Track Airmail

Track your airmail

As global trade continues to open and expand, goods are being exchanged domestically and internationally at great distances. Most companies deliver goods by airmail parcel and freight shipping services that utilize tracking numbers so customers and shippers can track orders and ensure delivery.

Instructions

1. Locate the tracking number for your shipment. Many companies will send an email to customers with this number or make the tracking number available on their websites. If you do not have the tracking number, call the company's customer service number.

2. Go to the iShip Track It tool. The iShip Track It tool tracks shipments sent by the largest domestic airmail, parcel and freight carriers: Airborne, DHL, FedEx, iShip, UPS and the U.S. Postal Service.

3. Enter the tracking number into the field next to "Enter Tacking Number:" and click the "Submit" button. The results will be displayed and will indicate the shipper and provide additional information, giving dates and times received at various points as the package makes its way to the customer.

4. Try an alternative method if iTrack provides no results. The U.S. International Delivery Services web page lists services associated with sending mail worldwide.

Tags: tracking number, airmail parcel, airmail parcel freight, iShip Track, iShip Track tool, parcel freight

Run A Fnm Tournament

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Magic: The Gathering" is a customizable card game in which players attempt to create powerful decks of cards from a card library that includes hundreds of different cards. Friday Night Magic, or FNM, is a promotion run by Wizards of the Coast, the manufacturer of "Magic: The Gathering" that allows card shops around the world to run tournaments on Friday nights. Eligible stores running a FNM event are given four special cards to be distributed to players who participate.

Instructions

1. Host at least four events, with at least 30 unique players total in the 12 months prior to your Friday Night Magic event. At least one of the events must have involved more than 12 players. You must register at least six new players in the year prior to the Friday night event as well. By completing all of these needs your store can earn core status and be eligible to host a FNM event.

2. Schedule the event between two months and one month prior to hosting it.

3. Set a format for your event. Stipulate which style of decks, if any, will not be permitted, and how the players will compete, such as in a round-robin style or an elimination tournament. The format of all FNM tournaments is at the discretion of the organizer, with only a minimum of eight players required.

4. Advertise your sanctioned events, including Friday Night Magic, in advance to increase attendance.

5. Set up tables and chairs to accommodate all the players.

6. Award one foil card each to the top two finishers. Award the remaining two foil cards to two randomly selected participants in the event.

Tags: Friday Night, Friday Night Magic, Night Magic, Magic Gathering

Make Aromatherapy Creams & Lotions

Make your own aromatherapy lotions to soothe dry skin

Aromatherapy is the art of using scent to evoke certain feelings or reactions. For example, the scent of lavender is soothing and creates a calm feeling. Many retailers sell aromatherapy lotions, but you can make your own at home. This will not only save you money, since the ingredients will make multiple bottles of lotions and creams, but also will give you more control over what chemicals you are putting on your body. You will know that the product you are using is natural and is not harmful.

Instructions

Homemade Lavender Hand Cream

1. Spoon five tbsp. of coconut oil into a double boiler and place over low heat. Stir the oil until it is completely melted.

2. Add four tsp. of almond oil to the coconut oil and combine it thoroughly with a spoon. Remove the double boiler from the heat source.

3. Add 10 drops each of lavender and lemon essential oils. Mix together thoroughly.

4. Pour the mixture into a jar and place a lid on it. Breathe in the essential oils while rubbing the cream into your hands.

Dry Hand Lotion

5. Pour eight oz. of unscented lotion into a bowl. Unscented lotion is available at craft and health food stores.

6. Add 10 drops of patchouli oil, 20 drops of sandalwood oil and five drops of carrot seed oil to the lotion.

7. Mix the oils into the lotion thoroughly with a spoon. When they are well blended, pour the lotion back into the bottle and use as you would any other lotion.

Mint Body Lotion

8. Place 1/2 cup of water and 1/2 cup of fresh mint leaves in a pot and bring to a boil. Remove the pot from the heat and give the water time to cool.

9. Strain the water to remove the mint leaves. Add 1/8 tsp. of borax to the water and mix thoroughly.

10. Combine 1/2 cup of sunflower oil, one tsp. of coconut oil and one tsp. of beeswax in a glass measuring cup.

11. Fill a pan two inches deep with water and place on the stove. Place the measuring cup filled with the oil and beeswax mixture into the water and cook over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes. Stir every few minutes while cooking until it is completely melted.

12. Place the mint and borax mixture into a microwave on high heat for one minute. Add it to the sunflower oil mixture slowly, whipping it together with a whisk. Allow the lotion to cool completely before adding 3 to 4 drops of peppermint oil.

Tags: mixture into, aromatherapy lotions, completely melted, double boiler, essential oils

The Difference Between Relationship Marketing & Crm

Relationship Marketing and CRM are closely-related terms.

Relationship marketing and customer relationship management (CRM) are closely-related business concepts. However, most experienced marketing professionals agree that CRM is an evolution of relationship marketing that enhances key concepts of customer retention.

Customer Retention Basics

Both relationship marketing and CRM are grounded in the long-held belief that customer-retention and building customer loyalty over time is the key to long-term business success. Each concept relates to implementation of business rules that attempt to turn one-time business transactions into ongoing customer relationships.

Relationship Marketing

Relationship marketing emerged in the 1980s and into the 1990s as businesses moved away from transaction-centered operations. It centered on the idea of taking new customers and positioning them into individual customer groups, or market segments, and then marketing to groups based on their place in the customer life cycle. Key points are customized marketing for consumer groups and interactive communications.

Customer Relationship Management

Customer relationship management, believed to have been coined in 1999, initially emerged as a technology-driven business process leveraging database marketing capabilities. While the main emphasis of CRM is still building and maintaining strong customer relationships, it is a much more complex and more universally referenced component of general marketing activities for most companies. CRM attempts to go one step further than relationship marketing by customizing marketing and business solutions to each individual customer, relying on infinite data storage and retrieval capabilities.

Tags: customer relationships, individual customer, relationship management, relationship marketing, Relationship Marketing

What Does An Average Marketing Entry Level Job Pay

Entry-level marketing jobs start at around $40,000.

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, people who graduated in 2009 with marketing degrees earned an average of $43,325 per year. But how much an entry-level marketing worker makes depends on many factors, including geography, industry and area of expertise. There are many positions for entry-level marketers including public relations specialists, marketing specialists, market researchers, advertising and promotion, and sales.

Geography

One entry-level position in marketing is public-relations specialist. Bureau of Labor Statistics data from 2010 shows the annual mean wage for a public-relations specialist in various cities. These numbers are probably higher than the wages for an entry-level position but they demonstrate the importance of geography in determining salary. in Columbia, Missouri, for example, the annual mean wage was $41,680, whereas in the District of Columbia it was $81,680. In Bloomington, Indiana, the annual mean wage was $50,010, whereas in Boulder. Colorado, it was $64,770.

Position

People with marketing degrees can go into a number of fields, including marketing, promotions, advertising, and public relations. According to the BLS, the lowest-paid public-relations specialists, which may be where entry-level workers lie, earned $30,560 in 2010. The lowest-paid advertising sales agents earned $22,780 per year. The lowest-paid market research analysts and marketing specialists earned $33,350.

Industry

Different industries pay differently. For example, BLS compared median annual wages in the industries employing the most marketing, advertising and public-relations employees. Some industries, such as computer systems and design, had very high median pay scales of over $125,000 a year. Others, such as depository credit intermediation, paid less than $100,000 a year. Public-relations specialists in industries involving management of companies and enterprises paid a median salary of $55,530, whereas colleges and universities paid only $46,600.

Specialties

Entry-level marketers who have a sought-after specialty might be able to command a higher income. For example, according to the BLS, people employed in professional, scientific or technical services or who are self-employed with expertise in "green" or environmentally positive marketing, earned a median income of $82,370 in 2009.

Tags: annual mean, annual mean wage, mean wage, entry-level position, marketing degrees, marketing specialists, mean wage whereas

Run A Food Cart Business

Some food carts focus on selling ice cream.

Food carts and trucks are popular all across the country, in cities large and small. The type of cuisine sold via food carts runs the gamut from hot dogs and burgers to sushi and gourmet ice cream. If you're looking to start a food business, but don't have the money to invest in a traditional restaurant, a food cart can be the ideal way to test out your culinary creations on the public. In order to run a successful food cart business, there are several things you can do.

Instructions

1. Target a specific niche, or type of food to sell. Try to focus on selling food that is not already abundantly sold in your area. For instance, if there are three Mexican restaurants near where you want to station your cart, you would be subjecting yourself to a great deal of competition if your niche was selling tacos.

2. Obtain the licenses and permits required in your area to start a food business -- contact your state's department of health to find out what is needed. Depending on where you live, you may need a temporary food vending permit, food enterprise license, sales and use tax permit and fictitious name certificate.

