How to Change Your Bad Marketing Habits for Good

It's time to be honest! Are you really spending the time you need to each day on growing your business? Or are you getting distracted with time wasters like surfing the Internet, hanging out on Facebook or other busy work that isn't leading to profits?

If your time management and productivity habits are holding you back, it will be impossible to grow your business. That's why it's so important to start building good habits that support your marketing needs and help you reach your goals. I know what it's like to try to overhaul your life (and habits!) in one fell swoop. It doesn't work so well! But what ALWAYS works is taking one step at a time. Here's where you start:

1. Commit to doing things differently - Nothing in your business will change unless you start changing the way you think about your business. Own your past mistakes and don't make excuses about them. Commit to yourself right now that you'll be changing your habits. Focus on all the benefits that you'll achieve once you make those changes - more clients, more income and more freedom. Make the decision to take the first step... TODAY!

2. Get organized - Lack of organization can cost you serious amounts of time, and your time as a business owner is precious. Dedicate yourself to getting more organized so you can hit the ground running. Start with organizing your marketing efforts into a plan. If the thought of planning 6 months or a year seems overwhelming, that's OK. Start with this week! Outline what you want to accomplish and then break down those goals into easy to implement action steps.

3. Face the facts about how you're spending your time - We all receive the gift of 24 hours each day. Of those 24 hours, let's say that 8 hours are dedicated to work and building your business. That's all you've got each day - so how are you going to spend it? Will you focus ONLY on your priority tasks? Will you allow email, phone calls and other distractions suck your time away? When you face the fact that those eight hours are all you have each day, and that spending those eight hours wisely is absolutely key to your success, it becomes much easier to eliminate distractions and stay focused. Of course, uncontrollable events will occur, but you can always make a choice about how you will spend your time budget.

4. Be accountable - Let friends and family know about your schedule and that you're not available for personal calls during your work hours. Block out specific times during the day when you check your email and handle social media. During other times keep your email program CLOSED so you can avoid new messages and alerts that can distract you. Work with a marketing coach who can help you define your projects, break them down into chunks and stay on track with your progress.

Bad marketing habits don't have to hold you back forever! When you own up to your past mistakes, make a commitment to building better habits and set up accountability systems, you will start to see the results that good habits and consistency can bring.

Beware of New Business Identity Theft Schemes

Over the last few years several Secretaries of State, such as Colorado, Massachusetts and Nevada, have issued warnings concerning fraudulent solicitations for annual report filing and meeting minute preparation services. The solicitations are disguised with official looking seals and language to make it appear that the notices come from a state agency. Now the Secretaries of State are starting to issue warnings about a potentially more costly fraud — business identity theft. Examples of these warnings can be found on the websites of the Secretaries of State of Colorado and Ohio.  

Fraudulent Changes to Business Entity Records

While the term "business identity theft" (also referred to as corporate or commercial identity theft) includes a wide variety of crimes involving the misuse of entity names, the Secretaries of State are principally concerned with schemes involving a criminal making unauthorized changes to the state's business entity records of a target company to make it appear that the fraudster is authorized to act on behalf of the company. The fraudster will then use the altered records to make a fraudulent application for credit. The perpetrator may take other steps, such as establishing virtual offices and fake websites to support the fraud. The fraudster will then use the credit to purchase computers, gift cards and other expensive supplies easily convertible into cash.  After taking delivery, the criminal moves on leaving the supplier and target company to resolve who will take the loss.

For example, Colorado has reported that a fraudster changed the address of the principal place of business of a company on file with its office to a virtual office in another city. Mail sent to the virtual office was then forwarded to a second virtual office. In all, Colorado has had over 300 similar instances of business identity theft. North Carolina has reported that unauthorized individuals were reinstating recently dissolved corporations.

The schemes tend to target small and midsize companies with strong credit ratings because they are not as well known by the lenders and do not have the resources to continually monitor their records. As mentioned previously another favorite target is recently dissolved or revoked entities. Colorado reported that 80% of the reported victims were dissolved or delinquent companies.

