Little Red Riding Hood let the Big Bad Wolf in because she didn't know any better. Thanks to the latest video surveillance system, you can be sure whoever it is who is knocking and gently rapping at the door or huffing and puffing and puffing to blow your house down.
Living alone in New York or anywhere else?
Living alone in big cities or anywhere else in the globe may have its rewards. But security wise you have to arm yourself with the latest video surveillance system. It would be a big mistake to assume that surveillance cameras are only tailor-fitted for cloak and dagger settings. In this day and age, there is no telling who is at the door. It is better to be safe than sorry. One of the MOST handy video surveillance system that you can install yourself would not only save you money, but also your life and property.
Meanwhile, back at home, your mother is probably worrying about your safety. So, next time she calls, assure her that you have already installed one of those video surveillance systems she keeps on harping about. Knowing that you've made the right move will make her breathe easier and your phone will stop ringing off the hook every night she checks on you. Investing in the best video surveillance system available for the home is the next best thing to having your own PC and iPhone. So check out what would be the best system for your place.
The Right Pick
You can get a wireless spy camera powered by a 9-volt battery. The battery has a receiver with a built-in USB. The neat package includes accessories, such as remote control and USB adapter. With this set, you won't need a separate USB video adapter. This will save you extra minutes to connect.
What's with this? This spy camera can be hidden anywhere you think is best. When the doorbell rings or when somebody knocks at your door, check the image in your PC. Even at a distance of 300 feet, the image can be recorded. Go for the wireless spy camera for your little domain. Choose a camera with infrared features too. Even in the dark, it can pick up clear images. This should complete your indoor and outdoor video surveillance system in your little domain. Surprise your mom when she drops by unannounced. She'll get a pleasant shock to know you are armed with a new toy.
Maximum security from a dime-sized unit
Once you have your video surveillance system camera, connect the receiver with the USB adapter. Activate your computer and place the battery inside the wireless mini spy cam. You are set to see a colored image of anybody standing behind the door and hear the monoaural audio recorder. Yes, the wireless mini surveillance camera has recording software too.
For such tiny things, you get maximum security in your apartment. Tell your mom and dad the good news. They'll be sleeping easy this time around.
About the Author
Living alone? Get a video surveillance system for your peace of mind. Visit www.video-surveillance-guide.com for a selection of home security cameras and the best surveillance cameras.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Calculating the Value of Your Precious Selling Time by Daniel Sitter
Time, is our most precious resource. How are we to make the most effective use of each twenty-four hour span? Most people give little thought to the actual value of their time, possibly not even during conventional working hours. Entrepreneurs know better. We cannot afford to haphazardly approach the workday. We must have a plan and execute it to the best of our ability, leveraging time to our greatest benefit.
Dave Navarro at Jonathan Phillips' Freelance Folder proposes a thought-provoking method of accurately valuing our time.
"Your time is worth exactly this much:
Cash Money / Hours Worked = Your Rockin' $DPH (Dollars Per Hour)
Now, in the last 30 days, how much did you earn? Stop reading, and think about this seriously. Don't read any further until you do. How much cash crossed your hands (or how many orders came in) in the last month? Stop and think about it.
Now that you have that number firmly in mind, it's time to get brutally honest. How many hours did you spend in the last 30 days doing business tasks or business-ish tasks?
Translation: Business tasks = stuff that actually drove your business forward Business-ish tasks = pointless stuff you did when you were supposed to be doing stuff to drive your business forward.
That's right ... those business-ish activities robbed you of the revenue generating goodness that you know and love. But you still gotta include them in the equation. And they bring that $DPH down, down, down."
Most self-employed people are acutely aware that their time investment must produce immediate income. Most generate income in proportion to the amount of hours spent working each day. Many other entrepreneurs however, are in the position of remaining gainfully employed as they pursue their entrepreneurial dreams part-time. This strategy is often a wise one, born of necessity, in the absence of venture capitol investors. It provides that safety-net of income and benefits for our family while we tend to our dream.
If we calculate the incoming-producing value of our time at $120 per hour, we must also further understand that idle, non-productive time is then costing us $120 per hour. This is opportunity cost. While not immediately recognizable, this cost can cripple a fledgling business if not properly managed.
All activity, however relevant to the business, does not directly produce income, yet remains important to the overall business operation. Such activities are best completed during non-prime-time hours, where selling and revenue generation must remain the priority otherwise. Designing advertisements, marketing materials and selling strategies, bookkeeping and other administrative functions fall within this category of necessary activities. It may make sense to consider outsourcing many of these tasks to others who will charge far less than $120 per hour for their services, yet deliver a top-notch solution for your needs, thus freeing you to generate more revenue with your precious, limited selling time.
There are many occasions where a personal phone call, sales call or a group sales presentation are necessary. For effective sales results under those circumstances, our conventional, personal efforts must focus on our best sales prospects during the most productive, prime part of the day. For most businesses, this the 8:00am until 6:00pm time slot. Our automated sales systems however, such as our web site, blog, advertising and various marketing channels are available 24/7/365 to a world-wide audience of prospective buyers. These systems often provide us many warm prospects for dealing with during prime time. Learn how to let your assets work for you.
Keeping tabs on your most productive selling hours, managing your time and other assets to your maximum advantage while minimizing idle, non-productive time is the formula for a successful business. Try watching less TV and invest that time in your business. Be certain to eat well, drink plenty of water, sleep well, scheduling both downtime and family time.
Become well-rounded in order to renew your energy each day; energy sufficient to fuel your income-producing hours. Your goal should be to have all of your assets consistently working at maximum levels for your benefit.
