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By admin
It’s happened to me. About a year ago, someone got a hold of my bank card numbers. Fortunately, the crook made some international purchase which immediately clued me in and my bank was quick to settle the whole thing. But most people aren’t so lucky. Identity theft is a serious crime that’s growing each year. Victims of identity theft can spend months, or even years, trying to repair a ruined credit history, which can compromise your chances of getting a new job, a bank loan, insurance or even rental housing. Follow these steps to help keep your identity safe:
Protect Your Credit Card Number When Making Purchases
Check your receipts after making a purchase with your credit or debit card. In most cases, the printed receipt hides all but the last 4 digits of your credit card account number, but some terminals still print receipts that show all 16 digits of your account number and the expiration date. If you get one of these receipts, black out the numbers entirely before throwing it away – this is all the information a thief needs to make charges using your card. You’re also permitted by law to hide the first 12 digits of your account number on any copies of the receipt that the seller keeps.
It’s especially important to keep tabs on your receipts at restaurants. Think about it – you pay for your meal and then leave the signed receipt on your table for the waiter to pick up. But in a busy restaurant, it’s easy for a potential thief to “accidentally” bump your receipt off the table (or just steal it) and get your information. If the restaurant’s receipt shows all of your account information, black out the first 12 digits of your credit card number before leaving the restaurant.
Do You Really Need To Give Your Social Security Number?
Be very stringent about who you give your social security number to. You’ll probably need to share your number when you apply for credit or for a bank account, but sometimes a store or an organization will want to use it as an ID number, simply to identify you within their system. This is not only dangerous – it’s illegal. The law says that social security numbers aren’t to be used as ID numbers. If you’re ever unsure about giving out your social security number, ask if there’s an alternative – there is in most cases.
Destroy Documents That Contain Sensitive Personal Information
Buy a paper shredder and use it to destroy any documents that contain credit card numbers, social security numbers, phone numbers, your date of birth and any other personal information before throwing them away. Any credit card offers should also be shredded – thieves can fill out the applications and open a line of credit without you ever knowing. Don’t think that throwing out these documents is enough – identity thieves aren’t above going through the trash to find information that can help them get credit in your name.
If The Worst Happens
If you do become a victim of identity theft, take the following steps immediately:
* Contact your credit card companies to let them know what’s going on, close your accounts and ask to have new cards issued to you.
* Place a fraud alert on your file with any one of the three major credit bureaus. The other two will be notified automatically.
* File a police report. You may need it to show to creditors as proof of the crime.
* File a complaint with the FTC, which maintains a database of identity theft cases used by law enforcement agencies for their investigations.
It’s not fun to think about identity theft, but in this age of technology, you can’t afford not to. Identity thieves get smarter every day – just think of the recent rash of companies announcing that their client databases have been hacked into, exposing personal information. Some things are out of your control, but there are some simple precautions you can take to keep your personal information secured. Keeping your identity safe may be one of the most important things you do for your financial future.
By admin
The advantages of outsourcing are many, but do not often outweigh the disadvantages. Outsourcing as seen in the context of international business, is shipping your raw materials to other countries and having your garments, your shoes, your toys, whatever, made by foreign workers. This is done because it is cheaper to pay the shipping costs and to hire people who work for far less than what you would have to pay workers in your own country. In this case and for this purpose ‘you and our’ refers to the big conglomerates that control the manufacturing and the outsourcing. It is nothing personal, only a manner of making the subject clearer.
Most of our manufacturing, or at least too much of it is done in this way. What it does is take away the jobs from the people and put them on welfare. It is a situation that, as far as business practice is concerned has gone too far, but how can we turn back the clock and become the productive country we once were. I am, of course speaking of the United States although probably other countries have the same problem.
To me if it were not for that big word ‘if’ we would still be hiring our own workers and they would be working at living wages jobs and doing something beneficial each day that needed to be done. The economy would not be lopsided and octopus like in shape. In other words the business concerns would not have its arms stretched out in all directions raking in whatever everyone else produces. It might be well to ask ourselves what do we need with so much accumulations?
