The Luxury of a Bahama Vacation Villa

Bahamas vacation villas are the way to go if you are going all out for your vacation. Taking their places as some of the most exclusive private homes in the world, some villas sport up to six bedrooms on a fully-staffed estate. Many of the more upscale homes have been designed to evoke the style of Bahamian Great Houses from the colonial period, and f that first time visitors will not easily forget their striking architecture.

Some of these gorgeous homes start out around $425 per night, such as the Island Breeze home on the Grand Bahama island, which features three bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, and a private pool. For anyone looking to spend more than four digits per night, there are villas such as the Tilloo Pond in Abaco. This five bedroom, five bathroom beachfront home has spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean. It is also very private, sitting on 11 acres of Tilloo Cay, a private island. Further, the villa has three small private beaches, and a larger beach can be found less than 10 minutes away.

As the price continues to go up, so do the features. At more than $10,000 per night, the Albany House in New Providence offers seven bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a private pool, and a prime beachfront location. Built in the spirit of the Great Houses, the estate includes tons of sporting activities, including tennis, gymnastics, volleyball, bicycling, and a wide variety of water sports. The main house features a plantation-style reception room that opens on to an inner courtyard garden, a 1500-square-foot living room, a dining room for 14, and a 2800-square-foot master bedroom. While Bahamas vacations villas are exclusively for those travelers willing to pay a little extra, these beautiful pieces of architecture do come in a range of prices.

Bahamas Vacations Info provides detailed information on Bahamas vacation packages, rentals, family vacations, resorts, villas, ranging from cheap vacations to upscale retreats. Bahamas Vacations Info is the sister site of Lake Havasu Web.

Dream As Big As God!

Sounds like a tall order doesn't it? But I think you'll see that it's what we're expected to do. But you might say, "I've tried that and it didn't work. I'm still sitting in the same place I was. Maybe it's not God's will for me to dream big."

God formed man, the crown of His creation, to dream God-sized dreams. If we are in His image (Genesis 1:26), then we have His dreams inside of us. Let's walk through some suggestions to move you to that exhilarating place of anticipating God's best.

Identify What's Blocking You

Start by taking stock of what might be blocking your way.

First, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, identify any areas that might be holding you back. God wants us to receive all that He has for us, so He will be faithful to identify these areas for us -- once we are quite clear in ourselves that we really want to know.

Next, ask for the necessary change in the areas you've identified. (James 4:2)

Then, either make the changes the Holy Spirit indicates, or submit yourself to the change that He Himself will make in you. This will become clear as you spend time in the Word and in prayer. Consider daily communion and perhaps a period of fasting and prayer.

Finally, receive the manifestation of change.

Change Your Perspective

Now you're ready to stop thinking from inside the situation. Move your thinking outside of your circumstances and into your dream. That's one of the attributes that sets man apart from the rest of God's creation, not only the gift of dreaming, but the ability to step into the dream, causing it to become vision.

Don't confuse this with setting goals. A goal is a stepping stone, a position to be attained along the way, while a vision is a point of reference from which you're actually able to operate before you get there -- a gift God has given to man enabling him to see with heavenly perspective. Your perspective must not only be from within the specific vision, but must be even bigger. Adopt a godly perspective; after all, you are seated with Him in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6).

What's Your Expectation?

Now, you must expect from God, and you must expect BIG! Know Who it is you're petitioning and expect accordingly. And don't ask until you're ready to expect! Anything less is an insult to God. Sound harsh? Reread our study called El Shaddai ? Giving, Asking & Receiving. When what you are asking is for His glory, according to His will as outlined in His word, He will not fail you. It's really quite simple ? He's either God or He's not.

How is this possible? How do you get to the place of this kind of expectation? By receiving a revelation of God's love for you personally. Once you get hold of this, along with an understanding of covenant (see our study entitled Whose Battle Is It?), you are ready for expectation to do it's job and make room for the expected blessing.

A couple of months ago I was blessed with a new bedroom set, a huge sleigh bed, a dresser and a nightstand. I arranged with the furniture store for a delivery date, but of course I had to move the old furniture out of the room first. How silly would it have been for me to wait and see if they would actually deliver the furniture before taking steps to make a space for it? I expected them to make good on their word, and even if something delayed delivery a day or so, I knew it was coming. I even painted the bedroom while I was waiting! If I can trust a furniture company with that level of expectation, how much more the God Who stepped off His throne and saved and delivered me and assured me of eternity in His presence?

We know what it looks like, this kind if expectation. It is the very atmosphere of receiving, and true expecting is solid faith, the kind in Hebrews 11:1, and it always makes room for the dream to become a reality.

