So you got their phone number...now what

You meet a nice guy or girl and you hit it off. You got their phone number but how long should you wait before giving them a call? If you’ve seen the movie Swingers, you know what I’m talking about. Let’s look at some of the possible scenarios you may find yourself in: Call Right Away (within the first half-hour) How you see it: Just making sure they got home safely; or you just really enjoyed their company and you wanted to talk some more How they see it: I just talked to this person 30 minutes ago…what else could they want to talk about? Call 3-6 Days Later How you see it: Didn’t want to seem too desperate and/or wanted them to spend a few days thinking about why you weren’t calling. How they see it: They didn’t call because they were trying to look cool; what do they look like again? Call 7+ Days Later How you see it: Been busy and haven’t gotten around to it…maybe the other person will want me more if I show them how little I care. How they see it: Who are you? The truth is, if you meet someone for the first time, how likely are they to remember you after a week? Now add drinks into the equation and you’re lucky if they remember you the next day. Call the next day if you want to be safe, wait two days if you enjoy living on the edge.

Lead by example

Have you ever read any good books on leadership? Maybe something by John Maxwell? What stands out in my mind when it comes to the information contained in these books is the technique for effective leadership. One of the biggest is leading by example. Throughout history some of the greatest leaders were people of vision, people who saw something that others could not see and shared their vision with the masses to improve the quality of life. Never once did a leader become a great leader by being pessimistic and negative. Never has anything been accomplished of value by looking at a problem and complaining without offering a solution to the problem. In fact, a leader who only offers a negative picture remains a leader for a short time, a time when they are noticed but become irrelevant. I have spoken of the negative influence of the media in our lives and how we must strive to overcome it. I believe that immersing ourselves in the positive we can accomplish that. A leader of people must understand that to be effective, he has to give the people who follow him hope of better things. In doing so, he rises to higher levels and accomplishes great things. When he loses sight of the lofty challenge of being a positive visionary in any organization, a leader is destined to fail, for no one will follow a leader who is going over a cliff. As you strive to develop your business or career, you should keep in mind that you can be whomever you wish to be. You can look at challenges and problems and offer real solutions and visions for the future that people can grasp onto, or you can see the problem and rub everyone's nose in it as you complain about it until no one is listening anymore. When you have a customer and they lodge a complaint, you perk up and listen to them. If you work for a company that you complain about all the time, no one listens when you complainplainers develop a cloak of invisibility that is only penetrated when they are seen long enough to be removed from the company. At that point, the complainer has become nothing more than an eyesore. As we look at the so-called leaders of the day, we should keep in mind that we are not the only ones who see them. The world is watching our country and our business. As our leaders complain without offering solutions, the world sees an ugly picture of discontent and failure with no solutions at hand. Only when people realize that the role of the leader is to be the visionary, the one with the answer, will things in our world change for the better. Until then, we get what we ask for and what we vote for. Expect great things, offer great solutions, and when you are ready for the challenge, throw your hat in the ring and step up to lead.