About the Author
Daniel Sitter, author of both the popular book, Learning For Profit, and the highly anticipated book, Superior Selling Skills Mastery, has extensive experience in sales, training, marketing and personal development spanning a successful 25 year career. http://www.learningforprofit.com Experience his blog at http://www.idea-sellers.com
Dave Navarro at Jonathan Phillips' Freelance Folder proposes a thought-provoking method of accurately valuing our time.
"Your time is worth exactly this much:
Cash Money / Hours Worked = Your Rockin' $DPH (Dollars Per Hour)
Now, in the last 30 days, how much did you earn? Stop reading, and think about this seriously. Don't read any further until you do. How much cash crossed your hands (or how many orders came in) in the last month? Stop and think about it.
Now that you have that number firmly in mind, it's time to get brutally honest. How many hours did you spend in the last 30 days doing business tasks or business-ish tasks?
Translation: Business tasks = stuff that actually drove your business forward Business-ish tasks = pointless stuff you did when you were supposed to be doing stuff to drive your business forward.
That's right ... those business-ish activities robbed you of the revenue generating goodness that you know and love. But you still gotta include them in the equation. And they bring that $DPH down, down, down."
Most self-employed people are acutely aware that their time investment must produce immediate income. Most generate income in proportion to the amount of hours spent working each day. Many other entrepreneurs however, are in the position of remaining gainfully employed as they pursue their entrepreneurial dreams part-time. This strategy is often a wise one, born of necessity, in the absence of venture capitol investors. It provides that safety-net of income and benefits for our family while we tend to our dream.
If we calculate the incoming-producing value of our time at $120 per hour, we must also further understand that idle, non-productive time is then costing us $120 per hour. This is opportunity cost. While not immediately recognizable, this cost can cripple a fledgling business if not properly managed.
All activity, however relevant to the business, does not directly produce income, yet remains important to the overall business operation. Such activities are best completed during non-prime-time hours, where selling and revenue generation must remain the priority otherwise. Designing advertisements, marketing materials and selling strategies, bookkeeping and other administrative functions fall within this category of necessary activities. It may make sense to consider outsourcing many of these tasks to others who will charge far less than $120 per hour for their services, yet deliver a top-notch solution for your needs, thus freeing you to generate more revenue with your precious, limited selling time.
There are many occasions where a personal phone call, sales call or a group sales presentation are necessary. For effective sales results under those circumstances, our conventional, personal efforts must focus on our best sales prospects during the most productive, prime part of the day. For most businesses, this the 8:00am until 6:00pm time slot. Our automated sales systems however, such as our web site, blog, advertising and various marketing channels are available 24/7/365 to a world-wide audience of prospective buyers. These systems often provide us many warm prospects for dealing with during prime time. Learn how to let your assets work for you.
Keeping tabs on your most productive selling hours, managing your time and other assets to your maximum advantage while minimizing idle, non-productive time is the formula for a successful business. Try watching less TV and invest that time in your business. Be certain to eat well, drink plenty of water, sleep well, scheduling both downtime and family time.
Become well-rounded in order to renew your energy each day; energy sufficient to fuel your income-producing hours. Your goal should be to have all of your assets consistently working at maximum levels for your benefit.
About the Author
Daniel Sitter, author of both the popular book, Learning For Profit, and the highly anticipated book, Superior Selling Skills Mastery, has extensive experience in sales, training, marketing and personal development spanning a successful 25 year career. http://www.learningforprofit.com Experience his blog at http://www.idea-sellers.com
Why Kids Tell Lies and What To Do About It by James Lehman
Catching your child in a lie is maddening, painful and upsetting. What else does he lie about? How can I trust him? Behavioral therapist James Lehman explains why kids tell lies and suggests a better way for parents to deal with it.
Q: When your child lies to you, it hurts. As parents, it makes us angry and we take it personally. We feel like we can never trust our child again. Why does lying cause such anger, pain and worry for parents?
James: Parents are understandably very afraid of their children getting hurt and getting into trouble, but they have very little protection against these things as they send their kids out into the world. Kids learn from other kids and from external media, and this makes parents feel unsafe because they can't control the information and ideas that their children are exposed to.
Your kid's honesty becomes the connector between what's happening to him on the outside world and what happens at home. You need him to tell you honestly what happened today, so that you can honestly decide if that's best for him. You need him to tell you what he's doing so you can decide if that's going to help him meet his responsibilities now and in the future. When parents don't get the right information, they're afraid they'll make the wrong choices for their kids.
When your kid lies, you start to see him as "sneaky," especially if he continues to lie to you. You feel that he's going behind your back, that he's undermining you. You begin to think that your kids are "bad"." Because, certainly, if lying is bad, liars are bad. It's just that simple.
Parents need to make their kids responsible for lying. But the mistake parents make is they start to blame the kid for lying. It's considered immoral to lie. But when you look at your kid like he's a sneak and an operator who's undermining your authority, it's a slippery slope that starts with "You lie" and ends up at "You're a bad person." I think that perception of your kid promotes more lying. If your child thinks you think he's "bad," he's going to hide the truth from you even more, because he doesn't want be bad. Even though they are lying, kids don't want to disappoint their parents.
Q: Let's look at it from the child's perspective. What's going in on a child's mind when they lie to their parents?
James: Kids know lying is forbidden. But they don't see it as hurtful. Not the way that parents see it as hurtful. So a kid will say, "I know it's wrong that I ate a sugar snack when I'm not supposed to. But who does it hurt?" "I know it's wrong that I traded my dried fruit for a Twinkie. But it doesn't really hurt anybody. I can handle it. What's the big deal?" That's what the kid sees.
When they don't see it as hurtful, there are two different value systems operating: the family's value system that says this is forbidden and the kid's value system that says if it's not hurting anybody, what do you care? The kid rationalizes his actions and justifies his behavior with the idea that it doesn't hurt anybody. The outcome is a dishonest situation. A lie.