3. Rent a space for your food cart, ideally near a shopping center, supermarket or high-traffic area. In addition, you can also become a vendor at city festivals, car shows, carnivals, bazaars, flea markets and farmers markets to bring in extra revenue throughout the year.

4. Secure a place to park your food cart or truck when it's not in use, if you do not have space where you live. You can rent a parking space by negotiating a rate at a nearby business or commercial parking lot.

5. Use local ingredients whenever possible to save money on transportation and shipping costs. Contact local farmers markets and grocers associations to find potential suppliers.

6. Attract customers to your food cart with large, colorful signage. If you have space in front of your cart, post a blackboard or whiteboard, and use vibrant chalk or markers to write your menu.

7. Promote your food cart business. Use social networks to let customers know what you'll be serving and where, launch a promotional blog or hand out samples to people walking by your cart.

Tags: food cart, your food, your food cart, your cart, farmers markets

Settlement Laws

Settlement laws are often dictated by contract law. When a claim or lawsuit is settled without a court hearing, a written agreement makes the settlement legally binding on the parties involved in the dispute. The following are some written agreements that are often utilized to effectuate a settlement.

Release

A release is a written agreement between two parties memorializing the conclusion of a claim or lawsuit. The person receiving a monetary settlement signs the release, usually before a notary. In exchange for receiving a monetary sum, the victim agrees that no further claims or lawsuits may be brought against the other party arising out of the incident or occurrence. Once the release is signed and consideration is received, the release is binding on the parties and can be enforced by law.

Joint Tortfeasor Release

Situations can arise when more than one potentially at-fault party is involved in a claim or lawsuit. During the contest, one of the at-fault parties may agree to settle the dispute against the victim, while the other party continues to contest the claim. A written agreement called a joint tortfeasor release is signed between the parties who wish to end the dispute. Once this agreement is signed, no further claims or lawsuits can be brought against the party that is released. This agreement is binding on the parties and can be enforced by law. However, the claim proceeds against the other potentially at-fault party.

Structured Settlement

As an alternative to receiving a lump sum in settlement of a claim or lawsuit, the injured party has the option to accept a structured settlement. A structured settlement allows the injured party to receive guaranteed periodic payments either on a monthly or yearly basis, depending on the time horizon of the injured party. The structured settlement terms are outlined in a written agreement. Once accepted, the claim or lawsuit is concluded. Like a release, the injured party may not bring any further claims or lawsuits against the other party. A structured settlement also has tax advantages. The law allows tax free settlements in some cases.

Settlement Laws for Minors

Settlement law does not allow a minor to enter into a binding agreement such as a release or structured settlement without a parent or natural guardian. A minor in many jurisdictions is a person under the age of 18 years old. Because the minor is the victim, settlement law also requires the court to approve the resolution through a "minor's compromise." This is a legal document filed with the court, which outlines the terms of the minor's settlement. Once approved, it becomes binding on the parties.

Confession of Judgment

Another type of settlement is an instrument called a confession of judgment. This is a written agreement by the defendant in a lawsuit. The defendant admits liability and agrees to be responsible for a set amount of damages. This legal document may be filed with the court to secure an automatic judgment if the defendant fails to pay or perform in accordance with the set amount of damages. Additional legal proceedings can be eluded if a confession of judgment is executed between the parties.

Tags: claim lawsuit, structured settlement, written agreement, binding parties, injured party

Pros & Cons For A Medical Office Assistant

Examine closely the pros and cons of your career choice.

If you are considering becoming a medical office assistant, you may have a long and viable career ahead of you. As the baby boomer population continues to age, many of them will need substantial medical care, giving you many options when it comes to working for a physician's office. However, it's important to consider a job's negative aspects as well before you embark on your professional journey.

Flexibility

With many medical offices being open nights, and sometimes even weekends, flexibility regarding hours may be a benefit in this career. Medical office assistants may be able to work part time or full time and with schedules that meet their needs. For instance, in addition to the normal 9-5 schedule, some physicians allow their assistants to only work nights, or exchange working one night for working half of another weekday. This can be an especially helpful arrangement if you juggle childcare responsibilities in addition to your job.

Making a Difference

Although not as directly involved in medical care as the physicians themselves, their office assistants often go into this career because they enjoy being around people and making a positive difference in their lives. Whether it means comforting an ill or grieving patient, or helping them with a tough insurance case, the benefits of working in a medical office can go beyond the economic aspects of the job.

Stress

However, no one said being a medical office assistant was going to be easy. It is often a high stress job -- one that mandates juggling constantly changing priorities and deadlines. Assistants are often caught in a triangle between the physicians, patients, and insurance companies -- each of whom want their needs meet immediately. Incessantly ringing phones, endless interruptions and impatient coworkers can all take their toll on the frazzled medical office assistant.

Change

If you are an individual who thrives on change, this aspect of the job may not be a problem for you. However, many assistants find themselves confused among a whirlwind of alterations -- whether this be the physician's office policies, rules of insurance coverage or complying with state medical regulations. If you cannot think fast on your feet, you may want to consider another career choice.

Promotion

If it is your dream to become a physician's office manager, then starting out as an assistant is a viable option. However, you may want to keep in mind that as far as promotions go, this second-tier managerial role may be the only one available to you -- in every doctor's office.

Tags: medical office, medical office assistant, office assistant, physician office, career choice, medical care, office assistants

Advertise An Etsy Store

When you open an Etsy Store, you can't simply expect people to find you. There will be some that stumble upon your shop while looking through Etsy but to get the attention that you will need to go out and advertise. Advertising may sound like a chore but it's really easy.

Instructions

1. Consider where you want to advertise. What is in your shop? What does it pertain to and who would be interested in the items that you're selling are all great questions to ask yourself before you begin.

2. Make friends on Etsy. There are forums on Etsy that you can advertise but you also want to get to know other sellers who have shops that are selling items like yours. A lot of sellers on Etsy get together and help promote each other. Exchange business cards or flyer's for your shop with other Etsy sellers and put them in sold packages to draw attention to each other.

3. Check forums and message boards on the Internet. A lot of forums that are focused on a certain craft will have an area for people to advertise their items. These are great places to begin advertising. Just make sure to check their rules on advertising. You don't want to make anyone annoyed by not following their rules.

4. Advertise on Etsy. There are a number of ways that you can get your store name and items out for everyone to see. One of the ways is to use the Etsy forum on the site. Another great way is to use the Main Showcase. For a small fee, a picture and link to your site will be posted on the main Etsy page for everyone on Etsy to see.

5. Always keep your eyes open for new ways to advertise. There is no such thing as too much advertising. The more you get your store name and the items out to people that would be interested in them, the more successful you will be.

Tags: your shop, Advertise Etsy, each other, Etsy Store, Etsy There, name items

Create Logos Using Vistaprint

Create your own logo using Vistaprint.

Vistaprint is an online printer and office supply store that businesses and individuals in use for their printing needs. It offers a wide array of products, ranging from business cards and T-shirts to promotional giveaway items such as pens and magnets. In addition to applying your images or slogans to these products, Vistaprint also offers users online tools they can use to create their own logo. The logo-making wizard it provides for doing this is fairly simple--it walks you through the necessary steps.

Instructions

1. Go to Vistaprint's website. Scroll down the page to the "Shop for Business" section and under "Free Products" choose "Free Logo Design."

2. Under the "Add Text" tab, enter the text or name you want printed with your logo design. Then click "Next."

3. Click on the "Browse by Industry" or the "Browse by Style" and select the category you want to use. From the pages of icons offered, choose the one you want to use. This will take you to the "Font" page.

4. Choose the "Font" type you want to use for your logo. In the next section, choose the text design option you want. For example, you can choose to have a drop shadow or the background fill for your text.

5. Choose the "Color Scheme" from the sets of swatches offered. This will take you to your finalized logo design. You can apply this logo to any of your Vistaprint products at no cost, or you can pay a fee and download the logo design for your own use.

Tags: your logo, logo design, This will, This will take, will take

Market For Personal Injury Law Firms

Marketing ideas for personal injury attorneys

Personal injury law firms work with people who have been injured in an automobile accident, on the job or even by a doctor during surgery or treatment. Therefore, marketing for this type of legal practice means getting the firm's name in front of people who have been hurt. Developing a successful marketing campaign for a personal injury law firm takes time and money, but the payback is a steady stream of clients.

Instructions

1. Design and prepare a website that highlights the firm's attorneys and important support staff members, its experience in personal injury law, its history and any big verdicts the firm has won in court or through settlement. Make sure the website has a component that allows for regular blogging.