Then I think again and I see outsourcing to other countries in another light. Even if the workers in evolving countries are working at lower wages, they are working and they are not necessarily complaining so should we complain? We cannot compare our overly stuffed lives to those who go hungry every day. There, mothers are satisfied if they can feed their children, they are not concerned that they cannot buy them expensive footwear, or in the summertime, any shoes at all. It is good enough that they make them for us as long as we pay them money and they can feed their children.
I say we and yet, being only another big mouthed uncouth crude American, what do I know of how the rest of the world lives. I don’t, but I when I do see, I try to be fair and equitable and as fair as possibly I can. I understand that the world evolves with or without our input and the best we can do is to at least try and be helpful. With that in mind, and to get back to the thought of outsourcing, why not? It keeps us in contact with the rest of the world and that can never be a bad thing. (You and I both know that were we in charge the situation would not be in such shape. Right? Wrong. Let’s face it it would probably be worse.)
By admin
There is considerable uncertainty about what happens when you experience a loss. Most people, they just do not know how they will recover. The coverage on the contents of your home or business, describes the personal policy, you should receive your insurance settlement.
There is a standard verbiage in this policy. During the tasks, after a loss position, you will discover a number of statements that might surprise you, and you will be ready to face that. And because of that you need to be prepared on what you will face. One explanation is that they have no obligation to provide coverage if you do not meet their demands. Requirements can be performed by you or a representative (an inventory service provider, for example).
You must notify your agent or insurance company immediately. In the event of theft or loss you must also take immediate action report to the police department. If an investigation of your claim, you are expected to cooperate fully. You are required to draw up an inventory of the destroyed parts of the quantity, description, actual cash value and magnitude of your loss. Bills, receipts, the evaluation forms and other documents supporting your claim will be requested.
A signed, sworn proof of loss must be filed within 60 days after the request of the insurer. Proof of loss will show the time and cause of loss, other insurance that may cover the loss, the inventory of personal belongings. Insurance is varies in types. You need to check to make sure that you understand what is expected of you when you claim.
By admin
Finally you’re ready to launch your online affiliate marketing business and enter the world of E-commerce. You’ve heard so much about marketing on the internet and how people can make money online from home. Starting an online business is very exciting but now that you’re ready to start marketing online what exactly should you do next?
Don’t panic since the field of affiliate marketing really requires you to do only 3 things to be successful.
Here’s a look at the 3 areas of preparation you’ll need to complete to start earning an income as an affiliate marketer.
Choose a Domain Name & Hosting
It is recommended although not necessary to have your own website or blog from which you can maintain an online presence. You will want to select a domain name that is relative to what it is you intend to market. This not only increases the professional image you want online for your business but it also prevent the visitor from being confused. If your domain name indicates something other than what it is you’re promoting you can easily lose visitors who may think it is not the site they’re looking for.
Make sure the hosting company you select is reputable and can easily be contacted 24/7. If your site goes down for whatever reason you are losing money the longer it remains offline so you want to be able to have the problem fixed quickly.
Build Your Site
As an affiliate it is not required that your site is elaborate in fact it is recommended that you keep it simple. You don’t want so much ‘glitz and glitter’ that your intended message is lost.
Make it clear to the visitor what it is you’re promoting, maybe elaborate on a few benefits but for the most part leave the hard selling to the main affiliate site.
Generate Traffic
Here is where you need to focus most of your effort. Select 2 or 3 traffic generation techniques you’re comfortable with then push as many visitors to your site as possible.
This is the single biggest advantage of affiliate marketing. You don’t have to do much selling therefore you can concentrate on learning how to drive traffic to your site.
Launching your online affiliate marketing business really only requires that you simply first establish your online presence with a website. After that you are ready to begin marketing on the internet by driving traffic to your site. Many assume that starting an online business is more complicated then that but as you’ve seen it is really fairly simple. This is one of the biggest reasons the field of affiliate marketing is so popular. By setting up a simple website you are in the position to start making money online from home provided you invest a little time generating traffic to your site. This entire process is extremely straight forward and actually requires nothing more other than a little effort from you. By following the 3 steps we reviewed above you will be ready to start marketing as an affiliate in absolutely no time at all.
