Article Online: Jun 10, 2009

10 June 2009

Achieving High Performance by Transforming Sales Operations

By Kevin Bandy

The drive to achieve high performance through sustained top-line growth is dominating the strategic agenda of most global companies today, and that has placed an even more intense focus on the productivity of sales organizations. Many corporate leaders have been trying to meet the challenge to generate growth and improve sales effectiveness by focusing on process improvements, cost reductions, sales tools and training however for most, sales results are not paying back the investment in improvement initiatives.

Our research and experience points to the fact that many companies are devoting inadequate attention and resources to their sales operations – the processes, infrastructure and administrative support that underpin everything a sales organization and its people do. If they are to achieve and sustain high performance, companies must focus their sales effectiveness programs more pointedly at the transformation of their sales operations.

Why is the operational dimension so critical to achieving high performance through sales effectiveness? Operations serves as the vital two-way conduit between the customer and the rest of the organization. It’s the essential layer that enables activities such as placing the order and working with finance, accounting and legal. It’s directly responsible for managing the enterprise through the sales person to the customer, as well as from the customer to the sales person and back into the enterprise.

Unfortunately, back-office cost reductions have left sales organizations gasping for air from an operational perspective: Not enough hours in the day to meet sales quotas; too much time spent on administrative tasks and not enough time spent actually selling. The cost-reduction squeeze on the sales organization and/or back office functions has simply inflated the amount of administrative time spent by the sales force, leaving less breathing room for sales discussions with customers.

Accenture believes that a transformation initiative with the goal of driving high performance through reengineered sales operations should proceed according to the following general steps:

• Diagnose current sales and operations spending and capabilities – Companies often have inadequate visibility into how much they are spending on sales operations because the various related activities are splintered across other functions such as finance, IT and supply chain. Executives see the budget numbers at the aggregate level, but may not adequately understand where spending is redundant or broken at the process level.

• Consider “core” vs. “context” processes – A critical step in getting a handle on the operations needed to support a sales team is to consider what we call “core” sales operations activities versus those more appropriately considered as “context”. Core functions such as the sales advisory role, customer solution support, contract initiation and reporting should be retained. Context activities such as quotes, credit approvals, contract development and order management can be done effectively and at less cost by pulling them out into a shared service center.

• Tailoring a set of sales operations transformational programs to strategic goals and existing capabilities –companies can then design a transformational program right for them. Whether or not a company chooses a shared services or outsourcing solution as part of sales operations transformation, companies will still reap the benefits of standardized, modularized and consistent processes.

• Achieving high performance in a complex selling environment – high performance businesses know how to transform simultaneously along two dimensions: They can improve their company’s ability to meet short-term quarterly expectations, even as they are re-engineering on the fly to support future plans.

Transforming sales operations can result in improved sales performance and increased margin optimization. Companies can realize comprehensive benefits by improving sales operations: reduced expenses, an increased rate of sales, more repeat sales and improved margin optimization.

About the Author: Accenture's Electronics & High-tech industry group offers management consulting, technology-strategy and implementation services to all segments of this exceptionally dynamic industry. Read the full article on Achieving High Performance by Transforming Sales Operations . Send an email to Patty Crawford if you would like one of our pricing specialists to meet with you.

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Shopping In Dubai – Top 5 Malls And Markets

By Rosella Colella

For anyone on a Dubai luxury holiday, shopping is likely to feature heavily on the agenda. The city is known as “the shopping capital of the Middle East”, and from massive malls to traditional souks (marketplaces), when shopping in Dubai you’ll truly be spoilt for choice for places to go and things to buy. Since 1996, the Dubai Shopping Festival has been held every year, a frantic month long event in February where traders and shoppers from around the world descend on the city in a frenzy of buying and selling.

Whether you visit in time for the Dubai Shopping Festival or not, the city is a great place to hunt out bargains and souvenirs for home, with the products on offer ranging from gold, spices and traditional Arabic goods to top quality electronics and designer clothes. Here are five of the biggest, best, or simply most spectacular places to go shopping in Dubai.

Wafi Mall

If you are on a Dubai luxury holiday, don’t let the Wafi Mall pass you buy. This is THE place to go for luxury shopping in Dubai, with the shops focusing almost exclusively on the best luxury and upmarket goods that money can buy. Aside from the great selection of shops, visitors can also enjoy the spectacular Egyptian-style architecture (including several stained glass pyramids) and a family entertainment centre on the third floor of the mall.

Dubai Gold Souk

A historic feature of the city, and the reason that Dubai is sometimes known as “The City of Gold”, the Dubai Gold Souk is a massive attraction for people on luxury holidays in Dubai. This dazzling open air market offers gold, gold and more gold, with the occasional diamond or precious stone thrown in for good measure. Rings, necklaces, bracelets, and every other conceivable piece of gold jewellery and decoration are available here, and anyone who goes shopping in Dubai has to pay the souk a visit. Great bargains are available, but even if you aren’t looking to buy, it is more than worth it for sheer spectacle. If you do decide to purchase something to take back home, be prepared to haggle hard!

Mall of the Emirates

If it’s size you are after while shopping in Dubai, look no further, as the Mall of the Emirates is the largest shopping centre in the Middle East. Indeed, it is the largest shopping centre outside of North America! Offering a huge range of designer items and traditional Arabic goods, this massive mall also features a 14 screen cinema, over 70 restaurants and even an indoor Ski Slope – so lots of activities for those non-shoppers on a Dubai holiday too!

Spice Souk

Much like the Dubai Gold Souk, the Spice Souk is an astonishing spectacle as much as it is a great place to go shopping in Dubai. This open air market has been around for as long as the city itself, with huge mounds of cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, incense, dried fruit and nuts, all brought in from every corner of the Middle East. Like any other souk, be prepared to haggle persistently in order to get the best price, but the shopkeepers are very friendly and eager to talk about their wares.

Deira City Centre

The most popular mall for shopping in Dubai, Deira City Centre is renowned for the buzzing crowds at the weekends and its friendly atmosphere. It has over 350 shops, specialising in international designer clothes and high tech electronic goods, and the mall also contains an 11 screen cinema, a children’s entertainment centre and numerous other great attractions.