Expectation builds an ark, even when no one has ever seen rain and the neighbors are taunting (Genesis 6:11-7:13). Expectation bubbles over with joy into laughter at a baby in the arms of a nonagenarian (Genesis 21:6). Expectation lovingly names every animal on the face of the earth while anticipating at any moment the perfect helpmate to appear (Genesis 2:18-23). Expectation boldly speaks the Gospel of the risen Lord to a crowd of thousands who would like to think you're drunk on wine at 9:00 in the morning (Acts 2:13-41). Expectation takes the hand of a crippled beggar at the gate Beautiful and boldly instructs him to stand for the first time since birth (Acts 3:6,7).

Expectation takes God at His word, and not only holds Him to His word, but holds to that word of promise, regardless of the circumstances. Expectation is the atmosphere for miracles; it opens the door of the supernatural into the natural. Be like Paul in Philippians 1:20, and "eagerly expect and hope" that God is a god of His Word and if He said it, He is also able to perform it beyond your wildest dreams (see Ephesians 3:20) ? don't slam the door on your manifestation. Dream and then expect as big as God!

?2005 Karin S. Syren ? All rights reserved

Karin Syren is the owner of So-lu'shunz Management Services and a certified coach specializing in executive mastermind coaching as well as issues faced by those in leadership positions. Using the unique EffectivenessCoachingTM model developed by Ms. Syren, she offers guidance in discovering mission, creating vision and designing goals for life and business. She has a particular desire to help people better identify the issues facing them, and to coach them through the steps in gaining, regaining, and maintaining control of their circumstances. Please see her website for details at http://www.solushunz.com

3-Levels Of Successful Selling

Any selling approach that lacks a proven strategy, a practiced proficiency for its application and most significantly, a full understanding of its psychological, human behavioral import ? is at best, a wishful endeavor. ?Paul Shearstone 2003

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No one ever questions the fact there are born athletes who, when compared to others, make what they do look effortless. For these athletes, instinct seems to guide them like a good road map. That is their gift.

Exceptional though they may be, even athletes like Wayne Gretzky or Michael Jordan, would never rise to their true potential without one integral ingredient - Coaching.

Although I've written many articles on Coaching, this isn't one of them. I mention it only to point out that the aspect of coaching, is Mental. That is to say, gifted athletes already possess the physical skills necessary to excel. Nevertheless, it is only one aspect of their sporting expertise.

Who among us hasn't heard a professional coach say things like: "I only want players with a good head on their shoulders" or, "I only want players with Heart!"

What are they saying? They [Coaches] are saying there is more than one key discipline for success in sports and that what's in the heart and head is more important than most all other attributes. The right knowledge and the right attitude, compensates for, often usurps, things like natural talent.

Can the same thing be said for Natural Born Sales People and the Discipline of Selling? Bet on it!

The Rule:

Renowned sales guru, Dale Carnegie, is known to be the architect of the 'Five Steps to a Sale' selling process. Over the years, his successful program has stood the test of time and spawned many other successful interpretations upon his theme. "Up Your Income! Solution Selling for Profitability" by Paul Shearstone [available at all fine book stores and on the Net], is just one of them. :-)

The reason for the success of Carnegie's strategy is largely due to its simplicity. In short, five clearly defined, easy to understand Laws or Rules that apply to almost all products or services. For example:

Step #1: "Talk to your customer Briefly regarding something that interests Them".

Easy to say but what does it mean? Simply put, when salespeople meet customers for the first time, they must say or do things to help with the initial Get-Ta-Know-Ya bonding process. Dale said, in your opening meeting with customers, the best way to get them to like you is to engage them in brief conversations about things they find most interesting. I could go on to elaborate further but the fact is, it works.

The real lesson here is, now knowing this Rule, those without natural born sales abilities can integrate it into their selling approach and be guaranteed better results in the introduction stage of the sale. Incorporating the four remaining steps can unquestionably level the playing field with other competitive seasoned selling professionals ? but only if the steps are applied Correctly!

The Application:

Home Depot may have every tool we could imagine but if you don't know how to use them, what good are they? In professional selling, RULES are TOOLS. Use them right and they work.

One need only look at the home libraries of most mediocre salespeople to find plenty of books and tapes filled with time-tested and proven rules designed to garner more sales, profit and success. The courses have been taken and the rules have been learned but sadly, NEVER PRACTICED!

Tiger Woods / Michael Jordan / Wayne Gretzky ? pick any one you like. At the top of their game, they still practice/d the basics [the Rules]. Name any professional discipline; would a surgeon be allowed operate on someone without first having benefit of exhaustive practice? I sure hope not!