Steps States Are Taking to Prevent Fraud

Due to the heightened awareness of an increase in business identity theft, Secretaries of State are taking steps to minimize the problem. For example, some states are prohibiting the online filing of reinstatements and are carefully scrutinizing documentation and information presented when an entity is reinstated. Georgia and Colorado send e-mail notifications to a registered contact at a company whenever a change is made to the public record of the company. For further protection of companies, some states are assigning passwords that must be entered before annual reports can be filed. The National Association of Secretaries of State has established a Business Identity Theft Task Force to further develop business identity theft prevention strategies.

How Businesses Can Protect Their Identities and Credit

A business should take many of the same steps that an individual would take to protect his/her identity and credit, including monitoring of invoices and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions. Additional steps include:

Signing up for e-mail notifications and user password on state websites where available

Checking business records regularly, even if the entity has been dissolved

Filing annual reports and tax returns on a timely basis

Reporting any unauthorized changes to business records to the Secretary of State where the fraud occurred     

Unfortunately, the technology that supports the desire for states to streamline the process of business formation and online annual compliance lends itself to an increased risk of business identity theft. As mentioned above, Secretaries of State are taking steps to identify and prevent this type of fraudulent activity. Successfully reducing the vulnerability of businesses to this threat will also require that the businesses most likely to be targeted start taking a more active role in prevention.

Uniform Online Dating

Uniform online dating is quickly becoming one of the most successful forms of online dating. It is a relatively new form of dating, yet it was an almost immediate hit.

Why Uniform Online Dating Is So Popular

There are a few reasons why this new form of dating became so popular so quickly. There is little doubt that firemen, people from the forces and nurses are perceived as particularly sexy. This perception has grown gradually over the course of several decades. It has been fed by popular culture, so is now firmly rooted in the consciousness of many members of the public. Exactly how this happened is difficult to put your finger on, but it starts with the fact that uniforms flatter the shape. People look particularly attractive in a full dress uniform.

Add to this the fact that people who wear uniforms are often people who are there to help society during times of crisis. This fact makes them stand out from the crowd. To be able to deal with stressful and difficult situations requires someone with special qualities. Bravery, intelligence, kindness, a heightened sense of duty are all needed to be successful as a medical professional, as law enforcement officer or as a rescue worker. All of these qualities are highly desirable in a mate. In addition, a lot of these professions require you to be fit, which means you have to be in shape.

There is no doubt that people in uniforms are more attractive when you look at it from this point of view. This is part of the reason that uniform online dating was an instant hit.

Who Can Get Involved in Uniform Online Dating?

Many people think that uniform online dating is only for people who actually wear a uniform for their work. However, in reality even if you do not work in one of these industries you can sign up for these services. You just need to want to date people who wear uniforms. The point of these sites is still to bring together people from all walks of lives and let them date each other.

What You Should Know When Buying a CO2 Laser Coding System

If you are considering an investment in a CO2 laser coding system, there are a number of things to know about these types of machines, including what they do, how they are of benefit relative to your needs, the best types of materials for laser codes, and industries that are well suited for this kind of application.

Here's a high level, at-a-glance look at CO2 laser coder intel:

What are the applications for a CO2 laser coder?

Paper Boxes

PVC/PET Packaging

Glass

Paint Coating

Wood Flooring

Are there applications where this equipment doesn't work?

PE Composite

Uncoated Aluminum Film

Some Metals

What are the advantages of a CO2 laser coder?

Code produced is permanent and un-removable

Clear, clean print

Environmentally-friendly and pollution-free

Low maintenance

Easy operability

Security, such as reduction of counterfeiting

Bright and attractive packaging promotion

Cost-effective – No normal consumables

What are the industries where a CO2 laser coder can help manufacturers?

Pharmacy

Beer/Beverage

Food

Automobile Parts

Cosmetics

Electronics

Building Materials (Plastic – Steel Products)

Tobacco 

What features do I need? These are based on what you plan to print and manufacture and needs related thereto: 

What print style are you looking for: line or dot?

What size character font do you need?

What size printing area do you need?

What type of printing distance do you require?

What are your expectations on the equipment's print speed?

What type of image will you be producing: text, data, bar code or graphical/icon?

What type of material do you need to print on: labels, cardboard, PET, glass, coated films or wood?