By admin
The most easily misplaced, damaged or stolen valuable many individuals own is jewellery. The tragedy of such losses is far greater for people with either no insurance, the wrong type of insurance or insurance inadequate to cover replacement costs.
Many home owners wrongfully assume their homeowner’s insurance covers their valuables. Many such policies specifically exclude jewellery and those that include jewellery coverage often exclude damage or accidental loss. Most home owner policies do not have travel clauses and are woefully lacking in the amount of coverage necessary to cover the full replacement cost.
Consider a special rider on homeowner’s insurance to cover even items such an inexpensive diamond wedding ring or watch. An item which may have been inexpensive when purchased could have tripled in value so insurance for replacement costs and update the policy every year to keep current with increases in value.
Be aware that homeowners insurance may have a low total amount for jewellery coverage. In the event of thievery or accidental loss all jewellery could be stolen, damaged or lost so a policy is needed which covers replacement costs of every piece of jewellery owned by every member of a family or establishment. Even a special jewellery rider on a homeowner’s insurance policy may only cover jewellery stolen from the home if there is evidence of a forced entry. It may not cover accidental loss at all.
Insuring with an agency specializing in jewellery insurance may be the safest way to recoup losses should an expensive piece of jewellery go missing or become damaged. Such insurers cover every type of loss. A jewellery insurance policy covers repair or full replacement cost of every insured piece, regardless of how when or where it was lost or stolen or how much it has increased in value.
Most jewellery insurers allow the insured to choose a reputable jeweller of their choice for repairs or replacement pieces. And, unlike homeowner’s insurance policies, jewellery insurers seldom require the insured get estimates for a low bid which might result in a repair or replacement of inferior quality.
Prior to insuring, fine jewellery, cherished antique jewellery, timepieces and all items made of precious metals or set with valuable stones should be appraised by a certified jeweller. High quality jewellery can also be marked inconspicuously for identification purposes.
In addition to an appraisal, which may include a photograph, the jewellery owner should have all insured pieces photographed, both individually and as a group. This type of photography can be done by an amateur photographer equipped with a digital camera with a zoom lens and good lighting. Such photographs and the professional jeweller’s appraisals should be securely stored in separate vaults or storage areas.
Getting appraisals, photographing every piece of jewellery and obtaining insurance for jewellery and valuables are not only wise financial decisions; they contribute to the jewellery owner’s peace of mind.
By admin
More than ever now is the time you should be using a licensed Realtor to buy or sell real estate. In today’s ever changing market it is imperative that you are aware of all the types of home listings on the market. It’s not as simple as driving around to open houses, writing a purchase agreement and then moving in two weeks later. With the influx of foreclosures and short sales the market is much harder to navigate on your own. Below are some of the most important things to ask any prospective Realtor:
1. Are you a full time Realtor and how long have you been in the business?
2. How are you keeping up with the changing market? Do you take continuing education and do you specialize in any type of real estate?
3. What are your main sources of marketing? Do you use online and e-mail marketing? Ask to see examples of their current marketing. Most people find thier homes online rather than print marketing so make sure they are keeping up with technology.
4. How do you communicate with your sellers/buyers? Will I get daily or weekly updates from you regarding my home?
5. Do you have a list of other professionals you work with? Such as mortgage brokers and inspectors? This list will show that they are involved in the real estate community and you can call them for refrences as well.
6. Do you have an assistant or a team of Realtors to help with your work load?
7. What do you believe are the most important aspects to consider when selling your home?
8. How are you going to sell my home?
9. How do you feel you stand out from other agents?
10. If I am unhappy with the service how can I cancel my contract with you and will it cost me anything? You should be able to cancel at any time without being charged. Realtors get paid whel the house sells.
11. What is the difference between short sales, foreclosures and regualr listings? These are very hot topics right now and if your Realtor does not know about these new types of listings it can end up costing you a lot of time and money.