The irony is, selling is the only professional discipline that allows someone to start with no experience and learn on the job. Even a professional laborer has to apprentice first.

The point? Knowing what to say is only part of the success-formula in selling. Much like any Academy Award-Winning actor, his or her part is honed and made convincing [award-winning] only through rehearsal and practice.

In Sales: To the degree a sales-pitch appears natural and spontaneous, is in direct proportion to the practice put in it! ?Paul Shearstone 2000 [from the book Up Your Income!]

The Psychological Import:

Independent, confident personalities may make great leaders ? not always great believers. My policy in life has always been to be guarded in what information I'll take in or believe. I am not a skeptic but since: [According to Albert Einstein] "We become what we believe", and, [According to Abraham Mazlow] "Most people live lives of quiet desperation", my reluctance to accept the reality-interpretations of others has served me well. It hasn't, however, stopped me from asking the question, "Why?"

Anyone looking for the one defining ingredient that separates top sellers from the rest can find it here. Much like the runner who wins gold by 1/100th of a second, the difference is subtle ? but dramatic.

In selling, knowing the Rule and learning to deliver the Rule, still pales in comparison to the importance of knowing WHY the Rule is so integrally important to the success of the process.

How much more successful, more convincing could one be if they knew the answers to: "Why is it so vital the Rule be done at this time, this way and not another? What is the psychological, human-behavioral importance of such a rule and why are my chances of success predictably diminished should the rule be overlooked or poorly articulated? How does this Rule psychologically embolden my interaction with the customer resulting in mutual respect, rapport and better communication?" ? and so on.

At the risk of diluting this point, consider this. The worlds best Landscape Architects concentrate their designs more on the artistic value or utilitarian purposes of the open spaces ? where nothing is ? giving lesser importance and an academic expectation to the fact, the flora and fauna appeal is a given.

Comparing that to elite salespeople, their methodology is focused at a higher level, gravitating more toward the natural laws of human interaction and psychology ? the esoteric ? the essence for which the Rules of Selling were written and in which they find credibility. Their delivery appears effortless albeit transparently deliberate. What they do and the success they achieve is not by accident!

The Bottom Line:

The discipline of the Professional Sell is both an art and a science. As such and in keeping with all other disciplines, mastery finds bedrock in the academic understanding of its Laws, its Applications and its Rationales.

About The Author

Paul Shearstone aka The 'Pragmatic Persuasionist' is one of North America's foremost experts on Sales and Persuasion. An International Keynote Speaker, Author, Writer, Motivation, Corporate Ethics, / Time & Stress Management Specialist, Paul enlightens and challenges audiences as he informs, motivates and entertains. To comment on this article or to book the Pragmatic Persuasionist for your next successful event we invite to contact Paul Shearstone directly @ 416-728-5556 or 1-866-855-4590.

www.success150.com or paul@success150.com.

4th Quarter 2003 Publicity = 1st Quarter 2004 Prosperity

As the year starts to wind down, many businesses and entrepreneurs are making plans and budgets for the year 2004. Those plans could include anything from setting up goals for new products to preparing marketing, sales and PR/publicity campaigns. When it comes to your publicity plan, WHEN you launch your campaign can be just as important to what and how you launch.

HOLIDAY PUBLICITY OPPORTUNITIES

If your product/business lends itself to increased holiday sales, the next few weeks are a perfect time to get a publicity campaign launched - given the right media targets. Many holiday issues are already been laid out for magazines, and many other media outlets are feverishly seeking information/pitches on innovative stories for the holidays. Some media outlets even reorganize or beef up staff around the holidays to allow for an increase in stories on products. Have your publicist help you take advantage of this increased media opportunity. PLANTING

PUBLICITY SEEDS NOW FOR 1ST QUARTER RESULTS

Some business owners may be of the mindset: "I think we'll wait to launch a publicity campaign until after January 1st." The problem is -- if you wait to launch your publicity campaign until the first of the year hoping for a quick media interest blast in January, you may be in for a quiet month. Keep in mind most media outlets have editorial lead-times of a few weeks to 6 months. Also what some entrepreneurs don't realize is this. Because of the increasing number of publicity pitches media outlets receive, anything you send out is subjected to what I call the "media digestion period" - simply put - that is a period of time (sometimes weeks, sometimes months) that it takes media outlets to:

see/understand your release and decide if they are interested;

find space/time in their editorial calendar to place the article/news story/show segment.