What type of environment will the printer be subjected to: extreme temperature; high or low humidity?

What type of power supply requirements are there?

What type of input style do you prefer: computer or input directly from a system controller?

What type of accessories will you need: encoder, other line speed synchronization devices, fume extractor, etc.?

This information should streamline your first round decision making as to whether a CO2 laser coder is right for your application, and what you need to ascertain when comparing systems in search of one that meets your distinct needs. With this basic knowledge as a starting point, you'll be ready to take your coder procurement to the next level.

Which Accufast Inkjet Printer is Right for You?

As a versatile inkjet printer manufacturer, Accufast has a wide range of high-quality machines to choose from. This variety, however, can make selecting the right one for your application a touch more complex. 

With this in mind, we have compiled a list some of the top Accufast inkjet printer systems and their applications and options here, highlighting the best applications and features of each, to help ease and expedite your decision-making process.

ACCUFAST pmX

This Accufast inkjet printer is considered to be an advanced technology, multi-head Ink Jet printing system.

It is meant for carton and card ink jet printing, including folding boxes, single labels, bags and blister cards.

One of its best features is excellent print images, which works well for variable information, such as bar codes, sequential numbers, and data that includes text and numbers.

The off-line pmX printing system with fully integrated material feed and transport helps to increase manufacturing capacity without having to add more equipment to a packaging line or compromise the print quality.

The system will feed and transport items as large as 14″ x 17″, with a thickness from a single sheet up to ½ inch, and at speeds up to 100″ per second.

The pmX allows the use of spot color, rotated graphics, and dynamic bitmap images.

It has a built-in number generator, which works well for serializing or coding.

Overall, it is a compact, flexible, high-quality and high-speed ink jet printing system.

ACCUFAST P4 Printer 

This Accufast inkjet printer (P4 System) provides similar benefits to the pmX, but this one is supplied with one split imager, each half of which can hold two print cartridges (each with a 1/2" print height) for a total of 2" print width in a compact desk top model fully integrated feed, transport and print system.

This system also features a Tag & Card Feeder for small items and an optional Heavy Duty Feeder for larger items. It also can include a sliding stand to easily change from one feeder to another.

ACCUFAST CKx Component Kit 

The ACCUFAST CKx Component Kit uses exclusive X-Pansion technology, which means that print capacity can go mobile. It offers a support bar for easy mounting and durability in the field that allows printing in even the toughest environments.

This is handy if you have older base equipment that you can then still use by upgrading it with this component kit to make it useful for new applications.

The kit can be configured and mounted for a wide range of applications, so this is for you if you are seeking flexibility or extended life from those older machinery investments.

Role of Channel Management Software in Channel Partner Management

Channel partners have emerged as the business demand for suppliers. They help companies grow their business and so arrive at several geographical areas. Yet good for their business several vendors don't really appreciate the idea of having many channel partners as it makes it difficult for them to keep a track of them. As big distributors have 100s or even thousands of channel partners supporting them in their business, communicating with channel partners, keeping them well informed, having a track of their sales record and even giving them loyalty and even performance returns, is really a job in itself if done manually. However , due to expansion of technology, you'll find software like Partner Relationship Management (PRM) which will make channel management lot easy for the suppliers. Furthermore, distributors will even select to hire out some of the tricky tasks of partner training and even certification to channel management organizations.

Discussed below are some of the chores of channel partner management which can be made simple implementing software or else through help of channel management organizations.

Partner Certification

If required, sellers can choose to outsource the task of partner certification and so control of certification programs to firms. This type of organizations keep a an eye on channels partner's participation in training programs plus sales performance and even assist distributors find the perfect candidate for gains. By means of outsourcing work, businesses can save time. Plus, rewarding partners when required help to keep partners motivated and even loyal.

Partner Communications

Vendors can keep direct contact with of their channel partners all together by means of partner portals. A web based application, partner portals are the most well liked way of partner communications. It helps manufacturers to keep connected with their channel partners. Distributors can add sensitive data like price change or a change in business strategy, which could only be visible to channel partners. As partner portals ease the most hard activity of partner communications, it can make channel partner management lot easy. Moreover, efficient communication helps vendors to maintain friendly relations with their channel partners that help strengthen the business.

