Advertise Like A Stylist Inside A New Area

The number of clients a stylist receives in a new area is dependent on the publicity he receives, which is a result of his advertising methods. The market has a wide range of marketing methods and opportunities to suit all types of budgets, but most importantly, creativity in stylist's advertisement should leave a lasting impression on potential clients. The methods the stylist chooses are dependent on the area, the competition and the stylist's budget.

Instructions

1. Identify your target market to help you choose advertisements that will reach out to clients. Find areas where you can reach your target clientele, and advertising methods that appeal to them. Create a profile for your typical customer, which guides you in designing the ad.

2. Write a press release with basic information that appeals more to the public -- as opposed to one that's merely an advertisement -- and submit it to the local media. Enlist the help of a professional if you can't write your own press release.

3. Attend networking and community events such as chamber of commerce meetings or trade fairs and exchange business cards with different people. These events provide an opportunity to network with business people in your area.

4. Offer to write an article for a local newspaper or magazine giving advice as a stylist. Ensure your article appeals to your readers and avoid making it all about your new business.

5. Treat your clients to free services and/or discounts for subsequent visits. Offer group discounts, as clients will invite friends or family along. Give discounts to customers who refer new clients.

6. Print brochures with detailed information about your services, products and discounts. Distribute the brochures by requesting retail stores, supermarkets and restaurants to display them. Drop the brochures in neighborhood mailboxes.

7. Participate in charity projects. For example, accompany people as they visit nursing homes and offer your services free. This will spread the word about the community work you're doing and increase your local name recognition.

8. Place advertisements in the classified section of your local newspaper, on radio or in the yellow pages directory. Design short and precise advertisements that reach out to the public but save on space or airtime.

What's The Salary For Medical Billing & Coding

Preparing and maintaining medical records is an important part of health care and properly charging patients and insurance providers. Medical billing and coding involves two occupational specialties, medical coding and transcription. If you are considering a career in the health information field you need to know the differences between the two to decide which specialty is right for you.

Identification

Medical coders take source documents such as diagnostic findings and treatment and medication records and convert them into standardized coding for patient charts, billing and data analysis. Medical transcriptionists use dictation records from physicians and other health care workers to create properly formatted medical and billing records and assist in resolving conflicts that arise regarding charges for health care services.

Function

The majority of transcriptionists and coders work in hospitals, outpatient healthcare facilities or doctor's offices. Of these, hospitals offer higher salaries. Some medical coders work for insurance companies or public health agencies doing statistical analysis of medical records to track diseases and health problems, and generally these draw the highest salaries. Transcriptionists often work for medical laboratories or are independent contractors providing transcription and consulting services. These are the highest-paying positions.

Benefits

Overall, the compensation for medical coders and transcriptionists is about the same. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2006 the mean hourly wage for medical transcriptionists was $14.40. The lowest 10 percent earned an average of $10.22 per hour and the highest paid 10 percent $20.15 per hour. The same year the median salary for medical billing coders was just over $19,000. The lowest 10 percent averaged $22,240 while the upper 10 percent averaged salaries of $45,260.

Features

Both medical transcription and coding require post-secondary training, usually in the form of an associate's degree from a community college or distance learning school. For transcription, an alternative is a one-year certification program, although this is recommended primarily for those who already have a health care background. Students take courses in physiology, anatomy, medical terminology, legal issues and information technology. Medical coding students also take statistics and data management. The training for transcription is more "hands-on" and frequently includes supervised internships.

Considerations

To get hired and for career advancement, both medical coders and transcriptionists need professional certification. For medical coding and billing, medical coders can earn certification by passing the coding exam with a specialty in medical billing offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) (see Resources below). Certification for medical transcriptionists is provided by the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI; see Resources below). New graduates can take the exam for registered medical transcriptionist (RMT) but must have at least two years' experience to become a certified medical transcriptionist (CMT).

Job Description To Have An Oil Trader

Oil traders track the market to see when is a good time to buy and sell their assets.

Oil traders are a type of commodity broker who normally buy and sell commodities such as non-ferrous metals, coffee, grain, sugar and gas. Oil traders are obviously brokers who specialize in the buying and selling of crude oil. They are employed by commodity brokerage companies, investment banks and in exchanges and clearing houses.

Job Description

A commodity trader dealing with oil will typically sit and track the market movements in the industry and make instant decisions on whether to buy or sell thus making money for his client. This decision can be based on the smallest movement of the market.

Typical day-to-day activities of an oil trader include: monitoring world markets and following the financial news from agencies such as Reuters and Bloomberg; conducting trades either electronically or by phone; collating data on oil assets; and

communicating the most important trades of the day to the relevant parties agreeing prices in their relevant products.

Conditions

Oil traders will typically work more than 40 hours a week in very stressful conditions. They have to make split second decisions that can lead to millions of dollars being lost or won. For those working on a trading floor the work can be especially stressful and noisy. Those not working on the trading floor will work from offices in front of the computer and on the phone for long periods of time. Most trading work is found in the financial centers of the world, such as New York, London and Hong Kong. Those starting out as an oil or commodity trader will find the work longer hours than their superiors as they get to grips with the job.

Qualifications

Qualifications needed to be a trader should include a bachelor's degree in business, finance, accounting or economics. A good way to get an entry-level job is to try to work as a summer intern, which often leads to a full-time job for those who are successful. Promotion to the higher positions within trading normally requires employers to have a master's in business administration (MBA). Possession of an MBA leads to higher salaries, increased chances of promotion and larger signing bonuses.

Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2008 the average salary for a commodity broker was $85,580 which is almost double the national average. Traders are paid commission on what they sell also, meaning their salaries are even higher.

Prospects

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the growth of the commodities trading sector is expected to grow at 9 percent which is as fast as the average for all jobs in the U.S. This is mainly down to consolidation in the financial industry resulting from the global economic downturn which has seen the number of jobs in the sector fall.

Look For A Federal Tax Id Number

There are several ways to search for a company's tax ID number.

Nearly every employer is required to have a federal tax ID number (TIN). This number is also known as an employer identification number (EIN). A person may need this number in order to fill out important documents such as tax forms. However, a company's tax ID number may not always be evident. There are several ways to search for a tax ID number, and with a little perseverance just about anyone can find it.

Instructions

1. Contact the company. This is the easiest and most direct way to obtain a tax ID number. You can call the company or search their website.

2. Examine a non-profit organization's Form 990. This is a form that all non-profit organizations are required to file, and the U.S. Department of Labor has recommended databases to search for this form.

3. Search for any Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings made by the company. The company's TIN number will be included on a number of documents provided to the SEC, such as their 10-Ks and 20-Fs. The SEC provides a free search tool called EDGAR for SEC documents.

4. Pay a fee-based resource to locate the tax ID number for you. Such databases include Westlaw and Lexis. These options should be the last resort as they charge a fee before you can use their services.

Jobs Inside An Advertising Agency

Agencies bring together talent from many different disciplines.

Jobs within an advertising agency fall into six main categories -- account management, account planning, creative services, media planning and buying, production management and agency management. Some advertising agencies offer a limited service buying in creative or media services from specialist suppliers. Agencies that offer an integrated communications service may also employ specialists in disciplines such as public relations, sales promotion, direct marketing and event management. The Institute of Practitioners in Advertising provides a comprehensive review of the main agency jobs.

Account Management

Account managers manage relationships with clients and coordinate the work of the agency's creative, media and production teams. They help clients to develop a brief and work with agency departments to deliver a campaign that meets the objectives of the brief and makes the best use of the client's budget. In smaller agencies, account managers may also take on an account-planning role.

Account Planning

Account planners develop a campaign strategy to meet the client's brief. They carry out or commission market and consumer research to acquire accurate planning data, using the data to identify consumers' buying motives and concerns. That information forms the basis for a creative brief that sets out the key message and target response for the campaign.

Creative Services

Creative teams include a creative director, art directors and copy writers. One or more creative directors take overall responsibility for the development of creative work within the agency. They work with teams of art directors and copy writers who develop the look, feel and content of advertisements and other campaign communications. Creative directors ensure that campaign proposals meet the requirements of the brief and the campaign strategy.

Media Services

Media planners and buyers select the media for the campaign in line with the target audience and available budget. With a choice of press, radio, television, cinema, outdoor, online and social media, the planning team aim to select the media that reaches the greatest proportion of the target audience for the lowest cost. They also take into account the suitability of the media for the client's product and the planned creative treatment.