12. Always ask your Realtor to explain any paperwork you sign and make sure you get a copy of everything you sign.
These are just some top questions to ask when choosing a Realtor. It is always good to interview a few Realtors and don’t let them pressure you into choosing them. Your Realtor should want the best for you and a good Realtor will encourage you to interview others.
By admin
Lots of new businesses fail because the owners don’t take into account how long it takes to start bringing in any money at all, let alone enough dough to keep themselves and their business going. Why does this happen?
The Problem - Too Much Time
New and even experienced business owners often don’t realize that there can be quite a delay from the time when they first come up with a product idea, have it developed, tested and then launch it. No matter how much time you estimate, expect it to take longer.
Then on top of that comes the time it takes to actually start producing some revenue.
And it is not just businesses with products for sale. Even a service business or an on-line content provider can go through a lengthy development and launch phase. Especially if they want to do it right. Tossing up a slapdash website isn’t the road to riches, either. It is going to take some time.
The Solution - Throw Yourself a Lifeline
What does your business do for cash in the meantime so you stay afloat? Try these lifesaver ideas:
* Consider selling a simpler or a beta version of your product or service until the final version is ready.
* Look for some other work you can take on from someone else.
* Do some freelance or outsourced projects to generate some cash.
* Consider what other products or services you could resell.
This work might not be what you really want to do and might not make a lot of money, but it can bring in cash that you need to keep your business running in its early days.
By admin
What a fantastic topic for a philosophical debate, this practice of self-checking your merchandise at stores. Having somewhat limited experience in the act of self-checking, I am unable to speak fluently in the mechanics of this process. In casual observation, it appears self-checking is an achievable, yet not quite comfortable task for the non-techno-savvy such as I. Designers of the machinery utilized to facilitate self-checking have obviously kept us in mind. A sidebar of irony: the establishment in which I have performed the act of self-checking maintains humans to monitor the self-checking aisles. These humans are, by my observation, kept quite busy assisting us, the self-checkers.
The previously suggested debate, as I see it, would consist of two panels. Panel one would be filled by those for whom self-checking is seen as a boon for society. Members of this debate team would (between cell phone calls and PDA entries) argue the benefits of self-checking, indeed the benefits of all robo-sprawl, to individuals and society as a whole. One could imagine their points of interest being the reduction in time spent standing in line, and more control for the shopper in the shopping process. Also, they would also cite as evidence supporting their position the reduction in wages spent by stores to employ cashiers. This, they believe, would equate to savings passed along to the consumer in the form of lower merchandise prices. Mechanization, automation, and robotization will, they say, lead to a much improved quality of life.
The opposing panel would represent the Neanderthals of modern society, opponents of micro-processed living. Those who, for either moral or practical reasons, reject the notion that quality of life is attained through improved motherboards. This group, as they pass pencil-scribbled notes to each other and shuffle through reams of paper (looking for hardcopy data), would decry the end of civilization as we know it. They would quote studies by researchers warning damage to the economy as a result of workers displaced by mechanization. There would be points made regarding the loss of social interactions, and therefore reduction in social skills, ultimately leading to the degradation of our entire social fabric. First, this panel would predict, comes a future of humans completely relying upon devices, followed soon after by a Terminatorian loss of control by humans and an earthly takeover by machines. Self-checking, they say, stands at the beginning of the slippery slope to human demise.
Alas, the circuits are already firing. The transistors cannot be resisted. In 2007, team two remains standing (ready the oxygen masks). However, it doesn’t take a crystal ball to prognosticate ultimate victory by the techies. We may go kicking and screaming, but if history is any indicator we will all eventually follow suit. In the meantime, would somebody please page a bagger to the self-checkout line.
