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Submitting articles to article directories is a great way to increase traffic to your website, promote your product and establish yourself as an expert in your field. Its also an easy and effect way to gain backlinks to your website, especially if you have an established site with original content.
First, a little about article directories. Basically, article directories allow writers to make available their articles to website, ezine and newsletter publishers. When a publisher uses your article you’ll begin to increase your web presence. If a publisher of a newsletter with 2000 subscribers publishes your article, 2000 people will read about your website or product. At the end of each of your articles you can tell the readers a little bit about yourself, inform them of your website and create links in a resource box. Article writing is simple. Your articles don’t need to be long but they should offer the reader some useful information. Also, submitting original articles will eventually give you credibility and expert status.
Write about what you know and share your knowledge of a product or topic. For inspiration simply turn to your website. You’ve probably spent hours creating the content for your site. Why not make this information available for others to use if it will drive traffic to your site? My website, for example, is a garden resource site covering a wide range of garden topics. Most of the content on my site is written by me. What I’ve done is taken my content and converted it into multiple articles which I’ve submitted to various article directories. I usually rework the content slightly, longer entries, for instance, are split into two articles. Sometimes the article is a summary of a topic, if the reader visits my site they’ll be more apt to stick around for a while to read the full version.
Creating a website takes time and energy, going back and reusing what you’ve already written and reworking it is a fast and effective way to create and publish articles. The information is there, utilize it. Making your website content available to other web publishers allows you to increase your web presence; an important factor in increasing traffic to your site.
There are a number of directories to which you can submit your writing. Some of the larger directories get thousands of hits per day. If your trying to reach a very specific audience, smaller, niche directories which specialize in specific fields may be ideal. One such directory, www.GardenListings.com/articles offers articles on gardening, the arts, nature, travel and a few other related fields.
The most important thing to remember when writing and submitting articles is to be sure to offer your readers and potential customers original, useful information. If you do this readers of your articles will be more apt to click on your link and visit your website.
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T Hallinan is the founder and owner of the garden resource website http://www.gardenlistings.com Visit the article directory at GardenListings at http://www.gardenlistings.com/articles |
APEX Award for Tutorials, Help Fines & FAQ’s Given to Marge
Roberts for ERP Software Leader Encompix
Marge Roberts, Documentation Specialist, has been awarded the
APEX 2005 Award of Excellence in the “Tutorials, Help Files &
FAQs” category for her work on the Online Help for Encompix
Version 9.2B. The APEX Awards for Publication Excellence is an
annual competition for writers, editors, publications staff and
business and nonprofit communicators. It is sponsored by
Communications Concepts, Inc., publishers of business
communication reports, including Writing That Works, a
subscription monthly for professional communicators. In the
Seventeenth Annual APEX Awards, awards were given in 109
communications categories.
According to ETO Institute (www.etoinstitute.org) spokesperson,
Thomas R. Cutler, “Encompix continues to take the leadership
role in technology solutions for the Engineer-to-Order
manufacturing sector.” Encompix (www.encompix.com) has filled
the manufacturing software requirements of Engineer-to-Order
companies since 1992. The company name reflects the commitment
to developing business application solutions that encompass the
complex areas of project-based and job-based manufacturing.
Encompix provides ETO manufacturers with a competitive advantage
by improving bottom line results.
Encompix www.encompix.com Roger Meloy 513-733-0066
# # #
Top 10 ways to find SYNERGY in your life
1. PLUG IN. Identify what gives you ENERGY in your life. Make a
list of at least 5 things that give you energy. What do you love
to do? What do you find yourself naturally attracted to? Know
what these are, because they are your “fuel” and keep you
charged.
2. CLEAN HOUSE. What is the clutter that is slowing you down?
What are you tolerating? What are the “cob webs & dust” that
cloud your understanding of a clear life?
3. BE AUTHENTIC. Get in-line with your HEART & SOUL; the part
that “authentically” represents you. Who you are. What you stand
for. Your purpose for being on earth. The gift you have to
share. List these key passions (characteristics, traits, natural
God-given gifts/talents that you want to share with the world.)
4. LIVE YOUR VALUES. What is important to you about life? What
is important to you about living? These are the things that if
you honor them in your life, everything is good. If you are not,
we get out of rhythm, anxious, frustrated, upset, etc. What are
you true values?
5. SEE THE VISION. Establish your personal VISION. Where do you
hope to be in 5 years. What do you hope is read in your
obituary? You have one life to live. What are you going to do
with it?
