Saturday, December 09, 2006

Federal Criminal Records

There are criminal records available at the federal level that are not available at county and state levels. These records include crimes relating to drugs, immigration, fraud, and weapons charges. We can access these records within 24 hours. The federal court system is an entirely separate court system from the state court system, but there is a great deal of overlapping between these two court systems.

In the USA, there is a good source of all these federal criminal compiled records at the national level called the NCIC (National Crime Information Center) whose reports are prepared by the FBI or legitimate law enforcement officials. The NCIC is the computerized index of criminal justice information that is available to all criminal justice agencies. The purpose of the NCIC system is to provide a computerized database for ready access by criminal justice agencies for making an inquiry about an individual and for prompt disclosure of information in the system from other criminal justice agencies about crimes and criminals. The NCIC is operational 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. The data contained in NCIC system is provided by all the federal, state, local, and foreign criminal justice agencies and other authorized courts. The public records provider has no accessibility of the records provided by NCIC.

Usually, private citizens and firms may not have any access to federal criminal records. Most US District Courts provide access to criminal records via online federal court docket system, but the information included is limited. The online docket system does not contain identification information of defendants. Therefore additional online search is needed for having the full spectrum of the record.

Before appointing new employees, every firm conducts a criminal check about them either through online or offline sources. Most companies are concerned about the records maintained by state level courts. However depending upon the position involved, employers may also want to have a federal criminal check on the potential candidates. For this purpose firms will mostly depend on the Internet for a comprehensive criminal check.

Low Cost Home Business

Low Cost Home Business Ideas

Home business can be expensive, but there are businesses that don't cost much to start. Here are a few ideas.

One inexpensive way to start a home business is to set up an website. The site can be used to sell a product or to give information. With an information site, you can make money by joining an affiliate program. Setting up a website can cost well under $100, and can even be free, but you will spend a lot of time marketing your site. If you know nothing about internet marketing, there are websites and books that can help.

Another home business idea on a budget it selling at online auctions. If you start small, the cost in both time and dollars is minimal. Begin with items you don't want around your house anymore, or buy a few items at garage sales. Sell a product you make if that appeals to you. Eventually you can connect with a wholesaler, possibly one who will dropship items. This takes away all the work of wrapping and shipping your products.

If you have typing skills, offer them to local businesses. Often there is a need, and businesses can get buy cheaper paying you by the job than hiring an employee and paying benefits.

Consider tutoring on a subject you know well. This can be an academic subject or a creative subject, such as music. If you do this in your home you will have very little, if any, startup costs.

Think of what you know best and like to do best. Then find a way to offer these services or information to the public. Find a home business idea on your budget and start doing what you want to do.

Having A Successful Home Business

Many people think operating a home business is good idea to make some extra money or to provide them with a way to work entirely from home. A home business can be a very lucrative way to make money. A home business can provide you with more income and more freedom with your time.

The key to having a successful home business is to find one that you believe in and that suits your style. For instance, if you don't like selling things or contacting people face to face or by phone, then you probably need to choose a home business that does not require these things. If the home business is selling a product that you, yourself would not use, or don't believe in, then it makes it very difficult to make a believable presentation to others.

A home business is not going to run by itself, either. Most successful home business entrepreneurs would tell you that their home business got to be successful by working at it, putting in the time and the energy to make it a success. There is no home business that does not require some work. There are, however, some that do not require a large financial investment by you.

The best way to find the perfect home business for you is to do some research about the many different home businesses out there. This way, you can feel confident that you have chosen a home business that you will be good at and will generate the income you are hoping for.

Friday, December 08, 2006

Need Cash Quick? Have a Sale!

If you're feeling strapped for cash and you have at least one product or program to sell, consider having a sale to make some quick income - and make some sales you wouldn't have otherwise!

The key, though, is to not use this strategy too often. Otherwise it can seem as though your offering isn't really worth its original price tag. But once in awhile, when sales are slow, like during the holiday season, or when you need an extra few bucks in the bank, having a sale can be just the ticket.

Here are some other pointers, with my own experience:

1. Have a reason for having your sale: a thank you to your subscribers, a holiday promotion, share some personal reason for having a sale - like you need quick cash to pay the tax man, have a birthday sale, or an anniversary of your business sale. You get the idea.

