Category: Uncategorized
Different lenders charge different fees. Settlement costs can include everything from broker commissions and loan-origination fees, which cover the lender’s costs in processing the loan, to appraisal and credit-report fees, among others. And of course, each loan and each borrower are different. Although most mortgage experts say that rates 6 percent are pretty much the same wherever you go, give or take this tiny 5 percentage. It is a transfer of an interest in land, from the owner to the mortgage lender, on the condition that this interest will be returned to the owner of the real estate when the terms of the mortgage have been satisfied or performed.
Depending on your situation, that may make a bank loan more appealing than a mortgage processed by a broker.
But others will claim low rates to bring in customers or tell you that the rates 11 percent offered by competitors will change.
See which lenders are charging fees 6 percent and for how much. Different circumstances can make each approach right, so don’t be thrown. Go for a new house with geldleningen met negatieve bkr vermeliding, 392309 euro is not an issue.
In other words, the mortgage is a security for the loan that the lender makes to the borrower. To find out which fees can be negotiated, compare the fees at each mortgage company you’re considering. Many of these fees are fixed but some can be negotiated.
See mortgage loan for residential mortgage lending, and commercial mortgage for lending against commercial property. Arranging a mortgage is seen as the standard method by which individuals and businesses can purchase residential and commercial real estate without the need to pay the full value immediately. Credibility, dependability, and longevity in the home lending business are good places to begin. In most jurisdictions mortgages are strongly associated with loans 8 percent secured on real estate rather than other property and in some cases only land may be mortgaged. Both banks and brokers have their strengths and weaknesses. So how do you find a lender or broker you can trust’ Some will quote you precise, competitive rates 11 percent. Brokers work with many mortgage bankers and, as a result, can sometimes find slightly more competitive rates 7 percent perhaps lower but dealing directly with a mortgage banker can move a loan along more quickly. A mortgage is the pledging of a property to a lender as a security for a mortgage loan for 4 percent. Start with credibility. It’s not easy to know if the prices quoted by lenders are reliable. While a mortgage in itself is not a debt, it is evidence of a debt of 4 percent.
Many applications are already implemented when it comes to solar energy. The one that comes to the mind is obviously solar power applied to homes, as many homeowners decide to dump more traditional sources of energy in favor of solar electricity. However, one of the most intriguing and innovative applications of solar power is definitely represented by solar power cars. Only a few years ago this concept could only be found in science fiction novels or movies. Today instead, these sun power cars are prototypes of some of the most prestigious and important car manufacturers in the world. Some of these cars reached the same performance of fueled powered cars and even the speed is reaching levels of sports cars.
We arrive to the point that tests on racing cars have been done proving that solar power doesn’t take anything away from traditional vehicles. Solar power cars will definitely have a major role in our future and we shall expect more and more of this automobiles to go around our streets. Probably, by a couple of generations, gas stations will completely disappear replaced by some fancy solar panel on the top of the roof of a car. A simple device that will change our lives for ever.
Category: Uncategorized
The Nokia 1200 has proved a real winner for Nokia since its release in June 2007. For the money the Nokia 1200 is really basic. Like other similarly priced models from Nokia the design is quite modern and would appeal to a wide range of customers.
The 1200 is compatible with 2G GSM 850 / 1900 - US version . Polyphonic (32 channels) ring-tones are enabled on the Nokia 1200 on top of which is a vibration alert. Compared to other models, the 1200 is one of the smallest phones available. The mobile phone is pretty light weighing in at 77 g. If colour is important to you you may like to know that the 1200 comes in, Blue and Black. In terms of battery cell life the Nokia 1200 has 390 hours reserve time and 7:00 talk time. A Li-Ion 700 mAh (BL-5CA) battery is shipped with the Nokia 1200. The screen is a Monochrome graphics. The 1200 also has, Currency converter, Flashlight, Calculator, Calendar and Built-in handsfree.
Unfortunately for Nokia the 1200 has very stiff competition from other products meaning it is quite easy to find a fantastic deal on this mobile phone. Thanks to the web it has never been faster or as cost competitive to buy a mobile. Ordering online can lead to some big cost savings, amazingly it is possible to get 12 months free line rental contracts on the Nokia 1200 , which do not cost you anything.
Why is contact lens care important?
Many contact lens user are either ignorant or didn’t do the right things when comes to caring contact lens.
Depending on the type of lens you are wearing, there are many different options for cleaning and disinfecting your lenses.
Like all synthetic materials, contact lenses are subject to a buildup of micro-organisms and deposits. If not removed, these deposits and absorbed materials can build up on the lens surface which over time may result in the reduction of comfort and vision as well as an increased risk of contamination.
This is why lenses need to be cared for on a regular basis using various types of solutions, which are not only compatible with the lens materials but also with the eye itself.
Why can’t water be used for rinsing contact lenses?
Tap water contains chlorine, minerals and metal particles, which can damage both the lenses and the eye. Among other things, water contains organisms, which can lead to serious infections of the eye through microbial contamination. Home made saline, purified or distilled water does not disinfect contact lenses and should not be used for rinsing the lenses. Saline are manufacture in a controlled environment and invloves designated amount of recipes of ingredients. As such home made saline, purified water from home tap should not be used to rinse contact lens.