Production Management

The production team handles project management of the campaign elements. They set schedules for creative work in line with publication dates and other deadlines and they ensure that all campaign elements are delivered on time and within budget.

Agency Management

An agency's senior management team takes responsibility for the profitable running of the agency and its future development. An important part of their role is attracting and retaining high-quality people. However, a recent report from the Advertising Agency Association of America highlights major problems in this area. A survey of agency staff indicates that 50 percent feel undertrained with no career path and only 35 percent see themselves in the same job within 5 years. The team is also responsible for business development -- building relationships with prospective clients and increasing business with existing clients.

Jobs In Charitable organisation Organizations

Working for a charity can lead to a rewarding career.

If there is a cause that matters to you, working for a charity or nonprofit related to that cause may interest you. You can put your skills to work helping others and earn a living as well. If you have skills that offer a significant benefit to the charity, they may be able to pay you a competitive salary.

About Nonprofits and Charities

Nonprofit and charitable agencies are nongovernment organizations that exist to provide services at no or low-cost. People who work for nonprofits and charities are usually deeply committed to the cause that it supports. The agency itself is usually tax-exempt and does not make a profit after expenses are paid.

Testing Your Aptitude

Not everyone is cut out to work for a charitable organization. To learn if you are, ask yourself four questions. First, assess whether you are committed to the charity and its cause. If not, the work will not be enjoyable for you. Next, consider whether you're cut out to work well with others. Nonprofits often are comprised of many people working for the same cause. Another consideration is whether you want to pitch in wherever you're needed or if there is a specific skill that you want to bring to the table. Does your skill set translate well to the nonprofit world? Finally, ask yourself whether you can commit to multiple responsibilities. In the nonprofit world, employees frequently fill multiple roles.

Types of Jobs

While just about any type of skill can translate into something useful to a charity, there are skills that most nonprofits require and for which they will pay. Grant writing, volunteer management, fundraising, business management, secretarial work and education are all areas where you may find employment in the nonprofit sector. Virtually all charities are dependent upon volunteers, but most have at least a small budget for hiring talented employees to keep things running smoothly and to help bring in more money.

Using Your Skills

Take some time to sit down and consider your skill set. Ask yourself how your education, training and job experience translate into skills that a charitable agency needs. Write a resume that highlights how your job experience, education and training translate into an employee from which the charity will benefit. While you're waiting to be hired, put your skills to good use by volunteering at the agency. This will expose them to your skills and will allow you to get to know the people there.

What's The Distinction Between Mean & Median Salary

If a human resources officer talks about starting salaries, referring glibly to the "median salary for new hires" or the "mean salary for the industry," the mean salary may fall far short of the median or the median salary may surpass the mean. Understanding these two terms, mean and median, may save yourself a world of heartache and tens of thousands of dollars when you discuss salaries.

The Median

The median number in a series of numbers is the number in the middle. When someone talks about a median in statistics, he is talking about the number at the exact center point of a list of numbers. If the series of numbers has a length that's odd, a group of seven numbers rather than six, the middle number is the median. If the series of numbers has a length that's even, like a string of six numbers, then the middle is the average of the two numbers nearest the middle.

Mean

The "arithmetic mean," or the total of all the salaries, divided by the number of employees, is the mean -- the plain, old learned-it-years-ago-in-school "average." When applied to wages, the average salary is a comparison of all the salaries within a group, rather than a simple center point in a range of salaries. For example, an average salary for new hires is a comparison of all the salaries of every employee in that group. Called the "mean" in statistics, it's also called the "mean average." The mean may or may not be the equal of the median.

The Median Salary

The median salary is the salary at the center of all salary levels in a company. If 40 cleaners in a company of 60 employees makes $10,000, each of the 19 managers makes $25,000 and the CEO makes $3,000,000, the median salary is $25,000, because it's in the middle of the list of salaries. The median salary for a group may differ significantly from the average salary; it may be either higher than the average or lower than the average.

The Mean Salary

For the mean salary, add up the salaries in the list, then divide the sum by the number of employees in the group: 40 people making $10,000 plus 19 people making $25,000 plus one person making $3,000,000. Divide the sum -- $3,515,000 -- by 60, the total number of employees. The result, $58,583.33, is significantly larger than the median salary at the same company.

Find Affordable Conference Calling Companies For Companies

Technology has become an important part of business success. The advances in conference calling have made it possible for businesses to train, communicate and have meetings without travel. Choosing the right conference calling provider can help business growth and finances. Affordable conference calling providers are geared toward small or medium-sized businesses. It is important for you to know what to look at so you pick the right conference calling provider for your budget and business. Follow the steps below to find the right provider for your conference calls.

Instructions

1. Compare conference call quality. Some businesses narrow down affordable conferencing calling providers by looking at price first. In reality, you should start your search with quality. Look at reviews for conference call providers and find the ones with the highest customer rating and satisfaction. Look at forums for business owners and find out what conference calling providers they are having success with. You want to see if the conference calling providers have good reception and stability. You should get at least five affordable conference calling providers to research before moving on to the next step.

2. Next, compare conference call features. Once you have a list of affordable conference calling providers you can begin to research the features they offer. The main things you will want to look for are technological features that promote ease of use and reliability during conference calls. Look to see if the conference calling providers give you backup numbers and ample space to host your conference call. Other features, such as using PowerPoint, moderating questions and automatic recording, may be something that your business is interested in having. Look at the options you will need and then rule out any of the affordable conference calling providers that do not have those options available. Use the revised list to proceed to the next step.

3. Compare conference calling cost last. At this point, you have narrowed down your list to show only quality conference calling providers with the features you need. You can now compare prices carefully to ensure your business get the best possible deal on conference calls. To get the most affordable conference calling providers you must look at the fine print and all charges to get an overview of the cost. Look for added costs like per-user fees and per-minute fees. These fees can add up quickly so make sure you take these into account when comparing your list of conference calling providers. Come up with an example conference call with an estimated number of minutes and participants and compare it in each plan that the conference calling providers offer. You can use the results to pick an affordable conference calling provider for your business.

Begin A Printing & Advertising Agency

Advertising agencies often operate in traditional office environments.

Advertising agencies work with companies of all sizes to help promote the company's products or services. Although large companies are often courted by advertising agencies, smaller businesses on limited budgets often get less attention.

Locally based advertising agencies can use their knowledge of specific markets and local media to help a business owner create a cost-effective advertising program. If the program increases sales or demand for services, the business owner can work with the agency to further expand his business.

Instructions

1. Select your business structure. Consult a certified public accountant with service business expertise. Choose a business framework: sole proprietorship, limited liability company, or corporation. Next, meet with a commercial insurance agent with general liability experience. Finally, visit your city or county clerk's office to obtain a business license.

2. Organize your office space. Obtain a small, functional office suite in a building accessible from major highways and main roads. Ensure that your offices have spacious work areas, a private conference room for client meetings, and a small kitchen area for staff use.

Because most of your agency's graphics and creative work will be computer- based, ensure that your office suite has high-speed Internet access in all areas. Purchase a large work table for use in brainstorming and sketching sessions.

3. Choose your market focus. An advertising agency's capability to create and transmit work electronically greatly enlarges its potential client base, but also means increased competition from other agencies across the United States (See Resources).

Decide if you want to service clients from multiple types of businesses or from specific industries. For example, some agencies handle sports-related companies, while others concentrate their work on companies in high-technology fields.

4. Develop a printing services plan. Advertising agencies spend much of their time developing concepts and advertising programs. When printed materials are needed, agency directors have two options.

Promotional materials created on common-size papers, along with posters and some banners, can be created on agency premises with proper printing equipment.

Billboards, along with other printed products requiring special processes or oversized equipment, may be subcontracted to specialty advertising companies. Subcontracted materials could include logo products such as T-shirts, or items featuring holographic images or high-quality photographs.

5. Hire friendly and creative staff. Recruit employees who aren't afraid to engage in "out of the box" thinking. Ensure that you have a team with solid graphics design skills, plus general familiarity with other printing and advertising production work. Capitalize on new media (e.g. Internet) and social media popularity by hiring staff familiar with these environments.

Next, depending on your market focus, locate staff with specific expertise. For example, a fashion-focused agency would hire employees with previous fashion industry experience. Alternatively, an agency serving the marine industry would seek staff with boating experience.

6. Join your Chamber of Commerce. Membership will help you integrate yourself into the local business community. Besides networking events and seminars, you'll gain opportunities to exhibit at chamber business expos and other events.

Finally, membership gives you a ready-made database of business owners for whom to develop advertising and printing proposals. Find your local chamber through the United States Chamber of Commerce website.