2. Post a blog or a personal injury-related article on the firm's website at least two times a week. This will help the website move up in rankings on search engines when people in your practice area have need of this type of lawyer. Consider running a pay per click ad campaign where your site comes up when certain searches are performed.

3. Purchase business letterhead and business cards that have a similar tie-in design to the firm's website. Letterhead is important for direct-mail marketing. Cards can be easily passed out in a variety of social and business settings. They can also be placed on bulletin boards at courthouses, coffee shops or even hospitals.

4. Join the personal injury section of the state bar where the firm practices. Get involved. Becoming active in this section is an excellent way to network, pick up business and get referrals.

5. Send a letter of introduction to every chiropractor in your practice area. A week later, follow the letter up with a phone call to schedule a brief meeting. At the meeting drop off a brochure and business card and introduce yourself. Ask the chiropractor to refer you any patients who have been injured in an accident.

6. Take out a yellow page advertisement that is at least 1/2 page in size. It is important that your ad captures the feelings that an injured person might be having. Include a phone number, email and a link to the firm's website in the ad.

Tags: firm website, have been, been injured, have been injured, people have, people have been, personal injury

Advertising Stunts & Ideas

A good advertisement captures someone's attention and entices her to visit your business.

Advertising has many approaches. You can take the traditional route, which includes paying for ads in magazines, newspapers, radio or television. The Internet has spawned a new way of advertising, such as online ads or email marketing. Other companies choose to advertise in less conventional ways. Viral marketing or advertising involves creating a campaign that attracts people's attention and entices them to share with their friends and family to spread your message quickly from person to person, like a virus. Guerrilla marketing takes this concept to the next level by using creativity and energy instead of money to launch an advertising campaign. All of these strategies can be used to create fun and effective advertising stunts and campaigns.

Contests

Contests are one option for creative advertising ideas. The idea behind contests is to generate interest and participation from consumers in order to draw attention to your company or website. For example, if you have a photography retail business, you might consider a photo contest amongst your customers. Customers can submit a photo, then you can post the photos to your website and allow people to vote for the winning shot. The participants will spread the word and ask for votes from friends and family, which in turn drives more traffic to your website. You can then offer a discount or promotion to everyone who votes.

Videos

Videos are another type of advertising stunt or creative marketing idea. With the popularity of video and social media websites, many advertisers create unique online videos designed to draw viral attention. The videos can be funny, shocking or informative and should include a website or other marketing message. For example, a company might design a humorous animation video that is short and entertaining and post it online and on social media sites. If it is successful, people will see the video and forward it to their friends, so the video becomes viral and your message reaches exponentially more people than a simple graphic on your website.

Guerrilla Marketing

Advertisers with small budgets and big imaginations often turn to guerrilla marketing campaigns to capture people's attention and convey a message. For example, a guerrilla marketing campaign can be as simple as a product or message advertised on your car as you drive around. A more complex example is to alter a public place or landmark, like decorating a tree to look like a carrot and promote a nearby vegetable stand.

Traditional Ads

If you prefer traditional advertising campaigns, take a traditional approach but incorporate a unique twist or style to help your ad campaign stand out. For example, rather than showing a photo of your product with some explanatory text and a call to action in a printed ad, find a stunning image that captures people's attention, and use that image as your ad, along with minimal text, such as a website and company name. The image will entice people to visit the website or research the company to learn more information.

Tags: people attention, your website, attention entices, friends family, message example, social media

Fda Medical Device Compliance

The FDA's compliance standards require pre-market approval for most medical devices.

Most medical devices marketed in the United States need to meet a set of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's compliance standards before companies can legally sell their products. The FDA also has compliance rules for companies after the medical devices go to market. The administration groups medical devices into three categories depending on their potential risks or uses: Class I, II or III.

Registration

Before companies that are proposing to handle medical devices do so, they need to register with the FDA. The businesses need to list with the agency any of the regulated products and explain their intended uses.

510(k) Forms

Section 510(k) of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act states that companies can bypass the FDA pre-market approval process if the agency approves their 510(k) forms. In order to receive approval, companies need to show their products are safe and effective and they are similar to other already marketed devices.

Pre-Market Approval

Medical devices that could pose serious risks, are used for life support, or could be "of substantial importance" for medical care fall into the FDA's Class III device category. This means the devices need the administration's pre-market approval. Companies need to provide extensive proof that their devices are safe and effective.

Pre-Approval Exemption

Medical devices needing FDA Pre-Market Approval can be legally used by companies before receiving approval if they use the products for testing purposes. Any test subjects must be made aware beforehand that the devices are in a trial process.

Quality Checks

Once a medical device receives the FDA's approval, companies need to set up quality assurance systems for the devices. The FDA relies on companies to set up their own systems with little direct guidance from the government.

Failure Reports

If a medical device malfunctions or causes problems, injury, illness or death, the company must report it to the FDA. The administration has timelines set for how long companies have to file a report depending on the type of problem. The longest a company has is 30 days.

Tags: medical devices, companies need, compliance standards, Food Drug, medical device, medical devices

The Disadvantages Of Direct Marketing

Direct marketing has many drawbacks.

Direct marketing is often seen as an end around of the traditional media sources by which advertising is delivered. Involving the use of fliers, street advertising and, perhaps most importantly, mailed advertisement, direct marketing has many critics. Though there are many benefits as well, the disadvantages of direct marketing can be significant. Many consumers are alienated by what is seen as the intrusiveness of direct marketing into the otherwise private moments of their lives.

Junk Mail

"Junk mail" is the pejorative term used for direct advertising involving mail. Many people become agitated by the constant influx of direct marketing materials to their private mailbox. The use of the term "junk" to describe it is an indicator of this social phenomenon. By using direct mail, a company risks alienating the customers it seeks to gain. The use of direct mail is often associated with a company of lower status and quality.

Enviromental Impact

Direct marketing has come under additional criticism in recent years for the disadvantages that it poses to the environment. Direct marketing typically involves the heavy use of physical components in order to give consumers an object they can hold in their hands. This physical side of direct marketing means that a greater amount of natural resources are consumed in their production as well as a greater amount of pollution.

Metrics

It is hard when using direct marketing to get any reliable metrics on its impact. With more traditional advertisements such as radio and television, there are often immediate results that can be measured. Direct marketing involves a much longer-term strategy where the results are uncertain and the best that can be said is that it may be working. It is often very unclear whether direct marketing is alienating more customers than it is creating.

Time

It is hard to get as immediate of an impact when using direct marketing, as the advertising product, by its nature, takes time to reach consumers. Waiting for consumers to receive the physical product of direct advertising means missing out as potentially more efficient advertising from competitors reaches them through the radio and television and other sources. Time is often equated with money in business, and the time ratio in direct marketing is a disadvantage.

Laws

The distribution of fliers and street advertising is often prohibited by law in certain areas. This is a major disadvantage of this form of direct marketing as certain customer bases will be unreachable. If a marketer wishes to reach customers, for instance, in a high-traffic and wealthy area, this may be impossible using direct marketing of this kind.

Limited Reach

There is an inherently limited geographic reach to direct marketing involving fliers and street advertising. By using this form of direct marketing, you will be limited to consumers in a very specific distribution area and will have to depend on word of mouth for others. This form of direct marketing has severe disadvantages in this way when compared with other forms such as television or radio.

Tags: direct marketing, direct marketing, using direct, Direct marketing, fliers street, fliers street advertising

Make Money Selling Your Tattoo Designs Online

make money selling your Tattoo Designs online. This ones probably easier than you'd expect, so kick back and relax with Dr. Snot as we look into some ways to make some extra money with all those tattoos and pieces of flash art you've designed....

Instructions

1. Okay, first things first: get all your tattoo's together.

2. Now, you have a choice here -the 'safe' route or the 'not so safe' route. I strongly recommend the 'safe' route, which in this case is getting all your work copyrighted. Protecting your work is very important -however, if you don't really care about such things, you can just as well skip this step.

To save money on your copyrights, I would suggest (although I'm no lawyer or anything, so make sure you know exactly what you're doing) making a compilation of all your work rather than copyrighting each piece individually -that is, in the interest of saving tons of money.

3. Now, just go to tattoo websites and check the market out, see what places are offering for your work -likely evaluation will take place, not uncommon. And you may wish to go for places that offer royalties, that way you get paid anytime that tattoo sees any action.

Here are some sites that offer such tattoo services, I haven't given them a very indepth look yet -decide for yourself and look around alot before settling on a place to sell your tattoos -you don't wanna get stuck selling your hard work exclusively at one place for pennies a month....

http://www.everytattoo.com/selltattoodesigns.shtml

http://www.tattoo-flash-art.com

Do a search on google or yahoo -you'll find tons of sites like these....

4. There are other methods though besides just selling your designs to another site, you can cut the middleman out and sell directly to your audience.