When you get to adolescence, of course, the stakes get much higher. But the thinking remains the same. Kids smoke pot and drink and say, "Well it doesn't hurt anybody. My friends smoke pot and it doesn't hurt them. I know drinking's wrong, but my parents drink and it doesn't hurt them. I can handle it. I'm older than my parents think I am." They know it's forbidden. They either don't see it as hurtful, or they rationalize the hurt away.
Q: So what's the best way for parents to deal with lying, so that they don't feel hurt and resentful about it and so that the child learns not to lie?
James: The first thing you have to do is be careful of is giving lies too much power. If you have a kid who's mad at you or feels aggravated and powerless, and if he feels he can gain power over you by telling you a lie, he'll use dishonesty to get that power. He'll withhold information and lie by omission when you're trying to get the truth. He'll give you little pieces of information, and that makes him feel powerful. It's a trap for parents. Honesty is important, but if you communicate that too strongly to your children, they will use that to have power over you. You have to keep these things a certain size so that they're not used against you.
The second thing to remember is that you have to understand the power of the culture that kids go into. It's a very powerful culture that exerts a lot of pressure to "fit in." They may feel guilty if they lie to their parents. But, again, they're thinking, "This isn't that hurtful, and my parents just don't understand." Of course, parents do understand. They're frightened, and they should be.
So I think that parents have to assume that kids are going to tell them lies, because they're immature and they don't understand how hurtful these things are. They're also drawn towards excitement, and their parents aren't. It's not like the good kids aren't drawn to excitement and risk, and the bad kids are. It's not that the good kids don't lie and the bad kids do lie. They're all drawn to excitement, and they'll all have a tendency to distort the truth because they're kids.
I think parents have to deal with lying the way a cop deals with speeding. If you're going too fast, he gives you a ticket. He's not interested in a lot of explanations from you. He's just going to give you a consequence. Look at it the same way with your child. He didn't tell the truth, whether the truth was distorted, omitted or withheld. There should simply be consequences for that. The first time you lie, you go to bed an hour early. The second time, you lose your phone. It should be something that the kid feels. You lose your phone for twenty four hours. You lose your phone for two days. You lose computer time or TV time.
The consequences have to make the child uncomfortable or they don't change anything. The idea is that the next time he's faced with telling you the truth or lying, he'll recall how uncomfortable he was when he did the consequence for lying, and he'll tell you the truth instead.
The consequence should be about the lying. If there's a separate consequence for the incident, that should come down separately. If you come home later than your curfew and you tell me the truth, you may still lose going out Friday night, but you won't lose your phone. If you lie to me, you lose both.
Parents should not focus on the morality of it. Just be clear. Lying is wrong, it's hurtful and, in our home, we tell the truth. But don't make it a moral issue. Make it a technical issue. You broke the law. You broke the rules. These are your consequences.
When a cop writes me a ticket, he doesn't follow me home or argue with me. He hands me my ticket and he drives away. Approach the consequences for lying the same way. Don't argue about it or get into a big discussion. Discuss it in a structured way: "What were you trying to accomplish by doing that?" Not "Why did you lie? You know how much lying hurts me." Just ask what he was trying to accomplish, then point out that lying is not the way to solve his problem. Compliance is the way to solve it. Talk about it after things have cooled down, not in the heat of the moment. Explain what will happen if he lies again. "If you lie to me about the dance, you're not going to the next dance and I'm taking your phone for twenty four hours." Just keep it really simple.
Copyright 2007. EmpoweringParents.com
About the Author
For 30 years, behavioral therapist James Lehman has worked with troubled teens and children with behavior problems. His practical, real-world approach to managing children has been taught to parents in private practice and now through The Total Transformation Program, a step-by-step program that teaches James' methods and helps parents change their children's behavior. http://www.TheTotalTransformation.com/Articles6.htm
Q: When your child lies to you, it hurts. As parents, it makes us angry and we take it personally. We feel like we can never trust our child again. Why does lying cause such anger, pain and worry for parents?
James: Parents are understandably very afraid of their children getting hurt and getting into trouble, but they have very little protection against these things as they send their kids out into the world. Kids learn from other kids and from external media, and this makes parents feel unsafe because they can't control the information and ideas that their children are exposed to.
Your kid's honesty becomes the connector between what's happening to him on the outside world and what happens at home. You need him to tell you honestly what happened today, so that you can honestly decide if that's best for him. You need him to tell you what he's doing so you can decide if that's going to help him meet his responsibilities now and in the future. When parents don't get the right information, they're afraid they'll make the wrong choices for their kids.
When your kid lies, you start to see him as "sneaky," especially if he continues to lie to you. You feel that he's going behind your back, that he's undermining you. You begin to think that your kids are "bad"." Because, certainly, if lying is bad, liars are bad. It's just that simple.
Parents need to make their kids responsible for lying. But the mistake parents make is they start to blame the kid for lying. It's considered immoral to lie. But when you look at your kid like he's a sneak and an operator who's undermining your authority, it's a slippery slope that starts with "You lie" and ends up at "You're a bad person." I think that perception of your kid promotes more lying. If your child thinks you think he's "bad," he's going to hide the truth from you even more, because he doesn't want be bad. Even though they are lying, kids don't want to disappoint their parents.
Q: Let's look at it from the child's perspective. What's going in on a child's mind when they lie to their parents?
James: Kids know lying is forbidden. But they don't see it as hurtful. Not the way that parents see it as hurtful. So a kid will say, "I know it's wrong that I ate a sugar snack when I'm not supposed to. But who does it hurt?" "I know it's wrong that I traded my dried fruit for a Twinkie. But it doesn't really hurt anybody. I can handle it. What's the big deal?" That's what the kid sees.
