Xbox 360 360 Live Mtu Problems

Maximum Transmission Unit is a network setting that restricts the size of a data packet during network communications. Therefore, the MTU error indicates the Xbox 360 console is experiencing difficulties transmitting packets of data to the Xbox Live servers. In other words, if a 1500kb packet is sent to the Xbox Live servers, but the network only allows for 1200kb, then the MTU error is generated.

History

MTU errors have plagued the Xbox 360 and its predecessor, Microsoft's Xbox, due to system dependencies on the Xbox Live servers. Upon original release, the Xbox was not designed to work with wireless routers or bandwidth-intensive home networks. Instead, it was designed for direct connection to a modem or router via Ethernet cable. As home networks expanded to include wireless routers with multiple connections, MTU settings have been altered to allow increased transmission-unit and data-packet size.

Cause

According to the Xbox Support, the error is attributable to known compatibility issues with specific routers and Xbox Live, incorrect MTU settings on the router or gateway or excessive bandwidth consumption from high network traffic.

Server Maintenance

The Xbox Live servers are occasionally taken offline for maintenance without notice to system owners. If this is the case, players trying to connect to the Xbox Live service can receive an MTU error.

Solutions

The easiest solution is to reboot your network equipment--the router, modem and Xbox 360. If this doesn't fix the MTU error, connecting your broadband modem directly into the Xbox 360 through an Ethernet connection is the easiest way to test the source of the error. If you can connect to the Xbox Live service while bypassing the router, you know it is a router-based issue that requires further troubleshooting. Generally, most routers' MTU settings should be above 1400.

Router Compatibility

The router's firmware may need an upgrade to make it compatible with Xbox Live. Check the manufacturer's website for instructions on upgrading the firmware. There are known routers incompatible with Xbox Live services. A list of compatible routers can be found on the Xbox Live Support website. A general rule of thumb is that if the router is compatible with Windows Vista, it is compatible with Xbox Live.

Write An Invisible Show Proposal

Writing a radio show proposal is one of the ways to get your content on the air.

The only way to get a show or a segment on a live radio program is to first write a proposal. Most stations are looking for new writers, producers and hosts, as keeping listeners engaged and advertisers happy helps them make their money. The creative individuals hired are in charge of creating the programming and content, which is then appraised for commercial value. Depending on the number of listeners and excitement level of sponsors, radio stations can charge money for playing commercials during your segment and receive compensation, which then is used for overhead and payroll.

Instructions

1. Write down the idea of the program. Although your description doesn't have to be lengthy, take the time to really think your idea through. Let the station know what excites other people when you tell them about your show. What is the show's stance towards its content? Are you making fun of it, or is it serious? Are you aiming to be informative, entertaining or merely to debate both sides of the issue? Describe the perfect listener, how long the show or segment will be, how often you want to play it, and why it is perfect for the desired radio station.

2. Create your own biography, so that the radio director can learn about you and your accomplishments. Think of this as a cover letter and resume in one. Do not forget to mention your contact information and how you are planning to help market the show. Plans for outlets such as social media promotion can get you to the front of the line, if expressed well.

3. Sell your idea to the radio network. Let them know about the originality of the show, how it can make them a lot of money and why they should choose it. Keep in mind that most station owners do not like taking risks, and even though it might not make sense, they often want something that is original but is also very close to their number one radio show. You will have to do a bit of research to find out what that show is. You might be able to e-mail or call them and ask some of these questions. Be polite, keep it brief and let them know why you are interested, and most of the time they will be happy to give you the information you need. Alternatively, visit the station's website, if it has one.

4. Proofread the final draft and let a few of your friends or colleagues do the same. Use their input to make your show proposal as brief and enticing to the radio director as possible.

What Exactly Are Advantages & Disadvantages Of Industrial facilities

Factories emit chemicals that could hurt the environment.

There are several benefits in having a factory. Many things people take for granted wouldn't be possible without factories. However, factories also have drawbacks. They can be built close to large cities or small towns. Wherever a factory is developed, it will have both advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages for Towns

Having a factory close to a town will benefit both the local residents and factory in different ways. The locals will have an opportunity to improve their standards of living because the factory will create job opportunities. On the other hand, the factory will benefit from relatively cheap labor because of the readily available workforce and low cost of living. Such a factory will also help in checking rural-to-urban migration as people leave their communities in search of jobs in the urban areas. Other businesses will thrive near the factory as other people satisfy the needs of the factory workers.

Disadvantages for Towns

One of the main drawbacks to having a factory near a town is pollution. Factories generally produce a lot of waste, which could hurt people's health and the environment. This is especially true if the factory uses large amounts of chemicals. Toxic waste may end up polluting the air, water and soil. Pollution also comes in the form noise, which may shatter the relatively peaceful atmosphere in the community. Although there is a strong move toward making factories more environmentally friendly, pollution is still a major concern.

Advantages for Cities

As more people have moved from towns to cities over the years, factories in large urban centers have provided work opportunities. Factories offer both white-collar and blue-collar jobs, catering to workers with different academic backgrounds. Employees who live in the city won't have to travel far to work, which helps them save on transportation costs. People who move to urban centers will need places to stay, which creates an opportunity for others to provide rental apartments.

Disadvantages for Cities

As more people move to urban areas to work in the factories, overpopulation is likely. This can cause more strain on available resources, making life more challenging. Planning a city's infrastructure, such as roads and services, will also be more difficult. This can lead to the rise of slums or other blighted areas.

Video To Google Maps

Add Video to Google Maps

If you have a Google account and have created a map of your own, you can embed videos in the map to serve as information markers or as interesting tidbits of information to share with friends. Whenever you click on a placeholder on a map, a video pops up and plays directly over the map interface.

Instructions

1. Go to www.google.com and click on the "Sign in" link near the top right of the page.

2. Sign in with your Google account information and then click on "My Maps."

3. Click the "Create a new map" link, type in a title and description for your map and set the map to be either public or private.

4. Click on the placemark button and add a marker to your map where you want your video to be. Click on the placemark again and click on "Edit" and then click on "Edit HTML."

5. Paste in the embedding code for your video into the description field and click "OK." Your video has now been added to your Google Maps map.

Program The Mind For Achievement

Tap into the power of the mind to achieve the success you desire.

The human mind is incredibly powerful. It can be nearly impossible to achieve the success you desire in life with a negative "I can't" attitude. If you can learn to tap into this power, by training and programming your mind, then it is possible to improve any aspect of your life and achieve your goals. Try these simple steps to programming your mind, whether you want to achieve success in your career, your relationships, your home life, or your hobbies -- or if you simply want a more successful life.

Instructions

1. Define your goals. Ask yourself in which areas of your life you desire success. In order to achieve your goals, you must first know exactly what they are.

2. Remember, you are reprogramming your mind, so answer your questions positively.

Write a list of positive questions and answers. If you want to program your mind to help you get a new job, for example, grand statements such as: "I can get that job," are likely to be rejected by your subconscious mind, because you don't really believe what you have written. Instead, write questions such as: "Why am I capable of getting that job?" Then, answer the question with a list of your positive talents and skills. Try to be positive as you answer your questions. Then read the list every day. After a few days, add a new question, such as: "Why am I becoming more positive?"

3. Think positive. If you constantly assume that a negative thought is true, such as "I will never pass that test," your subconscious mind will believe you. When you have a negative thought, try to alter it to something positive, such as: "I'm going to study really hard."

4. Find a place to meditate where you feel comfortable and relaxed.

Meditate. You do not have to sit cross-legged on a mountain to do this. Simply find a quiet, relaxing space where you won't be disturbed. Close your eyes, concentrate on breathing and relaxing and think about the success you have achieved in your life so far. For example, winning a competition at school, gaining a place in university or getting your first job. Think positive thoughts such as "I am a good person," and meditate about times you have proved this, by helping a friend in need or donating to a charity, for example.

5. Start a journal of gratitude. Ultimate Mind says that maintaining a gratitude journal can create a huge change in the way you think and feel. Throughout the day, keep an eye out for things that make you grateful, such as a beautiful flower or the sunshine. When you go to bed each night, write five of these things on your journal. Note any difficulties you experience throughout the day, and try to add a positive angle to these obstacles. Add positive quotes, pictures that make you feel happy and anything else you feel should be given a place in the gratitude journal.

The Littlest Lcd Televisions

LCD stands for liquid crystal display. LCD televisions are known for having a clear and quality display because of the voltage that reflects off the liquid crystals that are in the screen. Today, televisions are manufactured in a variety of sizes. LCD televisions are available in small and compact sizes to meet market needs.

Haier 7-Inch Portable Digital LCD TV

The Haier 7-inch LCD TV is a compact and powerful LCD that is built and designed to be portable. The TV can be handheld or you can use the provided stand to support it. It comes with a power cord, RCA cable, power adapter, and a remote control. The LCD TV must be kept stationary to receive the highest number of channels possible. Installing and using the antenna will increase the reception. The also comes with a car adapter so you can watch television during travel and a one-year limited warranty.

