Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Business - The Secret to an Unstoppable Business: There?s Nothing to Fear

The Secret to an Unstoppable Business: There?s Nothing to Fear by ?Dr. Proactive? Randy Gilbert


The Secret to an Unstoppable Business: There?s Nothing to Fear

?Dr. Proactive? Randy Gilbert

Fear can halt businesses like no other emotion. People of every nation in the world know this same powerful feeling. When fear is in the workplace, nothing else saps the efficiency, morale, and momentum from your organization like it.

What is the key to running an unstoppable business? "The source of innovation is a place of fearlessness where we are not trying to force things to happen," says Gayle Gregory, motivational coach, leadership consultant, and co-author of the book "The Grand Experiment: An Expedition of Self-Discovery." Gregory feels that the key to an unstoppable business is identifying and eliminating the fears present in the minds of its employees.

There are seven fears fundamental to the human psyche that Gregory has identified. These fears show up everywhere from personal choices to business activities. Although a person might not be aware of a fear are on a conscious level, it still has a marked effect upon the worker?s ability to innovate, communicate, and be efficient. Everyone in the workplace, from executives and managers to entry-level interns, can find some aspect of each of the seven fears within themselves. "The seven fears are universal," Gregory observes.

Gregory believes that the world is not a scary place, but rather, an individual?s own perspective determines their fear. In fact, it is rare for two different people to feel the exact same about any given situation. Gregory challenges people to be aware of the choices they make when they?re deciding how to react. To dismantle the fear of the world, be proactive by making a conscious decision to react positively to a challenge rather than in a negative manner. "The world just is," advises Gregory, "You give it meaning."

To determine the unstoppability factor of your workplace, you must first identify the fears and where they are hiding. When fear is present, employees lose passion for the work they do and find excuses to do it as little as possible or put it off. "Go out into the workplace and find out what prevents people from doing their work," Gregory says. "Why are they standing around vending machines having conversations? What are those conversations about? Its all fear based." When your employees are feeling fear instead of a passion to accomplish their work, your business is crippled and it will show with little red flags of time-wasting excuses.

Once you have identified the fears of your company, you must dismantle them. At first the process is difficult, as open discussion and admission of individual fears is necessary. However, by taking the initiative and laying the fears out to be discussed, you transform an uncomfortable necessity into a proactive game. "The only thing that holds fear in place is our unwillingness to look at it," Gregory shares, "As soon as you place your fear out on the table, it begins to dissolve and lose it?s power."

Gregory, who once held a lucrative position in a Fortune 500 company, left to explore the human condition by sailing to Mexico. Through her own introspection and spirituality, while sailing the Sea of Cortez, she realized what she learned about human fears realized had held her back. Knowing how costly fear can be in a work environment, Gayle now enjoys motivating and energizing the business world by purging their workplace fears, which she sees keeping all companies from reaching their fullest potentials.

To gain a competitive edge, your business needs to be bold and innovative. Fear prevents your company and it?s employees from using their energy to be courageous and innovative. In an enterprise where fear is present, internal conflict also often diminishes a workplace or department?s ability to function smoothly as a team.

Obviously a business that is fighting itself cannot also effectively fight its competition as well. "We?re so busy competing with each other that we forget to compete with competitors in the marketplace," warns Gregory. Fears such as thinking that there is not enough resources, time, favor, and other commodities for all tend to breed individualistic attitudes rather than team spirit. To stop this, encourage an attitude of cooperation among your employees and share rewards among many rather than granting one first prize. Employees that are afraid to share their ideas or work together cripple the overall productivity of the workplace with their fears.

Ultimately, the unstoppability of your business lies with your decision to expose fears rather than let them hide. A fear kept in the dark, no matter how small, costs your company performance ability. The emotional environment of a workplace expands exponentially the vision of what you and your enterprise can do. Even if your business achieves its goals for the future, you are settling for far less than your full potential when you do not dismantle the fears within the organization and individuals. "When you take the fear away, the automatic outcome is you energize your performance," says Gregory.

