Latest Articles

Mixed Cerebral Palsy

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 20:31:13 -0700

Cerebral Palsy also known as CP occurs when there is brain damage to an infant. The child is diagnosed with CP before the age of three. Cerebral
means parts of the brain; generally referring to the hemispheres or halves of the brain Palsy means the area of the brain is damage or not fully
developed that controls body movements. Palsy effects the brain's messages or ability to control movement in the muscles or nerves of the body.
With his lack of control of muscles, the child may have difficulty with movement, balance, locomotion, posture, speech depending on the parts of
the brain that are damaged or not developed.

Athetoid CP has motor dysfunction that appears irregular, slow, jerky, and involuntary movements particularly in the limbs. This child may lack
symmetry (not the same on both sides of the body) and the ability to stabilize their body. The incidence of Athetoid CP has been decreased greatly,
due to treating pregnant mothers with jaundice and RH problems during pregnancy.

Ataxia is the lack of balance and inability to move smooth. Ataxia is often seen in children with CP, but rarely will this type of motor
dysfunction be seen alone in children with Cerebral Palsy.

CP has a third type the spastic form. Spasticity is seen by abnormal control of the muscles in the limbs. This may look like flexing of the muscles
in the arms and legs. There is a loss of muscle in the core areas of the body also, the chest, stomach, back and neck. This makes mobility
difficulty for these children. There are many variations in spastic CP. It can involve all four limbs of the body called quadriplegia, but it also
may only effect only arm or leg (monoplegia). It may also just impair the legs (diplegia) causing the child to have trouble with movements such as
walking and crawling.

Mixed CP is a combination of two of three types described above. Often in
children diagnosed with CP, there will be a mixture in the
types of movement impairments. The types of movement difficulties can change over time. Lack of therapy and exercise can sometimes speed up the
process of motor difficulty and the combination of two or more types of motor impairments. Mixed Cerebral Palsy patients will need constant medical
care to assist with their development, and to find the right kinds of therapy. All CP patients can have normal intellect, but may have trouble
talking and expressing their thoughts. CP varies from patient to patient on the severity and degree of involvement to the brain controlling motor
movements.

What Makes A Good Online Internet Business Opportunity

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 05:42:34 -0700

The internet has made it possible for you to earn money if you want to work. If you find the right online internet business opportunity you could even quit your job, or maybe even retire some day. So what makes one opportunity good and others not so good.

Let's see!

1. When you understand that there over one billion websites you quickly learn that the internet is competitive. Just because you are now wanting to earn money on it means nothing to your competitors. If you can find an opportunity is a less competitive industry, or niche, you stand a better chance of succeeding quicker. Believe it or not that can be done.

2. Choose a business that is being searched for online. Do not make the mistake of thinking you will create traffic that is not there. It is much easier to sell to people that are looking for you already than it is to get them to look and then sell to them. A common mistake people make when choosing a good online business is they do not research to look for keyword popularity.

3. A really good business opportunity is one you can experience immediate success in. Even the smallest success can go a long way towards helping you stick with it when times are slow. Many people give up and quit because they feel like a failure.

4. You must be able to make money and do it without spending more than you are earning. Many people will go online and start an internet business and quit because they can not afford it anymore.

If you are spending more than you are making in any business eventually you will run out of money. The internet makes it possible to build your business without spending a lot of money to do it if you have the right business to do it for.

5. I like residual income programs. This means you get paid over and over for doing the work one time. A really good online internet business is one that has some way for you to create income when you are not working.

Certainly a website works 24 hours a day even when you are not, but programs like network marketing and 2 tier affiliate programs allow you to get paid on the efforts of others. This can lead to residual income as well.

You have to decide what makes a good online internet business opportunity for you. This is 5 ideas I have presented that can give you some guidelines in your search.

Why An Online Home Based Business Is Great For Stay At Home Moms

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 05:30:45 -0700

Do you find it difficult to make a choice regarding an online home based business as a stay at home mom? If you are having a hard deciding if a business on the internet is for you, use the information in this article to help you decide.

1. The best thing about an online business for mom's is you make your own salary by how much you work. There is always an unlimited income potential for you if you desire.

2. Being home for the children-Many mom's have jobs. When kids are at day care and get sick you HAVE TO GET THEM.
Then you have to call your boss and tell them you are going to miss a few days which does not go over very well. Being home and working your home based business helps out your work schedule and if the children get sick you are there for them always.

3. The benefit to having a home based business is the time you will have with your family instead of your work. You will have the freedom to work anywhere in the world and have your children with you for quality family time. You will find many people are living at work and can never get home until after bedtime for the kids.

4. Long Driving Will Stop- Between rush hour and car accidents that is half your day. But when you do your home based business your commute is from your bedroom to your computer, how great is that!

5. Encouraging your children- Being a good influence for your kids is key. By being there and teaching what you know is very positive.

6. Opportunity for parents- Mom's and children have the potential to stay at home together which is important. Helping other mom's is very gratifying knowing that your home based business is under your control.

7. Be able to attend childrens events- I have gone to several of my children's games. When I was working I would miss alot of games because I had to work. My boss always needed to add an extra work load on me. That was the way it was. But now I am going to every event and spending time with my children.

8. Take time to play- With your own home based business you can go on vacation with your family any time. You work around your schedule. You can also run any errands you may have which always does come up.

9. Lifestyle of freedom- You can go all over the world and still have your job next to you so you can always make money but enjoy being with your family. There is always time for your hobbies that will keep you young.

