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If you intend to spend a lot of time in Spain, whether by living there or frequent, lengthy stays, you will want to learn Spanish. For short visits, a few phrases may be sufficient but not for a longer stay and, especially, if you are living in the country. It is difficult to live in the country without speaking and understanding the language, which will help you adapt much faster.

There are quite a few options available today for learning Spanish, and you will need to find the best method for you. What works best for one student may not be the most effective learning method for another student. A combination approach often is best, which may include formal instruction, self study and practical use of the language.

Private instruction or language schools are easy to find, though they can be expensive in some cases. The most expensive method for learning Spanish is private instruction, but one-on-one instruction may be the best method for you as compared to group classes. Nonetheless, if you are not able to maintain a self-study program and keep up with the lessons, formal language instruction whether one-on-one or in a group is probably the best choice.

Language exchanges are another great learning tool which can be found on the internet or in magazines and newspapers. Language exchange is more information learning method whereby you learn through informal conversation rather than curriculum-based. You can also use language exchanges as a supplement to a curriculum program or formal instruction, since any opportunity to speak and listen to the language will be beneficial.

If you are moving to Spain, you may want to check with the local city government as they may be able to provide you with some suggestions on local language programs. Some city governments even offer courses which are often free. Of course, there are language schools in Spain. For instance, there is a Spanish Language School in Madrid, the capital of the country.

Once you have learned the basics of the Spanish language, you will want to fine-tune what you have learned and continue to improve your conversational ability. Making friends in Spain is a great opportunity to converse using your new language skills. Not only will you be able to use your speaking and listening skills, making friends will also help you feel more at home.

As far as formal instruction, you can subscribe to more advanced materials such as a magazine subscription or a cassette. For example, the Puerta del Sol is a bimonthly publication which can not only help with your reading and speaking skills but also help you learn about the culture.

Finally, language or social clubs are a good way to improve your skills. These discussion groups are less instructional and more social and generally meet over dinner. This is a great combination of making friends, improving your language skills and eating a great Spanish meal. Such social situations help you gain confidence in your language abilities outside of the classroom and in the real world.

Jack Blacksmith
http://www.articlesbase.com/education-articles/learn-the-spanish-language-in-spain-109826.html

DISCOVER WHAT IS HIDING IN YOUR BATHROOM!

(Part 3)

REVIEW FROM OUR LAST ARTICLE

In our last article we discussed how our skin works as a protective barrier and how it functions to absorb the ingredients that we put on it. We discussed the harms of synthetic products on the skin and touched on a few ingredients commonly found in skin care that are damaging to our skin and health. Seven Arrows Color Connection and the Toxic Truth Website (http://www.toxictruth.com ) will now conclude their series of “Discover what is hiding in your bathroom” articles by addressing specific ingredients found in most bathrooms and the damaging effects that they have on our bodies.

WHICH INGREDIENTS ARE HARMFUL?

There are thousands of ingredients that could be labeled as “harmful” if they are not used in the right way and for the right purposes. For example, the three main ingredients in anti-freeze are: Water, ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol. Now, used in the cooling system of your car these ingredients are fantastic and keep your car running in tip, top shape. However, have you ever taken the time to read the warning labels on the back of an anti freeze jug? Here’s one of them (the particular jug that I looked at had a total of four (4) warning or pre-cautionary labels on the back of it).

Here are warnings that can be found on some of these products: “WARNING: Do not drink antifreeze or solution. Do not inhale mist or hot vapors. Avoid prolonged exposure. Avoid skin and eye contact”. Another warning says: “Wash exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water after use”. These are just a couple of the warnings found on the back label.

Why would we mention anti freeze. After all, we don’t put anti freeze on your skin. Everyone knows we put anti freeze in a car. Two of the three ingredients in antifreeze are glycol based. Glycol and its derivatives are everywhere in skin care and personal care products. If you don’t believe it, just grab a bottle of shampoo, cleanser, or lotion. Many of them have glycol in them, particularly the cleansers. You see, that’s what Propylene Glycol is – a garage floor cleaner!

Here is a more scientific explanation of Propylene Glycol (PG). PG along with Butylene Glycol (BG), Polyethylene Glycol (PEG), and Ethylene Glycol (EG) are petroleum derivatives that act as solvents, surfactants, and setting agents. They can easily penetrate the skin, and can weaken protein and cellular structure. In fact, PG penetrates the skin so quickly that the EPA warns factory workers to avoid skin contact, to prevent brain, liver, and kidney abnormalities. PG is present in many stick deodorants, often in heavier concentrations than in most industrial applications. 50 And Propylene Glycol is what is used to carry the “active” ingredients in those trans dermal patches INTO YOUR BODY. (“Toxicological Profile for Ethylene Glycol and Propylene Glycol (UPDATE).” Agency for Toxic Substances and disease Registry (ATSDR). Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, 1996).