?Dr. Proactive? Randy Gilbert enjoys producing "Inside Business Success," hosted by Jan Schleicher. Get Gayle Gregory?s interview (free) by visiting: (http://www.insidesuccessradio.com/Guests/Gayle-Gregory) Gayle Gregory Learn from Gayle (http://www.pure-possibility.org/) Build Team Morale and Stop Business Fear


Article Source: The Secret to an Unstoppable Business: There?s Nothing to Fear

Health - 7 Steps to a Healthy Brain

7 Steps to a Healthy Brain by Kalynn Amadio


7 Steps to a Healthy Brain

Kalynn Amadio

The media is full of messages concerning physical exercise and fitness, but do you ever hear a message about effectively exercising your brain?

Preoccupation with general wellness should always include an approach to keeping a healthy brain. When you begin to forget things, the natural fear is that you could be developing Alzheimer's Disease. The reality is that most memory loss is not caused by Alzheimer's but by other causes like the medication you take, or not getting enough rest.

Don't worry! You can exercise your brain, same as your body, to effectively improve your general health and push back the aging process.

Use the 7 steps to a healthy brain outlined by Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld of Fox News Channel, to improve your general wellness.

1. Maintain "normal" range blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

Normal blood pressure values fall into the following categories: Less than 120 systolic and less than 80 diastolic. This would typically be phrased as 120/80.

The peak pressure that occurs within the arteries is systolic pressure. The moment of lowest pressure within those same arteries is called diastolic pressure. Pressure within the circulatory system is not fixed. It fluctuates throughout the day and as often as beat by beat of the heart.

2. Get enough sleep.

Numerous studies have been conducted on the affects of sleep deprivation. Not getting enough sleep can slow the healing of wounds because it affects the immune system.

A study on sleep deprivation conducted in 2007 found that the part of your brain that holds information for more processing is seriously affected by lack of sleep. This area of the brain called "working memory" is also responsible for your reasoning and decision making abilities.

3. Have a good breakfast every day. Include more Omega-3 and Omega-6 to your diet.

Both Omega-3 and Omega-6 are significant to brain function and lacking in the typical diet. A study has revealed that, like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's Disease may be favorably affected by large doses of Omega-3.

4. Consume more fruits and vegetables.

Vegetables and fruits have necessary minerals, fiber and vitamins crucial to good health. Eating more from this food group is known to slash the risk of certain cancers, stroke and cardiovascular disease.

5. Keep socially active. Spend time doing puzzles like sudoku and crosswords; read a newspaper, magazine or book daily.

The British Association Festival of Science reported that seniors who engaged in crosswords and sukodu puzzles could help keep the brain nearly 14 years younger.

Reading exposes you to different ideas and concepts. Whether aware of it or not, your brain will use those concepts to view the world and begin making new connections which stimulates brain health.

6. Avoid drinking too much alcohol.

Excessive alcohol consumption affects abstract thinking, concept shifting and difficult memory tasks as evidenced by alcoholics in treatment, even though their overall IQ does not decrease. Even moderate alcohol consumption could shrink the brain which impairs cognitive functions.

7. Physical exercise every day for a minimum of 30 minutes.

Exercise fuels growth of blood vessels connected to the brain and new brain cells. This adds to mental alertness, especially if you are over 60.

Both the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services point out that a minimum of 30 minutes physical exercise daily is needed to reduce the risk of falling prey to chronic diseases.

As the medical community increases your ability to live longer you will have to give more emphasis to brain health and exercise. Maintain your brain just as much as our bodies to enjoy a long, healthy and happy life.

Follow the 7 Ways to a More Healthy Brain as part of your regular physical fitness routine. You will feel healthy, more intelligent and productive. Now who wouldn't want all that?

A fit brain starts with a healthy workout that engages the brain. For the greatest way to achieve this, visit Kalynn Amadio's website (http://www.taekwondo-network.com) Taekwondo-Network for excellent information on why martial arts is that two-in-one workout you need for a healthy body and mind.


Article Source: 7 Steps to a Healthy Brain

Finance - Forex Trading Information: Beware of Frauds

Forex Trading Information: Beware of Frauds by George Polizogopoulos


You may have been solicited to trade "foreign exchange
contracts" or "forex". For new traders this forex trading
information
is critical in starting off your trading career
on a clean slate. Frauds are infiltrating the forex trading
grounds and it is critical to your success to be aware of the
frauds that abound the markets. Be aware of these frauds being
perpetrated in the financial markets to safeguard your forex
trading. So when you consider and shop around for a forex broker
be sure that this forex trading information serves you well.