6. PLAN A DIRECTION. How are you going to get there? What stages
and steps will get you there or look back from the future and
assess how you got there.
7. AIM PRECISLY. Determine & define your FOCUS. Make it
measurable. Identify what is distracting you. How can you
overcome the obstacles? Visualize your target.
8. CULTIVATE CHANGE. Evaluate your current position. What is not
working? What would serve you better if it were different? What
shifts need to be made?
9. MAKE IT HAPPEN. Do something. Commit to the plan and take
action. Tell others about it. Find a way to be held accountable.
Every day take a step toward the goal.
10. AFFIRM DAILY. Make habits that reinforce the ideas and
habits you want to cultivate in your life. Tape the statement to
your mirror, on the dash of your car, etc. Whatever you need to
be most reminded of and encouraged to focus on, write it and
post it. Make a routine reading these, so they become part of
your subconscious memory.
According to the Federal Reserve, Americans carry around $5,800 in credit card debt from month to month. Making the minimum monthly payment on that debt would take 30 years to pay off, and include an additional $15,000 in interest. According to the Administrative Office of the Courts, 2,078,415 bankruptcies were filed in 2005–the largest number of bankruptcy petitions in the history of the federal courts. With the new tougher bankruptcy laws, people are looking for alternative ways of managing their debts.
Debt consolidation loans are a popular way for people to free up money each month by consolidating several monthly credit card payments into a single lower interest loan. But, the question is whether it’s best to consolidate those debts into a home equity loan or an unsecured debt consolidation loan.
Debt Consolidation Home Equity Loans
A home equity loan is a one-time lump sum of money you receive in the form of a second mortgage that is secured by the equity in your home. Equity is the difference between how much the home is worth and how much altogether you own on it.
A second mortgage loan is usually a fixed interest loan with rates that runs slightly higher than those of a first mortgage loan, unless it’s a 125% Loan To Value (LTV) loan that allows homeowners to borrow beyond the value of their homes. Those rates usually run much higher that other second mortgages and origination fees can be as much as 10% of the loan balance.
Home equity loans usually are repaid in a shorter time than first mortgages, with repayment periods typically being between 5 and 20 years. Like a first mortgage, you have to pay off the balance of a home equity loan when you sell your home, so it’s best to find out if there are any prepayment penalties or balloon payments on your loan in case you decide to pay the loan early or sell your house before the loan matures.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Home Equity Loans
The main benefit of a debt consolidation home equity loan is that most states allow you to deduct up to 100% of the interest you pay on your taxes. Other benefits include the fact that home equity loans typically have a lower interest rate than unsecured loans, and borrowers can get relatively large amounts of money.
While home equity loans have attractive benefits, there are also major drawbacks. One is that if you fail to meet the payment schedule required by the loan, the lender can foreclose on your home and you will lose it even if you go into bankruptcy. Secured loans are not dischargeable by Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Another major drawback is that exploitative lenders target homeowners, especially those with low incomes or poor credit. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), there are many predatory scams, including:
Equity Stripping: The loan is based on the equity in your home, not on your ability to repay it.
Credit Insurance Packing: The lender adds credit insurance to your loan, which you may not need.
Bait and Switch: The lender offers one set of loan terms when you apply, then pressures you into higher charges when you sign to complete the transaction.
Deceptive Loan Servicing: The lender doesn’t provide you with accurate or complete account statements and payoff figures. That makes it nearly impossible for you to determine how much you’ve paid and how much you owe.
If you are not sure whether a home equity loan is right for your needs, you may want to consider an unsecured personal debt consolidation loan.
Personal Unsecured Debt Consolidation Loan
If your credit is relatively good, and you are employed, you may be able to obtain an unsecured personal loan to pay off some or all of your high-interest credit card debts. With a personal unsecured debt consolidation loan, there is no collateral against the loan. This means that the lender is relying only on your promise to repay the loan according to the loan’s terms and conditions. While the loan amounts are not as much as those of debt consolidation home equity loans, they can amount up to $10,000. Loans up to $1,000 may not even require a credit check.
When shopping for a personal unsecured debt consolidation loan, it is important to shop around for the best rates and loan terms. Unsecured debt consolidation loans have lower interest rates than credit cards, but they generally have higher interest rates than secured personal loans like home equity loans. Some loans allow you to take anywhere from one to five years to repay, which can ease financial stress.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Personal Unsecured Debt Consolidation Loans
The main benefit of getting an unsecured debt consolidation loan is that if you are forced into bankruptcy, the unsecured debt may be discharged in the bankruptcy proceedings.
