Determine A Selling Price For A Business

Many business owners have trouble determining price their business for sale. That is partly due to the fact that there is no magic formula that can be plugged in to determine the real "value" of a business. A business' value is decided as a result of several different things including the type of business involved, its tangible assets, and those assets that are intangible such as existing contracts, vendor arrangements, customer lists, intellectual property and much more. There are multiple ways to assess a business' value. However, following the steps below should help you determine a selling price for your business.

Instructions

Determine a Selling Price for a Business

1. Determine if you want to sell everything or only pieces of the business. For example, sometimes business owners want to keep certain pieces of equipment, furniture, or existing cash on hand. In order to lure a buyer into the business, you must be clear about what is and is not for sell as part of the business.

2. Prepare a list of everything that you are willing to sell as a part of the business.

3. Determine the value of the tangible assets of the business. This would include things such as property, equipment, supplies, inventory, and anything else that the business owns that has a tangible value. If you are not certain of an item's real value, contact the manufacturer of the equipment or inventory to ascertain what they would charge for a like replacement.

4. Determine the value of the intangible assets of the business. This would include things such as existing contracts, regular customer lists, intellectual property, cash on hand, accounts receivable, reputation, cash flow and any other intangible asset that is a part of the business. These can often be much more difficult to determine. Cash on hand and accounts receivable are pretty clear. But while existing contracts should be pretty cut and dried (they are worth whatever the customer has agreed to pay based on receipt of appropriate product) and intellectual property has a cumulative value (based upon its uniqueness in the marketplace and growth potential), things such as an existing customer list can be difficult to value. This is an area where many owners and buyers clash because buyers often don't see the light of the owner's asking price. Therefore, this is an area where owners may have to build in some "give."

5. Consider asset based valuation. This method uses the valuation that you have determined for your business's assets in Step 3 and 4 above.

6. Consider a replacement value approach. This is somewhat similar to an asset based approach except for the fact that it does not take into consideration intangible assets. Instead, it takes into consideration only those assets that the business would need in order to begin from scratch. If the tangible assets are up-to-date and in good condition, this can be a useful approach. However, it can be an unsuccessful method for businesses that have old or outdated assets that may need to be replaced. In those instances, an adjustment might need to be made in the asking price in order for asset replacement.

7. Consider the market value of the business. Market value is the price that "similar" businesses in the same area have been able to obtain. While there will be obvious changes with regard to tangible and intangible assets between businesses, the similarities at least provide a starting point. It also gives the owner an idea of what the market may or may not be willing to bear.

8. Consider a valuation dependent upon the earnings of the business over a period of time such as the past five years. This way of valuing a business is much more successful for certain types of businesses that don't have a lot of tangible assets on hand. It is based on the actual financial history of the business, taking into consideration accounts payable and receivable, cash flow, and net profit or loss.

9. Consider a liquidation value approach. This isn't highly recommended by owners who want to get the best value for their business. However, when a business has been on the market for awhile, without selling, it may become a last chance approach. In this method, the owner must redetermine the value of the business' assets if he were forced to sell off the assets individually within a limited amount of time (six months to one year). Sometimes, the real value is the same either way, but in some cases, the value can be considerably less because of the time consideration.

10. Consider income valuation. This method assumes that future income will exactly or nearly mirror historical financial data. For that reason, this approach isn't always popular with some buyers. It makes too many assumptions and doesn't take into consideration changes within the industry, economic conditions, fluctuations in the customer base, possible inflation or a wide number of other typical business considerations. Many buyers steer clear of businesses that are valued using only this method.

11. Consider hiring a valuation consultant. If you don't feel comfortable with the value that you have established for your business, you may want to contact an expert in the field and have him either go over your chosen formula or begin his own valuation from scratch.Once a valuation is arrived at by a professional you can, of course, compare that against your own to determine which - - if either - - approach you want to take. Another option is to decide somewhere between the two opposing values.

12. Develop a back-up plan. If your business remains on the market for a long period of time, you may need to rethink its valuation. It is, therefore, best to have a back-up approach decided upon before it is required.

Build Ledge Barn Doors

Ledge barn doors can also be referred to as brace and ledge barn doors. These rustic-styled doors evolved as an attractive and efficient way to put sturdy and weatherproof doors on the side of a barn. Ledge barn doors can be a single unit or a pair of doors that both swing open to create a much larger opening. The quality of wood used to make such doors, can vary drastically from very basic materials to elaborately-built doors made from expensive hardwoods.

Instructions

1. Measure the size of the door opening and determine if you need to make one or two doors. A good rule of thumb is that the width of one individual door should never exceed the height. Even a square door is probably too much weight for one set of hinges, so plan on making only doors that are rectangular in shape.

2. Select your wood and place the individual pieces on top of a pair of sawhorses. Cut all the vertical pieces to the exact length. Make sure that each board has a consistent width throughout the entire length. You can use a table saw to correct any inconsistencies. Chances are that the widths of your individual boards will not add up to the exact overall width that you desire.

3. Rip one or two boards to create the exact width of your door. You can usually make the rip cut with a circular saw, unless you are working with hardwoods, in which case you will need a table saw. When making the rip cuts remember that there are two possibilities. You can rip one board and place it in the center of the door, or you can rip two boards and place each one on the outside edge of the door. In either case, the overall height and width of the door should be about ½-inch less than the door opening.

4. Cut the top and bottom ledge. The ledge is just a straight piece of wood that forms the bottom and top edge of the door. It is attached to the front side of the door with wood screws. For a finished look, the screws should be countersunk and filled with putty. The two ledge pieces should be the exact width as the door.

5. Cut two ledges for each side of the door. They will be placed on the front side of the door along the inside and outside edge. Use the same stock of lumber for these pieces also. Each side will have one square end that butts against the top or bottom ledge and one sharply angled end that butts up against the diagonal brace. Attach these braces in the manner as with the rest of the other braces and ledges.

6. Attach hinges and a door latch and now your door is ready to hang. Note that you will need long, heavy-duty, metal, strap hinges to support the weight of the door.

Build Hope With A Vision Board

Vision boards have become quite popular. A vision board is a focal point used to help you reach your goals in life. There are several ways to make a vision board. A vision board builds hope and energizes your efforts to reach your dream goals. It's a great tool for business or personal project management.

Instructions

1. Build hope with a vision board by creating one that will help you, your family or your business organization focus on your goals and plans for the future. First of all, you need to figure out exactly what you want to be, to do or to obtain in the future. Be specific and take time to envision in your mind what you really want. For business projects, make sure your employees know exactly where the project is going and what it should accomplish.

2. Make your vision board by gathering pictures from magazines, drawing pictures or writing words and phrases down that describe the plans you're hoping to accomplish. People have different priorities at different times in life. Decide what your hopes are for the next year. Plan to grow a business, improve your career, lose weight, improve your health or strengthen relationships. Whatever your hopes are, find pictures and words that describe your vision for the future.

3. Put your hope pictures and words on a poster board, bulletin board or in a journal. But make sure to put your vision board in a place where you can see it regularly. If it's a vision for your company, put it where employees can see it each day. Looking at the vision board with its pictures, words and phrases that pertain to your dream is what builds hope that the goal can be reached.

4. Change your vision board as you progress in life. Once a goal has been reached, make a new vision board that describes what you hope to accomplish next. Vision boards have a powerful influence on daily life. They keep the goals in front of your eyes. As you see the vision, you have a tendency to talk about the vision and work toward that vision.

Tell If A Product Is Made In The Usa

It's not so easy to find out if something is made in America.

The "Buy American Act" states that in order for a company to label a product as being made in America, more than 50% of the product's parts must have been manufactured in the U.S. The Act also requires the U.S. government to prefer American-made products in their purchases. With recent reports of tainted foreign products being sold in America, many consumers are looking for the security of a "Made in U.S.A." label. But you may be surprised by how difficult it can be to actually determine if an item was made in the U.S. However, there are steps you can take to check the origins of a product.

