Do you know where you stand in the credit World. Until now you could get one free credit report per agency, once a year. You also had the option of getting your report and paying to find out your score. We have found a credit information site that will actually give you your credit score for free!
It is worth spending some time at CreditKarma.com Of course, they are going to offer you special deals from their partners, but they are optional. However, they do offer you some great information on how to improve your score and how to manage credit. They also have a valuable Credit Advice section, News, and reviews; and all this information is free.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Who knew...The Power of Facebook
They say "you can't teach an old dog new tricks", but look at me. It's taken a while to get on board the blogosphere and we are still learning, but we are moving forward. I consider social media another tool to help you grow your business by my sharing ideas and concepts. FaceBook has proven to be an amazing tool. It is not just for finding and connecting with old friends and family; a lot of business is getting done. There are over 500 million people now using it; some of them are your future customers.
One local eatery in my community promoted his business on FaceBook for three months before he opened. We all cheered and booed as he did, and didn't get the permits he needed. Delays were lamented, successes cheered. By the time he opened he had a huge following and has been growing ever since. This is a terrific example of using social media to grow a business.
Writing a blog (web journal) is another very powerful tool to use to promote your success. Writing on interesting subjects, related to your field of expertise, lead readers into knowing you. Consumers like to do business with the people they know, and trust. Delivering useful information is a good way to create that trust.
Check out my website http://www.othercreations.com/ if you need help figuring out how social media and blogging can make money for you, and for more helpful hints.
One local eatery in my community promoted his business on FaceBook for three months before he opened. We all cheered and booed as he did, and didn't get the permits he needed. Delays were lamented, successes cheered. By the time he opened he had a huge following and has been growing ever since. This is a terrific example of using social media to grow a business.
Writing a blog (web journal) is another very powerful tool to use to promote your success. Writing on interesting subjects, related to your field of expertise, lead readers into knowing you. Consumers like to do business with the people they know, and trust. Delivering useful information is a good way to create that trust.
Check out my website http://www.othercreations.com/ if you need help figuring out how social media and blogging can make money for you, and for more helpful hints.
Ina
Sunday, September 19, 2010
“Never underestimate the power of passion.” *
Is this how you feel about your job, your business and your life? Are you excited about getting up in the morning and approaching your day? If you aren’t, maybe it is time for you to make a change.
Yes, I do understand that with today’s economic prospects this may seem like an insurmountable challenge; it is necessary for your health and well being. The other choice is to change your attitude about your circumstance. Look hard at your day to find the few things that do give you pleasure. Maybe it is just the idea of finishing the work day so you can go home to play with your children; working lets you afford this luxury. Your job may just be a stepping stone to the next stage of your life; learn as much as you can. It is possible that the only lesson to learn is how not to do something. Just think about the value of that lesson.
Being able to make all the parts of your life work together is the greatest reward. “When work, commitment, and pleasure all become one and you reach that deep well where passion lives, nothing is impossible.”(anon) . When you can make all the pieces of your life’s puzzle come together you are set for the maximum happiness. Don’t be afraid. Take a hard look at your approach to life and alter it to create a permanent smile.
* (Eva Sawyer).
Yes, I do understand that with today’s economic prospects this may seem like an insurmountable challenge; it is necessary for your health and well being. The other choice is to change your attitude about your circumstance. Look hard at your day to find the few things that do give you pleasure. Maybe it is just the idea of finishing the work day so you can go home to play with your children; working lets you afford this luxury. Your job may just be a stepping stone to the next stage of your life; learn as much as you can. It is possible that the only lesson to learn is how not to do something. Just think about the value of that lesson.
Being able to make all the parts of your life work together is the greatest reward. “When work, commitment, and pleasure all become one and you reach that deep well where passion lives, nothing is impossible.”(anon) . When you can make all the pieces of your life’s puzzle come together you are set for the maximum happiness. Don’t be afraid. Take a hard look at your approach to life and alter it to create a permanent smile.
* (Eva Sawyer).
Friday, July 30, 2010
Are You a Turtle?
TURTLE an order of reptiles that have a shell of bony plates usually covered with horny shields enclosing the trunk and into which the head, limbs, and tail usually may be withdrawn. The move at a slow, timid pace and are very rarely aggressive.
Does this describe you? Are you a turtle? Do you tend to be meek and timid? Like the turtle, do you pull up inside yourself any time you are challenged?