10. Charitable organization- Now you will have time and money to help any charitable organization that you prefer which will show your children how you are helping the community and your self.

11. Working at home for yourselves- Financial freedom, time with your kids , independence to go on vacations. We all deserve to stop and smell the roses and still have income coming in.
An online home based business has many benefits. As you can see as a stay at home mom an internet based business can be perfect for you as well! keywords: online home based business, stay at home mom

Checklist for Child Proofing Your Home - Keeping Your Active Baby or Toddler Safe!

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 05:15:31 -0700

All babies begin crawling or become mobile according to their own time frame, but generally this happens between 6 and 10 months of age. Therefore, it is critical to prepare your house for this event to ensure your child's safety!

Below is a Home Safety Checklist that will help you go room by room in your home and look for potential child safety hazards.

Edge & Corner Protection - Every room in the house should be checked for sharp edges and corners. These objects should be removed or covered with edge and corner cushions or bumpers. Coffee tables, end tables, and fireplace hearths are the typical items to consider. Other household items to check for sharp edges in your safety inspection are desks, entertainment centers, shelves, cabinets, window sills, stone or marble stairs, statues or other decoration pieces.

Stairway Protection - All stairways that your baby could potentially have access to should have stairway safety gates. According to the National SAFE KIDS Campaign (NSKC), Falls Fact Sheet, 2004, falls are the leading cause of unintentional injury for children. Children ages 14 and under account for one-third of all fall-related visits to hospital emergency rooms. Because falls are associated with a child's curiosity and development of motor skills, babies and toddlers are at the greatest risk of fall-related death and injury. Children ages 5 and under accounted for nearly half of the fall related emergency room injuries cited above. Please do not let your child become one of these statistics. Research and install stairway safety gates. Also examine the slats in your stairways and banister to determine if banister guard is needed.

Choking and Ingestion Hazards - Now that your child is or about to become mobile, check your home for small objects that could potentially be within your child's reach such as small marbles or stones that are often used as decoration around candles or other coffee table center pieces. As part of normal development, babies learn by putting things in their mouth. Remove glass or other breakable/valuable objects. Set dog and cat food out of reach. Use extreme caution and do your research on chemicals if you have your home exterminated or use chemical products to clean (consider organic, non toxic products). Babies and toddlers crawl around on the floor and often but their hands and objects in their mouth. In most cases this also helps them build their immune system, but we have to do our part to keep them safe from serious injury. Check all floor level cabinets for cleaning products, medicine, makeup, alcohols, Ect. and move them to a top cabinet or install safety latches or cabinet sliding locks.

Falling Furniture - Check your home for large items that could fall over and bolt them to the wall. Too many child injuries have occurred due to televisions, entertainment centers, and bookshelves falling over on children. Toddlers like to climb! Additional things to consider as potential falling hazards are computer monitors, large vases, plant stands, and dressers.

Kitchen Safety - As stated earlier ensure that cleaning/chemical products are in a locked cupboard or placed well out of reach. Consider installing a stove guard to prevent burns or a child playing with the knobs and turning the gas on. Move kitchen knife racks well out of reach. Toddlers enjoy helping out in the kitchen and it is important to their developmental growth and independence to do things for themselves, but standing on chairs and stools can also become a fall hazard. Consider investing in a step stool with side rails such as the Learning Tower. Children should always be well monitored while standing on stools or chairs.

Electrical Hazards - All unused electrical outlets should have outlet plug covers and cords should be placed out of the way as much as possible. In bathrooms, never leave blow dryers or other electrical items plugged in and unattended near the sink or bath tub.

Windows & Shade Cords - For homes that are two stories or have high windows consider installing window guards if you frequently open your windows. This is especially important in a child's room. Shade cords should be tied up and out of reach of children. For some reason these cords tend to attract children's' attention as a play item and can be extremely dangerous if the cord gets wrapped around them.

As well as child proofing your home, Child Safety Gates are an ideal way to keep your child contained and safe. As a mother of two children, I know how quickly a child can crawl or run if you turn your back for a minute to attend to house hold chores. Give yourself that piece of mind knowing that your child is learning by exploring his world, but contained to safe areas of your home!

What You Can Do To Increase Your Website Traffic

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 05:00:07 -0700

Having steady website traffic is essential for your business to excel. It is up to your visitors and prospects to decide whether or not your home business is going to make it. If they buy products from you, your site will succeed. If they do not, you will fail quicker than you can imagine. And the only way to get your site to succeed is to generate a high traffic volume.

When it comes to traffic volume, you can never have too much. A sad fact about visitors to your site is that very few will browse past the home page and even fewer will actually become a customer. Because of this, you have to make sure you have a lot of traffic coming to your site. So how do you increase your website traffic?

There are a number of things you can do to increase your traffic volume, some requiring spending some money and others completely free. One of the best ways to increase traffic volume to your home business without spending any money is to post in forums. There are thousands of forums on the internet and hundreds of thousands of people posting in them.

Many forums are specific to the topic it relates to. Because of this, you can find forums that are related to your business and post in those. This allows you to talk with and respond to a target market, which is extremely beneficial to you. If you can send out your messages and market to people who are interested, it is much easier to turn those visitors into customers.