For instance, you can start your own website featuring your work and sell directly to those interested.

5. Another method -sell your designs on eBay! As a book -or designs individually. Use really nice large pictures -if people like them enough, they may buy them!

6. Yet another method -ask local tattooist if they would be interested in selling your tattoo designs.

7. Similarly, you could also offer a service where you design custom tattoos -these can take lots of time though, so make sure what you charge is truly worth your time.

8. One last way you can make money with your tattoo designs: Give them away for free on your own website, but put advertisements up so that you make money from traffic, clicks and affiliate sales -similar to functions of a blog (check out my other articles for more info)

9. Don't give up if things don't work out right away -keep at it!!!! If you have a love for designing tattoos and you put in alot of work -you'll succeed at some point!!!! Good luck!!!! Persevere!!!!

Tags: your work, selling your, safe route, your tattoo, make money

About Carry On Luggage

Carry-on luggage consists of the small bags and totes you can bring on a plane. This type of luggage is too small to really carry anything large. It is not quite as big as a suitcase, but larger than a pocketbook. Almost universally, airlines allow each passenger to bring one of these bags on the plane. There is even overhead storage designed expressly to hold this storied type of luggage.

History

Carry-on luggage has had a rough flight. It was an added bonus when it was first introduced, because travelers could bring small items on the plane. Experienced travelers could pack light and get right off the plane and into a cab without waiting for checked bags. However, some travelers abused the privilege, which led airlines to enforce strict size limitations. Today, carry-on baggage continues to enjoy a love-hate relationship with travelers for several reasons.

Benefits

Carry-on luggage is useful because, if you pack light, you can fit everything you need for a weekend in a carry-on and skip the baggage-claim drama at the end of the flight. You never have to worry about arriving in St. Louis and having your bags arrive in Hawaii. It saves the airlines a little work, too, because they don't have to handle your bags.

Considerations

Since almost everyone brings a carry-on on the plane, you have to wonder if you will have room to stow your own. You should also consider whether the contents of your carry-on would fare better in the luggage compartment or the overhead carry-on storage area. Being able to walk right off the plane and into a cab is also a big benefit for business travelers who have meetings to get to and can't waste time.

Types

Today, many airlines charge for checked bags, so they have what is called a carry-on allowance. This denotes the number of bags you are permitted to bring on the plane. Northwest Airlines allows one bag and a purse or small backpack. Southwest allows one bag in the overhead compartment, and a small bag or laptop that can fit underneath the seat. In addition, the Transportation Authority also has regulations on what can be contained in a carry-on bag, since it can be accessed in the plane. Prohibited items include firearms, knives, weapons and liquids. (The list can change due to security situations.)

Size

Northwest Airlines currently allows one bag that measures a total of 45 inches--or 9 by 14 by 22 inches maximum. That is relatively small, and some passengers stretch the limits by bringing on wheeled suitcases and overstuffed day bags. A general rule of thumb is that the bag should fit inside the overhead compartment comfortably. However, each airline is different.

Tags: Carry-on luggage, bring plane, checked bags, Northwest Airlines, overhead compartment, pack light

The Basics Of Corporate Communication

Corporate communicators require a love of news and solid writing skills.

Corporate communication professionals represent an organization to its publics: both internal, such as employees, and external such as the media and stakeholders. Effective corporate communication campaigns blend communication, research, strategy and leadership. Since corporate communications is practiced across a range of industries, two professionals can share a skill set and educational background and yet have very different career paths.

Education and Experience Required

Entry-level jobs require an undergraduate degree in public relations, communication, journalism, marketing or other related field, and usually at least one or more internships. Those seeking management positions may have an advantage with an advanced degree, but experience is also critical for landing a top corporate communication job. Solid writing skills, the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, a love of news and a commitment to meeting deadlines are fundamentals for success in corporate communication.

Job Functions

Job functions vary with the size and resources of the department, but task categories include content development, communication research, crisis communication, media relations and social media. Some of the more recognizable tasks include writing press releases, pitching news ideas and responding to reporter requests and managing the company's website. Large corporate communication departments may have a team for each function, while smaller shops may throw all tasks at one or two individuals.

Salary

The average U.S. salary in 2011 for corporate communication professionals is $66,000, according to the website Simply Hired. However, salary is dependent on experience, the organization, education level and geographic location. For example, the average U.S. salary for a corporate communication specialist is $40,277, according to the website Salary List. However, the average U.S. base salary for a senior vice president of corporate communication is $164,000, according to the Public Relations Society of America.

Challenges

Social media is both a trend and challenge for the corporate communication industry. Tools such as Twitter, Facebook and YouTube now play a staring role in many corporate communication campaigns. However, measuring social media's impact, assigning ownership of its functions and perfecting messages for its use continues to be controversial. Corporate communication professionals must also grapple with a declining public trust in organizations mixed with increased public expectations for speed and transparency in organizational communication.

Tags: corporate communication, communication professionals, corporate communication, according website, average salary, communication campaigns

What Does It Take To Become A Male Model

Male models can appear in unusual print ads

Though not as highly paid as their female counterparts, male modeling can lead to a world of glamour, travel and admiration. Though being good-looking and confident are helpful, you need to meet additional physical requirements.

Basics

Though your age can range from 15 for young men to 50s for the mature male, most males models are from 25 to 35 years of age. Male models can have far longer careers than females.

Size

You must be from 5-foot, 10-inches to 6-foot-2 and wear a 40 regular or 42 long coat. A fit, lean physique is better than a muscular one, unless you want to become a fitness model, where muscle tone is more important than clothing size.

Hair

Length can range from short to long, depending on the job. A salt-and-pepper color is a good look for business.

Jobs

Jobs can consist of runway modeling, print advertising and TV commercials. To find them, sign up with a modeling agency, who can negotiate both jobs and payment.

Training

Though modeling schools exist, many models get their training on the job. A pleasant personality, can-do attitude, and the ability to take direction well is most important.

Tags: Male models, range from

Reasons To Work For The Department Of Homeland Security

Home Security workers protect America's air traffic system.

Public service is considered to be an honorable and noble profession where a person can make a difference in their government while helping their fellow citizen. Working for the United States Department of Homeland Security is a lot like that as its primary goal is to protect the U.S. from hostile threats that are on American soil. Working for an agency as vast as Homeland Security has many benefits for people who are looking to enter the world of law enforcement. However, these reasons may vary from person to person.

Terrorist Attacks and Threats

The Department of Homeland of Security was created as a result of the September 11, 2001 terrorist bombings of the World Trade Center in New York City and of the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. For similar reasons, patriotic Americans have joined Homeland Security as a response to these attacks. The attacks made some feel obligated to defend their country to keep it safe from terrorism and other threats to the nation. Some people may be personally connected to the September 11 terrorist attacks if they can name friends or family members among the victims, providing a strong reason why they would join this agency.

Training and Mentoring

Working for Homeland Security offers professional development perks that one would get from working for any other government agency. For example, the agency is willing to invest in the training and development of personnel. The federal government expects to train and mentor new employees or recruits to do the jobs they were hired for as well as training them for other roles so they can diversify their specialties making them invaluable to the agency.

Interesting and Exciting

There are many types of operations and organizations that help make up Homeland Security. Working for Homeland Security might introduce you to the world of intelligence and espionage or to dealing with natural disasters. You might also be instrumental in combating terrorist threats. Homeland Security will introduce you to some of the most advanced technologies used in the security and law enforcement sectors.

Pay and Benefits

The government pays a competitive salary offers good benefits. Job security and opportunities for advancement are good; Homeland Security employees may also find opportunities to work and travel abroad.

Tags: Homeland Security, Department Homeland, Department Homeland Security, Working Homeland, Working Homeland Security

Importance Of A Business Name

Some entrepreneurs make a quick decision on a name for their business, while others spend weeks trying to come up with just the right name. The name of your business becomes the way the public identifies your company and what you do. But there are several other reasons as to why the name of your business is important and something you should put thought into.

First Impression

Your business name is the first thing that customers notice about your company, according to Nach Maravilla, writing on the Power Home Biz website. If your name accurately conveys the business you are in or the product you are offering, then you have set the proper expectation for your customers. If your business name is not associated with what you do in some way, then not only will customers be confused about your company, but they may choose to do business with a company with a name that gives them more confidence about the products being offered.

Separation

A clever company name that helps customers to associate your company with what you do can be an effective way of separating yourself from the competition, according to Alexis Rubinstein, writing on the Entrepreneur website. For example, a generic company name such as ABC Graphic Arts will not be as memorable as a name such as Smiley Face Graphic Arts Shop. The name lets potential clients know that you are a graphic arts company, but it also helps to set your company apart from the competition.