This past June, I held a summer sale of some of my most popular products as a thank you to my subscribers (that's you!). It was the first time I had put more than one product on sale at once, and the response gave me a nice chunk of cash to bring along on my summer vacation.

2. Send out more than one email about your sale. People are busy and even if they are interested in your sale, they may not remember when it ends. Make sure you send out a initial "We're having a sale" email, one a few days later as a reminder, and then one more just before the sale ends, to be the most effective.

For the summer sale, I sent the initial email about the sale to my list with a one week deadline. A few days later, I sent a reminder email, and then one more just before the sale ended on the last day. I got quite a few orders after the initial email, a handful more after the reminder, but the most after I sent the "last chance" email (see below).

3. Expect to get the most orders just before your deadline ends, and then stick to that deadline. If you let people buy after the sale ends, they won't take your deadlines seriously in the future and it just creates more work for you.

When I had my summer sale, I got the most orders just before the deadline. And I know that if I hadn't sent that "last chance" email, I would have missed out on more than 50% of my sales for this promotion.

So, what product or program that you're already offering can you hold a sale for to make some extra income? Pick at least one, choose a reason for your sale, send an email to your list about the sale, follow up with them, and watch the cash roll in!

Motorcycle Accident - Skyrocket Your Injury Claim

A motorcycle accident is a very dangerous thing to be involved in, as the motorbike annually kills more people than any other means of transportation on the road. Different statistics show worrying trends, as the number of injuries or fatalities have been rising for the last few years continuously. Here are a few main reasons why this is happening:

COLLISIONS WITH FIXED OBJECTS

Fixed objects in the environment that motorcycle drivers fail to see or to dodge are another important cause for accidents. This goes hand in hand with high speeds, use of alcohol or drugs and bad maintenance of the bike. Also, negotiating a curve at very high speeds and under-cornering are also important factors. In this category, the human error accounts for approximately 66% of all the motorcycle accidents.

VEHICLE FAILURE

Although it is only responsible for about 3% of all the accidents, it’s worth taking into consideration. Bad maintenance is avoidable. Most of these accidents are the result of a flat tire which forced the driver to collide with another vehicle or with a fixed object in the environment. Claim Compensation Online Now!

COLLISIONS WITH OTHER TYPES OF VEHICLES

It is approximated that 75% of all the motorcycle accidents are the result of a collision with another vehicle, typically passenger cars. Out of this percentage, a staggering 65% is due to the fact that the driver of the other vehicle failed to see the motorbike and crossed over its path. This situation is most often encountered at night, when the riders are most vulnerable.

ROAD FLAWS AND ANIMAL INVOLVEMENT

Road flaws like holes, spillages, etc. and animal involvement are to blame for about 2% of motorcycle accidents.

Now, here are some more interesting facts and figures. Out of all the motorcycle drivers who are injured in accidents, 60% don’t wear protective helmets. Now, that is a really big number, considering the fact that the helmet greatly reduces the risk of injury. It’s not a big deal to put it on, but many riders consider them uncomfortable. Moreover, the helmet doesn’t diminish by any means the rider’s attention, his/her hearing or the vision.

The ages in which a motorcycle accident is more likely to happen are those between 16 and 24, and as far as the gender goes, males are involved in 96%. Over 50% of the riders have less than 5 months of experience. Bad weather is only involved in 2% of the motorcycle accidents.

The figures say it all. The motorbike is not a toy. But a great deal of all the accidents happen because it is considered one. Lacking protection from the outside world, the protection which a normal automobile would have, the bikes are more vulnerable than any other vehicles.

But the young riders couldn’t care less about these figures. For them, the bike represents freedom, independence, the wind blowing through the hair and the direct contact with the road. Feeling the rumble of a bike’s engine is music to many of these peoples’ years. They are not to blame. Even for the outsiders, a bike can be fascinating. But the sad thing is that many of these accidents can be prevented.

Thursday, December 07, 2006

How To Run A Home Based Business

A Home Based Business can appear to be quite a task in the beginning, especially if you don’t have any experience doing it. You will have to keep track of various details and will have to work hard at least in the beginning if you want to achieve real success. For that reason always try and treat your home business like a real business. Many people treat their home business like a part time business and hence do not achieve desired results. Most people start a home based business to generate extra income. Hence always try to make it as efficient and as profitable as you can.

Listed below are some important factors worth considering while running your own home based business.

What is your area of speciality?

