Tuesday, November 27, 2007

A Freelance Lifestyle - The Cons that Should Be Considered

By Chris King If you are dissatisfied with your current career, you may be considering pursuing a freelance lifestyle. I love my life of a free agent and independent professional, but I would be remiss if I didnt share some of the cons. Taking the Risk. There is always risk involved when we work for ourselves. Will we get enough work to sustain us and our bank account? Will we choose and/or find clients that are agreeable to work with? Will we do the level of work that our clients will be pleased with? I could go on for pages listing questions filled with doubt. My recommendation is to have faith in your abilities, realizing that if you love what you are doing, you have a strong chance that you will succeed. Risk comes with everything we do and can make what we do that much more exciting. Change Coupled with a Lack of Stability and a Regular Routine. If you have trouble dealing with change and a lack of stability, I suggest that the lifestyle of a free agent or freelancer is not for you. If just setting up a whole new routine and dealing with not having a regular nine to five job really threatens your peace of mind, you might want to ease into freelance living by taking on an extra part-time job while keeping your full-time job until you are established and comfortable in your new career. Can Be Overwhelming when Deadlines Overlap. Living the freelance life can vary from having too much free time in between projects to being overwhelmed by too many projects all coming due at the same time. We have some control over this if we have the guts to be up front with our clients about our time schedules. I usually sit down and map out my timeline for a project and then add on more time for the unforeseen and interruptions. Once I see it all on paper, I know that I can produce by the deadlines. We are sometimes so anxious to have projects, it is easy to overload ourselves with pressures that only work against us and rob us of our energy. Lack of Company and Lack of Company Benefits. Most freelancers lament the lack of contact with others on a regular basis, more than the lack of company benefits and receiving a regular paycheck. It is easy to get so involved with a project that you sit at your desk or computer all day, so it is important to set up dates with friends and former co-workers. I teach several group fitness classes, so have constant interaction with others. I also attend networking events, programs and meetings put on by organizations specializing in my areas of expertise. Concerning benefits, there are associations and organizations that offer benefits packages to the small business owner who is a member. Chris King is a free agent, professional speaker, storyteller, writer, website creator / designer, and fitness instructor. Chris has what she calls a Portfolio Career –many careers at the same time. If you wonder if you could handle and love having a Portfolio Career you will find a free assessment to take at http://www.creativekeys.net/portfoliocareertest.htm Sign up for her eclectic E-newsletter, Portfolio Potpourri, at http://www.freelanceliving.com You will find Chris business website at http://www.creativekeys.biz Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_King http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Freelance-Lifestyle—The-Cons-that-Should-Be-Considered&id=115256 purchase xanax safe online purchase of xanax cheap xanax online purchase xanax without prescription
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Monday, November 26, 2007

What Howard Stern Can Teach You About Small Business Marketing

By J D Moore Today marks shock jock Howard Sterns last day on terrestrial radio before he moves to Sirius satellite radio. Love him or hate him, Stern is without a question one of the most successful figures in American media. His deal with Sirius is worth hundreds of millions of dollars. As a small business owner you can learn from Howard Sterns playbook even without the potty humor and strippers. Here are a few of the lessons you can take and use for your own marketing success: 1. Tightly Targeted Market Howard Stern knows his audience and consistently gives them what they want. He is unapologetic and does not try to make his offering more palatable for a wider audience. Consequently he has built an audience of millions of very dedicated fans. He knows that not everybody is going to like him, and hes OK with that. I always say that small business marketing must be very focused. Yes you will disqualify many people from being your customer, but you will find the best possible matches who will become your raving fans. 2. Consistent Brand You always know what youre going to get when you tune in or tune out Howard Stern. His message is always the same. This congruency makes the people that like him come back for more. Customers can be loyal, but they are also fickle. If people are used to a consistent quality and then you give them one bad buying experience you can lose them 3. Branding Authentically When Howard Stern takes the microphone, you get the sense that he is 100% honest putting his real self forward. He presents himself even in an unflattering light. His story is authentic. The is a movement in marketing to present a more authentic message. Todays consumers are very savvy. Bluster, hyperbole, and bombast just dont sell. People do not trust advertising, so marketers need to find ways to connect in honest ways. Your marketing doesnt have to be self-deprecating, but this can work. Avis built their wole marketing message around the slogan, were #2 so we try harder. 4. Multiple Channel Presence Howard Stern is known for his radio show, but has made successful forays into books, television, movies, and the Internet. Good marketing reaches its target market in multiple ways. As a small business you need to have a website, email list, do direct mail, advertise locally, have good signage, build referral programs, speak in front of groups, and sponsor events.. You need to keep reminding people who you are and what you offer. 5. Embracing Technology Howard Sterns move to Sirius satellite radio, and his On-Demand cable broadcasting, shows that hes on the leading edge of technology. Undoubtedly the audience he will bring with him will create economic pressure that changes radio forever. As a small business owner, technology gives you leverage to compete with larger wealthier companies. You can use a web site, podcasting, blogging, email list, message board, online customer suppert, etc. The communications tools available to small business are staggering. Sometimes it takes stepping outside your comfort area and getting some education. Whether you are a fan, or you cant stand him take what is useful and grow your business. Copyright 2005 Marketing Comet J D Moore - http://www.marketingcometcoach.com Learn to build a successful online business - try it now for only $2 http://jmoore1.successuniversity.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J_D_Moore http://EzineArticles.com/?What-Howard-Stern-Can-Teach-You-About-Small-Business-Marketing&id=114534 buy tramadol cheap buy tramadol online from oregon buy ultram online fast where to buy tramadol
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Sunday, November 25, 2007