Internet

Before you decide on a name for your company, look it up on the major search engines on the Internet, suggests Emily Driscoll, writing for the Fox Small Business Center website. A good name that is available as a domain on the Internet can help you bridge together clients that use the Internet frequently and those that do not use the Internet quite as much. You can also help your marketing cause by creating a name that uses words that are already popular on the Internet search engines. The importance of a good business name is magnified when you start cross-referencing powerful marketing mediums such as print advertising and the Internet.

Brand Name

Your company name becomes the brand the public assigns to your organization. By working hard through marketing and advertising programs to establish your company name as a well-known entity in your industry, you have created a marketing tool that becomes a powerful asset unto itself. Think of how quickly the average consumer can associate the name McDonald's with a restaurant or Nike with sporting equipment. Your company name becomes your most powerful marketing agent once you have created an effective marketing name and put in the effort to establish it as a brand name.

Tags: company name, name that, your company, business name, name your, your company, about your

Print Logos On Shoelaces

Custom Shoelaces

Getting your business noticed these days is becoming more challenging. Marketing and promotions companies have made it easier for businesses to build brand awareness with products such as custom shoelaces. These laces can be printed with your company logo or a message and can be given out to customers as a gift, a prize, or a thank you. This promotional product is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Instructions

1. Visit Promopeddler.com. Type "shoelaces" in the search box and click "Go."

2. Browse through the listing of custom shoelaces. A variety of colors and styles are available. Click on a product that suits your needs. Review product descriptions, options, and quantity requirements.

3. Enter the quantity and size of shoelaces that you want. Click "Add to Cart." Review your order and click "Checkout" when ready.

4. Log in if you already have an account, or create an account. Upload your logo and enter your payment and shipping information to complete your order.

Tags: custom shoelaces, your order

Unique And Personalized Corporate Gift Ideas

Choosing a corporate gift for an employee, client or loyal customer that departs from the typical can be a challenge. Corporate gifting works to boost workforce morale, express gratitude toward valued clients and motivate employees. Gifting for professionals is also a clever way for companies to promote their brand with distinctive promotional gifts embossed with their logo. The idea is to give the employee a practical gift he can use that will also remind him of the company or a specific achievement. This is why it is important to choose a memorable and useful corporate gift.

Luggage Tags

Some employees may need to take regular business trips. A personalized luggage tag helps your employee's bag standout in the sea of black and brown travel bags at the airport. Have the luggage tags personalized with the employee's initials or the company logo.

Personalized Business Card Holder

Opt for an elegant business card holder with the employee's name engraved on the cover. Make this useful holder even more personal with a note inside inviting the employee to lunch on you on a day of her choosing.

Gas Card

Custom branded gas cards from USA Plastic Card are especially useful for employees making a long commute to work each day. You can order these cards printed with your company logo and pre-paid to your desired amount. Every time the employee uses his gas card, it reminds him that he's exercising a company perk.

Gift Cards

You can tailor a gift card to an employee's interest while also providing an alternative to thank her for her hard work without giving cash. Purchase gift cards for local restaurants or favorite lunch spots near the office. For the not-so-morning person, give a gift card to a nearby cafe where he can stop for coffee on his way to work. Purchasing gift cards also makes it easier to spend a set amount on each employee.

Donations

Make a donation in the employee's name to a foundation or charity that is important to her. Nearly everyone has a favorite organization. This gift is expressive of the value of giving and lets the recipient feel good about helping others. Most charities invite supporters to donate online and send a personalized card if the donation is made as a gift in someone else's name. Stand Up 2 Cancer offers Launch a Star program in which you make a donation and launch a star by selecting it from the interactive solar system and naming it after the recipient.

Money Clip with Pre-Paid Credit Card

Applaud a job well done with a pre-paid credit card. Most major credit card companies, including Visa, MasterCard and American Express, offer pre-paid employee cards, making it easy for the employee to choose his own gift. When you order the pre-paid credit card online, you will receive it with the recipient's name on the credit card. You can make this gift more personalized by adding a money clip with the employee's name or initials engraved on it. Put her new pre-paid credit card in the money clip, and wrap together as a single present.

Tags: credit card, employee name, pre-paid credit, pre-paid credit card, with employee, company logo, corporate gift

Book And Promote A Concert For Your Band

Where you book gigs and how you promote your band makes a difference.

You've worked hard to get a band together and start making music, but now's the time to start playing local shows. Live shows let you give your fans an experience that they'll never forget. You can connect with them on a better level, build a fan base, and maybe even sell your CDs.

Instructions

1. Find a venue: Look online to find a venue that has a maximum capacity of the size of the crowd that you're able to draw (for a local band, average would be about 300 people). Make sure the other acts that play there match your genre. You don't want to play a hip hop venue if you're a rock band. Consider transportation costs as well.

2. Talk to the venue: Send press kits to the venues of your choice after they request one. Provide the club with the dates your band is available to play, and tell them what kind of crowd you can draw, as well as what kind of promoting you will do. Most venues/clubs make most of their money from the bar. It may be harder to get a show if your band is under 21, because most of your crowd won't be drinking.

3. Book the gig: If you don't have a booking agent, have one designated band member handle all your bookings. This band member should have a business sense and know negotiate a fair deal. For example, you shouldn't have to "pay to play." Find out the payment terms from the club owner. Some venues will ask if you want to rent the venue for the night and give you a price that can be paid back with ticket sales.

4. Promote the show: Make flyers and posters. Pass them out or leave some at a music store, skate store, or popular clothing store that fits your demographic. Hang posters where you can. Promote online on your website, MySpace, Facebook, Reverbnation, or other social networking sites. Post your show in listings for your city.

5. Get people to show up: Hook up with local promoters who can help bring a larger audience. Call record labels, stores and magazines to see if they would like to attend your show or help promote it. Set up a radio contest. Offer to have VIP/employees of the venue as special guests.

6. At your show: Have merchandise to sell at your show. Usually the venue will have extra tables for that reason. Have people sign a mailing list, have a meet and greet for fans, and let everyone know where your next show will be.

7. After your show: Send a thank-you note to the venue and follow up with them. This is professional, and you will have a greater chance of being booked again at that venue. Thank the fans who signed your mailing list with a follow-up email.

Tags: your show, your band, band member, mailing list, sell your, what kind, will have

Marketing Ideas For Heloc Promotions

Creatively market HELOCs to generate high borrower volume and acceptance.

Home equity line of credit loans (HELOCs) have been popular for years for good reasons. HELOCs offer easy approval loans to help homeowners perform home improvements, pay medical bills, meet tuition deadlines and generate funds for other investments or real estate purchases. These loans are just as attractive to lenders as they are to homeowners. A highly competitive product, HELOCs demand that lenders such as banks, credit unions, and private lenders use both classic and inventive marketing ideas to generate borrowers and capture good market share.

Home Improvement Ideas

Using print, radio, TV, direct mail and in-house digital media such as lobby and branch signage and video, HELOC lenders stress the benefits of the product. For example, lenders tailor marketing promotions to calendars. Spring HELOC promotions often feature adding sunrooms, decks, Florida rooms, central air conditioning or other needed repairs and improvements. These promotions paint a picture of the "dream", failing to emphasize rates or terms.

Low Closing Cost and Fast Approvals

A classic and typically effective HELOC promotion emphasizes special closing cost offers and the blazing speed of approval and closing. Promoting interest rates close to "prime", three- to five-day approvals and low (or no) closing costs usually entices borrowers and generates new applications. Most lenders use these promotions when aggressively seeking higher loan volume. While enthusiastically welcomed by borrowers, these promotions sometimes concern lenders because of lower profitability. Yet, these promotions are usually effective.

Advertorials

Relatively new in the world of HELOC marketing, advertorials can be very successful promotions. An advertorial is a combination of advertisement and editorial copy. These are particularly effective in print media format, using newspapers, magazines and the Internet. By structuring an advertisement to mirror an article, lenders can use this strategy to enhance all specific product promotions. For example, a late summer/early fall HELOC promotion encouraging tuition funds borrowing might feature an advertorial that discusses sources of education financing, including federal student loans, Pell grants and HELOCs.

Direct and Targeted HELOC Marketing

Direct and targeted marketing is often both cost-effective and highly successful. Market HELOCs only to those who may be interested, qualified customers. Building or buying mailing lists containing only data regarding those people who are homeowners, in income ranges that should support second mortgage payments and are in age categories that statistically make home improvements, have education expenses or are active investors can help direct advertising dollars only to those prospects who are likely to be qualified customers. Unlike radio or TV promotions, lenders using this idea only reach those who may immediately become buyers (borrowers).

Tags: HELOC promotion, home improvements, only those, qualified customers, these promotions

Develop A Communication Strategy For Fire Prevention

Fire prevention programs require public support to be successful. Developing a thorough communication strategy for fire prevention will help shape perceptions and provoke positive action. Tap into common concerns, like the impact on life, property, the environment and local economies, and then communicate how your audience can be part of the solution. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Developing a Strategy.

