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Fabienne Fredrickson asked:


Copyright (c) 2007 Fabienne Fredrickson

Quote: ” Invest three percent of your income in yourself (self-development) in order to guarantee your future.” – Brian Tracy

Sometimes, the signs that it’s time to invest in taking your business to go to the next BIG level show up without notice. Take this past summer, for example. The second call of my Preview Teleseminar Series for my workshop was scheduled and I was set to interview two inspiring and motivating solopreneurs on how they use the Client Attraction systems daily to make well into the 6-figures. We had close to a thousand entrepreneurs registered for the call and I was excited to host it.

Then, the unthinkable happened. As instructed, hundreds of people starting showing up 10 minutes early to make sure they would make it onto the line before it was maxed out. As I was greeting them, I kept asking if my two featured guests were on the line. My heart kept sinking further and further into my stomach as I realized neither of them could actually get on the line as moderators.

Call it a systems glitch, call it a disaster, there was nothing I could do. Emails were going back and forth, with my special guests telling me they were indeed on the line but no one could hear either of them. Meanwhile, nearly a thousand people were waiting patiently for us to figure out what was going on.

At that moment, I would have paid ANYTHING to be able to get an operator on the line to fix it for me. Anything.

I was crumbling inside, unsure of what to do. Have the call WITHOUT my two featured guests or reschedule it entirely? I chose to go on (perseverance) and asked everyone to hang up and dial in again, and was then able to get ONE of my guests on the moderator line. I interviewed her and it went great. Then, as she hung up to let the other guest onto the moderator line, I got cut off of my OWN call! I tried several times to get back onto the line and was blocked out for several minutes. (I found out later that Mercury was in retrograde.)

The whole thing unfolded like that scene from the movie Swingers when he leaves those messages, one after the other, sinking deeper and deeper into trouble. Have you seen it? Finally, I got on as a “regular” participant and had to keep the line un-muted for the rest of the call.

As I mentioned, I would have done (and paid) ANYTHING to be able to press a button and get an operator to help me. Throughout this episode, my intuition kept nudging at me saying, “Fabienne, you should have invested in your business and gotten the help you needed BEFORE this happened.” But after years of frugally using basic services, I’d gotten too lazy and perhaps too complacent to spring for that PAID bridge line the million-dollar marketers are using.
The good news is, the call ended up being a huge hit. People wrote me to tell me how inspiring it was, how motivated they got as a result and ironically, no one mentioned the technical difficulties. Several people signed up for the workshop as a direct result of that call, and I was thrilled that no one even brought up the snafus. But I learned three MAJOR lessons that day:

1. Persevere. No situation is ever as bad as YOU think it is. You may be crumbling inside, but in other people’s perceptions, it’s just another day at the office. Keep going. It will always work itself out.

2. Let others take care of details for you so that you can focus on your “genius work”, the stuff that actually makes you mo.ney. You see, Sinatra didn’t move his own piano each time he sang at a gig. He had a team in place to handle those details so that he could focus on two things: Singing and Getting More Gigs. And that’s what you should be focusing on too: Working With Clients and Getting More Clients. Everything else can be delegated.

3. Sometimes, it’s time to put the frugal part of you behind and REALLY invest in your business. No more holding back. When it’s time to grow, it’s also time to take out your wallet and INVEST in making mo.re. That’s what all the millionaire marketers do. My experience has been that, when I do invest in my business, it always comes back to me at least 4 to 10 times over. And although “money” is usually the excuse I’ve used in the past for not doing something (and I’m not the only one, you have too!), I’ve found that if I really look at a situation, I almost always have the resources to invest or can find a way to get them.

Just for the purpose of today’s article, I’m adjusting Brian Tracy’s quote from above:

“Invest three percent of your income in yourself [and your business] in order to guarantee your future.”

YOUR ASSIGNMENT:

How will YOU invest in your business this week? Notice what you have NOT taken advantage of because you’re using the excuse of “not having enough money.” Using that excuse is an insidious form of self-sabotage. It’s a mindset that keeps you playing small and limits your growth. Time to stop being frugal and take action. The money will naturally show up to help you pay for it (it always does.)

Like many others, you might be wondering what to do to take action in your business. Perhaps you’re missing the how-to. Then it’s time to invest in a step-by-step marketing system that will feel easy and authentic to you.



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Tima.ashar asked:


Online coupon books give discounts on a range of goods and services right over the Internet. This not only saves valuable money, but also makes you purchase the products you always wished to purchase but couldn’t.