Another great way to increase your website traffic is by writing articles. There are thousands of article directories and millions of people who are looking for fresh topics and creative ideas. By writing articles, you can display your knowledge on the topic and create fresh and enticing thoughts that have not been written on. Too much content on the internet is repetitive and you have the opportunity to create fresh content.

While posting in forums and writing articles are great way to increase traffic to your home business, they may take a little longer than if you were to pay for advertising. Buying ads on other people's sites or purchasing space to place a banner to your site can quickly generate traffic to your site. Make sure to place your ads on sites and places where your target market will see them.

There are a number of important facets to running a home business, but the amount of traffic you receive is perhaps the most important. Without traffic you do not have any way of making money. So take the time to advertise and use the methods listed above to increase your website traffic.

The Makings Of A Legitimate Business Opportunity

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 04:33:47 -0700

The internet is full of business opportunities that you could potentially become rich off of. Because there are so many options to choose from, the most difficult step is deciphering the legitimate opportunities from those that are simply a waste of your time. So what can you do to find a legitimate business opportunity?

During your research, you want to determine whether it is a product-based company or a company that focuses on recruiting and building downlines. You can have success with both types of business opportunities, but both kinds of businesses are not for everyone. Think about what you will have the most success with and go with that.

The most crucial step for you is to take the time to research. The more time you take to research in-depth the better off you will be. It will eliminate any possibilities of you getting into a scam because you will know how the company works.

If the business opportunity involves you selling a product, look at the product closely. If you cannot see yourself buying the product, it is going to be difficult for you to sale it to others. The more you believe in the product the more prospects will believe in you.

Next, look into how stable the business is and in what direction it is heading. You do not want to get into a business that is in a downfall. Who knows how much longer the company will even be around. Look at how long the business has been around and what their sales numbers are. If the numbers have been steadily rising, it is definitely a company you want to look at closer.

One of the most important aspects to a legitimate business opportunity is their training program. There are a number of internet newbie's that fail because of inadequate training from the company. It is much easier to sale the product if you have knowledge on it and have the proper tools. Without help from the company, it can be difficult to have success.

The last thing you will want to look into is whether or not the company offers a free trial period. Many companies that do offer a trial period tend to offer something for 7-days or a couple of weeks. This will allow you to get your feet wet and see whether it is the business for you.

Selecting a business opportunity online is difficult because there are so many choices. And it takes time to determine whether or not you have picked out a winner or a dud. By selecting a dud, you could waste several months without having anything to show for it. That is why it is essential that you research in-depth and look into the tips listed above to get you on the right track.

How A Home Business Plan Can Change Your Fortune

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 04:19:58 -0700

When starting a home business, you will quickly learn that there are a number of facets crucial to running the business efficiently. However, before you do anything it is essential that you develop an in-depth home business plan. This will help you get your business started on the right foot and guide you to success.

Without a home business plan, you are jumping into the world of internet marketing blind. Regardless of whether you have years of experience in internet marketing or are just starting out, a plan is needed to get you going on the right path. So what should your plan consist of you may wonder?

The premise behind having a plan is to help you plot out how you want your business to go. Therefore, your plan should include goals, marketing and advertising methods, a target audience, website design plans, content plans, and anything else that you wish to include into your plan.

When you put together your plan, you also want to plot out dates and times that certain things should be done. For your goals, set dates that you want to achieve them by. Creating a successful home business cannot be done overnight. Therefore, set guidelines for what you want to achieve first and when you would like other facets of the business to be accomplished.

The internet is a highly competitive market that is constantly evolving and changing. By having a plan, you can be better prepared for what is to come. I can guarantee you that not everything is going to go according to your plan. But having this plan can help you get through the bumps in the road so that you can continue toward success.

While it is essential that you have a home business plan to start out, it is also important that you are flexible and can change your plan when needed. In order to be successful on the internet, you have to be able to go with the flow and adjust with the internet's continuously changing patterns.

The question that people ask most is what the point is of having a plan if you are simply going to change it. The answer to this is that you will never get a chance to change your plan if you do not have one to start. Diving into the internet market without a plan is like jumping into a pool of sharks. Your competitors will eat you alive if you do not know who you are going to market to, how you will market the business, and are unfamiliar with common tactics to reach your target audience. Because of this, it is essential that you have a home business plan prior to starting your business.

How to build basement stairs on a budget.

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 03:57:07 -0700

Basement stairs come in all shapes and sizes from the very simple utility/access stair to the more elaborate decorative stairs where the basement is expanded to be a major part of the living area. One of the major issues facing the stair builder is the unpredictable overall stair height that often occurs with basement stairs. Whether new or existing construction, the basement slab height nearly always seems to vary up or down making pre-built stairs problematic. For this reason basement stairs are usually built to customized heights.

The normal procedure in the industry is to call out a stair specialist to custom build the stair using 2x12 cut stringers as framing for constructing the stair. This can be a difficult and costly process, requiring a high degree of skill. However, there is an easier solution available that will save you time as well as money. The system consists of self adjusting stair brackets, used to form an "engineered stair". Adjustable stair brackets are a custom tailored approach to stair building that are much faster, easier and stronger than conventional construction. They're a handy, low cost solution for the unpredictable slab height problem.

This bracket system can quickly form a basic utility stair or an elaborate, fully finished hardwood stair. The adjustable brackets basically do the work for you, making the whole stair building process simple and streamlined. The brackets are approved as adjustable joist hangers which allow the risers to be structurally attached to the stringers, carrying the load across the stair like stepping floor joists. This greatly enhances the strength of the stair and permits the stair to be built using only two stringers. The stringers themselves are full depth unlike cut stringers and are again engineered to carry much greater loads than conventional cut stringers. Only three to four end cuts are required per stringer which eliminates approximately seventy saw cuts when compared to conventional cut stringers for basement stairs.