7. Introduce yourself to local business owners. Select a local business that has recently developed a popular new product. Offer to develop a free advertising program for that company, including printed products and other promotional materials. Work with your client to launch the advertising program in the client's chosen market.

Visit other local businesses and highlight the program developed for your new client. Offer introductory specials on creative rates and printed products. Finally, offer a free half-hour consultation to each business.

Separate Gold And Silver From Ceramics & Pottery

Pottery and ceramics may contain gold and other precious metals.

Separating precious metals from ceramic computer chips, gold-plated antique dishes and lamps, and other ceramic and glass items is becoming a new way to make money from recycling. Ceramic computer chips and antique dish and glassware can contain gold, silver, and other precious metals. Methods of gold recovery from ceramics and pottery that involve the use of potentially toxic chemicals is not recommended. There are safe, non-toxic ways to recover gold and precious metals and make money doing so.

Instructions

Preparation

1. Visit some of the reference and resource websites listed below. Most methods of gold recovery from gold-plated glass and ceramics involve the use of potentially dangerous chemicals. Some methods and equipment have been developed that are non-toxic, and recommended for hobbyists.

2. Go shopping at local thrift stores for old gold-plated dishes, glasses, and lamps that are cheap, but that you could possibly recover gold from. Purchase a few items.

3. Start looking for free computer CPUs that could be taken apart for their ceramic chips. Scrap computer chips contain gold. Search online for lots of computer scrap chips and parts for sale. Don't spend more than $50 to start with for scrap items to use for gold recovery.

4. Purchase a beginning gold recovery unit that uses safe, non-toxic chemicals and has an instructional video. This will cost about $500 as of January 2011. (See Reference 2.)

5. Arrange a work area for yourself that won't be disturbed by others, and which is out of reach of children and pets. Start by setting up a work table to disassemble old lamps and scrap computer CPUs.

Processes

6. Unpack your gold recovery unit to make sure all items are enclosed. Set the machine up in your work area on a separate table. Set the supplies next to the machine.

7. Watch the video that came with the gold recovery unit. Follow the step-by-step instructions for machine setup and use.

8. Add gold-plated ceramic items and computer chips to the gold recovery unit to be stripped of their precious metals. Let the items sit in the solution as long as needed, per the video instructions.

9. Remove the gold recovered in the bottom of the gold recovery unit. After rinsing off with cool water and drying with a shop towel, turn on the digital scale. Weigh the gold that you have recovered, and try to make a record of it. Contact a refiner or scrap gold buyer to see how much they will pay you for the gold you have recovered.

Revive A Defunct Pixel

Laptop screens use LCD technology that can be prone to dead pixels.

Dead pixels are tiny squares on the screen of an LCD TV or computer screen that remain black at all times, regardless of the image displayed. These pixels remain black, as there is no light reaching them. There are a number of measures you can take to attempt to repair dead pixels.

Instructions

1. Identify whether the pixel you are trying to fix is definitely "dead." Pixels that appear a constant white are known as hot pixels, whereas those that are fixed at any other color (except black) are referred to as stuck pixels.

2. Download pixel repair software form the Internet. This is often the easiest way to repair a dead pixel. Software programs run through color cycles on your LCD monitor and TV in an attempt to knock the dead pixel back to life.

3. Apply pressure with an eraser to the area afflicted by a dead pixel if the software approach fails. Make sure the screen is switched off and that the eraser is wrapped in a soft cloth before placing it on the screen. Apply pressure for around 20 seconds and restore power to your screen.

4. Try tapping the dead pixel if the approaches in steps 2 and 3 fail to remedy the problem. Set your desktop background to black and gently tap the damaged segment of the screen with the base of a marker pen or similar-shaped object. Gradually increase pressure, but make sure you don't strike too hard or you may crack the screen. Tap repeatedly around 20 times and it may jar the pixel back to life.

5. Be aware that dead pixels are often incurable problems. Hot and stuck pixels usually have a higher success rate, as there is some light reaching this screen area, albeit in an incorrect fashion. Dead pixels are typically harder to cure, so you may have to learn to live with them or purchase a new screen.

Accidental Dying Insurance Definition

Accidental death insurance is a special type of insurance policy that provides payments when a person dies as the result of an accident. It is usually combined with a dismemberment policy and will provide benefits when a person loses certain parts of his body or the ability to use those body parts because of an accident.

Definition of Accidental Death

Accidental death refers to any death that results because of an accident rather than because of illnesses or natural causes. Accidental death can be the result of an auto accident, a fall, boating accident, drowning and any other instance that is unrelated to health issues and is not caused by suicide. Motor vehicle accidents are the most common form of accidental deaths and according to GECD Health Data, the United States had the highest number of deaths in 1999 due to motor vehicle accidents at 15.5 people per 100,000 people.

What Does Accidental Death Insurance Cover?

One of the most important things to consider about accidental death and dismemberment insurance are the provisions of coverage. While it does provide the beneficiary with a payment in the event of accidental death, many don't realize there is another provision to this insurance as well. Dismemberment covers the insured for any accident in which there is a loss of bodily function such as sight, hearing, limbs or any other loss that results because of an accident.

Coverages for Suicide and Murder

Suicide and murder are two separate issues, defined differently than accidental death and are handled differently by each insurance carrier. While some carriers will pay in the event of death or suicide, others will not. When you purchase accidental death insurance, read your policy completely so that you fully understand what it covers under the provisions of your policy. These provisions may be different among not only insurance companies but the state in which you reside.This makes it essential for you to make certain you know if your accidental death and dismemberment policy covers death that results from suicide or murder before you purchase the policy.

Accidental Death Insurance for on the Job Injuries

A major concern many people have is whether their accidental death insurance will cover them for injuries that occur on the job. Any job-related death that occurs within three months of an accident falls under the provisions of your accidental death policy. However, this does not apply to those who work in high-risk jobs such as race car driving, the military, sky diving or other similar fields where the likelihood of on the job injuries are very high. If you work in a high-risk job, where the chance of death is substantially higher than in other occupations, you should ask the insurance provider if it covers your occupation. Some providers of accidental death insurance cover activities that are considered high-risk by other carriers. In addition those insurance companies that cover those high-risk activities or occupations may do so at a much higher premium than you would pay if you were not participating in that activity or employed in that occupation.

Purchase Accidental Death Insurance

You can purchase accidental death insurance in combination with your life insurance or as a separate rider. Many people purchase accidental death and dismemberment policies through their places of employment, though sometimes these policies are limited and may only cover injuries that occur at work. The premiums are usually rather minimal and some companies offer accidental death and dismemberment insurance at no cost to their employees. Those who offer accidental death insurance free to their employees may also allow them to purchase additional insurance at a reduced rate.

Get Professional Insurance

Get Professional Liability Insurance

Professional Liability Insurance or Errors and Omissions Insurance protects you for unintentional errors or omissions that result in financial loss to a client. There are two main types of Professional Liability Insurance: Claims Made or Occurrence Professional Liability Insurance.

Instructions

1. Determine if you want your insurance coverage to end when your policy expires. If you do, then purchase Claims Made Professional Liability Insurance. A Claims Made policy, or Reported Coverage policy, protects you only within the policy dates purchased up to claims reported 60 days after the policy expires.

2. Consider buying Occurrence Professional Liability Insurance if you are a professional whose clients have a longer statute of limitations for which to report a claim. Occurrence Professional Liability Insurance protects you after the policy expires, provided the incident occurred during the active policy period. For example, this policy protects a physician for malpractice years after the policy expires, if the event happened while the policy was in force.

3. Begin shopping for a trusted insurance company. Research the insurance company's financial pulse before you buy insurance. Find out if the insurance company has complaints and if a state guaranty fund backs their policies.

4. Fill out the insurance application accurately. Ask your agent questions such as the policy's exclusions and deductibles, what activities are covered and what circumstances would terminate the policy. Some insurance companies do not cover "everything," so take your time to understand the details of your policy. Obtain a copy of the agent's business card. Pay for your policy by check or credit card-never pay with cash. You should receive your policy within a few weeks by mail.

5. Ensure that your employees carry their own Professional Liability Insurance. Many insurance companies will cancel your Professional Liability Insurance if other licensed professionals work for you, but do not carry their own insurance coverage.

6. Be aware of your liability limits before you purchase your policy. Common policy limits for Professional Liability Insurance range from $500,000 to $1.5 million per claim. Also, consider if you want to include coverage for any legal defense costs with your policy before you make your purchase.

