List Building Tips - Product Reviews

In this installment of List Building Tips, I am going to discuss product reviews, what they are REALLY, how to go about doing them and how to get them syndicated so as to bring traffic to your opt in page and ultimately build your list. I think you will find this interesting reading.

Okay, so just what is a product review? No, this isn't a dumb question. You'd be surprised how many people really don't know. Many think a product review is simply a brief summary of the product, what it does and how much it costs. No, that's a product overview and they're not the same thing.

A true product review actually goes in depth into the product itself. It reveals more about the product than you're going to find in an overview. It will go over all the pros and cons of the product, how to best use it or get the most out of it. It will even suggest alternative products if better ones exist.

In short, a product review won't pull any punches. If the product is crap or substandard, the reviewer will let the public know this.

And a bad product review can STILL help you build your list. In fact, a bad review may have more credibility in the eyes of the public than a good review simply because so many people are so jaded that they don't believe anything positive that they read. Plus, the good thing about product reviews, good or bad, is that the sites that publish them don't really care one way or the other. They just want the review on their site in order to get traffic to it. That's their one and only concern.

Great! So just how DO you get your product review on these sites? Well, what you want to do is search the Internet for sites that publish product reviews. Contact each one and let them know that you've reviewed XYZ product and you'd like them to publish it on their site. Tell them, if it's a positive review that they're more than welcome to use their own affiliate link as long as in the signature of the review they allow you a link to your newsletter. Most sites will have no problem with this. Free sales for them and a budding list for you.

The key to all this is that the review MUST be honest. You actually have to USE the product so that you can write intelligently about it. The only way to write a REAL review of a product IS to use it. Believe me, faked reviews can be spotted a mile away. And if you're found out, the backlash will be terrible to say the least.

For example, in my product reviews, I cite page numbers, chapters, specific details about the product that you could only know if you actually bought it and used it.

Now, if buying the product is not an option, due to lack of funds, you can always contact the product creator, let them know that you want to do a review of their product, and ask them if they can send you a copy. The worst that can happen is that they say no. Many people will gladly appreciate a review, especially if they know their product is actually good.

A number of product reviews syndicated around the Internet with a link to your opt in page at the end can bring in a considerable number of new members to your list.

Yes, there is a bit of work involved, but it is well worth the effort.

To YOUR Success,

Steven Wagenheim

7 Tips To Use LinkedIn Successfully

It is your tendency to feel that whenever your wife gives you a thoughtful business advice, it has to have holes. Everyone demarcates his personal and official life and asserts himself with the theory that the two worlds are bipolar.

You may have rhythmic and working profiles on Facebook; but as it mostly caters to social life, there is a great chance that your professional inclinations won't be taken seriously. This is the reason that job seekers and employers do not rifle Facebook to find their man Friday. What Linkedin does is to stand as social networking website; only of a professional nature. If you use this tool intelligently, you can exponentially build your business. Here are seven credible ways to do the same:

1. Testimonials - If you are good in your business and get loads of worthy testimonials, you can post them on your Linkedin profile. When visitors come pouring, they are bound to read through the credible recommendations you have got. This specially works in your local area.

2. Be knowledgeable - Check the curious questions in the relevant section that are left unanswered. Make an effort to answer them genuinely and with meaning. By and by, people will begin to treat you with substance and reverence.

3. Intelligent invitations - Don't just invite somebody because he shared your sundae. Be serious and intelligent with all your invitations and send them provoking notes about how your connection with him can be beneficial for both. Merge with active members per se.

4. Using other social sites - Facebook and twitter are immensely popular, so it would be wise to open your account there as well, and fill in well-etched profiles. Remember to back-link your various accounts with Linkedin, so that an interested visitor can know more about you.

5. Be thorough with connections - Your business will take you in different territories and numerous deals. A very active connection can be useless with certain deals while his connection (that becomes your mutual contact) may just be right person in the right place. Look for the viability of far-fetched connections and negotiate logistics and discounts with them. In return, you can accord them publicity.

6. Update and inform - It helps to keep a blog site running. Always usher valuable information in your niche. Give periodic freebies to your customers and visitors (e.g. eBooks). Keep your professional profile on Linkedin and other accounts updated with every new offer and promotion you generate.

7. Join and start targeted groups - Your niche will obviously be specific; whether it is plumbing or architecture. Admix with people in your niche and be a contributing part of targeted groups. You can even venture to start your own to show your earnestness. These groups are checked with interest and thus you can always be promotional in an intelligent way.

Linkedin has come out as a widely appreciated and intelligent way to bond equal minds. When well-used, it can increase the rate of production in your niche at an amazing rate. Just show people where to be and how to start!

If You Have Not Made A Will Yet You Risk Your Estate

Many people believe that making a will early in life is not a rational thing to do. They believe that one must not think negatively and must not do things like this so far in advance. However, they need to know that making a will can solve issues that one can never think of. Probate is an act, which shows all legal requirements that one needs to undertake for someone's estate. Yes, if you do not make a will then you would create a lot of trouble for your family and yourself in the future to come.