A wide range of materials such as pine, MDF treads, hardwoods etc. can be used. Adjustable brackets allow for customized rise and tread configurations which can be adjusted to meet all building codes for any interior or exterior application.

This is how it works: Set the brackets on the two 2x6 stringer members using the spacers and pivot screws. Remove spacers and rotate brackets to adjust stair height. Fix brackets in position, attach risers and treads. See 3D basement stair video demos.

Before you begin, determine the material you are going to use, the exact number of steps you need and the stair width.
You will need (2) 2x6's per stringer for each side. Make sure when you purchase your 2x6's make sure that they are straight without any twist. The 2x6's will need to be at least 12" longer than the total length of your stairs. Two stringers are sufficient to span up to 9' in stair width due to the extraordinary strength developed by this engineered system.

For risers you will use 2x8's for riser heights up to 7-1/4" and 2x10's for higher risers. For treads you can use 2x12's, 5/4 pine or MDF, 5/4 hardwood, sturdy floor ripped to size etc.. Time saving tip: when you determine how many steps you will need and your stair width....get all your risers and treads pre-cut to exact lengths when you purchase the materials.

Tools/Materials needed will be: a power drill, saw (skill saw is preferable, but not required, #8 1 1/4" Phillips flat head or star/square drive screws for the stair brackets, #8 2 1/2" deck screws for every 9" of tread and riser connection and EZ Stair Spacers for customized riser and tread measurements.

Being ICC approved, the "Engineered Stair System" eliminates the need to cut stringers and is tested to be much stronger and faster than conventional construction. In fact, you can save at least $500 per flight of stairs with adjustable brackets over traditional construction methods. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a do-it-yourselfer, you will build fast, strong and accurate stairs, on a budget with this method.

For more information, visit the EZ Stair's website, or call 866-693-9570.

Choosing Between Different Retraining Courses

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 03:16:59 -0700

Deciding to change careers and retrain in a new area is a big move and one which requires a lot of thought and planning. Important considerations include the mode of retraining undertaken, how extensive it needs to be and what return you are likely get for your investment of time and money.

Which course to choose?
Deciding between one retraining course and another is to a large extent a personal decision based on individual tastes, but all courses are not created equal. Some are designed to give you a broad overview and equip you to start at the ground level and work up. Others take longer and result in a recognised professional qualification.

There is no right or wrong answer except to say that the right retraining course will meet your personal objectives as well as appealing to the market and fulfilling any professional accreditation requirements of your new role.

Professional certification
Some professions require a base credential and an accreditation / certification process, which include testing and interviews, in order to be allowed to work in the field. Examples of heavily regulated professions are the law, teaching and engineering. To work in any of these fields requires a formal training program and industry assessment.

Market credibility
Another important consideration is whether your retraining course is going to make any impression on the market. Will your customers or future employers care that you spent three years in college retraining under formal degree program conditions, or would they be just as happy simply to know you can do the job? Credentialism does exist and can create a false impression that degree qualified applicants are superior candidates.

Real-world practical value
The retraining course you choose must deliver on its promise to actually retrain you to do the job. If hired, you will be expected to demonstrate the skills you have claimed, so ensure that the training you receive (and pay for) is quality and it gets the job done.

How fast will it get you there?
Not everyone can afford to take three to four years out to go back to school. If your needs are more immediate, consider courses with accelerated learning and a fast pace. Those changing careers in the middle working years may feel additional financial pressure to get the retraining done and get on with the show.

Whichever option is chosen, retraining courses only deliver as much as the participants are willing to put into them. As a working adult, ensuring that you possess the skills you need to move into a new sphere is an individual responsibility. An incorrect choice, such as a less intensive retraining course where something more comprehensive is typically required by employers in that field, will set you back and force you to undertake yet more training. While speed is an important factor, getting it right the first time is a better option than retraining only to find oneself still underqualified.

In a tight market economy, it is also worth considering the value of over- training, that is: taking on additional complementary skills beyond those strictly necessary in order to give oneself the broadest platform from which to approach new customers or potential employers.

Career Training - How To Realize The Maximum Benefits

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 03:00:14 -0700

It is increasingly common these days to shift job or even one's profession in an attempt to advance in one's career. This might be due to frustration in one's job or due to better opportunities in an alternative profession. Either way, one might feel the need to obtain career training to achieve the preferred position or job. This is especially important given that every job or profession requires specialized skill sets for one to succeed. When one is looking to get that elusive promotion or wanting to quit teaching and become an artist, there are some specific skills required to succeed in the job. Once one realizes what skills one exactly lacks, it becomes that much easier to decide what career training is required. One can then choose the exact career training required to excel in the new role.

Before embarking on a skills enhancement exercise, one needs to assess the kind of career shift he or she envisages for self. What this means is if one is looking to get promotion versus changing profession, the type of career training required would be completely different. Looking at a promotion would mean handling more complex assignments, better time management, team handling skills and even more technical knowledge. In such cases, one can sign up for specialized courses that run between few days to months, based on the complexity of the skill sets one likes to acquire. One might also opt for some short-term courses that are very rigorous in nature and can help acquire a specific set of technical knowledge quickly. For example, in the banking world, someone who has strengths in credit appraisals and wants to get promoted into the treasury function could undergo a specialized course on treasury.