You must have some qualities or skills to be successful in your home business or anything for that matter. Hence please spend some time analysing your strengths and weaknesses. You’ll want to capitalize on the former and minimize the effects of the latter. For example, if you are a good communicator or have a presentable personality, then you might want to handle public relations or customer support section of your business. If you are good with numbers and also possess knowledge of any accounting software, then you might become your own accountant and leave the communication part to someone else. Of course if you are good at more than one or two skills then nothing like it, but always try to concentrate on your strengths and apply them in your business.

What type of business will you be doing?

Spend some time understanding your new business and try and learn as much as you can about your business and any similar type of business, if there is one. Remember studying and researching never stops in business since there is always a danger of falling behind your competition. The internet, newspapers, trade magazines, and business books might be a good place to start. Always remember that it is your original ideas that will make you real money. Think creatively out of the box and you will have an edge over your competition.

What does your customer mean to you?

Always remember to treat your customers with utmost respect. After all they are the most valuable persons in your business, since it is them who will make or break your business. So please learn to treasure them. Try to put yourself in their shoes, anticipate their concerns, and try your best to help them in any way you possibly can.

Give them more than what you promised:

Try to amaze people with your level of professionalism, service or the quality of goods that you sell. If they buy something on your site give them a discount on some other item. Or try giving out samples of your product or service for a trial period. If they want something done by next week, have it done in a few days this week. In short always try and exceed their expectations. When your customers understand that you care for them and are willing to go that extra mile then your word as a excellent business person will quickly spread and your business will skyrocket.

Running a home business can be risky, but it can also bring in huge rewards. However, by constantly studying, researching and striving for excellence in your service, you will have a recipe for success. So just go ahead and join the club. You will be glad you did.

Different Features of Trade Show Display

Some exhibitors think that the purpose of trade shows end when they’ve already attracted prospects to come and visit their booths. But it’s not. The challenge of this task is how you will maintain that attention and keep your customers to stay loyal to your business.

Trade shows have been very competent in increasing the brand recognition of most businesses. Trade show exhibitors are provided with the chance to magnetize prospects in just a few seconds. However, trade shows will only become successful when fine-looking trade show displays are used. You can never encouraged customers to attend the show if your booth does not appeal to them.

It’s best if you will make your booth interesting and interactive. You can simply add zing to your booth using high quality trade show displays to highlight your products and services. What you must take into account in choosing a display for your trade show exhibit is the visual impact. It should be catchy to attract passersby to take a look at your booth and secure their interest.

If you’re caught up in the middle of which trade show display will suit your exhibit, why not reflect on the type of trade show and what your objectives in attending to that show are.

Standard Types of Displays:

1. Pop-ups – The pop-up displays is considered to be the most popular form of trade show display. It is composed of lightweight frames that are wrapped with magnetic-backed cloth, plastic or vinyl panels. The display makes curved walls that are used as the back wall of an exhibit booth. What’s good about this display is that it’s compact, lightweight and very portable. It can also be expanded using various trade show display components or accessories to match the small or large spaces.

2. Panel display – This display is more flexible than the pop-ups. It can be adjusted to fit any booth space, whether big or small. It is composed of fabric-covered rectangular sections used as a wall of the booth. Also it is more durable than pop-ups and can be arranged in various configurations depending on what you want. Its downside is that it’s heavier than the pop up displays, thereby making it difficult to set up.

3. Table-top display – Based on the name itself, a table-top display rests on top of the table. This kind of display is great for smaller events; it is easy to assemble and easy to transport. It is smaller than the pop up displays, which makes it easier to assemble. It is lightweight and affordable compared to other display types. But sometimes using table-top displays is not efficient for it only has little impact on your prospects.

4. Roll-up display – This display is the easiest way to draw attention to your booth. It is lightweight and easy to install. It is regarded as an immediate means to perk up your booth. And it’s the quickest way to communicate your message to the trade show attendees.

5. Custom exhibits – This type or display is the perfect display if you want to emphasize the quality of the products and services of your business. With custom exhibits, you have the choice on what components you want to add to your displays in order that your booth will get noticed.

All in all you have to be careful in choosing the type of trade show display you will use for your trade show exhibition. It is the trade show display that gets your message across your clients. Therefore, you should be smart in choosing which display to accent your booth. Make sure that it will bring profit to your business.

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

What To Do When Clients Don't Pay 6 Strategies to Get Your Money

You're psyched! You just landed a new client who is going to keep you busy with projects. Life is good.