Instructions

1. Check the product itself for a "Made in U.S.A." label. If that phrase isn't stamped or embossed on the product, check for a tag that might contain the "Made in" information. Also be sure to check the box the product came in. This is the simplest, easiest way to determine where a product was made. Be aware that if a product is labeled "Made in America," this does not necessarily mean the U.S. The term America in this case could refer to any country in North America or South America. Also be wary of labels that state "packaged in," "assembled in" or "designed in." A product may have been assembled in the U.S., but the components may have been manufactured in a foreign country.

2. Go online to check the origins of the product you want to buy. If you want to be sure that the product you're buying was made in the U.S., there are online databases and engines that allow you to peruse their listings to check that the item you're purchasing was made in the U.S. If the product you're looking to buy is a textile, wool or fur, you can check if the business manufacturing it has a Registered Identification Number (RN). The RN is a number issued to a U.S.-based business, upon request, by the Federal Trade Commission. The RN only applies to textiles, wool and fur manufacturers.

3. If you're still unsure of whether or not a product was made in the U.S., you can call the manufacturer. This can be a difficult step because the supply chain of products can become very convoluted. It's entirely possible that the person you talk to at the company may not know where the product is made. In this case, call the company or business directly instead of calling the retailer where you plan to buy the product.

Become Work At Home Medical Biller

Home Based Medical Biller

Competition in the Medical Billing Business is high. Without getting the right skills and experience you need a business in medical billing will be almost impossible. Learn below get started in the industry without getting scammed.

Instructions

1. Research the medical billing field to determine if the business is for you. Successful billers are usually detailed oriented, good with schedules, computer savvy, and have the ability to type over 60 words per a minute on the 10 key.

2. Get the education or experience you need. It will almost be impossible to find clients in a competitive market if you can not show them experience or education. It is best of have 5 years of hands on experience or a Certification in Medical Billing. Check with your local community college or vocational school for information on gaining certification.

3. After gaining certification it is best to work in a office for at least 6 months to a year to gain office experience. Start looking for clients to work for or a medical billing job by approaching those who you have worked for first.

4. If they do not have anything to offer ask for a reference. Also ask if they know of any offices that may need extra billers. Many offices will keep one position in office and out source extra work. The best way to get started is to get your hands on the extra work.

5. When getting any extra work, no matter how small always show your appreciation for the work and do the best possible job in a timely manner. If you work out well, they are more likely to call you back first.

Build A Website

Building a website is easier than ever. You just need an idea, and you can have a website built within a couple days. Building a website is a good way to keep in touch with friends and family. You can also build a website for commercial use or virtually any other reason you can think of.

Instructions

1. Figure out what you want your website to be about. You'll need to decide on the overall theme of the website and what it will entail. Completely dissect your idea and make sure that it is entirely feasible. If this is your first website, try to keep it basic.

2. Pick a domain name. Go to Networksolutions.com and search until you find a domain name to your liking. The domain name you select should be related to your idea and overall theme of the website you want to build. Take your time in figuring out your domain name, as it will have a wide ranging impact on the future of your website. You can see if the domain name is available by entering into the box on the main page of Networksolutions.com. If it's available, you can purchase it right there. There is an annual fee to own a domain name. If it's not available, select another name.

3. Find a web host for your domain name. The message boards at Webhostingtalk.com are a good place to look for the right web host for you. Look for a history of customer satisfaction and a performance guarantee when searching for a web host. Godaddy.com is a popular, reputable host with affordable packages. Compare prices and packages of several companies and purchase the web hosting plan that is right for you.

4. Hire someone to design your website. A good place to find a freelance website designer is on Elance.com. You can post your job with the specifications that you require, and freelance web designers will make bids on your project. Once you find the right freelance web designer, be sure you explain everything you want included on your website. As the designer is building your website, have her send you progress reports and screen shots so that you can make sure the website is on the right track.

Build A Twig Chair

If you like the relaxed look and feel of natural furniture straight from the woods with as little processing as possible, you will enjoy making and using a set of twig chairs. Building furniture from sustainable sources is both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally sound. Twig furniture requires little or no painting or staining, and can be created entirely without the use of any power tools. This custom built chair is made to your own body measurements, and will therefore be far more comfortable than any other chair you own. Read on to learn build a twig chair.

Instructions

1. Measure yourself from the floor to the bend of your knee and add 1 inch. Cut four straight pieces that same length from a tree limb, about 3 to 4 inches in diameter. These will be the legs of your chair. Measure yourself from hip to shoulder. Cut two more pieces this length to make the two sides of the chair back.

2. Measure yourself from the bend of your knee to just past the curve of your behind. The seat piece you cut will need to be that deep. While seated, measure yourself from hip to hip and add 2 inches. This is the width you will need for your seat piece. If you are rather thin and other members of your family are larger, cut a piece at least 4 inches wider than your own hips. Cut the seat piece from a large stump Take a section at least 2 inches thick, keeping the irregular shape of the natural growth. If desired, peel off the bark or use a rasp to file it away until all the grain of the wood is exposed. Sand entire piece with coarse, medium and fine grain sandpaper until smooth. Apply three or four coats of clear acrylic deck coating, sanding after each coat. Apply one final coat of acrylic.

3. Cut four mortises in the seat bottom and make four tenons on the tops of each of the leg pieces. Refer to the resources at the end of this article for a tutorial on mortise and tenon joints. Be sure to make the tenons at least 1 1/2 inches deep and the mortises at least 1 1/2 inches long, as this will provide strength for the chair. Be sure to use clear silicone adhesive on each tenon and in each mortise to give extra strength to the joints. If desired, countersink a pilot hole from the top of the seat into the mortise and tenon joint and attach the seat to each leg with a 3-inch wood screw. Countersinking, which allows the screw head to lie flush with the wood when it has been screwed into place, gives a more finished look.

4. Brace the chair legs by cutting two 1-inch diameter pieces, one reaching from the right front leg to the left rear leg underneath the chair, and one reaching from the left front leg to the right rear leg. The mortises for one set of legs will have to be cut 1 inch higher than the mortises for the other set so that they can cross one another diagonally without interference.

5. Being careful to cut the top side mortise joints at least 2 inch toward the center back of the chair seat to avoid hitting the bottom side mortise joints, make mortises 1 1/2 inches deep and make tenons 1 1/2 inches long on the bottom ends of the back rails. Attach with clear silicone adhesive. If desired, countersink a pilot hole from the bottom of the seat into the mortise and tenon joint and attach the seat to each back rail with a three inch wood screw.

6. Construct the back of the chair with grapevines and willow twigs, or use canvas webbing. Measure from shoulder to shoulder along your back to get the correct width for the top and bottom back rails. Use green willow twigs when constructing the back, as they are flexible enough to form the necessary curves to make a comfortable chair. Make a top and bottom rail first, either by winding willow branches or grapevine around the two chair rails and tying it of, or by using canvas webbing attached with wood screws through grommets. Weave the back if desired.

Can Public Accounting Firms Be Publicly Traded Companies

Accounting firms can issue securities within their companies to be traded through a public market. When an accounting firm gets publicly traded, it must follow strict guidelines to remain in compliance with the rules set forth by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Unethical practices within public accounting firms caused new laws to be put in place for consumer protection.

Features

To meet guidelines to become a publicly traded accounting firm, you typically must only provide external audit services. If you want to go public, it can create a conflict of interest if you attempt to provide nonaudit services. It is required by law that public accounting firms must submit audits of their financial records. An independent auditor must be used and paid for by the public accounting firm. The accounting firm cannot provide the audit, since it affects the integrity of the data submitted.

Laws

Under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the United States Public Company Accounting Oversight Board was created to oversee publicly traded accounting firms. The goal of the board is to ensure that the interests of the investors and public are protected. The board registers publicly traded accounting firms and mandates regular inspections to ensure that the business is meeting quality control and ethical standards.

Considerations

If your accounting firm offers nonaudit services, you may still be able to allow public trading for your company. If consulting and auditing services are shielded from each other and auditors do not provide the other services, you may be considered in compliance of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The United States Public Company Accounting Oversight Board advises on compliancy issues.