The potential placement is also directly dependent upon how quickly and efficiently your publicist or PR agency can help the media secure the placement. Media relations is crucial. Your publicist's job is to make the reporter/editor/producer's job as easy and as effortless as possible - which will lead to quicker and more numerous placements for your business.

When it comes to publicity pitches, the facts are: placement is totally up to the discretion of the particular media outlet; and very few media responses are immediate. I have in fact had media outlets respond even before the media release seemed to settle in the fax machine tray. Conversely, I also had one media outlet that responded 17 months after a pitch. (I had to ask the reporter what the YEAR was on the release!) NO placement is guaranteed, but you can definitely increase the odds. Even if your product/business if a dead-on perfect match for a media outlet's editorial profile, you are not guaranteed placement without some hard work and media relations. That's why timing of your publicity pitch is so critical.

Have your publicist get your pitch to the media, allow the editorial staff to digest it a bit, and strategically and professionally "rattle the cage" over the next several weeks to generate as many placements as possible.

What we are trying to do is plant seeds in media outlets' editorial garden so they will bear fruit -- in the form of articles/show placements -- continuously over the next several weeks and months. Like the plant that comes from a seed, publicity placements can also grow roots and lead to other arterial media placements in other media outlets. Given the right tending, the publicity seeds you plant over the next few weeks/months will indeed germinate and you'll reap a wonderful harvest for your business well past the first quarter of next year.

About The Author

Todd Brabender is the President of Spread The News Public Relations, Inc. His business specializes in generating media exposure and publicity for innovative products, businesses, experts and inventions. http://www.spreadthenewspr.com / todd@spreadrthenewspr.com / (785) 842-8909

10 Secrets To Know You?re A Good Working Parent To Your Kids!

How are parents to know they are doing the right thing for their children when they are working parents? Many parents feel guilty for the amount of time they are spending at work versus the amount of time they spend with their children. If you are questioning yourself, trust that you do need to take a closer look at what you are doing.

We all want to feel and know we are loved. Children are no exception. I believe that when we parents let our children know they are safe, secure, valued and loved, then they have the most precious thing we can give them.

As a working parent, here are ten ways to help you to know whether you are spending enough time with your children. If you don't recognize many of these or don't know what I'm talking about, you're in trouble!

1. You work to feed your family, not your ego.

2. Your own self-development has led you to be willing to devote your time to the development of your children.

3. You know that lots of money will never replace lots of love.

4. Lots of "stuff" doesn't ever replace lots of attention.

5. Lots of classes by the best teachers will not replace what you teach by your own design and actions.

6. Knowing and teaching your personal ethics and values to your children takes priority over teachers' or caretakers' ideas of the same.

7. The most valuable title you hold is that of "Mom" or "Dad."

8. Keeping and creating family traditions has renewed importance and appreciation.

9. Your child's laughter is the most precious music to your ears.

10. "Time out" is you taking some extra time to spend with your kids.

Copyright 2005 Eln Albert

An expert in Interpersonal Communications, Eln Albert works with those that want to be at their best when influencing others. A Professional Speaker and Author, these tips have been excerpted from her new booklet, 89 Magical Secrets To Know You're Doing Right By Your Kids. How To Get More Hugs And Kisses From Your Kids Than You Can Handle!

For more information on how to be the best influencer as a parent or a boss go to http://www.ElnAlbert.com. Check out other articles by Ms. Albert and subscribe to get her free "The Magic of Influence" e-newsletter.

How to Find the Best Long Distance Rates

These days the best long distance rates are not found with your home carrier. There's too much competition in the marketplace and many people are discovering that a prepaid card can actually save them money. A coalition of long-distance phone companies has developed a package of reforms that will be implemented as soon as the Federal Communications Commission approves them.

Ultimately, these changes will increase competition in the telephone marketplace, which will cut costs even further.

Although technology has allowed phone companies to trim personnel even as call volume surged, reductions in access rates have made the most difference.

In looking for the best long distance rates most people realize that there aren't massive savings when switching from long-distance provider to long-distance provider, but the prepaid market has definitely cut long distance costs.

There's never been a better time to make long-distance calls.

Many carriers are offering competitive long-distance service, and rates have fallen by some 85 percent in the past 15 years. Nonetheless, it pays to shop around; the more cautious you are as a consumer, the better the choice you'll finally make.

About The Author

Mike Yeager, Publisher

http://www.a1-longdistance-4u.com/

mjy610@hotmail.com

The Ins and Outs of Loans for Military

Under the microscope loans for military really are different from civilian loans. Some things are the same such as your application must be approved, you still pay the loan back in an allotted amount of time, and you still have a set interest rate. Conversely when comparing the two different loans some things really do stand out.