About the Author: Rosella Colella is a Dubai specialist for key2holidays, an online tour operator specialising in Dubai luxury holidays, as well as holidays in Australia, Cuba, the Caribbean, Europe, the Far East, the Maldives, Mauritius and the Seychelles, Egypt and Southern Africa. Key2holidays has a dedicated team of experienced travel consultants to share their knowledge and help you to plan and book your ideal holiday.

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How To Build Credit

By Adam Jasa

Have you ever been denied for a loan because of limited or no credit history? This puts many people in a peculiar bind. It can be very frustrating to get denied for a loan, especially if you are trying to obtain the loan to build your credit in the first place. If you are in this situation, follow these steps to start building up your available credit.

- Stay current on the bills you already have. Delinquent bills and obligations of all kinds can show up on your credit report and this will make it difficult to get accepted for credit. Lenders want to see a healthy financial picture on your credit report across the board.

- Try to apply for a credit card or two. Remember to start small, maybe a department store or gas station card. If you get denied, don’t keep applying for other cards hoping to get lucky. Too many inquiries on your credit report will make you seem desperate to the lenders.

- Your bank or credit union can be a great place to get your first credit card. Make some regular deposits to your account and be sure not to bounce checks or overdraw the account. Next apply for a secured credit card. The limit on this card will be secured by the money you have deposited in the bank. If you have no credit history the bank will be more likely to approve you for this type of card because if you default the bank has the option of using the funds in your bank account to satisfy the debt.

- Once you have a credit card, secured or unsecured, use it sparingly and pay it off every month. This is imperative to build a solid payment history which is essential to get approved for larger loans in the future such as a mortgage.

- As you build more and more available credit, be aware of common credit traps offering you quick cash or enticing you to spend beyond your means. Credit card companies do not make billions of dollars per year off of people who pay their bills in full every month. One of the most tempting traps that millions of debtors fall into is taking out cash advances on your credit card. These can be offered in the form of checks that you can write to whomever you choose, or in some cases using your credit card like a debit card in an ATM. In almost every case the rate you are paying for these cash advances will be much higher than for regular credit purchases.

Make sure to not get in over your head and keep your financial goals in mind. It makes sense to build credit to qualify for a good mortgage or for emergency purposes, but not for extra spending money. As long as you stay disciplined your credit score and available credit will improve. For more information about credit and debt, please visit www.selectdebtrelief.com

About the Author: Adam Jasa is the Founder of Select Debt Relief www.selectdebtrelief.com. Previously Adam worked with the Freedom Financial Network in their Financial Consulting Department. He is an expert in the different options available to consumers with unmanageable debt burdens. His company, Select Debt Relief is a member of Debt Resolution Partners which currently manages over $950 million of consumer debt.

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Exercises To Increase Flexibility

By Tracy Renning

A small guide that goes a long way

Flexibility is generally defined as the range of motion of the joints. It is the ability to bend and stretch easily without too much effort. Flexibility depends upon various factors like the state of the joints, muscles, length and looseness of muscles, shape of bones, age etc. Some medical conditions like arthritis can affect flexibility.

This flexibility can be attained by effective exercise and also through yoga. Stretching is generally done to increase flexibility. Flexibility can be best gained by performing stretching exercises which may include exercises of back, neck, shoulder, wrist, legs etc. If exercise is done in a proper way it is observed that a person with a rigid body before starting exercise will have gained flexibility of almost every part of his body with regular practice of exercise.

Some benefits of flexibility can be as follows:

• Flexibility allows the body to move freely without much effort for activities like bending, stretching, dancing etc

• Flexibility exercises help to reduce muscle soreness, tension and muscle tear if done with properly

• Flexibility exercises also help reduce the chances of injuries

• Flexibility exercise helps improve the join function

• Decreased recovery time

It is said that flexibility decreases with age but it is also true that flexibility can be attained at any age provided; the exercises are done in the right manner. With regular exercise, even a less flexible person can also achieve flexibility.

Few exercises to increase flexibility:

Spine, trunk turning- Stand straight with legs apart. Your hands should be behind your head and start leaning forwards. While doing so your legs should be stable. Try and bring the right elbow in front of the body to touch the left knee such that your trunk rotates. Return to normal position. Perform with the other side.

Spine, extension- Stand with feet together, hands upwards. Now step one leg forward and simultaneously move your upper body and head backwards. Return to start position. Repeat with the other leg.

Spine, lateral flexion- Stand straight with legs apart and both hands behind the head. Now slowly start bending your right elbow towards the outside of your right knee. Repeat with the other side.

Posterior thigh stretch- Sit on a bench with your right leg straight on the table and your left leg resting on the floor. Now lean forward towards your right leg until you feel a stretch in your knee and calf. How the position for some time. Repeat with the other side.

Neck stretch- Sit or stand straight with your arms hanging loosely at the side of your body. Now slowly turn your head towards one side. Hold for a few seconds and then turn to the other side. Repeat 3-4 times.

The above are only a few set of exercises. There are a lot more exercises to improve the posture, flexibility and dexterity of different parts of the body. We can choose exercises that suit our body but see to it that you exercise regularly though.

About the Author: Double your flexibility in 28 days using YOGABODY Naturals Flexibility Kit. Stretching Exercises & yoga poses are not enough... you need Gravity Poses and 6 specific nutrients to improve your stretching flexibility fast! www.yogabodynaturals.com

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Open Your Eyes – Business Investment Opportunities

By Wendy Pearson

All you really need to do is open your eyes and you're bound to find a business investment opportunity that is suited to your interests or desires. The fact of the matter is that anybody can open a business but that takes money; investing in a business that is with partners and such is much easier task for most of us. Therefore business investment is something that a lot more people are able to get involved with. Whether you're talking about investing in a business by way of the stock market or investing in a business actually directly, there is a wealth of business investment opportunities available for investors both big and small. All most anyone can take part in some type of business investment opportunity.

Business offerings: There are very often times when you will be walking down the street and you will see a sign up for people looking for money. These are not the places you probably should start your search for business investment opportunities but it is interesting to see that they are out there. They may or may not be legitimate if they're advertising on the street but be that as it may they are there. You probably don't want to get involved with an investment you find along the street and nowhere else because the chances of failure are significantly increased. These people are at their last limb if the only way they could afford to advertise is on copy paper along side of the street; you can bet that they are in some financial troubles. These are good things to know and take into consideration before making a business investment decision.