The main drawback is that you must have good to excellent credit to get an unsecured debt consolidation loan, and the loan amounts are typically less than a home equity loan. The interest rates on unsecured debt consolidation loans are typically much higher than that of a home equity loan, and it is not unusual for a debt consolidator to obtain a commission of 10% or more on your new loan.
In Conclusion
The answer to the question of whether you should get a debt consolidation home equity loan or unsecured personal loan all depends on your financial circumstances. If you have relatively good credit, are employed and only a few debts you need to consolidate, you may benefit from getting an unsecured personal loan. However, if your credit is not so good or you have a lot of debts, a home equity loan may your best answer.
Maria Ny is an experienced free-lance writer from San Diego, California. She writes articles covering a broad range of subjects ranging from Bankruptcy Reform, Credit Repair to mortgage refinancing. Check out her informative articles at http://www.bdnationwidemortgage.com/
To learn more about home equity loans and debt consolidation online please visit the loan resource center at http://www.bdnationwidemortgage.com/home-equity-loan.html
Roulette is one of the most popular casino games today. According to most historians, roulette was developed in the 17th century by a French mathematician. The game has a traditional charm and elegance; we are accustomed to seeing high-rolling gamblers dressed in tuxedos spinning the night away. The roulette wheel is an interesting device and knowing the components is certainly the first step in learning the game.
The actual wheel is the part of the device that is moveable and spins. The table is additionally divided into sections: black and red with alternatively numbered spaces from 1 to 36. The compartments also have one zero and in the American version of the game, a double-zero space. Also included in the Roulette wheel is the small plastic ball that bobbles around as the wheel is spun.
As you begin betting on the roulette wheel, you will be given the option to either place an inside or an outside bet. An inside bet is a wager on a number or numbers ranging from 1 to 36 or zero or double-zero. An outside bet is a wager on segments of one third of the possible numbers to come up, excluding 0 and 00. Because the odds ratio is much higher with an outside bet, the payouts are also higher.
Typically, winning an outside bet or wager results in a payout of 2-to-1. For example, if you were to bet one dollar on an outside bet and win, you would win two dollars from the spin of the Roulette wheel.
Roulette Info provides detailed information about online, free, and casino roulette gambling and strategy, as well as roulette wheels, tables, and more. Roulette Info is the sister site of Slot Machines Web.
There is no doubt about it, excess weight comes with some heavy costs. Morbidly obese people- those who are more than 100 pounds over their ideal body weight- face not only some high social costs but some extreme health costs due to their body weight. For many of these people, traditional methods of weight loss such as diet and exercise simply are not within the realm of possibility- the slightest activities are too hard to handle, and the body has reached a point where an addiction to high fat foods is equal to that experienced by those addicted to heroine, with the resultant complications of withdrawal but without the convenience of less ease in accessibility. More people are beginning to turn to weight loss procedures such as gastric bypasses and gastric lap bands in order to lose some of the much needed weight quickly.
In the case of surgery, there are several benefits. The loss of the weight will immediately allow a patient to regain the energy needed for exercise that will be needed to maintain a healthy body. These surgeries also are known to reduce a patient’s dependency on the foods to which they were formerly addicted, and also curb appetites. Some people may make the mistake of believing that weight loss surgery is a quick and easy way to lose weight. This is, however, not the case.
Like any other surgery, surgeries for weight loss carry with them inherent risks for lasting complications and even death. There can be many complications after any surgery as well, and it is best to find these out before undergoing the surgery itself. Finally, there is the rumor that surgery is the ticket to a hassle free weight loss.
The reality is, weight loss surgery does not mean that the need to diet and exercise is eliminated. For most surgeries in fact, an even more extreme diet will often be required after the fact, and the same is true of beginning an exercise regime. Bodies that are fit are able to recuperate faster, and they are also able to process the food that is received more efficiently and effectively.
Remember, weight loss surgery does not mean an easy way out, avoiding the pain of exercise and the annoyance of dieting. Most surgeons will recommend that you start an exercise regime as soon as possible after the operation in order to assist the healing process and keep you from gaining the weight back. Weight loss surgery is best thought of as the chance to start over. Once the weight has been removed, the surge of energy and an enhanced natural capacity for exercise will allow you to begin the exercise routine that will be vital in maintaining a healthy weight for the rest of your life.
