The global trade and world economy will possibly increase, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This statement was in contrast to the report that the group disseminated stating that the global trade will suffer a major downside in the up and coming years. The said increase was .25 percent higher compared to the initial IMF prediction last April.

IMF is a group that is responsible in checking and ensuring that each member country has sufficient funds and orderly financial system. In a recent report of the IMF, it stated that two of the biggest profit-producing industries in the world will lead the global trade to disorder. The incessant increase in oil cost and the depreciating housing market of the US were two of the main causes that degenerate the trade.

However, despite the new prediction, the organization is still pressing on to its caution regarding global trade imbalances. The said imbalances are caused by the depreciation of the US dollar and the increased in China's trade surpluses. The Asian country's weak currency boosts its economy, because the goods that are being imported there cost relatively lower than those that come from other neighboring nations. On the other hand, US, considered as the globe's vast economy, has depreciated its trade for more than $64 billion.

The recent Global Financial Stability report dealing with imbalances in the global trade market was issued at the commencement of the World Bank and IMF yearly conference held in Singapore. Also in the said report, the IMF officials commented that the current global malady is a timely encouragement for finance ministers and bank leaders, coming from variegated regions in the world, to empower and enact macro-economic policies and rules, and to start implementing structural changes.

Meanwhile, the said group forecast that the surpluses coming from oil manufacturing and exporting nations will still be high, and that the economy of eurozone will keep on recouping. However, not all member countries of IMF will have an incessant increase in the global trade. Germany, in particular, is predicted to have a slower growth in its economy because of the surge in the value added tax to 19 percent.

The IMF stated that the countries' central banks should measure the dangers of the continuing growth and price rises, and that restricting more accrual rates might be required. IMF also added that Japan, as another progressive Asian nation, should raise interest rates continually to help ease the inequalities concerning the global trade.

In the meantime, the said Singapore meeting of the World Bank and IMF have already earned controversies after the Singaporean government declined to remove its prohibition on demonstrations and protests on the streets in spite of the clamors from militant and non-government groups who wanted to air their grievances regarding the global trade issues.

At the official commencement of the global trade meeting between World Bank and IMF, civil rights activists were astounded with the narrow protest area that are surrounded by Singaporean officials and police. With the pressure coming from the NGOs and protestants, IMF is beneath the strain and tension to enact changes within the organization, and settle issues concerning the inequalities in the global trade.

The group responsible for monitoring the financial system of several countries has given alerts regarding the global trade depreciation caused by oil price hikes and the degenerating American housing market. In an announcement, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has stated that the two industries can lead the global trade and the international economy to jumble.

The IMF is an international organization, which is composed of 184 members including the United States, was established in 1946 right after the windup of the Second World War. It was created due to the 1944 Bretton Woods Conference. The basic tasks of the fund are to lend member countries with funds and to provide financing solutions to momentary balance of payment problems. The organization is also responsible in assisting the expansion and balanced growth of global trade and the international economy, and in ensuring international monetary cooperation among member nations. The said organization played an active role in the economic and financial rules and policies of some highly obligated member countries and in the maintenance of the nation's monetary stability.

The organization also declared that the American dollar may drop because of the disordered savings policies and asset imbalances in the global trade. It can be noted that the several groups already made an appeal to the international economy, most especially to the developed countries like Japan and Germany, to increase their expenses and not rely on the US to become the sole trade market machine.

The said announcement was promulgated even before the annual World Bank and IMF conference that will take place in Singapore this month. The conference hasn't started yet, however, ministers of the Group of Seven (G7) affluent nations and other finance leaders are already having discussion about these policies in Singapore. In its current report, IMF emphasized the possible factors that can jeopardize the incessant global trade growth.

The fast-paced increase of oil cost in the global trade have banded together with the current figures illustrating that the market of new US homes dropped by 4.3 percent last July have fanned the flames of worries regarding an international economic backslide. The said declination in the home market is considered the most huge drop since last February.

The Global Financial Stability article released by the IMF stated that the current global trade crisis serves as an opportunely admonition for finance ministers from various communities to empower macro-economic rules and policies, and strive in implementing the much-required structural changes.

