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The Benefits Of Blogging

• February 5, 2014 • 0 Comments
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If you’re in any doubts about the benefits of blogging then check out these stats:

The Benefits Of Blogging

These stats are a very convincing argument that if you’re not blogging, then you should be, and if you are blogging, then you should probably be blogging even more! This is the case whether your business is “business to customer” orientated or “business to business”.

Every time that you write a blog post, you are adding another “asset” to your inventory of marketing content. The search engines will then add that page to their index which will increase your chances of having your website appear in the top search engine listings when someone is searching for the services and products that you provide.

The full article about the benefits of blogging and the above infographic come from Don Crowther’s article: The Benefits Of Blogging – Hard Number Evidence He is a widely respected social media marketing and online marketing expert, helping companies ranging from Fortune-500-level giants to entrepreneurs make more money online using proven social media and search marketing techniques. Use the link above to read the full article.

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How To Stay On Top Of The Latest Interest Rates With Social Media

• December 4, 2013 • 0 Comments
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Interest rates affect our lives in many ways. They determine how much money we earn when we put our money into a savings accounts or a Certificate of Deposit. They also tell us how much more money we will owe on our credit card bills if we do not pay them off in time. And interest rates also determine how comfortable we will be with our monthly payments on large purchases, especially houses and vehicles. But because interest rates are constantly changing, it can definitely be difficult to keep up with where the rates are going and determine whether it is the best time to make purchases or sell property.

Putting Social Media to Work for You

Thankfully, though, you can use the same social media pages that you spend the majority of your time on to find the latest news on interest rates, as well as other important information on what the biggest financial institutions and lenders are up to. Below are a few tips to help you get started so that you can begin following the right social media pages to always stay on top of what is happening in the world of banking and finance.

Follow Your Favourite Banks

If there are certain banks that you trust more than others, try to find their pages on your favourite social networks, such as Facebook and Twitter. You will be surprised by how many of them are taking advantage of these sites in order to stay in touch with their current customers, entice old customers to come back, and lure in new customers all at the same time. Even small, local bank branches can be found on social media. Many times, these banks will offer helpful tips and advice and will also make it a point to let you know about the best interest rates they offer so that you can invest your money with them and they can continue to be successful.

Find Reputable Mortgage Lenders to Follow

Another great way to stay on top of the latest interest rates, no matter where you live, is by following the social media pages of reputable mortgage lenders and other lending groups. These individuals work hard every day to provide individuals and businesses with the finances they need to continue to thrive and succeed in the competitive workplace, so they are often discussing interest rates, as well as the impact that changing rates will have on buyers and sellers.

Discuss Important Financial Topics with Like-Minded Individuals

Finally, you can use social media to simply connect with like-minded individuals who can help steer you in the right direction when it comes to making the best financial decisions for your family. Seek out pages that are run by famous financial advisors to get the clearest information and advice.

When it comes to staying on top of interest rates, especially if you are in the market for a new home, use social media to help you. In addition to getting the latest news, if you follow the right pages, you can also gain valuable insight and tips.

Featured images:

Nancy Baker, the author of this post, is a freelance blogger. She loves providing social media tips. You can follow her on Twitter @Nancy_Baker_.

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How To Make Those Pesky Employer Background Checks Work In Your Favor

• December 4, 2013 • 0 Comments
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Employers these days have access to way more information about us, as candidates, than they ever have had before. While not every company will be effectively stalking you online before your interview as if you are their ex girlfriend, some will, and others will run more official checks on things like your credit history and your driving records. This can seem terrifying if you are unemployed and seeking work, but you can actually make it really work in your favor if you are smart about it. Here are some tips if you suspect a potential employer is going to be looking you up:

Have a LinkedIn Account

LinkedIn is the most acceptable social network for employers to have a peek at because it relates only to your professional life – the area they should be most interested in. If you have a LinkedIn account where you can be seen to have a work history that matches what you told them, and you are connected to other people in the industry, this can satisfy a lot of their curiosity. You can go even further to impress them by posting things on LinkedIn that show you keep your finger on the pulse of what is happening in the industry you want to work in, like news stories and relevant blog posts you have found. This shows you are professional and interested in what you do.

Use Twitter Professionally

If you currently have a Twitter account you use just for fun which maybe has some stuff on its timeline you don’t want employers to see, change the name so it can’t be identified as you (you can do this easily without losing any followers or disabling your account). You can go further by creating a new account in your own name where you tweet about professional stuff and post links, again, to interesting industry related web content. This means if they look you up they will see the one you want them to see rather than the one where you are talking to your friends or talking mostly about what you are watching on TV.