A new approach to electricity can save money and the environment

Electricity used to be as simple as flicking a switch. Not any more. The markets have been liberated and the pie has been shared between 6 major suppliers - the ball is now in the customers' court. Not only that, global warming is making us think differently about the way we use energy. By partnering with an electricity supplier that understands their needs, small businesses are finding they can help the environment and save money. Electricity4Business, an electricity supplier dedicated to providing cheap energy to small and mid-sized companies, does not pretend to be a green company, but it does believe in helping businesses conserve energy. "We are not powered by windmills or solar power - there simply isn’t enough green energy produced yet. At present, the electricity we provide is made from burning fossil fuels just like everyone else's," says Graham Paul, Sales & Marketing Director of E4B. "But by encouraging our customers to cut unnecessary consumption, we can save them money and help protect the environment." So how do electricity costs mount up? Not so long ago, you could walk into a shop or small business and the only equipment you would find was a telephone, a cash register and possibly a computer. Now there are dozens of gadgets and appliances sucking up energy almost everywhere you look - printers, fax machines, air conditioning units, promotional pieces, laptop and mobile phone chargers, refrigerators, ventilators, modems and routers, coffee machines, power tools, machinery, and the list goes on and on. Many of them are never disconnected from the mains and buzz, whir and generate heat even when not in use. Now is the time to consider their cost to you, and to the environment. The good news is that there are many ways to conserve energy and not even notice it, except when you look at the bill at the end of the month. And with increasing awareness of the impact our actions have on the environment, staff may no longer dismiss the boss as a penny pinching miser for insisting on turning the lights out after work. All it takes to make a difference is a little awareness and some positive thinking. The most important way to reduce electricity consumption is to instil a culture of energy saving in your company. Typically, electricity is not so much used inefficiently as wasted, leaked and lost. Solving this problem begins by asking some simple questions about how equipment is used and maintained. Is the photocopier used often enough to justify it being on all day? Is the refrigerator door properly sealed and opened as rarely as possible? Are the computer's energy saving settings on? When was the last time that ventilator was cleaned? Why are the windows open if the heating is on? Then there is the equipment itself. Replacing 38mm (T12) fluorescent tubes with 26mm (T8) tubes uses around 8 per cent less energy, while compact fluorescent lamps use 80 per cent less energy than tungsten GLS lamps. And for office equipment, look for energy saving devices with stand-by features that bear the Energy Star logo. And if your employees are wearing T-shirts in November, remember that each extra degree can put up to 8% on your heating bill. There are many more ways of saving money on your electricity, whatever your line of business. Electricity 4 Business has compiled all the information you need to get started in a single document available for download absolutely free. The ten-page of Energy Efficiency Advice has everything on how to identify and rectify bad energy habits, where to get advice and how to claim energy related tax benefit and loans.

How and why you should find kitchen remodeling instructions online

How and Why You Should Find Kitchen Remodeling Instructions Online Have you recently made the decisions to remodel your own kitchen? Do it yourself kitchen remodeling has rapidly increased in popularity over the past few years. One of the reasons for that is because of the internet. Online, you can not only find the materials, supplies, and tools that you need to remodel your kitchen, but you can also find detailed instructions on how to remodel your kitchen, whether it be all of it or just a part of it. For that reason, if you are looking to remodel your own kitchen, it may be a good idea to take advantage of the internet. One of the many reasons why you should use the internet, to obtain a detailed set of directions on how to remodel your kitchen, is because it is free to use. When purchasing materials at your local home improvement store, you may not be provided with a set of directions. While many kitchen cabinets sets come with a set of directions, not everything else does. If you are purchasing a set of something, such as cabinets, you are more likely to get a set of directions than you were if you were just purchasing supplies. For instance, if you are interested in retiling your kitchen floor or installing new lighting in your kitchen, you may need to find directions elsewhere. It is always possible to purchase how-to books, but why would you want to, especially when you can get the same information for free online? In addition to being free, you will also find the amount of information amazing. As previously mentioned, whether you are looking to remodeling your entire kitchen or just a part of it, you can easily find the directions or instructions that you were looking for online. For example, online, you should be able to find instructions on how to reinstall a kitchen countertop, install a set of kitchen cabinets, replace your kitchen flooring, as well as install new light fixtures. Essentially, whatever you are looking to do, you can find a detailed set of instructions online. You may also enjoy the fact that many of these directions comes with step-by-step drawings or pictures. Now that you know why you should find kitchen remodeling instructions online, you may be wondering how you can do so. Online, there are, literally, an unlimited number of websites that offer you information, as well as instructions for most kitchen remodeling projects. One of those websites is likely to be a home improvement store. If you know the online website of one of your local home improvement stores, you are advised to visit it and look around. In addition to finding a detailed set of directions on how to remodel a particular part of your kitchen, such as your sink, you may also find the products, supplies, and tools that you may need or want to have. If you are unable to find one of your local home improvement store’s online websites or if they did not have the information that you were looking for, you are advised to perform a standard internet search. That search should produce a number of results; results that you may have been hoping for. When using an internet search, to find kitchen remodeling instructions, it is best to tailor your search to exactly what you need. For instance, if you are looking for instructions on how to install a marble kitchen countertop, you may want to search using the words marble kitchen countertop installation. As previously mentioned, countertop installations instructions are just one of the many sets of kitchen remodeling instructions that you can find online. In addition to being free and full of information, the internet is also easy to use. That is why you are advised to get the information that you need, as well as instructions, for you next kitchen remodeling project online. Why guess or pay may money for a how-to book, when you can get exactly what you need free, with the click of a mouse? Word Count 670

