What Is The Starting Salary Of A Marketing Assistant

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the demand for marketing assistants in the United States will increase by 28 percent from 2008 through 2018, creating more than 77,000 new jobs across the country. The starting salary for marketing assistant jobs varies based on job duties and geographic areas.

Marketing Specialists

Marketing specialists are marketing assistants who perform a variety of tasks to assist with the marketing efforts of companies, such as leading focus groups, planning events, designing advertising materials and researching competitors' officers. As of May 2010, the typical starting salary for marketing specialists in the United States was $16.03 per hour or less, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Those who worked full-time 40-hour work weeks received an average of $33,350 per year or less.

Survey Researchers

Survey researchers are marketing assistants who ask individuals questions to compile reports about public opinion. These marketing assistants may ask questions in person or conduct surveys over the telephone or by collecting information from online submission forms. The typical starting wages for survey researchers was $8.97 per hour or less as of May 2010, explains the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Annual starting salaries for survey researchers were $18,660 per year or less for workers employed full-time.

Highest-Paying States

Oregon ranked as the highest-paying state or territory for starting salaries for survey researchers at $38,060 per year or less as of May 2010, states the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The District of Columbia ranked second for entry-level wages in the field at $35,340 per year or less. Minnesota served as the highest-paying state for new marketing specialists with starting salaries of $42,410 or less per year. In second for marketing specialists, Washington state featured annual starting wages of $40,300 or less.

Highest-Paying Cities

Bethesda, Frederick and Gaithersburg, Maryland, were the highest-paying cities for entry-level survey researchers in the United States with starting wages of $57,030 or less as of May 2010, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Survey researchers in Trenton and Ewing, New Jersey, were the second highest paid with starting salaries of $48,270 per year or less. Auburn and Opelika, Alabama, had the highest starting wages for marketing specialists at $77,440 per year or less. Entry-level marketing specialists in San Jose, Sunnyvale and Santa Clara were the second highest paid at $55,820 per year or less.

Tags: year less, Bureau Labor, Bureau Labor Statistics, Labor Statistics, marketing specialists, marketing assistants

Find Coupons And Promotional Codes

Use coupons and promotional codes to create your own sales prices at your favorite retailers.

Many families look for ways to save money each month. One way to do this is to use coupons and promotional codes to reduce the cost of numerous items, such as grocery and health and beauty items. With the advent of online shopping, many companies began providing coupon or promotional codes to promote Internet shopping. Through the use of basic searching techniques, anyone can find coupons and promotional codes to help save on numerous items daily.

Instructions

1. Sign up for email newsletters and specials from your favorite retailers, such as Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy. Many times, these companies will email you specials and promotional codes to use when purchasing items from their website, or in their stores. Typically, each home page of your favorite retailer will have a "membership" option that allows you to sign up for special offers and newsletters. In most cases, you will immediately receive a promotional code for a "first time" purchase.

2. Check traditional places for coupons, such as promotional coupons placed next to items at the grocery store. Another common place to find coupons is the Sunday newspaper. Many subscribe to only the Sunday edition of the newspaper to save money on subscriptions.

3. Check online at coupon websites for additional coupon options. Websites such as Coupons.com, RedPlum and SmartSource offer printable coupons for both grocery and health and beauty items.

4. Subscribe to coupon blogs that offer coupon savings for your location. These might include such sites as SouthernSavers, The Coupon Goddess, and The Krazy Coupon Lady. These sites make daily, sometimes hourly, updates of available coupons and promotional codes.

Tags: promotional codes, coupons promotional, coupons promotional codes, your favorite, beauty items

What Is A Sin Tax

Sin taxes date back to the Civil War.

Sin taxes have been around since the 1600s in America and were originally attempts to modify what those in authority viewed as sinful behaviors. Today they are primarily used to tax alcohol, tobacco, gambling and pornography.

History

After the Civil War, one-cent taxes were imposed on cigars, manufactured tobacco, beer, wine and even playing cards. This marked the birth of sin taxes.

Benefactors

When cities and states face budget crises, they often increase sin taxes on cigarettes and alcohol to help decrease deficits.

Behavior Modification

Some argue that sin taxes are an effective tactic to change behaviors, and can aid in getting people to quit smoking, drinking or gambling.

"Twinkie Tax"

Since the mid 1990s there have been a few attempts to levy a sin tax on junk foods. The proposed tax is nicknamed the "Twinkie Tax" after the popular snack food. The rationale is that junk food leads to obesity and other illnesses and increases healthcare costs. However, as of 2010, Americans are still able to eat their French fries, candy bars and snacks sin tax-free.

Impact

Consumers pay the sin tax, but there is no sin tax imposed on manufacturers. However, sales can decrease, thereby impacting businesses, which can in turn lead to layoffs and firings of workers.

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List Of Party Themes For Adults

Don't let that underwear party get out of hand and turn into an underwear-optional party.

Most adults don't really need a theme to entice them to come to a party, but don't let that stop you from going all out. A theme party offers the opportunity to live out a dream you've always cherished, to get people to dress in costume and to decide how guests will spend a few hours of their life. Does this Spark an idea?

Black & White Movie

This party theme actually combines at two themes in one. Invite your fellow lovers of black & white movies to show up in costume as their favorite black & white actor or character. Limit their costumes to only black & white colors or shades of gray. All decorations and food should be related to classic black & white movies, presented in a monochromatic scheme. Remember, not all black & white movies are old.

I Hate ____________ Party

Fill in the blank with whoever, whatever or wherever you want. Don't feel constrained to invite only haters, however. The theme of this party can work toward sharing a common emotion that may even lead to catharsis or it can be used to open discourse about a divisive subject. If you go the latter direction, decorations as well as the cake can be a two-tone affair promoting both the pro and con of the subject of the party.

That _______'s Party

Nostalgia proves that your future is in your past. Themes related to decades can be popular. Those who lived through it get the chance to dance to songs they may not have heard in decades and to play with toys and gadgets from the era. Those who weren't even alive during the party's decade can laugh at how ridiculous those songs, toys and gadgets seem to them. Just keep in mind when throwing a '70s party that disco only lasted about two or three years.

Underwear Party

Underwear parties should definitely be limited to adults-only. Underwear parties mean exactly that: guests show up in their underwear. And with a theme like that, who would even notice if you didn't bother having decorations. If you aren't ready to bare that much, you can also tailor it to become an underwear-as-outerwear party, in which guests wear the underwear on the outside of their clothes.

Your Personal Holiday Theme

The main character in the movie "A Thousand Clowns" celebrates his own private holiday: Irving R. Feldman Day. Irving is a local deli owner and the fact that just one man celebrates Feldman's birth to the point of making it a holiday reveals that even in the real world you can declare your own holiday for any reason. Your theme should relate directly to the holiday you choose to represent and your invitations should include appropriate instructions. Any reason is a good reason for a holiday and a party to celebrate.

Tags: black white, black white movies, white movies, that even, toys gadgets, Underwear parties

Write A Commemorative Speech

Graduation serves as one occasion a commemorative speech may be given.

Public speaking can be intimidating. You can reduce the intimidation of public speaking by understanding the different types of speeches, such as informative and persuasive. Commemorative speeches, also called ceremonial speeches, serve as another type of speech. The purpose of commemorative speeches involves honoring a person, place, event or idea. By the end of your speech, your audience should feel a sense of honor, as well as hopefulness for the future.

Instructions

1. Define the purpose of your speech. Ceremonial speeches can be given on several occasions, including graduations, weddings (toasts) and funerals (eulogies).

2. Familiarize yourself with your audience. You will want to give a speech everyone in your audience can relate to. For example, a graduation speech should cater to friends and family, in addition to graduates.

3. Write the body of your speech. Content to include in a commemorative speech include admirable characteristics and anecdotes. For instance, if writing a speech about a charitable organization, you can focus on the characteristics of care and selflessness, using a story about one of the helped families to illustrate these values.

4. Add an introduction which will foreshadow the body of your speech. An important aspect of the introduction involves capturing your audience's attention. Ways to do this includes asking a question, sharing an interesting fact, and establishing a link between your audience and the topic being honored.

5. Write your speech's conclusion. The conclusion should recap important values and share a hope for the future. To warn your audience your speech is coming to an end, use a concluding transitional phrase. For example, a eulogy's conclusion might read "All in all, Harry lived a life full of passion, care and love. By doing the same we can make the world a better place while keeping the spirit of Harry alive."

Tags: your audience, your speech, body your, body your speech, commemorative speech

Advertise On Facebook

Advertise on Facebook

Placing ads on the social networking website Facebook is one of the best opportunities on the Internet for targeted advertising. Because Facebook users provide information about their age, gender, location and interests, you can target your ads directly to the demographic you want to reach.

Instructions

1. Go the advertising page on the Facebook website. Click on the "Advertising" link at the bottom of the page. Click on the "Create Social Ad" button to get started.