Wills and probate solicitors are people who make sure that everything goes according to your dreams and wishes. These are people who can help the executors that you must have hired before during your life, which will make sure that things are carried out in the normal legal way in your absence. However, sometimes even during your life, you need to make sure you make a will so that no one has to be hired to carry out these legal duties. Once you have passed away, your family will be directed according to the will that you must have made making things easy.

There are many duties you have to make to carry out making a will. You need to understand and know according to your religious teachings the way to go about writing a will and dividing your state. Probate solicitors can alone carry out all the legal work with regards to your estate and property while you are alive. However, these probate solicitors do not know what you may want to do when it comes to your will and they may not even know what each member of the family wants when it comes to dividing your estate and will.

You would never want the material thirst to come between any of your family members. So what you must do is, divide your estate and make the will so that none of your family members along with you would ever have any issues with the property shares and their legal share of your estate and property. Probate solicitors can be a great help. If you want your property to be handled with care and vigilance, then you would need to hire wills and probate solicitors.

With the help of wills and probate solicitors, you would never feel the need to ask anyone else amongst your friends to take care of your estate and legal property. It is always suggested that you alone should sit down and work on your will and property. There is no one that can deal with your estate and property better than you yourself can. There is always a chance for you to get rid of the pain of agreeing to what your wills and probate solicitors have to say and ask you to do.

Writing Effective Description Content for Your eBay Listing

Your eBay item description is the main opportunity you have to let potential buyers know everything they need to convince them to buy your item. Getting it right is absolutely essential.

I always start with a heading that matches the item title in your listing as it creates a continuation from where they last read. Under this, I give a general description in a short paragraph, and it is here where I will begin to use persuasive adjectives to describe features of the item for example, 'this is a beautiful necklace,' or 'a stunning handbag.'

What you must not do, however, is go over the top in your description. A few adjectives, dropped in here or there are fine, but bombarding your reader with a list of superlatives in every phrase can have the opposite effect, making you sound like you are desperate to sell and making your sales pitch unbelievable. Also, what you can't do is use description which is inaccurate or does not match your product. 'This is a fantastic empty ink cartridge,' just doesn't make sense?

Honesty, as I keep saying, is highly important in your listing. It's not just that you are being fair to your customers, but it prevents a whole range of after sales issues. When purchasers give feedback they are asked to give you a mark out of 5 for the accuracy of your description and if you have a low score here, future customers may stay away from you. Negative feedback can also ensue, as can disputes, returns and requests for return of payments. It's just not worth ruining your eBay reputation.

For that reason, state the condition of your item accurately, e.g.: 'This watch is in excellent condition for a used item, there are no signs of scratching and it is in perfect working order. However, the strap shows some signs of wear and there is the occasional scratch on the surface of the box.' or 'the CD has a few minor surface marks, but no serious scratches. It plays flawlessly.'

If you look at the descriptions, you will see how I've counter-balanced the bad points with a good point. What I've also done is used understated adjectives for the bad points, 'a few minor surface marks,' 'some signs of wear,' and 'the occasional scratch' whilst using stronger adjectives for the good points, 'excellent condition,' 'perfect working order,' 'plays flawlessly.'

I'm not misleading my customers here because, the descriptions of the flaws are accurate, but the language used helps to ease any concerns they have whilst reinforcing the good points.

If it is fitting for the type of item you are selling, you can also finish this paragraph with a one liner stating how the product might be useful to them. 'An ideal gift for Father's Day,' 'perfect for that summer party.'

After the general description I always have a section with the heading, 'Features'. Under the heading I have a list of bullet points, with short descriptions of various features of the item. These include, size, shape, color, weight, dimensions, materials, age, etc. I list these in importance of how I think they will appeal to the customer, with the most important first. As before, I occasionally fit in, where appropriate, an adjective. Here's a list of features for a used watch.

Features:

Attractive Round Black Face with Logo to Front 4cm Diameter Stainless Steel Casing Chunky Black Leather Wrist Strap Sapphire Glass Date Display Tachometer Function Hour and Minute Indexes Water Resistant to 10ATM Complete with original box and instructions Used but still under warranty

Finally, I always finish with a short paragraph doing the following things: I thank the customer for looking, I ask them to contact me if they have any questions and I use the built in link on eBay so that they can check out my other items.