Coby 15-Inch LCD TV

The 15-inch Coby LCD TV is one of the smallest LCD televisions that is stationary with a built-in stand. The TV has a 720 pixel display with a remote and headphone capabilities. The TV also has surround sound and HD performance. It is ideal for use in kitchens and small rooms where quality electronics are desired. A connection cable allows you to connect the TV to a computer and acts as a monitor.

Coby 12-Inch LCD TV

The Coby 12-inch LCD TV is one of the smallest stationary LCD TVs that has a built-in stand. The television is a widescreen and designed for optimal viewing. The TV has AV inputs that allow it to be used with media players, VCRs, and video games.

Listing Of Jobs For Teens Age 15

An ambitious 15-year-old can launch her own business.

Fifteen-year-olds may need to approach the job market with a different mind-set than their older peers. Employment laws place certain restrictions on workers who are between the ages of 14 and 16. In addition, older teens will have a competitive advantage because they have experience and references. But a 15-year-old with the right combination of talent and moxie can bring in an income by launching her own business.

Household Services

An enterprising 15-year-old can earn steady wages by offering to complete various chores for homeowners. He can find business opportunities buried in his customers' cluttered basements and garages. The teen can perform full cleaning services or focus on clearing and organizing specific troublesome spots such as attics or cellars. Painting is another service that a teenager can provide to different households in return for payment, especially if the youngster knows that a neighbor is remodeling a home. Interior painting services could be accomplished all year, whereas exterior work would be done during warmer months. A 15-year-old can mow lawns and pull weeds in the summer, rake leaves every autumn and shovel driveways and walkways in the winter.

Business Help

A 15-year-old should assess his skills to see if his abilities can be put to work in any small or family-owned business, especially if the teenager already knows the owner of a local proprietorship. The youngster could offer his computer know-how, especially if he is proficient with web design and content. Or, the teen could run errands or perform messenger work. If she is a gifted writer or photographer, she could generate interest among smaller businesses that might have a demand for those same talents on a freelance basis.

Tutoring

Teaching is another possible revenue generator for a 15-year-old. A teen who has aced his high school mathematics, English or foreign language classes could assist other teens who need some extra coaching in those same subjects. Adults and children also could be interested in one-on-one tutoring with a bright teenager. Computer classes represent another demand. Many adults and small-business owners would appreciate personalized PC instructions with a technologically savvy 15-year-old.

Traditional Jobs

The jobs that historically have been performed by teenagers continue to be available for a youngster eager to make money. This includes babysitting and washing cars. A 15-year-old also can earn cash by walking, bathing and grooming neighborhood pets. When a client travels on vacation, the teenage entrepreneur can charge fees for checking on and caring for that customer's animals.

About Postage Meter Lease Contracts

Postage meters calculate exact rates and print postage on letters or on standard pieces of tape that you affix to a package or envelope. Federal law prohibits private ownership of postage meters, however, they can be leased. A multitude of sources are available to lease these machine.

Function

A postage meter weighs envelopes and packages and calculate the cost of postage. A meter lets you track postage costs and also pay for additional services, such as express or international mail. Meters track the postage printed, which you pay for under the terms of your lease agreement. Using a postage meter, you can send first class mail, express mail, international mail and presorted first class mail (which is typically 500 or more pieces that are sent at one time and may be discounted). You cannot, however, send periodicals using postage from a postage meter.

If your business is spending more than about $50 per month on postage, you'll probably save money by keeping a postage meter on premises. This is because instead of using standard stamps, you can print the precise amount of postage required to mail the item. The lease agreement costs are based on usage and typically require a three-year contract. Be aware, though, that even if your usage drops, the rate you pay each month may not drop as the rate is based on the average from the previous year. If you don't have a lease agreement for usage, then expect rates to be modified every year, regardless of use.

Benefits

Leasing a postage meter provides the benefits without the responsibility of the equipment. A lease agreement includes repair of the unit by its manufacturer. You can also purchase a maintenance contract and pay for the cost of that contract over the charges built in to the monthly rate paid to lease the machine. A lease agreement also standardizes your monthly postage costs, so it's easier to budget.

Effects

Most postal meter manufacturers don't require to sign an agreement at first. You can get a free trial for up to 90 days. And, depending on the term of your contract, you may also receive free postage at the start, as well as rate protection and a specified number of resets should the value of postage change.

Considerations

Since this is a highly regulated industry, it can be difficult to negotiate a lease agreement in terms of postage cost. But you'll have greater success if you focus the lease agreement on the value added by the manufacturer: customer service and rate insurance. Make sure to ask for rate insurance--a flat annual fee that covers the cost of upgrading your postal meter throughout the year should postal rate change. These upgrades can be quite expensive, up to $175 each time the meter is upgraded. Be sure to clarify how postage meter service is conducted. On-site service lets you avoid mailing or shipping the meter to the manufacturer. Also ask about pre-paid postage. Similar to loading a gift card, you simply load the meter with a pre-paid amount of postage. Any unused postage rolls over and you can often earn free postage for paying up front.

Misconceptions

Most lease agreements cover the use of the meter itself for postage only. It does not include the use of other, consumable items. These items, such as tape or sealing liquid, are best bought at local office supply stores and not directly from the manufacturer.

Procedure For Opening A Franchise

Find Franchise Opportunities

There are a wide variety of franchise opportunities available. The first step someone would take is to narrow down the selection to an industry (such as a food, cleaning, check cashing or toys) and then eventually to three or four business choices. There are numerous websites that provide detailed information about franchise opportunities, including FindaFranchise and FranchiseOpportunities (see direct links under Resources). Simply click on the industry that you are interested in entering (preferably one that you have direct experience in), and you are presented with a long list of franchise businesses along with contact information. You can also narrow down the choices by your location, as some franchises are available only in certain regions. The franchiser will give you a list of specific locations where a franchise opportunity is available because it does not want too many franchise locations in the same area of a city or town. You can also do your own footwork in the town where the opportunity is being offered to determine how many current franchise locations there are of each business that you are interested in.

Some prospective franchisees cold-call franchising companies that they are already aware of to see if there are opportunities in their area.

Arrange Financing

The prospective franchisee must get preapproved for financing before proceeding further in the process of opening a franchise. Many franchises require multi-thousand dollar investments from the owner to cover supplies, rent and costly franchise fees. So a prospective franchise owner will ideally apply for financing at a local bank to be approved for funding in advance of contacting the franchise company with a serious inquiry, unless of course the person has his or her own money to invest in the business. The prospective owner will likely need to put up collateral, such as a house or other property, in order to secure financing.

Apply for the Franchise Opportunity

Next, the prospective franchisee will be required to submit an application to the franchise company to determine creditworthiness. The parent company will also look into the character and reputation of the applicant, because how she conducts the business will reflect on the entire company.

Close the Deal

After the application is approved and financing goes through, the franchise company will assist the franchise owner in finding a location for the new operation, completing lease paperwork, buying equipment and hiring employees. The franchise fee includes initial supplies from the parent company to begin operations. When the franchise business is up and running, the parent company leaves the owner to handle the day-to-day business affairs but is still available for support. The franchise owner is required to follow a specific set of guidelines while running the business, including how the business is advertised, how customers are treated and how the product or service is done. The franchisee must pay fees to the franchise business owner regularly to maintain the business.

Steam Boiler Work

Functions

Steam boilers allow people to use stored energy, which travels from the source of fuel to the water contained in the boiler and then on to the final intended purpose. Steam boilers work by heating water to the boiling point. Once the water begins to produce steam, the steam can then be used as energy for the intended function. For example, if the steam is being used to power a train, then the steam travels through pipes to the engine, when the steam is turned into energy.

Types

In addition to regular steam boilers, there also exists a variety known as the superheated steam boiler. This type of boiler works like its regular counterpart. However, instead of converting the steam into energy once the water reaches its boiling point, the superheated steam boiler uses a device called a superheater to further add heat to the steam. The final result is steam that has been heated at a much higher temperature than normal. There are drawbacks to using steam that has been superheated. If a leak occurs, safety becomes an issue because of the high temperature and high pressure at which the steam is kept. It can cause serious harm to anyone present during a leak.

Cope With An Angry Customer

Those of us in the hospitality and retail business know as much about angry customers as any other part of our job. No matter the reason, an irate person will most likely take it out on the first person they come into contact with. There are ways that you can deal with an angry customer without losing your truth or dignity, and I will show you how.

Instructions

Deal With an Angry Customer

1. Listen intently to what the customer is saying to you. Even if they are really angry because their daughter just mouthed off to them and are taking it out on you instead, you don't want to belittle their concern. Listening shows intelligence and care. Hear them out to the end of the story whenever possible.Nod your head to show that you are paying attention. Comment in empathy whenever they pause or seem to expect it.