When looking for a military loan if you decided to look via the internet the first thing you will notice is the vast amount of loans for military, there are literally hundreds of lenders. Most of these lenders deal solely with military personnel, which makes their business's very competitive. There is a wide variety of appealing offers out there so do your shopping around before settling down on a lender.

Most of the loans for military have some similar benefits through out all the companies. For starters almost all lenders allow you to do your application online 24 hrs a day 7 days a week. You have the option of getting your money by mail, western union, and direct deposit. Some lenders don't even do a credit check! And most loans for military can be paid back in allotments set up through DFAS! The length of time you have to pay the loan back varies from payment in full with your next paycheck or payments that are evenly distributed through out a few different paychecks. And last but not least ,most lenders will lend to parties with power of attorney which is a god send for military personnel on overseas duty that have spouses back in the states in need of some quick cash.

All in all thier loans for military are fast, efficient and set up for the convenience of military personnel and their families. Choosing a lender is as easy as going grocery shopping, you will have numerous lenders to choose from with all types of offers.

Timothy Gorman is a successful webmaster and publisher of Military-Loans-Online.com. He provides more military auto loans, home loans, payday loans and military motorcycle loans that you can research in your pajamas on his website.

I imagine when we die we find out how in-tune with our hearts we should have been. Not an easy thing to do with all our mere mortal vices getting in the way.

How do we rise above what we are? Can we elevate ourselves and look back down on our lives to see what needs more attention, or less? What's important, what's a waste of time?

I've managed to step onto my own shoulders for a better look, through my music. As a songwriter I frequently, and most certainly unintentionally, write about feelings and experiences from my own life. Sometimes I don't recognize a connection until I'm performing the song or listening to it later on.

Where all these ideas comes from I can't be sure. I always thought that I had to go through many long years of suffering before I could be worth anything as writer, but I found that my song lyrics, and my other scribblings, affect people.

Real writers, those with a genuine knack, are born to be what they are. Maybe sometimes people get more than their fair share of talents. A cruel joke by God? Maybe a test. Which talent will be used the most to affect the rest of the world?

I didn't wake up one day and say I want to write songs, or even these observations. If I did I would likely be a lousy songwriter, or writer in general. Instead I have found that, when inspired, I have a knack for this writing thing. People who have heard my music believe it's among the best they've heard, and they always comment on the poignancy of my lyrics. One fellow who bought my CD remarked, "...lyrically, it's a killer!"

I appreciate these remarks. They make me examine myself more closely, to evaluate my work more carefully, because if people are this taken with my lyrics I must be extra careful what I write the next time around. My words can have great influence, so I want to make sure it's a positive one.

As I look back on my accomplishments, which I still don't think are much (call me humble), I start seeing myself in a different light. Not the kid who was made fun of in school, or the punk who couldn't get his head out of you-know-where quick enough to save himself some real heartache. But I see myself as a growing, learning, human stumbling through a mistake-ridden life that's finally smoothing out in the long run, and there's plenty more to run, so just imagine how much smoother it can get!

Looking down, even in at yourself, however you manage to do it, can help you elevate your position within your own mind. Since we are the masters of our own destiny, isn't that the right place to start? See yourself as the person you want to be.

By examining ourselves we can also learn how much heart we put into living our lives. The more heart that goes in, the less mundane your life will be. But you can't keep your heart to yourself. No light shines in a room without windows, no voice can travel beyond the walls. Affect the world around you and see how the light shines in.

How do we rise above what we are? We rise to what we want to be.

Drew Vics, an artist, writer & musician from New Jersey, writes for

วันอาทิตย์ที่ 5 ตุลาคม พ.ศ. 2551

Ice Fishing in the Wisconsin Winter

It's late December... temperatures are racing towards 0 degrees. Ice is covering most of the lakes in Wisconsin and getting thick on the lakes in the Northern half of the state.

This is the time of the year when the die-hards come out to take on the bitter cold to do what they love... fish!

But ice fishing doesn't have to be just for those fishing fanatics. If you usually put fishing into the back of your mind during the cold winter, you might want to think about reaching back and pulling it to the front a few months early. Ice fishing is definitely different than fishing in the middle of a muggy Wisconsin summer, but it may be more fun than you might be thinking it is.

Ice fishing isn't just about staring down into a dark hole in the middle of a big cold lake freezing your butt off... if you put your line in the water and do nothing but sit and stare at the hole and never get a bite, that could end up being a long boring day, but you can make it fun (but if the fish are active and biting, then it will be fun regardless!)...