Back to School Show & Tell

One thing you can count on during the first days of school is the inevitable question of "What did you do over the summer?" Here are a few creative ways to describe your summer experiences for the first edition of Show and Tell.   1. Flip Books Create a moving picture of your summer fun with a flip book. Start out with a Post-It pad or a pocket-sized spiral notebook. Draw the first picture on the last sheet of paper and work your way to the first page by changing the picture little by little. For instance, if you learned how to surf over the summer, you might start with a picture of you lying on a surfboard in calm waters. The next picture could show the waters growing a little choppier. The following drawings could be of you slowly turning, then standing on the board as the wave grows larger, and so on.   2. Summer Collage Illustrate your summer happenings with one of my favorite forms: collages. Simply use glue to cover a poster board or even several small postcard-sized papers with magazine cutouts, sections of road maps, photographs, movie and concert ticket stubs, restaurant menus, train schedules, and any other mementos from your summer.   3. Map It Instead of just telling the class where you went and what you did, pinpoint our summer destinations and activities on a map. If you stayed close to home, use a local road map. If you were able to travel to several cities and states, use a countrywide map. Glue magazine cutouts of activities, or actual photos of your fun onto the map. For example, if you went to a dude ranch in Dallas, glue a picture of a horse onto the map in Dallas. If you visited Mount Rushmore, glue a photo of your family onto the map in South Dakota. The same goes for rock climbing, swimming, snorkeling, and anything else you had a chance to enjoy over the summer months.   4. Seashell Memories Capture every fun moment of summer vacation on seashells. If you didn't get a chance to go to the beach, don't worry-most craft and hobby stores sell bags of seashells. Use acrylic paint and a clean paintbrush to paint pictures inside the shells. My son's summer shells feature an octopus in the ocean (from snorkeling-we didn't actually see an octopus, but he wishes he had), a colorful clown from a friend's birthday party, an airplane in the clouds, and the night sky filled with stars and a bright crescent moon.

Yacht Insurance - Seven Key Points to Getting The Right Policy

If your yacht is over 26 feet long then it is a requirement for you to have a yacht insurance policy in force. Insurance for yachts that are less than 26 feet long is technically referred to as boat insurance, but for larger yachts, individual insurance policies are needed because of the increased values and the range of requirements. However, the general principles of both yacht insurance and boat insurance types are similar.

There are two key reasons for having yacht insurance. First is to protect your financial investment against damage, theft, fire, or any other event which could cause complete or partial loss of your treasured vessel. Secondly, if another person or yacht is injured or damaged by your yacht then a financial remedy will be paid out by your yacht's insurer.

Which are the key elements you need to examine when insuring your yacht?

Comprehensive Coverage - There are three main areas of insurance for your yacht; physical damage, e.g. collision, fire and vandalism or theft. Some policies allow you to make a selection amongst these. If you chose not to take one or more of these insurance types then you are assuming all the risk in the unfortunate case that such an event occurs. Also that can lead to problems if you have insured for damage, but the actual damage is a combination of collision and fire. So, on reflection, the vast majority of yacht owners sensibly insure against all risks through a comprehensive yacht insurance policy.

Home Mooring Location - Many policies ask where your boat is normally moored. It is vital to be truthful and accurate about this when you are applying for marine boat insurance for your yacht. You may keep your yacht moored in a dock or marina, or it may spend its time in a tidal mooring, but either way you must be honest so you will be properly covered by your boat insurance in the event of an accident.

Third-Party Liability - In the unfortunate event that your yacht gets damaged, stolen, or totally burned out, you always have the choice of doing nothing and simply accepting your loss. However, if you or your yacht injure another person or cause damage to their property, you won't have that option. You must reach into your own pocket to make restitution. This is where the third party part of your yacht's insurance policy will come into effect so you do not have to pay out personally. Even though there is not an overarching requirement for insurance cover there are plenty of localities where it is necessary - an example is in most docks, marinas and harbors where a minimum insurance is required, perhaps $ 2 million.

Coverage by Location - Take care to understand where your insurance policy provides cover for your yacht. Most yacht insurance companies are fairly generous with their definition of sailing area, but make sure you read and clearly understand any limitations. The range can always be increased if necessary, but some additional premiums may be required. The location is an important consideration with the non-sailing portion of your insurance as well. One example is when the yacht is stored dockside, either over winter or for repairs and maintenance. Another example is if your yacht is to be transported by road.

Insurance Value - When determining your yacht's value for marine insurance purposes there are two principal options. The first is by an agreed-on figure written into the policy document. The second is by valuation. In the latter case, the value is determined by a marine surveyor after a yacht's loss. Having a pre-agreed figure in your policy brings greater certainty in the event of a claim; a second advantage is that, as the figure is agreed in advance, a settlement can be more speedily executed.

Laid-Up Period - It is a 'feature' of some yacht insurances that you do not sail at certain times of year in some locations to avoid extreme weather and in others to avoid the deep winter months. Examine your policy closely to verify any laid-up period requirements.

How easy is it to make a claim? - A yacht insurance policy is only as good as your ability to make claims from it in the event of an incident. Talk to fellow yachtsmen and yachtswomen at your dock, marina or sailing club. Use their experiences to check out the insurance companies and brokers that are best to use, or avoid, so that you will find submitting a claim is easy if it is ever required.

How To Earn From Advertising

Earning From Advertising

When it comes to the business and income opportunities present on the internet, nothing beats the scale of advertising. For beginning online entrepreneurs or internet marketers, buying and selling advertisement is the easiest and most accessible way to earn.