Robert Moongrave maintains a website dedicated to helping people make decisions regarding weight loss surgeries.
There are many misconceptions about pretexting, beginning with what it is and why it is harmful practice to the average person.
Pretexting is pretending to be someone you are not in order to retrieve privatized information from an individual or entity. Pretexting does not have to have harmful intent, but it can result in serious situations, such as a scam, identity theft, break-in burglary, or kidnapping.
Typically, pretexting is practiced by scammers or con artists. Pretexting scammers can pose as telemarketers, survey volunteers, or employees of various businesses or institutions such as credit agencies, debt collectors, or even public schools. Pretexting is particularly dangerous over the phone, where scammers can call up individual residences and employ manipulation strategies or “exciting offers” to phish for privatized information such as credit card numbers, pin numbers, social security numbers, or schedules. The phone is dangerous because callers can request private information without references or credentials and sound perfectly legitimate in the questions they ask. If the situation becomes suspicious, the pretexting scammer can simply hang up.
Serious pretexting scammers do not target residences directly to start. First they use pretexting strategies to retrieve low security personal information on their intended target from accredited institutions such as banks, schools, credit agencies and the like, and then use this information to “verify” their identity when they attempt to scam the actual target. This technique is particularly easy to employ if the pretexting scammer targets a junior executive or trusting individual in an establishment who wants to be helpful to a caller and doesn’t realize the danger of handing out even low security information.
There are a number of things that an individual can do to protect themselves from pretexting. It is only good sense to be suspicious of anyone who asks for personal information of any kind for any reason. The first line of defense against pretexting scammers is not to give personal information out over the phone unless you are the one initiating the contact or know who the person who is calling you. Next, be sure to pay attention to your information, your credit accounts, your bank information, and other private information. Do some research on pretexting and keep up-to-date with the latest information on who is pretexting for what and how to protect yourself from potential predators.
A day in the life of a business person can be filled with joy and satisfaction or it can be frustrating and stressful. When things go wrong, some people lose control. Holding emotions in check and reacting professionally under fire are not always easy. It is particularly difficult to be nice to people who are not being nice to you.
So what do you do to keep your cool when the customer is chewing you out? Most of the time, it is not even your fault. It could be that the problem was with a product or a service delivered by someone else in your organization. You’re getting the blame because the unhappy person found you first, and it’s not pleasant. When faced with angry people, there are four key steps that will help diffuse the situation.
Step one is to apologize. “But,” you say, “it’s not my fault.” It doesn’t matter who’s to blame; apologize anyway. As a representative of your company you have a responsibility to see that things go well. Your willingness to be accountable will have a positive effect. After all, it takes two to have an argument. If one of you refuses to be disagreeable you can’t have a disagreement. You are not accepting blame-you are simply saying, “I’m sorry about the problem.” You are wasting your breath unless you apologize with complete sincerity so be sure that your tone of voice matches your words.
Step two is to sympathize with the irate customer. Let the person know that you can identify with his feelings. Say that you understand the frustration of receiving a faulty product or poor service. The angry person begins to feel better as soon as his reaction is validated.
Step three is to accept responsibility for the situation. Be accountable to the customer. Let him know that you intend to do whatever it takes to make things right. You can’t help what has already happened, but you will come up with a solution to the problem or you will find someone who can.
The last step is to take action. Decide what you can do and tell the customer. You will replace the defective or incorrect product as quickly as possible. If the issue was poor service deliver better service. Whenever you can offer a bonus of some sort or waive fees, the tiger before you is transformed into a pussycat.
Use the acronym “ASAP” to remember these four steps for calming upset customers. Each letter stands for part of the process.
A is “apologize.”
S represents “sympathize.”
A stands for “accept responsibility.”
P means “prepare to take action.”
Nothing will be solved by becoming argumentative and reactionary. Instead, diffuse the client’s anger by being apologetic and sympathetic and focus on positive steps that will resolve the situation. Before you know it, your adversaries will become your allies.
Oh yes, remember to smile. It will make everyone feel better and behave better.
(c) 2005, Lydia Ramsey. All rights in all media reserved. Please reprint article with by-line intact and all links made live.