Potential

Accounting firms that are defined as a publicly traded partnership must follow the tax guidelines set forth by the Internal Revenue Service. To be considered a publicly traded partnership, your accounting firm is publicly traded with two or more partners. A publicly traded accounting firm must withhold taxes from its foreign partners at a rate of 35 percent.

Italian Patent Law

The Ufficio Italiano Brevetti e Marchi (UIBM), the Italian Patent and Trademark Office, enforces the intellectual property laws set by the Italian government and represents the point of contact for an inventor residing in Italy. For inventions from outside Italy, the Patent Cooperation Treaty, provides an unified procedure for several countries, welcomes the patent application and routes it to the UIBM.

Laws

Under Italian patent law, an inventor can patent a product idea that has never been thought of before or a new and non-obvious improvement to something or a process that already exists. One important aspect to the law requires the invention be useful and have some industrial application.

Rights

An inventor with an Italian patent can block others from selling, manufacturing and using the inventive concepts within the territorial boundaries of Italy for a period of 20 years. The patent office clocks the start from the date the inventor filed the patent application, not from the time the inventor developed the idea, according to the UIBM.

Exclusions

The UIBM declines patenting aspects of nature unless the outcomes result from human intervention. It excludes inventions related to creating new animal breeds or new plants. In contrast, the UIBM welcomes purified biological materials extracted from their environment through a technical process.

Advertise Writing Services

Advertise Writing Services

With a writing service, there is little overhead and you can work from the comfort of your own home. There's a wide variety of marketing ideas you can utilize to make your business a success.

Instructions

1. Start a website. You can cater to many more clients just by advertising online. More people will have the opportunity to find about your services.

2. Put your business on Google's Local Maps. You simply create a Google or Gmail account, log in and click on "Business Solutions," then "Local Business Center." You can easily set up a free ad to direct local customers to your website. To advertise to a broader client base, use Google AdWords, although this does cost some money.

3. Get postcards printed up and do a direct mail campaign. You can buy a list of names and addresses from the post office and send these postcards to potential clients in your target market.

4. Distribute flyers. If you live in a college town, head to campus and hand out quarter-page flyers to students. If you offer editing services, advertise this as well, since students who write papers are often in need of someone to look over their work or help them with their writing.

5. Hang small posters on bulletin boards around town. Lots of local businesses offer these bulletin boards for the business cards or posters of other local businesses.

6. Join a business referral group. These are groups are set up for the purpose of networking amongst local professionals; you may find out from a client that he needs the services of one of the other members, so you give the person the member's contact information. The other group members will do the same for you.

Green Energy Business Grants

Grants for green energy projects are available through local, state and federal funding agencies.

Green living and clean-energy sources are in the spotlight as the nation struggles to gain more energy independence. Green energy grants are available to provide seed money for start-up businesses, to fund research and development of green technologies, and to upgrade existing business practices to be more energy efficient.

Funding for Environmental Issues

The Environmental Justice Small Grants Program, or EJ, is administered by the Environmental Protection Administration and targets environmental and public health issues. The grant funds businesses and organizations whose primary focus is improving air quality, managing chemical risks, cleaning up hazardous waste disposal sites, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting water. One project the EJ program funded in 2011 is the "Clean and Green Globeville" a Denver, Colorado-based approach to climate change mitigation and adaptation.

High-Risk Concepts

The Advanced Research Projects Agency, or ARPA-E, is administered by the Department of Energy. ARPA-E works exclusively with high-risk, high-potential concepts aimed at connecting energy research and development of industrial innovation technologies. In its first year, ARPA-E awarded $363 million in Recovery Act funding to 121 energy projects based in 30 states. Approximately 39 percent of these projects are led by universities, including the Harvard Medical School-Wyss Institute's "Engineering a Bacterial Reverse Fuel Cell" program, focusing on electrofuel research.

Investing in Small Business

Businesses in rural areas can REAP benefits.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers grants from the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy in areas with populations under 50,000, REAP offers grants for farms and rural small businesses to fund green energy projects such as biomass, solar, wind, water and geothermal technologies. REAP facilitates the development of small and emerging private business enterprises in the clean-energy production industry that operate in rural areas.

Sustainable Energy Grants

The United States says it is committed to ongoing research and development in green technologies, with the idea of propelling this country toward sustainable energy efficiency and sustainability. The U.S. DOE maintains the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy department, with extensive links for businesses and homeowners seeking clean energy grants and resources. The Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) is a comprehensive source for local, state and federal funding for sustainability projects.

Build A Miniature Horse Barn

Stalls

Miniature horses are an economical alternative to their full size cousins. They are smaller, easier to keep and take up fewer resources, yet retain the beauty, elegance and nobility of their larger counterparts. This article will give you some tips on build a miniature horse barn.

Instructions

1. Begin with measuring for your barn. Stalls should measure a minimum of 6-by-6 feet, with 8-by-8 feet being a more suitable size. Make your measurements of the overall size of the barn based on these calculations. Height should be a minimum of 7 feet, with 10 feet being preferable to increase ventilation.

2. Mark the size of the barn and then create your pad. The pad is the area that the barn will sit on that is raised above the level of the surrounding earth. This creates drainage and flood-proofs the barn. Use the sand to raise your pad at least 18 inches above ground level. Any concrete should be measured and poured at this time. Concrete is recommended for any aisles you choose to include in your barn plan.

3. Stalls should be measured and posts sunk at the corners. Posts need to be sunk at least 2 feet into the ground and cemented securely. The framework of the barn should be completed, with the focus on making the barn sturdy to resist wind, weather and the animals themselves. Horses can be incredibly destructive.

4. The sides of the stalls should be boarded to the height of at least 3 feet with 2-by-4s to keep the horses from kicking through the siding. Once the framework has been completed, the siding can be applied. Be sure to overlap the siding to increase waterproofing.

5. The roof should be at an angle to encourage rainwater to drain away from the opening of the stalls. It should be made of metal or aluminum siding. Gates should be hung at the front of each stall, measuring at least 4-by-4 feet.

Advertise On Public Radio International (Pri)

Public Radio International provides programming to public radio stations around the globe.

As commercial radio stations continue to lose listeners to satellite and Internet radio, public radio's listener base remains strong. Traditionally public radio listeners are very loyal to their local public radio stations; they donate during annual fund drives and patronize the station's sponsors. They also tend to be college educated and rather affluent. If your business is looking to target the 35-64 age demographic and households making $75K+, public radio is an excellent place to spend your advertising dollar.

Public Radio International (PRI) -- not to be confused with National Public Radio, or NPR -- is a network that provides programming to local public radio stations. Here's reach PRI's global network of affiliates through underwriting.

Instructions

1. Research the difference between traditional advertising on commercial radio stations and public radio underwriting. The FCC prohibits advertising on stations that receive public funding, so businesses must instead purchase a "sponsorship" of a particular PRI program. In exchange, the business gets a 15-second sponsor message that is played during and/or after the program they sponsor.

2. Check the Arbitron radio ratings to see how large an audience the show you want to sponsor is currently reaching. You or your advertising agency can get this information online through Arbitron's website. As in commercial radio, ratings determine the cost of advertising on that particular show, with highly-rated shows costing more to sponsor.

3. Make sure the cost of sponsorship on an international radio network like PRI fits your advertising budget. As of October 2010, sponsorship costs range from $40,000 for a 13-week program sponsorship to $520,000 for a year-long sponsorship. The minimum sponsorship requirement is 13 weeks.

4. Contact PRI to get a sponsorship proposal and cost estimate for your campaign at:

Public Radio International

401 2nd Avenue North, Suite 500

Minneapolis, MN 55401

Point of Contact: Elton Langland

Phone: 612-330-9251

Email: elangland@pri.org

5. Work closely with your PRI representative on writing copy, approving voiceovers and final production of your sponsorship credit. You should rotate credits on a monthly basis to keep the content fresh and interesting to listeners. Highlight various products, corporate or brand messages in each new announcement.

Remove Money From A Carousel Gumball Machine

Carousel gumball machines can be adjusted to dispense different candy sizes.