Partner Training

Channel partner training is an important still one of the most complicated work for any vendor. Collecting and even encouraging channel partners to learn regarding their business practices and even which makes them put into action those learning is a hard task especially when dealing with lots of channel partners. Realizing the problem of vendors, some firms have the responsibility of partner training on themselves. Suppliers can outsource the task of partner training to professional agencies for example RelayWare which have resources and even technology to take up this difficult work. Such organizations assess the knowledge baselines plus training needs of channel partners and even help to build an helpful training curriculum using audio and even video technology specific to the requirements of the channel partners. The information is then published in the partner portals so which it will become accessible to channel partners. The companies help conduct online tests and even training events to ensure transfer of knowledge to channel partners.

What Makes Them Different?

The market is flooded with various models of ink jet printers across a wide range of technologies, brand names and ink types, which can make it challenging to discern what printer is the best for which application and environment. Many in the industrial and commercial marketplace are loyal to Sauven Printers, and with good reason.

There are a number of distinguishing features that make them the clear cut ink jet printer of choice within their niche target markets:

Long-standing, respected reputation: Sauven Marking has a venerable reputation that spans more than 60 years and is known around the world for its creativity, reliability, quality and service.

Low-maintenance design: Many ink jet printers on the market are so complex in their design that maintenance becomes just as complicated, often requiring multiple technicians and servicemen to operate and maintain. Instead, Sauven Marking takes a different approach by designing their ink jet printers to be simple, yet sophisticated in its capabilities. These printers utilize fewer components to minimize maintenance and parts replacement costs. For example, these ink jet printers have one circuit board, which means no inter-wiring due to multiple circuit boards. The result is that there is less opportunity for failure, less time needed to troubleshoot or undertake maintenance, and this equates to less downtime on production lines. 

Cost-effectiveness: Not only do fewer moving parts save money and minimize downtime- but, premium materials and components also help users maintain their bottom line. The company's overall philosophy is based on "smart printing," which means that quality is at the heart of every piece of equipment to ensure the best output, the highest rate of dependability, and the lowest cost of operation. 

Ongoing innovation: Sauven Marking is not satisfied with simply turning out the same inkjet printer's year in and year out. Instead, they are constantly fine-turning and enhancing their existing models while using their dedicated research and development facilities to lead the industry with the introduction of new ink jet models and equipment that keeps them on the leading edge in the marketplace. , The launch of the Codajet 6000 in 1999 raised the bar by creating "ultra-high" resolution printing with new piezo jet technology, which is now an industry standard. More recently systems employing multiple print heads have been launched and, this year, print systems that use UV curable inks for adhesion to a wide range of materials.

Solid Tyres and Anti Vibration Mounts Add to Stability

Stability is a serious concern for everyone. If you need to ride over rough terrain on two wheelers or over a long distance, then you should avoid solid tyres . This is because solid tyres give a firm ride and cannot absorb shocks the way the pneumatic tyres do. However, you don't have to fear that your vehicle is going to shake like a belly dancer if you do use solid tyres . In fact, solid tyres are very good for usage in wheelchairs meant for the less than ambulatory family elders to enable them to move around indoors. Such wheelchairs don't tip over easily.

Add to that you don't have to fear being stranded far from home or office due to a puncture. This is because solid tyres are made from a solid rubber compound and are puncture proof. Some people are even experimenting with using solid tyres instead of caster wheels under office chairs. This is since more people are facing issues like vertigo originating from cervical spondilytis caused by long periods of hunching in front of a computer. So they definitely need a chair which is both easily moveable without worrying about stability.

Most anti vibration mounts have anti slip properties too. Since they are used primarily to prevent vibration caused by moving parts, using anti vibration mounts of the wrong size, shape or durometer (hardness) can actually increase the amount of vibration in a system, or create other issues that lead to system fatigue and failure in a short time. This is especially true where the machine used for a manufacturing process is built to tight tolerances. The durability of the anti vibration mounts depends on the kind of material used in its construction.