Go with friends! Unless you need some "alone time," ice fishing with friends or family always makes for a better experience. Since ice fishing is more of a waiting game than fast-action summer fishing is, if you don't have somebody to talk to, you might start talking to yourself! If you do go along, at least bring a radio.

Got snowmobiles or ATVs? Do you know somebody who does? Take them out on the lake with you. Set your tip-ups up, and then go for a ride around the lake... as long as you don't get to far away from your tip-ups, you may be able to do a little exploring or have a little fun while your waiting for that 8 pound walleye to take your bait.

Don't forget that hot chocolate or coffee! If it's cold, nothing helps keep you warm like a hot drink... and to me, no other hot drink beats hot chocolate. Soup is always good too... and if you plan on making a lunch on the lake from all the fish your catching, be sure to bring cooking supplies, including something to actually cook the fish with.

If you're going with friends, bring something to toss around... a football, frisbee, hacky-sack, whatever... just don't kill yourself diving for a catch on the ice! These things will at least keep you busy while you wait for that tip-up flag to spring up.

Just remember, to make sure that you stay close enough to the tip-ups at all times so that you can respond within a reasonable time of the flag going up.

So, if you've always stuck to summer fishing and never wanted to venture out fishing during the winter months, you ought to give it a try this winter... you might just find out what a great rewarding experience it can be...

And just remember, unlike Wisconsin's muggy summers, there are absolutely no bugs biting you while you are ice fishing, so you can keep that mosquito spray at home!

--- Scott Pinkert runs a great Wisconsin fishing resource site called Go Wisconsin Fishing. The website is an excellent resource for everything you want or need to know about fishing in Wisconsin. You can check out the site by visiting http://www.go-wisconsin-fishing.com. For more articles like this, sign up for his monthly newsletter at http://www.go-wisconsin-fishing.com/newsletter.html ---

Commercial Collections: Business Finance Booster Shot

Commercial collections: fixture of the new B2B culture

If you're in the business-to-business field, or even if you're a consumer products business that works through third-party distribution channels, you probably know what it's like to check your mail anxiously each day, sifting through all the bills for that payment that was supposed to have been in months ago.

It wasn't supposed to be like this. If you were a good, honest businessperson who dealt with other good, honest businesspeople, "commercial collections" wasn't supposed to be part of your vocabulary.

Back in the good old days, an invoice or purchase order that had an established company listed in the "bill to" field was almost as good as a cashier's check. Nowadays, if you're in the business of serving other businesses you may find that your cash flow is less reliable than a small-time bookie's.

Commercial Collections: A Personal Story

This past April I finally got the $2,000 a client owed me for work done in December, after spending almost as much money's worth of my time reminding them to pay.

No, this wasn't one of those hand-shake deals-we had a 5-page contract specifying net-30 payment terms. Nor was this some guy with a lemonade stand. It was the media division of one of the largest retailers in the United States.

The worst part was, I trusted this client based on my experience working with them a few years before. I actually spent the money on Christmas presents, fully expecting the payment to come in before my credit card statement.

Avoiding Outstanding Invoices

Of course, you can nip this problem in the bud by cultivating strong relationships with clients who pay on time. But those clients are getting few and far between-and, as I found, the good can go pretty bad pretty fast.

Worse, it seems that the larger the business, the less likely they are to pay on time. "Net 10 days" might as well be a foreign language in Fortune 500 land. The long-standing advice given to B2B businesses and self-employed people is that the money is in big corporations. But good luck getting it from them before your rent is due.

What I Should Have Done

Looking back on my experience with the deadbeat corporate client, my biggest mistake was doing it all myself, with writing the letters and making the phone calls. With an hourly rate of about $75, I ended up spending the time equivalent of a large chunk of my $2000 fee. I should have gone to a collection agency. I just didn't know then that were collection agencies that would take on small business debts and run the whole process for you for as little as $20 per debt.

Of course, I also didn't know that going to a collection agency didn't necessarily mean "putting an account in collections." Many collection agencies are in fact refashioning themselves as "accounts receivable management" specialists; they'll even manage your invoicing from end-to-end if you want. The client may not even realizing that the person on the phone is from an outside agency and not your own personal assistant.

When I think of all the value of the time I spent collecting that last $2,000, I could kick myself for not handing it over to a collection agency. But, I can always look forward to putting this knowledge into practice the next time I have a client who's slow in paying.

Steve Austin is a regular contributor to Let No Debt Remain Outstanding (http://www.let-no-debt-remain-outstanding.com/), a website with articles on choosing a collection agency, along with recommended the best collection agencies.