How can you earn from advertising

There are several methods on how you could earn from advertising. These opportunities can be distinct from the point of view of the business or company needing the promotion itself, or perhaps, on the side of ad sellers or promoters.

How companies earn from advertising

For companies who are involved in the selling of goods and services, generating profit from advertising can come in an indirect way. This is one of the basic principles in marketing; advertising indirectly increases revenues and sales by promoting the product to more customers and a wider market or audience.

How an internet marketer or online website earn from advertising

Selling advertisements on websites. The bulk of the profit and opportunity existing on the internet revolves around the sale of advertising spaces, banners, or links on websites. If you own a website covering a certain subject or niche and it receives a regular flow of traffic or visitors, you can sell advertising space. You can sell advertisement space directly to companies or perhaps, you can sign-up as a publisher or affiliate of an advertising program. And the most popular advertising program known today is Google AdSense. With AdSense, you will no longer need to personally look for companies who are interested on advertising. But the advertising income from clicks and visitor views will essentially be divided between you and the network.

PPC and CPC Advertising. Other popular methods of earning from advertising are the PPC and CPC methods. The principles are slightly different but the concept is rather similar, they both involve the task or function of driving traffic towards a website. PPC or pay per click advertising involves the sale of traffic. The company which advertises pays the company few cents or dollars for every visitor the PPC provider or company brings to his website. On the other hand, the CPC or cost-per-click is more of the search engine type of service. With CPC advertising, the company's website is promoted or advertised at the top of search engines and for every visitor directed to it, the company pays the agreed fee or charge per click.

The New Breed of Advertisement Income

If you think you can benefit from either of the methods mentioned above, wait until you hear what the company earn from advertising has to offer. The marketing system of the company provides a mixture of the opportunities mentioned above to an individual or business. A business wanting to advertise its product or service can also earn by promoting the system. After receiving advertising credits and traffic exposure that would benefit its sales and revenues, the company can also earn affiliate income from referrals that also purchases ad credits. And this affiliate opportunity is not only limited to direct referrals but to the second line or level as well. The system also works best even for individuals who don't necessarily need advertising but merely intend to earn from ad affiliate marketing.

How to Define Leadership

There are many ways to define leadership. Each one may come from a completely different perspective and core beliefs.

Leadership may mean you are the dominant person in a group or organization, it could mean getting things done by having the ability to bring in others to assist you. Leadership can also mean challenging who or what has set up a set of rules by providing a better way of doing something.

The "Alpha Leader"

Both in higher species of animals and primitive tribes the leader is always the most dominant amongst the others. That dominant person or animal has and shows the power necessary to reach and hold on to the "top dog" position until they either retire or someone younger comes along and takes over.

A leader can be passive or proactive in any given situation. If things are moving along smoothly and holding the status quo, it isn't necessary for the leader to assert themselves if everything is stable. As long as everyone is following the rules and obeying the set of rules created by the leader there's no reason to step in and upset the proverbial apple cart. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" would be the rule of the moment.

If you simply took the position of leader by seizing power, most of the group would never assume to confront you if you're doing a good job at keeping things running smoothly. So, becoming a leader in this respect means you're the 'Top Dog' and most people will respect your take charge attitude.

Being a Leader by Recruiting Helpers

Modern businesses are the model for leadership through "delegation." Bosses, managers and others in corporate leadership positions get the best results by choosing the right person for the right task. Those who want total control and insist on doing everything themselves are never able to hold the reins of power for long.

In a corporate setting, leadership entails coordinating a group of highly skilled people with many specific skill-sets. Knowing how to utilize and place these people in their perfect positions takes someone able to think out of the box and make something that could be very complex look easy.

A good leader is not the embodiment of what used to be called "managers." Of course there are still people in business settings with the title of manager, yet the reality is they are more than those who simply tell others what to do.

The old days of the 'Boss,' barking orders and threatening everyone on a daily basis is normally not acceptable in today's corporate environment. Large, bureaucratic and controlling workplaces create an atmosphere of frustration, fear and lack of inspiration and innovation.

Being a leader is more than being a 'cheerleader.' There's always room for motivation, but as it is often said; "A true Leader leads by example." A boss who sits in his or her office shouting orders with a closed door policy will not last long in the 21st century business model. Neither will one of completely turning over the running of the company to the employees.

'Casual Fridays' are fine and can be incorporated in the dress code of the company as a special day of the week, but it must be clear who is running the company and who makes the final decisions. Casual dress does not mean including a casual attitude when it comes to work that must be completed even on Fridays.

In a well-run company there must be someone others can turn to for advice or counsel, knowing that person is in charge and due the respect they have earned by being creative and having an understanding of how to recognize their most dependable and valuable people.

Leaders Understand the Importance of Promoting A Better Way of Doing Things

We all know how to recognize a leader. Heads turn when they enter a room. They have a "look" about them that exudes confidence and power. They're approachable and respectful of others, no matter how small a role that person plays in the corporate structure.

