I Could Spoil You

How Toyota Captured the #1 Market Share . . . Through Solid Decision-Making!

Toyota is arguably one of the most recognizable brand names in the world. Toyota captured the Number 1 spot in automotive sales, by creating high standards for quality, reliability and customer acceptance.

In short, the name Toyota has become synonymous with the standard of excellence to which many aspire.

Reaching this standard didn’t happen by accident. It was accomplished by having a consistent and effective decision-making process at every stage of their marketing and product delivery process.

Toyota recently launched a marketing campaign appealing to buyers’ personal aspirations. The previous campaign, “Get the Feeling” gives way to “Moving Forward”, a series of ads proclaiming Toyota vehicles will be there as drivers hit milestones in life. The company felt they needed a change because customer mind-sets have changed, and their business needed to follow the market.

This shift in direction came about because their marketing strategy was able to identify the strategic keys to the company’s future growth and make customer centric decisions. While Toyota may not have used the exact process we are recommending, it is clear by looking at their strategy, they used a concise decision making process.

Seven Keys to Optimal Decision-Making

In the long range goal to achieve a solid market presence, all people in key positions can achieve incredible levels of effectiveness by acting purposefully - by knowing what has to be done - and in getting work done as efficiently and expediently as possible.

Management in most all businesses, lament they have no time to do what they feel they need to do. For example, there are too many emails, priorities that seem to change daily, nano-second reaction to last minute requests, dealing with politics, and much, much more. Guess what? It’s not going away. No silver bullets. No magic spells. This is what you have. Get over it.

We are going to describe what you can to do to get your arms around making decisions that obtain optimal results.

Question. Are you certain your decisions will successfully accomplish your vision in the shortest amount of time?

Here are seven key elements that will give clarity to the many decisions you will want to make, for an effective business growth strategy to emerge.

Rule #1: Define the over all purpose in specific - not conceptual - terms.
Why It Is Important: To prevent decision overlap.
Ramifications if You Don’t: You can’t measure progress or verify when progress is being made.
How To Do It: Develop measurable results in time, dollars and numbers.

Rule #2: Determine specific discussion topics.
Why It Is Important: Be certain the decisions made in the session are grounded in reality and moves you toward your long-term purpose.
Ramifications if You Don’t: You can go down a wrong path and waste everyone’s time.
How To Do It: Determine that each discussion session has clear identifiable expectations.

Rule #3: Identify subjects NOT related to specific discussion topic.
Why It Is Important: It keeps the discussion focused on the specific topic.
Ramifications if You Don’t: Time and energy is wasted on unrelated issues and are possible landmines upsetting the specific outcome of the session.
How To Do It: Prior to meeting, identify important issues and non-issues relating specifically to the topic.

Rule #4: Use permission meter.
Why It Is Important: Encourages participants to challenge assumptions, resulting in bold fresh new ideas.
Ramifications if You Don’t: Participants are analyzed - not ideas.
How To Do It: Establish a new dynamic style of thinking on a 1 - 10 scale from brainstorming to analytical to planning styles.

Rule #5 Invite only essential personnel in strategy discussions.
Why It Is Important: Gets issues on the table fast and encourages the cross-functional teams to find solutions at the outset.
Ramifications if You Don’t: Avoids “silo” decision-making as well as loading the session with non-essential personnel.
How To Do It: Know how the company works and who is responsible for what.

Rule #6: Compile Background Information.
Why It Is Important: Gets all participants on the same page without using valuable meeting time.
Ramifications if You Don’t: The stated purpose is not fulfilled because time is wasted bringing everyone up to speed.
How To Do It: Before meeting, distribute background information necessary to move discussion forward with velocity.

Rule #7: Develop a well thought-out communication plan.
Why It Is Important: It ensures all essential personnel have the information they need to be successful.
Ramifications if You Don’t: All personnel not properly informed will not be in sync with the original decisions.
How To Do It: Determine what specific messages are delivered to whom; who needs to know; who will tell them; how they will be told; and by when.

Take a careful look at how your company is making decisions!