Conflict: A Good Thing For Your Relationship?

By Kira McGovern Many of us have negative associations with conflict. We often view it as a red flag indicating that something is wrong with a relationship of ours, or more commonly, with the other person we’re in disagreement with. So we look to assign blame to ourselves or someone else to locate “the problem.” Breathe easy; conflict is a good and natural occurrence. It can indicate “growing pains” of a healthy, evolving relationship. Difficult and heated conversations can create greater trust, understanding and intimacy — once you get to the other side. Conflict has a way of catapulting relationships to a higher level of cooperation and aliveness, if we let it. Instead of being a warning sign that a relationship is doomed, it can be a catalyst for positive change and discovery. Below are some concrete ways that conflict can be a vehicle for positive change in all your relationships. And the first step to accessing the vein of gold in difficult conversations is to change your viewpoint — “We’re in conflict — something good is on the other side!” Conflict is a Signal for Something Else Just as turning off the fire alarm doesn’t put out the fire, avoiding conflict doesn’t change the fact that there’s something trying to express itself in your relationship. Escalating disagreements may point to a need to spend more time together, or it can create much needed space apart and independence. It can help surface important values, or aid in creating alignment around a common goal. We may discover that it’s time to step out of the usual roles we’ve been playing, or change our expectations of how things need to be. Conflict often indicates that weve outgrown an old way of being together, and need to consciously reinvent or redesign our relationship. And, in some cases, the change that the conflict is pointing to is that a relationship is ready to end, if we are willing to honor its gifts and let go. Doing Conflict Differently Imagine what might happen if you got curious — even excited — when challenging conversations occur. The rewards could mean more intimacy, deeper friendships, and improved working relationships. Below are 5 steps to help you get curious and unearth the gems in the conflict. Put aside the temptation to point blame and look for clues to reveal the hidden opportunity in the disagreement. If this situation were trying to get your attention about something completely unrelated to the problem, what might it be? Ask about the dreams, wishes, or values that might be behind the conflict. “What’s important about that for you?” Speak openly and honestly about your own disappointed dreams or expectations that lie beneath your upset. “What I’m really upset about is” Make requests instead of complaints. Be clear and direct about what you DO want instead of complaining about what you don’t like. Find the 2% that’s true in what the other person is saying. No one is entirely right, nor is someone entirely wrong. Find the common ground between your two truths. And finally, trust yourself, the other person and the wisdom of what’s happening in your relationship, even if you don’t yet know where it will lead you. When you seize the opportunity to be really honest about who you are and cultivate a willingness to discover what’s really important to others, you’ll experience more fulfillment in all your relationships. Prepare for Conflict in Advance When people come together, there’s bound to be conflict and differences of opinion. It’s totally normal, and needed for change and evolution. Knowing that, you can plan ahead and be prepared for the inevitable. Use this article to create agreements for how you want to be with each other when it gets hard or messy with your spouse, boss, coworkers and friends — before it happens. Remember that it’s much easier to prepare for conflict when you’re not knee-deep in it! Conflict is a normal part of any relationship, and more often than not, it doesn’t signal that the end is near. Rather, conflict should be welcomed as a signal of what’s trying to happen in a relationship, and as a pathway to improved communication and deeper understanding. (c) 2006 Kira McGovern, The Big Groove Kira McGovern, CPCC is at the forefront of the relationship systems coaching movement. Kira is nationally known for her dynamic and down-to-earth approach guiding individuals and partnerships of all kinds to reach their full potential and expression in the world. She creates breakthroughs for her clients to find new possibilities in work, love and life. Kira works with clients across the globe via telephone and has offices in Arlington Center, MA. Contact her through her website: http://www.TheBigGroove.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kira_McGovern http://EzineArticles.com/?Conflict:-A-Good-Thing-For-Your-Relationship?&id=178387 debt elimination illinois credit card eliminate debt bad credit credit restoration debt elimination plan credit card debt elimination procedure card christian credit
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Saturday, November 24, 2007