There are a number of online sites that deal exclusively with discount coupon books. They cater to solely to the market in these books, and provide a number of tools, services, and resources to help users search and use the right coupons.

If you have decided to use online discount books, there are a number of tips to keep in mind while surfing for coupons. These are as follows.



You may not be able to locate the right discount coupon for your product. This should not discourage you, as new offers and deals keep coming out regularly. Try subscribing to newsletters to keep yourself informed.



The basic rule of market shopping applies to online shopping as well. Surf various sites to know who is offering lower prices or higher discounts for the same product.



There may be hidden costs like shipping associated with the product. Knowing these will help you make better decisions.



Since the world of marketing is always on the look out for customers who are doing shopping in the market, it is a wise policy to create a new email account and use it on online stores.



Internet allows us to know the product features and other details before we purchase them. Do not stick only to the reviews found on the parent website. Try searching on the product to know what others are saying.



For more information on discount coupon books visit – Discount coupon books

The author is a freelance writer associated with http://www.coupon-book.net



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michaelrussell asked:


In difficult economic times, moving is even more of a challenge. It’s good to know, then, that if you are relocating to the Atlanta area, a moving service called Promove is there to help. Buckhead is one neighborhood in the metro Atlanta area that is especially attractive. This article will describe how moving to Buckhead is made easy with the help of Promove.

Renters will benefit from research and conservatism. First, in order to move, you need to save money. No matter how frugal you aspire to be, moving costs money. Apartment leases often require first and last month security deposits, as well as various other fees that the landlord might present. And then there is the question of actually moving your stuff. Of course it is more convenient to hire movers, but if you’re trying to save money it might be a better idea to do it yourself. You can find boxes for free at grocery stores, liquor stores, and restaurants. If you’d prefer a bigger, cleaner box, you can go to the nearest moving company, where boxes are often for sale.

Saving money and being frugal is a personal challenge. It is up to you to budget your income and understand what you can spend and where. That’s half the battle of moving. The other is finding your apartment.

Using Web sites is a good place to start Craigslist and local newspapers list hundreds of properties available for rent. You can also Twitter and ask people in the community if they know of any places available to rent. Or you can work with rental service companies. Some of these companies charge a fee; others do not.

If you want to spare yourself the time and effort of an apartment search, there is a company in Atlanta that will work with you to narrow the search. You are paired with a local agent, a person who understands Buckhead and all that goes with it. Then you give the agent your information — how much you can afford, where you would like to live, etc — and he goes to work finding apartments. Once an apartment is identified, he makes contact and sets up a time to see the house. If you decided to rent the house and once the lease is signed, simply let the property manager know that you used the rental company’s services. The rental company and the property management work together. This is how rental companies are paid. This keep the service free for the renter, a huge benefit when trying to move to Buckhead on a budget.



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Caroline Miller asked:


The Frugal Homeowner’s Guide to Home Security

If you want to keep your home safe but are put off by the cost of alarm systems, don’t despair. There are other devices you can use to keep your family and your property safe and secure and you don’t have to spend a lot. Here’s how:

Determine your vulnerable points

Before you set out to buy anything, check your house first. Go outside and look around, test your doors and windows for any weaknesses (old hinges, rusted locks, weak frames, etc.). Sometimes it’s as simple as replacing a few of your old hardware to keep your home safe.

Next, put yourself in the shoes of a potential thief. Imagine how you could enter your house unnoticed. Identify the most vulnerable points in your house – your front door, rear and patio doors and your windows. Another point of vulnerability is your garage or shed.

Install alarms

First things first. There ARE low-cost home security devices available on the market. These are usually the wireless systems which are easy to install and set up. Wireless systems are very popular because they provide the peace of mind that homeowners want at an affordable price.

You might also want to buy one of those small door-installed alarms that cost about $20 or less. Powered by cell batteries, once it’s turned on and the door is opened, the alarm emits a sharp warning to alert you. It’s cheap, unobtrusive and it works.

Bolts and locks

For doors and windows, you can install bolts and locks to reinforce an existing lock. As long as the bolt is solid and the hinges are properly screwed in place, you will have little worry.

If you have sliding doors that don’t have an anti-lift device, it would be a good idea to install one. Or, you could install two door locks – one on top and another at the bottom – to reinforce the hook lock.

The garage is a common point of entry for most burglars, so keep the door padlocked and the garage windows closed before you enter the house.

Keep the light on

Illuminate your porch, back door and garage. If you’re willing to spend a little, invest in dusk-to-dawn lighting powered by photoelectric cells. These save a lot of energy and will be cheaper to use than electric-powered lights.