Be a Safe Driver – And Be Honest If You Haven’t Been

It is possible for employers to check your drivers license online and see if you have been involved in any incidents or have points for things like speeding, or any DUIs. Of course, the best way to get around this hurdle is to be a safe driver, however obviously you can’t turn back the clock, so if you have negative things in your driving history it is better to declare them at the first opportunity and explain that they were in the past, you’ve learnt from them, and you have been a better driver ever since. People will normally forgive things that have happened a while ago if you demonstrate that you know you were at fault and that you have bettered yourself since – but only if you are honest and upfront about them. An employer may mention that they often do these sorts of checks, and this would be a good time to say ‘yes, I had a speeding ticket when I was 22, but I have been good ever since!’. Chances are they will admire your candor.

Featured images:

Samantha Brave, the author of this article, is part of the team with, 4SafeDrivers.com, leading providers of employee driving records. She is passionate about art and culture and enjoys visiting new places in her spare time.

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Law of Attraction Certification Training Ebook

• November 28, 2013 • 0 Comments
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Law of Attraction Certification Training Ebook

This course will teach you how to master the Law of Attraction.  It is something that will change your life for the better.  After mastering it, you can attract anything you want whether it is success or the girl next door.  At the end of this course, you will have a lot of people want to pay you to teach them the law of attraction.  It is for everyone from beginners who have no experience in it to those who just want to hone their skills in order to make them better.

The book lets you dictate your own time in completing the course.  The shortest time it can be completed is up to 3 weeks while the longest is actually up to a year.  You can register anytime and get instructors Steve Jones and Dr. Joe Vitale to start right away.  Vitale is the author of over 50 books including The Attractor Factor while Jones is the founder of the American Alliance of Hypnotists.  There are even a total of 5 study manuals with 20 pages total.  When the training is completed, you will get certified by the Global Sciences Foundation and it is something you would certainly be proud of.

The ebook is included during the training and it cost $675 ON SALE FOR $47. You can see the instruction where to buy this ebook at
http://infidelityrecoveryinstitute.com/store/.

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How To Choose A Domain Name

• November 22, 2013 • 0 Comments
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Your Choice Of Domain Name Could Make Or Break Your Business

9 Essential Elements To Consider

There are several critical components in how to choose the correct domain name for your business. This Infographic recently appeared in the blog of WhoIsHostingThis, the webmaster tool that lets you discover which web hosting company any site is hosted with. It stresses the importance of striking the correct balance to be struck between those critical components. Getting any of them wrong and your website might be swimming against a tidal wave which could drown it at birth.

You can read the full article and also take advantage of downloading the Infographic and make use of the options to embed it by visiting WhoIsHostingThis.

Was this post helpful for you in how to choose a domain name for your website? As ever, I look forward to hearing your questions, insights and stories in the comments box below.

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Knowing Your Social Media Audience

• November 7, 2013 • 0 Comments
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10 Types Of Social Media User

10 Types Of Social Media User

Many thanks to Melonie Dodaro for this infographic. You can read the full article that accompanies it by going to her own blog: TopDogSocialMedia

Do you fall into any of these categories? Can you think of any others you’d add to this list. I’d love to hear from you so don’t hesitate to send your thoughts or questions via our comments box.

You can also sign up for Melonie’s FREE webinar by visiting:

Making Friends Or Making Money?

where she reveals her best secrets for getting more clients fast!

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I Want To Guest Post On A HUGE Site… How Do I Best Approach It?

• October 28, 2013 • 0 Comments
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I Want To Guest Post On A HUGE Site… How Do I Best Approach It?

Every blogger dreams of their site hitting the big time. Thousands of dedicated viewers a day, cross posts with some of the biggest names on the web, a place among the technorati…you know you have thought about the same thing. It is just what you hope for when you get started, and every move made on a site is an attempt at carving out even a little bit of success.

When you are a writer who guest blogs, your dream may be a little different. You aren’t so concerned with your own site hitting mega status. You just want the chance to get on the ones that already have. You want to right for the big guys, and you are slowly crawling your way up in hopes of doing it. All it takes it that one big break, and it can change your entire career.

But how do you realistically work toward such a goal? How do you approach the situation, and the sites themselves? Here are a couple of things you need to keep in mind.