When effective decision-making flourishes you get on track towards successfully and effectively achieving your company’s vision.

In conclusion, if you follow these 7 golden rules, you will achieve success in ways you never dreamed possible. The key is to instill a reliable and consistent corporate decision-making process to get results like Toyota.

Marney Kaye is a Business Growth Specialist and provides a systematic, step-by-step process designed to develop growth strategies leading clients to take their rightful place in a dynamic and demanding marketplace. Clients who have shown interest in this process include marketers, analysts, heads of start-ups, management consultants, researchers, VCs, journalists, business development directors, trend watchers, and anyone else interested in staying on top of optimal decision-making. With offices outside Toronto, ON and Orlando, FL, Ms. Kaye can be reached at 905-873-6240 or 321-214-9231 http://www.busgrowth.com; mkaye@busgrowth.com

Grace.
What is Grace?

(1.) Of form or person.

(2.) Favor, kindness, friendship.

(3.) God’s forgiving mercy.

(4.) The gospel as distinguished from the law.

(5.) Gifts freely bestowed by God; as miracles, prophecy, tongues.

(6.) Christian virtues.
(7.) The glory hereafter to be revealed.

For the Believer in Christ, Grace is the most important substance he can posses. Why? For by Grace thru Faith are ye saved. Grace is the first gift that God delivers to the new convert to Christianity. With out grace we would all be lost. We all as Christians have problems in this life some more than others. Some Christians will go thru this life with no hindrances, sicknesses, illnesses, nor persecutions, Why? For each have been given a measure of Faith, some have High Faith some have medium faith and others have Low Faith. The more you receive the more is expected of you in return. In contrast, the less you receive the less is expected. Let put it in these words. A Person of low Faith [The Weak Christian] will be protected by God for his lack of understanding and strength and the ones that have the higher Faith, these are mostly, but not entirely, the ministers of the Word of God are allowed to be tested on their Faith.
The Apostle Paul stated; Act 20:24, “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
Of “the grace of God”, Favor, kindness, friendship, forgiveness, & mercy. “But none of these things move me.” Fire, Flood, Earthquake, Hunger, all these things test the weak and the strong in Christ, persecutions are the most felt hardship in the world today. By the Grace of God is sufficient for all of us to Stand. I see four distinct periods of time for the Christian and the Church and four distinct periods for the Church, according to Grace and Faith.

1. The beginning Church after Jesus returned to the Father, the time of the Apostles and Deciples. At this period of time there was great persecution of the Church by the Jews and Romans.

2. A development time for the growing Church, where little is known, the separation of the Catholic Church and the Prodistent Church. A breaking away from all hindrances to seek out the truth in the Word of God by all men and not Just a Few,

3.The Peaceful Church, these are the times that we have lived in, where grace abounded and revival came to men. Where you could see Baptisms every where, people being saved and Faith flourished.

4. The end time Church. This is the time we live in now. Persecution, Deception, Controversy, Lies, False Religions, False Christ, False Prophecy and the devision of the Churches. Every body wants a different name and doctrine. This was not in the instructions from Jesus. “Be Ye One!”
Rom 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: “Being justified freely by his grace!” Justified; In theology it means, remission of sin and absolution from guilt and punishment; or an act of free grace by which God pardons the sinner and accepts him as righteous, on account of the atonement of Christ. Romans, 3:24, Would be enough for many, but not to all. God justified us unto Salvation thru the sacrifice of His Son, in whom we believe, for many around the world, just being saved is not enough. We strive to give, to all, the grace that God had showed to us, to the salvation to them. What am I saying? Many a Christian are being persecuted and tested each and every day. So we endure hardships galore, to the testimony of the Grace that God gives to each and everyone that will believe. 1Peter 4:16, “Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.” [Note;The word, “Christian” is only mentioned twice in scripture.]