In the center of the maelstrom of issues of fear and worries about the global trade, the current report came out the day right after China announced that it had already posted a report of $18.8 billion trade balance with other nations last August. On the contrary, the US has its trade decreased to over $64bn. As a reason to the difference between the trade growth of US and China is the Asian nation's weak currency that makes the goods from the said country to become relatively cheap resulting to the boosts in their export business.

Businesses are opening at an ever expanding rate, making competition for customers fierce. In order to keep up with the demands in the world today new businesses need to keep in mind the importance of good communication. The most important piece of equipment you will purchase for your business is the phone.

Even before a business opens its doors the phones should be up and running and all employees need to be familiar with their use. Depending on the size of the business you can decide first what type of service will be needed to maintain excellent communication service. You need to be sure the phone service is reliable and that all calls can be answered in a timely matter.

For a small business you may only need a simple system. To start you will need at least three lines for calls. Two of the phone lines can be for use when answering the calls without a busy signal. The third telephone line should be installed for use with the fax machine.

You will most likely need to install a type of internet access. Due to the technology available it is better to go with a broadband connection rather than a phone line internet connection. With faster internet speeds it would slow your business down to have a phone line internet service, thus delaying other calls with a busy signal.

The best way to decide what type of phone service to begin with may be to work with the telephone company directly. They will be able to provide you with the best information in helping to make a decision on phone service. You can also check with other businesses that are similar in size and find out what works and what is unnecessary.

It may also be ideal to get a simple number that is easy to remember, acronyms are very popular. Before your new business is open your phone service needs to be running and all employees should be comfortable answering the calls.

When considering different phone essentials keep in mind the growth aspect. Your service may need to be upgraded periodically to continue to fit your needs. Your phone service is the heart of any good business, so it is never recommended to use a cell phone as your business phone. They are still unreliable and you will put your client base at risk. Communication needs are expanding very quickly and it's important to have a good system in place. Learning to use your phones and phone system to maximize service will only help your business to grow and expand.

If you don’t effectively handle the multiple demands of your every day life as an event or meeting planner, your customers will know! Your coworkers, industry peers, suppliers, and customers can, and will, hold you accountable for how you spend your time and do your work.

How effective are you? Take this quiz to find out.

Rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 5 on each question.

I feel organized and ready to do my work each day.

Less True 1 2 3 4 5 More True

Even during stressful times, I am able to think clearly and logically.

Less True 1 2 3 4 5 More True

I have good focus and concentration at work.

Less True 1 2 3 4 5 More True

I have no problem managing my time efficiently.

Less True 1 2 3 4 5 More True

My physical work situation (e.g. office, workspace) is serving me well.

Less True 1 2 3 4 5 More True

If your responses to these questions are less than satisfactory to you, here are three of the most worthy tips for increasing your productivity and experiencing phenomenal business results.

1. Ask yourself this question: Why do I do what I do?

By answering this question you will learn to do the right things and make room for realizing the business successes you want. It's working. My clients are emptying their lives of the stuff they've been clinging to, and making room for the business success they have always wanted. So, try on this question: Why do I do what I do ? List 10 business activities and note why you do each of them and how they benefit you in your business. For example: Use the same suppliers for my events and meetings – I have confidence in them and they serve me well.

If there is no specific benefit-aimed reason and visible result, then why keep doing it? Most importantly, what activity could you replace it with to generate better results? I challenge you to identify three activities you currently do that you want to replace with others because you know with confidence that they will generate better business results.

2. Change one old habit

This is a very easy one. Take 5 minutes to identify one work habit that you are not particularly proud of. Yes, we all know of at least one habit that doesn’t serve us well. Now make a commitment to change this one habit and replace it with a better one. It may feel difficult the first few times you exercise this new habit but, like everything, you’ll form a new and better habit soon.

3. Declutter your mind and your desk.

What would you do with 25% more time or 50% more energy?