They build up their people instead of wearing them down. They invite suggestions and innovative ideas. They're willing to listen but at the same time they are respected and appreciated.

A quality leader looks for ways to improve company and individual performance in the workplace. Many times something that seems like a novel idea can be a brilliant move that improves the flow of cash and efficiency to the company. And if the idea came from an employee the leader will not take credit but put the person who came up with the idea in the spotlight and perhaps give them an award and/or reward for their creative thinking.

21st Century Leadership

For any company to achieve greatness no matter on what level it will take someone at the helm who may be a "larger than life" personality who shines in the spotlight. They may almost become the 'brand' of the company as they go out and network with other executives, appear on radio, television and print media, representing the company and its services or products.

Within the confines of the company, there can be leadership shifts in various areas. If someone sticks their head up above the others and shows a particular talent or expertise it may make it necessary to move people around to different positions.

The leader of the company needs to keep on top of identifying those who show promise, talent and be prepared to offer them a higher position within the company. This can also motivate others to excel.

The Reinvention of Leadership

• A leader doesn't always have to micro-manage people to get the job done.

• Being a leader means being the captain of the corporate ship. The leader chooses the crew and brings them aboard, then guides the ship as the "sailors" do what they need to do to keep the ship afloat.

• A leader promotes efficiency and a better way of doing certain things

• As a leader the responsibility for failure lies squarely on their shoulders

A successful leader urges employees to feel free to think creatively and assist in promoting company products and its' services. A "thought leader" is someone who promotes better ideas in the industry. Knowing how to present new and innovative ideas takes a person with knowledge and excellent communication skills yet the common sense of emotional intelligence.

Someone who comes across as arrogant and unable to hear what others have to say does not embody a good leader. They must have the ability to articulate and demonstrate the depth of their ideas or those of others.

This type of talented individual has a monumental influencing style. They exude power and show others a sophisticated leadership model.

However, if the content of what they are presenting lacks substance it can be viewed as fluff and having less value than what the company and its leadership are trying to sell to the public. Make sure your product or service has the content to back up the hype.

In addition, a great leader understands the importance of fostering leadership among the rank and file of company employees, especially those already in moderately higher management levels. You never know where the next brilliant idea comes from.

As a rule, innovation comes from employees and occasionally from the most unlikely of people. Never, ever dismiss out of hand a suggestion or idea from anyone on the payroll.

True leadership also ensures the line between leadership and management is well-defined. Those with the skills will step up and the others will be left behind. When you define leadership, striving for excellence without being overpowering is something a real leader understands.

Sun Exposure & UV Rays - The Basic Facts

The human body benefits from sun exposure. And a little bit of tan protects you from the sun. Right? Wrong!

The body does indeed benefit from sun exposure. But a little bit of tan does not necessarily protect you from the sun. Let's see why.

The sun's rays are a major source of vitamin D and help the body's systems acquire much needed calcium for building healthy bones. However, most people don't need to spend large amounts of time exposed to the sun in order to get their required amount of vitamin D.

In fact, the body's health can actually suffer negative effects when it's exposed too long to the sun's rays, especially if it's unprotected. Results can vary from skin and eye damage to immune system suppression and ultimately cancer, even for the young.

So let's look at the basic facts about sun exposure.

There are three kinds of invisible ultraviolet (UV) rays in the sun that reaches earth: UVA, UVB, and UVC. When these rays come in contact with our skin, affects of UVA and UVB can be - tans, burns and other reactions (e.g. like acne and cancer).

It's also notable that the effects of all UV rays are not the same. Depending upon the season, time of day and place on the planet in relation to the sun - (i.e. your altitude and latitude), the rays' intensities vary. For example, during summertime, UV rays are at their strongest. Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., the rays are strongest. And close to the equator and at high altitudes (where air and cloud cover are less, resulting in increased harmful penetration of UV rays into the environment), the rays are also strongest.

In order to protect ourselves from the harmful UV rays, let's look at the skin's first defense - melanin.

Melanin is a chemical present in a variety of colors and concentrations in most people's skin that helps with defense from the sun. Melanin reacts with UV rays and absorbs them. Or rather, to be more specific, the rays act upon melanin, causing the melanin to spread out or grow, increasing its presence in response to the sun's exposure. The result? A 'sun tan'. The darker the skin color, the more melanin the skin has for protection. And 'tanning' for darker color is included here; 'color' does not have to refer to just the original skin color.

A word of caution...

Tanning may look great on the surface, - but the amount and length of time a person is exposed to the sun, determines the amount of possible damage. It also determines the future risk of damage that's likely.

For example, people who are exposed to the sun in huge doses like ship crews, field workers and beach surfers, are at higher risks for skin damage than indoor workers. What happens is that when the amount of UV exposure is greater than what the skin's melanin can handle, sunburn can result. And those with lighter, fairer skin, who have less melanin, absorb less UV, suffering less protection.