There has been a boom in the financial industry in the last few
years and the numbers and complexities of financial investment
opportunities are growing exponentially. And along with this
explosive growth, so are the scams associated with the forex
currency trading. But also be aware that along the lines of the
forex trading information that you come across that many
forex trading firms are also legitimate - it is those companies
that are defrauding traders that you should be cautious about.

As a budding trader you are vulnerable to the fact that these
companies attract customers through the normal routes of
communication: advertisements in the paper, radio or internet.
The advertisements will almost always tout forex trading
information results claiming high return, low risk investment
opportunities in the forex trading arena. Of course as anything,
you should be always aware and skeptical if anyone offers you
high profits with minimal risks. There is no such thing in any
market. High returns and high risk always go hand in hand. Be
wary, if the firms promote their services as such.

When you are shopping for a forex broker be sure that you follow
up and request and research forex trading information about the
company: Are they registered with your government's regulatory
body? Are they certified and registered to be a securities
dealer or broker? Thye may also be a subsidiary of a bank or an
insurance firm - always ask before you sign the dotted line.

After checking if the company is registered and certified to act
as your broker and dealer in foreign currency exchange you
should be wary of the following warning signs of fraud. As you
delve into your forex trading information research as well as
researching your other investment opportunities always be wary
of those that sound too good to be true. There is no such thing
as a free lunch. Avoid companies that claim to guarantee profits
as in many cases those claims of massive profits are untrue and
only serve to attract the greedy. Also any promise or guarantee
with little or no financial risk would truly raise a few
eyebrows of some professional traders. There is always risk in
every trade - most of the time it is up to the trader to limit
that risk, risk reduction rarely is the job of the broker
(although they do provide risk reduction vehicles that traders
can use).

As you can see simply signing up to a service and trading is not
an easy path. You must research your forex trading information
regarding your chosen provider before actually beginning to
trade. You must also understand what margin trading encompasses;
it loosely means that with a small deposit you can control far
larger amounts of money. You must fully understand the concept
and be prepared for any losses that may occur. Also be wary of
companies that claim you can or should trade the 'interbank
market'. The term refers to a loose network of currency
transactions negotiated between financial institutions and large
companies.

If you're still reading that means you are really dedicated in
your forex trading information research. Which also means that
you don't take this issue lightly and you are VERY serious in
succeeding in your forex trading. That's good! You are being
very thorough. So we shall keep running down the list of stuff
you should check before signing up to the forex provider. Be
cautious of sending or transferring cash on the internet or
mail. Take not of where the company is located and their
accreditations. Be warned that once the fiund transfer has
occurred it is very difficult or impossible to recover your
invested funds. Be especially cautious with companies who don't
disclose information about themselves as well as their
background. There is no reason for legitimate forex dealers to
hide behind smoke and mirrors.

So remember, when a forex dealing company advertises their
services or solicits their services to you always be wary of
high pressure tactics asking you to join up and participate in
their services. Be skeptical about offshore companies vying for
your business and avoid companies guaranteeing any returns or no
risk. Researching forex trading information takes a lot of
dedication, but with a little due diligence and patience, you
will surely succeed. Good Luck!


This article "Forex Trading
Information: Beware of Frauds" can be found in our Foreign Exchange (FX) Markets category.



Article Source: Forex Trading Information: Beware of Frauds

Finance - Forex Trading Strategies

Forex Trading Strategies by Gay Redmile

The world of trading and investment can be as frustrating as it
can be rewarding! And FOREX (Foreign Exchange) is no exception -
often described as risky, profitable and complicated.


Forex is the largest trading market in the world.

Forex is the worldwide market for buying and selling currencies.
These markets were developed to cater for the supply and demand
of different currencies by governments, companies and
individuals - for international trade and assisting importers
and exporters. Therefore those who trade in this market include
consumers, businesses, investors, speculators and the banking
industry.

Different countries use different currencies - which vary in
their values against each other. Forex trading invovles the
buying and selling of two currencies - trading pairs - you are
selling one and buying another eg you may use the US dollar to
purchase British pounds - if the supply of the pound lessens -
it will cost more dollars to buy pounds - the Forex trader hopes
to sell their pounds at a higher price than the purchase price.

A speculator in Forex is someone who accepts the possibility of
adverse exchange-rate movements in the hope of making a profit
from favourable movements in currency.