How to Look For Genuine Signs of Attraction in Women

By Scott Patterson How do you know when a woman is attracted to you? Well, one of the best ways to notice attraction in a woman is to study body language. But the problem is body language doesn’t always tell the complete story. Often women’s body language will not tell if they’re available. Let me explain. A lot of women who have boyfriends display the same exact signs of attraction that single women do. This can include direct and prolonged eye contact, smiling at you, playing or twirling with her hair, and having dilated pupils. What’s annoying is men have been conditioned to respond to body language signals which indicate attraction. So when woman with a boyfriend displays these signs we end up frustrated because we’ve wasted the time that could be spent talking to available women. The good news is there are a few body language signals that are only used by available women. So when you’re out trying to meet women, look for the following signs: Blushing or showing a flushed appearance when you directly look at her. Showing the inside of her palms and hands to you. In addition turning her body towards you. Making attempts to get you to look at her or be noticed by you. Trying to remain isolated from her friends in an attempt to get you to approach her. Being able to distinguish between the different kinds of body language is an important step to meeting women. If you know how to identify genuine signs of attraction then you’ll avoid wasting time with women who aren’t available. Want to learn 50 different ways to meet, approach and attract women? If so, take a look at Scott Patterson’s Free eBook which provides 50 tips for approaching, attracting, and dating ANY woman. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_Patterson http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Look-For-Genuine-Signs-of-Attraction-in-Women&id=506603 buy phentermine diet pill cheap phentermine online prescription buy phentermine online no prescription needed phentermine no doctor prescription
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Thursday, November 22, 2007

Compliment Your Date

By Andrew Bicknell When you are dating someone, or even in a serious relationship, a well placed compliment will show how much you enjoy being with that special someone. Most women love being complimented, particularly by someone she might be romantically interested in. Because giving compliments is a good way to show your date that you are paying attention to them you have to know when to use them. Don’t get carried away with the compliments because you do not want to overdo it. You want them to know you are paying attention but you don’t want to come off as needy or desperate. Nothing sends up the desperation flag quicker than a whole slew of cheesy compliments. You want your compliment to put your date in the right frame of mind. You want them to be accepting of you and who you are. How you compliment should be an extension of who you are, which will help them get to know you better. Now the question becomes, what do I compliment them on? That depends on you and your date. If you are meeting for the first time find two or three things that you are really attracted to when you first see them. Now don’t just blurt these out, store them away for later on in your date. After you’ve spent a little time with them go ahead and compliment them on whatever you noticed first about them. It is also important that you say it like you mean it. This will show them that you are attracted to them and that you are paying attention to them. If you have been on more than a few dates and know this person better then finding the right compliment will be easier, and sometimes harder. You can’t use the same compliments over and over again; you have to notice new things about them, or something they may have changed. Say a new hair style or highlights, or how they are dressed. Let them know how good they look so they know that the time and effort they have put into whatever they have done was worth it. Let’s turn this around and look at it from the other side. When you go on a date the one thing you are really looking for is a sort of acceptance. And being complimented is something that can make you feel very good about not only yourself but also your date. It means they like what they see, and physical attraction is very important when dating. It also means that the effort you have put forth to impress them has paid off and that can be a very good feeling. That feeling is what you hope to create for the person you are going on the date with. Remember, a good compliment can be a powerful thing if used right. Use them as needed and be sincere. A well placed compliment can be a great ice breaker and can lead to a truly wonderful date. Andrew Bicknell is a writer and owner of Romancing Hearts.com. Please visit his website for more advice aboutOnline Dating, Romance, and Matchmaking. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Bicknell http://EzineArticles.com/?Compliment-Your-Date&id=242103 prescription price propecia buy dreampharmaceuticalscom online propecia propecia prescription on line finasteride and cheap
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Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Could you be sued by Santa this Christmas?