Some of the worst offenders in our personal care products are: Ethyl Paraben (linked to hormone disruption, possible birth defects), DEA, MEA, TEA. These are emulsifiers and deep foaming agents in soaps, shampoos, etc. that have been linked to (memory gaps, foggy thinking and cancer). Sodium Laureth Sulfate, possible dioxin contamination. A 1992 FDA survey found 54 ethoxylated raw materials used in cosmetics were tested; all 54 contained 1,4 dioxane. Also, the highly toxic 1,4 dioxane was in 27 out of 30 children’s bubble bath and shampoo products. “Nontoxic, Natural & Earthwise”, Debra Lynn Dadd, Jeremy P. Tarcher, Inc., Los Angeles, CA, 1990.

You will never see the ingredient dioxane listed on an ingredient label because it is a by product of many of the other ingredients. Dioxins are a class of chlorine-containing chemicals widely recognized as some of the most toxic chemicals ever made by humans. A 1992 FDA survey found the highly toxic 1,4 dioxane in 27 out of 30 children’s bubble bath and shampoo products. In addition, 54 ethoxylated raw materials used in cosmetics were tested; all 54 contained 1,4 dioxane. (Toxic Alarm™ Guide, Linda Chae and “A Healthe House”, www.checnet.org/healthehouse/chemicals.

Some of the other worst offenders you will find on most labels are:

• SLS,

• BHA & BHT (linked to behavior problems),

• Parabens (linked as hormone disrupters)

• PABA and PABA esters (linked to playing a role in genetic damage),

• Phthalates (linked to causing birth defects in animals, and are present in a high percentage of pregnant and child-bearing-aged women). Phthalates have been banned in Europe.

Let’s not forget Fluoride. Have you ever read the warning label on the back of a tube of toothpaste? Here’s one: “Warnings Keep out of reach of children under 6 yrs. of age. If more than used for brushing is accidentally swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control

Center right away.”

Are you scared yet? We should be, but don’t take my word for it. Look for yourselves. That’s the purpose of this article. Look at the labels. Become educated. Take a stand and do something about it. Until we do, we will continue to be at the mercy of these ingredients and these manufacturers.

I’ve listed a few of the “side affects” of some of these ingredients. Here are a few more “alarming” facts.

• Premature Birth,

• Depression and Moodiness,

• Male Genital Defects,

• Emotional Disturbances,

• Brain Development,

• Obesity,

• Learning Disorders,

• Low Sperm Count,

• Reduces I.Q. and Memory,

• Cancer,

• Sexual Identity Confusion

• Early Puberty (breast development in girls and boys). “ToxicAlarm™ Guide”. Linda Chae.

This is a partial list of some of the “prices” we pay, particularly our children, for the things we put on our skin to make us look and smell good.

WHERE IS THE HOPE?

There is hope and it comes from within. The first shred of hope comes from individuals such as you who are ready to take a stand. Hope comes from education. Hope comes from information. Hope comes when all of us take that first step.

LOOK FOR THE SEAL.

There are several companies out there that are moving in the direction of good health. It shouldn’t make us sick to look healthy. We should look and feel good on the inside and the outside. Now you can.

The ToxicFree™ Foundation has put together a stringent guideline to ensure that anyone using their seal has met all of the requirements for Toxic Free products. If it doesn’t carry the seal, it has not been certified as Toxic Free.

Seven Arrows Color Connection has taken a stand. We have created a complete line of body friendly Toxic Free skin care products that will take care of all of your skin care needs. We have exceptional cleansers, gentle but effective exfoliators, ph balancing toners and astringents, and ceremide nourishing moisturizers. To learn how you can replace the toxins hiding in your bathroom with a better Toxic Free solution, visit our site at a http://www.toxictruth.com. You will also see a complete listing of our Toxic Free products and the ingredients in our products. If you do not notice a substantial difference in the look and feel of your skin and if you are not completely satisfied with our products in the first 30 days, we will refund your money 100% … no questions asked.

The last in a series of 3 articles provided by Seven Arrows Color Connection and The Toxic Truth Website (http://www.toxictruth.com ).