2. Insert your website. This is where users who click on your ad will be directed.

3. Target your ads. On the next page you'll have the opportunity to choose the demographics you want your ad displayed to. Choose a gender, age group, educational status, relationship status or political views or leave the options blank to create a more inclusive group. In the keywords section, put in keywords relating to the interests you would like your targeted group to have.

4. Create your ad. Move to the next page to input your Facebook ad. Create a short, catchy title and a few sentences of copy to explain your website or product. To insert a photo, click "Upload Photo" from the drop down menu below.

5. Choose whether you want to pay per click or per view. When you pay per click, you'll only pay Facebook when someone clicks on your ad. When you select pay per view, you'll pay every time your ad is displayed to a user. Then, click on the appropriate tab.

6. Set a budget. Put in the amount of money you're willing to pay every day. You may pay less than this, but this is most money you'll pay for one day of Facebook ads.

7. Bid for ad space. Facebook determines which ads to display by how much you're willing to pay per click or per 1000 impressions. Choose the maximum amount you want to pay. The amount you actually pay depends on how much other advertisers have bid, so enter the maximum amount you're willing to pay.

Tags: Advertise Facebook, maximum amount, next page, your displayed, your website

Money Making Mail Order Ideas

The Internet and its power to reach the masses makes it possible for anyone to create and advertise a mail order business. Options for a mail order business are almost endless and can vary greatly in start-up costs. Whether you have little money to begin your venture or a lot of start-up capital, there are mail order opportunities you can set up and run from home that could lead to a profitable business venture.

Handmade Clothing

If you have a talent for sewing or knitting, handmade one-of-a-kind purses, baby clothes or other clothing items can be a way to turn your hobby and skills into a money-making mail order opportunity. Create a line of clothing accessories to sell in quantity and take special orders for custom work to give yourself the widest avenues for profit potential.

Self-Publishing

For someone with the talent to write, publishing your own books and selling them from your own website is a way to get your work in front of the public and make some money doing it. Use a print-on-demand service that prints and drop ships to save yourself from having to keep books in stock. Mail order self-publishing can be a rewarding and profitable career for writers who want more control over their work.

Portrait Painting

Create a portrait-painting mail order business. Custom paint portraits based on photographs customers submit. If you can paint, you can make money doing made-to-order portraits for customers. To widen the scope of your portrait business, you can paint landscapes and other artwork to sell as well.

Custom Poetry and Cards

Consider putting your writing talents to work by taking orders for custom poetry or specialty cards. Some people can't create these things and look for a way to express themselves to loved ones. You can fill this niche by creating the sentiments for them.

Perfume and Makeup Lines

Consider a mail order franchise with one of the makeup companies such as Avon and Mary Kay to sell their products. When you franchise, the company you're selling for will often offer you a website set up to get you started. While you won't get as good a profit margin as you would if you were selling your own products, the money you can make with a recognized name brand could be a potentially profitable mail order business.

Tags: mail order, mail order business, order business, mail order, money doing

Factors Affecting Business Risk

Avoid common traps by becoming aware of the different types of risks businesses face.

Managing different types of risk is vital to the success of businesses, both new and old. The type of risk a particular business faces may vary depending on what stage of development the business is in and what types of products it sells. The first step in managing business risk is recognizing the types of risks.

Financing Risk

Businesses can face a variety of financial risks. Some of these risks include the ability to get loans from the bank, which depends on credit history, or funding from other sources, such as joint venture capitalists and private equities; foreign currency exchange rates for business involved in international markets and, most importantly, the financial risk of making enough money to keep the proverbial lights on. Additionally, established businesses that trade publicly incur a lot of additional financial risk by putting themselves at the mercy of the stock market, as the value of their company can move wildly from day to day. Liquidity also is a financial risk. A company may be insolvent, though it has enough money to cover its debts and operations if it cannot transform its assets into cash.

Technology Risk

Technology risk exists in businesses that develop new products or otherwise rely on technology for their central operations. New products often require new, unproven technologies, and in order to be a first mover in this field, businesses must take on this risk. Similarly, if your business relies on certain technologies, there is the risk that the technology particular to you will become outdated. Many outside investors will take on companies with financial risk, but it is hard to attract outside investors if your company is exposed to significant technological risk.

Management Risk

A good management team can make money with a bad product, where a poor management team can lose money with a good product. Having the right people in charge of a company makes all the difference. This is part of the reason why larger companies invest so much money in human resources. Many successful investors, such as Warren Buffet, look at the management team almost exclusively when considering various investments.

Government Risk

Businesses incur government risk in one of two ways. First, if the business has operations in a foreign country, it runs the risk of political instability where the government could kick them out of its country and take the business's assets or more. Secondly, domestic companies face the risk of varying regulatory environments. For example, the Gulf of Mexico drilling moratorium is a governmental risk that has recently affected oil companies involved in that area.

Tags: financial risk, management team, businesses that, different types, enough money, money with

Marketing Ideas For Law Firms

Scales of Justice

Whether your law firm specializes in business law, real estate or immigration law, it can increase profits with a well-crafted marketing plan. The most effective marketing ideas raise your visibility, connect you with potential clients and expand your long-term client roster.

Community Service

Community service increases your firm's visibility, promotes goodwill and helps people in need. For example, associates from your firm could offer pro bono services to women at a battered women's shelter or assist with adoption requirements for people adopting children with special needs.

Web-Based Services

Craft an easy-to-use website that will draw customers to your services, increase your geographical reach and potentially save your firm money in overhead. Create forms that can be filled out online and send a rapid response that outlines your service, the client's options and payment requirements. Beyond that, create a secure, password-protected area where each existing client can upload files.

Professional Organizations

Join a professional organization where you will meet potential clients. For example, if you focus on business law, join the local chamber of commerce or networking groups for entrepreneurs. If you practice technology law, look for groups where local tech leaders network.

Referrals

Encourage customer referrals by asking your clients for them when you conclude your transaction. Actively let clients know you would appreciate a referral. Provide an incentive by offering gift certificates to restaurants, discounts on future services or a subscription to a movie service.

Long-Term Contracts

Encourage long-term service contracts that offer clients a discount on your services and quick access to legal assistance. Long-term contracts provide a steady stream of income for your law firm and help you retain valuable clients. These contracts can focus on long-term assignments or could provide on-call assistance when needed.

Tags: your firm, potential clients, your services

Introduce Yourself In A Business Letter

An attention-grabbing introduction will get your foot in the door.

A business letter can be a surefire way to leave a lasting first impression. The stress over finding just the right words to represent yourself professionally is assuaged by using a few simple tips. Good business letter habits use professional language and a conversational tone. Keep it short, taking care not to linger on family and hobbies. Focus on your reasons for writing and other information pertinent to the recipient. Whether you are writing a complaint letter or a cover letter, making a good impression will get positive results.

Instructions

1. Begin the letter with a friendly hello. Address the recipient with the person's full name, including Mr., Mrs. or Ms. Use courteous language that gives a clear picture of who you are. Use only essential information; give an overview and omit detailed information. If your letter involves a complaint, a response or an order, be more concise. For these types of business letters, briefly introduce yourself with your name and your association to the company.

2. State the reason for writing. A businessperson will appreciate a direct approach, so use clear language to inform the recipient of the reason for your letter. Define your goal prior to beginning the letter; knowing what you want to accomplish with the letter will help you eradicate extraneous language.

3. Mention your qualifications. This is most useful when writing cover letters. Include information about your training, education and current employment. Merely making a list will not grab the reader's attention; instead, organize the information in a way that represents you as the best person for the job.

Tags: business letter, your letter

Job Description For An Online Marketing Coordinator

The Internet has become increasingly important for businesses wishing to advertise their products and services. Online marketing coordinators are responsible for overseeing the Internet-based advertising efforts of a business.

Function

Online marketing coordinators work to ensure that a company's brand image or the features of the company that make it recognizable to the public are well represented online. Coordinators cooperate with other marketing professionals within a company to ensure that the brand being displayed online is in line with efforts offline, such as print or television ads.

Types of Online Media

Online marketing coordinators are responsible for a company's website, advertisements on other websites, e-mail mailing list blasts, blogs, podcasts, and accounts on social media sites like Twitter or MySpace.

Features

One important issue for online marketing coordinators is search engine optimization, or ensuring that the company's website is easily located by search engines and shows up at the top of searches for certain keywords. Coordinators also study market research that provides information about the target customers a company is interested in, which leads to informed choices about what sites are most beneficial for advertising.

Education

Most companies prefer online marketing coordinators to have a minimum of a bachelors degree in marketing, preferably with coursework in online or Internet marketing. Previous experience in website design is also beneficial.

Compensation

In November 2009, the average annual salary for online marketing coordinators was $52,000, according to Indeed.com.