2. Express empathy, but do not acknowledge your own fault, or that of another or the company, right away unless you are positive that it was an error on your part.

3. Remove yourself from the situation mentally. Think about how petty their complaint often truly is, and think about the wide scope of importance that this issue may or may not be.

4. Consider for yourself whether or not the customer is truly right. It's hard to be objective when someone is berating you severely for something that, even if it's true, should not be handled in such a volatile manner. The truth is, people often want something for free; pointing out the smallest weakness in a worker can lead to freebies in corporations.

5. Apologize and accept responsibility if the customer was truly wronged. They will still be angry. They might even use this as an opportunity to switch their tactics to "I told you so." Simply be gracious, take care of the problem if you have authority. If not, you will need to call your supervisor.

6. Explain what power you do and do not have within a company. If you are a waitress, merely point out the fact that you do not set the prices or policies. In order to keep your job, you have to follow the rules that were given to you. Sometimes they think you are just being mean, and some people that never work in restaurants don't understand that you have limited power as a server.

7. Follow up even the most heated situation with "Thank you for your understanding." Concluding the confrontation on a positive and thankful note sets the tone for a pleasant and friendly future relationship for the customer and company.

Provide A Cost Bid For Painting An Area

Knowing your costs will allow you to provide an accurate bid.

For any business to be successful, the business owner needs to know his costs to complete a project. When painting a room, the most obvious cost for the project is the actual paint. Other costs may include additional items like painters tape, new brushes, plaster filler to repair any holes in walls and possibly additional workers to complete the job if needed. Once you have your costs for the project determined, you can accurately provide a quote for the painting job.

Instructions

1. Meet with the homeowner and view the room or rooms you will be painting.

2. Measure the square footage of the walls in the room by measuring the width and height of a wall, multiplying those numbers to obtain the square footage of the wall. Do this for each wall in the room. Add the numbers together to obtain the square footage for the walls in the room. Do the same for the ceiling.

3. Inspect the walls and review with home or business owner any imperfections that will require additional work to fix. Ask the owner when you can start and when it will be need to be completed by. If you have sufficient time you may want to do the work yourself. If it needs to be done quickly you may have to hire workers. Advise the client that you will have to hire additional workers if the deadline for completion is short.

4. Go to a local hardware or paint store. Provide the measurements for the room you are painting to the store staff. Obtain the cost of the paint you will need to use to paint the room. Add costs for other materials like tape and other materials that may be used.

5. Add the material costs, the cost of your labor for the job to determine the final cost of the project.

Earn Money Free Of Charge

Believe it or not there are ways you can make money for free without any out-of-pocket expenses in the beginning. However, once you start seeing a fair profit, it's not a bad idea to use some of the profits to expand and increase your earnings. Get ready to get started making money without an investment.

Instructions

1. Start a blog on a popular niche. To start a make money for free with a blog, choose a free host. Both Wordpress and Blogger will host your blog free and provide you with a free subdomain. Later, if you want, you can upgrade to your own domain for less than $10 per year. Ways to make money with a blog include joining affiliate programs related to your blog's topic and advertise their products, offer to write reviews for companies and websites related to your blog's topic for a small fee, write informative content and put a donations button up on your blog (combine this with the previous and following ways to make money for free with your blog). Finally, offer to write a profile on a company that's related to your blog's topic; also do this for a small fee.

2. Become an affiliate marketer. There's a wide selection of affiliate programs out there. Sign up for those affiliate programs and promote the products through article marketing.

3. Sell your services. Can you write well or design websites? Offer your writing or design services for a fee. In the beginning, you could charge less to build your portfolio, then as you gain more experience, you can increase your prices a little at a time. Some places to find clients for free are forums and other websites that list job openings for writers or website designers.

4. Write and sell an ebook or online course. Create an ebook or online course on a topic you know well, and then promote and sell it at an affordable price. While there are many other ways to make money for free, these four seem to be the most popular, and ones that many, if they work hard and show determination, eventually discover success with. What are you waiting for? Pick one or more of the above-mentioned ways to make money for free and put your plan into action today.

Why Internet Companies Exhaust Cash

The burst of the tech bubble showed the fragility of many Internet businesses.

When the Internet first became a viable opportunity for businesses, it seemed everyone in the world wanted a piece of it. When investors heard they could make money on the Web, a mass "Internet rush" took place and everyone remembers the outcome -- the tech bubble burst. The problems that caused the early Internet firms to fail still claim Internet companies today.

Funding

For many Internet businesses, the reason that they ran out of money was simple -- they didn't have enough money to begin with. It can be hard to judge how expensive a business is going to be when it first goes online. For this reason, developers seek venture capitalists before creation of an Internet company. Venture capitalists provide the money needed to keep the site up and running until the business becomes self-sustaining.

Inexperience

The greatest problem for many Internet companies is their operators are inexperienced. Someone might have a great deal of technical knowledge about set up a website, but that might not be enough to create a steady flow of customers. Internet companies run out of cash because the lack of experience doesn't create a sustainable cash flow. For example, Internet firms such as eToys and Pets.com spent millions of dollars for advertising, but never understood run virtual businesses. They learned that having special ad campaigns didn't offset their failure to understand monetize the businesses they had formed.

Monthly Bills

Inexperienced Internet business owners didn't understand how much cash they needed just to maintain the business on a monthly basis. Regardless of whether a business does well or poorly, there are monthly bills to pay. When businesses failed to take off immediately, owners used up operating capital just to stay afloat.

Customers

Internet companies run out of business and cash when they fail to have customers. In the case of some Internet startups, a site that has many visitors might have a hard time converting those visits into sales. It is analogous to a department store having a lot of people walk through its doors each day, but not buy anything. Traffic alone does not guarantee success. That traffic has to come with a way to make money.

Perform A Pr Release For Any Product Review Website

A well-thought out press release can get your business thousands of dollars worth of marketing value for next to nothing. To be truly effective, though, it is important to have a news angle. Sending out a release that merely announces the launch of your review site is not going to get journalists excited unless it is a particularly slow news day. You have to make sure your release has that extra something that will make content providers jump on it.

Instructions

1. Brainstorm some ideas about marketing gimmicks to base your press release on. You could commission some research into how many people consider the advice of review sites before making a purchase or contact some companies in an attempt to secure an exclusive review of a major product before it is launched. You could also consider inviting prominent individuals or celebrities to submit reviews to your site or assume editorial control for one day

2. Make the headline and first sentence about the story you are trying to sell as opposed to your website. Go for something like "Two-thirds of U.S. consumers regularly consult review sites before making a purchase" or "Al Gore slams utility company's green energy tariff." Journalists reading your release will be looking for news value and do not really care about trying to sell your business.

3. Add a quote from a senior member of your staff to the press release after you have concisely conveyed the key facts of the story. Journalists have space to fill and are likely to use any quote you supply as long as it is relevant. Go for something along the lines of, "'John Smith, chief executive of Newreviews.com, said: "We were surprised when our poll found that more than 65 percent of consumers read three reviews from trusted sites before making a purchase."' This is relevant to the story but allows for mention of the website's name and review sites in general.

4. Add notes to the editor containing additional details about your company, the service it provides and background information about the story at the end of the release. Also make sure you add contact details and information about secure spokespersons for broadcast packages.

5. Distribute your press release by email to local and national media. Follow up with a phone call to try to sell the story to individual journalists and news desks.

So Why Do Helium Balloons Shrink In Cold Temperature

Balloons are common decorations, found everywhere from birthday parties to car lots. In order to keep these balloons floating, they're filled with gas that's lighter than air. The most popular of these gases is helium, usually kept in a compressed tank. However, an odd phenomenon occurs regarding helium filled balloons when it gets cold... for some reason, they shrink.

Balloons

A balloon is defined as a flexible bag that's designed to be filled with a gas. Most balloons are made of rubber, and are filled with helium. Balloons which are filled with helium will rise, whereas those which are just filled with air from a person's lungs will not. The reason for that has to do with the gas used, and its weight, or density.

Helium

Helium is a colorless, odorless, naturally occurring gas. It's most notable use is as a balloon filler, followed by a use in refrigerants and laser media. The reason that helium is so popular in balloons is that it causes them to float. The reason for this is because helium is a "lighter than air" gas. But it would be more accurate to say that helium is less dense than air, which makes it buoyant.

Density

What makes helium filled balloons float is the density of the helium inside of them. Air has a certain density, and anything with a greater density than that air will sink. However, anything that has a lower density than air, such as helium or heated air, will rise and float. It's helpful to think of density in terms of water. Those objects which are denser than water will sink, and those which are not will float. While simplified, this applies to air as well.