A much better way to get involved with the business is to do so through an attorney or an accountant or some professional who handles this type of business. You also want to be careful who you're dealing with in these instances also and make sure their board-certified by the Better Business Bureau and any other agencies which would be appropriate. It's a good idea to do a double fact check what they tell you just so you are sure that you can corroborate whatever information you are given. By using these suggestions you have a much better chance of choosing a sound business investment.

Another more passive way to invest in businesses is through the stock market. The stock market is the original business investment opportunity which was presented to people hundreds of years ago in Europe. People have always felt a need to feel a connection to their local economy and getting involved in the stock market trading currencies is one of the easiest ways to do so. You can also make a little bit of change along the side which helps keep people interested and keeps people involved in the whole stock market process. But in terms of a business investment opportunity the stock market is probably the original model.

About the Author: Wendy Pearson Director http://www.imperial7.com http://www.imperial7.com/successuniversity/ http://www.earnmegabucks.ws/

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Hoodia - Facts And Fiction

By Eric James

Short of flying to Africa and scouring the Kalahari Desert for a Hoodia Gordonii plant, it's hard to find 100% pure Hoodia on the market just yet. However some forms, that the plant is sold in, are more potent than others.

The biggest reason that you want to use the most effective form of Hoodia is to ensure that your appetite is supressed successfully. Most people fail to loose weight because they give in to the hunger and cravings. If you manage to use a potent form of Hoodia, you could well be on your way to loosing weight successfully because you will not feel hungry all the time.

Hoodia products come in many forms in the market place. The most common is the capsule, which when taken orally, is broken down in the body to absorb the ingredients. Capsules also give the most bang for the buck.

Liquid Hoodia supplements work quickly because the body has less work to do in order to get the Hoodia into your system. This might be the preferred option to capsules although Hoodia does not have to be in liquid form for it to be effective. The capsules work just fine. Hoodia Elixir comes in different potency levels, too, just like capsules.

You want to compare the products on the market to find a Hoodia supplement that delivers the highest level of Hoodia, and not a tiny percentage just so the manufacturers can "claim" it's a Hoodia product.

The more potent the product is when it comes to evaluating its Hoodia levels, the more you're going to pay. Consumers are willing to pay a high price for the purest form of Hoodia because of its ability to suppress your appetite and increase energy levels unlike any other natural supplement.

Hoodia can also elevate a persons mood and make them feel much better within themselves. The feeling can be similar to the feeling that one gets after exercise.

Some companies now have their own Hoodia farms located in South Africa so that they can create and manufacture dietary supplements to be sold on the global market. This alone shows how much the producers believe in their product. Other companies have to mix the doses of Hoodia they get with other fillers because they don't have access to a Hoodia growing facility. They are the producers that you should try and avoid.

Just because you invest in a supplement that's not 100% Hoodia in its purest form doesn't mean you won't lose weight. But try to get a supplement that has the maximum amount of Hoodia in it and your weight loss results will be maximized while your side effects are minimized. To further benefit your weight loss, you should follow a good exercise plan. The easiest way to do this would be to go to your local gym and ask one of the fitness instructors to make you a custom plan. If you follow the plan and have a good diet incorporating Hoodia, you should have no problems loosing weight.

About the Author: Make sure you don't fall prey to fake Hoodia, to be safe only ever use Pure hoodia gordonii Read more at hoodia diet pills and weight loss

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7 Critical Keys For Success, Part 5

By David Panarese

Are you in the same old place? Are you looking to have a break out year? Looking to take charge of your life? Many people start off their Networking business with great hopes but no idea what it takes to make it successful. One must understand this simple but hard truth. We are where we are in life due to the way we think and the actions we take. If you are not in the place you want to be then we MUST change our thinking and actions. If you always do what you have always done you will always have what you had (author unknown). Learning to master these 7 critical areas will help you avoid the pitfalls that derail most people.

5. Managing Fear

I don't know of any area that might be more challenging for most of us. Highly successful people are always challenging themselves and operating out of their comfort zones. Your comfort zone got you where you are today, so if you want to expand where your at you will need to expand your comfort zone. When we try to overcome our fears by common sense and logic we usually experience limited success. Anytime the left brain (the logical side) and the right brain (the creative or imaginative side) try battle it out the right brain usually is the victor. How many times can we recall making something so big in our minds that we did anything to avoid approaching it. How about when we finally faced it? Did it turn out much easier than we expected? There is an old adage that says "action cures fear" and it is true. Action does cure fear, and the more you do something the easier and easier it gets. That is fine if we can get ourselves to that point, but that is exactly the problem- how do we get ourselves to take action? Now that question is not so easily answered, and once again I can easily write a book about this one point. Fear has many heads, it shows itself in many forms. See if you recognize any of these- procrastination, avoidance, lack of motivation, laziness, unorganized, perfectionism, not the right time, not enough knowledge, etc. These are all signs of fear, can you identify what you typically do? Anytime we try to expand ourself we increase the interaction between ourselves and others, and as we express our values and beliefs we open the door for others to reject these. So as we grow we are always going to experience feelings outside of our present comfort zone. The first thing one has to accept is that it goes with the territory, learn to embrace it.

So lets try to tackle this issue in way that we can see measurable results without writing a whole book. There are only two natural fears that we are born with, the fear of falling, and the fear of loud noises (there is some debate as to whether these are fears or reflexes). All other fears are learned. As we grew up we learned to associate feelings, emotions, and actions to certain situations. The event in itself does not have meaning we assigned it meaning; when a,b,or c happens we determined that we feel x, y or z. This could be emotional pain, physical pain, or perceived pain. It can come from a personal experience or something we witnessed happen to another person. It all comes down to how we associate the event to the outcome in our minds. We are constantly linking things and events together. We link these events together with pictures, self talk, emotions, sounds and smells. One of the first things is to realize how you associate these events together. For most people the primary method is self talk, or pictures though we are always using a combination to some degree. Self talk can be so powerful that almost everyone I mentor discovers they use this at some level. Many people have a small voice speaking to them all the time and they don't even recognize it on a conscious level. So what we need to do is to rewire our brain and give new meaning(s) to the associations that are holding us back. This is definitely going to take some very quiet time with self reflection and self examination.