HUGE Is Relative

There are blogs out there that aren’t really blogs any longer. They are dedicated media sources, similar to any newspaper or magazine. For example, Wired is not a traditional blog that you can easily come to work for. The path there is closer to that of an actual journalist. However, there are many sites that are large with a good, regular readership that can give you some amazing opportunities. Aim for those, first. Then see about moving further up the chain.

You Need Visibility

If you are not a writer that has a real online presence, your chances of making it onto these bigger sites is minimal, at best. You need to build a reputation, and make sure you are well known in your industry. Establish yourself as an expert by taking every guest posting blog that will gain any kind of traffic. It looks good for your portfolio.

You Need A Reputation On The Sites

The first time I applied as a guest blogger for a large site, I had been there posting as a popular commenter for almost a year. I had become well known for my input and advice, and had been awarded the Top Commenter position many times. So when I went to apply, I was already known by the writers and editors alike. This is, I think, what put me ahead of other applicants and got me the spot.

Don’t Give Up!

This process can be a little frustrating and daunting, and you might feel like throwing in the towel after a few rejections. But don’t give up. Every writer, no matter what the medium, is going to face more no’s than yeses, it is just a part of the journey. Keep trying, and you will get there.

Do you have any tips for getting on with the big sites as a guest blogger? Let us know in the comments.

Please download the free blogging eBook to find out more about achieving success with proper guest blogging methods!

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How Should You Choose The Right CRM Consultant For Your Job

• October 9, 2013 • 0 Comments
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A Cultural Resources Management (CRM) consultant will only bring benefits to your project. They can stop you from getting into trouble with the law. They’ll ensure any major renovation work won’t inadvertently damage any cultural treasures. The success of your project depends entirely on employing the right consultant, though. Here are a few tips for choosing the right consultant.

What’s Your Job?

The first tip doesn’t involve looking at the consultant. You need to know about your project. Carefully map it out and determine what skills you’re going to need. Consultants can specialize in specific projects or offer general services. You need to decide which option is right for you.

Having this sort of documentation to hand will also help you later during your consultation. You might need to employ another consultant to help you compile your project plan.

What about the Qualifications?

There are no standard qualifications every single contractor must have in this industry. As a general rule of thumb, the more qualifications a company have the better. You want to see a constant commitment to education. It’s a sign they really care about the level of quality they have in their company.

You should always make sure they’re registered with the Register of Professional Archaeologists. Other certifications include the Hazwopper certification.

Here’s another tip. Make sure the companies they’re affiliated with carry the same qualifications.

Your Consultation

Never give work to anyone unless you’ve met them first. Ideally, you should meet them at the project site. It will allow them to get a better idea for the environment and the sort of quotes they can give. The consultation is a matter of feeling out your potential contractor. Usually, they’ll charge a small amount for this. They won’t charge you for a brief conversation online, though.

During your consultation, ask them a few questions about the process. These strategic questions should act as a test. Ask them how they would go about planning for the project and how they would confront certain issues. Do they give political answers or real, useful answers?

If you feel like this person knows what he’s talking about, this is a bonus. Looking at a business online can only tell you so much. Judge for yourself how professional this person is and go from here.

The Quote

The consultant may well have no problems giving you a rough quote during your consultation. Whether they can or they can’t has no bearing on how professional they are. This depends on the scope of the project.

You should get a few quotes from around your local area. Get a feel for the sort of prices being charged. Any prices which appear to be too low or too high should act as warning signals. Excessively low prices could indicate the sign of bad quality work, whereas high prices are simply overpriced.

Your gut feeling can tell you a lot. Listen to it. Take some extra time to think about your choice of contractor. You shouldn’t feel pressured to make a decision. This is where mistakes tend to happen.

This article is submitted by Patrick Jones, a business consultant, a tech expert and a professional blogger. He feels that the fields of historic preservation services are doing a great job and are progressing rapidly.

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Steps To Take If Your Work Computer Crashes

• September 29, 2013 • 0 Comments
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People rely on their computers for many things today, from surfing the Internet for research and fun to saving all of their favorite photos and videos throughout the years. And those who use their computers for work in addition to pleasure need to take extra precautions in order to ensure that they will be able to recover after an unexpected computer crash.

A computer crash can definitely be extremely devastating. Knowing what to do when your computer crashes, though, can reduce the level of panic that you go through and help you take the necessary steps, listed below, that will allow you to get back to work sooner rather than later. Continue reading to learn more.