You can remove the money from a Carousel gumball machine in just a few seconds. Carousel gumball machines can be set to dispense candy using a variety of coins or even for free. Over time, the coin tray in the base of the machine fills with deposits and must be emptied. To access the tray, the gumball machine must be opened and partially disassembled. Retrieve the coins from a gumball machine so you have the money to buy candy refills.

Instructions

1. Remove the screw at the very top of the machine. Machines in public locations often have screws that are secured with a key. Put the screw in your pocket so it is easily found for reassembly.

2. Hold the red metal body of the machine with both hands. Slowly raise the body straight up off the baseplate while keeping all the other parts intact. Lift the machine until it is clear of the post and set it aside.

3. Lift out the white plastic tray holding the coins. Coins may fall to the floor if the body of the machine is not lifted up until the tray is overfilled. Dump the quarters and replace the C-shaped tray so it encircles the post and rests in the base plate.

4. Slide the Carousel gumball machine back down onto the metal post until it pokes up through the cap. Reinsert the screw and tighten it with the key or screwdriver.

Effective Advertising Solutions

Before you continue to invest in advertising, you should evaluate your advertising and determine what can be done to improve your return on investment. Use proven advertising solutions and your results will improve.

Target

Define your target audience. Pick an audience that is in most need of your products and services. Understand demographics and psychographics. Write your message to appeal directly to your target audience's needs.

Media

Pick media that is read, watched or listened to by your target audience. Use a type of media that best lends itself to your message. For example, if a visual representation of your product or service is important, do not advertise on radio.

Testing

Never assume the returns from an ad you place cannot be improved. Commit to testing your advertising. The first place to begin your testing for a text ad is the headline, since it determines if the recipient of the ad becomes interested enough to want to see or read the remainder of the ad. Invest at least 50 percent of your time creating multiple headlines. Pick two headlines to test. For example, if you are sending out an email advertisement, split your email list in half and use two different subject lines. Measure what percent of recipients open the email and take the action desired for each of the two subject lines. Pick the best subject line and test it against a new subject. By continually testing, you will continually improve your results.

Call to Action

Unless you are using institutional advertising, incorporate a call to action in your advertising solution. A call to action tells the message recipient exactly what you want them to do. For example, a print advertisement might say, "Pick up the phone and call 555-1234 to take advantage of this special offer."

Use Emotion

Many prospects buy for emotional reasons even though they may justify a purchase for rational reasons. Make sure you incorporate an emotional appeal in all of your advertising. For example, a hairdresser might promote "Turn heads as you walk into the room," appealing to the emotion of vanity.

Future Pace

Have the prospect imagine what it would be like to have purchased the item being promoted. For example, "Imagine how much more confident and happier you well feel after you have had a facelift. Everyone will compliment you about how great you look without knowing the reason why."

Build A Handyman Service

Starting a handyman business can be a challenge, and finding ways to keep the business coming in can be hard work as well. When it comes to building your handyman business, you need to know what tools to use, when to use them and get your current customers to be the source for new work. After you have put out your initial advertisements and done your first few jobs, the task of continuously marketing your handyman business begins.

Instructions

Building a Handyman Business

1. Put up flyers in public places that allow businesses to market themselves as an ongoing task. Make sure the flyers have your company name and phone number on a tear-off tab that people can take with them.

2. Give current customers a referral sheet that tells them that for every new customer they send your way, you will give them a $20 finder's fee. Happy customers make the best sales people.

3. Give out business cards whenever you are talking to someone and they mention the need for handyman services. This includes any business contacts you make and any social networking gatherings you go to.

4. Visit real estate companies, real estate law firms and general contractors on your down-time to give out your business cards and offer your services as a handyman who can get the small jobs done quickly.

5. Continue training on the areas of home remodeling and construction that you are not especially familiar with, and continue to add to your collection of job-related tools. The more you know and the better-prepared you are, the more work you are ready to do on a moment's notice.

About Taxes And Buying Or Selling A Business

Whether you are winding up, passing the family business down or simply moving on, selling a business has certain tax implications that should be considered before entering a deal. Because the proceeds from selling your business are income, the government is going to want a cut. Read on to find out how much you will owe in taxes when buying or selling a business.

Types

The profits from selling a business are classified as income, thus there are two main ways that it can be taxed: as personal income or capital gains. The type of income that you claim will depend on how your business is structured and how you divest yourself of ownership (which will be discussed later). Though legislation determining the rate and classification of personal income vs. capital gains is constantly developing, in general, personal income is taxed about 10 percent higher than capital gains. So, obviously, the tax advantages of capital gains are greater than that of personal income.

Identification

As mentioned above, determining whether the income from selling your business is personal income or capital gains depends on how your business was set up when it was founded. Businesses in the United States are structured as one of the following: a sole proprietorship, a general partnership, a limited partnership, a corporation, a limited liability corporation, an S-corporation or a C-corporation. There are more factors in deciding structure your business than tax implications upon selling, but for the purpose of this article, we'll only focus on how these different business types affect tax liability.

Effects

As the name implies, a sole proprietorship is wholly-owned by one individual and thus all the tax liabilities and assets fall on you. In a partnership, the liabilities are split between two or more owners, pursuant to a contract, while limited partners have less liability than a general partner. For both a sole proprietorship and a partnership, the seller or sellers must pay capital gains taxes on property sold along with a business and personal income taxes on assets (i.e. inventory, equipment).

For corporations, the sale of stocks has to be figured in. Selling a corporation is advantageous because when stock is transferred, so too are the liabilities. With a corporation, you have the choice of selling either the stock of the company or its assets. If you sell the assets, the shareholders will be liable for personal income taxes from the sale, similar to selling a sole proprietorship or partnership.

Warning

The difference between an S-corporation and a C-corporation lies in how it is taxed. This is particularly important when selling the assets of a company. The government taxes C-corporations twice: the corporation is taxed on profits while the shareholders are also taxed for income from their stocks. In this way, when you sell the assets for a C-corporation, you will be paying twice as much in taxes. Meanwhile, an S-corporation only pays taxes via its shareholders, thus avoiding double taxation.

Considerations

There are many other thing to consider when selling a business that will be unique to your particular situation and jurisdiction. For example, the year you sell your business, how the sale is structured, net gain or loss (if you are the original shareholder) and other unforeseen intricacies. You also have the option to reorganize your business on a tax-deferred basis to avoid selling. Consulting a CPA or a tax professional is highly recommended. You may also want to deal with a broker or another third-party to help facilitate the sale of your business. Preparation and consideration are key when selling your business.

Know What'S Covered By Workers Comp Insurance

Whether you are a business owner that needs to insure employees or an employee making sure that your insurance needs are met, understanding rights and coverage under worker's compensation insurance is important. Follow these steps to know what's covered under worker's compensation insurance.

Instructions

1. Determine your status. The information you need to know varies depending on whether you are an employer needing to provide insurance to your employees, an employee wanting to find out about coverage, or an injured employee needing to file a claim for treatment. Have any pertinent employer identification numbers at hand before beginning your search.

2. Contact your employer. If you are an employee who wants to know what kind of coverage is offered by your employer, the first place you should seek information is from the employer themselves. With a few exceptions, most businesses are required to provide worker's compensation to their employees and to make information about this coverage readily available upon request.

3. Locate your local worker's compensation bureau. There is one in every state, and each of them will be able to provide you with information regarding your employer's status and your rights as an employee. They will also help you find out how and where to file claims if necessary. Most of this information can be found online or in the section of your phone directory that contains contact information for government offices.

4. Know your rights. In addition to being entitled to certain coverage through your employer, you may also have the option of purchasing worker's compensation insurance through a private insurer in much the same way you purchase insurance for your car or home. In some cases, this option may be a more economical choice or may offer more beneficial coverage in the event of an injury on the job.

5. Ask your local pharmacist or healthcare provider. Retail pharmacies handle worker's compensation claims and bill worker's compensation departments for medication on a daily basis. While they may not be able to provide specific information about your particular employer or coverage, they can tell you what information is needed to bill a claim. They can also provide you with customer service phone numbers to help you get more information.