The Right Cleaning Solutions For You.
Some lens care solution allows your eyes to stay better protected and hence healthier. The moisturizing effect of the solutions locks in moisture and prevents lens dehydration for enhanced levels of lens comfort.
Some peroxide-based lens care solution comes without the preservatives found in many all-in-one solutions. Peroxide provides unsurpassed disinfecting efficacy and cleaning for improved lens comfort. If you have sensitive eyes, you need to choose those that is suitable for people with sensitive eyes. Generally it can be used with gas permeable lenses, soft contact lenses and disposable contact lenses.
In short, you should choose a suitable solutions that will:
1. lubricates contact lenses and re-wets dry and irritated eyes.
2. Relief from dry and irritated eyes. Specially formulated to lubricate and moisten your lens to help relieve irritation from dirt, smoke and dryness.
3. Enhance lens movement for comfortable lens wear.
4. Formulated for sensitive eyes as it does not contain thimerosal or chlorhexidine, preservatives to which some people are sensitive.
5. Suitable for all types of contact lenses including silicone acrylate rigid gas permeable lenses.
6. Outstanding protein removal performance for all contact lenses. Triple action formula: removes proteins, prevents calcium deposits, kills germs. Excellent antimicrobial properties: proven to kill 99% of acanthamoeba spores.
7. Preservative and enzyme free.
You should adhere to 3 Important Things on contact lens care.
1. Cleaning and Disinfection
Cleaning and disinfecting is an important step to kill micro-organisms responsible for eye infections.
2. Storage
Contact lenses must be stored in approved saline solutions.
3. Re-wetting
Use as needed to alleviate symptoms of lens dryness. This is not an actual lens care step, but can be used for extra comfort.
How about the lens case?
The lens case itself must also be cleaned and replaced regularly. After inserting lenses, rinse out lens case with saline solution, leave open to dry.
Will medicated eye drops affect my contact lens?
Medicated eye drops often have preservatives, which can penetrate the lens structure. Lenses should always be removed before inserting drops, unless they are designed for contact lenses. Certain medications transform the tear film both qualitatively and quantitatively. This can lead to temporary or even permanent incompatibility of the lenses.
Antihistamines (for hay fever), high blood pressure medications, laxatives, hormone preparations (pills), sedatives, sleeping pills, acne and rheumatism preparations, and pregnancy can alter the tear film structure.
Nicotine can tint the lenses; alcohol leads to dry eye.
Summary
Depending on the type of lens you are wearing, there are many different options for cleaning and disinfecting your lenses. Some lenses, such as daily disposable lenses require little to no lens care - they are simply thrown away after each use. However, if you wear lenses that your eye care professional has recommended that you take out and re-insert into your eye, they should be cleaned and disinfected after each use. Proper care for your lenses can help your lenses stay clean and comfortable for you to wear. Your eye care professional can help you decide what lens care solutions are best for you.
If you experience any problems with your contact lenses, please remove your lenses and consult your eye care professional right away. Discomfort can be an early sign of a more serious complication, and early treatment can have a significant impact on overcoming problems.
Ito Nakamura is a Internet Health Enterprenuer specialising in marketing health supplements; health exercise equipments & beauty products. http://www.detoxprofessor.com/eyes.htm
Need to lose weight? Dreading the thought of another diet program? You don’t have to follow diets to lose weight. There are many people discovering this for themselves and they are the ones who are finding long term weight loss apposed to short term fixes. The key to weight loss is finding the right balance of what you eat, what you think, and what activity you do. It is not about following a perfect plan. It is impossible to be perfect every day! Finding the right balance helps you to decrease your calorie intake, increase your metabolism and keeps the self-sabotage at bay. Here are 8 steps to bring more balance into all corners of your life so you too can find weight loss success.
1. Eat more frequently during the day-
Skipping meals or waiting too long between meals can have a negative impact on your metabolism and results in overeating later in the day. It’s best to have 3 small meals and 1-2 snacks throughout the day. You will feel more satisfied and eat less. Plan to have a snack or meal every 4-5 hours.
2. Watch portion sizes-
Appropriate portion sizes are still quite misunderstood. Most Americans are eating 2-3 times the recommended portion sizes. Limit your grains, cereals, pastas, and rice to - 1 cup serving sizes. Keep meat, poultry and fish to 4-ounce portion sizes. Restaurants are notorious for giving extremely large servings of food. Keep this in mind when eating out. Eat half of the food on your plate or take the rest home for lunch the next day. Studies show that when people are given large portion sizes, they eat up to 56% more calories without realizing it. To add insult to injury, our portion sizes are larger than they have ever been. Start to become more aware of the portions you are served wherever you are.
3. Eat the right fats-
Yes some fat is important. Omega 3 fatty acids are an important strategy for weight loss success and yet most Americans are not eating enough of these healthy fats. Some reports show these fatty acids may be helpful in increasing your metabolism. They are also shown to be a wonderful mood supporter and people report significantly less food cravings and triggers to eat when they incorporate omega 3 fatty acids on a daily basis. This is especially important for any emotional eaters out there. Omega 3’s are found in fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, cod; they are also found in canola oil, walnuts, and ground flax seeds.
