“Keep It Simple Stupid”

April 8th, 2008

Recognize that saying? It has been used in many different things
to mean simplicity is the key to doing things best. In
explaining concepts, putting it in simple yet understandable
terms would easily get your message through. This is in contrast
to using confusing words and “beating around the bushes”,
resulting to an overload of information yet losing the main idea
in the process.

This same saying should also be applied in the designs of
websites. Ever felt the frustration of having to go through much
information while browsing in some sites? Not only that, think
of all the graphics that keep appearing and popping every now
and then. Most of the time, these things make downloading pretty
slow. And you only went there for simple information. Take
researching, for example. These sites were meant to help in
every way possible. Making the hassle of researching more
convenient and easy. But some people do not have the patience of
waiting for an animation to stop moving, or for the flow of not
needed information, and impossible icons to find on the screen.
Not all users have the same modems and software you have. So if
it is not hard for some, it may be terrible for others. Think of
the people in a rush to purchase something. Dazzling them with
intricate graphics would likely send their tempers rocketing.
And special effects can only make them want to scream with
frustration. And for what? For a request of a catalog?

These are just some of the factors that needed to be taken into
consideration in designing your own web site. Bear in mind that
there are still old computer models being used by people and
their tools will not likely match with yours. Having pictures
and graphics is not a crime. You just have to know the perfect
location to put them. Cramming them into one page is not a good
idea. Try putting them on another page. That way people will be
able to view them as they went on their search. They do not have
to necessarily see them first hand.

What about the people always on the rush? They want transactions
done fast. Having an entrance site with all the menus catering
to their needs would help them lots. Keeping in mind that these
busy people only want speedy entrance and exit to keep up with
their schedules.

Keep in mind that the entrance should be as easy to access as it
can possibly be. As to not make initial browsing difficult for
the people. In the process making them comfortable enough to go
to others pages, then bombard them there with all the colorful
graphic designs and voluminous prints. Who knows? Your site
would even stuck them as unforgettable and probably go back for
more.

So keep in mind to Keep It Simple Stupid!

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Hi Ho Silver - Not Good in the Swimming Pool!

April 8th, 2008

Caring for any type of jewelry made from silver is important. It should be made part of your regular jewelry wearing routine. Sterling silver necklaces, beaded necklaces made of silver or just a simple sterling silver necklace falls into this “caring” category. It is important to keep your silver jewelry in a dry, cool place, as this will avoid oxidation. Since silver reacts to hydrogen sulfide and sulfur in the air, it turns dull after a while and needs to be buffed and taken care of. These airborne particles can tarnish silver jewelry and rob them of their natural sheen. It is best to keep your silver jewelry locked tightly in your jewel box when not wearing it, as exposure to artificial light or sunlight for long periods of time will accelerate the tarnishing process.

If you have a sterling silver necklace, storing it in a cloth to help resist tarnishing is a great first step. Don’t throw silver jewelry items into drawers along with beaded necklaces and other forms of jewelry. They rub against each other and create scratches.

Buy a good quality, liquid polish and use a polishing cloth for your precious silver jewelry. One great tip for protecting sterling silver necklaces is to glaze them with a fine coat of Egyptian lacquer. If you use sterling silver dips, remember to clean them off well, as they may rub off the color if you’re not careful. One of the best and most economical methods for cleaning your sterling silver necklace is to make a solution of mild dishwashing liquid and water. Remember to keep all traces of moisture from your jewelry pieces by drying them thoroughly. Definitely keep your silver jewelry away from bleach or chlorinated swimming pools.

By Terry Price- Remember to visit- http://www.diamond-silver-necklace.com/beaded-necklaces.html -Are you looking for a piece of sterling silver evening wear? http://www.diamond-silver-necklace.com/112-bold-sterling-silver-link-necklaces.html

Cover Your Costs from Day One!

April 8th, 2008

One of the most difficult aspects of starting a new business is
the cost involved. Most people start a business because they
need to EARN money, and finances are often tight.

Here are some strategies you can use to cover your business
costs from the very beginning…

#1. Talk to people!

I know this seems scary, but it is a great way to cover your
monthly business costs quickly.

When you rely solely on automation to contact your customers and
prospects, it usually takes 60-90 days to BEGIN to see results.
This is quite normal for any type of new business but, when it’s
YOUR business, 60-90 days can seem like a VERY long time.

By talking to a few friends and/or family members — people who
respect you and with whom you have credibility — you may find
someone who is interested in giving your product or opportunity
a try.

Often, just by talking to people, you can earn back your
investment — or even make a profit — the first month you’re in
business!

#2. Increase the tax deductions on your W-4 form!

Almost everyone who starts a home business works a full-time
job. But, did you know…

As a home business owner, many items that used to be personal
expenses are now business expenses. This means you can write off
many of these expenses as tax deductions!

Instead of waiting till the end of the year to file your taxes
and get a refund, you can increase the amount of take-home pay
in your paycheck simply by increasing the number of deductions
on your W-4 form. (As a result, less money will be taken out of
your paycheck for taxes.)

IMPORTANT: Before making changes to your W-4 form or filing your
tax returns, be sure to talk with an accountant.

#3. Save your change every day in a jar!