Since research has shown that UV damage from the sun is the main cause of skin cancer, (with as high as 20% of some populations developing skin cancer during their lifetime), we need to take a proactive approach in relation to sun exposure to avoid harmful skin damage.

As we say colloquially here in Australia - "Slip, Slop, Slap". (I.e. 'Slip' on a shirt, 'Slop' on a hat, 'Slap' on a sunscreen). Look after the skin you've got, because you're the one who will be living with it!

Fashion Tip: Don't Make These Fashion Mistakes

1. Wearing the Wrong Colors

To look your best wear clothing colors that will complement your skin. Wearing the wrong colors will make your skin appear sallow and lines and wrinkles will be more evident. The right colors will make you look more vibrant and healthy.

2. Wearing too much makeup

Too much makeup will make lines appear deeper and will create a harsh look. Keep makeup light for day and a little darker for evening. See a professional if you are unsure of makeup application techniques.

3. Wearing Clothes that are too small

Wearing clothes that fit too tightly will make you appear larger. Wearing clothes that do not suit your body type will make you appear larger. Buy clothes that suit your body type - not someone else's.

4. Chipped nail polish

The idea of nail polish is to make your nails appear nicer. Chipped polish just brings attention to poor grooming.

5. An old-fashioned hairstyle or messy hair

Your hairstyle creates a first impression. From your hairstyle people will assume your education level, status, age etc. This doesn't mean the judgments are correct - they happen instinctively. Make sure it doesn't happen to you. Visit your hairstylist regularly.

6. Messy Shoes or wrong shoes for your outfit

Take care of your shoes they complete your look. Also pay attention that your complement your outfit.

7. Roots that show

If you colour your hair make sure you keep it maintained regularly.

8. Bras and bra straps that show

When wearing sleeveless tops make sure you wear a racer back bra. Don't wear bras that fit too tightly or don't have good support.

9. Mismatched hose

Match your hose with your shoes or with your pants or skirt.

10. Wearing inappropriate clothes

When in a working environment make sure that your clothes are not flashy (unless you are in a creative field) do not wear short skirts, (more than 3 inches above the knee) sleeveless tops, plunging necklines, stilettos, too much jewelry, leather pants or skirts, or anything that shimmers.

Copyright 2004 Sheila Dicks

Dental Malpractice Insurance

The importance of professional liability insurance

Being a dental student is a tough and confusing profession. Between class and clinical duties for residency programs, it is often hard to get quality information about what professional liability insurance can do for you. I know when I first started dental school at the University of Connecticut, I had no idea that I would soon need to start researching about malpractice insurance. Fortunately, after a long search and lots of research, I realized how important malpractice insurance was for me. In the end I was able to learn a lot about the benefits of professional liability insurance and I can share some of what I learned with you today:

Dental malpractice is an intentional or unintentional error which causes significant injury to a client. This can include failure to diagnose oral cancer or gum disease, failure to obtain consent from an adult, following improper procedures, and causing permanent or temporary oral injuries. Recently the number of malpractice claims has been increasing and malpractice lawsuits have been awarding millions dollars to patients at their dentist's expense.

Aspiring / graduating dental students should look into getting dental malpractice insurance for a variety of reasons. First, professional liability insurance is required for residents in order to moonlight at private practices. Moonlighting is a great way to earn some extra money and experience during your residency and malpractice insurance can help make that happen. Also, dental malpractice insurance can provide dentists with tail coverage. This gives dentist's added protection even after they change professions or retire so they never have to worry about being sued in the future. Finally, and most importantly, dental malpractice insurance helps guard dentists against costly lawsuits. With the increasing trend of patients filing claims against their dentists, it is becoming ever more important to get protection. This is especially true for when you first enter the profession, so try and get insured as quickly as possible!

When I signed up for my dental malpractice insurance, I was given a discount for being a dental student. If you are still in school, try and look for the right agency which can provide you with a discount for being a graduating dental student. They often start your rates low, and this can save you hundreds of dollars in the long-run. Anyway, I hope I was able to convince you about the importance of professional liability insurance!

What Exactly Is An Autoresponder?

If you are attempting to create a successful online business, you are likely beginning to realize the considerable amount of time and effort it takes to achieve this. You have many different facets of an online business you must create and maintain in order to succeed at creating a successful online business:

You must provide unique content in your selected niche or topic of interest You must build websites that are SEO-optimized You must promote your business to gain more subscribers and customers You must stay in constant contact with your subscribers in order to keep them informed in terms of your industry and your upcoming offers

This is hardly an exhaustive list; there are many more tasks you must be proficient in (or hire someone who is proficient in them) in order to have a thriving online business. The last item in that list above is one that you must especially be proficient at in order to succeed online.

In the very early days of the Internet, you would have had to manually add a subscriber to your database, then manually write out an email message, and then send it to each member of your database manually. Can you imagine the time it would take to do this?