Let me explain. Last week, one of my clients, a meeting planner, mentioned he had a desk so cluttered with piles of paper he didn’t have a surface to work on, nor did he know where to start his work on any given day. He also said he couldn’t even slow his pace to clear some of these piles.

I realized his challenge was a lot like the challenges most event and meeting industry professionals experience in their fast paced, detail oriented, and time challenged life.

To combat the clutter problems, my client and I leveraged a simple but powerful tool designed to free up a lot more of his time and energy. We got so much value out of it I decided to share it with you.

It is called Free Your Clutter Day -- a day that you set aside to tackle the projects, clutter and loose ends that are holding you back.

You may be thinking, “What? An entire day? Where am I going to find 8 hours for anything?!

Consider this an investment with a big return for you and your clients -- higher performance, less stress, and fewer hours spinning your wheels or being blocked.

Here is what you do in this Free Your Clutter Day:

Start by taking a pad of paper and making a list of everything you will commit to handle or to resolve.

For example, set up a file for new clients or projects; call your vendor who you are having some difficulty with and need to have that long overdue conversation to get things back on track; make follow-up phone calls to customers.

Now take your list and prioritize it.

Identify what needs to get handled first and is vital to eliminating your feeling of overwhelm. Put all of the items on your list in order of highest to lowest priority – using business outcomes as your key criteria.

Lastly, tackle the highest priority items on your list today! Yes, complete them.

Here is an incentive for you. Think about your costs in not accomplishing these tasks. Spending too much time looking for missing items that may have lost you a client or prospect due to lack of organization? Not handling a difficult situation which costs you ten times more?

The more you get done, the more uncluttered your mind and desk will be. You will be more alert and productive. Your customers will know you operate effectively in your business.

The cost of doing business continuously increases as gasoline prices soar. Many service companies (e.g. plumbing, air conditioning and chimney contractors) have realized this as gasoline expenses have reached the ceiling. In an effort to offset this cost many companies are cutting budgets in other key areas like marketing and advertising. Many companies are realizing as they cut budgets for advertising they are seeing a decrease in profits which requires further budget cuts. This can have a snowball effect; however, there are adjustments that can be made to relieve the strain on the gasoline budget.

One adjustment that would make a significant difference is a process for more efficient routing. Companies that service large areas (e.g. large cities) discover that some areas are serviced more frequently than others; some areas require repairs (e.g. older areas) while some require accessories (e.g. new areas). Through computers and the internet there are a number of software packages which have scheduling and dispatching functionality. Companies can utilize routing and scheduling functionality to decrease the driving distance each work order requires.

A good practice for companies servicing large areas is to schedule calls based on location (e.g. a technician may not be in someone’s area for three days, so ask if they can wait). Obviously not all of the service calls will fit into the routes so it is also a good practice to have a roaming vehicle. This vehicle will pick up the calls which could not be put in an efficient schedule.

Another adjustment is to examine the vehicle’s engine, determining if the engine is too large. This is a long term approach; however, as these vehicles are retired and new vehicles are purchased it may be worthwhile to downsize the engine. For example, if a company has vehicles which do not require heavy loads but have V8s then maybe these should be exchanged for V6s; six pistons will require less gasoline than eight.

The last adjustment is to have regular inspections of the vehicles. These should not be done by a third party and should check items like the air filter and tire air pressure. Checks for items like this once a week can save gasoline and maintenance costs.

There are obviously more ways to decrease the gasoline expenses of a company. A number of factors need to be taken into consideration while deciding if a process or practice should be adopted. Some adjustments are obvious while other take time and creativity.

Publishing is a fascinating business and the process that goes into the making of books and newspapers is an interesting one. These days, with the world of digital information and the internet upon us, the scope of publishing now also includes websites, blogs and the like.

From the business perspective, publishing isn't just printing literature or information but also the development, marketing, distribution and even promotion of the printed works. It is not as simple as it may seem.

The publishing process begins with the written work or the copy. Many aspiring and unpublished writers often submit manuscripts to publishing houses in the hopes of seeing the light of print. These end up in a slush pile which editors sift through, and the great majority of these contributions are often rejected. Usually, book and magazine publishers commission copy from known and established writers, and unsolicited works have a slim chance of getting published. The prudent thing for a writer to do to get published is to first submit a query or a proposal. It also helps if you have a literary agent who has access to major publishers.