As a speculator you should always start trading with a small
amount and have a trading system - which tells you when to get
in and out of the market. It is a favourite option for currency
traders as you can trade the Forex market 24 hours per day and
the transaction costs are minimal.

This market - because of its sheer size - is hard to be
manipulated - which stocks can be - it is more likely to be
influenced by global news or events. Hence, the opportunity for
'insider trading' is eliminated.

However - beware -Forex brokers estimate that 90% of traders
lose their money; 5% break even and only 5% achieve profitable
results!


Article Source: Forex Trading Strategies

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Health - Signs Of Acid Reflux To Look Out For

Signs Of Acid Reflux To Look Out For by Frank Robson


Signs Of Acid Reflux To Look Out For

Frank Robson

Most of us are aware of the usual problems of acid reflux, but it may take the doctor to do some testing to determine if there could be an organic problem causing it. If there is no change after altering diets and lifestyle, the doctor may suggest one of the following procedures to determine the cause.

These procedures are basically invasive procedures, in that they involve inserting tubes into your food pipe, and observing, obtaining and analyzing your data over a fixed period of time.

The 24-Hour Esophageal Ph Test, and the 48-Hour Bravo Esophageal pH test, recommended by the Cleveland Clinic Foundation involve the insertion of a tube through your nose that is pushed way down so as to be near the Esophageal Sphincter muscle, the kingpin in this Acid Reflux Saga. .

This small tube with its acid monitoring device on the end passes gently through the nose, down the food tube or esophagus and stops about 2 inches above the lower esophageal sphincter. The tube is then taped to the side of your face with the end coming from your nose attached to a portable recorder worn on a belt or on the shoulder. This recorder has buttons to let you record certain conditions.

You then follow certain food and medication restrictions prior to testing. During the test which lasts 24 hours, you avoid showers but record mealtimes and foods as well as resting times. Certain symptoms can be recorded on the recorder by pressing the appropriate buttons. A nurse will remove the recorder at the end of the time and the information is downloaded into a computer for a doctor to review and begin your treatment.

The Esophageal Manometry Test is less traumatic, time wise, and consists of inserting a tiny, pressure-sensitive tube through your nose - or sometimes your mouth , into your esophagus. There, it measures the effects of muscle contractions as you swallow. This tells the doctor about how well your muscles involved in the digestion process, function.

An x- ray or endoscope may also help your doctor to see if there could be an obstruction that is impeding digestion. This works by observing with a scope light.

Once the doctor has confirmed that there is no physiological cause of your Acid Reflux, like narrowing of the food pipe, scarring of the food pipe, or an undefined suspicious growth where one should not exist, it is time to start thinking of medications and long-term lifestyle issues.

Is acid reflux keeping you up at night? Are you sick of watching what you eat at restaurants?Find out more about a simple (http://www.refluxrenegade.com) cure for acid reflux that can help you get rid of your stomach pain for good. Visit (http://www.refluxrenegade.com) www.refluxrenegade.com for more info


Article Source: Signs Of Acid Reflux To Look Out For

Business - How To maximise The Advertising With Minumum Cost Or No Cost

How To maximise The Advertising With Minumum Cost Or No Cost by Dechen Lau


Advertising had long since been a major determinant of a
business' success. This would include the presentation of the
product / service to the consumers. What really matters is how
it is presented to the target market to be able to capture it.

Whatever the package, the ad media also plays a great role in
determining the success of the product or service awareness.

What may be its advantages over other proven medium like the
best-selling TV ads?

Advantages

1. Low Cost

Eventhough the Internet ad might be viewed as "classy" or
far-reaching, as compared to other medium, this is far cheaper
than most. Internet Ad Packages are offered for as low as $29.99
for a one-month run-time period.

2. Capture market

Should your product / service aim to cater to the younger
generation or the corporate-oriented ones, Internet ad would be
best since they would always be "hooked-up" into the net surfing
sites that might have a link to your very own. Result, a great
number of "hits" on your site!

2. Hassle free

All you would ever really need is a PC (and some knowledge and
bright ideas in forming your site) wherein you could open your
site, search for the best Internet Ad package, and check /
update the status of your ad. You may actually never have to
leave your home to advertise!

3. Updated ads

Unlike the TV ads that need to be updated on a regular basis,
Internet ads may run for quite some time without the need for
change. If so, change in the site is very minimal and may be
done easily at home.