Comparatively, there are times when one might decide to completely switch tracks and move from one profession to another. Without getting into details of why so many people switch professions, it is more imperative to realize that every profession demands some skills to succeed. Without these skills, one might end up struggling to succeed in the new profession. It is important to make a checklist of all the skills one requires in one's dream profession as opposed to the skills one already has. The gap may be filled by undergoing training courses that are more long term in nature and help bridge the gap. One should note that this might mean going back to college or attending weekend classes for two to three years till one acquires the requisite skills important for succeeding.

There is an old saying that tells how everything that is good costs! Similarly, when it comes to career training, one has to figure out the mode of training that is required. While some courses are available online, there are courses and degrees that can only be obtained in colleges and universities. Both have different price tags and are available at different locations. One should make an assessment of what suits one's needs the best before deciding to invest money, time and effort in such career training.

A Look At Some Common Advertising Strategies

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 19:39:30 -0700

There are various types of advertisements that we see daily. Each type of advertisement has a different type of advertising strategy. Advertising is very important for popularizing the product as well as making it known to the people. Advertising is a commercial business and is growing very fast. Today special ad directors, ad creators, ad concept makers, ad actors, models, etc all are needed to make a successful and good ad. All these professionals' help you create an ad that easily connects with the people and will market your products and services in the best possible way. Advertising helps you to increase the brand value of your product. People get attracted to products with good brand value and this can help you increase the sale of your products.

There are many types of ads like TV commercials, news paper ads, internet ads, radio ads, hoardings, boards, pamphlets, sponsorship, etc. All these ads have a different importance and reach out to different set of peoples; hence, all these ads also have various advertising strategies. The advertising strategy mainly depends on the mainly the group of people the advertisement is aimed at, the purpose of the advertisement, the role model or the brand ambassador of the advertisement, the concept of the ad, and the type of ad. All these factors are properly looked into, then related research is conducted and data is gathered, then depending on al the results the best possible advertising strategy is made for that particular ad.

Some common advertising strategies are:

- New product launch: Some companies adopt this new product launch advertising strategy, in this strategy the companies advertise only when they launch a new product. The companies release ads for their new products and air them on the TV or the radio only for a few months or weeks and then they stop advertising. Companies who have an established good brand value and who want to notify people about their new product use this type of advertising strategy.

- Event marketing: Some companies air their ads only when there is big event going on. Like a live musical concert, awards ceremony, football matches, etc. These companies do not air their ads at any other time expect for the big events. Their idea is to capture the attention of large crowd in a short span and with minimum investment and expenditure. Well established and well known companies adopt this advertising strategy.

- Sponsorship: Sponsoring is also a type of advertisement. Many companies sponsor events or football teams or other sport persons, movie, actors, etc. The people or teams or movies that have been sponsored by a specific company then wear or display clothes and items that have the companies name or logo on them. According to the contract, the length for which the company will remain as a sponsor is determined. Sponsorship automatically ads brand value to the company and also help it market and advertise the product in a better way.

Business Planning For A Start-up Venture

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 18:51:56 -0700

Starting a new business is a challenging process and involves a number of hurdles. The challenges range across finance, reporting, legal, commercial and number of other issues. Any serious start-up need a business plan and a financial cashflow model where all strategic and operational assumptions are reflected.

Many entrepreneurs shy away from the construction of a solid financial cashflow model and rather focus on big picture topics such as pretty powerpoints and investor pitching documents. This is often due to the combination of lack of capability and a view that 'what is the point of trying to forecast something that you know will be different in reality'. The first point is important enough and has some very tangible solutions - outsourcing, training courses or self-study. The second point however brings us to the core of this article - why a financial model is called a 'model' and plan is called a 'plan'.

I recommend that the process of developing a financial cashflow model for a start-up business to have a two-step process. The first step is to establish a 'plan' and the second step is to convert the plan into a tool for what-if analysis of the plan - i.e a 'financial model'.

The business plan

In its most simple form a business plan in the shape of a spreadsheet can be a 'one-pager' indicating growth of different products and high-level calculations of the key cost and revenue drivers. When working towards the development of this first cut spreadsheet I would strongly recommend not to get bogged down in detail but to focus on the big picture to identify bottlenecks and potential problems in the growth phase. It is important to highlight that the development of a business plan spreadsheet is not, and shouldn't be, about financial modelling skills. If you prefer to hard code all numbers then that's fine too - as long as the job gets done.

Building a financial model for the business plan

Once the business plan spreadsheet has been reviewed and agreed internally (or in some cases by external investors/board) it is now time to convert the simple analysis spreadsheet into a sophisticated tool for what-if analysis.

The aim of any financial model is to answer analytical questions about the business. The questions asked will be different for every business and could cover a great range of topics:

1. What is the impact on my business if prices drop 20% in the market?
2. How long could I sustain a positive cash balance if my biggest client cancelled the contract or defaulted?
3. Is it worth investing $1m in new machinery if it reduced the labour requirement by 10%?
4. Should we proceed with a new offshore opportunity which can increase the sales volume by 30% but the margin drops 7% due to higher cost of sales?
5. What sales volumes do I need to achieve to be able to comfortably retire in two years time?