Company Vehicles Have Advertising on Them; Tips on Driving in Parking Lots

Try to avoid backing up whenever possible. Occasionally some one in a small car will park directly behind you at a gas station or stop sign. They will be parked so evenly that you won't see them. This is why the telephone company and most large cable companies require drivers to put a cone behind their vehicle whenever they park their vehicles. It gets the driver in the habit of checking behind the vehicle since he has to get out and pick up the cone. You might also take a peak before you get in and drive away, especially if you are backing up. One day you will be glad you did.

In parking lots, there will be times when you will want to back up five to ten spaces to make another deliver, let another car out or negotiate a parking spot for yourself. If you can drive around the parking lot to get there, do so, as it is free advertising since every one will see you as you traverse the lot. If you must back up, ask a worker or passerby to help guide you. If you are backing up and some one else is backing out, there is a good chance that there will be damage and it really doesn't matter whose fault it is because you just lost five customers and have hurt your brand name. Which customers did you potentially lose? Well for starters the owner of the other car; their spouse; two of their fellow workers; and at least one person who witnessed the accident.

Give yourself a break in advance and remember these quotes perhaps you might put them in your break room at work:

"Don't ever go backwards?unless you have to?' 'Press onward and upward."

"He who looks backwards goes backwards. He who looks forward must progress."

So, if you must go backwards - look. Otherwise look forward, go forward and get free advertising while driving around the parking lot. When you are in parking lots there are some other things you might consider as well. While most collisions in parking lots are minor, all are preventable; they are in fact where most accidents happen. Dents on your deliver vehicles or company car take away from your hard earned good will and brand image. Use your head. Here are some tips: Try to park so as to leave an empty space on both sides; If possible, avoid parking next to a car with dents or banged-up fenders. This may indicate the driver's lack of concern for his or her own car and an equal lack of concern for yours; Park in the center of your parking space.

When driving in a parking lot, you will find a multitude of possible dangerous situations. This is where you defensive driving skills are most important. Here are some good tips: Drive in the proper direction, in designated lanes and within the speed limit. Look out for pedestrians. Look for loose shopping carts. Look for vehicles backing out or pulling into driving lanes. If there is no on-coming vehicles, drive in the center of the aisle. Maneuver slowly. When you arrive at the end of an aisle, turn on your directional, stop, check for cross traffic and yield to pedestrians.

We don't want any dents in your company vehicles because that's a bad image for your brand, not to mention a waste of time, energy and money to fix. In the event you do get a dent or ding on one of your company vehicles fix it promptly. Please teach your crew members the tips to make sure they are safe and protect your equipment and brand name image.

You are not allowed to park in handicapped spots unless you have a bona fide placard, yet so many delivery people do this and it upsets people to see this. Make sure your company has a policy to not park or block access to handicap spots during deliveries.

These simple tips and techniques will help your portable advertising on wheels on all your company vehicles work for you and not against you as you build your brand.

"Lance Winslow" - If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs

How You Can Create Advertising That Sells

A well-planned and properly executed marketing program should include a sufficient commitment of capital resources to an on-going, well executed advertising program. Yes, this includes your business.

Businesses spend too many dollars, however, on ads that simply will not result in increased sales and profits. These ads are poorly conceived, poorly written, poorly designed, poorly targeted, and poorly placed.

Sounds like a poor way to do business, doesn't it?

I often ask clients (as tactfully as possible), why they have run a particular ad. I get a lot of blank stares. A few tense moments will pass while the client tries to think of a clever answer. "To get the company name out in front of the public so I can get more business." they reply, with some relief.

This poor soul has just described a lack of a well defined goal, which leads almost inevitably to what I call an institutional ad. An institutional ad can best be described as one which identifies the advertiser and lists address, telephone number, hours of operation, and (maybe) the company logo. That's it. What a terrible waste of money!

Unless your company grosses a billion dollars a year, you can't afford to do institutional ads. If your company does gross over a billion dollars a year...you're probably too smart to run institutional ads.

Every ad you run must result in increased sales and profits and an enhanced image for your company. Every ad should make the customer a solid offer and give the customer sound reasons to buy from you now. Remember, the customer is sitting back and asking, "What can you do for me?" If you're careful to answer that question with a powerful offer and reasons to buy now, you're on your way to advertising success...which results in increased sales and profits.

How can you improve your chances of increasing sales?

Let's look at some profit-producing ideas...

SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP

Very few businesses are prepared or qualified to produce quality advertising. If you spend more than $2,000 per month in advertising, you should seriously consider hiring a qualified advertising professional. There are any number of skilled freelancers who can develop strategy, and create your marketing materials with a keen eye to using proven methods and techniques.