Learning to do this is actually quite easy, it is more of just becoming aware of your thoughts- the sounds, pictures, or feelings running through our mind. What is the primary mode that you use? Mine is definitely self talk, but pictures are also very powerful for me. Now think of things that make you uncomfortable, or fearful. Maybe it could be something like cold calling someone on the phone you do not know. When you recreate this in your mind, what is going on? What pictures do you see? What sounds do you hear? What emotions are you experiencing? In what parts of your body? I discovered that when I get nervous I tighten up in my chest and have very shallow breathing. Just focusing on relaxing that spot and breathing deeply helped me a great deal. At first it took a little effort, now when that recognize that feeling, I can say to myself 3, 2, 1 and it is gone. It will become that fast and easy! I started by picturing the phone in my hand while sitting on a beach in a tropical setting. I experienced it to the maximum, I could see the beach, feel the sand between my toes, feel the sun and breeze against my body, hear the sound of children playing, and the lapping of the surf on the beach and embraced the total relaxation I felt. I used self talk to congratulate myself on taking action, using positive affirmations. I then did the opposite- I pictured all the pain I could think with not making the call. I pictured myself working to I was old, fat, tired, hopeless, and alone. Pain and pleasure are the two greatest motivators we have, use both to your advantage. I do this when I am using steps 3 & 4, this is why putting up pictures and sayings are important. When I use my quiet time in the morning going over what I must accomplish for the day is when I use the exercise of closing my eyes and creating positive pictures, emotions, and self talk. I imagine just how I want that particular event to go, and see it with a positive outcome. I then do this for all my important daily events, weekly events, and life purpose. This will take less time than you expect and you will be empowered to take on the day and its challenges. I also do this just before I take action on the event. Doing this daily will lay the foundation for your subconscious mind to attract the outcomes you desire, and help you overcome your greatest fears.

1. Learn to become aware of your thoughts, feelings, emotions, self talk, etc.

2. Identify the areas that cause you the greatest tension, fear, anxiety

3. Identify what your primary mode for handling fear, like perfectionism, lack of motivation, etc

4. Get pictures, quotes and anything that has meaning hanging up where you see it everyday

5. Spend some of the quiet time in step 4, going through your daily challenges

6. Now attach positive images, sounds, pictures, emotions to the event (see a positive outcome)

7. Attach negative images, sounds, pictures, emotions if you don't take action

8. Do this for your main daily goals, weekly goals, and your ultimate lifestyle

Bottom line is this-YOUR DREAMS AND GOALS HAVE TO BE BIGGER THAN YOUR fears. Which ever one you feed the most will drive you; do you want to be driven by your fears or your dreams? Remember doing what you have always done will give you what you have always had. Doing the work will pay dividends!

About the Author: David Panarese is a business and life coach. He is an self motivated entrepreneur spending most of his time mentoring individuals and small groups. He also runs a successful network marketing business and is very adept with helping others develop this type of business model. Join our free newsletter Health, Wealth & More, or contact us at Customer Service.

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Cairns Restaurants For A First Date, Valentines Day Or Someone Special

By Mark Date

Cairns is about 1700 km (1057 miles) north of Brisbane in Far North Queensland, Australia. Cairns is considered by many as a stepping stone to the Great Barrier Reef, Cape Tribulation and the Atherton Tableland. The gorgeous town of Port Douglas is another 30 miles north. Cairns is a popular tourist destination for travellers of all budgets. Cairns has a population that is fairly transient in nature, and as such, many institutions, including restaurants, are aimed at the one off visitor.

OK, so you have been on chat with your online dating potential romance. Now you have planned to hook up. Where to go for a meal? Well, if you are one of those lucky people based in Cairns there are about 200 restaurants for you to choose from. We have trawled through the multitudes to present you with a short list of fine (probably expensive), different (novel), and good value eateries.

Fine Dining in Cairns:

Oliver's Australian Fine Cuisine, Abbott St, Cairns, is a truly romantic and elegant eatery. Their award winning chef combines Aboriginal traditional food stuffs with modern Asian and European cuisine. Tamarind Restaurant, Sofitel Reef Casino, Wharf St, Cairns, requires an advance booking to ensure a table. This fine restaurant is considered to be truly elegant and additionally, intimate in atmosphere. The menu is a meeting of the best of both East and West cuisine. The Sebel Reef House, Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove, has been for many years considered one of the most elegant restaurants in the area. This restaurant has it all: food, service and location, all of them exquisite. Far Horizon's Restaurant, Veivers Rd, Palm Cove, is an award winning restaurant that combines a true beach front location with exquisite cuisine. Very romantic.

Unusual Restaurants in Cairns:

For those diners looking for something a little different, we thought these three eateries were worthy of a mention due to their individuality. No ho-hum with these restaurants! Atriums, Holiday Inn, the Esplanade, Cairns overlooks a rain forest atrium featuring a stream with barramundi. The menu features contemporary Australian and seafood, both in buffet style and a la carte. The new Casa de Meze, the Esplanade, Cairns, will provide you with a meal and a salsa dancing display. This restaurant features steak, seafood and pasta, and on Saturday nights you can have a free salsa lesson. This restaurant is quite noisy, but offers lots of fun. Perrottas at the Gallery, the Regional Gallery, Cairns, has a contemporary Italian/ Mediterranean menu. This restaurant has a fantastic location, and believe it or not, is the only real all outdoors eatery in Cairns.

Cheap Eats in Cairns:

Due to the plethora of backpackers in Cairns, there is no shortage of cheap restaurants. Many cheap eateries are however, attached to backpacking hostels. Where to go for an inexpensive meal that might still offer some atmosphere? The Banana Leaf, the Esplanade, Cairns is situated in a fantastic location opposite the lagoon. Their menu features very reasonably priced modern Asian cuisine. Istanbul Turkish Cuisine, Shields St, Cairns, features authentic Turkish food at inexpensive prices. This affordable restaurant is very welcoming and has a lovely cosy atmosphere which is ideal for couples. Marinades, Spence St, Cairns, has extremely helpful staff, and is a fun restaurant with a very affordable and authentic Indian menu.

Online dating and hooking up in Cairns has never been so easy. With the help of this article you can ensure that your first date will go just that much more smoothly.

About the Author: Internet Dating Australia site online dating site Australia dating articles

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So You Want To Start Gambling At Online Casinos? Read This First

By Andy Follin

The online gambling world can seem like a bit of a jungle to beginners. There are so many sites to choose from, it’s difficult to know who or what to trust.