The time it would take would be exorbitant - you'd be fortunate to handle a list of just 10 subscribers, let alone 100s, 1000s, or more. Fortunately, those tasks are no longer necessary today thanks to autoresponders.

Autoresponders are a type of program that allow to program emails ahead of time so that they are sent out to designated recipients at a specified time. Autoresponders can be in the form of services provided by third-party providers or online software programs that enable you to install the program directly onto your Web server. Either way, these programs can help to accumulate a database of subscribers to send your messages to, which is key to making a consistent income with Internet Marketing.

As you can see, autoresponders can be a valuable asset to your online marketing efforts. It is essentially impossible to have a thriving online business without using autoresponders. There are many options to choose from, most of which are within the reach of virtually any budget. If you truly desire to make a living from the Internet and aren't utilizing autoresponders yet, you need to utilize them in your business beginning today.

Are You Relationship Ready?

So, you want to fall in love? You are certainly old enough and moving well along your chosen career path. Many of your friends are either married or in committed relationships. You have grown weary of the singles scene

and the solitary life. Therefore, you must be ready, right?

Not necessarily.

So what is relationship readiness anyway? Exactly what it says. You are adequately capable of handling the commitment and challenges that a healthy, intimate relationship requires.

How do you know if you are ready? What are the characteristics you need to have or acquire in order to be ready for true love?

There are four primary areas that you should explore in order to assess your present state of readiness.

1. Take an inventory of past traumas and related major issues.

You should mentally review these and honestly look at how well you have already addressed and resolved them.

As you work through each, ask yourself, "Is this impacting me negatively in my present life." Also explore with yourself the possibility that the issue could become problematic once you have entered into an intimate relationship.

If you believe that there are things you have not yet adequately dealt with, you need to go to work on these. If you are unsure, then they bear closer examination. Consider utilizing resources such as therapy or joining a support group.

An example of such issues can include, but not be limited to; emotional, physical or sexual abuse in childhood, parents' divorce, loss of a parent or other loved one, or a past abusive or dysfunctional love relationship.

2. How's your self-awareness and self-esteem?

If you do not possess adequate self knowledge and a positive sense of self; an intimate relationship will be difficult or impossible to sustain.

For instance, do you know yourself well enough to answer the following?

Can you state your most deeply held values?

Do you know what you can't live with or without in a relationship?

Do you have a good grasp of your life goals?

Do you know your own strengths and weaknesses?

Now, do a quick assessment of your self-esteem.

How do you see yourself?

How do others see you?

Remember you present different selves:

at work

with family

with friends

in gatherings with acquaintances

If your answers tell you that you have difficulty accepting and liking yourself, or if others frequently respond negatively to you in your interactions with them, then this is an area you should begin work on. Self-love is at the foundation of all healthy relationships.

3. Are your past relationships really in the past?

If we don't get adequate closure on painful experiences/issues from past relationships, we are at risk of bringing them into present and future relationships in order to relive and resolve them.

Therefore, it's important to know that you have dealt adequately with any significant hurt or loss and have learned from any dysfunctional dynamics you may have contributed to.

If you find yourself slipping into unhealthy patterns in your thoughts or Behaviors as they relate to others; stop, identify, and then deal with that leftover issue.

4. Do you know what you want from a relationship?

We enter into relationships for many different reasons and with many different expectations. Knowing what yours are will help you to determine if this is the right relationship for you.

Too often we "choose" someone using an unconscious level of thought as our primary input. It is there that we hold our deepest unmet needs, fears and desires. Unfortunately, there is often a chasm between our conscious and unconscious selves that keeps this information "hidden" from our rational and thinking side.

Therefore, it is very important to examine all of your feeling and needs regarding any future relationship. Honestly look at what you must have and cannot live without.

You must know what you want and need from a future partner in order to choose the right one for you.

Now, spend some time exploring these four important areas before you enter into a serious romantic relationship. By doing so, you will be helping to ensure that your new relationship will be a healthy and lasting one.

Health Insurance - How to Get the Benefits You Need

Why do people laugh when they hear the words Affordable Health Plan?

Is it because they believe there's no such thing?

Is there really such thing as an Affordable Health Plan or is it all smoke and mirrors? Yes there is and I am going to share with you how you can have an Affordable Health Plan!

Insurance companies are one of the top 3 richest businesses in North America. There is a reason for that. All you need to do is ask somebody who's paid hundreds of dollars a month for a health care plan what their experience was like and you'll understand why it is that insurance companies make so much money. They'll tell you how so many of their prescription costs were not covered, only certain brand medications were claimable and others were not. Or how they're only allowed 60 or 70% of the cost for some paramedical service and 80% of the user fee for others. Or, Sorry you have reached your limit. Are you confused yet? How about the common phrase, "Sorry, that's not covered." Yes that is the story of trying to claim medical and dental costs through an insurance provider.