It consulting medium sized businesses and government contracts

As you grow, should you go after government, city, state, municipality contracts like school district contracts? Maybe. They are an entirely different business model. When you are talking about selling to medium sized businesses, again go back and assess your tech skills. Assess what kind of skills you are bringing to the table and see how close you are to being able to being that deep into a few skills, because that is what these medium sized businesses are looking for. They are not looking for an outsourced version of a central IT manager. Going after government, city, state, municipality, public school districts, etc. involves bids, bid packets, bid surety bonds, long sales cycles, and a lot of politics. This stage of the game is a very different business model, very different than selling to the sweet spot of small businesses or even small businesses in general. Only go after these kinds of things after you have completely exhausted and completely saturated your sweet spot marketing roll out. In other words, don't persue them until most of the sweet spot small businesses within a 50 mile radius know who you are, they are in your prospect funnel, and you have grown them to the point that you have absolutely maximized them out and you still don't have enough business. This is pretty unlikely unless you are in the absolute middle of nowhere. You should consider supplementing your business base with some high-end micros - and some medium sized businesses before going after government work. This is because of the level of aggravation with the bids, then the politics and the waiting to get paid. It's not a very good place for people to be - especially in their start up stage. Copyright MMI-MMVI, Small Biz Tech Talk. All Worldwide Rights Reserved. {Attention Publishers: Live hyperlink in author resource box required for copyright compliance}

Punk and rock and roll revisited

Overview Music genre is a cycle. A fashion trend to some who go along with the times, the type of hype and promotions that go along with it are critical elements that contribute to making it one of the in things today. Along with the musical influences are the type of clothes and appearances that are tagged along with it. The type of music really depends on the performers who preach this type of music. Appearances are totally secondary and only become identified once live performances or the better-known medium of spreading the punk and rock and roll music known as Music Television Videos (MTV). Live performances as well are sought after, especially when such musical compositions become hits in various parts of the world. The bottom line for the acceptance of most people is how such musical productions are accepted by its target audience, since for sure, all music lovers have their own preference of music and style. A Musical Cycle for the Masses Music is definitely something that most people lean towards to for relaxation and unwinding periods. These genres are not in season all throughout. There will be a musical era for each type of musical preference. The difference lies in the push given to the type of music in season. Capturing the nod of most people is something that is looked upon closely. However this is only applicable for a certain period of time. There will come a point where people would look for something different or would look for something different. Music preference also depends a lot on individual traits. Loyal followers to certain musical genres will always ensure a good following. For the parties who would usually go with what people are raving about is something that would entirely depend on which music or artist has been actively performing and building a following. The Styles and Fashion Trends Identity is what best describes the type of character portrayal that most musical artists bear in mind that would go along well with their musical masterpieces. Hairstyles, hip clothing, brass or chain linings and jewelry, awkward-looking make-ups and facial designs are only some of the characteristics that are immediately attached with punk rock artists and performers. Expressing themselves in the most comfortable manner possible is something that most people would really want to do. Ordinarily, people who would walk out on the street doing this for no reason at all would solicit criticism anywhere, but compare this to the trend setters when a hit song comes out shall merit a totally different insight. More so, such sight could even become a spark to get other people to follow suit and consider getting a similar suit of their own, though not entirely. The rest is totally interconnected from hereon until such spreads like a forest fire. The Performances and Musical Offerings There are a number of people who are easily identified with punk and rock music. Such artists as Santana and Jimi Hendrix are notable artists that will surely bring in a crowd whenever a new hit single is out in the market. Concerts as well will draw a sold out audience, especially in nations that are will get first hand experience on the hit songs of today by the artists that are making waves. The combination of tunes, loud in most cases, or delivered in such manners that are unique and different from that of other artists prove to be the benchmark for most solid performances. Upcoming artists of today are best typified as descendants who followed the footsteps of their punk fore fathers which date back as early as the 1970’s. Whatever the case maybe, no one would want to be caught flatfooted and lagging behind, especially when hit singles and fashion trends are there for their viewing pleasure.