Once a publisher accepts a work, then negotiations with the writer or his agent begin on how much to pay the writer for "intellectual property" rights and "royalty rate."

Once commercial and legal issues are settled, the next step is the editorial stage where writers are asked to rewrite or improve their manuscripts before they get to publishing editors who do further editing on the work.

The next stage is called prepress and that's where design and artwork (including photos) are decided. Other processes are typesetting, dust jacket composition, deciding on paper quality, binding method, casing as well as proofreading. Once done, the work can now proceed to printing. It is interesting to note that most major magazine and newspaper publishers have their own printing presses, but book publishers seldom do.

The publisher's work doesn't end with the publication of the book. This is followed by advertising and other marketing tasks, including distribution. There are times when the publishing process up to the printing stage is handled by a separate company or individual before selling the same to the publishing house. This is known as book packaging.

Marketing is a vital and important aspect of bringing customers to your business. While marketing isn't the selling point, you cannot sell without first having attracted a clientele. Knowing how vital marketing is to your business you should always attempt to add branding to all marketing efforts.

Why is branding important? Quite simply branding is when people remember your business name and can associate it with your industry without the aid of your advertisement being present. When advertising online paying CPM for banner ads or even CPC contextual ads there is no better way to ad value to your advertising dollar than by adding branding to all your marketing efforts.

Visually a good branding campaign should start with the logo. When designing a logo make sure it can be read in smaller formats so you can readily place them into any sized advertisement. Making sure your logo allows the reader to see your company name or domain name is very important as well so a good readable font should be considered.

When advertising online, if you have a time sensitive promotion, make sure to include your company logo and make it a prominent part of your ad. Always brand when advertising.

If your purchasing radio ad placements creating your script may prove a bit more difficult when trying to add your company name more prominent in the advertisement. If possible, have your company name mentioned at least three times. A jingle with your company name, providing it is catchy can prove even a method of viral marketing.

In online contextual advertising, if possible, capitalize the first letter of each word to your company to make easier reading of your web address.

In short, branding has the potential to bring many future clients to your door well after you've ran an ad campaign if done right. Brainstorm ideas with your marketing peers and come up with ways to make your ads brand well when you advertise.

Finding your ideal home takes some work. Do you want a single-family home or a condo? How big a home and in which neighborhood?

Let’s begin by talking about different types of homes. Single-family homes are typically detached houses on a single lot. The owner is responsible for all aspects of the property, including the interior, exterior and landscaping. A condominium, on the other hand, is a real estate project in which the individual owner holds title to a particular unit in a building. Most condos have a monthly Homeowner’s Association fee that may cover expenses such as exterior building insurance, landscaping, pool and recreation area maintenance, trash, water and a reserve for future capital improvements to the property. Town houses are legally classified as condominiums, usually share at least one common wall, but are generally situated in rows so there are no units above each other.

You’ve probably heard the old real estate adage, “Location, location, location!” The location or neighborhood you choose will have the biggest impact on the price of the property. Whether you’re aiming for an exclusive blue-chip neighborhood or a lower-priced, emerging community, be sure to evaluate the area’s shopping and business services, entertainment, park and recreational facilities, public transportation, traffic congestion, noise levels, and the general ambiance. While some of these factors, such as the quality of the school district, may not be important to you, they could significantly impact the home’s resale value.

Speaking of resale, the longer you stay in a home, the better chance you have to make money on your investment. Generally, it takes at least three to four years to recoup buying and selling costs. Depending on how long you plan to stay in your home, make sure the home has the amenities that your family requires. For example, a two-bedroom cottage may be perfect for a young couple with no children; however, before long, the couple could quickly outgrow the space.

Smart buyers know that one of the keys to finding your ideal home is to prioritize your needs and your wants. Recognizing the difference between what you want and what you can't live without makes all the difference. Make a wish list of all your "wants" including size, location and amenities. Unless you have unlimited financial resources, you'll have to compromise here and there. Chances are that the number of bedrooms you need to accommodate you and your family is more important than the built-in barbeque or stained glass windows on your wish list. Keep your priorities in mind as you view homes with your agent.