When they don't see it as hurtful, there are two different value systems operating: the family's value system that says this is forbidden and the kid's value system that says if it's not hurting anybody, what do you care? The kid rationalizes his actions and justifies his behavior with the idea that it doesn't hurt anybody. The outcome is a dishonest situation. A lie.
When you get to adolescence, of course, the stakes get much higher. But the thinking remains the same. Kids smoke pot and drink and say, "Well it doesn't hurt anybody. My friends smoke pot and it doesn't hurt them. I know drinking's wrong, but my parents drink and it doesn't hurt them. I can handle it. I'm older than my parents think I am." They know it's forbidden. They either don't see it as hurtful, or they rationalize the hurt away.
Q: So what's the best way for parents to deal with lying, so that they don't feel hurt and resentful about it and so that the child learns not to lie?
James: The first thing you have to do is be careful of is giving lies too much power. If you have a kid who's mad at you or feels aggravated and powerless, and if he feels he can gain power over you by telling you a lie, he'll use dishonesty to get that power. He'll withhold information and lie by omission when you're trying to get the truth. He'll give you little pieces of information, and that makes him feel powerful. It's a trap for parents. Honesty is important, but if you communicate that too strongly to your children, they will use that to have power over you. You have to keep these things a certain size so that they're not used against you.
The second thing to remember is that you have to understand the power of the culture that kids go into. It's a very powerful culture that exerts a lot of pressure to "fit in." They may feel guilty if they lie to their parents. But, again, they're thinking, "This isn't that hurtful, and my parents just don't understand." Of course, parents do understand. They're frightened, and they should be.
So I think that parents have to assume that kids are going to tell them lies, because they're immature and they don't understand how hurtful these things are. They're also drawn towards excitement, and their parents aren't. It's not like the good kids aren't drawn to excitement and risk, and the bad kids are. It's not that the good kids don't lie and the bad kids do lie. They're all drawn to excitement, and they'll all have a tendency to distort the truth because they're kids.
I think parents have to deal with lying the way a cop deals with speeding. If you're going too fast, he gives you a ticket. He's not interested in a lot of explanations from you. He's just going to give you a consequence. Look at it the same way with your child. He didn't tell the truth, whether the truth was distorted, omitted or withheld. There should simply be consequences for that. The first time you lie, you go to bed an hour early. The second time, you lose your phone. It should be something that the kid feels. You lose your phone for twenty four hours. You lose your phone for two days. You lose computer time or TV time.
The consequences have to make the child uncomfortable or they don't change anything. The idea is that the next time he's faced with telling you the truth or lying, he'll recall how uncomfortable he was when he did the consequence for lying, and he'll tell you the truth instead.
The consequence should be about the lying. If there's a separate consequence for the incident, that should come down separately. If you come home later than your curfew and you tell me the truth, you may still lose going out Friday night, but you won't lose your phone. If you lie to me, you lose both.
Parents should not focus on the morality of it. Just be clear. Lying is wrong, it's hurtful and, in our home, we tell the truth. But don't make it a moral issue. Make it a technical issue. You broke the law. You broke the rules. These are your consequences.
When a cop writes me a ticket, he doesn't follow me home or argue with me. He hands me my ticket and he drives away. Approach the consequences for lying the same way. Don't argue about it or get into a big discussion. Discuss it in a structured way: "What were you trying to accomplish by doing that?" Not "Why did you lie? You know how much lying hurts me." Just ask what he was trying to accomplish, then point out that lying is not the way to solve his problem. Compliance is the way to solve it. Talk about it after things have cooled down, not in the heat of the moment. Explain what will happen if he lies again. "If you lie to me about the dance, you're not going to the next dance and I'm taking your phone for twenty four hours." Just keep it really simple.
Copyright 2007. EmpoweringParents.com
About the Author
For 30 years, behavioral therapist James Lehman has worked with troubled teens and children with behavior problems. His practical, real-world approach to managing children has been taught to parents in private practice and now through The Total Transformation Program, a step-by-step program that teaches James' methods and helps parents change their children's behavior. http://www.TheTotalTransformation.com/Articles6.htm
Voip And Possible Business Applications by Steve Symes
Voip And Possible Business Applications by Steve Symes
Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP for short, is a class of hardware and software that enables the Internet to be used by people as a medium of transmission for phone calls. VoIP is used to send voice data in packets instead of the normal POTS circuits. The major advantage of VoIP is the non attraction of surcharges on telephone calls over the internet beyond what the caller will pay for internet access, just as no one pays for sending e-mails online.
Because VoIP is basically used for internet telephone calls, it is also referred to as "Voice over IP ". The two big motivations of this are cost and convenience, conventional phone services are more expensive and are not as fast as VoIP.
The benefits of VoIP include: You can make phone calls at reduced rate: It is doubtful if anyone would not jump at the opportunity of making phone calls at reduced rate.
Different service operators charge whatever they want for their packages; this is why some long distance calls might be free on some networks, while some will still charge a token amount for the same service. You will obtain additional features without spending a cent:
You can enjoy many features for free with VoIP services; whereas others provide them at a cost. Free VoIP features are voicemail, Call Forwarding, Call Transfer, Call Waiting, Call Waiting, Call Transfer, etc. For commercial purposes, you can also get free features like email and web utilities.
VoIP allows you to select your own phone number and area codes. In simple terms, this means that you can maintain an existing number by transferring it into a new VoIP - (Voice over Internet Protocol) is a category of hardware and software that enables people to use the Internet as the transmission medium for telephone calls.
As detailed as this article might be about "Voip And Possible Business Applications", don't forget that one can find more info related to or specific to "Voip And Possible Business Applications" or any such information from any of the search engines such as MSN.com. I urge you to commit yourself to getting specific information therein about "Voip And Possible Business Applications".