You love the people, you're really enjoying the work, things are going great. Everything proceeds along smoothly for several months until that fateful month where you submit a large invoice and payment isn't immediate.

"No problem" you think. "Things are a little tight. It will be paid a little late."

What are your options when a client doesn't – or can't – pay you?

There are several things you can do when a client doesn't pay you. Before you start down the path however, you need to think about what type of future, if any, you want with this client.

1. Gentle reminder.

Your invoice could have been forgotten, misplaced or buried in a pile on your client's desk. If they have gone past your due date, email – or call depending on what is most comfortable for you – a gentle reminder asking them the status of payment.

If you use QuickBooks or QuickBooks Online, you can also email a statement directly from the system.

2. Be personal.

If you've reminded the client and no payment has come, it is time for either another email or a phone call. Your client may tell you that he is very busy and apologizes that he "forgot" again.

Explain that cash flow is very important to your small business and that you can not afford to carry the unpaid invoice any longer.

Always remember to make it easy for your client to pay you. Tell him that you are happy be paid via wire, PayPal, credit card – offer him all the options and be sure that you have more than just "send a check" available. Make it as easy as possible.

3. Be the "squeaky wheel".

If your client is having his own cash flow issues, he may need to make hard choices about who gets paid when. By being the "squeaky wheel", you insure that you are at the forefront of his mind when he is paying bills.

4. Cut him off.

As hard as it is, sometimes you need to tell the client – even though you've become friends – that you can not do any additional work until your invoices are paid in full.

As a small business owner, you are responsible for the running of your business and, as a result, there are times when you need to make tough decisions that are best for your business. You can't afford to work without compensation and your client should understand that.

5. Get tough.

You've tried being gentle. You've tried being personal. And you've squeaked so many times that you're tired of hearing your own voice. Now it's time to put that prepaid legal plan to use!

Have your attorney send a formal letter stating that if you are not paid, in full, within X number of days, that you will either take the client to small claims court (the normal limit is between $2,000 and $7,500 – it varies by state in the U.S.) or to arbitration. Whether you sue or go to arbitration depends on the contract you have with your client as some state that disputes will be arbitrated.

Super affiliate stardom

Internet business is a bit confusing especially if you’re not really knowledgeable at it. You will also be left completely blank, asking yourself as to what type of online business is best for you. Why don’t you try affiliate marketing business?

Affiliate marketing is defined as a revenue sharing relationship between advertisers or merchants and online publishers or affiliates. It is a low cost way for merchants to sell their products and services.

In this type of online business, you don’t have to take any risk because you only have to pay the affiliate once the result is achieved. Once a customer is gained, a portion of the profit from that customer will be given to the affiliate as commission. Usually, an affiliate gets a commission for referring clicks, leads or sales to the merchant’s website. The said affiliate income can be a fixed dollar amount or a fixed percentage.

From this simple commission-based referral system, some affiliates become experts on this field. In fact, some of them are gaining more than five figures every month. However, among the thousands of marketers, only 1 to 5% of them reached this level. And if you’re among the lucky ones who achieve this so-called elite level, you can now be aptly called a “super” affiliate.

This means you are capable of achieving noteworthy percentage of sales or traffic on your merchant’s website. Super affiliates are not only experts on search engine optimization; they are also great in newsletter marketing, email marketing, reciprocal linkages, keyword optimization, link exchanges, advertising in forums and other methods to advertise and promote their products and services.

But how does a person become a super affiliate? And how can they overachieve their way to super affiliate stardom? Making your way to super affiliate stardom is not that easy; and it surely won’t happen overnight. Bear in mind that you need to embrace some tactics, carry out effective online business strategies and of course give hefty time commitment. You can’t be a super affiliate without blood and sweat and without the following traits - patience, persistence and thirst for knowledge. Matched with efficient strategy, these three traits provide you the formula towards super affiliate stardom.

Affiliate marketing strategies are a bit difficult but they are achievable; you just have to work hard on it. First, look for a unique and exceptional niche and focus in it. The reason why most people in the affiliate marketing business didn’t turn out to be very successful is that they try to offer almost everything under the sun instead of giving all their attention in a particular niche market. If you want to become a super affiliate, try not to scatter all your efforts; concentrate on your niche and make it grow by means of promoting, advertising and selling it well.