Tags: marketing coordinators, Online marketing, online marketing, online marketing coordinators, company website, coordinators responsible

Promote A Dog Grooming Business

Promotional advertising is an excellent way to bring in a constant supply of new customers in the canine grooming field. If you intend to promote a dog grooming business, there are a number of creative ways to get the word out that you're the best groomer in town.

Instructions

1. Utilize free web resources to promote your business. Free classified ads can be useful, as can starting a dog grooming blog with free tips and promotional information about your business. Take advantage of the free Google business listings to get your name and location on their maps.

2. Start a website that promotes your services. Include your specialties, location, pricing and lots of before and after photos of happy pets.

3. Create professional, eye catching flyers from your computer and hang them in key locations throughout your neighborhood. Free bulletin boards in vet offices, pet supply stores and animal shelters are good places to start.

4. Pass out business cards to existing clients and everyone you meet. Leave a stack of business cards with the local Chamber of Commerce and any other businesses offering free placement. Quite often, you can find Lucite cardholders in the lobbies of businesses. Introduce yourself and ask the receptionist before leaving your cards.

5. Advertise your services in local newspapers. Contact the business editor to request an interview focusing on your business and its place in the community. Write frequent press releases regarding new products and services.

6. Hire an advertising consultant to do the legwork for you. If you're not comfortable creating your own ads, a professional can assist you by creating newspaper ads, flyers and other promotional materials on your behalf. To save on shipping and printing costs of flyers and bulk mailers, many professionals are willing to provide electronic templates that you can print off or email as desired from your own computer.

7. Get creative with your advertising dollars. Take a promotional photograph and iron it on T-shirts for you and your staff members. Stitch your business name or web address on dog sweaters or colorful leashes and offer them as freebies to your favorite clients. Print business labels and stick them to small flying disks. Take the dog toys to the local park and hand them to potential clients who are there with their pets. Think outside the box for creative promotions that will get your dog grooming business on the map.

Tags: your business, business cards, from your, from your computer, your computer

Build An Ebusiness Website

Starting an E-Commerce Website

So, you want to build an E-business website but are not sure where to begin. With today's technology and the competition between web hosting companies, it is easier than ever to set up and get your online business going in a matter of hours or days. Here is a snapshot of everything you need to do in order to start an E-business website quickly and smoothly.

Instructions

1. Find a web host company that supports E-commerce businesses. There are hosting companies that have limited capabilities all the way up to ones that offer all of the state-of-the-art features you could imagine. Make sure that the company you choose handles credit card purchases, and in an encrypted manner. This is how many people pay for the things bought online these days. Visit "eCommerce Web Hosting Top List" to compare rates and plans of top E-business companies (link provided below in the Resources section).

2. Start building the website by choosing a template that matches your product line. Then start adding in the products, along with pictures of the products. Be as specific and detailed as possible when describing the products. The more you tell potential customers up front, the more likely they will buy. And the better your pictures, the more sales you are likely to make as well. Invest in a good camera or use stock images from the Internet.

3. Add fresh content to the website. No one likes to go into a site where all they see are products for sale. Today's viewers are interested in knowing that a company cares about them. To this end, have articles that relate to your products, how-to guides, and other information that shows you are an expert in the line of products you are selling. It generally takes a person 5 to 10 visits to a website before she will comfortable buying something. Fresh content and other value added features such as discussion forums will keep visitors interested in coming back, so keep your content updated regularly.

4. Set up the "Contact Us" page with ways that customers can get in touch with you easily. Put a couple of ways they can contact you, not just one. If you list an email address, make sure you check it regularly. Don't keep customers waiting for an answer because chances are there are many other websites selling the same thing you have, and you could lose a sale for this reason.

5. Consider having a free newsletter that customers can sign up for to receive news and new product updates. This usually involves a single line of code to be placed on your website, and that's all there is to it. Send the newsletter at least once a month, if not more. This will keep your E-business in front of potential customers, and they can pass the newsletter on to friends and family as well. Your Mailing List Provider is a low-cost newsletter software program that can do the job for you at the right price (see Resources below).

6. Make the website "live" once you have everything looking the way you want. This is the time to start advertising your E-business through online and offline efforts, including obtaining business cards to hand out, advertising your business on other websites, and taking out ads in newspapers.

Tags: advertising your, E-business website, hosting companies, keep your, other websites, potential customers

Become A Jager Promotion Girl

Promotional events are held in locations such as bars.

Jagermeister is a German alcoholic drink that was invented back in 1935. With 56 herbs in the formula, the beverage has a very unique flavor. Jagermeister hires promotional models to go to events and promote their brand by interacting with customers. To be a Jager promo girl you should be outgoing, embody a warm personality and enjoy working large parties and events where you will interface with other people. Many promo models are hired locally just before promo events.

Instructions

1. Create a modeling portfolio. Find a professional photographer to take modeling shots of you for a portfolio. While the portfolio can encompass a wide variety of looks from smiling to serious, think about what an advertising agency might be looking for when hiring a promo girl for Jager. Take some shots that show you having fun, smiling, showing off your warm personality. Potentially even take some shots in a German outfit, since the brand is German. For example, Oktoberfest might be a time of year when Jager sponsors parties. Those events might have the women dress in traditional German attire.

2. Get a modeling agent. You don't have to be in New York or Los Angeles to get an agent. Many beer and liquor promo events are handled on a local level. This way Jagermeister does not have to foot the bill to put a model under contract and pay for her transportation to and from events. Contact local modeling agencies and ask if you can send them your portfolio. This can be done by dropping it off at the agency, mailing it to them, or even emailing them the photos. If they respond, they will set-up a meeting and potentially sign you.

3. Tell your modeling agent that you are interested in promotional work. You can also add that you are specifically interested in being a Jagermeister promotional girl for upcoming events. This will give your agent a heads-up as to what to watch out for when jobs from the agencies arise.

4. Look for local events in your area sponsored by Jagermeister. Even if you have an agent, keeping your ear to the ground for upcoming Jagermeister events might give you a jump on the competition who don't know about the job yet. Check bars, restaurants, and local sporting events to see if they have advertising an event sponsored by Jagermeister. You can then inquire with the facility holding the event, or your agent if they will be hiring promo girls.

5. Find local advertising agencies in your area. The local advertising agencies will contact agents to book Jager promo girls for the event. Contact the advertising agencies themselves to determine if they are representing Jagermeister in the area, and if so, if they are holding any upcoming events. They may direct you to the person in charge of the campaign, or ask that you have your agent submit your materials along with other models for when the casting process occurs.

6. Go to the audition or meeting. At the audition or meeting make sure you are prepared with some general facts about the brand. After all, you will be helping to sell it or give it away to people at the event. For example, one interesting fact is that Jagermeister means "huntsman." Another interesting fact is that the text around the deer on the label is an old hunstmen's prayer. Also, be interactive, open, engaging and interested in any directions they are giving you.

7. Book the job and go to the event. While at the event, be outgoing, friendly and polite to the people at the event. Sell or give away the product in the manner which the clients want you to operate. For example, a Jagermeister promo girl might be directed to act a bit more carefree at a Superbowl party, then while at a sponsored golf event.

Tags: advertising agencies, promo girl, your agent, audition meeting, events might, fact that, give away

Irs Rules & Regulations For Fsa Accounts

FSA's, flexible spending accounts, are designed to help employees pay for medical expenses with pre-tax dollars. Your employer sets up the plan and withholds a designated amount of money from your salary to fund the account. No taxes are withheld on contributions to the account. Your employer may or may not contribute to your plan.

Qualified Expenses

You may take tax-free reimbursements from your FSA to cover costs such as medical co-pays and dental bills. Non-prescription medications also qualify for payment from your FSA.

Employer Contributions

Employers may contribute either a percentage of an employee's salary or a predetermined dollar amount to an employee's FSA.

Proof of Medical Costs

To receive reimbursement from an FSA, employees must produce written documentation that they paid for qualified medical expenses.

Non-Qualified Expenses

The cost of health insurance premiums and long-term care do not qualify for reimbursement from a flexible spending account.

Distributions

You must use or lose the money in your FSA during a plan year. Balances may not be carried over to the following year.

Tags: from your, flexible spending, medical expenses, reimbursement from, Your employer

Write A Billboard Contract

Write a Billboard Contract

You've leased a billboard space to a business that needs a little more promotion. And the business owner is excited about the chance to participate in outdoor advertising. Billboards are proven to be an effective form of advertising all across the United States. But before everything is finalized, you need to sit down and write the billboard contract.

Instructions

1. List the facts about the billboard contract. The contract should include the location of the billboard, the information that will be on the billboard display face and any other important aspect of the lease.

2. Write out the terms of the lease. This should include the starting point and ending date of the lease. It should also include if the company is responsible for anything during the point of the lease. For example, some businesses like to put up special holiday billboards. If this is the case, it should be included in the billboard contract.