6. Act quickly. If you are an injured employee, be aware that most claims must be filed according to a specific process and within a certain period of time. Depending on the business you work for or the status of your injury, this time period can range anywhere from a month to as few as 7 business days. Act quickly when filing a claim, and complete all the necessary steps.

Description Of A Thermistor

Thermistors are temperature sensors that are made from a variety of metal-oxide semiconductor materials. The semiconductor material used determines the temperature range, sensitivity and resistance ranges involved in its application. The resistance of the semiconductor varies with a change in temperature. That change in resistance is interpreted by an instrument that in turn displays a temperature reading. Thermistors have a negative temperature coefficient. That means that as the temperature increases, the thermistor's resistance value decreases.

Sensitivity

Sensitivity is a function that describes how much resistance changes with a change in temperature. According to Johnson, resistance changes of 10 percent per degree Celsius are not uncommon. Therefore, if a thermistor has a nominal value of 10,000 ohms at laboratory temperature (20 degrees Celsius), a 1 degree Celsius change in temperature could cause a 1,000 ohm change in resistance.

Construction

Thermistors are most commonly formed into the shape of beads, disks, and rods. Their size can vary from as small as 1 mm and as large as several cm in diameter. A smaller thermistor will react faster to temperature changes. Different materials, such as epoxy, are used to surround and protect the thermistor from damage.

Temperature range

The temperature range of a thermistor is limited. The resistance-to-temperature curve is extremely non-linear. At lower temperatures, the resistance increases rapidly. At higher temperatures, the resistance decreases to nearly zero. Therefore, most thermistors are intended to be used between -80 degrees Celsius to 300 degrees Celsius.

Response time

Response time is how quickly a thermistor responds to a change in temperature. A 1-mm thermistor bead in an oil bath can react as quickly as half a second. The same bead in open air may have a response time of nearly 10 seconds. As the thermistor's size increases, so does its response time. If a thermistor is being used in a temperature control system, a faster response time results in better temperature control.

Signal conditioning

Due to a thermistor's non-linearity, it is difficult to use alone as a temperature measurement device. The thermistor is usually connected to a divider circuit with a fixed resistor of the same nominal value. The measurement instrument then senses the change in resistance of the thermistor and converts it to a temperature reading.

The History Of General Motors Company

The History of General Motors Company

General Motors Corporation was the top global manufacturer of cars and trucks for more than seven decades, employing more than a quarter-million people and creating a sustained consumer base that remains today. Up until the turn of the 21st century it held a majority market share of sales, but has since dropped to the second position behind Japanese automaker Toyota.

History

General Motors was founded in 1908 by entrepreneur William Durant who brought Oldsmobile, Cadillac, Pontiac, Chevrolet and the Rapid Motor Vehicle Company, later GMC trucks, under one umbrella. Each vehicle was marketed to specific segments of the American public with Chevrolet sold as entry-level cars, Oldsmobile and Pontiac mid-range offerings and the Cadillac as its luxury marquee.

Significance

Under the innovative management of Alfred P. Sloan, GM's diverse holdings include its 1925 acquisition of Vauxhall Motors, Opel AG of Germany in 1929 and Yellow Cab in the 1930s.

Identification

Cars like the 1953 Chevrolet Corvette, the 1955 to 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air, the 1958 to 1959 Cadillac and the 1967 1969 Chevrolet Camaro are pop culture icons of America.

Considerations

GM stylist Harley Earl developed his legendary "planned obsolescence" scheme that required frequent auto design changes to encourage consumers to buy new cars, creating new consumer habits that remain today.

Features

The company reached its apex in automotive architecture with its massive tailfins on such cars as the 1957 Chevy and the 1959 Cadillac.

Effects

Wartime manufacturing led to the employment of women, paving the way for females in postwar America to enter the workforce.

Geography

General Motors is based in Detroit, Michigan with complexes in Flint and Lansing.

Write An Email To A Friend

The easiest email to write is one intended for a friend. You have a relationship with this person and therefore most likely have a communication style between the two of you. Unlike colleague to colleague or client to client emails, friend to friend emails are much more informal. There are few guidelines to follow, only proper etiquette that even most friends won't hold you to or judge you on.

Instructions

1. Write a short phrase in the subject line. The subject must clearly relay the reason for your email.

2. Start your email with a casual greeting such as "hello, "hi there" or "what's up?"

3. Ask your friend questions about his life. Be specific. Ask him about certain people, jobs or circumstances currently in his life. If you haven't spoken to one another in a while, ask in general terms about these topics.

4. Advise your friend of what's happening in your life. You can write about important people in your life, jobs, school or other subjects close to your heart. Be sincere.

5. Suggest that the two of you get together for coffee or lunch in the near future.

Let her know what times work best for your schedule and ask that she respond with times that work for her.

6. Close your email with "hope to see you soon,""love" or "talk soon" followed by your name.

7. Hit the "Send" button and wait for his response.

Build An Emergency Fund Using Ladder Cds

Many people plan long-term for handling financial needs such as retirement and for a child's college education. When money is systematically saved over a period of time and earmarked for these events, the financial burden is reduced. But life is full of surprises, and when you least expect it, a significant amount of money may be needed that wasn't planned in a monthly budget. A major health expense, a big car repair, or home repair (such as reshingling the roof) can catch people off guard financially. To avoid having to take a loan and pay interest when those times occur (and it's inevitable that they will occur), every family should have an emergency fund. Having some money set aside "for a rainy day" will help cushion any expensive, unbudgeted one-time financial events that come along. One way to do this is to use a technique called " CD laddering."

Instructions

Staggering CD Maturity Dates

1. Invest in CDs with staggered maturity dates. There are many different maturity date configurations that can be used in a laddering strategy. Let's assume you have $2,000. You could purchase four CDs valued at $500 each. Select a maturity date for the first one for three months, the second one for six months, the third one for nine months, and the fourth for one year. As each CD matures, simply "roll" it over and reinvest that money. Keep the maturity date the same. With this "ladder CD" strategy, you are never more than three months away from some emergency cash. Of course, CDs can be withdrawn early in extreme emergencies, but there is a penalty. Nevertheless, CDs pay a higher interest rate than savings accounts, money market funds and checking accounts, and they can be considered to have good liquidity.

2. Purchase CDs with maturity dates that are closer if you have more money to initially invest. If you have $6,000, for example, you could purchase 12 CDs, staggering maturity dates so that after a period of time, one CD would mature every month. That way you would never be more than 30 days away from having access to emergency fund money. Because most banks do not offer one month CDs when only $500 is invested, you may have to start by purchasing three, six, nine, and 12 month maturity dates, then wait a month and buy CDs with three, six, nine and 12 month maturity dates, and repeat that once again a month later. That would set up the ladder on monthly intervals. Each month is like a "rung of a ladder". If you don't have a lump sum of money to begin your emergency CD ladder fund, follow these next steps.

3. Open a savings account at a local bank to start your emergency fund. Most savings accounts can be opened with a minimum of money, often as low as $10 to $50. The eventual goal will be to purchase bank certificates of deposit (CDs), and to stagger the maturity dates. However, to purchase a CD, a minimum of $500 is required by most institutions to open an account. Therefore, we suggest starting with a simple savings account. Decide how much money you will faithfully deposit into the account each week. If you can only afford $20 a week to begin with, that's fine. Build this amount into the family budget, and take that money right off the top of your paycheck, before you spend or allocate any of it for other purposes. The key is to be consistent, and not to worry that only a small amount is able to be put away each week. It will accumulate over time. Also, consider adding any "windfall" money you receive to your emergency fund. Examples include getting cash back from using a credit card or a refund from your income tax.

4. Purchase a CD for $500 once you have accumulated over $500 in your emergency savings account. Choose a maturity date of one year. Continue contributing each week to your savings account, building it up until it again reaches over $500. Withdraw $500 from your savings account once it again reaches over $500, and purchase another $500 CD. Select a maturity date of one year, as long as it does not mature in the same month as the one you already own. Continue saving and purchasing CDs as your money builds. With each CD purchase, select maturity dates that do not fall in the same month as the previous ones. Eventually you will have many CDs, each maturing at different times of the year. Reinvest each CD as it matures.