The next step you must do after you have established your affiliate storehouse is to promote it. Most affiliates resort to pay-per-click engines. But what’s more advisable is to discover how to accomplish organic search results or better yet, hire a search engine marketing company. Through this, you can be saved from losing all your profits on pay-per-click engines.

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

Top Seven Insurance Selling Mistakes To Avoid In 2007?

Here are seven “selling mistakes” that many people make. They are not in any particular order. You will know which ones you are costing you money and need improvement in 2007

“While one person hesitates because he feels inferior, the other is busy making mistakes and becoming superior.” -Henry C. Link

Selling Mistake 1: Failing to become a welcomed guest first. Bonding and rapport is critically important part of every sales call. It does not matter if it’s a first call, fifth call or a milk run call.

Look around, find something that you have in common with your prospect/client. Find a way, anyway, to link with him/her. It could be a mutual friend, a business associate, or a leisure activity.

Try talk about your connection long enough to become comfortable with each other before talking about business. It’s far better than wasting time talking about the weather. People like to do business with people with whom they feel comfortable with.

Mistake 2: Thinking that the prospect doesn’t have enough money. A prospect almost always can find the money to purchase what you are selling if they need it badly enough. Explain all of the benefits that your buyer can begin to get from what you have to offer. Ask questions to create or expose needs. Find things that are so important that solving them overrides the cost.

If you can show someone that s/he can’t live without what you are selling, then that person will find the funds to purchase your solution. The bottom line is that it’s up to your prospect to come up with the funds. It may be wise to offer them some creative payment options if that will help you close the deal, but your main job should be to create, expose and have the perfect fit solution to their needs.

Mistake 3: Failing to ask the right questions. Ask prospects specific questions to find out if you actually can solve their problems with your products and services. Ask questions to qualify them as decision-makers. Ask “Who else besides yourself will be involved in the decision-making process?” Ask questions about financial matters, such as “How will you pay for these services?” Ask questions that separate you from your competition. Try beginning most of your questions with the words: When, What, Where, Who, and How.

As an experienced sales person, you’ve heard it all before. You here common problems and objections from everyone. Use that common information and ask questions to get the real problems out on the table.

If you are just getting started in sales, ask a successful sales associate for help. Ask your mentor what questions have been successful for him/her, it will shorten on your learning curve and lead to faster sales growth. Test and track what questions work and what questions fail. Once you have discovered the perfect questions, keep using them, hone them razor sharp and keep using them until they stop working.

How to Write a Business Plan

This is something everybody should do before even thinking of starting a business. Yes, it’s all about how to write a business plan.

In short, your business plan is a mirror image of your thoughts on paper.

For now, this piece will help you get started on how to write a business plan - what are the things you should consider and what must you avoid.

First of all, ask yourself these questions:

a) What is the product or service I will offer? b) Who are my customers? c) How will I finance my business? d) How will I reach the customers?

If you are in a position to answer these questions, deep down you probably already know how to write a business plan. The following tips might just make it easier.

Get a move on: Don’t wait till you can put it off no longer – do it with enough time to spare for those inevitable changes. It’s also a good idea to get a second or third opinion before finalizing that draft. Seek professional help if necessary – there are plenty of resources out there on how to write a business plan.

Keep it sharp: Always remember, your business plan should not exceed 50 pages, unless you want to put those investors to sleep. It’s not necessary to dump in all the stuff in your head. Stick to the essentials, but say it without ambiguity. It’s not a bad idea to include a few colorful charts, tables, bullet points and pictures to break the monotony. Ensure that key business objectives are highlighted upfront. A plan is not complete unless it includes market estimates, growth projections and a financial projection.

Finally, present it with confidence and conviction.

Mind your audience: How you write a business plan will most definitely depend on who you’re talking to. Corporate investors like venture capitalists look for a sound business model and a capable leadership team before they part with their money. On the other hand, if you’re trying to sell the idea to your team members or senior management, address “how to” issues and risk factors.

Be realistic: Sometimes plans look good on paper, but are next to impossible to implement. Talk in realistic terms and keep your goals simple. Investors can be hawkish when it comes to appraising business strategy, so don’t overreach your business plan.

Say why you’re the best: That’s the way world goes. While writing a business plan, it’s very important to think competitively throughout. State how your business is different – present an objective evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of close competitors. Highlight any innovations - for instance, are you planning to use a different marketing or distribution tool or employ breakthrough technology?