3. Include payment arrangements. If the advertiser pays in full, that should be reflected in the billboard contract. It should also be noted if the advertiser will pay installments. You should set a fixed amount due and a due date, both of which should be included in the billboard contract.

4. Detail the policy about communication between the advertiser and your company. Any changes that the advertiser needs to make may alter the contract.

5. Consult with a legal adviser. This person can go over the contract with you to make sure you've covered all your bases. A legal adviser may also recommend that you add state and city regulations, so the advertiser understand that your company is in compliance.

Tags: billboard contract, billboard contract, contract should, included billboard, included billboard contract, legal adviser

Write A Threeminute Recommendation Speech

Often in business an employee may be required to give a speech, especially in the case of recommendations. A manager may be required to recommend an employee for a bonus or promotion. An employee may need to recommend a course of action to a group of his superiors. Whatever the situation, there are several key steps to take to organizing and writing an excellent three-minute recommendation speech, including varied vocabulary, logical thought flow and concrete supporting details.

Instructions

1. Identify your thesis for your speech. This will be the main argument in your speech. A recommendation speech is a persuasive speech in which you need to tell the audience what you are recommending and why and to support it with facts. Include in your thesis what you are recommending and why. For example, you may be recommending your company start a recycling program because it will help the planet.

2. Outline a list of three to five key arguments that will support your thesis. These are the reasons that you believe our recommendation is sound. Using the example, arguments may include financial rebates for recycling, increased client approval and instilling in employees a sense of environmental responsibility. Remember who your audience is and think of reasons that will make sense or appeal to this crowd.

3. Collect data or evidence that supports the truth behind the claims you wrote for the example. Gather numerical evidence where applicable. Collect quotes and statements from authorities on your topic that will support your recommendation.

4. Begin writing your speech. Open with a paragraph outlining the purpose of this speech and clearly stating your thesis. Use shorter sentence lengths that are easier for the audience to follow instead of confusing longer ones.

5. Follow your opening paragraph with one paragraph for each of the arguments you outlined for your example. Open each paragraph stating the main point and follow this with evidentiary reasoning for these arguments. Create segues between paragraphs that will help your speech flow continuously.

6. Finish your speech with a closing argument that summarizes your arguments and reminds the audience of your thesis. Leave listeners with no question about what or whom you are recommending.

7. Read your speech out loud at a normal speaking pace. Time yourself as you read your speech in its entirety. Go back and edit your speech to take out unnecessary details if your speech exceeds three minutes in length. Look for examples of unnecessary information, which may include personal stories, unnecessary jokes, off-topic sentences and negative information about your subject. Keep your speech limited to under 500 words, which at a normal speaking pace will be approximately three minutes in length.

8. Practice and time yourself as you say your speech out loud, so you can verify the three-minute time limit is consistent. At three separate places in your speech, write the time it took you to talk up to that point to give yourself a reference point while giving your speech.

Tags: your speech, your thesis, that will, minutes length, normal speaking, normal speaking pace

Decorate A Harleydavidson

Decorate your bike to your own tastes.

Unless you have a custom bike with your own paints, patterns and parts, you might be looking for ways to distinguish your Harley from others. One option is to decorate your Harley and add accessories. Your ride will look unique and your journeys on the road will be more comfortable.

Instructions

1. Paste Harley decals on your bike. Decals are inexpensive and simple to apply. Just peel the decal off of the sticker and place it on your bike where you want it. Some decals are meant for the gas tank, while others are designed for your helmet or small corners of your windshield.

2. Customize your Harley with new parts. This might include changing out the hand grips for new grips, upgrading your shifter peg and adding a skull and chain timer cover, fuel cap or derby cover.

3. Decorate your Harley with larger-scale customized parts. Add mufflers, saddlebags, custom wheels, chrome sprockets and custom saddles. For example, some saddles have images of skulls on them. You can also add decor such as chrome and black diamondback tails to your seats.

4. Make your own decorations. If you have a name for your bike, or you want to customize it with your own name, you can create stickers or decals bearing the name. If you have a favorite image, get stickers and decals made with that image on it and use them to decorate your Harley.

Tags: your Harley, your bike, decorate your, Decorate your, decorate your Harley, Harley with

Effect Of Sales Promotion On Brands

Effect of Sales Promotion on Brands

Sales promotions are an important part of a brand's marketing mix. A good sales promotion will build brand equity by reinforcing a brand's marketplace position, and possibly lead to a temporary or permanent lift in sales. If a sales promotion does not adhere to the brand standards or appears gimmicky, it can hurt the brand in the long run.

Types of Sales Promotions

Sales promotions are usually given the largest percentage of a company's marketing budget because they produce results that occur quickly and are measurable.

Examples of consumer-focused sales promotions include rebates, coupons, discount pricing, buy-one-get-one-free (BOGO) sales, free samples and contests. These are usually accompanied by advertising in the form of signage, print ads or point-of-purchase (POP) displays.

The purpose of a sales promotion can vary. An effective sales promotion can boost sales, build consumer awareness of a new brand, attract new customers to an established brand or reduce excess inventory.

Beneficial Effects

The right sales promotion, especially one that is not price-based, can be a very effective tool in getting a new brand quick consumer awareness or targeting a new consumer demographic.

Premium-based promotions tend to see longer post-promotional benefits than price-based promotions. These promotions can be in the form of a relevant giveaway with purchase, such as a hairbrush with a hair dryer, or through the use of coupons.

Sales promotions that are targeted toward a certain audience tend to have much better and positive results than promotions thrown out to the entire consumer base. For instance, a sales promotion for a minivan that is targeted at women with children should give you fairly good results.

Harmful Effects

If your brand is perceived by consumers as being a value rather than premium brand, it is more likely to receive the most benefit from a price-based sales promotion. However, overuse of price-based sales promotions for any brand can have devastating effects on the brand's image and perceived quality. This is particularly true for premium and super-premium brands or products and services in which the consumer has difficulty judging product quality in other ways, such as legal services or vitamins.

A recent study by Babson University showed that deep discounts, specifically 20 percent or greater, can hurt a brand more than lower discounts in the long-term. The same holds true for unannounced price reductions in the form of temporary price discounting on everyday retail prices.

Most sales promotions are oriented toward short-term gain rather than long-term brand reputation, which is a problem in and of itself as true brand marketing is geared toward the long-term health of a brand.

Brands with a small competitive category, such as camera film, tend to benefit less from sales promotions than large categories such as breakfast cereal.

Measurement and ROI

The results of sales promotions are measurable, and it is a relatively easy job to calculate your return on investment (ROI). How you measure the success of a sales promotion will depend on the promotion's goal.

If you were trying to drive sales or reduce inventory levels, measuring success is simple math. If the goal was to build a brand's image or raise consumer awareness, you will need to conduct post-promotion surveys.

Promotions designed to build customer loyalty can be measured through following repeat purchase patterns of your target consumers.

10 Steps to a Successful Sales Promotion

1. Understand your brand's current brand image, value and reputation.

2. Understand your brand's long-term strategies and adhere to them.

3. Know your current consumers and target audience.

4. Recognize the capabilities of your sales force.

5. Understand the relationship your brand has with your wholesalers and retailers.

6. Research the results of past sales promotions.

7. Have a clearly defined objective for the promotion.

8. Make sure there is a benefit to the consumer.

9. Stay within your budget.

10. Be creative.

Tags: sales promotion, sales promotions, your brand, brand image, consumer awareness, brand marketing

Start A Political Party

Has anyone ever told you "if you don't like the way the country is run, start your own political party"? Well, here's a way for you to get back at them. The requirements are simple, but will require a lot of time and dedication on the part of the party organizers. Here are a few tips.

Instructions

1. Decide on a name for your party and appoint some temporary officials.

2. Register the name of your party with the secretary of the state's office and elect permanent officials.

3. Register at least one percent of eligible voters. They must sign an affidavit of registration and it has to be filed with the secretary of the state 154 days before the primary election.

4. File by petition seeking the inclusion of your party in the nomination process, which is an alternative to registering voters. To do this you need to get signatures from at least 10 percent of all eligible voters.

5. File the petition with counties in your state, which will verify the signatures and certify the counts to the secretary of the state no later than the 135th day before the primary election.

6. Raise tons of money to keep your party going. If you aren't Ross Perot, you may want to affiliate with one of the new political parties attempting to qualify for the primaries.

Tags: your party, secretary state, before primary, before primary election, eligible voters, File petition

Set Up A Yahoo Email Account

Set up a Yahoo Email Account

Yahoo is one of the Web's most reliable and long-standing email providers. This service is free and it's fast and easy to set up your own email account at Yahoo. Enjoy the efficiency of corresponding in style with your new Yahoo Mail account.

Instructions

Navigate Yahoo Web Pages

1. Visit the Yahoo Mail home page to take the first step to creating your own email account at Yahoo (see Resources below).