List My Company On The Web

Your business can use the Internet as a powerful marketing tool.

The Internet serves as a focal point for business and consumer research. Listing your business on an online database will increase your search engine results, allowing more prospective customers to discover your business. An Internet listing, combined with an effective marketing campaign, will almost certainly lead to an increase in revenue. You need to take a few steps to list your business on the Internet.

Instructions

1. Sign up for a free local business web listing service, such as Google Places or Yahoo! Local. You will need to create a username and password to get an account with any of these websites.

2. Log in to your new listing account using the username and password you created.

3. Enter your business information into the online form. Make sure to include the business name, telephone number, address, hours and website (if applicable). Hit the "Submit" button to list your business.

Residential Research Record

Purchasing a used home is both exhilarating and frightening. You do not know (at first) how the used home was cared for. That is why you need to perform due diligence. Due diligence is an investigative procedure whereby you fully examine the home before purchasing it. It is extensive, but it is designed to give you peace of mind.

Environmental Factors

Look at the environmental history of the property. What you are trying to determine is how environmentally safe the property is. Find out whether the property has any history of gas leaks, hazardous storage sites or other harmful materials (such as asbestos or lead based paint). To perform this due diligence step thoroughly, hire an environmental consultant. The consultant will have the tools and expertise to provide you with a comprehensive report about the environmental status of your potential new home.

While the consultant should know what to look for, you should focus heavily on whether the land contains wetlands, flooding potential or endangered species. Also, determine whether there is lead-based paint, asbestos, mold, or signs of rot in the home. In addition, perform a title search of the property to determine whether you have mineral, oil or gas rights in the property.

Up to Code

Ensure that the home you are buying complies with all building, zoning and local ordinance laws in your county. Check with the zoning board to find out what the property is zoned as. If it is zoned for one-story, single-family residences, ensure that your home is a one-story home and that you will not be using it as a multiple-family dwelling. In addition, hire a building or home inspector to perform a thorough check of the physical aspects of the property. Ensure that doorways and stairways have been properly maintained. Check the plumbing and the electrical wiring. Inspect the property for damage from pests (such as mice or termites).

Check Your Title

This step goes hand in hand with checking your mineral rights in the property. A title search will tell you whether the seller has the right to transfer title to you and whether any other party will assert greater rights to the property. Title searching can be complicated. Hire a title searcher or a real estate attorney to ensure a thorough check has been performed. If you want to perform a title search on your own, visit the local property records division and ask the clerk to get you started.

Why Did Pioneers Build Log Cabin rentals

Log cabins have been built since the earliest settlements in America. Pioneers chose to build log cabins for a number of reasons.

Availability of Materials

As pioneers moved west, they cleared land for roads and homes. Felled trees were readily available and in great supply, making them an obvious choice as a building material.

Cost

Because pioneers often had limited funds, the availability of free and inexpensive building materials made log cabins desirable.

Familiarity

Many pioneers were of European descent and were already knowledgeable about log construction. Some pioneers adapted more familiar styles of construction (like stone houses) to the available materials to create their homes, churches, stores and out buildings.

Time Constraints

Pioneers often had to build shelters quickly. The large logs did not require extensive preparation, and a basic living structure could be assembled in a short time.

Available Tools

Log cabin construction required few tools. An axe, which most pioneers owned, was the most important tool needed to create a livable log cabin.

Create Income

What is cash flow?Cash flow is a business term which generally refers to the value of a company's assets that can be converted to cash. You do not have to own a company however, to know create cash flow. If you want to create cash flow, the quickest way to get it is on the Internet. Three popular ways to create cash flow are online auctions sites or listings, storefronts and pay per click (PPC) programs. All you generally need is a computer, Internet access and a little initiative. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Instructions

Create Cash Flow

1. Auction SitesChoose an auction site you are most comfortable with and be sure to register. Most sites simply require a credit card and some basic contact information.

2. Read site requirements carefully. If you are uneasy with someone else's rules, there are ways to create your own listings. One way this is can be done is by posting your items on your own website or blog. Free websites are just one way to create cash flow without spending a lot of money. The key here is linking your site to others.

3. On line StorefrontsDevelop your own free website storefront or buy one on line. This is generally done by paying a service provider to help you develop one. A storefront is an easy way to create cash flow by expanding either an on line auction site or an already established business. The cost is low and often yields pretty good results. Set up your on line storefront by creating a "seller account." Look for the "Open Store" button or a button with similar terminology. Follow the subsequent steps. A storefront is an easy way to create cash flow by expanding either an on line auction site or an already established business.

4. Think about what you want your store to look like. This is true whether you develop a web page or buy your storefront from someone else. You will have to pick a name and “theme.” There may be some limitations as to what name you may be allowed have. To help name your store, research a little about “keywords” and how they may apply to your specific needs.

5. Pay Per Click (PPC) Register with a chosen PPC program. Be sure to have a credit card handy, too. Most programs will ask you to have a little money on account to start. Try not to use your personal bank account. Pay Per Click programs can create cash flow without you necessarily having anything to sell. Commonly referred to as “campaigns,” you buy advertising on one of the major search engines and are charged a fee when someone “clicks” on your particular ad. This is an easy and reliable way to reach a wider client base at minimal cost.

Advantages Of Local Tv Advertising

Local television can be an effective advertising medium.

Local business owners may be faced with the challenge of making a name for themselves and their business within the community. One effective method of reaching local residents is through the use of television advertising. Local television allows you to reach a wide number of people while still being able to target specific buyers. You can also enhance the image of yourself and your business within the community.

Wide Audience

Local television helps you reach a wide audience that may coincide with your marketing area, allowing you to reach a large number of potential customers. For example, a car dealership that markets to a four-county area can advertise on a local TV station that serves those same four counties, meaning that just about every viewer is a potential customer.

Credibility

Local television advertising can add credibility to you and your business within the community. Some people feel that anyone who appears on television must be important or has achieved a certain level of status, so this can serve to enhance your image. For example, an insurance professional can gain trust by projecting a professional image and conveying a sense of dignity.

Visual Image

Perhaps your business is visual in nature, such as an automobile body shop. Local television allows you to show "before and after" pictures of a damaged vehicle that you transformed into a thing of beauty. A flower shop can show viewers the type of colorful flower arrangements it can produce for a wedding or funeral. If you recently renovated your place of business, give viewers a look at the finished product.

Local Assistance

The advertising professionals at a local television station can help you produce your advertisements, either in-house or with the help of a local advertising agency. They will likely have extensive experience in the local market, so they will know the types of ads that will appeal to it, as well as prevent you from making an ad that might be considered in poor taste.

Target Marketing

In addition to reaching a wide local market, local television can help you reach targeted segments within the market. If the station broadcasts "Oprah" and your product appeals to women, you can run your ad more frequently during that time slot. If you sell outdoor sporting equipment, you can sponsor the local Saturday morning hunting and fishing program.

Challenges Within The Life Insurance Coverage Industry

Life insurance policies pay upon the death of the policy holder and provide essential funds for burial expenses and to help survivors through the difficult transition period. The challenges of the life insurance industry in extending these policies are both demanding and multifaceted, with companies forced to keep pace with continually changing regulations and market demands while continuing to remain personable.

Regulatory Requirements and Disclosures

State and federal regulatory requirements for the insurance industry are constantly updating and becoming more demanding. The challenge for the life insurance industry is keep pace with changing requirements as they become mandated so agents can keep generating policies and companies can remain compliant. Agencies are often forced to devote whole sections of staff to monitoring government requirements so management personnel can be advised of policies that may need changing. Disclosures of premiums both to the state and federal government---as well as to consumers---also require close monitoring. Some states require insurance companies to submit proposals before rate changes can be approved. A life insurance company that does not adhere to these requirements could easily lose its license to write policies.

Costs and Risk Assessment

The Baby Boomer generation is a large reason behind the cost increases in the life insurance industry, according to money management website Financial Web. The challenge for life insurance companies is to develop strategies that allow them to continue to write policies for this generation of Americans while factoring in the risk involved with the payout that is obligated with the death of a member of the country's largest age group. The cost of managing this risk is ultimately passed on to younger policyholders who can be expected to live longer---and therefore return higher premiums over a longer period of time.

Evolving Business Models

The industry must continue to evolve with improving technology and consumer needs. According to financial management firm Price Waterhouse Coopers, life insurance companies must learn to incorporate new software programs for advanced risk modeling and develop policy-writing strategies that are specific to the client rather than an age group. They must also begin to infuse themselves into multiple markets as opposed to working in just one niche. Without these efforts, a company cannot remain viable in the modern global economy and will not see the returns necessary to sustain long-term growth and stability.