Good advertising talent always pays it's own way through increased sales and profits, improved cost-effectiveness, reduced selling costs, and shortened selling cycles.

If your resources are limited, don't feel lost. There's no reason why you can't learn to write an effective ad. That's what the rest of this article is all about...how *you* can create advertising that sells.

FOLLOW A PROVEN FORMULA

One of the oldest and most useful formulas for ad design takes its name from the opera Aida by Giuseppe Verde. In this case the letters A-I-D-A stand for ATTENTION, INTEREST, DESIRE, AND ACTION.

In it's simplest form this formula serves as a structural blueprint. It guides us to: (1) Get the prospect's Attention, (2) Foster his or her Interest in your offer, (3) build Desire for your product or service and (4) Generate some type of Action on the part of the buyer.

As we expand on each of these elements individually, you'll discover for yourself how to apply the formula to your specific situation.

ATTENTION (The Headline)

Hit your prospect right between the eyes with a magic wand. How? With a powerful benefit headline. The headline is the most important single element of your ad. You have two to three seconds to stop the reader as he or she passes by. You must stop the reader, and interest them in your benefit, if you expect them to read further.

A powerful headline will (1) stop the reader (2) isolate and qualify your best prospects, and (3) pull your reader into the sub-heads and body copy.

How do you write the attention-getting headline? First, carefully review all the benefits of-use of your product or service. Second, take your most important benefit and weave that benefit into your headline. Use action words to describe the benefit to one individual reader.

Here are some examples...

"Save 50% On Office Supplies...Send For Your Free Catalog Today !"

"How YOU Can Create Advertising That SELLS!"

"New! Amazing Techniques That You Can Use To Land A High-Paying Job...Today!"

"How To Design Profit-Producing Web Sites That SELL!"

APPEALING TO BUSINESS EXECUTIVES

When writing your ad to a business-to-business audience you should keep in mind the six key benefits most likely to get attention:

1.Save Money 2.Save Time 3.Increase Sales 4.Increase Profits 5.Enhance Image 6.Boost cash flow

Most other benefits are subordinate to these key six. I call them the"Business Benefit Six-Pack." Show your customer how your product or service provides these benefits, and you will dramatically improve your results.

INTEREST AND DESIRE> (The Offer, Body Copy, Benefits-Benefits- Benefits)

You build interest in your product or service (and the desire to buy) by making the customer a compelling offer and by describing as many benefits as possible in simple and interesting terms.

Tip # 1: Top ad pros always write the ad first, then buy whatever space necessary to display the ad message with clarity and power.

Tip # 2: Words sell...graphic design displays the words in a visually appealing way. Don't confuse the two. No amount of trendy design will make a poorly written ad sell for you. Good design reinforces good copy...it cannot take the place of it! The implication for internet marketers is that content is king. Avoid glitsy, moving graphics that only distract from your message and increase load times. Good design and good copy should work synergistically.

Tip #3: Long copy sells...as long as it's good copy. I call it "greased slide" copy. You get the reader on the top of the slide when he reads a powerful headline, and he can't get off until he has taken the action asked for (i.e., ordered the product, made the trip to the store, dialed the phone, clicked the order/inquiry button, filled out the on-line order, etc.).

ACTION(Ask For The Order)

Now comes the moment of truth. You must ask for the order. Give reasons for the customer to buy now...and make it easy for him to do so. In direct response marketing, this will involve a coupon for mail orders, a toll-free order line, an e-mail address, an on-line order form, a fax order line..any means to make it easy and simple to order!

Take the fear out of the purchase. Give solid guarantees. Offer secure ordering for on-line customers. Show testimonials from satisfied customers.

Show what the customer is going to lose if he doesn't order now.

If you are a retailer, include a map to your store(s) (newcomers love them). Show the credit cards you accept, list the hours of operation, tell them about your friendly staff, include a special coupon or other incentive. In other words, "Roll out the red carpet."

INVEST IN FUTURE PROFITS

So there you have it. A primer on good advertising. If I've piqued your interest to learn more, then check out the other articles available at this resource.

Remember, bad advertising...no matter what the media...is an unproductive expense.

Good advertising is an investment in future profits!

Good advertising and good management go together. You can't have a successful business on-line or off-line---without both.

Thom Reece is CEO of Online Marketing Resource Center [http://www.E-ComProfits.com] and publisher of "Thom Reece's Web Marketing Strategies & Techniques Newsletter". Free subscripton at: http://www.WMSTDirect.com, mailto:thom@e-comprofits.com