Lydia Ramsey is a business etiquette expert, professional speaker, corporate trainer and author of MANNERS THAT SELL - ADDING THE POLISH THAT BUILDS PROFITS. She has been quoted or featured in The New York Times, Investors’ Business Daily, Entrepreneur, Inc., Real Simple and Woman’s Day. For more information about her programs, products and services, e-mail her at lydia@mannersthatsell.com or visit her web site www.mannersthatsell.com
(ignore these and you can start passing out pillows and blankets)
* Don’t signal your punch line. If the humor in your punch line depends upon the words ruptured camel, don’t say the following: Did you hear the one about the ruptured camel?
* Don’t EVER repeat a punch line! Once the surprise is revealed, the joke is history. I’ll repeat this, but I don’t want to hear you repeating any punch lines. Let me repeat. Don’t EVER repeat a punch line. Don’t EVER repeat a punch line. NEVER repeat a punch line. You’ll be shot by the humor firing squad if you repeat a punch line. OK. I’ll let you repeat one, but only under certain circumstances. Here’s the exception. If you had a joke or punch line that bombed miserably, you can call it back later to make fun of yourself.
* You must absolutely, positively memorize your punch line. You should be able to awaken out of a deep sleep in an earthquake and, without hesitation, deliver your punch line accurately. Give all the facts necessary for the joke to make sense. The humor is lost if you leave out the necessary details.
* NEVER, EVER explain your joke. If they don’t understand, it’s your fault for telling the wrong joke to the wrong audience. The hypnotist says, ‘You’re getting sleeeepy.’
* Use the fewest words possible to get to the punch line. Brevity is truly the soul of wit (never use a worn out cliché either). The longer the joke, the funnier it must be.
* Don’t walk around too much when telling a joke or story. I walk, but I stop when important points are being made and when I’m delivering a punch line.
* If you use notes, highlight or mark upcoming jokes or stories so they don’t sneak up on you. They will need special emphasis.
* Practice! Practice! Practice! I tell a joke or story 30 to 50 times in practice before I use it in a presentation.
Copyright © 1998 - 2005 Advanced Public Speaking Institute
Tom Antion provides entertaining speeches and educational seminars. He is the ultimate entrepreneur, having owned many businesses BEFORE graduating college. Tom is the author of the best selling presentation skills book “Wake ‘em Up Business Presentations” and “Click: The Ultimate Guide to Electronic Marketing.” It is important to Tom that his knowledge be not only absorbed, but enjoyed. This is why he delivers his speeches laced with great humor and hysterical jokes. Tom has addressed more than 87 different industries and is thoroughly committed to his clients’ needs. http://www.antion.com
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Night Visits From Your Child
In the middle of the night you hear, trip, trip, trip and your bedroom door opens. It’s not hard to imagine who it is and when you feel your little one climbing into your bed, you are sure.
Rest assured, this behavior is both common and healthy. Your toddler or preschooler is searching for comfort and security and you are the one in his or her mind that provides for it. Plus, nature has a built in mechanism that, almost automatically, causes you to provide for that need.
When you and or your toddler are really losing a lot of sleep because of these night visits, it’s a different story. Using one of five proven methods to encourage your toddler to stay in his bed throughout the night. Find the one that works best for you by experimentation.
However, before I explain these methods, it’s important to remember this: Don’t send mixed messages to your toddler. Learn from the following example about a woman who very gently and responsibly taught her child to stay in his own bed all night.
Although she wanted her little one to sleep in his own bed, she also enjoyed the closeness with her child. What happened? She couldn’t sleep and in the middle of the second night she got in the little ones bed! So, back to square one. Before you decide on a plan of action, get in touch with your own feelings about the matter. If there is one thing that children are very good at picking up, it is your uncertainty.
Have you ever told your child, No when he or she wanted a cookie? If you really meant no way, chances are that your child realized that No was the end of it, but if you thought, Oh well, one cookie.., then all was lost. Your child easily picked up your emotions through your hesitation. Children are experts in picking up your emotions! Therefore it is very important not to sent mixed messages. Know what you want and stick to it. If I got a dime for every time one of my childs started to “negotiate with me” (and often won), I would now have a nice sum in the bank.
Also consider:
Lets say you and your partner agree that it’s okay that baby stays in his own bed. So, how do you proceed?
These methods are by no means the Holy Grail. Try those that suit you best and you will definitely notice a huge improvement.
Always remember to be patient. In teaching little children, things often take longer than they do with adults. Whatever you do, be firm but loving. Don’t leave your child out in the cold. Let your child know that his or her well-being is your main concern.
Linda is mother of two, she is an inspired author of the
http://www.baby-strollers-guide.com and the
http://www.baby-product-guides.com