Of course a financial model can only give you assistance in answering questions about your business. Sometimes you already 'know' the answer and just want to confirm the answer by quantifying the outcomes in the model. In more advanced cases you may not be able to answer the question without the financial model.

Engineering financial model results

A financial model can be engineered to produce any output as it merely reflects the views of the person who built it. Critically reviewing the assumptions before relying on someone else's model is of the highest importance.

The importance of instinct

No financial model will ever be able to correctly reflect strategically important but intangible issues such as
1. The value of a long-term client relationship
2. The risk of your reputation being harmed after a series of flawed product launches
3. Unexpected changes in the industry (such as the invention of a superior product by a competitor)
4. Community support

Often the intangible questions have a far greater impact on a start-up business than the quantifiable 'hard' topics. In my view the 'plan' in step one has to be developed on the basis that 'all intangible topics are well managed and have a good outcome'. If you can't get comfortable with this statement the there is a great risk that you will fall into the trap of thinking - what is the point of building a financial model when we all know that it is not going to happen anyway...

Current trends within the public and not for profit sector

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 18:51:13 -0700

Recruiting professionals for public sector jobs and not-for-profit organisations is a task that is often underestimated: the finance and accounting positions within these sectors are often complex and there are many political and legal issues regarding roles which mean that specialist skills and knowledge is very important. During the hard times we are currently facing, the attractiveness of jobs in the public sector is ever increasing.

The Government have announced increased borrowing to protect and increase the number of jobs in the public sector, this has led to a general feeling that public sector jobs will be more secure than other areas of the economy. Whilst this is a debateable point, it certainly isn't the case with the not-for-profit charity sector. Although this sector has seen a lot of growth over the years, many organisations within it rely heavily on funding through donations which will be expected to reduce in the face of the economic downturn.

To help improve business efficiency, many organizations in the public and not-for-profit sectors have been trying to tempt industry and banking candidates by offering improved packages and salaries in the hope that importing candidates from a commercially minded 'results based' background will bring fresh ideas and a corresponding improvement performance and effectiveness.

Employers in the public sector often see certain candidates (such as individuals with technical finance skills used mainly in banking) adapt well when placed in organizations such as government departments that are heavily regulated.

However, one problem employers sometimes experience when looking to recruit candidates from out of sector is that these individuals do not always have the right mindset and understanding of the principles behind the not-for-profit sector. Having someone who wants a stable job during this volatile climate is not enough; employers are looking for candidates who understand (and are able to add to) what the organization is trying to achieve.

Alabama Beach Weddings - Enjoy a Beautiful Ocean View at Your Wedding!

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 16:12:27 -0700

For your wedding, why not get married on the beach? The comfortable, beautiful atmosphere will make for an unforgettable, romantic day with the love of your life. Imagine Alabama beach weddings at sunset. No other word describes it better than perfection. The soft lapping waves, the smell of coconut oil and the gorgeous white sandy beaches add to the idyllic image. There are several impeccable beaches in Alabama to serve your purposes.

Orange Beach Alabama makes for a wonderful place to say "I do" to the one you love. Alabama's Gulf Coast is one that resembles a tropical location. There are several ideal ceremony and reception locations on the Gulf Shore sure to make the day memorable. The climate in Alabama should be considered when timing when to hold the ceremony. For a spring or summer wedding, it is probably the best idea to hold the wedding at either sunrise or sunset. Since this is a southern coast, both are options. This will keep the temperature comfortable for you and your guests. For a wedding in the fall or winter, during the day could be very pleasant, with temperatures usually around the low seventies during the day. Whatever time of the year or time of day you choose, Alabama beach weddings give you the chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery and clear, blue water.

Palmetto Beach, Alabama, another popular place for Alabama beach weddings, is a lovely location you might choose to tie the knot. Also home to white sandy shores, Palmetto Beach is a gorgeous location where you can truly enjoy a beach sunrise or sunset. As you consider what time of the year to get married, you should know that the down-season for weddings is December to February. During these three months, prices to rent accommodations and beach spots to get married become significantly discounted. This is important to consider if you are planning your wedding on a budget.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Sat, 22 Aug 2009 03:04:30 -0700

Nothing since that Ancient Sumerian fashioned the first toothbrush from a simple twig has impacted the dental field more than cosmetic dentistry. Today it is possible for the average American to sport the same picture perfect smile as any celebrity.

Cosmetic dentistry encompasses several different procedures which we will investigate. You may even have some of these procedures in your mouth right now. . .in fact the odds are that you have had some type of cosmetic dental procedure in your lifetime.

It’s important to meet with your dentist for an initial examination to determine if you are a candidate for cosmetic dental work. Your teeth must be in good condition before any cosmetic work is undertaken. If any type of dental disease is present, your dentist will explain what needs to be accomplished before proceeding with cosmetic work.

Once that is determined the dentist will explain the various cosmetic options available that are suitable for your needs, whether it be braces, bridges, bonding, veneers, bleaching and so on.

Whitening is one of the primary reasons that people consider cosmetic procedures. But, it’s important to realize that often whiteners alone may not help. In fact, studies by the American Dental Association have shown that teeth with a yellowish tone will whiten well with a bleaching process whereas teeth that are brownish may not bleach well and grayish teeth may not bleach well at all.

If you have had other cosmetic processes done and then decide to try whitening, you could end up with a very undesirable effect of not having all your teeth uniform in color. It’s important to follow the advice of your dentist and not be swayed by advertising or how your best friends’ work turned out!