It will likely take several weeks of research and legwork, but you will find a home that’s just right for you. Deciding how much to offer the seller and under what terms will make or break the deal.

Your agent should run a comparable market analysis for you on homes that have sold in the same neighborhood within the past year. Comparing the amenities, condition and location of similar homes that have already sold and then weighing those factors alongside the current market is the first step to making a reasonable offer.

Next, decide how much you are willing to pay for the home. Part of your agent’s job is to try to negotiate a below-market sales price. If you have your heart set on a house and you are prepared to overpay to get it, let your agent know.

One key to making a successful offer is to consider the seller’s motivations. Have they already purchased another home? Is a relocation or divorce part of the equation? Perhaps the seller wants to close escrow within a certain timeframe; if so, are they willing to take less for the home if you are willing to accommodate their requests.

Your offer to buy the home will be presented in a Purchase Agreement. The seller may submit a counter offer with his demands for price and terms. You can accept the counter offer or submit another counter offer. If and when you and the seller agree, the purchase contract and the counter offers are signed by both parties and escrow, or closing, begins.

Acquiring funding for your business can be time consuming. A lot of small business owners need financial assistance, especially in the first 12 months of starting. The obvious solution is for the owner to take out a loan. There are a number of companies or financial institutions that offer this service. Choosing the right loan can be a difficult process simply due to the amount of products on the market. If you are looking for business funding by way of a loan make sure you pay particular interest to the loan agreement. In some cases your home may be at risk if you do not keep up with the repayments. The Royal British Legion provide interest-free loans of up to £5,000 for service leavers & ex-service personnel, who are looking to set themselves up in their own business. This is just one example of the type of products that are out there. . Small business funding is also available in the form of a grant. A grant can be issued by a government or an organisation. On securing a grant you will be given financial assistance sometimes with no expectations or repayment plans. To have a realistic chance of obtaining a grant you will be asked to demonstrate a good work ethic and a strong commitment to your business. It often helps if you are committing some of your own finances to the business; Securing business funding through means of a grant can be difficult as there is often limited funding available and a lot of competition, make sure you have a contingency plan if your application is rejected.

When selling a business your main aim is for you to get the best deal possible, to increase the chances of this happening preparation will be required. You will need to adopt a structured approach to marketing your business, you will also need to use sound negotiation techniques. Here are some things to consider;

Why are you selling? – You need to convince people the reason you are selling the business is genuine, otherwise prospective buyers may believe there is a problem with the business.

Timing – You need to choose the right time to sell, there are many factors that govern this, it could be your business performs well at a particular time of year, the strength of the economy, how well your sector is doing or simply the future outlook.

Market Research – You need to look at what will be the best way to advertise your business, you also need to list your business at a price so there is scope for negotiation.

Documentation – You will need to have all relevant paperwork to hand including; accounts, supplier information/contracts, receipts, lease details if required, servicing and maintenance records of machinery. This list could be very long, simply get as much information together as possible and have it easily available and put together in a structured manner.

Start your Marketing Campaign – Place your adverts listing the business for sale, make calls and spread the word, make sure your staff are fully aware the business is being sold well before you start this process.

Dealing with Enquires – This is the time when you meet prospective buyers, it is important you portray the right image for your business. You will need to have all the relevant information to hand. For large businesses a sales team is usually put in place, these will include experts in certain areas.

Be helpful – The buyer may have some sensitive questions or some irrelevant ones, the best way to deal with this is in a calm and helpful manner. When selling a business you still have your reputation and integrity to uphold.

Negotiation – Some people are good at this others not, the best way to look at negotiation is as a natural process within business. No side should have the upper hand, if done in the right manner negotiation can actually be an enjoyable process rather than a stressful one.

Completion – Simply because you have been paid the money and handed over the keys, you still have a moral responsibility to the new owner to make sure his ‘bedding in’ period runs smoothly, many a good reputation have been lost by people who do not adhering to this.