1. Analyze the situation. Determine what factors may impact your plan. A recent string of arson fires, for example, will likely heighten the community's anxiety. A nearby wildfire can also raise public awareness. Your analysis of local events will determine how and what you communicate.

2. Develop communication objectives. Identify what you want to achieve. Objectives may include building community awareness, influencing lawmakers or attracting volunteers. Use these objectives to guide your outreach plan.

3. Identify internal champions. Build a team of stakeholders who are well-versed in your strategy. It may include first responders, local officials or community leaders who can engage the public using the messages you've created.

4. Define target audiences. Pinpoint the groups you must reach and develop profiles for each. Include their current awareness and knowledge about fire prevention, how they get information and any bias that may influence how they'll receive the message. Primary audiences include people you need to communicate with directly, like property owners. Secondary audiences are people who will benefit from the messages or who can influence your primary audiences, like community leaders.

5. Create compelling messages. The goal of fire prevention is to avoid unwanted fires caused by humans. To communicate this concept, streamline vast amounts of information into a few messages that will resonate with target audiences. What do you want them to feel, know and do as a result of the message? Define the issue (preventing fires), the challenges (loss of life and property or economic and environmental tolls) and the solution (don't start campfires in unauthorized locations, clear dead brush from around your house, etc.).

6. Create an outreach plan. Your plan will support your communications objectives, articulate a strategy for achieving them and identify tactics for activating your plan. Example:

Objective 1: Attract volunteers.

Strategy 1: Engage community leaders and identify ways to organize their peer groups into a volunteer coalition.

Tactic 1: Contact 10 community leaders in the first 30 days to enlist their help and educate them about prevention.

7. Set a budget. Calculate the manpower and materials required to implement your plan. Look for existing resources first. Government agencies may have materials you can use. Establish a dollar figure for your tactics and adjust if funds are short. If you can't afford an ad campaign, a social media campaign might work instead.

Create a timeline for each tactic and determine who is responsible for getting it done. Account for longer lead times for things like magazine ads, direct mail or website development.

8. Track results. Measure the outcome of your plan to see if you met your objectives. Data may include web traffic, number of volunteers signed or changes in public policy. Adjust your tactics if your plan isn't delivering results.

Tags: community leaders, fire prevention, your plan, life property, outreach plan, target audiences

Create A Website Advertising Campaign

When you want to get serious about spreading the word about your online business, you might find yourself wondering create an advertising campaign for your website. Advertising for your website is a mix between search engine optimization and ad design. Read these steps to find out get started on your advertising campaign.

Instructions

1. Design some advertisements. Think of a consistent theme to model all of your ads after. Think of the current "Mac vs. PC" ads. They all have a consistent tone and setup, which helps make them both memorable and entertaining. For the Web, this can mean having a particular color scheme or logo design--or innovative way of delivering your message.

2. Be clear and concise with banners. Sum up your message in seven words or less. Make your message the most prominent visual element in your ad. Make sure you know exactly what your message is, what you are selling and how customers will benefit from it. Make the viewer want to click on the ad.

3. Compare prices of banner ads. To get your banners displayed on relevant websites, you're going to have to pay some money. Choose an advertising network that will get you the most page impressions on the most relevant sites for the lowest price (see Resources below).

4. Build inbound links. Inbound links from relevant pages are the best way to increase your search engine ratings and to increase your traffic. Create original, unique content that people will want to link to and allow other sites to syndicate it. Get involved with the forums and blogs from similar but noncompeting sites and work on a link exchange.

5. Look into pay-per-click advertising. This differs from page impressions, as you only pay when someone actually clicks on the link. "Google AdWords" offers one of the best programs for this.

6. Publish press releases. A press release at the launch of your website or after new developments can help spread the word and get you inbound links. Press releases are reposted on RSS feeds and blogs and news networks and spread the word quickly.

7. Update often. Don't expect your link popularity and your traffic to shoot up overnight. A steady campaign of keeping your site updated and your content fresh will get you results if you persist.

Tags: your message, your website, advertising campaign, increase your, page impressions, search engine, spread word

What Are Sin Taxes Used For

Most common sin taxes are imposed on tobacco and alcohol products. Sin taxes are taxes imposed on usage of morally questionable products such as tobacco and alcohol. The majority of the taxes are used as revenue sources for the federal, state and local government.

Facts

On an annual basis, the federal government collects $15 billion dollars in tax revenue from sin taxes according to the Alcohol Tobacco and Trade Bureau (TTB). The revenue from the tobacco tax, for example is used to fund a health insurance program for children called Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

Usage

The U.S. Census State and Local revenue data indicated that in 2008, the states amassed $21 billion dollars in taxes from cigarette and alcohol sales. The revenue obtained from these taxes goes to balance the states' budget, fund state health care programs and various state projects.

Purpose

At the local level, the revenue from the sin taxes goes into the municipality's general fund account, and is sometimes used for various prevention, cessation and treatment programs.

Prevention/Solution

Some tax funds go directly to programs that help users or abusers of these products. These programs have significant impact on reducing health care costs overtime.

Significance

The goal of these prevention and treatment programs is to have impact on the youth users to help them quit smoking or not drink and drive.

Tags: revenue from, billion dollars, from taxes, health care, programs have, revenue from taxes, taxes goes

Negative Effects Of Tv Violence

Viewers are influenced by the negative impact of TV violence every day through crime news, war and violent TV shows. The effect of TV violence has been a debate for generations and one that has only increased as TV violence has increased in intensity and popularity. Several studies, such as the National Television Violence Study, proves that violence portrayed on TV can influence children well into adulthood.

Media violence, a smoking gun for behavioral risks

Risks

Studies have shown that there is an increased risk of exposure as time goes by. Parents have to work full-time jobs in order to keep up with a drowning economy which leaves children at home unsupervised to watch whatever they choose, including violent TV shows. Exposure to this violence increases the risk of desensitization and increasing fear in others that they may one day be the victim of a violent crime.

Effects

The media glamorizes violent actions on TV by displaying the perpetrator as good looking and advertising little to no repercussions for criminal actions. "Studies show that viewers of all ages are more likely to emulate and learn from characters who are perceived as attractive" according to the National Television Violence Study. Research also shows that "television violence contributes to aggressive behavior in children, and that this effect can last into adulthood."

Types

There are various types of violence shown on TV. Violence can either be portrayed as justified or unjustified, with a weapon or hand-to-hand combat and punished or unpunished. If a perpetrator is given the consequence for their actions, it at least shows viewers that there is a price to pay for actions of violence. In scenarios that depict the criminal escaping from the act of violence, viewers, particularly young children, learn that they may be able to get away with performing the same actions as well.

Significance

As violence increases on television sets so does the importance of screening TV shows. "A study conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation in 2003 found that nearly half (47 per cent) of parents with children between the ages of 4 and 6 report that their children have imitated aggressive behaviours from TV" according to the Media Awareness Network.

Prevention/Solution

Parental controls are available on most televisions and through most cable TV companies. Set a block on inappropriate channels for children if you are unavailable to supervise them and what they are watching. Help your children determine the difference between what is real and unrealistic. One woman, Kelly Renault, MA, suggests that parents should "discuss the violence they see on TV with them, and then brainstorm, as a family, nonviolent ways to resolve conflict."

Tags: into adulthood, National Television, National Television Violence, Television Violence Study, that there, that they, violence increases

Get An Event To Advertise To Local Vendors

Include local vendors for a more dynamic event.

Advertising an event to local vendors is an ideal way to build community involvement and engage local businesses to participate. In addition, effective advertising bolsters the overall quality of the event when vendors provide goods or services. Whether you are a part of the event or a community organizer, convincing the event managers to advertise to local vendors requires a strategic approach. Ultimately the goal is to showcase the opportunities and potential rewards of advertising to local vendors.

Instructions

1. Generate a list of vendors in the area where the event is taking place. Separate items in the list by categories based the type of business the vendor does. Example categories include "Dining," "Apparel" and "Books."

2. Brainstorm methods each business can have an impact on the event. Write a "wish list" note next to each vendor detailing the ideal impact the business may have on the event.

3. Survey the businesses on your list to determine owner interest. Provide an overview of the event to the business owner to gauge interest and get feedback. Ask the vendor if he is willing to offer giveaways, in kind support or other products.

4. Create an proposal advertising strategy based on your findings. Include how the event needs to market to vendors such as fliers and posters. Outline the costs involved with your strategy as these details help determine the viability of advertising.