Temperature

Helium is greatly affected by temperature. When helium is heated, it causes the molecules to move faster and with more energy, and the gas expands. When helium is cooled though, the effect is entirely the opposite. The molecules become less energetic, and the gas shrinks. If helium is filling a balloon, and the gas shrinks, then it won't stretch the balloon out as much, and the balloon too will shrink.

Other Gases

The expansion and shrinking of gas due to heat isn't unique to helium. A hot air balloon for example will float because the air inside of it is heated till it expands. Because of the heat, the air in the balloon is of a lower density than the colder air surrounding it. If that air cools though, it will shrink, and cease floating.

Write A Great Business Apology Letter

Business associates don't always get along.

When something happens between you and a co-worker or between you and a boss that is unpleasant, you might be left with a bad feeling. Even a small argument over nothing important can affect the overall climate of your work environment. To help makes things right and restore your working life to normal, you can write the person a good business apology letter to express your regret over how things turned out or what happened.

Instructions

1. Format your letter. Use an easy-to-read font, such as Georgia or Times New Roman, and 10 to 12 point front. Also, use 1-inch margins and high-quality paper. A business apology letter should always be typed, not hand-written.

2. Address the person by name. Make it clear who the letter is to with a professional greeting. Use the name you are most likely to call the person during a regular business day.

3. Apologize first thing. Before you get into anything else, offer your apologies. Tell the person you are sincerely sorry for what happened or how things turned out, as well as for any problems or inconveniences the situation could have caused.

4. Explain why the situation turned out the way it did. This should be a carefully worded explanation that offers a concrete reason for what happened. For example, you might explain that you have been under a lot of stress and took it out on your co-worker.

5. Tell the person how you plan to fix the issue if necessary. For example, if you, in the heat of the moment, brought your boss into the dispute, explain that you plan to tell the boss that you overreacted and that there is no issue.

6. Say you're sorry again before closing the letter. Explain that you hope things can get back to normal and that you won't let it happen again. Sign your name at the bottom.

Write An Adverse Message Memo

Taking care with negative messages

Finding the proper wording for corporate communications can always be a challenge, even more so when the message is negative. Communicating a negative message is a complicated art and one that must be handled delicately to minimize the demotivating impact of the message. Poor negative message memos can cripple an organization, while well-written negative memos can effectively limit business damage. Here are some tips on craft an effective negative message memo.

Instructions

Understand the Environment

1. Consider first how much information is most appropriate for the type of message that is being distributed. In some cases, a business may want to provide additional information beyond a simple negative message, perhaps to justify what may seem to be an unfair decision. For instance, a manager sending a negative message memo to his team discussing unacceptable performance might want to back up the message by citing examples of substandard behavior and results. On the other hand, some messages might be most appropriate stated plainly, concisely and quickly. Many businesses, for instance, use this more concise format when crafting negative messages to employees when rumors and gossip have already been spreading. It's often better to ignore rumors and gossip than it is to attempt to address them, focusing instead on relevant facts.

2. Consider next how much your employees may already know or might have guessed regarding this negative message. Are your employees expecting a negative message like this, or will it come as a complete surprise to them? Will you need to justify the negative message memo, or are the employees already well aware of the rationale behind the negative message? Have they guessed that something similar to this was on the way, or has the company rumor mill brought them to an expectation of something far worse than what you actually need to communicate?

3. Consider, finally, how your employees may react to the negative message in the memo. Employee reactions could range from polite indifference to angry phone calls to immediate resignations. What is the most likely outcome of your negative message, and is that outcome acceptable to you? For instance, a negative message memo announcing layoffs might lead to immediate resignations, which would likely be acceptable to a company under those circumstances. On the other hand, you might not want to see employees quit if a negative message memo simply demands higher performance from team members. Before crafting your message, consider whether the likely outcome is something that your business can live with; if not, you will need to use an appropriate tone and justification in the memo itself to attempt to guide employees to your desired outcome.

Craft the Negative Message Memo

4. Use an appropriate tone for your message and desired result. Bearing in mind everything you've just researched and considered, decide on the tone that will most effectively communicate the message and lead to the most desired reaction. If a negative message memo announces layoffs of key personnel in six months, for instance, the appropriate tone might be explanatory and regretful. On the other hand, a negative message memo advising a team that their output has been completely unacceptable and that improvement is needed to avoid termination, would likely use a different tone. Such a memo would be concise, to the point, frank and likely quite short. In this case, you're not worried as much about delivering bad news tactfully as you are about correcting poor performance.

5. Open and close the memo with positives, if appropriate, to balance the negative message in the memo. In many cases, recipients of negative message memos are still considered valued parts of a business team, and management hopes that they will keep a positive attitude, continuing to be dedicated and committed despite the negative message. In these cases, it is appropriate to use the old "positive-negative-positive" feedback trick in the memo. Rather than opening the memo with the problem and desired solutions, open by stating something positive about the employees receiving the memo, and close in a similar manner. For instance, a memo may start by thanking a team for five years of dedicated service, continue by pointing out low sales numbers and making it clear that performance must improve and close by complimenting the team on their past successes, challenging them to once again raise the bar for themselves.

6. Don't write too much or too little, based on your circumstances. As mentioned in Step 1 of this section, make sure the length of the memo is appropriate to the negative message being communicated. A memo chastising a team for low performance should only be as long as is needed to clearly make the case for improvement, with no apologies or needless sympathizing. A memo asking a team to make a sacrifice for the greater good, on the other hand, should be long enough to explain exactly why the sacrifice is being requested and what rewards for that sacrifice might be available in the future without making false promises.

7. Don't beat around the bush. Many managers are so apprehensive about sending a negative message that they obscure the negative message with unclear or flowery language. It may be difficult to communicate a negative message to your teammates, friends and colleagues, but that difficulty is nothing compared to the anger you will experience if they receive a vague or misleading message from you that leaves them even more uncertain about the future. If you were chosen to craft a negative message memo, you were selected because you were the most appropriate person. Knowing that, say what needs to be said without fear or anxiety.

8. Have a colleague review your memo prior to distribution for tone and clarity. You might believe your memo to sound perfectly reasonable, while anybody else, not knowing what you know, might find it rude, belittling or vague. Make sure to have at least one other person review your memo, and make sure that your reviewer understands exactly what your desired result is. Ask that person, "How would you react if you received this memo? What would you think?" Take that feedback to heart, and use any negative feedback to craft a better message.

Write A Refusal Letter To Some Customer

Focus on finding an alternative solution to customer requests.

Most business owners go to great lengths to please their customers. However, sometimes a customer makes a request that just can't be met. When writing a response letter or email, it's important to make the customer feel valued and respected, while denying the request firmly.

Your refusal letter's tone should be courteous throughout, but not cold. Start by apologizing if necessary, tactfully explain the circumstances, and end with a focus on finding a solution.

Instructions

1. Sit down to write your letter when you are feeling calm. Never write a response if you are angry, frustrated or upset.

2. Write your salutation. Most professional letters begin with "Dear Mr. or Mrs. Lastname." However, if you are on a first-name basis with the customer, this may be too formal. Avoid casual greetings such as "Hey."

3. Thank the customer for taking the time to write. If the customer is upset or feels as though he has been wronged, apologize. Avoid over-stating your apology. For example, avoid overly-contrite language such as, "I am so terribly sorry that this has happened." Instead, write, "I am sorry we discontinued the baked beans you loved."

4. State that the request cannot be met, using specific details so your response is not generic. Provide additional detail if it helps explain the situation. For example, "We no longer sell the brand of baked beans you requested. Unfortunately, the manufacturer discontinued that product."

5. Avoid being defensive, or laying blame on other parties. Write sentences with clear subjects and action verbs, rather than passive voice. This shows that you take responsibility for the problem. For example, instead of "Mistakes were made," you might write, "I made a mistake."

6. Invite the customer to respond by asking if you can assist them further. Suggest an alternative, or offer to keep the lines of communication open. For example, you might write, "Please let me know if I can help you find a new brand of baked beans to enjoy."

7. Keep it short. A long letter may sound like rambling or simply unprofessional.

8. Thank the customer again for writing. Close your letter with a professional ending, such as "Sincerely," "Respectfully," or "With best wishes."

9. Proofread your letter carefully for typos. Show it to a friend, boss or co-worker for editing suggestions and to ensure that your letter maintains a courteous tone throughout.

How Come The U . s . States Take A Loan

To operate the federal government, the United States must borrow money by selling several types of debt instruments, or securities, to the general public. Funds are raised by selling securities, such as Treasury Bills, United States Saving Bonds, Notes and Bonds. These debt instruments are also backed by the full faith and guarantee of the federal government and are typically purchased by individuals, states, corporations and foreign governments. The debt is repaid by the federal government with interest.

Function

The government must borrow money to provide for national defense, health care, education, building infrastructure and other services and activities. The monetary outlays greatly exceed the amount of revenue the government receives. The money owned by the government makes up what is known as the national debt.