Conclusion:
So, now you know the basics about VoIP technology, and you know that it can replace most aspects of existing telephone systems. The next decision is whether you consider the technology reliable enough to commit your business or even your home phone system to VoIP. VoIP has not been around for long, but already it would seem to be just one more of those technologies of the internet which will become so popular that eventually it will replace the old way of doing things. Even the inability of VoIP systems to allow you to make emergency calls will probably be solved. Traditional phone systems are going to always cost more when you consider that the internet telephony provider has all the advantages of simply using the internet communications systems which are already set up. You owe it to yourself and you company to spend the time to research the VoIP advantages for you company or home.
Whether you are an early adopter, or a reluctant acceptor of the unassailable benefits of the new VoIP technology you could do much worse than to visit the author's 'VoIP for Business'web site and learn more.
About the Author
The author is not by nature a tech-geeky type. His website VoIP for Business provides VoIP information in simple non-technical language.
Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP for short, is a class of hardware and software that enables the Internet to be used by people as a medium of transmission for phone calls. VoIP is used to send voice data in packets instead of the normal POTS circuits. The major advantage of VoIP is the non attraction of surcharges on telephone calls over the internet beyond what the caller will pay for internet access, just as no one pays for sending e-mails online.
Because VoIP is basically used for internet telephone calls, it is also referred to as "Voice over IP ". The two big motivations of this are cost and convenience, conventional phone services are more expensive and are not as fast as VoIP.
The benefits of VoIP include: You can make phone calls at reduced rate: It is doubtful if anyone would not jump at the opportunity of making phone calls at reduced rate.
Different service operators charge whatever they want for their packages; this is why some long distance calls might be free on some networks, while some will still charge a token amount for the same service. You will obtain additional features without spending a cent:
You can enjoy many features for free with VoIP services; whereas others provide them at a cost. Free VoIP features are voicemail, Call Forwarding, Call Transfer, Call Waiting, Call Waiting, Call Transfer, etc. For commercial purposes, you can also get free features like email and web utilities.
VoIP allows you to select your own phone number and area codes. In simple terms, this means that you can maintain an existing number by transferring it into a new VoIP - (Voice over Internet Protocol) is a category of hardware and software that enables people to use the Internet as the transmission medium for telephone calls.
As detailed as this article might be about "Voip And Possible Business Applications", don't forget that one can find more info related to or specific to "Voip And Possible Business Applications" or any such information from any of the search engines such as MSN.com. I urge you to commit yourself to getting specific information therein about "Voip And Possible Business Applications".
Conclusion:
So, now you know the basics about VoIP technology, and you know that it can replace most aspects of existing telephone systems. The next decision is whether you consider the technology reliable enough to commit your business or even your home phone system to VoIP. VoIP has not been around for long, but already it would seem to be just one more of those technologies of the internet which will become so popular that eventually it will replace the old way of doing things. Even the inability of VoIP systems to allow you to make emergency calls will probably be solved. Traditional phone systems are going to always cost more when you consider that the internet telephony provider has all the advantages of simply using the internet communications systems which are already set up. You owe it to yourself and you company to spend the time to research the VoIP advantages for you company or home.
Whether you are an early adopter, or a reluctant acceptor of the unassailable benefits of the new VoIP technology you could do much worse than to visit the author's 'VoIP for Business'web site and learn more.
About the Author
The author is not by nature a tech-geeky type. His website VoIP for Business provides VoIP information in simple non-technical language.
Effective Decisions For VOIP Solutions by Neil Walker
Not all advertisements you find online or other places are straightforward. Often filled with implications, not facts, you may be misled. VOIP solutions providers can do this by placing many different types of charges on credit cards. Once they are paid, what can be done?
Designing a communication system today means taking into consideration various skill sets and experiences. With VOIP solutions, the cheapest option is not always the best even if it appears to be so. While it used to be that older fixed line telephones were simple and straightforward, business lines today are anything but.
With the new technology available today, it is incredibly important to make well researched and coordinated decisions to make the investment in VOIP solutions worthwhile. While the internet can bring investment savings, this savings is negated when the customer can not communicate effectively through the new system.
One of the largest problems is that VOIP solutions do not pay enough attention to basic business designs. Some companies using them have such terrible experiences that they have gone back to using standard fixed phone lines. Competitors can take advantage of this, which makes the problem even worse than expected, by having VOIP solutions properly designed for their business.
Effectively Using VOIP Solutions In Your Business
Often, companies make mistakes in who they trust with these decisions, such as counting on engineers to make decisions, or they fall for the false advertisements read. Many executives are not current in their knowledge of VOIP solutions or its technology and are unwilling to show their ignorance to better the company's bottom line. Do not make these mistakes.
Know what to expect when using VOIP solutions within your own business. There are two benefits that are likely to be seen. First, cost savings can be found, as this is the most well known benefit. Secondly, providing better customer service relationships can happen in some situations.
Rather than trying to work your business around VOIP solutions, it should fit within your business. This means always making customer requirements the first importance and by not falling for what looks good only on paper. In some situations traditional methods of communication with clients can still be considered and should be kept in mind.
While these systems may be new to you, finding quality service providers is necessary. One way to be sure to get this level of attention is by gathering fact based feedback from satisfied users of the service.
About the Author
Discover more fascinating fact filled articles on 'VOIP' at the best voip solutions website
Designing a communication system today means taking into consideration various skill sets and experiences. With VOIP solutions, the cheapest option is not always the best even if it appears to be so. While it used to be that older fixed line telephones were simple and straightforward, business lines today are anything but.
With the new technology available today, it is incredibly important to make well researched and coordinated decisions to make the investment in VOIP solutions worthwhile. While the internet can bring investment savings, this savings is negated when the customer can not communicate effectively through the new system.