Online casinos

When I first started gambling online, even some of the casinos were crooked – they’d take your money easily enough, but the games were rigged with ridiculously low payout rates. And if by some miracle you managed to win, you’d never get paid!

Fortunately, things are much better now for those looking to start in online gambling. Most of the ‘rogue’ casinos have been ousted from the industry, named and shamed by their competitors and the industry watchdogs that uphold the self-imposed code of conduct.

There are always some new start-up companies looking to make a quick buck out of the unsuspecting newcomer, but the industry is now so well established that choosing a casino with a proven track record is not difficult.

Which brings us back to the first point. There are so many casinos to choose from, how do you select the ones that will suit you best?

Casino portals

The internet is flooded with ‘casino portals’, sites that compare and contrast online casinos, describing bonus offers and promotions and generally driving you to casinos they have an affiliation with.

In the main, these portals perform a service – they give you all the information you need to make an informed choice. True, some are little more than banner farms, with little or no content, but the majority are respected and worthy of your trust.

The ‘ideal’ casino portal

But when I started gambling online, I wanted something more than just a recommendation. I was curious to learn, but I didn’t want to be ripped off.

I’d spent time and money looking for ‘infallible’ systems. I’d even bought a few make-1000-dollars-a-night Roulette systems from eBay, only to find out that they were, in fact, very fallible!

I was curious to learn how to play more games than just Blackjack and Roulette, but didn’t want to lose a fortune in the process.

Basically, I wanted a site that would:

1. Simply and honestly explain the basics of online casino gambling – the rules, odds and payouts of games;

2. Discuss gambling strategies such as the Martingale and Labouchere – and allow me to try them out free of charge;

3. Describe in detail a small, select range of online casinos that could be trusted.

Sadly, I couldn’t find a site that fulfilled all those needs. So, to borrow a phrase, I built it myself!

Fortune Palace is a site built on the premise of: learn to play, practice without risk, select a casino and play for real. It enables players to go from beginner to high-roller with as little risk as possible.

The tagline says it all, really: games, strategies and casinos. It’s hopefully everything you need to get started in online gambling, but without undue risk! There’s no time limit on how long you can practice and you could, if you desired, only ever play on the site for fun – you don’t need to play for real and there’s no pressure to do so.

From day one I wanted to be ethical and I'm very pleased that the site has been given the Gambling Portal Webmasters Association’s seal of approval and is listed by eCOGRA (the online watchdog) as a 'reputable portal'.

Features

Basics - Explanations of odds, the House Edge, the Gambler's fallacy, an overall gambling strategy and an explanation of wagering requirements.

Games - Odds, rules and bets of specific games (eg Blackjack, Baccarat, Sic Bo, Pai Gow Poker) with free-play versions on which to practice your new-found skills!

Strategies - Specific strategies for the above games aimed at three risk levels - from beginner to high stakes. Plus descriptions and tests of all the major Roulette gambling systems (eg Martingale, Paroli, Labouchere)

Casinos - Deposit and withdrawal options, full games lists, customer support numbers, bonus information and language options.

The best online gambling guide

It may sound arrogant to say that I’ve designed the best online gambling guide and if it does then I apologise. But as I came to this from the point of view of a beginner in online gambling, I know that the site will give you everything you need to get started.

Put simply, Fortune Palace is the site I wished I’d found when I first began gambling at online casinos. It would have saved me a lot of money!

About the Author: Andy Follin runs Fortune Palace, widely regarded as the best online gambling guide for gamblers of all levels, from beginner to high roller. It includes game strategies, reviews of the best online casinos, the latest online casino bonus offers and a detailed deposit guide for ALL players, including those from the USA.

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Earrings Make Men Of All Time A Character

By Jason Tye

A fashion statement, both for men and women is not at all hindered by borders or limitations. What women wear or use to enhance their physical beauty may now be used by men. Hence, the word “beautiful” is not an exclusive adjective for women. A man who is stylish and well-adorned may also be regarded as beautiful without being quantified or prejudged of his sexual preference. Jewelry is also tailored to cater both men and women- from watches, rings, necklaces, and earrings. In fact, jewelry is a point of interest among men and the level of such interest for jewelry is very much the same with that of women’s.

As a matter of fact, jewelry specifically earrings for men are not at all new. The trend of wearing earrings among men was indeed a hit during the eighties and is still a fashion today. Nevertheless, wearing of earrings can be traced back to the early years of human existence and even to the remotest part of the globe. Intriguingly, ear piercing even amongst men had already existed 5,000 years ago. Wearing of earrings is also an interesting part of culture or tradition of most tribesmen who lived in the past and are still in existence at present. Knowing background of earrings for men and their reasons for wearing such, is as important as knowing why men become interested with it. It is like knowing the origins and rules of basketball first before playing and winning the game.

In addition, it will even be more interesting to know that there are great men in human history whom also had their ear pierced. Some of the men who are remarkable for their outstanding achievements in history and who also had their ear pierced for earring during their time are Shakespeare, Sir Walter Raleigh, Queen Elizabeth, and Francis Drake.

Consequently, it is a mistake to regard men, who fashion earrings at present, as rebellious. Earrings at present are now accepted as part of conventional accessories not only for women but also for men because men wear earrings not because they want to defy whoever or whatever but because they just feel they like it- being fashionable yet masculine.

But before men should finally decide to wear earring, they must consider knowing the right style, size, or earrings so that they will not just be part of the fad but they will also find the right one that will not be an offbeat for their personality. Men’s earring must not be too awkward that it tends to overwhelm people who will see it. Men’s personality is usually mysterious and subtle and definitely they want to exude such impression on other people. A simple style yet emanating with strength in character is a good idea for men’s earring. This is then applicable for diamond earring for men, and the best example is a round cut diamond earring. However, square diamonds may also be a good choice because it is rarely chosen making it extra-ordinary. Other earring for men that is made not of diamond is also a good choice- examples are earrings made of metals like silver and gold, and adorned with other special gemstones aside from diamond.

About the Author: © 2008 Jason Tye. Jason Tye is the webmaster and owner of the mens jewelry emporium - homme rock, specializing in quality, designer jewelry, including earrings for men.

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Top Stress Management Tips For The Workplace

By Ronnie Nijmeh

When most people think of workplace stress tips, they likely think of how they can reduce their own stress. They may think of such techniques as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or exercise. But did you know that not only does your stress affect you, it affects everyone around you as well? Not only that, but the stress of others can affect you, no matter how much time you spend developing your own methods for reducing stress.