Try to Identify the Reason Your Computer Froze

Many times, a computer will freeze if there is not enough airflow running through it. If this is the case, all you need to do is install an extra fan or put your computer in an area that receives adequate amounts of ventilation. If your computer freezes and gives you an error message, try to decipher what it means. You may need to copy the error message into your Internet browser and perform a search if you are really at a loss as to what could have gone wrong. These are important steps that are necessary to identify the problem that is causing your computer to freeze and crash. By figuring out the problem, you can prevent further damage to the hardware of your computer and keep it running by making repairs.

Back Up Your Data Right Away

If your computer starts to act strangely, you need to back up your data immediately. Whether you use an external hard drive, a RAID system, or a cloud server, back up the data as soon as possible so that you do not risk losing it the next time your computer fails to function smoothly. Although an initial crash may not result in a fried motherboard and loss of vital information, another one might, so you definitely do not want to take your chances.

Run a Full System Virus Scan

Run a full system scan as soon as your computer reboots. This will allow your anti-virus software to check for any malicious programs that may have been installed on your system unbeknownst to you and are now causing problems. Removing any spyware, malware, or viruses can fix the problem. Just be sure your anti-virus software is up to date before running the scan.

Try a System Restore

Opting for a system restore is another step you can take to bring your computer back to a time when it was running smoothly. Access the system restore option by restarting the computer in safe mode. Choose to restore the system to a date before it started freezing and crashing on you.

Backing up your data is an important step that will help you remain calm whenever your computer suddenly freezes and crashes. Once you know your data is safe, you can identify the problem and fix it.

Featured images:
  • License: Creative Commons image source
  • License: Creative Commons image source
  • License: Creative Commons image source
  • License: Creative Commons image source
  • License: Royalty Free or iStock source: http://pixabay.com/en/error-www-internet-calculator-101408/

Today’s guest author, Jane Jacobs, is an I.T. professional working for Storage Guardian, a company offering backup data protection services.
Her hobbies include painting and surfing. Visit storageguardian.com/ to know more about her work.

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The Key To Great Marketing Of Cosmetics Is About 99% Packaging!

• September 19, 2013 • 0 Comments
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If you are in the business of making and selling cosmetics, then you don’t need us to tell you how essential your packaging is. Trends are always changing, and you have to be right up to the minute on what customers are looking for. With a million and one products on the market, how do you manage to catch your customers’ eyes, and convince them that your product is the one that they need? Careful thought needs to go into your packaging, as people tend to buy with their eyes.

Perfumes and Aftershaves

Some perfumes and aftershaves are an extension of a whole brand, which means that the packaging has got to be consistent with the other products on the market. This restricts you when it comes to logo, colour scheme and design, but you can still stand out from the crowd by making the box a different shape, or give it stand-out features. If your fragrance is a one-off product and you are not tied to using a brand, then you will need to speak to a graphic designer and between you, come up with a striking design before discussing what sort of packaging would best suit it.

Makeup

Possibly the most difficult thing to package is makeup, because there are so many different varieties. Items such as mascara, nail varnish and lipstick all have special needs for their packaging. However, you can still be creative within this remit – think about bold colours and stand-out design. Above all, makeup has to be packaged so that it stays where it should – there’s no point having amazing packaging if the product is just going to explode over somebody’s bag. Make sure the clasps close properly and that any loose parts are properly contained. Quality is everything here – so be prepared to pay for the best.

Skin Care Products

Bottles of cleanser and toner need to look beautiful and also be functional. Moisturiser comes in many formats but usually tubs, bottles or sprays. You need to think carefully about the unique aspects of the product you are selling in order to get the packaging absolutely spot on. Research the different types of bottles there are on the market – you’ll find plenty of choice. It’s always good to go for recyclable materials if you can.

Face Wipes

Face wipes are big business now and they need to come in a packet which ensures they are easy to get out one by one. Functionality is key here – make sure there is a proper lid on top rather than a cellophane sealer – this will just dry the wipes out as soon as they are open.

The cosmetics business is a fickle one, and customers will switch from brand to brand very easily. They are looking for a great product, but they will also be seduced by beautiful packaging that looks great on their dressing table or in their bathroom. If you have a great product, then you owe it a great packet too so that you gain the sales figures you are looking for.

Featured images:

Today’s guest post is written by Larry Jagers; who is a workaholic. He works at SoOPAK, a packaging manufacturing facility. In his free time, he enjoys reading and watching movies. Visit http://www.soopak.com/ for the latest ideas and information on packaging.

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