One of the largest problems is that VOIP solutions do not pay enough attention to basic business designs. Some companies using them have such terrible experiences that they have gone back to using standard fixed phone lines. Competitors can take advantage of this, which makes the problem even worse than expected, by having VOIP solutions properly designed for their business.
Effectively Using VOIP Solutions In Your Business
Often, companies make mistakes in who they trust with these decisions, such as counting on engineers to make decisions, or they fall for the false advertisements read. Many executives are not current in their knowledge of VOIP solutions or its technology and are unwilling to show their ignorance to better the company's bottom line. Do not make these mistakes.
Know what to expect when using VOIP solutions within your own business. There are two benefits that are likely to be seen. First, cost savings can be found, as this is the most well known benefit. Secondly, providing better customer service relationships can happen in some situations.
Rather than trying to work your business around VOIP solutions, it should fit within your business. This means always making customer requirements the first importance and by not falling for what looks good only on paper. In some situations traditional methods of communication with clients can still be considered and should be kept in mind.
While these systems may be new to you, finding quality service providers is necessary. One way to be sure to get this level of attention is by gathering fact based feedback from satisfied users of the service.
About the Author
Discover more fascinating fact filled articles on 'VOIP' at the best voip solutions website
ACT Consultants Play Pivotal Role in Maximizing ROI by Chris Robertson
Today, millions of individuals and tens of thousands of companies are using ACT! software solutions to organize contacts and leads, manage daily responsibilities, track sales opportunities, communicate more effectively, and gain insights into their businesses. With options for deployment in a Windows environment, in mobile computing, and in a Web-based interface, ACT 2008 software is a critical tool for helping a wide variety of businesses succeed.
Yet those companies that achieve the best return on their investment make it a point to use ACT consultants in their software implementation. That's because ACT certified consultants can perform a variety of services that ensure that the software's effectiveness is maximized for your company's specific needs.
In essence, ACT consultants meet with you and your team to explore cost effective options to increase the performance of the ACT 2008 software. This translates to less effort on the part of your employees while increasing productivity. They can help increase business performance by providing:
Specialized Training: Although ACT 2008 is superior software, staff training is a crucial component of any systems integration. ACT consultants can determine which components are most useful to your company and conduct extensive staff trainings that will enable your employees to get the most out of ACT 2008. The best ACT consultants offer both on site and online trainings, and offer free follow-up phone support. They can also train your in-house trainers so that new employees can easily come up to speed and consistently and effectively use ACT 2008 software.
System Administrator Training: ACT consultants can train your system administrator in best practices, and will focus on the most useful ACT features for your company. When your system administrator is trained, you will have your own in-house expert.
On-Site Support: If you don't have an in-house IT department, ACT certified consultants can save you time and money by maintaining your system for you. Service techs can both install and maintain the software on your system.
Customization: ACT consultants can upgrade your ACT software and customize your ACT 2008 to ensure that it provides the highest functionality for your specific business. For example, ACT consultants may be remote sales force automation experts and can integrate your software with handheld devices, providing remote access to your databases.
Data Recovery: Although no business ever dreams that they'll need data recovery experts, if a worst-case scenario comes to pass, ACT certified consultants can work their magic, recover your data, and minimize your downtime.
There's no doubt that ACT 2008 provides more features and functionality than previous versions of the software. But in order to get the best return on your investment, it pays to turn to ACT certified consultants to guide you through your purchase, integration, customization, training, and - heaven forbid - data recovery. Experienced ACT consultants have extensive software knowledge and understand the needs of various industries so that they can provide you with the computer system that performs.
About the Author
Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies. For tips/information, click here: ACT consultants
Visit Majon's Computer Software directory.
Yet those companies that achieve the best return on their investment make it a point to use ACT consultants in their software implementation. That's because ACT certified consultants can perform a variety of services that ensure that the software's effectiveness is maximized for your company's specific needs.
In essence, ACT consultants meet with you and your team to explore cost effective options to increase the performance of the ACT 2008 software. This translates to less effort on the part of your employees while increasing productivity. They can help increase business performance by providing:
Specialized Training: Although ACT 2008 is superior software, staff training is a crucial component of any systems integration. ACT consultants can determine which components are most useful to your company and conduct extensive staff trainings that will enable your employees to get the most out of ACT 2008. The best ACT consultants offer both on site and online trainings, and offer free follow-up phone support. They can also train your in-house trainers so that new employees can easily come up to speed and consistently and effectively use ACT 2008 software.
System Administrator Training: ACT consultants can train your system administrator in best practices, and will focus on the most useful ACT features for your company. When your system administrator is trained, you will have your own in-house expert.
On-Site Support: If you don't have an in-house IT department, ACT certified consultants can save you time and money by maintaining your system for you. Service techs can both install and maintain the software on your system.
Customization: ACT consultants can upgrade your ACT software and customize your ACT 2008 to ensure that it provides the highest functionality for your specific business. For example, ACT consultants may be remote sales force automation experts and can integrate your software with handheld devices, providing remote access to your databases.
Data Recovery: Although no business ever dreams that they'll need data recovery experts, if a worst-case scenario comes to pass, ACT certified consultants can work their magic, recover your data, and minimize your downtime.
There's no doubt that ACT 2008 provides more features and functionality than previous versions of the software. But in order to get the best return on your investment, it pays to turn to ACT certified consultants to guide you through your purchase, integration, customization, training, and - heaven forbid - data recovery. Experienced ACT consultants have extensive software knowledge and understand the needs of various industries so that they can provide you with the computer system that performs.
About the Author
Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies. For tips/information, click here: ACT consultants
Visit Majon's Computer Software directory.