The national debt is a combination of the debt obligations owed to the public and government trust funds. Government trust funds, like Social Security, invest in U.S. government securities with the money it has left over after meeting its obligations to Social Security recipients. Following are the largest categories of spending that requires the government to borrow lots of money.

Nondefense Discretionary

A significant portion of the money borrowed by government is allocated toward the category called "nondefense discretionary spending." In 2007, 29 percent of the budget, or $782.4 billion, was spent in this area. It generally includes many of the programs that were developed as part of the President Franklin D. Roosevelt administration's New Deal Initiative. This safety net for many Americans was implemented after the Great Depression of 1929 and included programs in the following areas: housing, agriculture, retirement, disability, education and transportation.

Defense

Approximately 21 percent of annual outlay is for national defense, according to the United States Treasury. This totaled $586.1 billion dollars in 2007. Typically, the government has to borrow money to finance wars and other defense programs, like the global War on Terror and Homeland Security needs. The funds are spent on items such as retirement pay, active military personnel, international operations, research and development and operations and maintenance.

Medicare

The Medicare program consumes about 14 percent of the money spent by Uncle Sam on an annual basis. It is a health insurance program that mostly covers people 65 years and older. Certain other beneficiaries are also covered under the program. Medicare issues benefits under 4-parts: A,B,C and D.

Part A pays for a portion of inpatient hospital services, hospice care, nursing facilities and certain home health services. Many beneficiaries under Part B must pay a premium. This part addresses doctors and outpatient care. It also compensates for some services like occupational and physical therapy. Health care providers, such as PPOs and HMOs, are paid for providing medical insurance under part C, while part D deals with prescription plans through the private market.

Interest on Debt

Another item that necessitates the United States to borrow money is the interest that must be paid on the national debt. The interest on debt payment was $237.1 billion in 2007. Interest payments must be made on financial instruments such as U.S. Treasury notes and bonds, savings bonds and the State and Local Government Series (SLGS) securities program, issued to finance pass and current military excursions, fund domestic programs and finance other needs. This category equals about 9 percent of annual outlays.

Medicaid

Medicaid is the health care program that provides for low-income persons and families. Over $196.6 billion of the federal budget was spent on this program for fiscal year 2007. The funding is administered by the states where the eligibility guidelines and type of health care services that can be rendered are determined. The funding, which is about 7 percent of annual expenditures, is paid on the behalf of the system users directly to health care providers.

Handle Potentially Violent Employees

The workplace is supposed to be a safe environment, where employees can carry out their daily responsibilities without fear of physical harm, discrimination or any other act or behavior to make them feel uncomfortable. However, occasionally, an employee allows emotional problems or other life factors to trigger an unprofessional personality, which can even turn violent. The methods by which you handle a violent employee may determine the outcome, which can range from a peaceful resolution to the unthinkable.

Instructions

1. Establish your goals. Before you confront a potentially violent employee, you should know what you want to do. For example, you may want to terminate him or simply talk to him about his behavior at work. You need to know what you want the outcome of the conversation to be before you sit him down to talk. In most instances, if he is displaying signs of violence, the best thing to do is remove him from the workplace. Whether the removal is temporary or permanent depends on his record of service and his willingness to get help.

2. Gather evidence from other employees. Determine the reason for suspecting potential violence and talk to others that may have seen the signs, such as his bad temper or threats in the workplace. This information is not only important for talking to the employee, but may also need to be provided to law enforcement later, if further action is necessary.

3. Meet with all levels of management to apprise everyone of the situation. If the meeting does not go well or if the employee continues to show signs of potential violence, the management staff needs to know it. This not only helps them to plan ways to keep other staff safe, but it also ensures that security protocols are followed properly. If the situation escalates or worsens, all staff should be informed not to allow the employee on the premises, and be given steps to take if she comes back to the workplace and threatens further violence.

4. Set up a meeting with the employee in a safe place where there is no access to items that could be used as weapons. Because you are confronting him, the employee may become violent with you; anticipate that and plan accordingly. Have more than one person at the meeting---though no one should project a threatening attitude. If he feels cornered, the employee may react.

5. Offer to get the employee some help for her violent issues. This could be through your job's employee assistance program (EAP) or through other mental health services. The more you can do to stave off the violence and help the employee, the better an outcome you will likely see.

6. Contact law enforcement to help remove the employee if you feel threatened. You may opt to have them in your initial meeting just to show how serious you are about workplace safety. Or you may contact them after the employee's removal just for security backup in the event that the employee returns.

Meaning Of Rural Pay outs

Rural settlements have a range of defining criteria.

Definitions of rural settlements vary between countries. In most countries, a government office, such as a statistics or census bureau, determines the criteria for a rural settlement. Categorizing settlements is important as it allows countries to analyze population and migration trends, formulate national plans and direct funds toward areas that need it most. In the United States, the National Census Bureau formulates the rural settlement criteria.

Population Density

This is the number of people living on each square meter of land. Traditionally, rural areas have a low population density. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, rural settlements have a population density of one to 999 people per square mile and hold less than 2,500 people.

Infrastructure

Rural areas have a less extensive infrastructure network compared to urban areas, with small country roads and lanes instead of large highways. They have low levels of accessibility and are generally poorly serviced by rail, bus and air networks.

Land Use and Amenities

Rural settlements are characterized by low levels of amenities such as shops, restaurants and cinemas. Services tend to be independent businesses instead of large chain stores. The lack of amenities can result in rural-urban migration, which is the movement of people, particularly young adults, from rural to urban areas.

Demographics

The majority of rural settlements have a homogeneous population both in terms of age range, class and ethnicity. The elderly and families with children dominate rural settlements as young adults often move into urban areas.

Land Area

A rural settlement covers a small area and remains self contained; it does not expand and sprawl outward in the manner of urban areas. The specific land area covered is difficult to quantify as there are different types of rural settlements. A clustered settlement is where houses and farm buildings are in close proximity to each other as in a village or hamlet. A dispersed settlement often has a linear shape that follows a main road and, therefore, individual houses are spread out over a wide area.

International Criteria

Different countries have different criteria for what constitutes a rural settlement. For example, in the United Kingdom, The Commission for Rural Communities defines rural settlements as those with populations of under 10,000 people. Settlements are further classified into "sparse" and "less sparse" to distinguish between small towns, villages and hamlets.

How Come China Buy U S Debt

As the market economy and worldwide influence of China grows, so too does the nation's significance to the U.S. economy. China's manufacturing industry is highly productive, exporting goods to many Western markets, including the U.S. But the U.S. reliance on China is actually twofold; not only are we one of the biggest consumers of Chinese goods, but China is also one of our biggest creditors.

History

According to publications such as "The Financial Times" and "The Economist," China has always been one of the largest economies in the world. The People's Republic of China (PRC, or Mainland China) is the third-largest economy in the world, behind Japan and the U.S., as of 2008. Much of China's economic might lies within its industrial and manufacturing sectors, which account for nearly half of the nation's gross domestic product (GDP). China's factories are advantageous to U.S. businesses because they provide far cheaper labor than for goods that are manufactured domestically. As such, many distributors in the U.S. buy Chinese-manufactured goods or Chinese-brand goods.

Identification

Public debt is incurred in the U.S. when individuals buy government bonds. A government bond is essentially a loan to the U.S. government. These are advantageous to the bond holder because the value increases according to interest rates, resulting in a profit when the bonds are redeemed. Meanwhile, the government has increased spending power (i.e., leverage). For the most part, the U.S. debt is owed to its own citizens. However, as U.S. expenses grow, the government increasingly turns to other nations to raise capital. This results in external debt.

Function

In the case of China, one of the greatest contributors to the U.S. indebtedness to China is the fact that the U.S. purchases far more goods from China than China purchases from the U.S. Demand in the U.S. for Chinese goods outweighs demand for U.S. goods in China by nearly 500 percent, according to the "Washington Post." With fewer goods to return in kind and a falling dollar, the U.S. has, in essence, been buying Chinese goods on credit. Also contributing to the amount of U.S. debt that China holds is the amount of money that the U.S. borrows from China to raise capital for other government spending.

Historically, buying U.S. government bonds has been a safe investment, since the risks of the U.S. defaulting on the loan have been very low, while the chances of the dollar increasing in value have been high. As the U.S. hits rough patches in its economy--such as the subprime mortgage crisis--and needs to raise money in an attempt to steady the turbulent market (the massive bailout of investment banks and financial services companies, for example), it can turn to other nations for extra spending power. This stimulates the consumer economy, because loans and mortgages underwritten by foreign investors result in lower interest rates and more flexible credit terms.

Significance

According to the "Washington Post," China became the largest foreign creditor to the U.S. in November 2008. Because of this, China has great influence over the American economy. Should China choose to stop buying U.S. debt, it would cease one of the largest in-flows of capital into the country, making it harder for businesses to obtain loans and raising interest rates and commodity prices for consumers. If China were to begin selling U.S. debt--essentially cashing in its government bonds--it would actually remove money from the U.S. economy, creating an even more dire situation.