This sounds simple, but you’d be surprised at the number of
people who don’t take advantage of this easy strategy.

Most people spend loose change without even thinking about
it…on coffee, candy bars, newspapers, etc.

Instead of paying for miscellaneous items with change, pay with
paper money. At the end of each day, put all your loose change
in a jar. The average person is able to accumulate $20-$40/month
in coins this way. This money can then be used to help cover
your monthly business costs.

#4. Use coupons the RIGHT way!

When most people use coupons, they simply pay less at the cash
register. But what happens to the money they “save”? They just
spend it on something else!

The RIGHT way to use coupons is…

BEFORE going to the store, put the money you will save with your
coupons into a jar (if you have just one coupon for 30 cents
then put 30 cents in your jar; if you have several coupons
adding up to $3.45 then put $3.45 in your jar).

NOW you can go to the store and use your coupons, and you will
truly have SAVED the money. The money you save can then be used
to help cover your monthly business costs.

5. Pay attention to where your money goes!

- How many of us run off to work every day without time enough
to pack a lunch, so we end up spending money on eating lunch at
a restaurant? I know I did…often. I was spending at least $25
per week (that’s $100-$125 a month!) on eating lunches out…by
myself…on workdays.

Instead of trying to make time in the morning to pack a lunch,
why not pack a lunch the night before? And, if you have a
microwave available at work, you can even pack something to heat
up so you don’t feel tempted to “go out” for a hot lunch.

- How much money do you spend on sodas? As with everything else,
it costs more to buy one soda than it does for a six-pack or a
2-liter bottle. Why not buy soda in large quantities, and bring
several servings to work with you.

Or, to REALLY save money, instead of drinking soda, why not
switch to iced tea or crystal light. You can make a large batch
at home and then bring it to work in a jug.

- Are you a coffee drinker? Instead of paying for your coffee by
the cup, why not invest in a large thermos and bring your coffee
to work with you.

- Are you addicted to sweets like me? Instead of spending the
money on candy bars and other snacks from machines or in
convenience stores, why not bake a batch of cookies or brownies.
You’ll save money, and you’ll have better-tasting snacks.

Or, if you prefer a candy bar, purchase them in large packs at
the grocery store and bring them to work with you — it’ll still
be cheaper than paying for each candy bar separately.

And, these are just a FEW of the ways you can save money…
allowing you to easily find the money to invest in your business.

If you implement even a couple of the strategies in this
article, you’ll be able to save enough money so that the cost of
starting your business doesn’t put a financial strain on your
monthly budget.

Cell Phone Buying Guide to Help You Get the Best Value For The Money

April 8th, 2008

Whether it’s your first or umpteenth mobile phone you are planning to buy, knowing or being reminded of the following tips will surely better your chances of getting the perfect one.

1. Features from which to choose:

You may either be enthralled by the looks of the latest cell phone your friend is using or fall in love with one that you found over the Internet. But the choosing doesn’t end with how it looks. It is advisable to mentally dissect the cell phone with regard to its features. The key is to select one that comes with the options that will meet your needs. Here are some cell phone features that you may or may not consider important:

- size and weight

- design (clam shell, PDA, side ways, slide, block)

- screen colors and size

- keypad

- camera

- FM radio, mp3 player

- messaging (MMS, SMS)

- e-mail

- to-do list

- voice commands

- band support

- E911 or enhanced 911

- connectivity (bluetooth, GPRS, infrared, PC sync)

- accessories (face plates, head set, themes, screen savers, ring tones)

- battery life

- dual mode

After narrowing down your choice of phones to about 2 to 3 models, research some more. Research what others have to say regarding the phones you think you would like to use. Look for reliable sources of phone reviews.

2. Be rebate alert.

This is for those who are in a tight budget. If you already are enjoying the service of a certain carrier, see which phones are offered fre’e with a rebate. If you have signed a contract, it often entitles you to discounts and rebates for phones. Better find out which ones they are.

For a better possible deal, instead of going to the carrier, surf and see the websites of the manufacturer for more rebates.

3. Save more by shopping around.

Checking out if your choice phone is sold by third-party retailers will help you get more value for your hard-earned dollars. If you can find general electronics stores not affiliated with carriers, buying phones from them is a lot better, too. However, you have to ensure that your carrier will support the phone. An unlocked phone that is also compatible with other GSM carriers will prove to be a good buy, too.

Auction sites may also help you in this endeavor. However, you have to be really careful if you choose to search for phones on these sites.

4. Choose a service plan properly.

Comparison tables regarding US service plans abound in the Internet. Over 60 plans from the largest nationwide service providers are available for your perusal. If you do cross-country traveling a lot, common sense will tell you to sign up for a national phone plan. Better overestimate the number of minutes you will use for every sent and received call.

5. There is a reason for the fine print.

You have to read the fine print. It is possible that you become liable for an activation fee. The fine print will inform you of that. Don’t forget to check the policy of your carrier for what happens, in the event your phone is lost, stolen, or damaged.

There you have it. All you have to do is follow most, if not all, of those bits of advice and you will see for yourself how cell phone buying could be a cinch.

David Arnold Livingston is an entrepreneur with
many years of successful business experience. For tips

on choosing the ideal cell phone, he recommends: Use Cell Phone