2. Click on the 'Sign Up' link that appears somewhere near the top of the Yahoo home page.

3. Enter your name and other requested information in the fields provided.

Choose Your Username and Password

4. Create a username that you will be comfortable using for a long time and will identify you to your email recipients. Remember that you can use numbers and letters and even a single dot.

5. Type the username you choose in the field provided. Check the availability of your username by clicking the box below that reads 'Check Availability of This ID.' You may have to think of an alternative username if your top choice is already taken by another Yahoo user.

6. Choose a password when you have successfully entered a unique username. Passwords must be at least 6 characters long and keep in mind that passwords are case-sensitive. You will be asked to type your password twice to ensure accuracy.

Enter Security Information and Verify Your Registration

7. Select a question from the following drop-down menu as your security question. Yahoo will ask you this question if you should forget your password in the future, in order to verify that you are the correct user.

8. Type in your answer to the question in the field below.

9. Enter your birth date, zip code and any other requested information in the fields provided. Entering an alternate email address is not required but it's good to give Yahoo personnel a place where you can be reached if for any reason you do not have access to your Yahoo account.

10. Verify your registration by typing the characters you see shown in the last section of the registration page into the field provided.

11. Read the Terms of Service thoroughly and print a copy for your records.

12. Select 'I Agree.' You have successfully set up your Yahoo email account.

Tags: email account Yahoo, your email, your Yahoo, account Yahoo, email account, Enter your, field provided

Insurance Sales Print Advertising Ideas

Use advertising that connects with prospects at home, while driving and online.

Insurance companies and agents face steep competition in the marketplace. However, there are many creative yet inexpensive ways to maintain visibility and generate sales. Develop ideas that reach out to customers in a variety of places. Frequent exposure increases awareness and can convert to strong sales leads. Plan to execute ideas that can reach prospects at multiple touch-points--at home, at work, while shopping or dining, on websites and more.

Car Advertising

Use your car as a mobile insurance advertising vehicle. Print a magnetic sign or decal to place on the passenger, driver or rear side or window of the car. Limit copy to your business name and telephone number or website address to help drivers and passengers retrieve contact information quickly. Be sure the decal does not obscure your view while driving.

Kitchen Magnets

Print a quantity of business cards that can be converted to kitchen magnets. Most office supply stores carry business-sized magnets in bulk quantities of 25, 50 and 100. One side of the magnet is adhesive, so all you have to do is neatly place your card on top, turning it into a kitchen magnet. This will give current clients and prospects a constant reminder to call you for their insurance needs.

Seasonal Brochures

Keep your advertising fresh by developing seasonal brochures. Connect the need for your insurance services with ideas for winter, summer, spring and fall. For example, an auto insurance company can have a winter brochure that has a picture of winter weather driving conditions. Design a spring brochure with pictures of family driving a car to take a vacation, and a summer brochure of a man washing a shiny red sports car. Feature a woman getting the keys to a new car at an auto dealership during the fall season when new models come out. Write headlines that connect with the visuals and with seasonal insurance needs. The variety will give your print brochures the look and feel of a yearlong campaign.

Sweepstakes

Capture prospects and leads by holding a sweepstakes for free dinners at local restaurants. Discuss the idea with owners of restaurants that you patronize frequently. Develop a letter-sized full-page ad with copy that promotes your monthly drawing. Position your company as the co-sponsor of the sweepstakes and include your logo and contact information. Print entry slips that will capture the contact information of contestants. Add their contact information to your database for prospects.

Greeting Cards

Send greeting cards on the birthdays of customers and at holidays. Printing and stationery stores can create a customized supply that includes your logo and a relevant message. A printed greeting card stands out in today's digital world. However, sending cards electronically offers added convenience. Regardless of the medium, the demonstration of remembrance can enhance client retention efforts. Customers appreciate the gesture and acknowledgement of their patronage. Set up a database of customer birthdays and an auto-reminder on your computer calendar software that will remind you one week in advance to get cards out on time.

Tags: contact information, ideas that, ideas that reach, insurance needs, that reach, that will

Water Filter Projects Made Out Of Plastic Bottles

A plastic water bottle can be used as a water filtration system.

Students can learn about water pollution by developing and using a homemade system of water filtration by pairing water bottles with some type of screen, such as pantyhose, a coffee filter or small screen. By constructing a water filtration system, students can demonstrate clean heavily polluted water and determine which filtration system works the best.

Filtration Using a Straw, Jar and a Bottle

Cut the bottom of a water bottle off and poke a hole in the cap of the bottle just large enough for a straw to fit into. After inserting the straw, turn the bottle upside down and rest it in the mouth of a clean jar. In the bottle, place cotton batting followed by different types of sand and gravel, from fine to heavy in texture. Finally cut and insert a coffee filter that fits into the bottle and place it on top of the gravel. Finally pour muddy water through the bottle, allowing it to pass through the filtration system. The final result will be filtered water in the jar.

Basic Filtration Using Just a Bottle

Cut a water bottle in half. Remove the cap and place the top half of the bottle upside down into the bottom half of the bottle. The top half will be layered with various filtering materials such as gravel, sand and cotton balls. Use cooking oil, pieces of paper, Styrofoam and food coloring for the dirty water. Pour the water through, the result of the filtered water will be found in the base of the bottle.

Natural Water Bottle Filtration

Cut the bottom off a water bottle. Use pebbles, non-poisonous leaves or grass, or cotton material to stop the sand from getting out of the container. Place one of these items in the bottle with the cap part of the bottle facing down. Next add a layer of gravel and fill the bottle with sand. Remove the cap and pour the water you collected through the filter.

Tags: filtration system, water bottle, water filtration, bottle half, bottle place, bottle upside, bottle upside down

Create A Radio Advertising Campaign

Create a Radio Advertising Campaign

In an age of social networking, text messaging and online advertising, you may think radio is obsolete. The reality is, as long as there are cars on the highway, radio will command a captive audience. Because each radio station attracts a specific type of listener, radio is a medium that knows deliver the "key demographics" advertisers are looking for. Creating an effective radio ad capitalizes on the age and tastes of listeners most likely to tune in for a specific station's format. A well-executed radio ad campaign will know connect with listeners.

Instructions

1. Know your audience. Radio is not a "one-size-fits-all" medium. The ad you create for an urban hip-hop station will not be the same ad for AM talk radio.

2. Establish a budget. Many radio stations will produce your ad free when you purchase time on their station. If you have money for advertising production costs, advertising agencies that specialize in radio will hire high-quality voice talent and take the time to include custom music and sound effects. Enhanced production values can increase the impact of your advertisement. As with most products, you get what you pay for.

3. Determine the ad length. Radio ad lengths are typically 15, 30 or 60 seconds. The longer the ad, the more you pay. Each length will require a script-writing strategy that leverages the time appropriately. For example, a 15-second ad may be restricted to communicating what and when, whereas a 60-second ad allows time for where, when, how, why and what will happen if you don't buy today.

4. Choose a good copywriter to write a solid script. An experienced copywriter will know refine your sales pitch to the most basic points a listener can be expected to remember. The script should focus on one or two themes and repeat the message several times. Begin with a compelling statement, place a deadline on sales events and end with your slogan. Repeat the business name or product several times to build name recognition. Don't pack in too much contact information. Avoid lengthy directions on get to your business. Use simple, easy-to-remember phone numbers or web addresses.

5. Find a hook. In music, the "hook" refers to an element in the melody that lends itself to being remembered. The same dynamic applies to radio advertising. Make the ad memorable. For example, hire vocal talent to create a memorable character or use musicians to create a "jingle" that incorporates your slogan into a song.

6. Spend money on air time. The best radio ad is useless if no one hears it. Reserve most of your ad budget to broadcast the ads as many times as possible. Repetition is the key to an effective ad campaign and long-term name recognition for your business.

Tags: Advertising Campaign, Create Radio, Create Radio Advertising, name recognition, Radio Advertising

Get A Marketing Degree

Marketing prepares you to work as an independent consultant.

Marketing refers to the strategy developed by a business to identify a customer base, generate sales, communicate with customers and develop a strong business. Obtaining a bachelor's degree in marketing prepares you to work in careers that include market and consumer research, advertising, the marketing department of a corporation or independent consulting. Successfully completing a marketing degree program requires you to finish a series of core academic courses, basic marketing classes and advanced marketing elective coursework.

Instructions

1. Contact an academic advisor at your college or university. Choose an advisor from the business school who can help you navigate curriculum requirements.

2. Take the series of core general education courses required by your school. These may include introductory English, math, science and history. Receive grades of a B or higher to qualify for admission into your school's business program.

3. Apply for admission to the business program if your university requires it. Some schools require you to complete one or two years of coursework and have a certain grade point average to apply.