Susan Stucki
http://www.articlesbase.com/cosmetics-articles/whats-hiding-in-your-bathroom-part-3-toxic-free-skin-care-solutions-102832.html

Internet marketing has come a long way in just a few short years allowing numerous multilevel marketing opportunities to spring up and grow. This has also made finding an mlm opportunity easier, and yet more confusing than ever. Finding one that is not just after your money is the first step, then finding an mlm opportunity you can believe in is the next step.

As multilevel marketing matures it slowly roots out more unscrupulous operators who are only interested in scamming an unsuspecting public. However, they have also given a jaded view of legitimate multilevel marketing programs as people relate to them as pyramid schemes and believe they are only after their money.

Despite the numerous multilevel marketing offers promising gold and usually only delivering coal dust, many are finding an mlm opportunity to help them turn their financial world around. While their income may not be instantaneous riches, they typically find it growing month-by-month eventually reaching a point at which they can devote their energies on multilevel marketing efforts, keeping their cycle of growth moving.

An mlm opportunity exists when a company has found a successful formula for sales, advertising and marketing and finds its growth potential limited only by the number of distributors available to perform the functions. They will usually offer the chance to grow with the company by teaching its methods with others, usually setting up an internet website for them and supplying all the tools needed to grow. Typically there is a small fee for all the education, training and materials they supply which is usually more than offset by the commission structure paid for sharing that information with others.

You now have your own internet business operated by you with the site, the knowledge and materials provided by a company hoping you do well. If you succeed the company continues to grow and it is in their best interest to help you in your effort. While they want you to help sell their product or service, they also encourage you to bring in new people to train to do what you are doing so, not only will their business prosper even more, but you can also increase your earnings as the newest member of their multilevel marketing family also succeeds.

With a solid mlm opportunity you not only receive commissions on your sales, but you also receive commissions on the sales made by the people you brought into the business. In most cases if that person brings in additional distributors you also get a part of their sales as well. With many companies the mlm commission structure may end at two or three distributors under you while others have no limit, although the commission amounts will be considerably less the further down the line you travel.

Diep Tran
http://www.articlesbase.com/internet-articles/find-success-with-mlm-opportunity-100951.html

STEP 10: Sales and Marketing

Read any autobiography or business success story, you’ll notice one common denominator for success – sales. You need to take whatever action possible to ensure that sales are consistently growing to allow you to gain profit.

Again, a word of caution; do not target everyone! In today’s competitive environment, consumers are becoming more demanding and many would seek out products/services that meet their specific need or want.

First and foremost, I need to identify (and do some in-depth research) my specific target market. Next, I would develop sales and marketing blueprint ( similar to the one shown in DAY 8 ) to attract the kind of customers I wanted and meantime, to retain existing customers.

No matter how I intend to plan and execute these strategies, I must understand the formula – executing these plans is like playing a game. What game…? Yes, you are correct – the number game. The higher the number of sales agents/staffs, or the higher is the amount of advertisement posted, or the higher the amount of distribution channels, or the more attempts I personally made to seal a deal, the bigger chances I have in winning. I know for sure, a prospect or a client may say “no” to my product/service today. But, it doesn’t mean a “no” forever! According to LIMRA (a research center for financial planners and financial advisors in America) findings, a potential buyer usually says “no” seven times before making the actual purchase!

Before we move on, let’s understand first the relationship between sales and marketing. Marketing is the process of bringing awareness to the product/service, while sales is the process of making the customer buy the product/service.

Therefore, I am going to analyze eight sales and marketing strategies to increase my probability of winning:

1. Myself

2. Network marketing

3. Affiliate marketing

4. Online sales

5. Marketing materials

6. Direct mail

7. Advertisement

8. Outsourcing

Myself

The first approach is the most affordable yet effective strategy. It is made up of all the possible resources that I already have to generate sales and create awareness. These are some ideas that I would usually work on:

* Preparing a list of 200 or 300 list of target prospects, call them up, present to them how the product/service could benefit them and seal the deal

* Getting referrals from existing customers and reward them once the deal is closed

* Designing, printing marketing materials (i.e. brochure, flyer, discount card) and distributing them at local businesses, schools, community centers, newsstands, cafes and fitness centers

* Writing an article and pitch it to local publications as well as posting it online to newsgroup/newsletter

* Giving out trial services or free product samples

* Talking about the business to everyone that I come to interact. To do this I must place my business passion before my ego. If not, I’ll have difficulty in opening his mouth

Networking Marketing

The sky is the limit when it comes to marketing and selling the benefits of the product/service. Networking is a great, super low in cost to connect with potential customers as well as strategic business associates and spread the news about the business.