By Alexandra Gubbins Santa is likely to say many things if he gets stuck in your chimney this year, but Ho Ho Ho probably wont be one of them. And you wont be inclined to chuckle either if he subsequently makes a personal injury claim against you. And have you checked the state of your roof recently? Dont forget that a rather, shall we say, roundly proportioned gentlemen with 12 hulking reindeers is planning on landing on it. A few loose tiles and a resounding tumble could have you explaining yourself to a judge. In fact, once you start thinking about it, its amazing that anyone of us is ever prepared to let the wretched man in the many and varied ways in which he could come to harm in your home should be enough to have you boarding up the fireplace and leaving a Santa dont stop here sign on your lawn. And just imagine the headlines and the national shame if beloved Father Christmas leaves your home limping (or worse, on a stretcher), unable to continue his round to all the hopeful little children in the world. The tears and sobs over empty stockings will be all your fault. You may think youre being kind by leaving him a mince pie and sherry by the fire but what if youre quite low down on his list and he doesnt reach your home much before dawn? How long will those festive treats have been sitting there? Long enough for botulism and salmonella to start a colony, quite possibly. He may well be magical, awesome and wonderful. But, is it likely that hes also immune to every-day problems like back ache? If you didnt edit your childrens letter to make sure that the extremely heavy computer, rally bike or 12ft Dr Who Dalek were crossed off then shame on you. Future depictions of this very noble man will also have to include a walking stick or zimmer frame thanks to you. While we dont wish to alarm you unduly, have you spared a thought for all those little elves who have worked so hard to make your Christmas as enchanting for your children as you hope it will be? Or did you think that EU directives on working hours and conditions did not apply to them? Well, they do. Its a very good thing that Santa and his little helpers have the sympathetic and wise services of The Claim Solicitors (leading online personal injury solicitor: www.the-claim-solicitors.co.uk) to call on if necessary. People can be very insensitive to the needs of Santa, the reindeers and his elves, says Jeremy Newson, and the potential for any of them coming to harm are enormous. In fact, a few years ago he contacted us to enquire about his civil litigation rights after Rudolph (his favourite reindeer) got his nose caught between some ragged chimney bricks causing lasting and permanent damage the sore-looking redness can still be seen today. In fact, it is a testament to the good-nature of the man that he decided not to pursue the compensation claim, and made up a fictitious account of how Rudolph came by his red and shiny nose. So we would ask all householders to pause briefly in their festive celebrations to spend a moment or two in quiet reflection on their duty of care to Santa and his crew. After all, if youve been a good boy or girl this year, then he will have spent time thinking about you! Editorial notes: The Claim Solicitors are personal injury solicitors who specialise in bringing compensation claim cases on a no win no fee basis. For further details call 0800 197 3232 or visit http://www.the-claim-solicitors.co.uk Author: Donna McCann. For more information call 0800 197 3232 or visit http://www.the-claim-solicitors.co.uk Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alexandra_Gubbins http://EzineArticles.com/?Could-you-be-sued-by-Santa-this-Christmas?&id=117120 buy carisoprodol diazepam online soma no prescription generic valium valium with no prescription zopidem diazepam purchase online
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Thursday, November 15, 2007

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Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Migraine and Feverfew

By Lorna Mclaren Many people today will tell you that they suffer from migraine. Many people however don’t really understand what a migraine is and they really just have a headache. I was surprised to learn that the headache part of a migraine is a symptom of a disease and that to take traditional headache cures eg paracetamol or aspirin will actually make the migraine worse. It also surprised me to realise that migraine can be life threatening. Although the benefits of feverfew are still being investigated in regard to migraine prevention and alleviation the findings are looking favourable so far. There is a lot of technical jargon involved but basically it can help with relieving spasms of the blood vessels in the brain and therefore if not prevent then lessen the pain of the attack. Feverfew also is beneficial in combating nausea and vomiting which are often associated with a migraine attack and can make you feel downright miserable in their own right. Dizziness can also be helped and feverfew can help you get a more restful sleep. It has few side effects and they appear to be very mild. All in all I think feverfew is worth investigating if you are a migraine sufferer, it might just do the trick. Lorna Mclaren has a website http://www.123-nutrition.com which has useful articles and information on where to buy alternative treatments. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lorna_Mclaren http://EzineArticles.com/?Migraine-and-Feverfew&id=57119 buy cheap valium buy valium online diazepam online prescription buy valium in the uk
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Tuesday, November 13, 2007

