Funds

Administrator — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 16:49:00 GMT
Abstract:
Uncovering Closed-End Funds
By Daniel Myers, CFA
Income-oriented mutual funds are not risk-free, but they provide a safer start for people looking for high portfolio yields, without the time commitment or risk that comes with individual securities. There are two types of mutual funds, open-end and closed-end. And, due to their differing structures they offer different advantages and disadvantages. As an investor looking for investment income, the closed-end option is generally the better route. In this article, we'll discuss closed-end funds and give you seven tips for how to use these funds to increase your investment income.
An Open and Closed Case
In an open-end mutual fund, shares are issued and redeemed daily by the fund's sponsor (the issuer of the fund). By design, these funds are always traded at their actual cash value, also known as net asset value (NAV), which is calculated on a per-share basis before sales charges are applied. Moreover, while this is the most popular type of fund, it is not necessarily the best for those seeking income.
On the other hand, closed-end mutual funds, which generally provide more income to investors, issue all of their shares on the first day they go public, instead of issuing and redeeming new shares everyday at their NAV. After that, the fund's market value can move just like an individual stock, free to rise and fall above and below the actual cash value of the shares. The fund's sponsor does not issue or redeem any new shares on a daily basis. Instead, shares trade between other investors independent of the NAV.
And while these shares can trade at a premium to their actual cash value or NAV, they usually trade at a discount (ranging from 2% to 3% on the low end, to 15% to 25% on the high end). This discoun