Worse yet, when you are dealing with your own stress or the stress of others, it affects not only your time at work, but also your time with your family and friends.

And once work stress spills over into your personal life, it becomes a major sore spot in your life.

For these reasons, learning stress management tips in the workplace will help you both personally and professionally, but you'll also help others to feel better at work and at home, too!

You really can avoid stress in your own life by implementing stress management tips for the workplace, and you will be happier and less stressed, no matter where you are.

How to Get through Your Work Day Without a Breakdown

One of the best workplace stress tips is to set up frequent meetings with your coworkers, so that you can express concerns you have about your workload, or about the volume of tasks that you are expected to complete. Too many of us quietly shoulder all of the tasks that are heaped upon us, without taking the time to express our frustrations to bosses and coworkers. This can lead to feelings of resentment, since keeping quiet about your concerns can make you feel isolated. Well I have news for you. You're not the only person capable who should carry the entire heavy workload!

Take the time to listen to your coworkers without judging them. Giving yourself the opportunity to know what each of your coworkers are dealing with - and letting them know the things that stress you out - will help foster an environment of teamwork and shared responsibility, where no one person is expected to bear a disproportionate amount of the workload.

Another simple stress management tip for the workplace is to organize workplace group outings, where you and your coworkers can connect on a personal level, and leave work behind for an hour or two. This will help you understand your coworkers as human beings, rather than just people that are getting in the way of your ability to accomplish your assigned tasks.

These workplace stress tips will help your coworkers too, because they will give them the ability to voice their own frustrations and concerns in a safe and non-judgmental setting. Letting them get to know you as a person will also make them less likely to take out their frustrations on you, because they will understand that you experience workplace stress just like everyone else.

You really can effectively manage stress both at the office and at home by implementing the wealth of information about reducing stress so you can get more done in less time, and feel better all day long.

About the Author: Ronnie Nijmeh is an accomplished author, speaker and coach specializing in stress management programs. He is the author and creator of Stress Busters and co-author of 101 Great Ways to Improve Your Health. He has also been a featured stress expert in print, television and radio. You can contact him at: 1-877-438-3048.

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Goody Goody Gumdrops — Madonna’s Offering Some Hard Candy

By Rochelle Karina

Madonna, the Queen of Pop, should perhaps also be crowned the Queen of Personal Reinvention, with a career spanning over two decades, studded with chart-topping hits and sold-out tours, and the ability to consistently wow fans the world over, she’s undoubtedly a pop-music icon. Madonna’s 2004 tour was even titled, “Re-Invention World Tour.”

Now she’s back again with her 11th studio album, “Hard Candy” and the first single from the album, “4 Minutes” is already topping charts. Madonna fans the world over are breathlessly awaiting official tour dates as her website announced three dates in April and May 2008. “Hard Candy” is unwrapped for the world on 28 April, and hits the US on 29 April.

On 30 April, Her Majesty takes to the stage at New York’s Roseland Ballroom. The “Hard Candy” kick off is presented by Verizon Wireless, Control Room and MSN and will be live broadcast in the US on MSN.com, followed by a 15 May broadcast outside the US. A show at the Olympia Hall in Paris is scheduled on 6 May and the Material Girl is headlining Radio 1’s Big Weekend on Saturday 10 May in Mote Park: Maidstone Kent.

Partial Discography

1983Madonna

1984Like a Virgin

1986True Blue

1989Like a Prayer

1992Erotica

1994Bedtime Stories

1998Ray of Light

2000Music

2003American Life

2005Confessions on a Dance Floor

2008Hard Candy

Tour List

1985 Virgin Tour

1987Who’s That Girl World Tour

1990Blond Ambition World Tour

1993The Girlie Show

2001Drowned World Tour

2004Re-Invention World Tour

2006Confessions Tour

2008Forthcoming “Hard Candy” Tour

“Hard Candy” features vocal collaborations between Madonna and guest artists Justin Timberlake and Kanye West among others with Pharrell Williams and Timbaland popping up as collaborators and producers. The first single from the album, “4 Minutes”—a flirty Madonna and Justin Timberlake duet—has already topped charts and critics have been praising the back-to-her-roots flavour of “Hard Candy.”

Strike a Pose—there’s nothing to it

Promo material for the album has everyone’s favourite Queen of the Dance Floor looking hotter than ever (how many near 50-year-old women could rock that hot cover shot like she does?) The mock wrestling champion belt seems incredibly apt after her March 2008 induction into the US Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. And if you’ve seen the “4 Minutes” video, you know she’s still got the moves.

Madonna’s no stranger to fame, and each time her star seems to be on the verge of waning, she’s proved everyone wrong and made a comeback with all new, all hot material. According to Billboard, her 2006 Confession tour holds the record as the highest grossing concert tour by a female artist. In the UK, she’s the most successful female artist in album and singles chart history, with over 61 Top Ten singles. The 2007 Guinness World Records and Forbes both list Queen Madge as the top earning female singer in the world. And her legions of loyal fans would all say, “Yeah. We’ve been telling you she’s great!”

Who’s That Girl?

Her career spans a wide range, from her early days of ‘80’s pop, her appearance in some less than stellar films, the controversy of 1989’s “Like a Prayer,” publishing her book “SEX,” to her award winning performance singing and acting in “Evita,” and beyond, she’s proven critics wrong, and rewarded fans with a consistent flow of new material.

She’ can lay claim to titles like multi-Grammy-award winning singer, songwriter, producer, cultural icon, world-renowned stage performer, video visionary, children’s book author, actor, director, documentary filmmaker and has sold over 200 million albums over the course of her career. That she is a savvy businesswoman, masterfully managing her career and taking advantage of the best and latest technology does not make her any less stellar an entertainer.

Judging by past history, the “Hard Candy” tour is going to be a serious and tasty treat. Early reviews of the album have been favorable, with critics apparently saying “mmm-mmm Good!” Rolling Stone said, “A songwriting team of American chart royalty helps Madonna revisit her roots as an urban-disco queen.” Brit mag Attitude gave the album a five out of five star rating and Entertainment Weekly praised it with a B+ rating. With 12 tracks, including titles like “Candy Shop,” “Give it 2 Me,” “Dance 2night,” “Devil Wouldn’t Recognize You” and “She’s Not Me”, it seems the world has a serious sweet tooth that only Madonna can satisfy. The ‘net is abuzz with talk and rumours of tour dates, and fans are on the edges of their seats, breathless and anxious for when they too can get a live taste of “Hard Candy.”