Another issue is the disparity between the currencies. In the global economy, the dollar has much more buying power than the yuan (China's denomination). This makes U.S. goods more expensive to export to foreign nations than Chinese goods. As such, China's prices for manufactured goods are far more competitive than those of the U.S.

Considerations

The U.S. has a somewhat checkered history with China. The U.S. was at odds with China during its communist rule. This tension nearly culminated in all-out war during the Clinton administration, when the U.S. vowed to defend democratic Taiwan. Relations between the U.S. and China have since cooled, fostering in a new era of economic alliance. Now, although our economy and our lifestyle greatly benefits from the cheap labor in China, the human rights policies and environmental issues clash with the U.S. standards. The government in China is somewhat of an anomaly; although China has a market economy, freely trading with foreign nations such as the U.S., there are many restrictions on free speech, immigration, religion and freedom of assembly.

The danger in the U.S. coming into a dispute with China is the massive financial clout China has over the states. As a source of much of the spending power of the U.S. government, as well as affordable goods for consumers, the severing or exploitation of these economic ties could wreak havoc on the U.S. economy--freezing credit, removing capital from the system, sending prices skyrocketing, bankrupting businesses and eliminating jobs--essentially causing the U.S. to fall into a depression. Because of this, dealings with China are more delicate and critical than ever.

Rent A Property

Do you need to rent an apartment? There are several factors to consider when you decide to rent an apartment. Deciding between long term to short term apartments and furnished and unfurnished apartments are just two of the major decisions when choosing a rental property.

Instructions

1. Before you begin looking at rental properties, make a list of all of the amenities that are important to you. How many rooms do you need? How important is laundry, off street parking or a dishwasher? What amenities do you need, and which can you live without if necessary?

2. Think about price. What is the maximum amount of money you can spend per month? Keep this total amount in mind at all times, and do not exceed your maximum budget. If apartment fees do not include utilities, make sure to lower the amount you can pay for rent, since you'll also have to pay for utilities like heat, cable and internet.

3. Decide whether you are interested in short term apartments or long term apartments. A short term apartment would be good for a short term stay, like when you are renovating your home, or if you need this apartment until you can find permanent living arrangements. A long term rental is good if you plan on living there for a year or more.

4. Decide between a furnished apartment or an unfurnished apartment. Furnished apartments will likely cost more, but if you don't have any furniture and don't plan to buy any furniture, renting a furnished apartment may be a good option.

5. Choose a location or several locations in which you would like to rent an apartment. Limiting where you want to look makes searching much easier, and you can view more than one apartment in a day if the apartments are near each other.

6. Decide what kind of living arrangement works best for you. Would you prefer to rent an apartment in a big apartment building where you can meet a lot of people, or a home that is divided up into two or three apartments?

7. Consider major factors, like proximity to public transportation or to your job. If you need to take a train or bus, is that possible from your location? Also, consider whether or not an apartment allows pets. This may not be an issue now, but it may be if you decide to get a pet in the future.

8. Think about your outdoor needs. If gardening is important to you, choose to rent an apartment in which you are allowed to plant a backyard garden. Your landlord may even appreciate this and reduce your rent in exchange for backyard maintenance.

9. Before calling any property owners, make a list of all of your needs and of any questions that you may have. It is best to ask all of your apartment rental questions in advance to avoid any surprises later.

10. Be prepared to have a security deposit and credit check. If you can not provide either of these, be ready to explain why and work out a compromise with your landlord.

11. Start searching for apartments. You can use Craigslist.com, your local newspaper and other websites such as apartments.com. You can also hire an apartment location or real estate service, which will find apartments that fit your needs for a fee. Word of mouth is also a great way to find apartments that fit your needs. If you are calling landlords yourself, keep track of who you have called and spoken to so you do not miss out on any great apartments or call anyone twice.

12. Set up a feasible and appropriate move in date. You may have to pay rent in two locations at once if you are leaving your old apartment, so try not to overlap your two apartment rentals more than necessary. Also make sure not to leave a gap between rentals.

Audition For Any Tv Commercial

Struggling as a waiter while searching for that Oscar-winning role is hard work. Getting an audition for a TV commercial is much easier. While there is plenty of competition for spots in TV commercials, an audition doesn't take long at all, and TV commercials pay well if you belong to a union. Even non-union actors receive decent wages considering the short amount of time it takes to shoot a commercial. Read on to learn audition for a TV commercial.

Instructions

1. Pick up a copy of "Backstage" "Ross Reports Online" or check about possible auditions with your agent. Auditions for TV commercials take place all over the country. It's not just a Hollywood thing, so check Craigslist and local acting schools for leads.

2. Get acquainted with the product or subject of the commercial. No, you are not studying for a role in Hamlet, but if you know a little about the product, its users, and what the manufacturer or product's marketing firm wants to accomplish, you will have an edge on the other actors.

3. Listen to the casting director's instructions and follow them explicitly. There is no room for improvisation in a TV commercial. TV commercials are about selling a product, not about creative expression. While there are exceptions to this rule, they don't occur very often.

4. Show up on time or early for the audition. Time is of the essence and tardiness is considered unprofessional and may even get you blacklisted from future shoots.

5. Audition consistently to land a spot in a commercial. Your persistence and experience will eventually payoff and you will get your lucky break.

Why Nike Uses Endorsements & Sponsorships

Nike uses sponsorships and endorsements to promote its products.

Nike, under the direction of its president and chief executive, Philip Knight, creates and markets shoes and sports apparel. The Beaverton, Oregon-based company also has developed a full range of golf products to go with its soccer balls and other athletic equipment. One major tool Nike has used to drive its popularity growth is the use of celebrity endorsers and well-placed sponsorships.

History

Knight, a former University of Oregon track athlete, and his coach Bill Bowerman started Nike in 1964 under the name Blue Ribbon Sports. The company became globally recognized for its "swoosh" logo and its trademark slogan "Just do it." The first celebrity endorsements of Nike products were built around its tennis products. Ilie Nastase, who was as well known for his unusual personality as his game, was the brand's first featured athlete.

Significance

Nike depends heavily on its endorsements and sponsorships to promote itself. According to Reuters, Adidas has the second largest budget for sponsorships among sports gear companies, but spends about 25 percent less on it than Nike does. A Reuters report estimated Nike spent $260 million on sponsorships in 2008. Its 2009 number was in that ballpark, though the company did trim its budget slightly.

Celebrity Endorsement

By tying its products to successful athletes in many sports, Nike has succeeded in boosting its image and creating the impression that the shoes or the clothes play a role in the success of the athlete. Nike went quickly to the lead in basketball shoes following its connection to Michael Jordan and the 1984 Air Jordan shoe line. The company vaulted itself into the top ranks of golf equipment manufacturers when it built its complete product line around Tiger Woods.

Sponsorships

As of 2010, the company is tied to almost everything in the athletic department at Knight's alma mater, the University of Oregon. It also has deals with many college and pro sports teams that use its equipment exclusively. The company has some unique sponsorship deals with the Indian national cricket team, the national soccer teams in Brazil and Portugal and soccer teams like Manchester United. Nike uses these deals to get its logo in full sight on uniforms and inside stadiums throughout the world, which constantly enhances the visibility of its products.

Camps and Clinics

Nike takes its sponsorships to a personal level through the sponsorship of clinics and camps. The company sponsors youth golf schools, basketball camps and track and field events as a way of making its name synonymous with sports success in the eyes of the young participants. These grass roots events are the company's way of taking its products out to the consumer.

Risks

There is a risk when companies like Nike attach themselves to celebrities. When one of its athletes makes a mistake either on the field or off, the company's reputation can take a hit too. The issue came up in 2009 when Woods was involved in a major personal scandal. Other sponsors dropped the golfer but Nike chose to continue to sponsor him.

Open A Dating Service Online

Successful online dating services like eHarmony, Chemistry, and Match have transformed the world of dating. With a clearly defined concept, relatively large amount start-up and operating capital, and intelligently operated advertisement campaign, you can improve your chances of creating a popular, profitable online dating service.

Instructions

1. Pick what kind of a service you want to operate. Is it going to be a social networking type of website that anyone can join for free, or a highly selective, highly filtered domain where users have to pay a monthly fee? Finding a niche is key. Are you going to tailor your site to everybody—all ethnicities, nationalities, sexual preferences—or rather target a specific group, perhaps in a specific country or region? Casting a wide net could get you more overall business, but it would pit you against the established heavyweights and their considerable bankrolls. As such, finding a smaller but highly specified market segment might allow you to customize your site and establish a loyal, durable relationship with a committed customer base, without the potentially crippling marketing war you might otherwise have to fight with majors like eHarmony.com and match.com.