Romans 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. “we have access by faith” This is access to Grace or the, Favor, kindness, friendship of God that will sustain us in all perils that we endure. Grace is a substance, just as Faith is, that we possess. 1Co 10:30 For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?
Paul was stating,”Why am I called evil when I have the friendship, kindness and Favor of God?” “When Gods Grace means all these things to the believer?” The answer again is in scripture. Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:10-12, “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” The grace that you have or will receive from God, does not mean that you will never suffer as a Christian, it only means that He will sustain you thru these troubling times. You may not have all that you want, but His grace, or Favor, will give you all you NEED.

Be content with having no shoes, for there are those with no feet, be content with no home, for there are those with no hope, be content with a piece of bread for there are those who have no food, be content with your clothes for there are those that are naked, be content with your sight for there are those that have no eyes, see what I mean by Grace? I am what I am by the Grace of God. Remember what I had said earlier? “The more you receive the more is expected of you in return. In contrast, the less you receive the less is expected. Let put it in these words. A Person of low Faith [The Weak Christian] will be protected by God for his lack of understanding and strength and the ones that have the higher Faith, these are mostly, but not entirely, the ministers of the Word of God are allowed to be tested on their Faith.”

Paul put it this way in 1Co 15:10; “But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” We must be content with who we are and the situation that we are placed in, for the Grace of God will sustain us. Not putting your trust in man but in Gods Grace.

Temple of Spirit & Truth Ministries
A.R.Smith Sermons International
http://www.ourchurch.com/member/a/arsmithsermons/

So, you have a business card? And you have given it to a few of your friends as well? Great! But did you get those cards to give to your acquaintances or to get business? Are they getting business for you?? That is the key question.

Most of us today have a business card, except those few who plans to survive the battle of brands without the most necessary armor. In this 20th century business world, even a mom-n-pop shop needs a business card and a logo to survivetoday these are the bare necessities for any business.

Now, having business card is not good enough, the question is how good is your business card? Is it getting the desired business for you? Or in other words, are you able to use your business card to its full potential?

We must realize a business card is not just a piece of paper or a small card stock with your contact information. It is an essential branding tool for your business and has every potential to get you new business, provided you know how to use it.

When you hand over your business card to a client, you expect him to contact you for your product or service, but have you ever thought, why should he contact you and not your competitor, if he has both the cards? This is where a well-planned business card gives you the advantage. Your business card must have something in it that would create an interest in the prospect to contact you.

There are several ways to do this.

a) You can add a tag line to your business card that speaks about your USP.

b) You can offer a discount to people purchasing your products if they present your business card while purchasing.

c) You can have a small survey at the back of your business card and ask the people to fill it up and submit back to you or your shop and they are eligible for some discount or prize based on a draw on those surveys. At the same time, when they come to return you those survey cards, don’t forget to give them a new business card without any survey.

d) You can ask people to visit your website and give them a discount for subscribing to the newsletter. (This serves two purposes, you get a client base to inform about your new products and services at the same time your prospective customers became aware of your web presence)

e) Give your business cards to all your first time customers and promise them a discount on repurchase - this can be highly effective to increase your customer loyalty.

You must also understand that when I say that your business card should get you more business I don’t want your business card to look like a billboard. You must be careful while drafting your business card and ensure that along with your contact information it has got just the minimal information that is required to prompt a prospect to initiate an action that can culminate to a sale. You should also take proper care about the design and the quality of paper that you use. If you can keep in mind, all these factors while designing your business card and then use it effectively, be assured, you have just employed one of the most effective sales agent for your company.

Ray Smith is a marketing Expert with years of experience in different industries and specialized knowledge on branding and internet marketing.
Corporate Identity Design - Corporate Logo Design

If you want extra cash every month, you have to read this. You can start a part-time or full-time business simply by developing an affiliate network on the Internet. You will enjoy the comfort of working at home and be your own boss. However, this will take lots of determination, persistence, communication, and organizational skills to achieve success. Let me share with you the secrets of building your own affiliate empire with little or no start up cost.

Before you start you affiliate empire, you have to learn “who you are”. Yes, this sounds weird, but you will appreciate learning who you are. What this question leads to may surprise you because if you are doing something that you really enjoy, you will do whatever it takes to wake up early or stay up late to get things done. Trust me. You will because you love what you do.