Package it well: The worst thing you can do to a good business plan is to package it shabbily. If you didn’t win the spelling bee in high school, have someone proof-read your document. Break it into different sections, with clear titles. An executive summary is a must. At the same time, don’t overdo it with too many bells and whistles like cumbersome binding or meaningless illustrations.

Monday, December 04, 2006

Don't Get Scammed More Than Once

How many times have you been scammed? I know that might seem like a strange question but there is a reason for it. I asked how many times you got scammed because, judging by the online advertising around over the last few months, admitting to getting scammed multiple times is the latest Internet marketing trend. The websites all these "I was scammed" people are talking about are work at home/home business opportunities. These "I was scammed" websites are multiplying and the latest ones claim that between 95% and 99% of work at home opportunities are scams.

Work at home/home business opportunity scams do exist (I have even written articles about them previously) but an estimate of 95-99% being scams sounds too high to be genuine. I decided to check out some of the "don't get scammed - work at home/home business opportunities are scams" websites. (Please don't get the idea I'm going to pass myself off as a "researcher" or "investigator", it was just done out of curiosity.)

There are some good anti-scam websites which give warnings about types of work at home scams, how to spot them and where to get help if you do get scammed. The new style "don't get scammed" websites are different. They don't actually offer any help or advice on how to spot and avoid scams. They just issue frightening warnings about the number of work at home/home business opportunity scams, tell us they were scammed numerous times and advise us to join their latest get rich quick program.

Can anyone explain why any sensible person would join a get rich quick program recommended by someone so gullible they have to get totally charred before they realise fire is hot?

Looking at these "don't get scammed" websites was a saddening experience. One ant-scammer says: "I have tried just about anything to try to make money and to be honest with you, I didn't have the brains to get very far". Then he goes on to urge you to buy into his current get rich quick program. You have to admire the guy for admitting he is short on brains but is that enough to make you want to join his get rich quick scheme? Makes me want to reach for my credit cards - and hide them!

Another "don't get scammed" website owner admits he was scammed 37 times in 3 months when he joined 37 get rich quick programs. Then he suggests you join his pick of get rich quick schemes. Three months? Hardly long enough to establish a home business, let alone become successful with it. He doesn't explain whether he joined all 37 get rich quick scams on day one and tried to run them all (obviously impossible) or if he tested them one at a time. If he took the latter course, the average time allowed to each get rich quick scheme would be 2 ½ days (not really long enough to give any program a fair trial).

Yet another "don't get scammed" researcher says he knows all online paid survey companies are scams because his sister joined one once and hadn't made a profit after trying for a month. Then he tells you to join his selected money making programs. One person, one company, one month: hardly a scientific test conditions for a research project.

The Benefits Of Using Professional Translations For International Business

In a recent White Paper “Making Globalisation a Force for Good” the DTI gives a special mention to the importance of using languages in international business. Essentially it is referring to the need for effective communication with foreign trading partners to get your message across, hit the mark in promoting your products and build successful relationships. These things are crucial for international success and will probably require you to use the language of your customers.

Of course, it’s a great idea to learn some of your customer’s language because it shows your respect for them and helps you to get closer to their thinking. Moreover, if you are fluent in their language and can even write it well then you have a huge advantage in your business dealings. For informal situations, routine exchanges between existing partners you don’t need to be a professional linguist.

But beware – foreign language ability is not the same as the specialist skill required for translating promotional literature or technical documents. Anything critical in its presentation (e.g. sales literature) or its accuracy (e.g. machine operating instructions) must to be translated professionally. Translation is a highly skilled activity performed by specialists. Even a native speaker is not qualified to this work for you. Don’t be tempted to use a short cut. “DIY” translation may save you a few pounds now but it could prove to be very costly later. And, for all the skill involved, professional translation is not costly.

Translations are always made into the target language (your customer’s language) by someone who is a suitably qualified and experienced native speaker of that language. Most translators have postgraduate qualifications in translation. Most of them belong to a professional body such as the Institute of Linguists (IoL) or Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI), whose members are largely freelance individuals. Both of these organisations have professional membership criteria.

The process of translation is more of a craft than a science since words in different languages very rarely correspond exactly in their meaning. What is more, translators will often disagree on the best ways to translate a document, particularly when it comes to matters of style. Even the smallest translation can involve fine judgements based on years of experience. That is the level of expertise you need to achieve a properly executed translation which is not going to let you down.