The chamber of commerce, local business association or elite business club are great venues for networking. They can connect me to an ecosystem of members who are all looking for business opportunity in addition to getting the right sources of product/service. Often times these associations hold events, offer industry-specific education and message boards online, and provide an opportunity for members to list their businesses on their Website.

Affiliate Marketing

This is not a new jargon. It means engaging freelance agent to do the promotion and sales, online. It is a popular marketing approach where E-commerce Website owners engage existing customers, visitors or even organizations that are willing to promote and sell the product/service for a stipulated commission. The role of a freelance agent (known as affiliate), is to direct traffic to the Website and ultimately when a sale is made, commission is credited into the affiliate’s account.

Website owners usually recruit affiliates by simply advertising online (usually through Google Adwords; a per-per-click search engine advertisement), and placing interesting ads (with bombastic headlines) or sending out recruitment announcement to thousands of bulk emails (purchased from database provider). This is a powerful yet cost effective method of generating sales if owners are involved in Internet-based business.

Online Sales

Regardless of the kind of business these days, I always find a Website is essential. And depending upon the business niche and objectives, it can be a major part of the company’s sales and marketing initiatives. Designing a Website can be made fairly simple by working with a company that specializes in helping small businesses create their Website or get Website DIY software available online.

It’s vital to own a Website that is effective in content. It’s not what the contents say, but how the contents say it that makes all the difference online. Establishing credibility is the formula – attach as many testimonials as you could. Usually, I would give out my product/service to people that I already know, get them test it and immediately get their testimonials. I never wait till I launch the product/service in the market to get testimonial – too time consuming!

Customers expect the world and are suspicious of almost everything. The content (words) must be crisp and intelligent. What the Website says should grab visitors’ attention, pique their interest and motivate them to action – to click the “buy now” button.

Search engine optimization and search engine advertising are two ways to get the business marketing message out on the Internet, and there is a big difference between the two in terms of cost. Banner ads are another way to do online marketing, although the opinion on their effectiveness is very subjective. If owners lack Internet knowledge, it is highly recommended to employ a company or a freelance Website designer to get the job done.

Marketing Materials

This may sound a little basic but it is vital to have all the basic marketing tools. Printed materials like business cards, letterhead and brochures should be a staple in any business. It’s essential for business communication and networking. The key to developing good marketing materials without breaking the bank is to identify an affordable graphic designer and low-cost printer. I normally engage a freelance designer to get all of them done.

Direct Mail

For many fresh entrepreneurs, there is no better way to reach their target market, than mailing literature directly to homes. Based on effective market research, entrepreneurs can identify their core market, assign them certain codes and obtain mailing lists to directly send them literature on the company profile, discount, coupons or other information. To optimize any direct mail strategy, entrepreneurs should consider retaining a direct mailer or bulk mail house company.

Alternatively, entrepreneurs can collect the information themselves by:

* Getting customers sign a guest book

* Obtaining customer feedback

* Purchasing mailing lists from community newspapers, chambers or other associations

* Retaining a list broker to customize a list

Advertisement

Advertising is one of the fastest ways to create awareness of the company, product or service. However, it can be relatively expensive for many startup owners. Before anyone spend money on advertising, however, it’s crucial to understand what advertising can and cannot do for the business, and draw up a blueprint for moving ahead. Here are four main functions of advertising:

* Triggering the curiosity of the public and attract new customers

* Persuading existing customers to spend more or keep coming back

* Establishing credibility, elevate branding status and creating unique business identity

* Reinforcing customers and prospects on the benefits of the brand, product or service

Advertisement cannot do one thing for sure – guarantee sales. Hence, placing up an advertisement campaign doesn’t mean a surge in sales or revenue.

Assuming budget is not an issue, I would definitely invest in an effective advertisement campaign. Therefore, I would create an advertising plan that fit into my budget plan in advance before committing to it.

Outsourcing

One simple and straight forward method that I would not miss out is outsourcing the sales of my product/service to an outsider. It’s easy, get the yellow pages (online or offline), search for marketing agencies, call them up and propose a joint venture (JV) with them in selling my product/service for a commission in return. The JV works perfectly as I am in charge of promoting and marketing the product/service as well as providing after sales service, and the agencies are only responsible for selling them. Most marketing agencies just want to focus on selling.