Once you know who you are and what you are passionate about. Now, you can narrow your “circle of interests” to golfing, traveling, reading, knitting, sewing, eating, drinking, driving, diving, or anything you name it. List out the top 3 of your favorite sports or hobbies - write down one idea on a piece of paper. And, you have three pieces of paper with three favorite things that you love to do.

Go to your favorite search engine (Google, Yahoo, MSN, and others) to search for the keywords on each piece of paper. For example, you search for “travel”. You will find a list of websites. Try “discount travel” or “world travel”. Visit these websites and see if they have an affiliate program that you can join for free. Yes, these affiliate programs are usually free. You don’t need to pay a dime to join because you are doing a good thing for the company. You are going to help them to promote their website and bring in new revenues for them. Write down these websites and commission structure on the paper. Compare the payouts and find your favorite affiliate program. Sign up one or two affiliate programs only. Otherwise, you will have tons of emails drowning you in your Inbox. Now, pick one product in the affiliate program. This target product should give people unique value or help them to solve a problem. Once you determine your target product, you are ready to go.

Whether you have little or no money to start your business, here are three easy ways for you to become a super affiliate:

1. No Budget Approach: Start at zero dollars by searching through your “circle of friends”, including your family, high school friends, college friends, co-workers, employers, neighbors, and many other people whom you have met and know in the past three years. Create an email list if you have their email address. Otherwise, create a phone list with name and where you met them. Create a one-page sales letter or promotional flyer telling them why this target product is great for them. List out all the benefits in point form. Send out this warm message to your circle of friends. You are not cold calling. You are simply telling them how much value you want to give them. If you have picked a great product that you believe in, you will feel good promoting it. Follow up with them by a phone call. Basically, you need to touch base with your prospects at least 3 to 7 times to close a deal. Never give up. Keep trying. This is the most cost-effective way to start your business with no cost. When you make your first few transactions, you are ready to switch to a low budget approach.

2. Low Budget Approach: Set up a niche website that promotes your target product. A niche website means that you will attract buyers with special interests. For example, someone who is looking for a specific thing, like Hello Kitty, Superman, Wonder Woman; or, a specific solution, like growing hair on a bald head, toning muscles on arms and legs, and losing weight after having babies. Developing your website is easy. If you have good computer and Internet skills, you should just set up your own website with good sales copy. Setting up a website will cost you $100 to $500 a year. There are many cheap web hosting solutions out there, but every additional web tool you want is a new add-on cost. So, choose wisely. Ideally, you want to have the ability to set up a website in 10 minutes, and have the freedom to manage it anywhere around the world with just an Internet connection. When you have your website up and running, you are ready to promote your target product to your online visitors and earn some cash.

3. High Budget Approach: Promote your niche website is the key to success. However, it costs time, money, energy, and resources around you. You should budget your money wisely to minimize risks and maximize profits. Online advertising can drain you lots of money if you don’t know how to track and measure return on investment. The ultimate goal is for you to build your own contact list or mail list which you can use it time over time to sell your prospects or members on various products in your niche interest. For instance, you may start selling hockey cards. You grow your contact list in a few months and start adding on new products like hockey board games. Just an idea. Remember your mail list is your gold fountain with running water. Focus. Focus on building your mail list with name and email addresses. You can use search engine keywords (e.g., Google Adwords). Or, you can just gather leads through different networking events in your local community.

Becoming a super affiliate is a number game. You have to focus on two variables: product price and market reach. When you have a high ticket item, you don’t need to sell as many to earn handsome cash commission. When you have a low ticket item, you will have to sell many to earn the same amount of cash commission. It is your choice to determine what type of product and price range you feel comfortable in selling. If I can make couple hundreds of dollars in one transaction, I think it’s great because it saves me time and effort.

In terms of market reach, you will be successful only if you can reach lots of prospects who are interested in your product. This means you have to determine in learning whatever you can to promote your website to target customers and close the deals with bonuses or unconditional guarantee. You need to learn how to write the best sales copy, how to keep your website up and running, and how to manage your own accounting. When you become a super affiliate, you can hire a web assistant and an accountant to assist in all these tasks.