Keep things thorny

If you don’t have a fence or wall, keep thorny plants and shrubs around. Plants like roses, holly and hawthorn have spiny leaves and thorny stems are great deterrents because they can produce punctures and tear at the skin. They not only provide you with security, they are also great ornamentals.



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manoj kumar asked:


As many small business owners know, financing is crucial to the financial health of their enterprise. While some small business owners have the resources to launch their business, most look to the credit market for financial help. Indeed, the banking industry is an important source to gain necessary capital. However, many entrepreneurs may not realize that that applying for commercial credit requires a great deal of preparation. Here are five tips to assist entrepreneurs in improving their chances of getting credit approval.

Tip #1: Decide on the type of commercial loan that is needed. Loan options include short-term loans, intermediate loans, long-term loans, and lines of credit.

Short-term loans are usually for less than a year. They typically provide interim working capital for a business temporarily in need of cash.

Intermediate loans are often used for business set-up, the purchase of new equipment, expansion, or an increase in working capital. This loan can be anywhere from 1-3 years.

Long-term loans are for major capital improvements, acquiring fixed assists, and business start-ups. The loan term is usually from 3-5 years and repayment installments are on a monthly or quarterly basis.

A line of credit gives a small business the ability to borrow money repeatedly, up to the credit limit. The lender will usually perform a review once a year, at which time the borrower is asked to update financial statements.

Tip #2: Make sure all paper work is in order. Applying for commercial loans can be very tedious and requires much more documentation than applying for consumer credit. So, the key is to be prepared. In addition, entrepreneurs who have carefully put together the needed paperwork to include the loan purpose, the amount of money needed and for how long, and a repayment schedule proposal will be viewed more favorably by many lenders.

Tip #3: Develop a well thought out proposal. The proposal should include the loan purpose, the amount of money needed and for how long, and a repayment schedule proposal. Points to include are the business description that tells the nature of the business, product and service, a personal profile, and a business plan that outlines the corporate strategy for the next three to five years. Additional points to add are supporting documentation that supports the information outlined in the proposal, and collateral that will be used to secure the loan. Financial statements, both personal and for the business, are important as well.

Tip #4: Seek advice! It is important for entrepreneurs to talk with someone who has gone through the process of obtaining commercial credit before a lender is approached. This is especially important for the first time buyer. Entrepreneurs can approach mentors, qualified business counselors, business support groups, and the U.S. Small Business Administration. This step will increase the chances of getting a favorable credit decision.

Tip #5: Be prepared to pursue various options. Sometimes, financial institutions will say no. Once again, obtaining credit can be difficult, especially for entrepreneurs who are first-time borrowers. However, since financial institutions have different standards, an inability to meet the standard of one lender does not mean one fails the standards of all. It is highly possible that credit approvals can be gained with another lender. So, it is important to keep seeking until a lender is found.

Obtaining credit is necessary for many small businesses. Knowing what steps to take in this process can greatly increase an approval from a financial institution. Now, put these five tips into practice and be on your way to getting the credit you need for your business venture.



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Robert asked:


A work from home career usually ends abruptly primarily because no planning and discipline related rules are firmly observed. A informal approach to the home-based business has disastrous effects and the business turns out a failure very soon. Therefore, to achieve a successful career and to become a better professional business person, you must set certain rules and observe their implementation rigorously.

You must break off your home from the office:

Find a place or a room in your house and make it your home office. Once you enter your office for work, forget that it is a part of your home and work with complete dedication and professionalism. Set rigid hours of working and refrain from the desire to mix with other family members during the work hours. Plan and divide your office hours well, and accommodate some time if you must attend to your family needs. However, while on work, concentrate thoroughly on the assignments. A casual approach to work will end your home based business career sooner than later.

Be fully equipped for your work from home business:

Work from home career is an extremely demanding career, probably more demanding than your previous regular job. Your career success depends upon your equipments like the computer, the internet connection, and the general atmosphere in your home office. All the equipments should be maintained in perfect working condition. Your posture while doing your job must be correct. The lighting and ventilation in the office room must be ideal. It is very important to also have an uninterrupted power supply and a good backup system to frequently backup all your work. A filing cabinet will solve your filing needs.

Set the working hours:

Be very professional and set strict working hours. Being a home based business owner, you tend to make the mistake of taking frequent breaks in work and utilize that time with your other family members, who are within easy reach from your home office. You can take those breaks if needed, but keep those breaks sufficiently short and always return to your work more refreshed. Work with complete dedication and do not allow yourself to get distracted by other family members or friends. Work according to your schedules and submit them within the promised time frame. Your professional approach to your work from home career will pay you rich dividends.