Interview Strategies For Marketing

Zoning in on the perfect marketing job can be stressful, but if you know prepare for the interview, what to do during the interview and successfully follow up, the right job will be yours in no time.

Prepare for the Interview

Marketing jobs rely heavily on image, so you want to ensure that you make the best first impression as possible.

Before you meet with anyone at the company you should do your research and obtain information about the company's products, services, image, brand and top clients. This information can be found on the company's website, press releases and a general search engine search.

Be sure your entire look says "professional." The idea is to draw the interviewer to your personality and portfolio. Be sure your hair is neatly combed and groomed. Look for traditional suits in neutral colors to allow your inner personality and style to shine.

Review your portfolio, resume and work samples. Be sure everything is up to date and presented in a neat, clean portfolio case. Weed out any old or unimpressive samples and replace with any new accomplishments or campaigns.

Get your questions ready and be prepared to give thoughtful answers to some of the standard interview questions such as "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" or "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?" If you can formulate at least five intelligent questions to ask before you leave the meeting, you'll make a strong impression that you are a candidate who has put serious thought into the job. Examples of questions could include "What direction are you (or the owner) planning to take the company in the next few years?" or "Can you tell me about one of your most successful campaigns?"

During the Interview

Interviewing is a nerve-wracking process, and if you aren't careful you can come off appearing anxiety ridden. Keeping your nerves calm and your thoughts focused is the number one challenge to tackle during your meeting. Remember the interviewer is meeting you for the first or second time too, so you are as new to them as they are to you.

Be on time for your interview appointment. Lateness translates to you possibly being a lazy worker and may kill your first impression before you arrive at the interview.

During the interview, keep an attentive stance in your posture but also remain relaxed. Don't let other thoughts enter your head or allow your mind to wander. Make eye contact with your interviewer and watch for fidgeting or any other unconscious nervous behavior.

Don't forget about that strong, firm handshake in the beginning and at the end. You want to be sure to firmly grasp the other person's hand, but don't attempt to crush him. Also, when you meet the interviewer, repeat his name back to him after you are introduced. For example, "Hi Mary, my name is John." Mary says, "It's really nice to meet you, John."

During the interview avoid using slang or offensive language at all times. Use proper grammar and speak in complete sentences. You want to convey that you are an intelligent communicator with a stimulating personality. Ask what is next in the interview process.

Follow Up

Following up an interview in marketing is a critical component to landing the job. One way to keep your name on the top of the pile is to send a handwritten thank-you note a few days after your meeting. Get your interviewer's business card so that you have the correct spelling and title for reference. In your note reflect on the high points and mention that you look forward to meeting again. Double check your note for spelling and grammar errors.

After a week has passed, follow up with a friendly phone call to check on the status of your application. As far as future phone calls, take cues from your interviewer about whether you should call to check again in a few weeks. Remember, this is not your only opportunity, so avoid looking desperate.

Exactly What Is A Trade Deficit

With all the talk of globalization, trade imbalances, imports, exports and deficits, it's easy to become confused and misunderstand some of the terms used by politicians and economists. The trade deficit is one of the more important issues facing American society. Knowing what it is and what it means to you can help make sense of what people and politicians say about it.

Significance

Trade is the lifeblood of any country. In the United States, literally trillions of dollars are generated by the importation and exportation of goods to U.S. shores. Ideally, the United States should export more than it imports, particularly if the value of those goods is high. For instance, selling raw lumber nets a relatively low profit. Turning the lumber into furniture, however, adds value to the lumber. These "value-added" products are then sold at a much higher profit and though less of them may be send abroad, the trade-off is a "surplus" of revenue.

Geography

The United States trades either directly or indirectly with every country on the planet, with a few minor exceptions. Some countries import American value-added goods and send raw materials to the United States. Underdeveloped nations, usually in Latin America and Africa, export agricultural or mineral products in exchange for American products. For example, Jamaica produces a mineral called "bauxite," which is used to make aluminum. The United States exports cars, computers and telecommunications equipment. With developed or developing countries, the United States trades finished goods (toys, electronics, machines) in return for finished goods from those countries. Another example is when the United States trades with China; China purchases high-tech equipment and some raw materials such as lumber and in return, the United States imports everything from toothpaste to flatware to clothing.

Effects

When a trade deficit is in effect, the United States is purchasing more from another country than it is selling to that country. In the examples mentioned earlier, the United States may have a trade "surplus" with Jamaica but a trade "deficit" with China. This means more of America's money is going to China than Chinese money is coming to America. A trade deficit may mean that products made in America are becoming too costly for Americans to purchase, or it may mean that foreign products are made more cheaply and thus are more attractive to American consumers. Either way, American companies are forced to cut jobs, cut production or close altogether in the face of dwindling sales. This means less jobs domestically and less money in consumers' pockets, which may reinforce the cycle of purchasing cheaply made imported items.

Types

Though there may be a deficit with one or even several countries, the aggregate value of all products exported is compared to the value of all products imported. If the result is a positive number, the United States is said to have an "overall trade surplus." If that number is negative, the United States is said to have an "overall trade deficit." Trade deficits vary from year to year; certain years may favor products from certain countries. French wines, for example, may be in fashion for a few years, but then as the price becomes too high, consumers may choose to drink Australian, Chilean or even domestic wines instead.

Prevention/Solution

Trade deficits, if left running for several years, can adversely affect the United States. Businesses, particularly small businesses, may cease to function or may be harmed by falling profits. As consumers become aware of the deficit between the United States and another country, they may opt to purchase products from another country or domestic versions. For instance, the proliferation of Japanese electronics in the 1980s and 1990s led to a growing dissatisfaction with Japanese dominance in that area. The result was purchases of domestic electronics, as well as the purchasing of Korean, Taiwanese and European electronics. For example, in the personal music industry, Japanese electronics giant Sony's Walkman product was the best-selling personal music player throughout the 1980s and into the 1990s. With the advent of Apple's iPod, however, Sony found itself unable to make a product that appealed to American audiences and lost considerable market share.

What's Industry Analysis

Industry analysis is a market strategy tool used by businesses to determine if they want to enter a product or service market. Company management must carefully analyze several aspects of the industry to determine if they can make a profit selling goods and services in the market. Analyzing economic factors, supply and demand, competitors, future conditions and government regulations will help management decide whether to enter an industry or invest money elsewhere.

Economic Factors

Economic factors of industry analysis include raw materials, expected profit margins and the interference of substitute goods. The cost of raw materials is an important factor in industry analysis because over-priced goods will not sell in an established market. Profit margins are closely linked to materials costs because offering discounts or sales prices will shrink company profits and lessen cash inflows for future production activity. Substitute goods allow consumers to purchase a cheaper good that performs relatively like the original item.

Supply and Demand

A supply and demand analysis helps management understand if enough consumers are willing to purchase more goods in an industry. If demand is high and supply is low, a company may be willing to enter the market and offer goods near the market price to gain a competitive advantage in the industry. A trend of declining demand indicates an industry that is oversold, and any new competitors will likely lose money because consumers are not interested in current goods or services.

Competitors

The number of competitors is an important factor for proper industry analysis. If few competitors exist in a market, they may be charging consumers higher prices because of limited availability of products or services. As new competitors enter the market, existing companies can lower prices to maintain their current market share; newer competitors may not be able to match these price cuts if their products costs are too high. As industries contract, inefficient producers are forced out.

Future Conditions

While no company managers can predict the future of an industry, they can try to determine where the industry is in the business cycle. If the industry is in an emerging market stage, companies can enter an industry and expect to earn a profit from rising consumer demand. If the industry is in a plateau stage, then only the most efficient producers with the lowest costs can continue to earn profits. At the end of a business cycle, demand is declining and producers leave the industry for more profitable markets.

Government Regulations

Some industries have heavier regulations or taxes than others, which must be considered by companies looking to enter new markets. Taxes and other government fees add to the cost of doing business, which eats into profits earned by companies. Properly understanding the amount of government regulation in an industry helps management to determine if expected profit margins will earn a high enough return to cover these costs.

Trobleshoot and fix A Canon Copier

Canon is one of the most reputable companies that produces copy machines. Copy machines can be especially frustrating because they can oftentimes be very complex. When something goes wrong with a copier, there are a few key troubleshooting steps that can be followed to solve some common issues.