Take a minute to visit http://www.globalmcn.com and learn one of the most affordable web solutions and one of the best super affiliate programs in the world.

Please feel free to reprint this article in your ezine, newsletter, RSS, website, or print publication with original content and author bio.

Copyright © 2005 Dr. Vivian Lee, Global Marketing Communications Network, Inc.

Dr. Vivian Lee is the founder and CEO of GLOBAL MCN (http://www.globalmcn.com). She writes, coaches, consults and speaks about best practices to accelerate growth and success. She likes to inspire individuals and organizations around the world with value, balance, and trust. Her goal is to empower you, enhance communication, and enrich life. She is an expert in bridging the gap between the East and West, as well as the digital and real spaces in the 21st century. She has a Ph.D. in Organizational Management, major in E-Business; a M.B.A. in Marketing; and a B.Sc. in Biopsychology. Her research interests include Competitive Intelligence, Internet Marketing, and Cross-Cultural Communication.

Bread machines or bread makers are fast becoming a small appliance used almost as much as the microwave oven. And why not? The smell and taste of freshly baked bread is hard to resist, let alone very nutritious for you. These machines can be considered another of the few miracle kitchen appliances to make our cooking and baking lives more enjoyable. Finding bread machines online has never been more easier, except maybe which one to choose for your families needs. Here are some basic tips in finding the right one for you.

Most store bought bread these days comes in one and a half to two pound loafs, so the first tip is look for a bread machine with a two pound capacity. There really isn’t a good reason to make bread size less than a two pound loaf. Also it is nice to have a bread maker with at least 8 different settings. Some of your best choices for settings are: Basic, Whole Wheat, French, Sweet and Express bake.

Bread machines with a view window allows one to monitor the bread baking without raising the lid, saving energy and time. Make sure the loaf pan is non-stick coated for easy cleaning. Most bread makers today come with non-stick loaf pans but there are a few that still don’t. Another great feature to have is the additional ingredients beeper, which comes in handy for adding fruit and more thru out the bread cycle.

Whether for once a week bread making to everyday use the bread machine has become a part of the modern kitchen. Make sure you compare different models online to find the perfect one for your family.

Curtis Miller is a successful author and publisher of
http://www.kitchens-4u.com. Your source for kitchen decor, furniture, fine china, cutlery, appliances and more.

Using a condom is the best way to avoid becoming infected with HIV (the AIDs virus) and other STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases). Here are some things you should know about condoms and STDs.

Some facts about sexually transmitted diseases

• Having sexual intercourse with an infected person is the most common way of becoming infected.
• A large percentage of those infected are teenagers or young adults.
• Your risk of becoming infected increases when you change sexual partners.
• There may be no symptoms soon after infection.
• Symptoms may be easily confused with other illnesses.

Symptoms of STDs - See a doctor if you have any of these

• Pain or burning during urination and/or intercourse.
• Discharge from the vagina, penis and/or rectum.
• Pain in the abdomen (women), testicles (men), and buttocks and legs (both).
• Sores, Blisters, warts, rash, swelling in the genital area, or mouth.
• Fever headache, aching muscles, swollen glands.

Who should use a condom to prevent infection from STDs?

Anyone who takes part in risky sexual activity should wear a condom. The highest risk comes from having intercourse –vaginal, anal or oral — with a person who has a sexually transmitted disease. If you have sex with an infected person, you’re taking a big chance. The best defence is to never have sex with an infected person. If you decide to have sex with an infected partner, you should ALWAYS use a condom from start to finish, every time.

Will using a condom guarantee I won’t get a sexually transmitted disease?

Most experts agree that the risk of getting AIDS and other STDs can be greatly reduced if a condom is used properly. But you can never be 100% guaranteed not to become infected. And certainly condoms are much better than any other contraceptive alternative.

How does a condom protect against sexually transmitted diseases?

A condom is a barrier that prevents the transfer of bodily fluids between partners. If no condom is used, the germs can pass from the infected partner to the uninfected partner.