Before starting up your business I am sure you will have done plenty of research. The recommended ways to research businesses is by taking advice from someone you trust or by reading books, magazines or use of the internet. Businesses that survive the early days need to develop and move on to the next stage; the aim of all start up businesses is to build the business on a solid platform. There are many ways to expand a business, listed below are simply a few ways:

List your Business as a Franchise – Business costs can be very expensive, by franchising your business it will be significantly expanded it at a reduced cost. A lot of successful businesses have been successful simply due to franchising; many businesses have developed quickly by using this technique some have eventually become listed as a PLC (Public Limited Company). The stock market not only values your company at today’s value but also takes into account future growth. This can prove very lucrative for your business.

Form a Partnership or Joint Venture – Joining forces with another on theme business can be a very good way to develop your business. Marketing costs can be very difficult to absorb especially in the early days. Revenue sharing can be seen as a negative however experts believe that new businesses should consider making an alliance.

Target other Areas -. If the business is doing well, then look at other ways you can bring in revenue, great new ideas are being born everyday. The best entrepreneurs do not sit on their laurels; they are always looking towards expansion. Multiple revenue streams can be the key to success in business; they will prove worthwhile if one part of your business starts to under perform.

Win Contracts - One of the best ways for a business to develop is in the winning of contracts, especially government contracts. They not only secure revenue over a fixed period of time they also show an external mark of approval for your business. The winning of a major contract can separate you from your rivals. The winning of a contract can also be used by your marketing team in sourcing out other potential clients. One contract win can be the one factor that eventually makes the business successful.

Customer Retention – One of the best ways to develop a business is to keep your customers happy. Good customer service can go a long way towards making a customer return; added to that is the publicity gained from a recommendation. Generally new businesses provide great customer service in the early days however as businesses expand, this level of service generally diminishes. One example is the use of overseas call centres, this may prove cost effective, however the level of service provided by them is considered poor, although it is improving slightly. A business that can provide a good level of customer service at all levels of expansion should develop well.

Internet Presence - "Bill Gates said that by the end of 2002, there will be only two kinds of businesses: those with an Internet presence, and those with no business at all.” As stated earlier one of the ways to succeed in business is to stay ahead of the game. Your business having an internet presence is viewed by many experts as crucial.

Deciding to sell your business can be one of the biggest decisions in your life, whatever the reasons are for the sale. It is impossible not to become emotionally attached to your own business. Seeing a business grow can be a wonderful thing on the flip side deciding to sell the business can be gut wrenching experience.

Ideally a business owner will have prepared for the sae at least 2 years previously. This process is generally started by assessing the financial state of the business with a view to creating audited financial statements with future projections that show the company's revenue and potential growth.

Documentation should be put together to clearly show all transactions, this is vital information for any purchaser, it will allow the company to be easily evaluated. Information on customers should also be available; a new owner would not want to face a customer who expects to be treated in a particular way, not armed with this information

All supplier and customer contracts should be examined. Terms and conditions for each process should be available, if required. Contracts should not be coming to an end as new owner takes charge. Terminating contracts out of spite simply because you are selling the business serves no purpose at all. Remember when selling a business it is not simply about financials, it is also about keeping your reputation.

Start codifying business policies and procedures, if necessary, create a handover file this file should document exactly how to best run the business including as much information as possible as to aid the new owner, even your thoughts on future growth and development will be useful.

You will need to review your real estate leases, if your business is tied to a particular location you will need to make sure the lease is not set to expire or require renegotiation at the time you are planning to sell the company. The location of the company may discourage buyers; if so consider moving to a different location before you put the business on the market.

Equipment leases and material contracts will have to be checked so they have plenty of time to run when the business sis handed over. You will need to fully evaluate and catalogue all the company assets.

Finally, don't forget about the employees. The loss of key employees during the sale of the business can ruin a deal. Key employees are crucial to the new owner's success, so it's important to determine which employees are prepared to stay with the company during and after the transition. It is important that employees don't hear about the sale of the company from a third party.