There is nothing wrong with being cautious, but always avoiding confrontations can hamper your success, both in business and life. Sticking your neck out, just a little, allows you to determine the facts so you can act accordingly. Hiding from reality, retreating any time your comfort zone is nudged only yields missed opportunities. The world is full of all kinds of adventures, information, and opportunity. If you are always hiding inside your shell you are guaranteed to miss out.
It may take some time and patience, as well as practice, to become more daring. Try a little at a time. At a mixer or party talk to the person alone in the corner; they are just as apprehensive as you are. See, you already have something in common. Remember, you are both at the same event so that is something else you have in common.
When all else fails, just ask yourself, “What is the worst possibly thing that can happen if I take this action? The consequences are probably tolerable so you might as well move ahead. You will probably find that reaching out is not that freaky, and can be very rewarding.
Does this describe you? Are you a turtle? Do you tend to be meek and timid? Like the turtle, do you pull up inside yourself any time you are challenged?
There is nothing wrong with being cautious, but always avoiding confrontations can hamper your success, both in business and life. Sticking your neck out, just a little, allows you to determine the facts so you can act accordingly. Hiding from reality, retreating any time your comfort zone is nudged only yields missed opportunities. The world is full of all kinds of adventures, information, and opportunity. If you are always hiding inside your shell you are guaranteed to miss out.
It may take some time and patience, as well as practice, to become more daring. Try a little at a time. At a mixer or party talk to the person alone in the corner; they are just as apprehensive as you are. See, you already have something in common. Remember, you are both at the same event so that is something else you have in common.
When all else fails, just ask yourself, “What is the worst possibly thing that can happen if I take this action? The consequences are probably tolerable so you might as well move ahead. You will probably find that reaching out is not that freaky, and can be very rewarding.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
THE PAPER GAME
Have you wondered what you should do with all the old bank records and credit card bills that are jamming your files? Are they really as important as you think they are? Here is a brief primer on what to keep and what you can toss.
As far as your bills are concerned; you may want to hold on to the receipts for specific items for a year or until the warranty has expired. For everything else, once you have checked them against your records and confirmed that they are correct, toss them. I find stapling receipts to the owner’s manuals and putting them away is an easy system. In today’s world if you really need back copies you will find that most of your purchase information will always be available on the net or from the vendor. They are legally accountable to maintain the records of your transactions for a number of years
The IRS can only audit you for three years, unless they are involved in a criminal investigation. For a secure margin of safety you should keep your tax records and justifying receipts for 6 or 7 years. The same goes for expense reports and their records.
Home purchase, improvement, and other investment records should be kept for all the time you own them plus seven years after you dispose of them
Everything else that doesn’t fit into one of these categories can be shredded. You will then have enough room to save a bunch of other papers you don’t really need.
As far as your bills are concerned; you may want to hold on to the receipts for specific items for a year or until the warranty has expired. For everything else, once you have checked them against your records and confirmed that they are correct, toss them. I find stapling receipts to the owner’s manuals and putting them away is an easy system. In today’s world if you really need back copies you will find that most of your purchase information will always be available on the net or from the vendor. They are legally accountable to maintain the records of your transactions for a number of years
The IRS can only audit you for three years, unless they are involved in a criminal investigation. For a secure margin of safety you should keep your tax records and justifying receipts for 6 or 7 years. The same goes for expense reports and their records.
Home purchase, improvement, and other investment records should be kept for all the time you own them plus seven years after you dispose of them
Everything else that doesn’t fit into one of these categories can be shredded. You will then have enough room to save a bunch of other papers you don’t really need.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Why Do You Do What You Do?
In our last issue we discussed the value of assessing your Core Values. This can be a very powerful exercise; just the exercise itself will give you amazing insights into your thinking processes.
The next step in building your foundation is to determine your reasons for doing what you do. Your actions are defined by your Mission Statement. Your Statement tells the world about your goals and purpose. It not only tells your employees and teammates where you are coming from, but a well written mission statement also tells your customers, business partners and others who you are, what, why and how your business will conduct itself.
Mission Statements can also be constructed for your personal development. It would define your ethical standards and how people can expect you to act. The absence of surprises makes your associates much more comfortable.
Your Mission Statement, whether for business or personal conduct, should always be in alignment with your Core Values. For example our Mission Statement is; “help people solve problems, seize opportunities, and by acting fell better about themselves.” This tells people what they can expect when working with us; offering anything less is considered failure.