How do I choose the best condom to prevent STDs?

Read the label. Tests have shown that latex condoms can prevent the passage of STDs while natural (lambskin) condoms may not do this. The package should say that the condoms are effective in preventing disease. If the package doesn’t say anything about preventing disease, the condoms may not provide the protection you want, even though they may be the most expensive ones you can buy.

Novelty condoms will not say anything about either disease prevention or pregnancy prevention on the package. They are intended only for sexual stimulation, not protection.

Condoms which do not cover the entire penis are not labeled for disease prevention and should not be used for this purpose. For proper protection, a condom must unroll to cover the entire penis. This is another good reason to read the label carefully.

What kind of safeguards do condom manufacturers have in place?

All brand name condoms are subjected to rigorous quality control tests at every stage of the manufacturing process. In the US, each condom is electronically tested for holes and defects. Samples are taken from each lot and visually examined using a water leak test. In this test the samples are filled with 300 ml of water and suspended for 3 minutes.

Samples from each lot are also subjected to an Air Inflation Test. This involves filling the test condoms with air until they reach the bursting point. They typically will hold about 40 liters of air — the equivalent of 9 gallons of water!

Other samples are checked for size and thickness, some are tested to destruction for physical strength, and still others are artificially aged by applying high temperatures to ensure that they will retain their quality well beyond their 5 year product life.

Are condoms from vending machines any good?

Using condoms from a vending machine may be risky. The fact is you can’t be sure you are getting a quality latex condom from a vending machine. It may also not be designed (and labelled) for disease prevention, so you may not get the maximum protection. If the vending machine condom contains a spermicide you have no way of knowing if it is outdated. And if the machine is exposed to extreme temperatures and direct sunlight these can easily have an adverse effect on the condoms.

Where should I buy condoms?

The best advice is to buy from a reputable source that deals only in name brand products. If you are buying online, make sure the website features a broad range of name brand condoms, contains helpful information about condom alternatives, and is reachable by phone so you can talk to a real person.

For more information about condoms and convenient ordering of all brand name condoms visit the #1 online source of condoms in the UK at britishcondoms.com

Rick Hendershot is a writer and online publisher. For article writing and distribution services see Linknet Article Program.

“I have a hard time with the concept of God. I was not brought up in a religious family. I believe there is something beyond myself, but I just don’t know how to think of it or experience it.”

“I was brought up in family where God was portrayed as judgmental and punishing. I can’t even hear the word ‘God’ without feeling anxious. How am I supposed to open to God when I believe that God is controlling?”

“How can I believe in God when there are so many bad things that happen to people? If there really is a God, then why does He let these things happen?”

“God as a man just does not work for me. The men in my life have been mostly angry and controlling. I don’t feel safe opening to a male god.”

These are a few of the many comments I hear from my clients as I work with helping them open to a personal source of spiritual guidance.

The New Testament is very clear regarding what God is:

John 4:24
“God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

1 John 4:8
He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.”

1 John 4:16
“God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.

John tells us that “God is Spirit” and “God is love.” He tells us that when we are being loving, we are within God and God is within us.

My personal experience is that God is love, peace, joy, and truth, and that God is everywhere, both within us and all around us. When our hearts are open to love, compassion and kindness toward ourselves and others, we experience the fullness of God within us and the safety of being within God.

My experience is that God is always here guiding us toward our highest good. One of the ways I help my clients to access the wisdom that God has for us each and every moment is to imagine a spiritual being that is here just for you. This can be a Teacher, a mentor, a guardian angel, a beloved relative who has passed away, or the highest, wisest part of yourself - your own higher self. By opening to learning with a wise and loving being who wants nothing more than to guide you toward your joy and the full manifestation of yourself, you open to being guided by the love and wisdom of God.

This guidance is your birthright. We were not dumped alone on the planet to fend for ourselves. Yet you will not have an experience of this love and guidance until you open to learning from God. My clients who practice opening to learning with a spiritual source of love and wisdom discover for themselves the truth of God. They are no longer caught in beliefs that do not served them - that God is judgmental, controlling and punishing; that God does not exist; that God will never be there for them personally; that they have to earn God’s love; that God can stop people from harming each other.

