If you have heard fund managers talk about the way they invest, you know a great many employ a top down approach. First, they decide how much of their portfolio to allocate to stocks and how much to allocate to bonds. At this point, they may also decide upon the relative mix of foreign and domestic securities. Next, they decide upon the industries to invest in. It is not until all these decisions have been made that they actually get down to...more
Did you ever think about becoming a Trading Assistant? Where you basically sell other people's products and receive a comission? Alot of companies know about eBay but don't have the time to learn. Or are just "old school" and don't care to learn.So why not offer your services to them? You already know eBay. And now this lines you up for unlimited products to sell. There are ways that you should and should not approach a retailer to become their...more
November 2004's publication of the Health and Safety Executive's new Management Standards for work-related stress has focused the minds of many organisations on this increasingly serious workplace hazard. But what are the differences between pressure and stress? What are the telltale signs and symptoms? What's the current legal position? And what role should managers be playing in helping to combat work-related stress?Pressure or stress?Many people are confused about what stress is, and in particular the difference between pressure and stress:- Pressure is the stimulation and challenge we need to achieve job satisfaction and self-esteem.- Stress is a reaction to continued excessive pressure or responsibility when we feel inadequate and unable to cope.Ever since prehistoric times, the 'stress response' has been a mechanism that our bodies have used to help us cope with danger. As soon as we're aware that something is threatening us, our brain sends messages to our nervous system to either get ready to stand and fight, or run away. Unfortunately, whereas in Stone Age times we would usually have time to recover from the life or death encounters that triggered the response, in the...more
There is a delicate balance between the fee you need to charge for your products and services, and the fee that people are willing to pay for them. But with gasoline, heating, shipping, health care, and other costs rising, there comes a time when you must raise your rates in order to remain profitable.Most people see their own costs going up, and...more
With the end of 'a job for life', the ticking of the demographic 'time bomb', and the ever-increasing pace of new technology, employers are having to consider a wide range of new working patterns that take account of this rapidly changing work climate.So what is the government's position on these new ways of working; and what are the benefits and...more
If you own your own independent business, there are two organizations that hopefully your are already aware of. They are doing great work promoting small, locally owned independents by promoting community and government involvement. It takes all of us, working together, to improve our communities and the local business environment.The National Federation of Independent Businesses helps individual business owners with planning, taxes, and legislative matters. They have representatives in all 50 states and in D.C. I visit their site often for advice and articles. I guarantee that you will find several useful items of information within their site.The American Independent Business Alliance, based in Bozeman, MT, promotes independents buy helping business owners form IBAs, or Independent Business Alliances. These alliances in turn promote community involvement, the best example being the annual America Unchained Day, which takes place every November, the Saturday before Thanksgiving. They show their communites the power of "putting your money where your house is".I urge all independent business owners to join NFIB and look into starting an IBA. I am in the process of doing both. We...more
Starting a home business is a big undertaking. There are key elements to properly set up a home business. If anything is forgotten or left out it could make starting the business difficult or impossible. The following are key elements that every home...more
Well, we're all reeling from our utility bills. So, what can be done to cut energy costs?Obviously, the best way to cut your utility bill is to go with a non-utility company source of energy. Solar power can be used to warm your house, while...more
Correctly Pricing A Business Is Important If You Really Want To Sell It!As a consultant I talk to many business owners, brokers, and agents on a daily basis about valuing businesses. It always amazes me on how some of these individuals come up with...more
Let me first say that I do not now engage in technical analysis; nor, have I ever engaged in technical analysis. I do not believe doing so would be a productive use of my time.Having said that, I do not claim technical analysis has no predictive...more
In the hands of the right consumer, a credit card can be a very useful tool. Unfortunately, the "right" consumer is rare. The concept of buying on credit, while convenient, actually serves only to line the pockets of financial gurus with millions of...more
Commercial Real Estate refers to the property that has potential to generate extra income for the owner of real estate. Commercial real estate generally includes office buildings, retail properties, apartment units, condos and raw land. Every...more