Identity Theft is America's fastest growing crime. by Amanda Bullucks
We live in an information-oriented society. Technology allows us to do business and make transactions literally in a matter of seconds. This abundance of information has given rise to a new crime - identity theft. In fact, according to a 2003 release from the Federal Trade Commission, approximately 27 million Americans have fallen prey to identity thieves since 1999. Each year that number climbs higher and higher. In 2003 alone, almost 10 million people in the United States reported being victimized by identity bandits.
So what does that mean? Someone has stolen your credit card - your credit card company can help you with that, right? Well, according to the FTC, almost 60% of identity theft issues don't pertain to your existing credit card accounts. Identity theft can occur as a result of new lines of credit being opened in your name either through credit cards or bank loans, as well as phone/utility fraud and even employment related fraud. Because we are susceptible through so many avenues in our daily life, we are all at risk.
What can you do? Where would you turn if you found yourself in this situation? Would you know where to start to clear your name? Well, now you don't have to worry about what to do as we have the answer.
Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. is a pioneer of the legal services industry. With more than 30 years of experience in providing legal rights protection to our members, we have now teamed with Kroll Inc., the world's largest risk consulting company.
For more than 30 years, Kroll has helped companies, government agencies and individuals reduce their exposure to risk and capitalize on business opportunities. Kroll is an operating unit of Marsh Inc., the risk and insurance services subsidiary of Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc., the global professional services firm. With offices in more than 60 cities in the United States and abroad, Kroll can operate and restructure businesses; scrutinize accounting practices and financial documents; gather and filter electronic evidence for attorneys; recover lost or damaged data from computers and servers; conduct in-depth investigations; screen domestic and foreign-born job candidates; protect individuals, and enhance security systems and procedures. Over the last three years, Kroll has developed a unique solution for victims of identity theft. This new service is now available to Pre-Paid Legal members through the IDENTITY THEFT SHIELD benefit.
What does this benefit provide our members?
The Identity Theft Shield gives you easy access to the resources you need to understand your credit ratings and to fight back if an identity thief threatens your financial standing. This benefit is designed to alert you to suspicious account activity, and to restore any resulting damage to your credit history.
1. Credit Report Through Experian
Make sure your financial records are accurate. Your credit standing is one of your most important financial assets. It not only affects your ability to get credit, it often dictates the interest rate at which you can borrow. It can also affect your ability to purchase insurance or to find employment. Some insurance companies and prospective employers use your credit rating to gauge your sense of responsibility.
Experts recommend you review your credit report regularly. The Identity Theft Shield makes it easy. Members are entitled to an up-to-date credit report from Experian at no additional charge.
Personal Credit Score and Analysis from Experian Know your credit score . . . and how it affects your ability to borrow.
Your credit score is derived from the information in your credit report. This score is used by lenders to determine your creditworthiness. The higher the number, the better your chance of being approved for the credit you want.
A detailed analysis of your Personal Credit Score will be included with your Credit Report. You can use this analysis to evaluate your current credit standing.
2. Continuous Credit Monitoring Through Experian
Learn of suspicious activity before your credit is ruined. A professional thief can assume your identity in just a few hours. But it can take years for you to repair your credit standing. Early detection is key to minimizing the damage caused by thieves who steal you name.
With your Identity Theft Shield membership, your credit files will be monitored through Experian daily. Suspicious activity will be brought to your attention, providing you with early detection. You'll receive prompt notice if any new accounts are opened in your name ... or if negative notations are added to your credit report.
3. Fraud Restoration Service
Get personal assistance and advice from experts. Any discrepancy in your credit report should be addressed at once. Call our Customer Service Department at the designated Identity Theft Shield number and explain your concerns. If it is identity theft, our fraud investigators will assist you every step of the way. A Fraud Restoration package with complete and detailed materials, aids, and instructions will be rushed to you.
If you sign a Limited Power of Attorney, you will be entitled to Enhanced Restoration Services. Kroll will work with you to determine the extent of the fraud in your credit and regarding your identity. On your behalf, Kroll will issue fraud alerts to the three major credit repositories, the Federal Trade Commission, the Social Security Administration, and the United States Postal Service. Kroll will work with the bureaus, creditors, and collection agencies to restore your credit accuracy with regard to your identity theft issues. If necessary and reasonable, Kroll will work with law enforcement, the department of motor vehicles, and other organizations to resolve your identity theft issues.
If you decline the Limited Power of Attorney, you will receive Basic Consulting Services. Kroll will work with you to determine the extent of the fraud in your credit and regarding your identity. Kroll will provide you with contact information and procedures for the organizations you will need to work with. Kroll will provide sample letters and forms and be available to you through a toll-free phone number for assistance and advice throughout the process of restoring your identity.
Now, it is important to understand any identity theft that occurred prior to the membership enrollment or any situations relating to a business identity are not covered. Identity Restoration will not apply if the identity theft is the result of a dishonest, criminal, malicious, or fraudulent act you, your spouse, or child participated in, directed, or had knowledge of. Restoration services will not be provided for a preexisting, known stolen identity event. You must be an active, paid member to receive restoration services. Plan benefits do not cover financial losses arising from the identity theft.
Did you know, that on average, $1,200 in out-of-pocket expenses to clear their names? With Pre-Paid Legal's IDENTITY THEFT SHIELD, the cost of combating identity theft is much less. For just $12.95 a month [$9.95 along with the Pre-Paid Legal membership], IDENTITY THEFT SHIELD members have the added security of knowing they have someone to fight the battle for them. And the best thing is, this monthly fee provides benefits to you, the member, and your spouse.
Reports on identity theft are everywhere - television, newspapers, magazines, talk shows, etc. Now that you know this benefit is available, doesn't it make sense to have this sort of coverage?