You will know God when you open your heart to learning about loving actions toward yourself and others. When your primary intention is to learn about how to love yourself and others, rather than to keep on trying to get love or avoid pain, you will have a personal experience of God.

If the term “God” is a negative trigger for you, then change it to Spirit, or Higher Power, or whatever works for you. God is not a being who cares about a name. God is the ever-present experience of love, compassion, truth, peace and joy that is always available for you whenever you choose to open your heart.

Margaret Paul, Ph.D. best-selling author of eight books, and co-creator of the powerful Inner Bonding healing process. Visit her web site for a FREE Inner Bonding course: www.innerbonding.com or email her at mailto:margaret@innerbonding.com

BEAUTY BASICS AT FACE VALUE

Last year, more than eight-point-seven-million people underwent cosmetic procedures to enhance what nature gave them, or didn’t. But experts tell us that Americans may be jumping into invasive procedures too quickly.

Despite the media coverage of makeover reality shows, the majority of Americans are not looking for extreme transformations. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, most of us want to look better, naturally, with 68-percent preferring a subtle change. And experts agree that looking your best could be accomplished at home for considerably less.

Dr. Linda Franks, a leader in the specialized skin care frontier, says “To get that timeless, healthy look you need to start with an appropriate skincare regime. Taking good care of your skin can stave off fine lines, wrinkles, age spots and even dry skin.”

Where to begin? At the sink! Doctors say whatever your skin type, the key is to cleanse it gently. Avoid hot water and use lukewarm instead, to prevent over-drying. And throw in the towel - traditional washcloths are too abrasive for the face, so use your hands and fingers.

Sixty-eight-percent of women claim to have sensitive skin which means dry, tight, chapped or easily irritated skin. Dr. Franks advises moisturizing regularly and avoiding harsh cleansers with ingredients such as fragrances, dyes and preservatives because sensitive skin is easily damaged and takes longer to recover.

If your skin is dry and easily irritated, don’t wash more than once a day. You may risk stripping the skin of its natural oils. Dr. Franks recommends looking for non-irritating cleansing washes that are soap-free, moisturizers that are light, oil-free, and water-based to help maintain the skin’s natural barrier. Another tipmake sure to choose a facial moisturizer with an SPF of at least 15, which protects against both UVB and UVA rays.

Skin sensitivity may also result from the third most common, non-surgical skincare procedure known as Microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion is a quick and easy, non-invasive procedure that helps to reveal healthier-looking skin by sweeping away dead skin cells. Dr. Franks reveals that, following the treatment, the best way to avoid irritation is by opting for an ultra-gentle cleanser and moisturizer.

A new clinical study shows that PURPOSE gentle cleansing wash and dual treatment moisture lotion with spf 15 are compatible with this procedure.

How else can you obtain optimal skin health? Here are some other healthy basics to keep your skin looking its best:

Dr. Franks says, “Exercise opens up blood vessels to make skin look healthy and youthful. It’s so important for healthy skin.” Regular cardiovascular exercise increases blood flow to the skin which assists in collagen production. Maintaining muscle mass through exercise can also help anchor and support skin, keeping it taut.
And drink up! At least eight, eight-ounce glasses of water a day are crucial for optimal skin hydration.

So before you sign on for an extreme and expensive makeover, just think back on some simple, beauty basics! You just might like what you see!

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If you have delinquent credit and are married, you might want to
build your credit in your name instead of using your spouse.
Somebody has to have stability. Also if you are divorced and all
the credit cards of credit information are in your spouse’s name
you will need to reestablish your credit in your name.

Getting your credit reestablished is the first step to
repairing your credit. When you obtain your credit report you
will see that your spouse’s name is listed on the credit
reports. This is because together you and your spouse applied
for credit cards, took out car loans or what have you. This
means that you are responsible for your spouse’s account. The
advantage is that credit bureaus cannot list the negative
accounts against you if you are divorced.