5. Meet with event organizers and present your findings. Include information on the type of businesses, your wish list and business owner feedback to help make the case that the event should be advertised to vendors. Propose your strategy and highlight the added impact for the event. For example, describe how a food vendor can provide a dinner raffle prize for other event goers.

Tags: local vendors, business have, business owner, businesses your, findings Include

Products To Start A Small Business

When you are planning to start a small business, there are basic products or items that you need for a smooth start-up. While starting a service-based business differs greatly from a product-based business in terms of start-up products, there are basic items that will benefit any small business during the stressful months of getting started.

Business Plan and Bank Accounts

You will need a solid business plan to start a small business. Although it is not a product that you can buy, it is necessary to get a business bank account, which in turn will supply you with items for your small business. The business plan needs to have an executive summary, a business profile and target audience description, marketing ideas and strategies, key players in the business, operations chart, a list of risks and solutions and a financial section that outlines the budget. A business plan must be presented to your banker to get an approved business account in most states.

Filing Cabinet

A filing cabinet is a product that is highly recommended during your small business start-up phase. As you get clients or customers, receipts and contracts will start coming in and you will need to stay organized for both clients and yourself. Receipts and invoices are needed for your taxes, so a filing cabinet can help you stay organized from the very early stages of your small business.

Home Office

If you are running a service-based business, such as writing or website design, you might find yourself sitting behind a desk most of the day or even in front of a computer. If this is the case, you will need to purchase a large desk where you can do your professional work, while being available to clients during work hours. You will also need a comfortable chair to avoid back pains and body aches while working behind the desk.

Equipment for Products

If you are running a product-based business, such as a cookie business, personal crafts or homemade wooden furniture, you need the equipment to produce these products. This equipment needs to be purchased before you can start producing your products for customers. This expense needs to be accounted for under your start-up fees.

Tags: small business, business plan, will need, your small, your small business, behind desk

The Effectiveness Of Tv Advertising

If you have been up late at night and seen a commercial for food you love, it almost seems that TV advertisers can read your mind. A lot of TV advertising is based on human psychology and surveys. As the future of advertising looks to the Internet, the promotions you see may become personally tailored to your needs.

History

The idea to use media to promote products goes back to the Age of Enlightenment and the invention of printing presses. People would advertise goods. The late 1950s and 1960s would revolutionize the advertising industry as television allowed access to a national audience and the idea of suggestive selling began to take shape, according to a history of American advertising on George Mason University's website.

Does It Work?

Not every TV advertising campaign is completely successful, but the growth of the advertising industry suggests that it is effective. In the 1950s, Leo Burnett managed to turn Marlboro cigarettes from a fairly unheralded brand aimed at women to the masculine image of a rugged cowboy. The Marlboro ads were a smash success and one of the most successful campaigns in history, proving that ads can change a customer's perception of a brand.

Tactics

How an advertiser creates an ad depends greatly on what it wants to accomplish. Sellers of luxury items often tout features of their product that have little to do with functionality, giving a sense of prestige. Clothing companies use young, attractive people to suggest that is the type of person who wears their brands. New brands and products often just try to grand your attention so you remember their name, according to an article on advertising strategies on George Mason University's website.

Nielsen Ratings

Part of the effectiveness of television advertising is reaching a broad audience. Instead of paying a flat fee, advertisers on television pay for how many customers they reach when partnering with a show. This is usually done by quizzing a small sample of households on what they watched during the week. This data is extrapolated to estimate the amount of people that watched the show. Most advertisers base their ad rates on such research by Nielsen, according to Nielsen.

Future

A MarketingVOX study found that TV ads will be far less effective in the future than their peak during the 1990s. Most advertisers target younger people, and the youth of the future are expected to use the Internet for media and entertainment far more often than they will watch TV. Internet advertising will also allow companies to reach market niches, meaning more tailored ads.

Tags: advertising industry, George Mason, George Mason University, Mason University, Mason University website

Creative Marketing Messaging Ideas

Get creative with your marketing message.

If you want to spread your messages and product ideas, as well as expand your company you need to think of innovative ways to advertise your wares. In the 21st century, companies are going hi-tech and everyone is using the Internet. You either need to think of new ways to harness the new technologies or take a left turn and and spread your word through old-fashioned methods.

Personalized Letters

Internet and email in the 21st century have made snail mail almost a thing of the past. According to a 2009 article on talentzoo.com, "Of the 199.4 billion pieces of mail that the post office delivers less than 3.8 percent is actual personal relevant human to human content." But there is value in personal letters. Marketing strategy consultant Danny Flamberg writes, "A personal letter--one that looks, feels and smells like a personal letter not an ad in an envelop --using personal, individualized information--you have a shot a genuinely touching and communicating with a customer or prospect. It's a rare chance to capitalize on the unexpected." So take advantage of the now-forgotten form of communication, and spread your message through personalized letters.

Marketing on Clothes

Take your advertising off the television and radios and internet and plant your message or product on a moving target. Specifically, post your message on a human being. In a 2009 "younggogetter.com" interview, entrepreneur Jason Sadler discussed his marketing plan of selling his torso to companies who would pay Sadler to wear their T-shirts. Sadler has been very successful in selling space, and through this method companies gain recognition by word of mouth. One key to success in clothing marketing is finding outgoing sociable people who will better spread your message simply through their gregarious personalities. The more outgoing people you can find, the faster your message will spread.

Create a Dramatic Scenario

By creating drama and amusement you can persuade otherwise reluctant customers to either listen to your message or buy your product. According to a 2010 article in the "Conventry Telegraph," an English communications company held a toy bunny hostage during the Easter holiday and then sent out a ransom note to existing and potential clients. Anyone interested in saving the bunny simply had to visit a specific website and answer a few survey questions. So kidnap a stuffed animal or create some other dramatic situation that requires action on the part of your target audience. By changing the rules you may be able to reach more people.

Tags: your message, spread your, 21st century, letters Marketing, need think

Create A Fashion Copywriter Portfolio

Working in the fashion industry can be a challenge, even for copywriters. If you are a copywriter in the fashion industry, you are in competition with a plethora of other copywriters, so you need to create a portfolio to showcase your ability. Your portfolio must have an impact on your potential client that stands you out from the crowd in a positive way.

Instructions

1. Pick three to five clips of your best material to showcase. You do not want a designer or their editorial group to see your lesser work, as it could cost you the job. A portfolio is only a brief look at how you can make the designer's clothing and magazine more appealing.

2. Add a description next to the copy of your work in your portfolio, including details on your involvement and the timescale. Make the description short and to the point but leave nothing out. Every detail counts, but too much detail will lose the interest of the editorial group.

3. Adjust your portfolio. Before going on an interview with a major designer or brand, make sure your portfolio will accent their company and clothing. In fashion, being well-rounded is not favorable unless the company is well-rounded. If you are going on an interview for a wedding dress designer, you want to have your portfolio to display your ability to write for eloquent, high-fashioned magazines.

4. Add letters of recommendation throughout the portfolio from previous clients and brands. If you are highly favored by designers, your potential client will form a liking to you. The fashion industry is about being personable and knowing people. Show that you can work efficiently with designers.

5. Create a website. Some designers or brands will ask for a resume or transcript through email since it is more convenient than setting up personal interviews. Creating a website with all your writing pieces on it will appeal to the designer. It will allow easier access to your work for your potential clients, so in case they want a more detailed portfolio, you can send them to your website.

Tags: fashion industry, your portfolio, your potential, editorial group, going interview

Become A Tracfone Vendor

Tracfone is a pre-paid cell phone provider that has been in business for more than a decade. Tracfone offers service through over 70,000 various retail locations that include large retailers such as Walmart all the way down to small mom and pop stores. At each retail location Tracfone users can purchase cell phones and pre-paid calling cards for their cellular devices, while the company also offers an excellent vendor program that's easy to sign up for and start selling with. Learn contact Tracfone to set yourself up as a service vendor or as an online affiliate marketer.

Instructions

1. Visit Tracfone.com; at the bottom of the main page you will find a link called "Vendor Code." Acquaint yourself with that code, as it's the backbone of the Tracfone vendor agreement.

2. Email Tracfone at the corporate office using the email address: CorporateOffice@tracfone.com, to let them know that you want to sign up to sell their phones and service. Also, let the representative know that you have read and agree with their Vendor Code.

3. Call customer service as a second means to contact the company in a faster manner. The customer service number is 1-800-867-7183. Tell the Customer Service Rep that you speak with that you'd like to become a vendor and that you would like to speak with an agent.

4. You can also sign up as an "Affiliate" via the "Affiliate" link at the bottom of the Tracfone.com homepage. Affiliate's market Tracfone products via websites and other marketing campaigns while earning a set amount of money per sale. CommissionJunction handles the Tracfone affiliate program online.