Planning the perfect family vacation

: Some all inclusive resorts for the family even provide vacation nannies, supervised day-care, and/or babysitting. Others may have a teen disco. Children stay free at some resort hotels. Others offer a deep discount for children. Some can accommodate larger families and allow up to 3 children and 2 adults in a room. An interesting note: There's a new trend online in "get it together" vacations: making it easier to book trips for friends or family members who live in different cities but want to meet up for a holiday. Disney, for example, introduced online booking features about a year ago to help family members and friends converge upon Disney World for some "togethering". Many all inclusive family resort hotels have adult-only restaurants and areas, children-only and adult-only pools, and water parks. The Internet is your ideal source for information and booking. There are many sites available. And, you'll be pleased at the number of discounted packages available to you when you go online. If you decide to take a family trip and not go to one of the all inclusive resorts, keep these things in mind. The leaky diapers, the flat refusals, the tablecloth pulled off at the restaurant... It's true; travel with small kids has its perils. Yet, years later, family trips are often our best memories of our kids' young years and just may be the most perfect family vacation ever! The years pass quickly, so enjoy your time together now. Seven Essential Tips 1. Prepare. Take lots of snacks, drinks, amusements, (see below) on long plane rides - and, really, everywhere you go. 2. Pace. Don't try to do too much! Schedule one major activity per morning, or afternoon; if all goes well, you can perhaps slip in a second activity. (Don't mention the second activity until you're certain, though - avoid disappointment!) 3. Pacing also means allowing extra time in the day for some down time, and some wild time: kids need rest periods, and they also need to run around and let off some steam.

4. Pre-empt: offer snacks and drinks before kids get too hungry or thirsty. Take a break before they're overtired. 5. Also: watch out for those small but tell-tale signs that your kids need a rest: that change in tone, that particular frown... 6. Patience: and more patience.

Patience actually saves time, in the long run: it's far quicker to muster an extra five minutes of patience than to spend fifteen minutes coaxing a three-year-old out of a snit. Remember: even the bad moments of your travels with wee ones will look very precious, once they've grown into large-size kids! 7. And perhaps most important of all: Play.

Have fun with your kids! Preparation is key when planning the perfect family vacation requires air travel--whether you're rich, poor, young, old, or if you're strict oror not you are probably dreading long plane rides with babies and toddlers. Relax: it probably won't be as bad as you fear.

How to Survive Plane Rides With Kids: 1. Bring plenty of snacks and juice boxes: it may be a long time before the flight attendants can bring food or drinks. 2. For bottle-feeding babies, bring ready-made formula (small size), or powdered formula and bottled water. 3. Bring three more diapers than you think you'll need. And zip-loc bags for any soiled clothes. 4. Bring baby-wipes even with older kids, to clean up dribbles down shirt-fronts, spills, etc. 5. For babies, bring several changes of clothes, and extra clothes for yourself if possible ( - the worst can happen).

6. An extra t-shirt for older kids can come in handy too - seems to be easy to spill drinks on planes. 7. Keep your stroller until the last possible moment (usually right until you board the plane): if your flight is delayed, your child can sleep in the stroller. Umbrella strollers are handiest.

8. With toddlers, expect to spend a lot of time walking your child up and down the aisles on the plane! 9. Bring along some plastic food containers, to keep half-eaten or untouched meals for later - Bring closable drink containers too. 10. Take plenty of amusements: inexpensive novelties - in three layers of wrapping - work wonders. (See list of "stuff to bring on trips" below.) 11. With tiny kids, expect to spend pretty much every minute taking care of them.

Forget that in-flight movie; you can watch it when they're nine or older. (Sheer luxury.) 12. If you need water or juice for your small child, don't hesitate to walk to the kitchen area and nicely request it. 13. Don't give out your loot (treats, toys, etc.) too soon! Make sure to hold back enough surprises to last the whole trip.

14. To avoid ear pressure problems, have babies either nurse, or suck their bottles during takeoffs and landings; small kids can suck on a candy or chew gum. By land, sea or air-—planning the perfect family vacation will be far easier for you if you turn to the Internet for ideas, travel packages and the lowest prices available. Whatever you do, it would be wise to plan and book your reservations early.