About the Author: This article was written by Rochelle Karina for Viagogo.co.uk, a leading European ticket hub. Viagogo connects buyers and sellers of Madonna tickets, tickets, concert tickets and more. Viagogo also guarantees all the transactions, so if you are looking for tickets online, Viagogo is the place to go!

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A Car Bore’s Guide To A Used Ford Mondeo

By Kevin Creese

Go to any car dealership and you can be certain you’ll come across a used Ford Mondeo - it is a fact as inevitable as the world being round or water being wet. Supplies of Ford cars are plentiful - used Ford especially so - with competitive pricing and popular styling just two features of a car company making arguably the best cars it ever has done.

There are two histories the used Ford Mondeo sitting on the forecourt could have in its logbook. The first history would reveal a mid-thirty something salesman with many motorway journeys under his belt (and many corporate lunches too no doubt). His suit jacket having been lovingly hung up in the back as it accompanied him on his travels and sales pitter patter. The second life the car could’ve had would be the all purpose, all conquering family pet. Muddy football boots, furniture from Ikea and mountains of glitter from a night out would all have come into contact with the Mondeo.

Whether the car comes with life history 1 or history 2, it doesn’t matter. Either way the car would’ve faithfully carried out it’s duties and has only appeared on the forecourt because either: a) salesman didn’t sell enough and was sacked, b) salesman sold lots and was given a new Mondeo, c) family had another child and bought a people carrier. A good buy on all accounts then, but before you decide on which colour to go for, let me fill you in on the birth of the Mondeo and how it made Ford’s accountants’ life expectancies rise dramatically.

Replacing an institution is tough. Whether you’re singing Freddie Mercury’s parts for Queen, acting James Bond in the latest film, or playing rugby instead of an injured Johnny Wilkinson for England, you’ll be more closely scrutinized than the original. And so was the case with the Mondeo. Entering the showrooms in 1993, the new car replaced the much-loved granddaddy, the Ford Sierra. Despite its global market, the European arm of Ford was hemorrhaging money and had developed the unenviable reputation of making cars the accountants wanted. This resulted in poorly built vehicles that were as interesting to look at as a Monet in a cardboard box.

Things started promisingly (not for the accountants mind) as the Mondeo shared very little in the way of parts or design with its appalling 90’s predecessors the Escort and Orion - resulting in high development costs. Top pub quiz fact: it was the first car to have a drivers’ airbag across the entire range. This forward thinking from Ford meant it topped many safety test standings and appealed to companies not wishing to give their staff death traps and of course families. Sales rocketed and it was named European Car of the Year in 1994.

One criticism was that the styling was still more cardboard box than Monet. A facelift in 1996 addressed this to such a degree, that only the doors and roof remained the same as the Mk I model. The corporate Ford oval was incorporated into the front grill giving the car a more curvy and playful look. Still no Monet but the palette was starting to take shape. The facelift was as well-received as Jackie Collins’ and this helped boost sales further although the additional outlay from Ford did mean specification levels dropped, meaning wheel trims were back and alloy wheels were consigned to the optional extras order form.

Over the next four years, with Ford’s European fortunes taking a drastic u-turn for the better and as the new space-edge Ka and Focus models were being launched, the Mondeo was suddenly in need of another shot of botox. As the new millennium dawned, so did the Mk III Mondeo – the car that more than likely stands before you at the used Ford dealership. Although it was in the same design club as the Ka and Focus, it wasn’t considered part of the ‘New Edge’ Ford design and therefore sat in the corner of the club looking restrained. A more expensive, Volkswagen Passat inspired interior is the stand-out feature, which looks expensive because it is.

Combined with further safety enhancements including the excitingly titled ‘Intelligent Protection System’ (IPS) which was a system that basically decided for you which life-saving features to use in the event of a crash. It was the most popular large family car for its entire 2000 – 2007 life-cycle. It is too early to comment on the latest Mk IV model, although it did find its way into the latest Bond film ‘Casino Royale’ for a brief scene, before being swiftly replaced by Bond’s orginal Aston Martin DB5 (what did I say about following an institution?)

To summarise, the Mondeo may be the most popular vehicle of its class and therefore buying one will result in you being as unique as a Manchester United supporter, but it has sold in it’s droves for a mutlitude of good reasons. The choice as they say, is yours.

About the Author: Kevin Creese as an automotive journalist based in Nottingham. Kevin is currently working in partnership with Sandicliffe used Ford to promote their range of used Ford cars in Nottingham.

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The Secrets Of Stopping Your Dog From Digging

By Dr. Mayra Alfonso

Almost all dogs dig holes one time or another. The reason for dogs digging may go way back to when dogs weren't domesticated animals. Just like a wolf will bury its kill in the summertime to get back to it when food is less plentiful, your dog will often bury his bone in your backyard.

Dog digging is natural in dogs, it's a common behavior. But, what are some other reasons that dogs dig? There are several reasons why dogs dig. It's not easy to stop your dog from digging, especially because the digging often happens when you are not around.

Other causes of the dog digging are, to keep itself warm, or cool. For instance, in the summertime, if your dog is outdoors for some period of time, he may dig a hole in the ground because it's cool. If it's in the wintertime, the hole enables him to stay warm. One uncomplicated amends for this kind of conduct is, if the least bit possible, not allow your dog outdoors for very long. But, this isn't all of the time a practical solution.

Dog digging can turn into a behavioral problem which requires a solution and dog behavioral training. Most dogs love to dig, but digging turns into a problem when it becomes an excessive habit. A problematic reason why a dog dig is boredom. This is rather a difficult one to cure, as the dog will only dig while you're not around, it stands to reason, if you're at the place, then he's less likely to become bored. You need to think back that dogs are, on the whole intelligent creatures, and that they need to be stimulated, otherwise this will turn into destructive behavior.

Digging holes is as well an indication that your dog isn't getting adequate physical exercise. He can't tell you what he lacks, therefore digging a hole is his method of releasing all that additional vitality. You only have to observe your dog for a couple of minutes whilst he's digging to realize just how much energy he puts into digging the hole, and oftentimes how delighted he seems to be when he has finished!