Once you have copies of your credit report you will then need
to cancel all joint accounts. If you contact the creditors to
resolve the issues on your credit report be sure to ask the
creditors to take in consideration your spouse’s credit history.
It is important to bring into light your spouse’s credit history
when applying for a loan. Let the lenders know that you are now
divorced and starting your own credit line. If you apply for
credit cards, be sure the cards are in your name and use them
wisely since this helps to rebuild your credit quicker than most
sources.

Make sure that you pay minimum balance on the credit card
accounts each month to avoid delinquencies. If at all possible
when you see that your funds are low; pay your bills rather than
making a purchase on your credit card. Once you bills are paid
be sure to make a payment on your credit card. This method not
only keeps you out of trouble with other creditors, but offers a
solution for repairing your credit. If you can afford to pay
your bills each month and use your credit card be sure to only
purchase items you need and keep it at a minimal.

If at all possible payoff your credit card balances each month
to avoid interest. Interest rates cost an additional hundreds of
dollars in the long run, so paying off your dues on time can
save you money. If you don’t have credit cards and decide to
choose a card be honest on your application and look for the
best interest rates available. If you are in debt it is wise to
payoff your dues before applying for a credit card, unless you
intend to use the card to get out of debt. If you plan to use
the card to get out of debt search for the best interest rates,
as well as cards that offer cash back on your spending. There
are tips for managing credit cards to repair credit. It is
important that you are consistent with the use of your name.

For example, if your name is Robert Leon Swisher Jr., always
sign your name accordingly. Do not use your card dishonestly for
advantages. Few people believe that lying can get them out of a
problem. The truth lying gets you in deeper. If you are filling
out an application for credit cards tell the truth.

It is important that you understand the timeframe to apply for
a credit card. If you are out of work, lived at your resident
for less than a year or you have negatives on your credit
report, this is not a good time to apply for a credit card. If
you are stable it is always wise to apply with lenders where you
have done business with them at a later time. Building your
credit after divorce is difficult at times. However it is not an
impossible task. It is important that you are aware that most
credit card solicitations are gimmicks that only offer you a
solution for hanging yourself. Instead of getting out a rope, it
is wise to stay alert, and investigate any credit card offer
made available to you. Finally, you want to avoid low
introductory rates on credit cards since after about six months
the interest rates often hit the roof.

First of all, what is a bio sheet and why do you need one? A bio sheet is a one page description of who you are–your background and achievements. Your bio is an important part of how you present yourself to potential clients. You may include it in your media kit, in proposals to clients, and anywhere you want to establish your credibility and expert reputation.

Here’s where the ego boost comes in: Start by writing down all of your accomplishments. These may include:

* Education

* Experience

* Credentials

* Professional affiliations and memberships

* Leadership positions

* Relevant volunteer work

* Media appearances

* What/where you’ve published

* Speeches and presentations to professional groups, etc.

* Important clients

* A (brief) client testimonial

* Awards

* Relevant family or leisure activities (e.g., travel)

Now, weave these elements into a narrative, being certain to focus on the interests of your audience. Remember, the question on their minds is always, “What’s in this for ME?” Include information that shows how your clients benefit from what you do.

What if you don’t have any awards, or you haven’t published anything? Don’t worry about it. Focus on the positives you have. Likewise, if you are changing fields and don’t have a lot of experience in your new field, look for transferable accomplishments from previous work, or through your life experience.

Once you’ve got all this written down on a single page, even you will be impressed at how good you are! Use your bio sheet every chance you get. I send it out in media kits, include it in proposals to potential clients and sponsors, give it to program chairs when I book a speaking engagement, send it with article proposals, use it on the back of handouts at seminars and speeches, etc.

Remember to keep your bio currentafter all, it is a work in progress, to be continued!

Copyright Cathy Stucker, IdeaLady.com. Learn how to attract customers and make yourself famous. For more help in creating your own powerful one-page bio sheet, see Cathy’s special report at http://www.idealady.com/biost.htm.