How To Deal With Acne

Sat, 22 Aug 2009 02:44:58 -0700

Adolescent acne is referred to by many names, teen acne, acne adoloscent, and hormonal acne to name just a few. Whatever you want to call it, it can be frustrating, painful, and embarrassing to a teen.

Living with acne over a prolonged period during your teen years can be emotionally devastating, after all this is the age where your appearance is most important. Teen acne is very hard on the ego, often resulting in teasing and razzing from peers. Some teens suffer from not only acne but sever depression.

During the adolescent years almost every teen will have at least an occasional whitehead, blackhead, or pimple. Adolescent acne usually occurs between the ages of 12 and 20, and is usually the result of fluctuating hormone levels. Once the hormones stabilize out the acne will normally disappear.

So what’s the bet way to deal with adolescent acne? The simplest and most important thing a teen can do, is to learn to take good care of their skin, keeping it clean and as oil free as possible. This is not a cure but can help keep acne breakouts to a minimum.

Eating healthy and drinking plenty of water will also help by keeping the skin hydrated and the body flushed. Girls should use oil free cosmetics. Lightly exfoliating once a week will help open pours, and remove dead skin debris.

Milder cases of acne can be controlled by using conventional over the counter medicines that are applied directly to the skin. These medications usually include benzoyl peroxide or retinoic acid as an active ingredient.

Some natural products that can be used to treat acne are tea tree oil or Echinacea. Wash your face twice a day with a mixture of these herbs to reduce the number of break outs. Both have anti-inflammatory and anti-septic qualities.

In more severe adolescent acne a Doctor may try various oral medications such as antibiotics, oral contraceptives or Accutane.

As teens get older and hormones stabilize, fewer outbreaks should be seen, however some people do continue to have outbreaks well into adult hood. If the teen acne condition worsens or becomes emotionally debilitating it is important to seek medical help from a dermatologist.

You do not want an adolescent to grow up with skin and emotional scars as a result of acne, so treat not only their physical scars but their emotional scars.

Common Pregnancy Symptoms

Sat, 22 Aug 2009 02:37:04 -0700

A baby begins life even before he is born – from conception until the uterus finally pushes him out of his mother’s body. This is the phenomenon we call pregnancy. It starts when the male sperm unites with the female egg and develops into an embryo. While several women say they can already detect pregnancy from the moment of conception, some see the pregnancy symptoms much later.

As the woman’s body prepares itself for child-bearing, she will notice several changes. The telltale signs of pregnancy include the following:

Absence of menstruation

This is usually the first sign of pregnancy. Take note, though, that it should not always be linked with pregnancy symptoms, as missing your monthly period can also mean some other kind of hormonal imbalance or condition.

Morning sickness

It would be prudent to note that the pregnancy symptom called “morning sickness” does not happen only in the mornings. This feeling of dizziness can happen at any time of the day. The hormonal changes occurring during pregnancy generally trigger bouts of nausea and vomiting. Another related symptom would be constant tiredness, which a possibly pregnant woman experiences even if no physical activity had been performed (but, then, again, it could also be due to improper nutrition).

Strong craving for certain foods

The cause of this pregnancy symptom is still undetermined. But pregnant women have been infamous for requesting/demanding different kinds of food, owing to uncontrollable appetite urges. On some cases, “strong craving” is an understatement.

Mood swings and headaches

A woman’s emotions sometimes become slave to the hormonal changes linked with pregnancy. Quite common are bouts of depression, vagueness, listlessness and irritability.

Sleepiness

This symptom is not due to fatigue. Women who are pregnant usually long for sleep early in the evening. Again, blame the hormones.

Frequent urination

As the womb expands to make room for the growing fetus, it bears down on the urinary bladder, causing constant urges to pass urine. Some women have also been observed to develop white, creamy vaginal discharge during pregnancy, while the breasts tend to swell and grow tender (as the mammary glands brace themselves for breastfeeding).

Not all signs of pregnancy are obvious. But when the above mentioned symptoms present themselves to you, and you have enough reason to suspect that you are pregnant, you must consult your doctor at once, preferably an obstetrician. (An obstetrician specializes in caring for women while they are pregnant and even after pregnancy.) The doctor will then run tests to find out whether you ARE pregnant and in which pregnancy level you are already in. If your doctor bears good news, that, indeed, a miracle has formed in your womb, congratulations! You will soon be holding in your arms the greatest gift you will ever receive.

The Meaning Of A Vow

Sat, 22 Aug 2009 01:59:29 -0700

You're in love. You're ga-ga. Let's face it... you're both crazy!

Yet you somehow summoned the presence of mind to make a life-changing decision: to get married.

When the chemistry is right between two people, and there seems no other clear path than to tie the knot, the time is ripe for marriage. Amid the general confusion and effusion and delusion, this is probably the only really serious decision you're capable of at the moment, as a couple. It's natural, it's right, it's obvious. Now all you have to do is back up your vows...with a lifetime of love.

Simple? Not hardly.

Love comes on strong, grabs you both by the lapels and shakes until the rings fall out of your pockets. It's just the nature of the beast. But that does not diminish the lifetime of dedication and respect two people willingly give each other long after the crazed-in-love period wanes.

Whether you write your vows or repeat the time-honored, "Till death do us part" phrases, just take a moment, before you make your promises, to reflect upon the words you choose to say to each other.