By admin
Time management is one of those concepts that everyone wants to master, but many people struggle with in a variety of settings. People literally spend millions of dollars a year on time management training and tools. Whether these opportunities actually make people more efficient is debatable, but for now they are continuing to be a trend. The reason people want to improve on their time management is that they want to have a sense that they can accomplish more tasks in less time. Of course, the challenge is also in finding balance between work, play, and other priorities, because the danger of increased efficiency is that some people will fill the saved time with something else. This can re-create the stress of feeling overwhelmed, and put people in the same predicament as before. Therefore, here are a few techniques and strategies for increasing time management.
Knowing is half the battle
The first thing people have to do is admit that they have a problem. If people are unaware that they struggle with time management or they attempt to minimize the problem, then they are only going to improve themselves so much. Therefore, a good first step is admitting that improvements have to be made. This can be a bit humbling for people, particularly if they feel that they should have mastered time management by now. However, a bit of humility may go a long way towards personal improvement.
Experiment
There is no one technique that will solve everyone’s time management problems. To be sure, there are some interesting technological tools on the market, but they won’t guarantee success. PDA’s, “smart” phones, laptops, and computer-based calendars can certainly help and people should experiment with these tools. However, a notepad or paper calendar can also do the trick as long as people are diligent about using them. People should give themselves some time to settle into a routine, but if something isn’t working, it is fine to try something else.
Scheduling time
One technique that is helpful is to give every task a time slot. Rather than having a list of things to do, people should put things on a calendar, and give them a specific time slot for completion. Granted, things do come up and people have to shift their tasks around, but at least if it is on the calendar, people will dedicate a time to work on something. This prevents the undesired activity from remaining on the bottom of the task list for more time than it should be there.
Transporting
Finally, time management is about being diligent. It means that people have to stay “on task” by being willing to stop one activity and move on to the next if the new task is a higher priority. In addition, it means that whatever time management task is used, it should be carried almost everywhere so that people can make notes, schedule appointments, and put tasks on the calendar. Unfortunately, the human memory can be a bit suspect, so it is important to make time management a lifestyle. Then, people will be more likely to stay on task and free up that time that they so desire to manage more effectively.
By admin
Customers are human beings that come in all shapes, colors and sizes. Customers are not dependent on us, we are dependent on them. Customers are the reasons that any organization exists. The customer is doing the organization a favor by allowing them to provide a service for them and not the organization doing a favor for them by providing that service. Without satisfied and happy customers you will have no business, you will have to close your doors and your business will cease to exist.
Customer service starts with recognizing that we are all customers. There are experiences with an organization that you will never forget. These types of memorable experiences should be the goals that customer service is based on. These are the experiences that the customer will share with others and will build the reputation of the organization you are working for. It really is pretty simple, treat everyone in a timely, courteous and competent manner and you have gained a customer who will spread the word. There is no better advertising for any kind of organization than the words of a satisfied customer.
There are times when there is a negative customer service. There is no perfect world where everyone is happy and satisfied all of the time. The most important thing for any organization to do when something has gone sour is service recovery. Do something to make the customer feel right again and admit you made a mistake. Honesty goes a long way to providing good customer service.
There are behaviors that can kill customer service in an instant. If you appear cold, never smile, have no warmth or caring you have just eliminated good customer service from happening. If you are unfriendly, pushy, discourteous or insensitive you will create a bad impression and a good customer service experience will not occur. Customer service and satisfaction is everyone’s responsibility in any organization and these negative behaviors should never be tolerated and need to be addressed.
Having committed customers should be the goal of every organization. They are the fuel for success and the future of the organization. Customer service is the measure of the organization performance, if you have built loyalty and commitment with your customers, this is what customer service is all about. If you know what your committed customers value and will continue to expect, you have built a organization that is model for customer service and what many organizations will never be able to achieve.
A key component is to never forget the employee that work for the organization and have created the culture of good customer service. Employees want to be recognized and appreciated, without them there would be no success. Employees need to be aware of what is negotiable and what is not negotiable when trying to keep customer satisfied. There should never be punitive measures taken if an employee has made an honest mistake trying to meet the needs of a customer. Instead there should be recognition for taking the effort to try to meet their expectations and help them to find a more effective way to deal with the customer. Customer service is achievable with the right focus and commitment form the employees to make it happen.