4. Take general business coursework outlined in your program curriculum. Complete accounting, business law, management, economics, introductory marketing and finance courses. Work hard to earn an A or B in your business courses to remain competitive in the job market. Most schools require students to earn at least a C in business courses to graduate.

5. Choose elective coursework in marketing. Courses may include marketing research, marketing behavior, Internet marketing, global marketing, public relations or crisis management.

6. Determine whether your school requires marketing students to complete an internship. Search for internship opportunities with companies whose work you admire. Completing an internship gives you the practical experience you will need to excel in your career.

7. Ask your marketing program adviser if the program requires you to complete a thesis project. Choose a professor with whom you have worked closely to serve as your thesis project adviser. Propose a thesis topic in an area of marketing that interests you. Perform original marketing research to complete your project. Write a formal report that analyzes and discusses the implications of your results.

Tags: your school, business courses, business program, elective coursework, marketing research, prepares work

Usda Agricultural Marketing Service Grants

States, local governments and farmers can promote their agriculture industries with help from the AMS.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service oversees the production of dairy, fruits and vegetables, livestock and seed, poultry, and cotton and tobacco. Along with enforcing federal regulations for these industries, the AMS also helps states, communities and individual farmers and ranchers improve their markets as well as promote them. One way the AMS does this is with grants and cost sharing through four programs: the Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program, the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, Farmers Market Promotion Program and Organic Cost Share Program.

Federal-State Marketing Improvement

The AMS, through the Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program, provides matching funds to state agricultural departments and other state agencies for marketing purposes related to their states' food and agriculture industries. States can use the money to improve marketing in new areas of food and agriculture or to research and improve the efficiency in agricultural marketing. The USDA budgeted $1.3 million for the program in fiscal 2010. Awards ranged between $25,000 and $135,000, with an average of $50,000. The AMS awards about 25 of the grants every year.

Specialty Crop Block Grants

The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program provides funding to states for projects involving specialty crops, especially ones affecting the industry nationally. The AMS looks to award money for programs such as nutrition awareness, efficiency improvement or distribution cost reduction. States can receive either $100,000 or one-third of a percent of total AMS funding for that year. The USDA considers anything a specialty crop if it is a fruit, vegetable, tree nut, dried fruit, horticulture or nursery crop.

Farmers Market Promotion

Groups wanting to improve farmers markets in their areas can receive up to $100,000 to do so through the Farmers Market Promotion Program. The AMS budget $10 million for fiscal years 2011 and 2012 to award to agricultural cooperatives, producer networks and associations, local and tribal governments, nonprofits, public benefit corporations, economic development agencies and regional farmers markets associations. Along with investing in farmers markets, recipients can use the money for roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs and agri-tourism development, among other direct producer-to-market projects.

Organic Cost Share

The AMS' Organic Cost Share Program tries to encourage organic farming by covering portions of the costs related to receiving certification as organic farmers. State agencies use funding from the USDA to reimburse agriculture producers up to 75 percent of the costs of receiving or renewing organic certification. Farmers and ranchers can each receive up to $750 per year through the program. The AMS awards the reimbursements first-come first-serve.

Tags: Cost Share, Crop Block, Farmers Market, Farmers Market Promotion, farmers markets, Federal-State Marketing

Sked Patient Packaging Uses

The Sked stretcher can be used in many applications including both civilian and military, including urban, wilderness, confined space, water, ice and high-angle rescues. It is utilized by police, fire and EMS personnel around the world to efficiently package a patient. (Packaging is the act of securing the patient and readying him for transport). Although its uses are numerous, it was not designed as a spinal immobilization device and should always be used in conjunction with a back board or spine splint if a spinal injury is suspected.

Introduction to the Sked

Practice using the Sked stretcher before deploying it on an actual mission, as it is very different from traditional stretchers. To begin, remove the Sked from its pack. Then unfasten the straps to be able to unroll it. Standing on the foot end, unroll the Sked completely, then roll it back over itself in the opposite direction to get it to lay flat.

Placing a Patient on the Sked

There are two common methods of placing a patient on the Sked if no spinal injury is suspected: the Log-Roll method and the Slide Method.

For the Log-Roll method, begin with the Sked rolled out. Place it next to the patient, ensuring the head end is in line with the patient's head. The Sked straps should be placed underneath the Sked to keep them out of the way. Log-roll the patient and slide the Sked as far underneath as possible. Once the Sked is in place, return the patient to a supine position. Gently slide the patient to the center of the Sked, making sure to maintain spinal alignment. The final step is to secure the straps across the body of the patient. They should be snug.

For the Slide method, you also begin with the Sked rolled out. Position the Sked above the patient, with the foot end at the top of the patient's head. One rescuer should straddle the Sked and gently support the patient's head and neck. The other rescuers should grasp the foot straps of the Sked and pull, sliding the Sked down under the patient. The final step is to secure the straps snugly across the body of the patient.

Moving the Patient Secured to the Sked

How you choose to move your patient will depend greatly on the situation. Most commonly, use the hand grips to simply carry the patient. If you must cover a long distance, secure the drag handle to one of the D-rings on the Sked backpack. This allows you to drag the Sked behind you as you travel. This is ideal if you must travel across ice or snow, as the Sked will glide behind you like a sled. Remember to check on your patient frequently; re-assess vitals, check her comfort and ensure that nothing has shifted or changed. The Sked can also be used in a vertical lift/descent with rescue rope rigged correctly through the lift points, or in a water rescue application with the proper floats and rescue equipment. This should be done only by trained, experienced personnel.

Sked Specs

The most the Sked has ever carried is a 1,300-lb. individual. It measures 9 by 36 inches when rolled in the Cordura backpack. When it is laid out flat, it measures 3 by 8 feet. The Sked is available in two colors: International Orange for civilian use and Camo Green for military.

Tags: patient head, across body, across body patient, begin with, begin with Sked, body patient, final step

Organize A Charity Walk Or Run

A charity walk or run raises money for a good cause by capitalizing on people's desire to help as well as get in shape. And there are any number of good causes that need cash infusions--from cystic fibrosis, AIDS or breast cancer research to school districts that face music and sports cutbacks without additional revenues. Whatever the cause, read 381 Plan a Fund-Raising Event, then get on your mark, get set and go!

Instructions

1. Sit down with key people to get things going. See the related eHow titled "Plan an Organizational Meeting."

2. Identify the charity you want to support. For greater exposure, plan your event during a designated charity's day or month. Set a date--rain or shine. Choose a starting time, and determine the length of the race and the route.

3. Decide how many participants your team (and the course) can successfully handle. An event with several thousand runners or walkers is a whole different beast than one with several hundred. The more participants, the more spectators come to watch.

4. Set a registration fee. For a short race like a 5K, charging runners and walkers a fee is preferable to having participants line up sponsors who pay by the mile.

5. Hold your initial planning meeting. Establish procedures and discuss policies for registration, media relations and publicity, volunteers, safety, traffic management, first aid and other services such as massage and foot care, food, rest rooms, accommodations, cleanup and entertainment.

6. Approach potential sponsors to help finance, publicize or even organize the event. Contact an athletic or sporting-goods store, a running club, a podiatrist, and local sports hero. Solicit corporate donations for water, energy bars, other snacks and sports drinks to be handed out along the route and at the end of the race. Sponsors will always want to promote their product with giveaways such as T-shirts, caps and water bottles.

7. Contact law enforcement agencies about local ordinances, road closures, traffic barricades, crowd control and security issues.

8. Get the word out to as many volunteers, runners and walkers as possible. See the related article "Publicize an Event" and contact a local TV station to see if it will get involved; maybe a news anchor is an avid runner.

9. Organize training sessions prior to the event for participants to get in shape. How many and how far in advance they should begin are determined by the length and intensity of the event. Assume some participants are total couch potatoes and schedule training sessions and plan instructional materials accordingly.Marathons and two- and three-day walks require at least six months of training. A 5- or 10K requires more casual preparation--or none at all.

Tags: runners walkers, training sessions, with several

What Is "Undertheradar" Marketing

Unlike traditional marketing, under the radar marketing is often subtle.

The advent of under-the-radar marketing, also referred to as guerrilla marketing or stealth marketing, has a long history in the world of advertising. Most people have been exposed to some form of under-the-radar marketing, perhaps without even realizing it. This is often the objective of this strategy, unlike large corporations which generally inundate the market with advertisements touting their products. Understanding the nuances and processes behind implementing an under-the-radar marketing campaign can pay significant dividends for businesses of all sizes.

History

Under-the-radar marketing began as an idea, and a subsequent book from Jay Conrad Levinson in 1984 entitled "Guerrilla Marketing" as an answer to student questions (he was a professor at Cal Berkeley at the time) on market small businesses on very low budgets. As the concepts began to take hold, more and more small businesses realized under-the-radar marketing was a means to get the word out about their product or service, without the need for huge marketing budgets.