Whatever the cause your dog is digging holes, it's in all likelihood something that you want to stop. If he only digs in front of you, then a simple ‘No’ command over a few dog training sessions may be sufficient. You can as well try to direct his attention to something else, like a toy or a treat.

If the digging is done when you're away then it needs a different approach.

A technique you'll be able to use is that when you next notice a new hole in the yard, put a stake into the center of it and tie your dog to the stake with a leash. Then allow him to stay there for a little while, close to twenty minutes will generally do the trick. Do this every time that you discover a new hole – be patient – it may take a few attempts. Sooner or later the dog will come to associate digging holes with being tied up, and will stop. Don't leave the dog tied up for a long time, as, number one isn't fare to the dog, and number two, the dog will dig more, out of boredom.

What I discovered to be most effective was to exercise the dog. The dog will be so tired after exercise that he might not have any energy left to dig.

Never scream at your dog for digging a hole. If he's looking for attention, then in his eyes, attention is attention. He would rather receive nice attention, but shouting will work for him as well. Make sure that the attention he receives is for the good stuff.

If none of this work and alternative is to cover the holes he makes, so he can't keep digging on them. But, this doesn't always work.

About the Author: Increase the happy years of your dog by checking out my free e-book. In it I reveal all the secrets I've used to develop a happy, healthier dog. Visit Dr. Alfonso's dog training blog right now…

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By Candice Clem

Have you ever stopped to ask yourself why the majority of business conducted worldwide is conducted by small businesses? There is a practical answer as to why there are so many small businesses and small business franchises popping up all over the world every year: each small business owner and small business franchise owner gets to be their own boss. Driven people with business sense, an instinct for sales, marketing, management, administration, and finance eventually find themselves against a ceiling in a large corporate setting. Eventually the entrepreneur screams to be set free, and the desire to start their own business—be their own boss, run their own company—kicks in and takes over. So what is the next step? For many people the solution is to open a small business or a home based business; a practical and effective way to begin is with the small business franchise.

Working from home has a certain appeal; there is a draw to being able to make your own hours, to avoid the commute, to work with a schedule that fits your lifestyle, your family, and your timetable. It’s important to note though, that there is a certain amount of discipline, structure, and commitment necessary to run a really successful small business franchise out of your home. There are four big questions that every eager entrepreneur should ask himself or herself before jumping into the home based business.

#1 Do I really want to be my own boss, or do I simply not want to have a boss?

Being your own boss is not the same thing as not having a boss. Not having a boss is no deadlines, no expectations, and no accountability for your work effort. Being your own boss is very different. Being your own boss means that you have the passion and personal discipline to impose upon yourself the goals and expectations that are necessary to propel your home based business into a successful franchise. Being your own boss means that you are able to set for yourself work goals either in terms of jobs accomplished or hours worked in a given period of time. It doesn’t mean you have to call yourself into your own office and write yourself up, but a successful small business franchise owner is someone who is able to create goals and a work schedule and is disciplined enough to make themselves stick to that commitment. Helpful Hint: make a work schedule; track your projects, goals, hours, and expectations for yourself as both boss and employee.

#2 Can my home be a productive home office?

Contrary to the taglines you will often encounter in an internet advertisement for a work at home offer, a true home based business is not something that you should try to effectively run in your bathrobe from the desktop computer on the kitchen table. Successful small business franchises are ones that are run by motivated owners who can create for themselves a structured work environment to get maximum productivity out of themselves and their franchise. It is highly recommended that if you are going to begin to work from home that you create an area of your home that is your office. A dedicated environment that is specifically set aside for running your own franchise. Just like you don’t want to live at the office, you don’t want your office to dominate every aspect of your home. Helpful Hint: Shower and dress for work as if you were “going” to work. Use a separate desk for franchise business and home business such as bills etc. Use a separate phone or phone line to make business calls and to contact clients, employees, and service providers.

#3 Is this a dream, or is this a whim?

Deciding to take up tennis is not such a bad whim. Purchasing the shoes, the racket, a container of tennis balls, and a membership to a health club could get pricy, but in the end if you decide it’s not for you it’s not that big of a loss. Deciding to take up running your own small business franchise from your home should not be put in the same category of “things I would like to try.” While there are low cost franchise businesses that in some cases may seem like an affordable loss if indeed they do not fit your particular business style, running your own franchise from your home is something that takes a lot of work, determination, passion, and commitment. It is also much more rewarding in the long run than a decent forehand shot. Make sure that you really are committed to being a successful small business franchise owner before beginning your franchise. Look into several franchises and gather information from many different providers to decide the franchise that is really right for you. Don’t get frustrated when things get hard because running a business is difficult, demanding, and there is a certain amount of stress that is necessary to be successful. Helpful Hint: Set a goal for a time period of at least 6 months and then re-evaluate how your home business franchise is going. Measure your passion for the end result with your passion for the day-to-day operation of your small business. Make sure that you can commit the time and energy to seeing your home based business through it’s infancy and into success.

#4 Who will hold me to my commitment, help me with my frustrations and celebrate my success?

Small business, especially home based small business, thrives on the relationships that are developed between providers, clients, co-workers, and other small businesses in the community. Just because you want to be your own boss and work in an environment that is under your control does not mean that you have to operate your small business franchise in isolation. The beauty of a franchise is that you are not a sole provider of your service or product. Many franchise opportunities include training and support. Make sure that you have people around you and your business that you trust to give you helpful advice, constructive criticism, and accountability to making your small business franchise a success. Helpful Hint: Attend small business training and conferences provided by both your franchise provider and other local businesses. Create a network of other franchise and small business owners that you can share your successes and frustrations with that will help you become more successful. Share with others your goals and expectations for your home business so that they can help you measure your success and devise ways to grow your home based business successfully.

A home-based business opportunity has the freedom that many people have longed for their entire career and can be a very rewarding and profitable experience. But like anything in the business world hard work and careful planning are extremely necessary tools in order to have a successful and profitable experience. Make sure that you have put the thought, planning, and work into creating the right strategy and environment to successfully run your home based franchise so that when you do make that step you find yourself experiencing everything you hoped a small business success could be.

About the Author: Find work at home franchise opportunities and information for entrepreneurs at Home Based Business Opportunities.

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