Instructions

1. Make sure that there is not a paper jam in the copier. Open the side hatch door of your Canon copier to see if there is a paper jam. Canon copiers will notify the user if there is paper jam on the LCD display on the front of the copier.

2. Cancel any print jobs before starting a new one if you are experiencing a problem printing to your Canon copier. To do this, use the LCD screen and click "Print Jobs." From this menu, you can cancel any existing jobs.

3. Make sure that you have enough ink in your printer cartridge. The LCD will tell you if the cartridge is low on ink.

4. Make sure that there is enough paper to complete your copy or print job. Open the printer drawers located in the front side of the copier.

5. Unplug the copier, wait 1 minute and plug the copier back in to "reset" the copier. This will often solve many copier problems, including a problem with not copying or printing.

What Exactly Are 4 Major Regions Of Creating Business Card Printing

Business cards are typically exchanged during formal meetings.

While you make the first impression for your company, your business card will linger on long after the meeting is over. It should reflect your company in the way that you would and be geared towards your target audience. By creating professional, informative business cards, you leave a lasting impression with your clients and help grow your company.

Color and Images

Use color to add interest and emphasis to your business cards. It can be in your logo, text or the background. Match your business cards colors and images to other marketing materials used by company, such as its website or pamphlets. Do not use more than three or four colors and match the color tones. If your logo has pastel colors, use other light or pastel colors for the text and background.

Format

Keep your business card format simple. Overloading the card with images and information can make the card look cluttered and hard to read. The back of the card can be used as additional space for information, such as a calendar or appointment reminder. Pay attention to the margin and keep texts and logos towards the middle of the card. Refrain from adding borders or lines. When cutting your business cards, either by hand or professionally, variances in cutting could make your lines look crooked.

Type

Use one or two font types for your business cards. Do not use unusual fonts for important information, such as your name or phone numbers. Make sure your fonts are large enough to be easily read. Left-align your text so it is easier to read. Do not use light colors that are hard to see.

Text

Include your relevant contact information on your business cards. Add your company name, phones number, fax number, email address and website. Double-check the spelling and numbers before sending your design to a printer, and again after you receive the finished cards.

Free Trade Rules

The United States has eleven active and 3 pending free trade agreements.

Free trade is something of an oxymoron in that regulations exist to foster deregulation. The United States has a number of free trade agreements with nations such as Israel, Australia, Morocco, and Singapore. By regulating the terms of trade deregulation, free trade agreements are designed to create optimal trade environments wherein competition leads to improved labor and environmental conditions, as well as more sound business practices.

North American Free Trade Agreement

The North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA, regulates free trade between Canada, Mexico, and the United States. In effect since 1994, NAFTA consist of bi-lateral trade agreements between the United States and Mexico, the United States and Canada, and Canada and Mexico. The primary aim of NAFTA was to eliminate tariffs on goods and barriers preventing international trade between the three nations so that commerce and investment might take place more uninhibitedly throughout the continent. The scope of NAFTA regulations is enormous; they apply to everything from telecommunications to intellectual property rights. In agriculture, nearly all tariffs and barriers have been removed. Between Canada and Mexico, only eggs, dairy, poultry, and sugar still carry tariffs.

Dominican Republic-Central American-United States Free Trade Agreement

The purpose of the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement is to regulate and facilitate free trade between the nations covered by the agreement’s title, other than Panama, which is the subject of its own, pending free trade agreement. One of the primary purposes of the CAFTA-DR regulations is to promote growth and international partnerships in developing nation economies. By promoting free trade, the regulations of CAFTA-DR were designed to encourage competition, which in turn will encourage transparency in business and government decisions, and promote fair business and government practices.

Korea-United States Free Trade Agreement

Though drafted in 2007, the Korea-US Free Trade Agreement has yet to become a reality as of 2010. However, President Obama has indicated the intent to finalize the agreement. If these steps are taken, the regulations of KORUS would eliminate tariffs on 95 percent of bilateral trade between the nations within three years. Regulations are in place to insure that the remaining tariffs would fade over a 10-year period. The increase in trade resultant of these regulations is projected to increase the Gross National Product of the United States by $10 to $12 billion annually.

Write An Attention Getting Ad Headline

How often do you get an advertisement in the mail when right at the moment you are about to toss it out, something about the ad keeps it in your hand? More times than not, it is the ad's headline that subconsciously piqued your interest. Properly written headlines are without a doubt, the single most important part of a well-written ad. Without a great headline, readers won't make their way into the body of the copy.

Instructions

1. Grab the immediate attention of the person who is glancing at the ad. Most people spend about two to three seconds looking at an ad before throwing it away, so in short, your headline has three seconds max to grab the reader's interest. For this to happen, the headline needs to be punchy, emotionally engaging and easy to read.

2. Understand who you are targeting with your advertisement. You do not want to focus an ad on men when you are trying to sell women's vitamin supplements.

3. Your ad headline should answer a couple of key questions. For instance, will the headline provide the reader enough interest to continue reading the ad? Does the headline imbue the potential value of the product or service? Does the headline explain the uniqueness of the product or service? If possible, the headline should give a taste of what the reader can expect from the product, like a benefit that is specific and realistic to the product or service.

4. Be direct in your headline. For instance, "7 Proven Foods You Must be Eating to Prolong Your Health!" This headline tells readers exactly what they are going to discover in the copy. By using the word "must" you are telling the reader that this is urgent, their health could be at risk. Plus, by being specific about the number of foods (7), it provides the reader with a sense that this is easily do-able.

5. Headlines that ask a "yes or no" question are a risky move. The headline that reads, "Are You Happy With Your Current Health Insurance?" could get as many "yes" answers as "no" answers. In this case, you could lose half of your audience in mere seconds. On the other hand, if the headline read, "10 Ways to Tell if Your Health Insurance is Killing You!" then the reader is interested. Detail the 10 ways many health insurances are hurting customers and then prove how your client is different.

6. Use words that readers have a hard time ignoring in headlines. These words include Discover, Proven, Guarantee, Introducing, Easy, Quick and Results, among others. If you can include one of these words in your headline, you increase the chances of the reader being interested in the advertisement.

Worldwide Banking Rules

International banks are governed by many rules.

International banking rules are standards for worldwide financial transactions. Rules are established and amended by the U.S. Congress, and upheld by the Federal Reserve and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Rules stretch far and wide, ranging from Defense Department regulations to the minutiae of electronic transactions. All statewide and local banks must maintain these standards.

Banking Secrecy Rules

Banking secrecy rules are in place to maintain transparency in international finance. According to Bankers Online, secrecy rules specifically relate to reports and transactions concerning foreign accounts, transactions and loans. Domestic banks maintaining more than 20 foreign accounts must annually explain the necessity and activity of these holdings to the commissioner of the Internal Revenue. All transactions and loans must be disclosed with interest rates, disbursement procedures, underwriter names and dates of activity.

Electronic Signature Rules

Electronic signatures are mandated by the Federal Reserve. To secure many foreign transactions, according to Bankers Online, electronic signatures will authenticate a transaction and in-person signatures. Oral agreements cannot legitimize international financial dealings, so electronic signatures are required. All relevant investors must have unfettered access to electronically signed documents pertaining to their transactions. In some circumstances, foreign transactions may also require the electronic signature of a notary.

Record-keeping Rules

The FDIC specifies record-keeping rules with foreign banks that have business dealings with at least one insured U.S. branch. According to the FDIC, foreign banks working with domestic financial institutions must maintain a minimum of one set of records written in English. All records must detail financial practices, accounts and methods of monetary disbursements. Foreign banks that operate insured branches on U.S. territory must follow the same rules. One master copy of records may be kept with foreign banks boasting two or more insured U.S. branches.

Seafood Farming Techniques

Fish farming is increasing to meet seafood demands.

Fish farming, or aquaculture, resulted in 40 percent of the seafood we ate in 2007, according to Time magazine. If the world's current demand for seafood remains the same, The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that "an additional 40 million tons of aquatic food will be required by 2030." The United Nations also believes that wild fish are 75 percent overfished. In response to the continually rising demand for seafood, a variety of fish farming techniques and methods have emerged.

Recirculating Marine Aquaculture

The UMBI Center of Marine Biotechnology developed a system that filters and recycles simulated seawater and captures the methane emitted from fish waste as energy. This is a commercial method of fish farming that ships harvested fish to restaurants for use in sushi.