Requirements

Under-the-radar marketing begins with conducting in-depth market research to determine exactly what market, or demographics, are being targeted before implementing the strategy. Many companies begin by analyzing the buying behaviors and demographics of their existing customers. Because under-the-radar or guerrilla marketing is designed to be low-cost, the strategy must employ a focused effort, and this begins with determining what markets will react most favorably to your product or service.

Creative

Implementing this type of strategy requires thinking outside the box from traditional marketing campaigns. For example, rather than simply purchasing air time on a radio or television broadcast to reach the masses, under-the-radar marketing is often so subtle as to be indistinguishable to prospective customers. Understanding what will resonate with your target market, and then creatively adopting ideas to reach these people is what under-the-radar marketing strategies are all about.

Examples

Paying a person or couple to sit at a bar and use a smartphone and share all the neat features with the patrons around them, in a conversational tone, is one example of under-the-radar marketing. Going online to various chat rooms and forums and posting information about your product or service as if you are an end user is another strategy. This type of marketing may be as subtle as providing free basketball shoes to locally known recreation league players, and then have them mention (several times) how comfortable and supportive they are to the other players. In this example, it's likely the other players will never even know they are a party to a marketing campaign.

Tags: under-the-radar marketing, product service, under-the-radar marketing, begins with, guerrilla marketing, marketing campaign, marketing often

Write A Nursing Rationale

The nursing rationale is the "why" of the nursing care plan.

The nursing care plan is a written document that outlines how a patient will be cared for. A typical nursing care plan includes nursing diagnoses, expected outcomes, interventions, rationales and an evaluation. A nursing rationale is a stated purpose for carrying out a nursing intervention. Nursing interventions are actions that nurses perform to help patients achieve specified health goals. A nursing rationale is written next to each nursing intervention in the nursing care plan.

Instructions

1. Write the nursing diagnosis. The nursing diagnosis is a statement of an actual observed risk or potential problem of the patient. "Body image, disturbed," Ineffective coping" and "Nutrition imbalanced: less than body requirements" are examples of nursing diagnoses. Generally the care plan will include multiple diagnoses. Rate the importance of each nursing diagnosis, from 1 for highest priority to 3 for lowest.

2. Identify expected outcomes for each nursing diagnosis and write them in the plan. Expected outcomes are stated goals for the patient. "The patient will walk steadily without assistance," "The patient will be pain-free" and "The patient will have clear lung sounds" are examples of expected outcomes. Expected outcomes should be stated with a definite time frame attached to them.

3. Write nursing interventions next to the expected outcomes. Ask: "What do I need to do to help this patient achieve this goal?" For example, if the expected outcome is "The patient will be pain-free," a nursing intervention might be, "Administer pain medication as needed or as ordered."

4. Write the nursing rationale next to each nursing intervention in the plan. The rationale is the "why" of the nursing care plan. It is the explanation you provide for performing a duty such as administering medications, irrigating a wound or orienting a patient to time and place. For example, if the nursing intervention is "administer pain medication as needed," the rationale could be, "Maximum pain control will help Mrs. X participate in physical therapy exercises and improve her quality of life."

Tags: care plan, nursing care, nursing care plan, nursing intervention, patient will, each nursing, nursing diagnosis

Factors That Affect An Advertising Budget

Advertising budgets are important for both small and large businesses.

Whether you're selling a product or service to a select group of consumers, creating a marketing plan helps outline how you will inform, persuade or remind the customers about what your business offers. An essential part of this plan includes coming up with a budget for advertising expenditures. While each company's advertising budget may differ, there are several factors that can affect even the smallest advertising budget.

Projected Annual Gross Sales

When entrepreneurs prepare to create advertising budgets for their businesses, it's important to take projected annual gross sales into account. This method helps protect entrepreneurs from spending too much or too little on advertising. "Entrepreneur," an online resource and magazine for business owners, suggests calculating your minimum and maximum advertising budget figures by calculating 10 percent and 12 percent of your projected annual gross sales. Then, multiply each figure by the markup you make on your average sales transaction. This figure can vary year to year depending on both your company's performance and your product markups.

Marketing Objectives

Marketing objectives vary across organizations and can greatly affect what appears on a company's advertising budget. Determine which marketing objective will help you reach your annual business goals. Marketing objectives might include obtaining 5 percent more repeat customers, experiencing growth each month or increasing annual sales by 10 percent. The objectives you come up with help you define marketing strategies and tactics, which ultimately give insight into how and where you advertise, both of which are things that can affect your budget.

Target Market

While one business is targeting customers whose annual household income is at least $500,000, another business may target recent college graduates who make at least $33,000 a year. The target market you're trying to reach has an impact on your advertising budget. Once you define your target market, you gain insight on reach them learning information such as what they read, where they shop, who they get advice from, their needs and wants and what motivates them to buy.

Types of Media

A print advertisement in a local publication may cost less than running an online advertisement with a popular, credible website. The types of media you select to promote your product, whether it's radio, print, web, email, billboards or direct marketing, can impact your advertising budget.

Time of Year

Advertising pricing may change during different times of the year, such as a new season or during popular holidays. While some advertisers may offer discounting, others will increase their prices if they feel their readership or viewership may peak during specific times or events. If you're trying to place an advertisement in a magazine's most popular issue of the year or a television commercial during a highly televised event, such as the Super Bowl, you can expect a change in the amount you spend to promote your product or service.

Product Launch vs. Existing Product

If you're introducing a new product to the market, consider this as you create your advertising budget, as it may affect how much you spend. When products are launched, business owners often go into overdrive coming up with various ways to advertise and promote their new product or service to potential clients. This may cause an advertising budget to be higher than it would be for a product that customers are already aware of and have purchased in the past.

Tags: advertising budget, product service, your advertising, your advertising budget, your product

Prepare An Ad Development & Marketing Plan

Business marketing and advertising has evolved into a 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week concern for modern companies. With the proliferation of websites, blogs, online videos and webisodes, the marketing options on the Internet alone have increased the sheer number of places that a company can advertise its products or services. Add on traditional venues such as television, radio, newspapers, magazines and trade shows, and a company's advertising and marketing departments have their work cut out for them.This makes a carefully crafted ad development and marketing plan more important than ever.

Instructions

1. Define the objective. Every company needs to pinpoint the purpose of their ad development plan. Improving sales is too generic of a goal. The ad team has to pinpoint a specific segment of the population, like increasing awareness and purchases to younger consumers, women or professionals. Another company objective may be to increase sales in a particular region. Introducing a new or improved product may be another advertising objective.

2. Study market trends. In order to reach a target market and maximize profits, a company should study the economic climate and industry trends. The firm's advertising and marketing strategists should analyze what products are popular with consumers and why. By looking at both successful and failed products in their industry, the advertising team can pinpoint what consumers like and dislike in similar merchandise. Using this information, the ad and marketing team can determine what niche their product fills and market it to the appropriate the consumer segment.

3. Develop media strategy. Once the marketing staff has studied trends and defined objectives, the next goal is to determine use media to reach the prospective customer. Analyze use banner ads on websites, public relations (getting product reviewers to sample the product), radio and television commercials, print ads and other advertising venues to portray the product. Choose a creative approach and media outlet that resonates with your core objective. A company wishing to market a new brand of sneakers to women would look at advertising on a TV network like Oxygen or Lifetime instead of ESPN.

4. Organize a budget. The creative department must develop commercials, ads and other marketing strategies within budget constraints. The marketing and financial departments should go over ad plans in advance to ensure that spending stays in check.

5. Test the marketing plan in small doses. Releasing a TV commercial or sending a company representative to trade shows or conferences in a particular city or region will give the ad and marketing staff a chance to fine tune the idea before spending large amounts of money on a national or international campaign.

Tags: advertising marketing, marketing staff, team pinpoint, trade shows

The Most Effective Advertising Medium For Toys

The most effective medium for advertising toys depends greatly on your target market demographic and your business' products. For example, technological toys and computer games may call for a different advertising medium than toys intended for toddlers. The key is to secure an advertising medium that allows you to effectively communicate your company's message and generate excitement for your products.

Results and Your Message

There is no direct link between the dollars you spend on product advertising and the success of your business, according to Entrepreneur magazine's website. Your results are directly linked to the message contained in your advertising and how it connects with consumers in your target market. For example, if your company's toy product is targeted to preteens, your message should generate excitement in this target market and also appeal to parents to encourage them to buy the product. This is what the Media Awareness Network's website refers to as "pester power"; the ability of advertising to encourage children to nag parents into buying a product or instilling the desire in parents to purchase a product because it provides the child with the best product on the market.

Repetition is Key

The success of your company's advertising increases with the repetition of your message and how often consumers in your target demographic see it. According to Entrepreneur's website, advertising billboards and outdoor advertising reach the most people per dollar but this may not reach your target demographic depending on your company's toy product. Television and digital media advertising allows for moving pictures and sound which can more effectively communicate your company's product message and allow you to repeat your advertisements. These mediums also offer you the opportunity to target your advertising by running commercials at hours of the day when members of your target demographic are most likely to watch television or place your ads on websites your target market is more likely to visit.