Maybe you gravitate toward Aristotle's famous quote, "Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies." Maybe you came across Thomas Moore's idea, "Marriage is an Athenic weaving together of families, of two souls with their individual fates and destinies, of time and eternity--everyday life married to the timeless mysteries of the soul." Or possibly you both prefer the lighter, albeit somehow more poignant, perspective of Winnie the Pooh: "If there ever comes a day when we can't be together keep me in your heart, I'll stay there forever."

Whatever you decide to promise, mean it with every fiber of your being. The meaning of your wedding depends upon the depths of your sincerity. And your journey together on Planet Earth does too.

The Customers Six Basic Needs

Sat, 22 Aug 2009 01:45:38 -0700

FULLFILL THE CUSTOMERS SIX BASIC NEEDS

Go beyond giving customers what they ask for by fullfilling their six basic needs: friendliness, fairness, understanding, control, options and information.

PROJECT A WINNING TELEPHONE STYLE

Smile when talking on the phone to make your voice sound friendly. Remember, 86 percent of the message customers receive on the phone comes through your tone of voice. Answer the phone within three rings and give an inviting greeting such as, "Event Planning Services, how may I help you?" If you need to put customers on hold, always ask permission and wait for a response.

DELIVER MORE THEN YOU PROMISE

A client want's a special delivery by 3 P.M. You think that's possible, but you're just not sure. what's the best solution? Guarantee delivery by 4 P.M. and get the delivery there early. You avoid disapointing the client and you deliver more then you promise. This example fits the same in the DJ industry. There is so many tools we have available that can enhance the service we give to our clients. Rather it be adding in a light show, or giving the couples a CD of their special songs they danced too.

MEET YOUR COMMITMENTS
Always return customers calls by the time you promise-even if it's only to say that you don't yet have the information and will get back to them later. Your credibility depends on how well you follow through on your commitments.

EXPRESS EMPATHY

Show customers that you are interested in solving their problems. Say things like, " I understand why you feel that way," "I see your point of view," and "I'm sorry that happened".

TALK SMART

Don't us negative language. Use constructive smart talk instead. Rather than saying " I can't do that,: give customers alternatives by telling them what you can do. Focuse on the positive.

GO THE EXTRA MILE

Offer free lighting, music cd, or an extra hour for DJ service. Little things means a lot.

MAKE EYE CONTACT

When customers approach you, look them in the eye withing 10 seconeds. If you're busy helping another customer, look up and and tell the apporoaching customer that you will be with them in a shortly.

GIVE CUSTOMERS CONTACT INFORMATION
Within the first few minutes of calling customers, give them the phone number where you can be reached. If you get disconnected or customers need to call you back, they'll be able to find you.

ROLL OUT THE RED CARPET

Treat customers as the most important part of your business. Make them feel needed and wanted by giving them the time, attention and understanding they deserve.

No Show Disc Jockey Ruined Wedding

Sat, 22 Aug 2009 01:19:50 -0700

Brides Claim No-Show D.J. Ruined Their Special Day

A wedding is supposed to be one of the happiest days for any couple. But what if there's no music, and no one to announce the bride and groom?

It happened to two brides who say the disc jockey they hired didn't show, ditching them instead and ruining their special day.

When looking at her wedding video, Lisa Keene's wedding day looks like what you would expect - a blushing bride, smiling groom. But what's missing was her disc jockey and Master of Ceremonies Curtis Mayfield.

Keene's fears started to grow just after she hired Mayfield's company, The Entertainment Connection.

"I signed the contract with him in March and in May he was not returning phone calls, not returning emails, and I started to wonder if he was going to show up," says Keene.

It was only after she threatened to hire another D.J. that Keene says Mayfield returned her email reassuring her he would be there.

Keene says he made the same claim on her wedding day.

"At five-thirty I called the D.J. to find out where he was because the wedding started at six," says Keene, "and he had just gotten through tunnel in Virginia Beach and told me he was still on his way, still going to be there."

Rhonda Lang also hired Mayfield for her wedding at the Duck-In, and just like with Keene, Lang says Mayfield promised he'd be there.

"I call him," says Land, "and he says 'I'm 10 minutes away and picking up my equipment, I'll be right there.'"

Keene provided WAVY News 10 with a copy of her contract with The Entertainment Connection. It states "services shall be deemed received by the buyer when received by him at the Ruritan Club." And that "we the above agree to provide the described service of promotional entertainment to Lisa & Groom."

10 On Your Side checked out the website for The Entertainment Connection and tried to reach Mayfield several times by phone.

In our only telephone conversation with him, Mayfield claimed he did nothing wrong.

He blamed Lang for failing to pay seven days in advance, and says bad weather kept him from getting to Keene's Gloucester wedding on time.

WAVY News 10 also checked out the business address listed on the contract. An eviction notice was posted on the door.

Thanks to a compact disc from a guest, Keene did dance to one song. Her planned three-hour reception lasted just 30 minutes.

Both brides agree the man they trusted to make their day perfect destroyed it.

"He sounds like he's nice at first and he'll be there for you, but he'll never show up and her ruins the entire thing," says Keene.

10 On Your Side checked with the Better Business Bureau and found no complaints against Mayfield or his company.

If you're looking to hire a D.J., wedding experts say:

Meet the D.J. to discuss your plans
Ask for references from three contracts in the last 12 months
Follow your gut - if you start to feel uncomfortable with your choice, look for another D.J.
Pay with a credit card, it will be easier to recoup your money if there's a dispute.