Imagine the peace of mind you would have knowing you would have access to all these services if you found yourself to be an identity theft statistic? For more information go to http://www.prepaidlegal.com/hub/abullucks
About the Author
Amanda Bullucks is an Independent Associate for Prepaid Legal Services
So what does that mean? Someone has stolen your credit card - your credit card company can help you with that, right? Well, according to the FTC, almost 60% of identity theft issues don't pertain to your existing credit card accounts. Identity theft can occur as a result of new lines of credit being opened in your name either through credit cards or bank loans, as well as phone/utility fraud and even employment related fraud. Because we are susceptible through so many avenues in our daily life, we are all at risk.
What can you do? Where would you turn if you found yourself in this situation? Would you know where to start to clear your name? Well, now you don't have to worry about what to do as we have the answer.
Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. is a pioneer of the legal services industry. With more than 30 years of experience in providing legal rights protection to our members, we have now teamed with Kroll Inc., the world's largest risk consulting company.
For more than 30 years, Kroll has helped companies, government agencies and individuals reduce their exposure to risk and capitalize on business opportunities. Kroll is an operating unit of Marsh Inc., the risk and insurance services subsidiary of Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc., the global professional services firm. With offices in more than 60 cities in the United States and abroad, Kroll can operate and restructure businesses; scrutinize accounting practices and financial documents; gather and filter electronic evidence for attorneys; recover lost or damaged data from computers and servers; conduct in-depth investigations; screen domestic and foreign-born job candidates; protect individuals, and enhance security systems and procedures. Over the last three years, Kroll has developed a unique solution for victims of identity theft. This new service is now available to Pre-Paid Legal members through the IDENTITY THEFT SHIELD benefit.
What does this benefit provide our members?
The Identity Theft Shield gives you easy access to the resources you need to understand your credit ratings and to fight back if an identity thief threatens your financial standing. This benefit is designed to alert you to suspicious account activity, and to restore any resulting damage to your credit history.
1. Credit Report Through Experian
Make sure your financial records are accurate. Your credit standing is one of your most important financial assets. It not only affects your ability to get credit, it often dictates the interest rate at which you can borrow. It can also affect your ability to purchase insurance or to find employment. Some insurance companies and prospective employers use your credit rating to gauge your sense of responsibility.
Experts recommend you review your credit report regularly. The Identity Theft Shield makes it easy. Members are entitled to an up-to-date credit report from Experian at no additional charge.
Personal Credit Score and Analysis from Experian Know your credit score . . . and how it affects your ability to borrow.
Your credit score is derived from the information in your credit report. This score is used by lenders to determine your creditworthiness. The higher the number, the better your chance of being approved for the credit you want.
A detailed analysis of your Personal Credit Score will be included with your Credit Report. You can use this analysis to evaluate your current credit standing.
2. Continuous Credit Monitoring Through Experian
Learn of suspicious activity before your credit is ruined. A professional thief can assume your identity in just a few hours. But it can take years for you to repair your credit standing. Early detection is key to minimizing the damage caused by thieves who steal you name.
With your Identity Theft Shield membership, your credit files will be monitored through Experian daily. Suspicious activity will be brought to your attention, providing you with early detection. You'll receive prompt notice if any new accounts are opened in your name ... or if negative notations are added to your credit report.
3. Fraud Restoration Service
Get personal assistance and advice from experts. Any discrepancy in your credit report should be addressed at once. Call our Customer Service Department at the designated Identity Theft Shield number and explain your concerns. If it is identity theft, our fraud investigators will assist you every step of the way. A Fraud Restoration package with complete and detailed materials, aids, and instructions will be rushed to you.
If you sign a Limited Power of Attorney, you will be entitled to Enhanced Restoration Services. Kroll will work with you to determine the extent of the fraud in your credit and regarding your identity. On your behalf, Kroll will issue fraud alerts to the three major credit repositories, the Federal Trade Commission, the Social Security Administration, and the United States Postal Service. Kroll will work with the bureaus, creditors, and collection agencies to restore your credit accuracy with regard to your identity theft issues. If necessary and reasonable, Kroll will work with law enforcement, the department of motor vehicles, and other organizations to resolve your identity theft issues.
If you decline the Limited Power of Attorney, you will receive Basic Consulting Services. Kroll will work with you to determine the extent of the fraud in your credit and regarding your identity. Kroll will provide you with contact information and procedures for the organizations you will need to work with. Kroll will provide sample letters and forms and be available to you through a toll-free phone number for assistance and advice throughout the process of restoring your identity.
Now, it is important to understand any identity theft that occurred prior to the membership enrollment or any situations relating to a business identity are not covered. Identity Restoration will not apply if the identity theft is the result of a dishonest, criminal, malicious, or fraudulent act you, your spouse, or child participated in, directed, or had knowledge of. Restoration services will not be provided for a preexisting, known stolen identity event. You must be an active, paid member to receive restoration services. Plan benefits do not cover financial losses arising from the identity theft.
Did you know, that on average, $1,200 in out-of-pocket expenses to clear their names? With Pre-Paid Legal's IDENTITY THEFT SHIELD, the cost of combating identity theft is much less. For just $12.95 a month [$9.95 along with the Pre-Paid Legal membership], IDENTITY THEFT SHIELD members have the added security of knowing they have someone to fight the battle for them. And the best thing is, this monthly fee provides benefits to you, the member, and your spouse.
Reports on identity theft are everywhere - television, newspapers, magazines, talk shows, etc. Now that you know this benefit is available, doesn't it make sense to have this sort of coverage?
Imagine the peace of mind you would have knowing you would have access to all these services if you found yourself to be an identity theft statistic? For more information go to http://www.prepaidlegal.com/hub/abullucks
About the Author
Amanda Bullucks is an Independent Associate for Prepaid Legal Services
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