5. Increase your rate of return using CD laddering by purchasing CDs at different times, rather than all at once. Interest rates are ever-changing, and the interest rate for CDs will go up and down as time goes on. Also, sometimes bank offer specials with higher than currently available interest rates. By purchasing one CD this month, the next one in a month or two, and so on, you can take advantage of changing interest rates. If you purchase all the CDs in your laddering portfolio at the same time, you may suffer "opportunity lost" if interest rates go up within the next few months. Laddering by staggering deposits into CD investments may give an overall better the rate of return, similar to the stock market strategy of "dollar cost averaging." When CD yields are low, ladder the intervals closer together, such as three-months and six-months, to be prepared to take advantage of interest rates when they rise.

Prune A Raspberry Bush

Pruning promotes fruit production.

Pruning a raspberry bush promotes new cane growth for a potential increase in berry production the following year. Cutting back and removing canes helps control disease and lowers the risk of spreading problems to other canes. Raspberries produce fruit on 2-year-old canes, making it important to promote new growth for future berry production. The three varieties of raspberries have different pruning requirements based on the fruit production characteristics.

Instructions

Summer Berry Varieties

1. Prune the canes to 6 inches tall after planting to promote strong growth during establishment.

2. Cut back summer varieties in early spring by removing damaged and weak canes at ground level.

3. Shorten tall canes to a height of 5 feet or shorter by removing the ends. Clip off winter-damaged ends on shorter canes.

4. Prune berry-producing canes at ground level after the fall harvest. This promotes new cane growth for berry production the following year.

5. Prune off canes that appear damaged, diseased or dead during late winter, before they begin to grow in spring.

Everbearing Varieties

6. Prune raspberry canes to a height of 6 inches immediately after planting in the garden. Removing excess cane promotes new growth and a strong plant.

7. Cut back everbearing varieties in early spring by removing weak and damaged canes at ground level. This stimulates new growth for a berry harvest in early summer and late summer.

8. Monitor the plants during the growing season, and prune out any canes that appear damaged or diseased. Repeat this pruning in late winter, before the canes sprout in spring.

9. Cut back everbearing raspberries in spring by removing all canes at ground level if you want one large harvest in late summer.

Black/Purple Varieties

10. Remove lateral branches from the plants in early spring to promote new branch growth for fruit production.

11. Clip 3 inches from the ends of new cane growth in July to stimulate new branches off the main stem.

12. Prune all fruiting canes after harvest by removing them at ground level to promote new growth for fruit production the following year.

13. Remove any canes that appear damaged, diseased or dead during the late winter dormant season. Complete this pruning before the canes begin to grow in spring.

Break Into Acting/Modeling With No Experience

Enrolling in acting classes can improve your abilities.

The world of acting and modeling is fiercely competitive. People find success in the entertainment industry for a variety of reasons, from luck to talent to hard work. Breaking into acting or modeling is a difficult process, but if you prepare thoroughly for your future as an actor or model, you are more likely to obtain success and to skillfully handle challenges along the way.

Instructions

1. Decide which genre of modeling or acting you want to enter. If you wish to act and model because you want to express yourself and contribute to art, consider high fashion modeling or acting in high-quality theater and independent or major films. If stardom is your main goal, prepare to audition for popular television shows, mainstream films or pursue commercial modeling.

2. Study the initial impression you make on others. Models and actors rely on first impressions to snag significant roles and jobs. If you blend in with the crowd and resemble an extra, you're less likely to obtain prominent acting roles or to be chosen to sell a product. Recognize and accentuate your best qualities, whether these are physical characteristics or aspects of your personality, in order to stand out at casting calls.

3. Attend acting school. This can be beneficial for models and actors alike, since both careers rely on poise and self-presentation, as well as manipulation and control of the body and facial features. Acting school can be helpful even if you are naturally gifted, since professional coaching can bring out your strengths.

4. Locate a photographer to take a high-quality headshot. You will have to pay for your headshot and prices vary widely. Find a photographer whose work you admire, who you feel comfortable with and whose services you can afford. Ask for retakes until you are satisfied that you have a headshot that captures your best qualities.

5. Write a resume of your professional work. Even without acting or modeling experience, you can point out other work you have done that is relevant to the field, such as campaigns you have assisted with, public appearances you've made, public speaking and professional experience. Search the Internet for examples of acting and modeling resumes, mirroring the format that best allows you to showcase your skills.

6. Choose a reputable agent. This person should have connections to local filmmakers, theater managers, fashion designers and others in the entertainment industry you wish to enter. A good agent saves you time and improves your exposure by providing connections and tips, and is therefore essential for new actors and models who lack experience.

Write A Memo Announcing Budget Cuts

Bad-news memos can be as difficult to write as they are to receive.

A memo containing the bad news about budget cuts is as stressful for the person who has to write it as is for the employees who receive it. But there are ways to handle crafting the right sort of memo for this unhappy task, and it involves keeping qualities such as tone, directness and empathy in mind. Face the bad news squarely in your memo, explain what happens next, and you will go a long way toward a reasoned acceptance of this negative situation.

Instructions

Instructions

1. Explain what's happening as soon as you can in the memo. Begin with the recognition that the news you're going to deliver is unwelcome. Then lay out the reasons for the budget cuts, and do so in a calm, rational manner.

2. Describe what the budget cuts mean for employee jobs. That's the biggest question you'll have and you need to address it early on. State what departments in your company will be affected by the cuts, and how many jobs will be on the line.

3. Avoid using angry, condescending or mocking language anywhere in your memo. Respect your employees by telling the truth, and in a compassionate fashion. But do not apologize or write excessively about how upset you feel. Your employees are likely to see such comments as insincere.

4. Express interest in feedback. Inform your employees how they can reach you with questions about the budget cuts. Try to anticipate the sorts of questions they will ask, and be prepared to give credible, concise answers.

5. Thank employees for their time, not only for reading the memo, but for their hard work and commitment on the job. Avoid phony compassion. Instead, show empathy and concern. Give them support by including information in your memo about counseling and other forms of employee assistance that might be available.

6. Direct the employees to human resources for more information about the budget cuts. While that department should inform employees about arrangements such as severance pay, insurance, and job placement, avoid sending employees there to answer concern-oriented questions. It's your responsibility to make employees feel more at ease, and they should come to you with those questions.

7. Include any attachments you may have regarding the budget cuts. After signing off your memo with a pledge of availability for any questions, you can also add a postscript that directs readers to charts and other statistical information that backs up the decision to cut the budget. This may help employees better understand the reason for the move.

Borrow Money With An Irs Lien

Many taxpayers who are required to pay additional taxes each year, may not have the ability to pay the taxes in full. Often, taxpayers do not try to settle the debt, and the IRS is forced to file a tax lien. A tax lien is placed on your property to secure the government's tax liability that you owe them. While tax liens can effect your credit, it is possible to borrow money if you have a tax lien.

Instructions

Borrowing Money with Tax Lien

1. Find a lender. You may already conduct business with a financial institution with which you are familiar. If this will be your first loan or you are seeking a new lender, you may choose to search your telephone directory or the Internet to find a financial institution.

2. Apply for a loan. You will need to call or visit the financial institution and apply for a loan. Application forms may be lengthy and include personal information, as well as address and employment histories.

3. Check the status of your loan. Your lender may contact you by phone or mail regarding the status of your loan. If not, you will need to check back with the financial center to see whether or not the loan was approved.

4. Provide the financial center with a Notice of Federal Tax Lien Release. If the tax lien is still showing on your credit report, the financial center may need proof, if the debt has been paid, so it improves your chances of securing the loan.