Take care of all financial aspects:

The income that you generate from the work from home career can be unstable initially. Carefully manage your spending habits and try to manage your home in whatever income you generate. Always aim to generate a good income and work diligently to meet it. Saving your money is a very good habit and pays well in the future. Make good financial plans and implement them carefully. Look for alternate resources of getting alternate jobs. Study other marketing opportunities, so if one job fails you will have other sources ready. Never depend upon a single source of income when you are having a home based business. The residual jobs generate additional income, so outsource your workload if you need to. This way, additional income opportunities are presented to you.

Take care of your health:

You should take good care of your health and equipment. You should take periodic health check-ups and do your exercises regularly. You must also take vacations regularly, because work from home careers often makes you very lonely and physically tired. Plan your vacations, enjoy them, and come back refreshed. A careful planning of your work will always allow you to mix will with your family and friends. Enjoy that time to the fullest. It will make your work from home career very interesting and refreshing.



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David Haslett asked:


The demand for new Financial Advisors is skyrocketing. As millions of Americans move toward retirement, the financial industry is desperately seeking new Advisors. Here is the fast track to a lucrative and rewarding new career.

Free time, flexibility, and excellent potential income are waiting for those who choose to follow this career path.

As with many things, there is a hard way and an easy way to launch a career as an advisor. One is a more difficult trail with obstacles along the way. It begins with an MBA degree in personal finance or economics followed by intensive study for one or more NASD examinations to become a registered representative.

Once completed, you’ll need to start looking for an employer and competiton for these positions is keen. Despite significant competition and regulatory compliance oversight, you’ll build your “assets under management” in order to satisfy your employer and/or qualify for assistance with expensive advanced certifications.

There is, however, an alternate route that doesn’t involve such life changing career moves.

For the Boomer, a fifty-something with the life expectancy of a Galapagos sea turtle but with less than two years of income saved for retirement, it’s no longer about accumulating a portfolio of assets. It’s about the other three quadrants of his or her balance sheet which have gone largely ignored.

1. How to get the most sustainable lifetime income from the existing portfolio of assets.

2. How to eliminate hidden and/or and unnecessary expenses.

3. How to eliminate all debt before retirement.

A true financial advisor should address these areas of concern and, to do so doesn’t require a life changing career experience. There are new and innovative financial products and services which effectively address these issues, but are not securities and are not regulated by the NASD and SEC.

If you’re contemplating a lucrative and rewarding career as a Financial Advisor, Here are some tips to help you down that path.

1. Be independent. No one financial entity that has all of the right solutions to all of the financial problems out there. As an Independent Financial Advisor, you’ll have the freedom to choose the best financial products and services from a variety of carriers.

2. Be independent but don’t walk the path alone. You need a system. Join an Independent Marketing Organization. They will, in exchange for an override commission from the carriers, provide turn-key systems including advisor training, product access, provider contracts, and assistance with licensing, marketing, and regulatory compliance. Many have spent years developing effective and predictable systems to support their network of advisors.

3. Build a professional referral network. Your clients will seek advice on a range of financial subjects including real estate, taxes, insurance, legal contracts, mortgage and consumer finance. Team up with some qualified specialists in your vicinity. Refer your clients to them and they will refer their clients to you.

4. Don’t worry about your sales skills. Many successful advisors are numbers people and couldn’t sell snow cones in Death Valley. It’s all about positioning. The model of all successful business is the same. There is a problem. There is a solution. By positioning yourself between the two, you have value and people will recognize that value.

5. Don’t talk about yourself or your business. Focus on your prospect/client and ask the right questions. How do you feel about ….? What do you plan to do about ……? If there was a way to ……, would you …..? The art of asking questions is critical to your success in attracting new clients.

6. Keep in communication with your prospective clients. It often requires six or seven exposures to build a successful client relationship. Set up an email system to keep them informed of the latest developments in your industry.

7. Test the water, first. Some new advisors run into difficulty because they get excited and spend too much money before they start making money. Keep your start-up expenses under $500. At the very least, you’ll get a low cost financial education that you can apply to your own situation.

We are at the brink of the largest wealth transfer in history. There is a tremendous need for qualified financial advisors to lead this history making generation down the path to financial security. Those that choose this path will discover a career that offers an abundance of personal satisfaction as well as significant income potential.



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