Cage Culture

A floating net enclosed by floating plastic pipe is inserted into a section of a pond. Young fish are placed in the pond and farmers feed the fish until they reach harvesting age. According to Steven Van Gorder, author of "Alternative Aquaculture Association Sells Small-Scale Aquaculture," this method works best for catfish and will produce enough edible fish for a family.

Greenhouse Aquaponics

This method of fish farming is beneficial to both plants and fish. The fish are placed in a swimming pool-size tank where waste water is drained off into gravel beds where plants, typically vegetables, are growing. The plants use the waste water as fertilizer and filter the water where it is circulated back into the tank where fish are growing. SoCal Fish Farms say that this method uses only 10 percent of water typically needed for growing plants and decreases the amount of water in fish farming as well.

Obtain A Job Inside A Talking to Firm

Get a Job in a Consulting Firm

If you've decided that the exciting and professional world of management consulting is a good career match for you, you'll need a plan to find the right position. Consulting firms around the globe hire consultants to work at their offices or on a telecommute basis. Before signing up, you first need to know a little bit about what a consultant does, and what industry you're most interested in.

1. 2

3. 4

5.

Instructions

Learn About the Industry

Consultants are people companies hire to give them advice about conduct business. There are many kinds of consultants out there; for instance, technical consultants give advice on technological issues, and financial consultants give advice about money. But the biggest branch of consulting is called management consulting. Management consultants are typically organized into teams, specifically chosen for a given project. A project is a job for which the team is hired by an external firm. The team is constructed internally by the consulting firm, and it is maximized for efficient human-capital composition. The average team consists of three to six people, depending on the job specifications and a client's needs.

Measure Newspaper Head lines

Headline writers are a very talented bunch in that they are able to find the right words to fit in the "hole" they've been given. Advertising typically gets first choice of the space in a newspaper. The news and feature stories have their own sections that fill the front pages of each section. The inside of the newspaper is up for grabs. Headlines get the space left over.

Instructions

1. Wait until all the copy is sent over to your desk before trying to come up with a headline. The hole that you will have to fill can change as ads come in late and stories get edited.

2. Use as much of the proposed headline sent to you as possible. Creativity is often stifled when you see how much space you have to run the headline.

3. Scan the story. The first three paragraphs will hold the main ideas of the story and give you the gist for your headline.

4. Look at the entire page before deciding if you can span two columns or need to keep the headline to one column. If you have the whole top of the page, you then have to decide how big of font you will use. Most newspapers have policies about how big or small a headline has to be. Your hole will determine how many lines you can use within those guidelines.

5. Try various words to see if they will fit. Until you send the final version, you can change the font size and the wording very easily.

Variations Between American & German Business Culture

There are many differences between American and German business culture.

In today's increasingly global marketplace, many U.S. companies do regular business with firms in Europe. According to an article published by the international broadcaster Deutsche Welle in 2007, companies from the United States invested $184 billion in Germany in particular, employing approximately 800,000 people in the country. While many Germans learn to speak excellent English from a young age, there are significant differences between American and German business culture that can cause confusion and misunderstandings for Americans doing business in Germany.

Formality

Business communication in Germany is more formal than in the United States. It is normal practice for Germans to address their colleagues and business partners as either "Herr" or "Frau," followed by their surnames. Germans may be offended if you addressed them by their first names, particularly if they are not experienced in doing business in the U.S. Germans also place great importance on academic qualifications. This means that a German with a Ph.D. will expect to be called "Herr Doktor," rather than simply "Herr." When speaking to your business partners in German, understand the difference between "du" and "Sie." Although both words translate as "you" in English, "du" should only be used when talking to children or close friends. Address business partners as "Sie" always to avoid seeming overly familiar.

Non-verbal Communication

Germans expect to start and end their meetings with a firm handshake. While shaking hands, it is important to maintain direct eye contact. In German culture, lack of eye indicates unreliability and dishonesty. Maintain direct eye contact at all times when talking to your German colleagues.

Humor

Americans may be tempted to lighten the mood of a business meeting by cracking a joke, but Germans may be confused or even offended by such behavior. Germans do appreciate humor in certain situations. However, they also place great importance on being serious when the situation demands it. Generally speaking, business meetings in Germany are serious affairs. Humor in a business environment is therefore regarded as misplaced and inappropriate.

Positivity

In the U.S., companies place greater emphasis on creating a positive atmosphere in the workplace in than in Germany. Germans typically give less praise than Americans and are more likely to say nothing if they consider a job done well, only commenting if they perceive it tis done badly. This can be confusing for Americans, who are more used to an environment where colleagues routinely award praise for the completion of simple tasks.

Produce A Good Survey

The best way to receive feedback from your consumers about your product is to survey them. You want to know what works and what doesn't, and what your consumers particularly like and what they have no interest in at all.You also want to know who your consumers are -- who is your audience? The more you know about them, the more you'll be able to tailor your product to suit their demands and make them hungry for more. Here are some tips on how create a good survey.

Instructions

Know thy audience!

1. Pose optional demographic questions to know who your consumers are -- including, but not limited to: Age, gender, location (region, city, even zip code) and ethnicity (but made sure there is an option for "choose not to reveal" or something similar, as many people find such a question offensive. None the less, it does help firms tailor their products or make them more multi-cultural for the future). Make such questions multiple-choice if possible.

2. Create scaled questions about consumer satisfaction of your products or services. For instance: "On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being "Extremely satisfied" and 1 being "Very dissatisfied", how satisfied are you with Product A"? By making them scaled, you will be able to analyze them easily with proper coding and then produce accurate reports.

3. Ask multiple-choice questions about consumer behavior regarding your products. For instance, if you want to know how often a typical consumer uses your product, you would ask "How often do you use product A?" and then offer answers ranging from 1. Every day to 5.Once a year or less.

4. Ask multiple-choice questions about consumers' projected behavior regarding your products. For instance: "How often do you think you will use Product A in the next year" with answers ranging from "Once a day" to "A handful of times or less."

5. Ask open-ended questions that will allow the consumer to comment on your product freely, such as "Tell us how you think we can improve Product A" or "What else do you wish Product A could do?"

The Phrase Worker Investment

Many corporations use employee stock options (ESO) to motivate and reward senior employees. For an employee stock option to have any value, the company's stock must appreciate in value, so it's in the employees' interest to do their best. The practice of awarding ESOs is sometimes criticized as an "off balance sheet" (hidden) expense that is used to excess. Employee stock options are often the largest portion of an executive compensation package and may earn an individual hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars.

Identification

An employee stock option is similar to the call stock options traded in markets like the American Stock Exchange or Chicago Board of Options Exchange. The option grants the right to purchase shares of stock at a guaranteed price referred to as the strike price. There is no obligation to exercise the stock option, but the employee can do so on or before the expiration date (called the expiry). If the stock goes up in price, the employee can exercise the option by purchasing the stock at the strike price, then sell at the market price, keeping the difference. ESOs are not negotiable (they can't be traded on exchanges) and come in several forms.

Basic ESOs

The basic form of an ESO is often called non-statutory stock option to distinguish it from an incentive stock option (see below). The option contract typically stipulates the employee may not exercise the option for a period of time from one to three years. From that point until the expiry the employee can exercise the option at any time. Profits from non-statutory stock options are not eligible for capital gains tax rates. Companies often prefer them because the corporation gets a tax break.

Incentive Stock Options

An ISO (incentive stock option) allows employees to take capital gains on any profits from the options. To qualify, the employee must hold the option for at least one year after it is issued before exercising it. Then the stock itself must be held for one additional year. An employee does have to accept some risk by holding the stock, since the stock might drop in price during the year it is held to qualify for capital gains taxes. Corporations often prefer not to use ISOs because they don't get the tax advantages they receive with non-statutory stock options.

Reload Options

"Reload" is a term used to describe a special feature of some employee stock option contracts. With a reload option, the employee can choose to exercise the option if the stock has appreciated, taking the profit up to that time. Then the employee is issued a new option with the market price as a new strike price and the same expiration date. If the stock continues to go up in price the employee can exercise the option again, making more money.

Exercise

In theory, an employee must pay the strike price to exercise the option. In practice, this isn't necessary (except for ISOs). Instead, the employee delivers the option to his/her broker, who then "loans" the funds necessary in exchange for a small fee. The broker immediately sells the stock at the market price. The broker gets his money back and the difference between the strike price and the market price is deposited in the employee's brokerage account.

Affordable Tours In Italia

Typical Italian street

Italy is one of the world's most expensive tourist destinations, but if you select the right tour operator, an Italian vacation can be affordable. Small group and specialty interest tours are usually much more expensive than large, general interest bus tours, but in Italy there are excellent budget-oriented tours that cater to special interests without large crowds. All prices are valid as of spring 2010.