5. Have a tax lien payment withdrawn from loan proceeds. If you are using assets, such as your residence or other real estate property, you will need to pay the IRS lien so that you can borrow the money. If you do not have the money to pay the IRS lien, you may have the lender deduct the tax lien amount from the loan proceeds that are paid directly to you. By securing the loan with real property, since the tax lien will be released, it will better your chances of getting approved for the loan.

Book Travel On Tuifly Nordic

TUIfly Nordic is a Swedish airline specializing in vacation charter flights around Europe. Originally part of Transwede Airways, TUIfly Nordic became Blue Scandinavia, then Brittania Nordic and finally Thomsonfly before settling on its current moniker in 2006.

Instructions

Reserve Your Seat on TUIfly Nordic

1. Contact TUIfly Nordic directly at 011 (+46) (0)8720 88 00 to avoid miscommunications due to the language barrier. You can book your flight with a customer service representative and have your itinerary and confirmation emailed to you.

2. Ask about last-minute deals. Because TUIfly Nordic is a low-cost carrier, its prices are affordable, and it often has some of the best deals in Europe on last-minute flights departing from Sweden.

3. Ask about having champagne waiting for you when you board the plane. Several VIP packages are available for travelers who want that extra special touch when flying. You can pay for your upgrade when you book your tickets.

Choose Your Departure City for Travel on TUIfly Nordic

4. Select one of the 18 departure cities in Sweden. You can choose from cities as big as Stockholm and Malmo or as small as Angelholm.

5. Depart from one of 23 international destinations when you return to Sweden. With flights as far away as the Canary Islands and Africa, you'll have some exotic places to choose from when you're ready to head back.

Learn Enjoy Your Trip on TUIfly Nordic

6. Check in for your flight at least two hours prior to departure for international travel. In fact, TUIfly Nordic recommends allowing up to three hours to check your luggage and get through security screenings.

7. Watch how much you pack. Passengers are allowed to take one piece of hand luggage weighing under 5 kg (11 lb) on board with them. Total luggage weight, checked and carry-on, may not exceed 20 kg (44 lb). Excess luggage is charged a steep surcharge per kilogram.

8. Come prepared to spend money in the tax-free shop on the aircraft. You'll have access to over 800 products during the course of your flight. Because everything is tax-free, this is the perfect opportunity to stock up on souvenirs and gifts.

Differences Between Grassroots Marketing & Guerrilla Marketing

All types of marketing aim to increase sales and brand awareness.

Grassroots marketing and guerrilla marketing are very similar. They both aim to spread the word about a company or public figure by engaging the masses. Guerrilla marketing is a term coined by Jay Conrad Levinson to stand for marketing that requires a lot of time and energy to execute by a company without a large budget. Grassroots marketing involves campaigns that start with, or spread slowly through, the masses, with little interference from the the company being marketed.

Origin

Grassroots marketing can be started by an internal marketing department, marketing agency or simply by company supporters. Often these supporters include influential customers like celebrities or popular bloggers. However, any large group of people expressing their support for a company or public figure at the same time can be an example of grassroots marketing. They key component to grassroots marketing run by fans or customers is that they all organize for a specific purpose: getting others to make a purchase, cast a vote or take some other course of action. Guerrilla marketing always begins with the company or a marketing agency.

Tactics

Grassroots marketing takes a quiet approach to spreading the message about a company. Tactics include passing out merchandise with a company logo on it, launching a sponsored website, and blogging about a topic and including the company name in posts. Grassroots marketing ensures a company's message is in front of its target audience so often that they begin inquiring about the company. Guerrilla marketing tactics include passing out coupons or running contests. It says, "if you engage with us, here's how we will reward you."

Cost

When grassroots marketing is initiated by the masses, it comes at no cost to the company unless it chooses to get involved. For example, if a customer makes a video about a company and it goes viral, the company may wish to choose to purchase the video. However, all production and distribution of the video up to that point was paid for by the customer. Grassroots marketing not started by the masses and all forms of guerrilla marketing are paid for by the company wishing to run the campaigns.

Intent

The overall goal of both grassroots and guerrilla marketing is to increase sales and brand awareness. However, in the case of grassroots marketing started by the masses, the initial intended goal may have been to simply create something fun, like a video or funny image, to support a company or cause. The intended goal for all marketing programs started by the company or its marketing agency will be to increase sales and brand awareness from the beginning.

Block Adult Websites

Blocking adult websites is not a substitute for parental supervision.

Internet filtering is an effective way of blocking adult websites on a computer. Sites that are unsuitable for children may be accidentally accessed when a child performs a search or surfs the net looking for a specific site. Older children may even access adult sites intentionally. To block unacceptable sites from being seen by children, add Internet filtering software or adjust the browser settings so that adult content is not allowed. Internet filtering is not a substitute for parental supervision, but does provide added security.

Instructions

1. Adjust browser settings to block adult websites. On Internet Explorer click "Tools," then "Internet Options." Next, click on the "Content" tab.

2. Enable the "Content Advisor." Select desired settings from the "Ratings" tab. Decide on ratings for language, sex, violence and nudity. Set each rating individually.

3. Use the "Approved Sites" tab to name sites that children are always able to view. Include favorite sites that are frequently visited. Selected sites will always be allowed, no matter what the rating.

4. Type in a password that children using the computer do not know. The password keeps settings from being changed by children. Questionable sites can be allowed by the parent using the password if the site is found to be acceptable.

5. Install an Internet filter. Download a free filter online or purchase software to block adult websites. Popular filters include We-blocker, NetNanny and CyberPatrol.

Fresh Produce Marketing Strategies

Many consumers prefer fresh fruits and vegetables.

When people shop for fresh produce, they want to purchase quality fruits and vegetables at reasonable prices. Everyone appreciates a good deal, and they want the best selections available for their families to eat. Since fresh produce provides numerous nutritional benefits such as vitamins, fiber and minerals, many consumers regularly shop for fruits and vegetables to utilize in recipes or to eat raw. Getting the word out about your healthy product can ensure you're able to sell your produce.

Print and Television Marketing

Depending on your budget, fresh produce marketing strategies can include print and television advertising. You can take photos of the fruits and vegetables to place in daily local newspapers or weekly circulars and provide prices for the produce and any discounts or sales such as buy two and get one free. Be sure to include your location and the hours of operation and any early-bird specials. You can also advertise in neighborhood association newsletters, print fliers to pass around the area and strategically place lawn signs to guide drivers to your location. Television advertisements are more expensive, but you have the ability to reach more potential customers.

Produce Stands

People go to farmer's markets and independent produce stands in addition to grocery stores to purchase fresh produce. Since appearance is everything, you want to display your fresh produce in a manner that makes it appear appetizing. Organize the produce by type so that people can browse around the display and easily locate what they want. Place the fruits and vegetables with the brightest coloring on top. A good marketing strategy is to provide samples to customers such as pineapple or tomato slices as well as recipes with ingredients that include fresh produce.

Gift Baskets

Another way to market fresh produce to make it appealing is to put together fruit gift baskets. You can purchase wicker or wooden baskets in various sizes and place various fruits inside them. Wrap up the baskets in colorful netting so that the fruit remains fresh longer and close the netting with a matching bow. The gift baskets can be theme baskets such as citrus baskets that contain oranges, grapefruits and tangerines or apple baskets that contain Red and Golden Delicious and Granny Smith apples. The marketing strategies can include having them as part of your display and also allowing them to be made to order where customers can select the fruit they want in the baskets.

Instructions For A Casio Drt120

The Casio DR-T120 is a business calculator with a built-in printer that prints at up to 8 lines a second. Just like basic calculators, this model features basic functions, but also expands for more advanced uses.

Instructions

Setting Up Printing

1. Attach the AC connection to the calculator and add four AA back-up batteries in the back of the calculator. The DR-T120 has a memory, but without the backup batteries, a power loss could lose all the data.

2. Flip up the black receipt paper compartment and insert a roll of thermal paper. The device prints using thermal heat, so standard receipt paper will fail to print. Casio recommends 58-mm thermal paper for this device.

3. Press the "Feed" button to expand the paper manually. As you type out math and numerals, the feed will automatically extend, but if you need extra space, just hold the button down.