When anti vibration mounts are being used for in a chemical plant or refinery, then they are exposed to environmental threats as well as corrosive material. Rubber would disintegrate when in contact with oil over a period of time. The operating temperature of plant and machinery which require the anti vibration mounts would impact their durability and specifications.

The anti-vibration mounts and Solid Tyres are only some of the things that can enhance the general efficiency of any vehicle. You can also benefit by installing other parts or gadgets, which will help to solve some of the other problems common with the heavy vehicles. So, most of your problems will be solved.

Quick Guide for those About to Incorporate their Business

You will have to consider many things prior to making a final decision for your business. While it can be risky, you can just think about a thing and make use of it the next day. Altering your business framework, as an illustration, could possibly affect your long-term plans. If you are planning to incorporate online, you ought to get a guidance from a professional. This article provides info which can help you.

What is Incorporation?

Incorporation is actually a business organization defining the lines between personal and business investments. To incorporate your enterprise implies producing a separate business entity that offers you more flexibility. In other words, what you obtain as a personal investment decision are going to be yours while everything you obtain for your enterprise remains to be for the company.

Why incorporate?

Doing so helps prevent crossing borders notably on financial matters. When you run out of funds and you simply ought to declare bankruptcy, your creditors could not involve your organization resources when you have incorporated them. It's the same with your business. As a result of incorporation, when your enterprise goes bankrupt, business creditors are not able to go after your house, car, as well as other properties you obtained as an individual. Hence, you are able to ensure financial safety with all your properties.

Moreover, this setting allows you to enjoy tax savings and obtain lower tax cutbacks. In addition, this would permit you to make a strong connection to your customers.

How does it differ from an LLC?

For you to understand their big difference, you must check out their features for possession, timeframe, and taxation.

In a Limited Liability Company (LLC), owners are regarded as members. They can be individuals or organizations. On the other hand, incorporation owners are usually referred to as shareholders. When a member dies or files for bankruptcy, the company a "dies" with the situation. This will depend if there were legal and advance agreements before it took place. Each time a shareholder dies or leaves, on the other hand, the firm could carry on operations. For the reason that the setup in a company allows shareholder transferability. They have full discretion and they also don't have to check with others to concur concerning transferring shares.

In terms of taxation, LLCs are taxed just once while corporations undergo the so-called double taxation.This simply means the company should pay taxes and the individual shareholders also are taxed for his or her earnings.

How to incorporate

Incorporating is not a simple task because you should file the appropriate papers to the government. While it is possible to do it by yourself, you must understand this will require a lot of time, effort, and patience. To incorporate online is an efficient option. Companies offer affordable and faster services to do the job for you. They often have packages that are more affordable than the amount lawyers usually charge from clients. It would be wise to seek professional advice whether you have a background on the process or not.

How to Become a Successful AVON Representative

In times like now in 2012 when there is a global financial crisis, finding a full time or part time job is mandatory so as to meet all your needs, pay your rent or mortgage and support yourself and your family. Becoming an Avon Representative is a fantastic way to earn a little extra cash. However, some people do take it as a full time job and earn a very good living from selling Avon products. Whether you decide take it as a major or part time job, it is upon you to make it successful.

The Avon recruitment and training center assists people who want to become representatives by arming them with sales skills. You can also find a successful Avon sales leader and join their network. They'll take you' under their wings' and help, advise and guide you. If you are thinking that you are too old for this job, you got to check again. What makes this job utterly unique is its flexibility to accommodate any person irrespective of their age. Moreover, this job has no fixed schedule meaning that you can do it whenever and wherever.

Like with any other business, the bigger your customers base, the higher your sales will be and the bigger your profits. Think about this... you have just been recruited, and perhaps this is your full time job... how do you outshine all the other Avon representatives by making more sales? First and foremost, you have to advertise yourself. Inform as many people as you can about your job and the products you have. You can post some flyers and coupons around your town. Another thing you should not overlook is the significance of a business card. You can distribute your business cards to anyone you meet, and it will be relatively easy for them to reach you upon any need. Moreover, you should treat your customers with utter respect and be able to convince them to purchase your Avon products.

Being an Avon representative is a job like any other. You have to work exceptionally hard if you want to stand out and make it successful.