Adventures in Northern Italy

The Italian Lakes

Adventures in Northern Italy offers small group walking and hiking experiences. Diverse interests and walking abilities can be accommodated. There is a maximum of 12 travelers per group. The "Along the A26" tour traverses mountain passes and visits Lakes Orta and Maggiore and the wine-growing Monferrato and Asti regions. The "Dwarves in the Dolomites" tour hikes through alpine mountain refuges, walks along a WWII military road, and feasts on hearty meals in the alpine region that is the legendary home of dwarves. Both week-long tours cost €1,185 per person based on double occupancy, and include accommodations, most meals and all cultural visits.

Adventures in Northern Italy

11 Stone Hill

Bloomfield, CT 06002

011+39-328-6978083

adventuresinnorthernitaly.com

Tour with Rick Steves

The Port of Naples

Rick Steves is the longtime host of the PBS travel series "Travels with Rick Steves" and the author of a popular guidebook series. He has made no secret of the fact that Italy is his favorite country, so his tours there reflect a passion for Italian culture and history. Group size has a maximum of 28 people. The "Best of South Italy" tour lasts 13 days and costs $3,395 per person based on double occupancy, prices. Trip highlights include a visit to a mozzarella farm, Basilicata wine tasting, Pompeii, museum visits and a walking tour of the neighborhoods of Naples. Other tour offerings include "Sicily in 9 Days" and "Village Italy."

Europe Through the Back Door

130 4th Ave. N.

P.O. Box 2009

Edmonds, WA 98020-2009

425-771-8303

ricksteves.com

Italian Cycling Center

Many bike tours of Italy charge high prices, but the Italian Cycling Center has made affordability a priority, without sacrificing quality. Guided tours start each morning from the company's hotel in the Veneto, 90 minutes from Venice by train. Afternoons are left free for independent activities. Non-cycling travel companions are welcomed to stay at the hotel without joining the guided tours. Fees start at €120 per person/per day for tours, lodging, and three daily meals with wine and bottled water. Bike rentals are extra.

The Italian Cycling Center

2117 Green St.

Philadelphia PA 19130-3110

215-232-6772 (November to April)

011+39-0423-561113 (May to October)

italiancycling.com

Tangney Tours

Assisi

Tangney Tours operates economical pilgrimages departing by air from its London base. Land only tour prices start at £80 per person per night. All trips include tickets for a Wednesday audience with the Pope, and some tours offer guided visits to San Giovanni Rotondo and Assisi. Tangney also offers budget-oriented pilgrimages to most other important Catholic religious sites throughout Europe.

Tangney Tours

Pilgrim House, Station Court

Borough Green

Kent TN15 8AF

United Kingdom

011+44-1732-886666

tangney-tours.com

Gap Adventures

The Amalfi Coast

Gap Adventures is committed to sustainable tourism. For some travelers, adventure may mean a five day walking tour through the villages of the Cinque Terre area. For others it might be relaxation along the Amalfi Coast. There's also a challenging "Sicilian Volcano Trail" tour, which hikes to steaming craters and stops for dips in volcanic hot springs. Tours start at $140 per person/per day, including lodging, tours and some meals.

Gap Adventures

19 Charlotte St.

Toronto, Ontario

M5V 2H5

Canada

800-708-7761

gapadventures.com

Make Renter'S Insurance Readily Available For Tenants

Regardless of whether you note in your lease that you're not liable for damages to a tenant's property, due to a fire or other loss, and suggest they buy renter's insurance, tenants seldom do. There is a variety of reasons---from not knowing get the insurance to not taking the time to purchase the insurance. If you want to make sure your tenants have coverage, you need to be proactive about making renter's insurance available to them.

Instructions

1. Check with the carrier of the building insurance for your tenants. If they do carry renter's policies, give your tenants the phone number of your representative.

2. Hunt for rates. If you look for different carriers, you can do a little comparison-shopping for your tenants. Make out a chart with the information for them. This saves them the work, and, once you do it, you simply need to keep your list updated.

3. Get the phone numbers of local agents that handle this type of insurance and include it in your rental package. Use the telephone book for this task, rather than hunt down the price yourself. Make a note that you aren't recommending any particular representative, just listing phone numbers. In today's litigious society, you have to put disclaimers everywhere in case there's a bump in the road.

4. Ask if you can give tenant phone numbers to several representatives. If your tenants would prefer that you not, then don't. If they allow it, give the insurance reps the numbers and let them work it out.

5. Get a license and sell it to them yourself. Of course, you can't demand tentans buy in order to live in your rental. Make sure you include a disclaimer that states they don't have to purchase from you in order to live there. If they decide to purchase a plan, you can't have them include the payment in your rent check. Have them make a separate check to your premium account or insurance carrier.

6. Secure rates online. If your tenants don't have a computer, offer to let them use yours to purchase renter's insurance.

Evaluate A Code Of Ethics

Evaluating a code of ethics

It is now a standard practice for public organizations and businesses to create a code of ethics. The concern with ethical codes is motivated by several factors. First, its intent is to identify the core values of the profession. Secondly. it helps to establish the self-identity of a profession and the members. Thirdly, it provides a set of guidelines for how its members treat one another and the public they serve. A code of ethics provides a general framework and not a specific set of values. It is important for a profession to evaluate its code of ethics in order to see if it is actually working or it needs to be revised.

Instructions

Introduction

1. Decide if the code of ethics clear. The general purpose of a code of ethics is to establish a set of standard or values for an organization. It has to walk a fine line between recommending a general set of principles but avoid recommending a specific set of values. Consequently, there is a risk of ambiguity.

2. Ask yourself if it works. In addition to setting an ethical standard a code of ethics is supposed to define acceptable and unacceptable behavior, provide a sense of identify for its members and provide members with tools to deal with ethical conflicts. Does your profession's ethical code actually accomplish these goals?

3. Make sure it instills a sense of trust and confidence in the public. In addition to serving the organization itself an ethical code is meant to instill a sense of confidence in the public it serves. For example, medical patients have the right to expect that the medical profession will treat them with dignity and that this will be part of its ethical code. Furthermore, it has the right to assume that the medical profession will punish doctors who act unethically.

4. Evaluate its enforceability. In order for a code of ethics to work in practice there must be a way of implementing it. Are its values and principles observable in its policies and practices?

5. Determine if it is revisable or not. The code of ethics must have a way of evaluating and critiquing itself. In practice this means there must be a group who has the power and authority to undertake this task. This may involve various segments who represent different aspects and interests of the profession.

Info On Public Accounting

There are 1.3 million accountants who are certified to serve the public as of 2008.

The first certified public accounting exam was conducted in 1896. Public accounting has grown significantly since this early date: There are around 1.3 million accountants in the United States as of 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. While private accounting deals with the internal finances of one company, public accounting is a service that is available to many different businesses and individuals.

Definition

Public accounting is a type of financial recordkeeping offered to a wide range of individuals and businesses. For example, a tax preparation service that is available to anybody is classified as public accounting. In contrast, an internal financial division that belongs to a single company is known as private accounting.

The experts who practice this type of accounting are called public accountants. Because it is important to the public welfare that financial matters such as taxes are handled professionally, states offer certification for public accountants who can demonstrate their specialized financial knowledge. Financial recordkeepers who receive this certification are known as Certified Public Accountants, or CPAs.

Qualifications

Individuals who offer public accounting services must be properly qualified. In most states, the minimum level of education required for public accounting is a bachelor's degree. Many financial companies prefer to hire public accountants who have earned a master's degree in business administration. The exact qualifications for public accountants vary from state to state. Some states allow non-certified accountants to offer financial services to the public, while other locations require all accountants first to be certified.

Certification

Certification allows public accountants to perform services that are off-limits to uncertified individuals. For instance, the Securities and Exchange Commission stipulates that only CPAs can file financial reports for publicly traded companies. As of 2009, all but four states require CPA candidates to complete at least 150 hours of college classes.

Accountants who wish to become certified must also take four-part financial exam that is administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, less than 50 percent of candidates pass this exam on their first attempt.

Careers

Twenty-four percent of all public accountants work for tax preparation and bookkeeping firms, while 8 percent of public accountants are self-employed. Between 2008 and 2018, employment for public accountants is projected by the BLS to increase by 22 percent. In the same timeframe, 279,400 new jobs are expected to be available. The median annual wage for all people employed in public accounting is $59,430 as of 2008.