2. Establish your revenue model. Is the business going to be supported by advertisement or solely subscriber-based? Or maybe a combination of the two? This ties in very heavily with step one. If you choose to do a broad-based service, you might be able to get enough customer traffic to support the site solely with ads. On the other hand, a highly specialized dating service with much smaller, specialized traffic might do better with a subscriber model. Always keep in mind customer experience. What kind of people are going to use your service? Would they feel more comfortable in an open, free-for-all environment, or a smaller, more intimate and customized online world?

3. Once you have your concept and revenue model defined, carefully calculate how much you think it will cost to develop your website, how much you think you’ll earn, and how long it will be before you’re profitable. Given the very extensive software development needed to build a customer database and compatibility algorithm for your dating service, as well as the high bandwidth costs associated with customers posting and messaging text and pictures back and forth, you’re going to need quite a bit of money to just get the website off the ground, let alone market it. If you don’t have that money yourself, you’ll either have to get a commercial loan or solicit investment from venture capital funds or wealthy individuals. Having a thorough, well thought out, realistic business plan is a must when presenting your idea to any of these potential sources of funding.

4. Attracting clients. Once your online dating service is up and running, you have to attract clients to it. The main ways to do that are advertisement and word of mouth. Word of mouth is very valuable because people tend to take it more seriously than advertising, but it doesn’t reach as many people as ads can. The internet is the most logical medium for advertising your business. Generic social networking sites, chat sites, gaming sites, and news sites all represent excellent venues for gaining exposure for your service, provided you familiarize yourself with your target demographic and build your promotional campaign in a way that’s most likely to resonate with them. Depending on your broader strategy and capitalization, you might even expand into print, radio, and TV advertising, although given the expense of these mediums, you really have to closely evaluate whether or not they’re worth it.

5. Limit liability. Make sure that you work closely with a law firm or carry competent legal counsel directly within your company. There are many legal issues that can arise for an online dating service, from dissatisfied customers to people claiming discrimination, to people claiming insufficient supervision in preventing minors from signing up. Irregardless of how dedicated you are to honestly and competently running your business, remember how litigious society is, and take appropriate measures to safeguard yourself and your company before issues arise.

Determine If A Private Eye Is Watching

Private investigators assist companies and individuals in divorce cases, insurance claims, criminal cases and other personal matters. They collect and analyze information, often by conducting surveillance. Many private investigators are former law enforcement or military officers starting a second career, while others have a background in law, insurance or finance. Although much of a private investigator's job is to keep a low profile and go unnoticed, there are a few signs to look out for if you think one is tailing you.

Instructions

1. Check for strange vehicles parked near your house or places you frequently visit. If you see the same vehicle parked in your neighborhood, and you later see the same vehicle parked at the grocery store, the bank, your favorite restaurant or near your work, you might have an investigator watching you. These vehicles are two- or four-door sedans or vans painted in neutral colors (blue, tan or white) as not to stand out. Sometimes they have dark-tinted windows or, in the case of a van, curtains pulled over the windows.

2. Drive your car and watch for any vehicle to pull out and start following you. Private investigators typically stay one or two cars back of a subject's vehicle and tend to keep their vehicle in your blind spot. Try making a U-turn or drive to a deserted area to see if the vehicle follows you.

3. Watch for someone following you on foot. In general, private investigators stay about eight feet away from their subject, but can depend on how much foot traffic is in the area. Sometimes, an investigator may walk on the opposite side of the street. Go into shops or restaurants and see if the person follows you inside.

4. Ask friends and family members if they've received any phone calls from someone asking about you. Some private investigators interview people their subject knows to gather information.

Conserve A Business Model

Keep your business relationships strong.

Maintaining relationships of all types is important, but maintaining business relationships may have the most significant financial impact, as these relationships often equate to financial gain. Unlike other relationships, you may not head out to dinner or hit the town with your business contacts, but that does not mean that you should allow yourself to lose contact with them entirely. By focusing on maintaining the relationships that you have worked so carefully to build you can ensure that you maintain a strong business network, increasing your chances of business success.

Instructions

1. Keep notes. You likely have a method of jotting down contact information from your business contacts, but this vital how-to-get-in-touch info isn't the only thing you should note. It is wise to also write down notations about the individual's interests or your relationship with him, perhaps in the same place you keep this contact information. For example, if you first met a contact at an OSU football banquet and he is a huge fan, writing down this information next to his address and phone number allows you to mention this connection whenever you speak to him, likely endearing you to this die-hard Buckeye.

2. Maintain contact. Avoid allowing months or even years to slip by between contacts. While you don't want to take up your business acquaintance's time with unnecessary phone calls just to chat, a quick call here or there to follow up on the last piece of business you completed together is wise.

3. Inform people of contact information changes. If your email address, phone number or even physical address changes, let everyone know. Send out a mass mailer to ensure that all of your contacts have your most current contact information so they can reach you should they need to.

4. Respond to requests rapidly. Make communication a top priority. If those with whom you have a business relationship feel like they are constantly kept waiting when they try to get in touch with you, they will likely become frustrated. If at all possible, try to make a same-day contact return policy and commit to not leaving the office until you have returned your calls or emails to ensure that this communication doesn't fall by the wayside.

5. Remain cordial at all times. While there is a difference between a business contact and a friend, you should aim to treat these individuals in a friendly manner at all times. By doing so, you can build a relationship that could prove advantageous for your business. To ensure that you maintain your cordial relationship, avoid contacting business contacts when you are angry and, if you become angry or upset, allow yourself time to cool off before contacting them again to discuss the problem instead of allowing yourself to blow up at them unnecessarily.

Kinds Of Corporate Communication

Many businesses have departments that handle their communications functions. These departments may be responsible for everything that pertains to communications---marketing, advertising, employee communications, public relations, investor relations and community/government relations. In most organizations, the chief corporate communications officer will reside at the top of an organization chart, with the division heads---marketing, advertising, PR---reporting to that person. It can also be referred to as business communications or financial communications.

Employee Communications

Organizations distinguish their audiences as internal or external; employees are an internal audience. The types of communications that are used for addressing employees include personnel handbooks, Intranets (websites that are private and for internal company use only), announcements of personnel changes or benefits, important news such as financial reports or organizationwide changes. (Often, a company will inform its employees of announcements or news that are expected to be covered by the media.) Other documents include media policies (how the company expects employees to handle media inquiries), employee directories and employee newsletters.

Investor Relations

Investor relations is an important part of public companies' corporate communications. Like employees, investors are considered an internal audience, since they have a particular stake in a company's financial security. Communications to investors include annual reports, quarterly updates, stock news, market analysis, board of trustees meeting minutes and financial reporting. A corporate communications office might also send its investors industry updates, which can include media coverage the company has received---negative or positive---and updates on what the competition is doing and how the company compares.

Marketing

Marketing is an important tool for every organization---business or health care, nonprofit or retail. In a corporate communications office, marketing addresses external audiences---consumers and clients. Marketing plays an integral role; this function is responsible for "putting the face" on a company's offerings and products and itself. It defines how the company portrays itself publicly---on its website, product packaging, logo, messages and advertising. A corporate communications office will devote a great deal of time and most likely a separate staff to handle marketing since it can directly affect financial success.

Government Relations

Government relations is another piece of a corporate communications strategy that involves external audiences---lawmakers, lobbyists, watchdog groups and, of course, the government itself. Communications departments that spend time on dealing with government relations usually will delegate this role to a specialized individual or team. A government relations professional will need to have extensive knowledge of government processes, have relationships with key lawmakers and understand work with lobbyists. A company might even employ a lobbyist to represent its interests and try to influence decision makers. Examples of communications include materials outlining a company's industry and needs, and the effect certain laws might have.

Summary

Employee communications, investor relations, marketing and government relations are all examples of the types of corporate communications a company will focus on. Depending on the size of the company or the industry a company is in, corporate communications might include additional areas. A company might focus on one more than another. It depends on how the company is structured and what the corporate communications department's priorities are.

Inexpensively Boost Morale And Productivity

Low morale corrodes productivity.

Boosting morale and productivity can improve a company's bottom line. Giving public praise and sending thank-you notes can provide a short-term boost. However, this may not raise productivity long term or may not motivate all employees. Fortunately, there are other methods to boost both morale and productivity without depleting limited financial resources.

Instructions

1. Forbid employees in the workplace to interrupt those who are on vacation by calling them or sending emails.

2. Discourage expectations of work during vacations to alleviate resentment and prevent burnout. Encourage employees to learn to rely on colleagues who are present, or to research answers to their questions for themselves, increasing their productivity in the long run.

3. Have employees going on vacation leave company-owned computers, phones and pagers at work. Not only does this help employees to enjoy their vacations, but it also reduces the risk of theft.

4. Encourage employees to enter birthdays and anniversaries into group calendars. Have these calendars available in common meeting areas or online. Avoid scheduling business trips or important meetings on these dates.