4. Use the small switch on the top left to set the spacing between the numbers. There are three options for spacing.

5. Adjust the middle switch on the DR-T120 to set the line-break style between functions. You can use a light dotted, dark dotted or thick solid line.

6. Set the number of digits for the printout with the far right switch. The device features a maximum of 12 digits and a minimum of three digits.

7. Press the "Stamp" key to place the date on the printout. Press the "Time" key to set the time.

Setting the Time

8. Press "CA" and "Time" on the calculator.

9. Hold down the "%" key for two seconds to reset the clock.

10. Enter in keys for the time and date. Start with the four-digit time. For example, enter 11:45 as "1145."

11. Follow with the date in numbers. May 5, 2013, would be "05052013." September 28 would be "09282013." The complete process for 11:45 on May 5, 2013, would read "114505052013."

12. Press the "Time" button twice to save the time to the calculator. Check to make sure the time is correct by pressing "Time" again and printing it on the paper.

Make A Drink Stand

When every child in the neighborhood has set up a drink stand to make a little extra money, put in a little extra effort to have the longest line on the block. Follow these suggestions to boost your business by offering a variety of products, fun touches and letting your customers customize their orders.

Instructions

1. Make shopping convenient for your customers by placing tables close to the curb for "drive-thru" service. Also attract customers who are concerned about the environment by serving drinks in eco-friendly, biodegradable paper cups instead of plastic or Styrofoam. Create signs on recycled cardboard with drinks and prices in bold print so people can have their drink orders ready without holding up the line.

2. Present an array of drinks while your competitors only offer lemonade. Offer iced tea, soft drinks, fruit punch and coffee for iced coffee drinks. Also sell store-bought baked goods, candy bars and small bags of chips and nuts to earn extra income.

3. Provide free "add-ins" for customers who buy lemonade, coffee or iced tea. Try items like raw sugar, cherry or vanilla syrup or fresh lemons and limes.

4. Offer bottled water to joggers or customers who'd rather not have a sweetened beverage. As a bonus, hand out an individual flavor packet in case they'd like to add it to their water later. (See Resources)

5. Attract more young customers in the summer by letting each one decorate their own cup before adding a beverage. Provide stickers, self-adhesive foam shapes, markers and crayons so they can write their name, doodle or add a favorite shape.

Apply For Personal Home Repair Grants

Researching grants for home repair projects provides much-needed help as costs keep rising.

Your home may need repairs, but finding the funds for those repairs can be daunting. Many do not realize that government grants are available for some home repair projects, although it is generally easier to obtain a loan. The federal government funds most home-repair grants, but state, county and city funds may also be available. Obtaining grants for home repairs helps maintain or increase your home's property value. Finding these grants, determining whether you are eligible and knowing apply for them correctly can save you thousands of dollars.

Instructions

1. Estimate the total cost for your home repair. Specify the type of repair you need, because this information determines what types of grants you may be eligible for. Get free cost estimates from building contractors in your area.

2. Visit government-grant search sites to find grants that match your repair needs. Determine also if you are eligible for grants based on your income level, because many grants are reserved for households at lower income levels. Check with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to see if you qualify for assistance if your home was damaged from a natural disaster.

3. Choose the grant or grants you wish to apply for, and fill out the applications online. Don't limit yourself to one application.

4. Follow up with a phone call or email to check the status of your applications. Ask the agency representative how long it usually takes to find out the decision, and question why you were turned down if that is the case to help you with further applications.

Bid On Commercial Painting Jobs

The bidding process for any commercial gig requires industry knowledge, an immaculate proposal and the ability to offer competitive pricing. Commercial painting bids also require inclusion of material costs, considerations for what paints and decorative elements work best for a specific project and the provision of enough man-power to get the job done in a timely fashion.

Instructions

1. Find out how many areas need to be painted, the time constraints of the project and the number of colors requested. The more details you find out before you submit a bid, the more accurately you provide a proposal that falls in line with the needs of the project. This information is generally found in the request for proposal (RFP) generated by the entity hiring for the job.

2. Generate a proposal that provides background information on your company and experience. Give pictorial examples of your painting jobs in the past as well as resumes for everyone that worked on the projects with your company. Provide customer references that include contact information if the hiring agency wants to check your past work.

3. Provide competitive pricing. If you know the going market rate is $20 per hour for commercial painting, then consider a slightly lower rate to edge out the competition for the job. Think of the future: if you do a good job on this commercial job, other contacts for commercial jobs may follow.

4. Include the cost of materials. You should not have to foot the bill for materials for a commercial painting gig. Consider the cost for various brushes and rollers, the primer and actual paint. Include the price of miscellaneous tools, such as paint thinner or remover, scraping tools, edgers and anything else that makes the process easier and more efficient for your company.

5. Read over your proposal carefully before submitting the bid. Correct any errors and ensure the proposal addresses every aspect of the project. Turn the proposal in before the deadline.

Increase Dance Class Enrollment

Good enrollment numbers are crucial to the success of a dance studio. Studio owners are often looking for innovative ways to increase their dance class enrollment. There are several ways to do this. Below are a few suggestions to get all those future dancers to come to your studio.

Instructions

1. Advertise a lot, which may sound obvious, but it is extremely important. You have to get your name out there through the paper, radio, posters and fliers. Set aside a good portion of your budget for advertising; it pays off.

2. Set up a website, and put a lot of pictures on it. Have pictures from lessons and performances. People like to see where their child takes lessons.

3. Invite the public to an open house. An open house gets people into your studio and hopefully gets them registered to take dance classes.

4. Create a "Bring a Friend" week. Offer discounts if the friends sign up for class within the same week, and offer a referral discount. This program is fun for the students, and it is a great way to increase dance class enrollment.

5. Perform at community events. Your dancers have fun showing what they have learned, and performances attract new dance class enrollees to your studio. People may come to see their friends dance and decide they want to try it or they may just go to the performance because they enjoy dance.

6. Print marketing materials for your dance studio. Sell t-shirts, car stickers and apparel with your studio logo. The more people see it in the community, the more they recognize the brand.

Publish Google Calendar To A Website

Google calendar helps keep you and your staff in sync.

Publishing a Google Calendar to a website can be accomplished in a fairly easy manner. Google automatically creates the website coding necessary to embed the calendar into your site, you simply need to access the site design files or the blogging platform dashboard of your site. You can also sync the calendar with your desktop applications and customize the look and feel of your calendar to mesh with your site.

Synch the Calendar to Your Desktop

Popular desktop calendar options, such as iCal, Outlook and Sunbird all sync with the Google Calendar so you can keep all your events up to date and coordinated properly. Google calendar provides the tools for keeping teams or assistants on the same page for scheduling meetings and events. The help center on Google is extensive, so finding the methods for syncing your calendars should not pose a major challenge.

Google Creates the Embed Code

Google makes posting your calendar to a website easy by providing the code for embedding your calendar. Located in the settings section of your Google calendar account, you will find the necessary HTML code for placing the calendar with your site. This code will communicate with Google Calendar and will pull the calendar into your website and automatically sync it with any edits made within your account to the calendar.

Customize the Calendar

Located in the same location as the HTML code for your calendar are the settings for customizing your calendar. You can alter the size, color and additional calendar aesthetics to better match your website. Know the exact location and the dimensions of the space on the website prior to this stage so you can create a calendar that matches the available space on your site. You may also wish to alter your calendar settings so that the public can see your events, depending on your goals for posting the calendar. The public settings can be found when creating an event.

Placing the Calendar on Your Site

Adding the calendar to your site will take some HTML knowledge or familiarity to place the calendar code in the correct space. If you are using a blogging platform, the user-forums will have the proper directions as to add you calendar. In most instances a blog will not need you to access the HTML code of the site, you will simply need to paste the Google HTML to a text widget or blog post and then add the widget to your sidebar or publish the new blog post. If you are placing the calendar code within a website and are unfamiliar with HTML editing programs, this step will require a web developer. Once placed on your site, the changes to the calendar within your Google account will automatically update and you will not need the web designer again once the calendar is published.