Tags: customer service, know that, speak with, Vendor Code, with that

Guided Michigan Elk Hunts

Guided elk hunts will take visitors out into the woods or lowlands and provide tips on effectively bag an elk.

Experienced hunters who are seeking a more difficult or dangerous kill are often drawn to elk hunting. There are a number of Michigan elk hunt outfitters that will guide you through the heavily wooded backcountry and give you tips and advice on bag one of these animals. Accommodations and services vary from outfitter to outfitter but all provide an interesting experience if elk is what you're after.

Buck Trail Ranch

Buck Trail Ranch can accommodate both individuals and groups, at its location in Northern Michigan. The ranch offers guided hunts on 170 acres, including both wooded areas and fields for easier hunting. The ranch offers packages starting at $4,700. For example, the Buck Trail Ranch Super Grand Slam offers visitors the opportunity to pay one set price for the following kills: Russian Hog, ram, 130 to 140 level Whitetail Deer, Fallow Buck, Sika Buck and 6X6 elk. There is also some exotic animal and game bird hunting available. Other features include an on-site archery range. Guide gratuity is not included.

Buck Trail Ranch, LLC

1415 Cedar Valley Rd.

Petoskey, MI 49770

231-548-5402

bucktrailranch.com

Buck Pole Deer Ranch

The Buck Pole Deer Ranch is run by Oneida Eagle Bows. It offers an intimate experience with a personal guide who will tell stories about the area and give tips on where and hunt game in the area. The guided hunt takes place in a 1,000 acre area that varies in landscape with many deep hardwood forests and some lowland sections. This area is open to hunting from August 15th to January 1st. Reservations and a deposit are required. A $300 fee will be charged for the guide and the accommodations if an animal in your class cannot be found. You will forfeit your deposit if you choose not to shoot an animal in your class. Features include blinds, archery hunts, camp sites, butchering and taxidermy. There is no hunting license required to hunt on this property.

C.P. Oneida Eagle Bows

20649 30th Ave.

Marion, Michigan 49665

231-743-2427

cponeidaeagle.com

Tags: Buck Trail, Buck Trail Ranch, Trail Ranch, animal your, animal your class, Buck Pole

Apply Communication Theory To Your Professional Life

Using communication theory in business applications can enhance profits.

Communication theories are complex and can seem inapplicable to real-life work and business scenarios, but closer examination of common communication theories reveals that they are relevant to the workplace. Communication accommodation theory addresses the tendency of individuals to alter their normal means of communicating for accommodating their audience. A job applicant who usually communicates using a strong regional dialect may accommodate her interviewer by speaking in grammatically correct sentences and moderating her accent.

Instructions

Applying Communication Theory for Promotional Purposes

1. The pervasive presence of media can influence marketing communications.

Use the theory of cultivation analysis for developing media advertising and marketing campaigns. This theory asserts that the world views of individuals consistently exposed to media are significantly influenced by media, more than by real-life experiences. Cultivation analysis can provide a basis for buying advertising time or developing websites promoting products and services. It can also be used in marketing analysis for explaining consumer responses to media campaigns and determining the effectiveness of persuasive techniques used in media.

2. Nonverbal cues can reveal more than verbal communications.

Apply face-negotiation theory in professional circumstances involving conflict. Face-negotiation theory describes how different cultures manage conflict in efforts to save face. Understanding concepts of face-negotiation theory as they apply to specific professional conflicts can assist with winning, mediating, and resolving professional conflicts. Expectancy violations theory explains how nonverbal cues can be used to sabotage or undermine communication. The person who rolls her eyes in a meeting is nonverbally sabotaging verbal communication by displaying an unexpected response.The success or failure of nonverbal communications depends on the perception of those receiving them.

3. Employ rhetorical theory in presentations and sales calls as a persuasive technique for sales and marketing functions. Rhetoric is the art of argument or persuasion. Rhetorical concepts include compare/contrast or pros/cons. Rhetorical theory relies on proving arguments using emotion, ethics or logic. Rhetorical concepts can be used for motivating employees and customers or advocating for social issues and political candidates.

Tags: Communication Theory, face-negotiation theory, more than, professional conflicts, Rhetorical concepts

Do Restaurant Advertising

Advertising can help restaurants reach beyond word-of-mouth buzz from customers. Some kinds of advertising even allow you to post the restaurant's entire menu so customers know what to expect in terms of selection and cost before they show up. There are lots of different ways to advertise your restaurant that increase your revenue and boost the image of your business.

Instructions

1. Design the text of the advertisement. Use language that conveys what's special about your restaurant, such as the chef's reputation or special training, the use of all-organic foods or a distinctive regional cuisine. An advertisement is a good place to quote a favorable restaurant review---which is itself a form of advertising that costs you nothing. Use phrases from the review that communicate your restaurant's best attributes.

2. Use the right colors. Some advertisements are black and white, but color in ads---though more expensive---is usually more eye catching and dramatic, especially when foods are pictured. If you opt for color advertisements, use colors that reflect your restaurant's theme. Use red and white for an Italian restaurant and soft Southwestern colors to advertise a Mexican restaurant.

3. Place your add in the yellow pages. Customers often turn to the yellow pages to find a restaurant. Most yellow pages will list the name, address and phone number of your restaurant for free, but consider calling attention to your eatery with a larger ad. If your menu doesn't change too often, consider running it in the yellow pages so people already have an idea of what they might want to order.

4. Advertise online. Online advertising is a cheap and effective alternative---or supplement---to traditional forms of advertising. One option is to work with Google Adsense to place ads about your restaurant that are search-engine optimized so they're easy to find using search words for your city and type of restaurant. Start a website of your own to promote the business; post your menu, favorable reviews, directions, hours and contact information on the site. Offer restaurant discounts to site visitors that can be printed out on their computer.

5. Distribute fliers to individual houses within a 10-mile radius of your restaurant. Ask doormen or building managers if you can leave copies of menus at apartments. Consider a bulk mailing of fliers to nearby addresses.

Tags: your restaurant, yellow pages, about your, about your restaurant, restaurant that, your menu, your restaurant that

Make A Free Travel Brochure

Travel brochures are a simple way to market tourism services and promote vacation destinations. Effective, persuasive text and high-quality photos and graphics can sway consumers toward a given product, whether it be travel agency services, hotel accommodations or tourist attractions. Creating a free travel brochure in your own home is an easy task to complete and can boost business revenue and reputation.

Instructions

Make a Free Travel Brochure

1. Study travel brochures available. Consider the competition: How are some more visually appealing than others? Which brochures present a stronger image of their brand or services? How are these free brochures distributed? Take notes and create a clip file of your favorites to use as you begin to create a brochure.

2. Create an outline. Establish what type of travel brochure you wish to create in terms of style and function. Decide on the brochure's ultimate purpose, theme and audience. Evaluate the necessary materials (such as high-quality JPEG images, a business logo, supplementary graphs or a specific software program) to create a travel brochure. Consider how you will distribute the brochure, whether it be through a mass-mailing campaign or handing out at a conference. A focused objective will allow for a more concise, attractive marketing tool. Peruse some of your clip file to help integrate key ideas into your travel brochure.

3. Use a computer software program to make the travel brochure. Popular---and easy-to-use---programs include Microsoft's Publisher, Word and Works, and Apple's Pages or iWork software (see Resources below). Additionally, My Brochure Maker, an online program, allows you to create brochures---without cost---in minutes. While a travel brochure handout will be free for customers, you may have costs to consider, such as high-quality printing paper and colored ink cartridges.

4. Construct the cover of the travel brochure. Once you have chosen a software program, determine a brochure layout theme and begin the organization of the travel brochure. As most travel brochures are in an easy-to-read, tri-fold style, consider the importance of the cover page. A gripping title and captivating graphics or images will entice your potential client to take (or open) the travel brochure. Use high-quality, colorful images and font for an eye-catching, uncluttered look, and use keywords that are attractive to would-be tourists. Ensure that essential information (such as the name and location of the business and the product available) is clear to the consumer.

5. Sell your product. More in-depth information on key tourism services and products should be in the inside pages. Consider how your customer will benefit. Dive into concise details. A travel brochure about a destination hotel may include the description of amenities available, such as full-spa services, a private beach, waterfront rooms or three resort swimming pools. Tailor your brochure to the audience in mind---travel facilities geared toward families should specify family-friendly activities (such as game rooms or horseback riding lessons). Use brief, to-the-point sentences with active verbs and colorful language. Stick to one selling message to avoid an unfocused travel brochure.

6. Consider adding a coupon or limited-time offer on the back page. Repeat business name and location, contact information, logo (if applicable) and a map of the facilities. Adding on a special brochure deal---such as a free dinner appetizer or discount on golf green fees---will encourage your potential customer to use your services.

Tags: travel brochure, software program, travel brochure, brochure Consider, clip file