I would discuss with these agencies to attain a win-win joint venture – a remuneration system that allows them profit from each sale, while I could earn a healthy margin from each sale made. When it comes to negotiating an agreement, the rule is, the higher the commission I offer, the more excited these agencies are in taking up the JV.

In the ten-step process, I spend most of my time in preparation. Preparation is more important than rushing to getting the business open. Thus, if you are already in the process of starting up your business, stop whatever you are doing and put on your thinking cap. Sort out all the preparations you need to do for your business to ensure an effective startup.

I hope the journal could be of helpful to you in many ways. I have also taken an extra effort to include a SAMPLE BUSINESS PLAN (in the following pages) on how to startup an E-commerce business for your further understanding.

*Note: Unproven teories to not be shown to my readers! If you need any small business startup help, feel free to visit my Website

=> To get the complete online business course on

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Disclaimer – This article may be freely reprinted in its entirety in any e-zine, newsletter, blog or website. The author’s name, bio and website links must remain intact and be included with every reproduction.

Dave J
http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/10-stepbystep-business-startup-guide-step-10-130318.html

A colleague of mine used to say that there were 3 reasons that companies went bankrupt:

1. bad management;

2. bad management; and

3. bad management!

Companies go bust because they run out of CASH, yet many managers and business owners do not give this enough attention.

Two areas of the business that can tie up cash are Receivables/Debtors and your Inventories/Stock.

How well are you managing these two areas? Try these questions for a start.

Receivables

1. Do you have an objective for the management of Receivables?

Do you calculate your Receivable days and how does it compare to your terms and conditions?( E.g. if your Receivable Days ( formerly Debtor Days) comes to 90 days and your terms say 30 days – you have problems!!

2. Do you invoice promptly?

How can you get paid if you do not issue the invoice? This is even more vital if you run a service business because peoples’ memories can be unreliable and the longer the delay in issuing the invoice, the more queries you will probably receive.

3. Do you clear disputed items promptly?

How many times have customers or clients used a query on a small part of the invoice as an excuse to delay payment of the whole amount? Ask them if they are in agreement with the rest of the invoice and get them to pay the non-disputed amount while you investigate their query.

4. When did you last review your credit terms?

They are not set in stone, so shorten them but ensure you inform your customers. Often small business is at the mercy of big business’ payment terms. Do you know by what date your key customers need to receive your invoice in order to get it processed for payment in that month?

5. What follow up do you undertake?

If you do not chase, some will take advantage. Good customer relationships can play a big part but for the slow payers you may need to be persistent. You could always try some different approaches – apparently there was one collection agency that used to send smelly tramps to sit in customers’ reception areas until payment was forthcoming! An alternative? A rumoured approach from Germany in the 90’s where collection agency staff were employed to dress up in pink bunny suits and Ray Bans and stick by targeted slow- payers until they cracked! One target apparently ignored the rabbit for 3 days!

Remember – a customer who does not pay cannot be your best Customer!

Inventory

1. Do you have an objective for the management of Inventory?

How many days stock do you need to hold? What are your current inventory levels of raw materials, WIP and finished goods and do you closely monitor their levels in relation to your sales?

2. Do you have a clear strategy?

Are you holding one of everything or do you have a limited number of fast moving lines? If you are a FMCG company, remind yourself of what the “F” is supposed to stand for! Do you know the “stockturns” for each line?

3. How big is your warehouse?

How much is it costing you? Imagine moving to a warehouse one eighth of the size of your present one – as one company did. It would save you an enormous amount of money and whilst it would be hard at first – your business will adapt and manage if forced to do so.

4. Are you guilty of keeping JIC inventories – rather than JIT?

Most of you will have heard of “Just in Time” – where you do not hold inventory but get your suppliers to deliver it JIT straight onto the production line. This requires an efficient production process and reliable suppliers. What about all the stocks you are holding JIC – “Just In Case”? Challenge yourself as to the real probability of them being required. Be strong and get rid of them – they are taking up costly space.

5. Are you holding any obsolete inventories?

Again, if they are obsolete, cut your losses, clear them out and free up the space.

Conclusion

This is not an exhaustive list but a start. Remember that money tied up in these two areas is dead money. Recognise the importance of cash to run your business and positively manage it.

However if I spot any pink rabbits in Ray Bans, I will know what they are up to. I just hope they are not following me!

Cherry Birch
http://www.articlesbase.com/management-articles/improving-profit-through-better-cash-management-727328.html