So what's the alternative? Business owners do have an alternative in Canada. Under our income tax act a Private Health Insurance Plan is an option for Canadian business owners. This is an opportunity for a company to own and administer their own health plan. Home Based Businesses in Canada can really leverage this option.

How does this create an affordable health plan?

When you own and administer your own health plan you get to set the limits. Through the plan contract you decide the level of healthcare benefits for yourself and for your employees. Because there is no middleman there are no premiums to pay. In a Corporation you can set tears or levels of benefits. Upper management has a much higher pay level and much more responsibility, which allows you to also give them higher benefit levels. Proprietorship can create a plan and have it administered through a company like Gumboot Business Services. They also get to set their limits.

How does a private health insurance plan work?

Your medical and dental expenses become a business expense. You bring in your receipts and reimburse yourself through your company. When your employees bring in a medical expense receipts you simply reimburse them. If there are no expense receipts submitted, there are no costs. And because you set the limit in the health care plan you set exactly what each employee can expense and what your budget is going to be for the year.

A simple tracking system will allow you to keep track of exactly what each member of your family and employee has spent. This ensures that nobody goes over their limit, and keeps your numbers accurate for your year and income tax filing.

The other wonderful bonus with a private health insurance plan is medical and dental expenses paid for by a company to its employees are tax-free to the employee. No CPP, no EI for either of you and no income tax for the employee.

Can A Home Based Business Owner set up a Private Health Insurance Plan?

If you are a corporation, it's easy. The way the legislation is written, you need an employee. As a worker in your corporation, you are the employee and that is all you need. If you are a proprietorship, you need an employee. Who is working in your business with you? Is your spouse or one of your older children doing web design or something that supports your business?

What about your personal health and dental costs?

As an employee of your own company, yes you can write all of your family's health and dental costs off through your business. This is what really makes an affordable health plan. You're already paying out money for you and your family's health and dental costs, now you can move those personal costs into your business as business expenses. That makes your personal medical and dental costs 100% tax-deductible.

Are there exceptions? What are the exemptions?

There is a difference between corporations and proprietorships. The biggest reason for this is that a proprietorship cannot have a contract with themselves. A proprietorship requires a separate company to administer the private health insurance plan. Because a corporation is an entity unto itself, it has the ability to have a contract with its employees. The other difference is a corporation can set tiers for different levels of employees. A proprietorship has to match the owners benefit level to the employees.

How do I find out more about Private Health Insurance Plans?

Gumboot Business Services will walk you through what is needed. We will look at your company structure to help you see if you are eligible and how much money you can save through owning your own health plan. Come visit our site and take advantage of the free 20-minute consultation.

Is Your Authentic Designer Handbag Really Authentic?

So, you have just bought a new designer handbag. Maybe you have had your eye on a Christian Dior Saddle Handbag, or Gucci Jackie-O that you know your friends will drool over . You got a huge discount off of the hefty retail price and you're feeling pretty good about yourself. But now you are wondering- is my designer handbag authentic.

Determining the authenticity on any product can be a little tricky, but if you know the basics, you will be able to spot a fake in just a few seconds.

One of the best ways to ensure your new handbag is authentic is to look at the bag itself. Designer handbags are popular and cost as much as they due because first and for-most they are made from quality materials. Take a good look at the stitching. There should be no loose or missing stitches, the color of the thread should match the main color of the bag and the stitches should be evenly spaced. If the handbag is leather, the logo should be engraved, not just printed on the leather.

Also take a look at the hardware. All of the hardware should match in color and sheen. The hardware should also be free of scratches. Many manufactures, including Gucci, Fendi and Prada, protect their hardware with a removable plastic cover that is to be removed only after it has been purchased. The brand name or logo should be engraved, not embossed or simply printed on the hardware. You can also find the brand name of logo engraved on the strap hardware on Gucci, Fendi, Prada, Chanel.

Inspect the material the bag; lining, hardware and accents are made of. Many handbags are made of different types of leather, from Lambskin, Calfskin, Goatskin and Patent Leather, but it is easy to distinguish if the leather is of a good quality or not. The lining is usually made of a satin material that has a nice shine to it and most designer handbags have the name brand name or logo on the lining. Designers almost always use leather accents, not plastic. Some purses have straps that are specially coated and seem to be artificial. However a quick look at the edge of the strap, usually near a stitched joint, should reveal a leather core.

Is there an authenticity card. An authenticity card is a little card that usually has the manufactures logo embossed on the front and has some information about the product you purchased and sometimes includes a magnetic strip, bar code. Many manufacturers, including Gucci, Prada, Fendi, Kate Spade and Coach, use these cards.

Check for a serial number. Not all manufacturers use serial numbers, but many do. The serial number for Fendi purses can be found on the inside pocket. Simply turn the pocket inside out and there will be a printed number on the fabric or possibly on the leather tag. Gucci includes a small leather tag on the zipper seam of the handbag which includes a serial number.

If you shop wisely, and inspect the bag carefully, you will be able to spot a fake from a mile away.