There should be no limits to your imagination when you are developing your Mission Statement. Reach beyond your current capacities. Your Mission Statement also functions like the rabbit to the greyhound in a race. It will cause you to reach to new levels of hopes, dreams, and achievement. You are trying to grow beyond your current reach and your Mission Statement can be a powerful tool to make that happen.
The next step in building your foundation is to determine your reasons for doing what you do. Your actions are defined by your Mission Statement. Your Statement tells the world about your goals and purpose. It not only tells your employees and teammates where you are coming from, but a well written mission statement also tells your customers, business partners and others who you are, what, why and how your business will conduct itself.
Mission Statements can also be constructed for your personal development. It would define your ethical standards and how people can expect you to act. The absence of surprises makes your associates much more comfortable.
Your Mission Statement, whether for business or personal conduct, should always be in alignment with your Core Values. For example our Mission Statement is; “help people solve problems, seize opportunities, and by acting fell better about themselves.” This tells people what they can expect when working with us; offering anything less is considered failure.
There should be no limits to your imagination when you are developing your Mission Statement. Reach beyond your current capacities. Your Mission Statement also functions like the rabbit to the greyhound in a race. It will cause you to reach to new levels of hopes, dreams, and achievement. You are trying to grow beyond your current reach and your Mission Statement can be a powerful tool to make that happen.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
A goal is a dream with a deadline
Do you have a good map for your future? Whether you are assessing your business or personal relationships; truly understanding your core values is the basis for your map. It is critical that your Core values be written and reviewed on a regular basis. Keeping them in your head defeats the purpose of using them as a tool for growth. They are only dreams if they are not written, reassessed on a regular basis, and used as a learning tool.
Your Core Values should not reflect who you want to be or who you think you are. Those are the job of your Vision and Mission Statements. Core Values represent a searchingly honest assessment of who you really are.
Writing our your Core Values is not a test; there are no right or wrong answers. Keep in mind that these answers are not carved in stone. This is a living document. You should do periodic review to be sure you are still on track.
Some of the questions you might ask yourself are:
WHAT DO I KNOW ABOUT MYSELF?
How do I see myself; Will I accept compromise and at what level; Do I like
people?
WHAT ARE MY FEARS?
Do I fear failure, do I fear success, Am I a risk taker?
WHAT IS HOLDING ME BACK?
Am I concerned about what others may think; are my fears blocking me?
WHAT IS MY ATTITUDE?
Am I positive or negative; Do I smile and great strangers openly; Is life an adventure?
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO MOVE FORWARD?
What is really getting in my way and stopping my forward progress?
These are just a few of the questions that you might ask yourself. There are probably plenty more. The more information you have, the better tools you can create and the more successful you will be. Absolute and candid honesty is essential to make your Core Value statement a good working tool. Remember, no one is judging you, they may never see your notes, but you will have a much better sense of who you are and what is most important to you.
Do you have a good map for your future? Whether you are assessing your business or personal relationships; truly understanding your core values is the basis for your map. It is critical that your Core values be written and reviewed on a regular basis. Keeping them in your head defeats the purpose of using them as a tool for growth. They are only dreams if they are not written, reassessed on a regular basis, and used as a learning tool.
Your Core Values should not reflect who you want to be or who you think you are. Those are the job of your Vision and Mission Statements. Core Values represent a searchingly honest assessment of who you really are.
Writing our your Core Values is not a test; there are no right or wrong answers. Keep in mind that these answers are not carved in stone. This is a living document. You should do periodic review to be sure you are still on track.
Some of the questions you might ask yourself are:
WHAT DO I KNOW ABOUT MYSELF?
How do I see myself; Will I accept compromise and at what level; Do I like
people?
WHAT ARE MY FEARS?
Do I fear failure, do I fear success, Am I a risk taker?
WHAT IS HOLDING ME BACK?
Am I concerned about what others may think; are my fears blocking me?
WHAT IS MY ATTITUDE?
Am I positive or negative; Do I smile and great strangers openly; Is life an adventure?
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO MOVE FORWARD?
What is really getting in my way and stopping my forward progress?
These are just a few of the questions that you might ask yourself. There are probably plenty more. The more information you have, the better tools you can create and the more successful you will be. Absolute and candid honesty is essential to make your Core Value statement a good working tool. Remember, no one is judging you, they may never see your notes, but you will have a much better sense of who you are and what is most important to you.
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