Disadvantages

1. Scope Limited market may be captured if one would solely use
the Internet Ad for advertising. Although most people now are
into the use of technology, i.e. surfing the Internet, still,
majority of the average consumers still relies on the old form
of advertising as a means of gathering information about certain
products / service.


2. Additional cost

If one would enlist the help of another professional or
establishment to produce the site for their product or service,
this would entail additional costs on the part of the
entrepreneur.

Given the stated list of advantages and disadvantages about
low-coast Internet Ad, an entrepreneur may now weigh in its
applicability to his / her product or service.

The aim of Internet ad is to offer the widest range or "Maximum
Exposure" of the brand at the least possible cost. Now, does
that not sound good or what?



Article Source: How To maximise The Advertising With Minumum Cost Or No Cost

Business - Managing Your Business In A Recession

Managing Your Business In A Recession by Angela Baca


Are you worried about the impact of the economy on your business? This article gives you advice to protect your business, including a review of William B. Conerly’s book, “Businomics,” and a discussion of his advice on managing a business during a recession.

Good business planning includes the development of a plan for how your business will survive adverse impacts over the short term and the long term. This type of planning is often called your business continuity plan (BCP).

Why do you need a BCP? According to Ken Doughty, editor of “Business Continuity Planning: Protecting Your Organization’s Life,” many companies are required to create a BCP to comply with federal law, which protects the interests of clients and shareholders. If you need help with constructing a plan, you can visit the web site of the U.S. Small Business Administration or Homeland Security’s Ready.gov. If you already have a BCP, it should include a component for anticipating economic slumps.

William B. Conerly, Ph.D., explains how to anticipate economic slumps in “Businomics.” Published in 2007 by Platinum Press, this resource is available at book retailers like Barnes and Noble. Business owners and managers should consult this text for great advice on business planning and understanding the relationship between their business and the cycles of the economy. Conerly’s book is especially relevant in times of economic downturn. Business owners can especially benefit from Chapters 3, 5, 6, and 10.

A professional economist and business consultant, William B. Conerly, explains that your business plan can function as an early warning system. Consider this example:

“When the early warning system begins to flash a warning, review and update the contingency plan, and…limit new hires to vital positions, reduce or eliminate capital spending plans, monitor inventories closely, [and] set up credit lines if possible.”

You may be thinking that Conerly’s advice is not relevant to your business. However, it helps to look at your business in the bigger picture. Medium and large businesses can implement a hiring freeze and only replace the most important employees. If you are the sole employee and are thinking about outsourcing work or taking on an employee, a recessed economy does not present the best environment for such a move.

Another thing to think about is your own workload if you are a one-person operation. If you are already working a full workweek to meet your obligations, the uncertain economy suggests that you hold off on expanding operations. For example, if you own a lawn business, you don’t want to take on too many new accounts. You can pad your business with a few extra clients in case you lose some clients during a recession. If you lose a significant number of clients, use your free time to go out and use in-person marketing to obtain new clients.

The second component of Conerly’s advice is to trim down capital spending. In larger businesses, this advice refers to major spending on assets such as property and expensive equipment. In a smaller business, this advice refers to any spending that you are doing to reinvest in your business. In the lawn business example, it might mean holding off on buying an extra lawnmower or a new trailer for your truck.

Conerly’s third suggestion is to regulate your inventory closely. For inventory-based companies, it may mean keeping less stock in your warehouse. Companies that do not deliver products may not have a large inventory. However, they have other types of inventory such as technology, equipment, furniture, and office supplies that should be safeguarded. For example, if you have several employees, keep on only the people you can trust. If employees are stealing or wasting supplies, it is advisable to discipline them or terminate them. Small costs can have a minor impact on your business. In a recessed economy when revenues are down, minor impacts can become major impacts.

Conerly’s final recommendation is to establish lines of credit if possible. Some businesses already use loans or credit cards to support their business. Here is a word of caution. When you look at how much you will borrow to tide your business over, don’t borrow so much that you can’t make your minimum payments when business slows down substantially. Overextending your debts is a common reason why businesses go belly up.

Protecting your business is important for its long-term health. Be sure that you update your business continuity plan, and use cost-saving measures to protect your livelihood.


Article Source: Managing Your Business In A Recession