5. Give employees the resources they need to effectively do their jobs. Restricting access to supplies or information creates hurdles that employees must overcome. Eliminating obstacles in the path to performance raises both productivity and morale.

6. Create a policy of open communication. It is easiest to help employees who can voice worries freely because you will know what issues to address to improve productivity. Even if an issue cannot be resolved, voicing it to management can improve morale.

7. Give employees extra pay when they are on call outside of their normal work schedule. Workers who must make themselves available to answer phone calls or check in when needed should be compensated for what they may be giving up.

8. Request that vacation plans be made several months in advance. In return for employees' foresight, agree not to require them to reschedule personal trips or events if unexpected project deadlines or assignments arise.

9. Minimize work assignments and due dates on major religious holidays when possible. If it is necessary to have staff work on a religious holiday, offer shift differential pay or holiday pay.

10. Give small incentives to those who have had strong, positive customer feedback or achieved project goals ahead of schedule. If bonuses are difficult to arrange, consider offering gift cards for popular retailers in small dollar amounts. Recognition of productivity and receiving an award matter more than the actual amount given.

11. If employees can keep their lunches at work, they can work during the time they would have spent driving to lunch.

Provide small refrigerators in each large work area. Allow employees to store their food or drinks there. This reduces the need for employees to travel off-site for meals and encourages them to bring their own lunches.

12. Install retractable cubicle barriers for employees who want them. These barriers allow those who want to work without interruption to do so in a company-approved manner.

Handle Jealousy At Work

While making career advancements may draw positive attention, it may also reveal negative attitudes from colleagues. Envious glances, rude comments and even blatant attempts to sabotage your efforts can stem from jealousy. You may even discover that promotions and accolades aren't a prerequisite for jealous feelings. Learning handle jealousy on the job can help you remain positive while dealing with workplace negativity.

Instructions

1. Keep your workplace interactions professional. While it can be tempting to hurl insults and name-drop, doing so only diminishes your professionalism. It also encourages others to hold onto their jealous feelings. Keep your attitude and body language in check to prevent falling prey to immaturity. Avoiding unnecessary interactions with jealous colleagues can help defuse some hostilities.

2. Surround yourself with positive co-workers to stay motivated. Creating a strong support system can eliminate feelings of isolation and desertion. It can also help deter open hostility from co-workers, such as coordinated task interruptions and condescending remarks. It may be necessary to venture outside your immediate department to find suitable workplace companions. Avoid gossiping about any perceived or blatant jealousies as this can make you seem unprofessional.

3. Perform a self-assessment to identity annoying behavior. While it may be impossible to stop all cases of jealousy from developing, it is possible to avoid foreseeable pitfalls. For example, bragging about a recent promotion in front of the colleague who wasn't chosen can cause undue tension. Giving unsolicited details about your "perfect" spouse and home life can also fuel underlying jealousies.

4. Focus on job performance goals. Placing your energy into constructive activities can help you avoid losing sight of your work responsibilities. Completing your work assignments efficiently can help eliminate gossip regarding your "lack of skills" and "close relationship to the boss." If the workplace jealousy is coming from your supervisor, it's especially important to ensure work assignments are completed in an exemplary manner.

5. Confront jealous colleagues using straightforward language. Although you may not enjoy confrontations, engaging in open dialogue can sometimes help alleviate negative feelings. Giving a colleague a chance to air his grievances can let you both move past differences. Base your approach on his personality and your work relationship. For example, you would approach a reserved fellow team member differently than your boisterous departmental supervisor. Simply asking a colleague for an impromptu lunch meeting can be the catalyst for a better business relationship.

The Price Of Digital Billboard Signs

Digital Billboards allow businesses to advertise in many locations to generate revenue.

Digital billboards provide a unique high-tech way for businesses to advertise. These billboards create signs by using LED, or Light Emitting Diode, technology to display and cycle through different advertisements. Inc Magazine reports one billboard can generate more than $14,000 in monthly revenue. The cost of advertising on a digital billboard can vary from $1,000 to $10,000 a month depending on a few factors such as exposure, demand and size.

Size

The size of the electronic display is one factor in determining your sign cost. The price of your ad will go up when the resolution of the sign is larger. Larger displays are typically found near freeways or in downtown urban areas. Small displays are found in sports stadiums or entertainment venues.

Traffic Exposure

How much traffic your ad is exposed to will greatly influence the cost. Signs near freeways or other high profile areas with more traffic will bring in more revenue because more people are seeing it. When your sign is in a highly concentrated area with more traffic, it will cost more.

Length of Display

The price of your sign also depends on how long your ad stays on the electronic display. Digital signs can display more than one advertisement by rotating through each of them, keeping each one on a few seconds. If you leave your advertisement on for a longer time, your advertising rate will increase.

Demand of Billboard

The cost of a digital billboard advertisement also depends on how high the demand is for it. When a billboard is in high demand, it means that more advertisers are using it. This also means that it could potentially bring in more revenue for your business.

What's Modified Block

Modified block is a traditional and popular format for business letters, including product introduction, purchasing and invoicing discussions and correspondence that briefly lists or explains enclosed documents. In the job application process, modified block style can be used for cover letters, requests for recommendations, and thank-you letters. The format is appropriate for both paper and electronic correspondence.

Identification

Modified block format places the return address, including the author's name, at the top just right of center, with the date and any referenced subject underneath. The complimentary closing and signature block are at the bottom, again, just right of center. All other parts of the letter are typed flush left, with the right margin not justified. This includes the name and address of the person the letter is being sent to (inside address), the salutation, the correspondence paragraphs (body), and any enclosure notes and courtesy copy notifications. The return address is not included if the letter is printed on letterhead.

Features

If there is a referenced subject, such as an invoice number, or a number in a career advertisement, this reference is typed underneath the date. Any on-arrival specifications, such as "personal and confidential," are placed at the left above the inside address. The most approved salutations are "Dear Mr. or Ms. (last name)," or "Dear Sir or Madam" if the name is not known. "Dear (full name)" is appropriate if the first name is common for both men and women and the author does not know if the person is male or female. It is better not to guess at gender.

Function

Business letters include an introductory paragraph, middle paragraphs, and a closing paragraph. In a cover letter, for instance, the first paragraph explains the reason for writing, the middle paragraphs describe the qualities and experience the applicant can offer the company, and the third paragraph expresses thanks for the opportunity and tells how the applicant will follow up.

The modified block format sets off identifying information regarding the author and the subject of the letter.

Considerations

The most common closing is "Sincerely," and "Very truly yours" conveys a similar polite close. Enclosure notifications advise the addressee that more documents are included, and courtesy copies (originally called carbon copies) list anyone else who is receiving a copy of the letter.

Types

Since the 1970s, the most popular business letter style has been the full block, which places all the parts of the letter flush left. The other popular format, the semi-block, is the same as the modified block but indents the beginning of each paragraph. All three formats are appropriate for business use.

Effects

Is business letter formatting still important in the electronic age? Absolutely. It is particularly important when working to make a good impression, such as in a job application or an attempt to gain new or further business. Even when sent by email or fax, a properly formatted letter indicates the author is serious and professional.

How Come Legislation Require Certain Brands

Product labels show information for safety and certification purposes.

Many product labels are offered by manufacturers and include information for marketing purposes, help customers make decisions or help customers use the product correctly. Some labels, however, are required by the government in accordance with regulations that are designed to protect customers and authorize specific sanctions. These regulations are mandated by organizations like the United States government or the European Union.

Nutrition Facts

Food products are generally required to display two important pieces of information: nutritional facts and ingredients. Nutritional facts include proper serving size and how many nutrients, such as fats, protein and carbohydrates, are in those serving sizes. These labels are required so that customers can make healthy decisions and those who need to maintain a certain diet can avoid foods with nutrients that they should not consume. These labels also keep manufactures honest about how healthy their products are.

Ingredients

The other type of required food label is a list of ingredients. This list is also required to keep companies honest regarding the type of ingredients they use and where these ingredients come from, but there is also an important safety component. Many customers are allergic to certain ingredients or cannot combine some ingredients with medications they may be taking.

Product Safety

The vast majority of required labels on products other than foodstuffs are placed there for safety. Electrical hazard and toxic hazard labels are often required to encourage the safe use of the products. Cleaners, for instance, must have labels showing toxic compounds present and how deadly they are to humans. Manufacturers also put these labels on products to avoid lawsuits from consumers who may injure themselves using the product.

Product Interactions

Some products have certain qualities that can interact negatively with other products, and governments require that these products be labeled to let customers know about these reactions. Products that product magnetic fields, for instance, must be labeled as magnetic so that customers know they cannot place these products near computers where they could damage digital data.

Qualifications

Some organizations certify products as falling into a certain category. Some products might be energy efficient, free trade or all natural. In order to qualify for government certificates, rebates or tax credits, such objects must be labeled to show that they meet certain standards.