How to Lose Weight without Exercise

By Janice Elizabeth Small Most weight loss programs advise some kind of exercise alongside modifying your diet. And without doubt, exercise does make a difference if you can keep it up. The trouble is that most of us start out fully committed to an hour long gym program three times a week and then find it’s all too much. Either we don’t have the time or we don’t have the energy or we just can’t be bothered with the getting there, getting changed, getting going - not with all the other things going on in our life. It’s simply one big effort too far when we’re tired and overloaded. If it’s one of those days when you just can’t see your way to a full-blown exercise session (and even if every day is one of those days) make yourself feel better and use up some calories with mini-activities. This can be as little as a walk around the block taking a single flight of stairs instead of the lift spending 5 or 10 minutes tidying your home walking over to chat to someone in your office instead of emailing kicking a ball with your children in the garden before tea making alternate circles with your feet while talking on the phone holding your tummy in when you’re stuck in traffic getting up to switch over the channel instead of using the remote Every time you do something, anything at all, you’re adding to your fitness bank and burning calories. Try to do something whenever you think about it during the day. And give yourself a pat on the back each time you do it. Some recent research has shown that slimmer people actually use up to 350 calories more a day than overweight people just in everyday activity - even if they don’t do any formal exercise and sit down all day at work. The calories are used up just by moving around a bit more in the course of the day. That’s enough calories used to make (or lose) a pound of fat every ten days! So if you can’t or don’t want to get to the gym, just remember every little counts and have an active day every day anyway! Copyright 2005, Janice Elizabeth Small Janice Elizabeth is a weight loss coach, slimming club owner and author of “The Diet Exit Plan”, an 8 week coaching program for automatic permanent weight loss. Request her FREE 15 page report “How to lose weight without dieting - 7 secrets the diet industry doesn’t want you to know” at http://www.SimplySlimming.com TODAY! Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Janice_Elizabeth_Small http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Lose-Weight-without-Exercise&id=93437 buy online soma usa buy online carisoprodol carisoprodol dan online shipped to fl buy online soma
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Monday, November 12, 2007

The Dangers of Diet Pills

By Mike F. West In a society that is always demanding a quick fix for everything, it is easy to get caught up. Dieting is a multi-billion dollar industry that is not excluded from this phenomenon. If you are one who has struggled with weight, then you may have at one point turned to diet pills for help. However, it is important to note that there is no magic or quick fix when it comes to weight loss. And in most cases, the dangers of diet pills far outweigh the benefits. Diet pills all seem to promise the same thing quick and easy weight loss with minimal effort on your part. Some even claim to boost energy. Though there are dangers associated with any drug, the risks with these types of supplements seem to be more prevalent. This is partly due to the lack of evaluation and regulation of diet pills by the FDA. Of the many dangers associated with taking diet pills, heart related complications seem to top the list. A great majority of weight loss supplements aim to boost the metabolism through the use of stimulants. In many cases, these stimulants speed up the heart causing undue strain. For someone who is suffering, either aware of unaware, from a weak heart, this is no small danger. And though many diet pills claim to contain natural ingredients, the effects of these ingredients on the body have not been studied in most cases. There is also the risk of dependence with the diet pills that contain these stimulants that are supposed to boost the metabolism. Overuse and abuse of these drugs can lead to a habit. If you are considering taking any of these pills, it is best to consult your doctor beforehand to avoid this problem. On the other end of the spectrum, prescription based diet pills aim to reduce the appetite in most cases. That may seem great, but at the same time, these same pills have a danger that no one has probably fully discussed. When the appetite is suppressed, you will most likely eat less, thereby reducing your overall caloric intake. Reducing your daily calorie count will disrupt your metabolism and cause it to slow down. So unless you make other lifestyle changes, such as adding exercise and being sure to eat healthy, the seemingly positive effects of these type of diet pills is negated. Unfortunately, most of the diet pills on the market fail to deliver on the promise of weight loss, and the dangers far outweigh the benefits. And since diet pills are classified as a supplement, they are not closely regulated by the FDA. Many of the products that claim to help you lose weight contain harmful substances that can be potentially fatal with repeated and extended use. So if you are one who struggles with trying to lose weight, it is best to avoid the dangers of diet pills and consult your doctor instead. Your physician will be better able to address your needs and goals in a healthy and safe manner. Diet Pill Review is the leading authority on diet pills, weight loss supplements, and fat burners. Our site provides over 150 reviews for today’s most popular diet pills. http://www.diet-pill-review.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_F._West http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Dangers-of-Diet-Pills&id=430714 tramadol no prescription no consultation what is ultram prescription online prescription tramadol without buy drug tramadol
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