Buzz Marketing

Buzz marketing is a technique which seeks to create a positive atmosphere around a particular product by advertising the product in the hands of trendsetters in the market. For toys, this is often accomplished by giving free samples of the product to celebrities or high-profile consumers your target market believes to be important. The medium in this case is the celebrities. This kind of advertising can validate your product and raise its level of esteem with your target demographic.

Most-Used Mediums

Mobile advertising can be effective for advertising a variety of products, including toys of all types, because it is the most widely used media platform in the country according to Mobile Commerce Daily's website. As of November 2010, nearly 50 percent of all cellphones sold in the United States are smart phones. This leads to an increase in web browsing and digital media consumption which you can take advantage of in your own business advertising.

Tags: your target, target market, your company, target demographic, your target demographic

Environmental Business Advice

Eco-friendly businesses follow the three green Rs.

Living green is on the minds of many modern consumers, so business suitability is rapidly becoming a necessity. Environmentally-friendly businesses can be built from the idea phase on, and established companies can take steps to make the company and products greener. Local government and environmental groups often have plans and tips to aid business who try to be more environmentally responsible.

Follow Environmental Laws

Environmental regulations vary from state to state, in some areas certain businesses may need to obtain an environmental permit and in other areas it might not need one. When opening or modifying a business it's best to contact your local administration to learn about local environmental laws and to see if environmental permits are needed. As an example, pesticide use needs to be registered with the Environmental Protection Agency's, EPA, Office of Pesticide Programs.

Build and Buy Green

Environmentally-friendly business buildings are designed and built with energy efficiency in mind. The goal of green building is to incorporate the optimization of natural resources with modern comfort. Energy-efficient building practices maximizes a minimum amount of natural resources while reducing the pollution and releases of greenhouses gases inherent in the construction process. The creation of environmentally-friendly products follows the same guidelines as energy-efficient building practices. In addition, environmentally-friendly products are often made from recycled and nontoxic materials. Environmentally-friendly products may also be bio-based, energy efficient, recyclable and locally produced.

Stick with the Three Rs

Reduce, reuses and recycle. Not only are the "Three Rs" good for the environment, they're also good for business because many companies save money be reducing waste. Consider that waste costs business twice, once when the product is bought and once when it's thrown away. Businesses can reuse by buying recycled products, reduce by eliminating unnecessary product packaging and recycle by participating in local reclamation projects. Offices in particular can follow the three Rs with responsible use of paper products.

Refrain from Polluting

Even the smallest and simplest businesses produce some measure of waste. Most pollution can be curbed by following the three Rs. Some businesses produce toxic or hazardous waste byproducts that need special handling and specific care to keep from polluting. Local EPA offices or other organizations can help companies with their pollution compliance.

Green Marketing Advice

Adding the words "green" or "environmentally friendly" to products and services has potential to increase a businesses profit. Marketing managers should ensure that any green claims are true and not just arbitrary marketing labels. Several different organizations exist that certify that companies and products are environmentally sound. Business.gov's "Green Certification and Ecolabeling" page has a list of both domestic and international green certifiers and ecolabers.

Tags: building practices, businesses produce, follow three, natural resources, once when

Methods To Cure Speech Anxiety

Speech anxiety is a phobia affecting millions of people worldwide. While some anxiety is common during a presentation, too much can be detrimental to a speech. Fortunately, there are helpful methods to cure speech anxiety.

Recognize Anxiety

Recognize that you have speech anxiety. Speech anxiety comes in varying degrees and with different symptoms. You may find that your mind goes blank, your voice quivers, your body goes weak or that you sweat while speaking. Vomiting is also a telltale sign of severe speech anxiety. Most people are somewhat nervous before a presentation, but they become at ease during their speech. Those with a pronounced fear of public speaking become more anxious throughout their speech until it's almost mentally crippling. Unfortunately, intense fear of public speaking does not go away on its own. Recognize whether your speech anxiety is affecting your ability to speak and perform in public, and consciously use methods to cure speech anxiety throughout your presentation.

Preparation

Preparation is the first step to a great speech. Face the speech head on and do not evade it. According to Dr. Daniel K. Hall-Flavin of the Mayo Clinic, your fear of public speaking won't improve unless you take the proper steps to prepare yourself.

Research your topic vigorously and understand how all the pieces fit. Knowing your topic gives you confidence to talk fluidly about its ins and outs. Visit a library or search online for valid sources on your topic.

Plot out and organize all the vital information that you want to include in the speech. Organization allows you to flow from one subject to the next with ease. Start by writing out all the information that you want to include, and then list how you'll present that information. Examples of presentation materials include PowerPoint presentations, slide shows or a live demonstration.

Practice makes perfect. Practice your speech in front of a mirror or with people you know well. Run through your speech numerous times before you present it and commit it to memory for fewer mistakes.

Relax

Arrive early on the day of your speech and become familiar with the room. Feeling comfortable in your speaking environment allows you to relax. Walk around the room and set up your visual aids and other devices for your presentation. Make sure everything works--including projectors, computers and lights.

Talk to people as they arrive. Become familiar with those who will be listening to your speech. Try to relax and speak as if you were in front of old friends.

During your presentation, focus only on the substance of the speech. Take a deep breath before you begin, take your time, speak slowly, and think about what you are saying. Realize that the audience is not judging you on your speaking skills but is instead there to hear the information you're presenting.

After your speech, reward yourself. Reinforce the positive aspects of your speech and be confident that you performed well.

Tags: your speech, fear public, fear public speaking, public speaking, speech anxiety, your presentation

Tailor Your Resume To Specific Jobs

When applying for jobs many people do not limit themselves to just one application; they apply to many and therefore need to change their resume to fit each of the jobs. This is a tad more difficult than it sounds, but will be extremely easy after reading these steps.

Instructions

1. Make sure to change the position and company in the objective. So many neglect to do this and end up applying for Position B at Job B with a resume for Position A and Job A.

2. Figure out exactly what the company in question looks for in a candidate.

3. Getting even more specific, figure out what the specific job entails.

4. Cross-reference Steps 2 and 3 with what you have accomplished in the required fields. If nothing, you are likely applying for the wrong job.

5. Rearrange your general resume to feature the accomplishments most relevant to the job in question at the top.

6. Explain how each of your duties in these relevant positions relates to the job specifics of the position in question. Writing that you wrote a movie on a resume for an accounting job is useless unless you can prove they somehow correlate.

7. Always include your school and GPA at the bottom, regardless.

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The Impact Of Service Products On Brands

Service products have a direct impact on the strength of a brand because they influence a customer's experience of the brand. Quality service improves customer perception of the brand; poor service has the opposite effect. One customer's poor experience can have a multiplying effect as customers share their experience through social media. Customers' experience of service products also has a financial impact for brands. According to Forrester Research's Customer Experience Index, a 10 percent improvement in customer satisfaction can add more than $1 billion to an organization's top line.

Experience

Brand strength is determined by two main factors -- customers' satisfaction with the product itself and their experience in acquiring or using the product. Service products create an interaction between the customer and the brand that must be managed carefully. If a customer chooses a brand and orders it by telephone, the quality of telephone response and call handling affects brand perception. If the customer signs a maintenance contract for the product and service delivery is poor, that experience also impacts the brand.

Relationships

Service products create relationships between a brand and a customer. In consumer markets the service relationship might be simple with the customer taking out a finance agreement and an extended maintenance warranty. In business-to-business markets longer-term service relationships are more common. Here, service products might include consultancy, installation, training, maintenance and upgrades. Each of those service relationships creates a customer experience and an opportunity to strengthen -- or damage -- the brand.

Quality

In an article about the book "Bold -- be Brave in Business and Win," joint author Shaun Smith claims that the brands that are transforming markets are doing so because they see everything they do as part of the customer's experience. That means companies must set and maintain quality standards for every service product and every point of customer contact. To build and strengthen a brand, the investment in service quality is as important as the investment in product quality.

Voices

The growth of social media is encouraging consumers and business customers to share their views and concerns about products and services with a consequent impact on brand perceptions -- a phenomenon known as voice of the customer. An article on the website MyCustomer.com quotes a Forrester Research prediction that voice of the customer programs will increase in importance as more brands start to recognize the financial impact of poor customer service. The programs monitor feedback in social media and manage companies responses so that they can regain control over brand perceptions.

Value

Service products have a double impact on brands. They can strengthen the intangible value of the brand by increasing and improving customer experience of the brand. Service products can also increase the financial value of the brand by generating additional revenue streams. That makes service development and quality control a key element in brand management.

Tags: customer experience, social media, because they, brand perceptions, brand Quality, customer experience brand