In the case of sales or promotional literature aimed at an overseas market localisation may be necessary whereby the text, graphics and illustrations are adapted culturally to suit the target country. Ideally you should get the final draft of your translation checked by an educated person you know in the target market who can check if the specialist terms are correct and whether the translated document will make the desired impression in their country.

Sunday, December 03, 2006

Going ‘Off Plan’: How to benefit from an expanding Europe with tax-free real estate

Europe continues to expand its Union by letting in new member countries like Romania and Bulgaria. Hard-working Europeans are funding this new growth with their tax dollars. What many don't know is that they, as well as Americans, or any other savvy individual can profit from the investment there tax dollars have been making in these countries.

Real Estate values in these areas, bolstered by the coming European Union, continues to grow in value at a maddening pace, making some people very rich. Many Europeans are aware of this and are wondering how they can make there cut. Americans are increasingly finding out about this opportunity, which offers much higher returns then traditionally found in real estate investments there. The best way to get in while the getting is good and make your profit off of the expanding European Union is by going ‘off-plan.' This incentive-oriented investment opportunity allows you to make a maximum return on a minimal investment.

What exactly is an off plan?

In simple terms, an off plan property is one that is net yet finished construction. Normally, ‘off plans' are offered in an apartment or condominium complex or a development of houses or townhouses. The buyer "reserves" a property or properties in a development found in one of a various number of stages from planning to completion. Off plan opportunities exist in a number of countries. The most popular and profitable include Turkey, Bulgaria, and Romania. They are generally represented by representation firms which oversee the project development on a daily basis for its investors and provides diverse services such as mortgage assistance and property management once the development has been completed.

Why Off Plan is considered such an attractive investment consideration.

One key to why buying 'Off Plan' can be such a good investment lies in the fact that normally you only have to pay approximately 30-40% of the purchase price as a deposit and then often nothing until completion of the property when the rest can be financed on a 60-70% mortgage (however some off-plans are staged in 3 to 4 payments). How this model plays itself out in practical application can be seen in the example below: Purchase Price: $ 100,000 (September 2006) Deposit payable: $ 30,000 Let us assume that you sell the property in September 2008 (assuming the maximum wait period for almost any off-plan project) just before completion and that you sell for $130,000 (this is a much lower return than has been achieved in recent years). Your profit is $30,000 which is obviously on the $100,000 asking price a 30% return, but remember, all you have had to pay is a $30,000 deposit so your actual return on cash invested is 100%. You've doubled you're investment money. Many people also finance the 30-40% deposit by through releasing equity for their existing property and so do not actually have to have any liquid cash to take advantage of this profitable investment opportunity. Tax benefits, capital growth expectations, and rent-ability also play a major role.

Purchasing Business Cards Online

The fast changes in the printing technology had persuaded companies to have their services expanded online. Online services had effectively met the demands in the market particularly when it comes to fast and easy online printing.

Based on customer’s experience they find it easier and more effective to have their materials purchased online. This is because you need not to leave the comfort of your homes and you can have numerous list of commercial printers with a just a single click of your mouse. With this you need not to exert too much effort and consume time.

Mainly in reference for an effective promotional material the business cards can be ideally purchased and printed online.

Purchasing your business cards online can be easily achieved; this is because you can immediately provide your printer the printing specification you need for your business cards. Online quotes are made available for your instant pricing. In this manner you are able to have an exact amount as per the printing cost is concerned.

To purchase business cards online is easy you just need to fill up the quotes made available for you. The printing quotes will be your printers guide to work with a smooth printing workflow. Often the quote needs accurate answers for the following:

•Size – the printer will provide with sizes that best fit your marketing plan

•Stock – the stock are the weight of the paper that you can use

•Ink – pertains to the color application that you want to have for your cards

•Quantity – the number of prints you want produce

Having specified your printing needs will make it easier for your printed to deal with the printing processes. As per the added service you are also free to opt for coatings that will be best for your material. However the additional coating may affect the calculated printing costs.

In addition from the services and advantages of doing an online purchasing of business cards online you are guaranteed with a fast printing service, easy online ordering, affordable rates and quality controlled prints.

Online preview is also made available for you. This is very beneficial because before your material undergoes the actual printing process you are able preview the business card. With this you can tell whether they are able to come up with the material that you are expecting.