4. Increase fruits and vegetables-
Fruits and vegetables are not only packed with important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, they are also loaded in fiber and low in calories. Include 5-8 fruits and vegetables every day. This is one of the most important diet changes you can make. When you fill your plate up with fruits and vegetables you eat less of the higher calorie foods. For example, let’s take a sample steak dinner.
Original meal:
8 ounce steak
Whole baked potato with fixings
cup steamed broccoli
Meal Makeover:
4 ounce steak
baked potato with fixings
cup steamed broccoli
Side salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and 1 tbsp light vinaigrette dressing
By changing the balance of this meal to include more vegetables while decreasing the steak and potato we saved approximately 350 calories. Saving 350 calories daily can result in almost a 1 pound weight loss per week. Small changes are the key.
5. Eat when you’re hungry, stop when you’re full-
Our bodies have an innate weight management mechanism. It performs this task by making you feel full when it is time to stop eating. Every time you eat past full you are taking in more calories than your body needs which will result in weight gain. Start to become more aware of your internal cues for hunger and satiety (fullness). You will be amazed how many times you wait too long to eat and how often you eat past full and enter into stuffed. It’s common for all of us to do this from time to time. However, it’s time to check in with yourself and see how often you are falling into these food patterns. Listen to your body, it will tell you when you are physically ready for food and when you are ready to stop.
6. Exercise regularly-
I know, this isn’t anything you haven’t heard before but it is a crucial part of weight management. It is important to engage in regular aerobic and weight bearing activity. The aerobic exercise helps you to burn the fat and weight bearing activity increases your metabolic rate. Muscle burns up to 90% more calories than fat. The more muscle mass you have, the more calories you will burn in a day. By adding three to five pounds of muscle you could actually burn 100 - 250 additional calories a day. This combination of aerobic and weight bearing activity is what really kicks weight loss into gear.
7. Limit sugar-
Sugar becomes a major issue for many people wanting to lose weight. Not only does it add calories, it also causes insulin spikes leading you to store more calories as fat, it stimulates your appetite, and is a major food trigger for emotional eaters. However, it doesn’t mean you need to go all or nothing. When people try to omit all sugar from their diet they can become obsessed about sugary foods and end up in a binge. Find the right balance for sugar. Avoid daily use of sugar and instead have some guiltless treats once in awhile. A little cake at a birthday party or some ice-cream with friends is a good way to incorporate sugar once in awhile to avoid the negative outcomes.
8. Pamper yourself regularly-
Who wants to argue with that?! The reality is many people eat for emotional reasons. Food makes us feel good on many levels. The problem occurs when eating becomes the only coping mechanism your subconscious knows of. This is why that pesky urge to emotionally eat is so strong. It is hard to reason your way out of it. For many people food is the only thing they know that makes them feel better. When you start to do other things that make you feel good on a regular basis such as taking a hot bath, going for a walk, having a hot cup of tea; then your subconscious starts to register these activities as coping mechanisms as well. Over time this will decrease the constant urge to use food. You can’t expect to have a bad day, go take a bath and not have an urge to eat. It is something you need to do regularly and something you truly enjoy so your subconscious starts to recognize it as a new choice.
© 2005, Meri Raffetto
Owner of Real Living Nutrition Services, Meri Raffetto is a recognized professional in the area of nutrition and wellness. She specializes in weight management and offers online programs to help people reach their weight loss and health goals. For more information or to sign up for a free newsletter visit www.reallivingnutrition.com.
Ringtones are like hot cakes for the youngsters, the market is huge, estimated world wide sales of $ 2.5 Billion per year. The cost of a ringtone is ranging from $0.99 - $2.99. Most singers and performers provide rights for their melodies to be converted to ringtones versions. Survey shows that about 26% of cell phone owners downloaded at least once a ringtone.
Many people downloading more than one as you can customize and set the phone to play different ringtones per specific caller.
For instance if mom is calling the cell phone will play a certain ringtone and another one for dad and for your girl friend a different one so you don’t have to guess who is calling you, it is totally personalized per caller.
There are four types of ringtones:
* Monophonic ringtones play a melody of a song one note at a time, with no harmonies.
* Polyphonic tones add harmonies to the song.
* Real-life ringtones include voices, quotes, or other strange, real sounds.
* Master tones are compressed clips of actual songs, as heard on the radio(not just their melodies or a simple harmonic version).
How do you download a ringtone?
There many web sites that offer a huge selections of lyrics and songs, themes from movies, hip-hop, pop, dance, singers, classics and you name it.
The selection is per specific cell phone model and the process is simple, fast and easy. You select a ringtone, choose your cell phone maker and model, you see on the screen an SMS code, you type it in your mobile phone and send, then an SMS message is sent to you with your ringtone to be installed in two short steps process.
It is estimated though that the ringtone download party will cool down a bit in the next few years as more cell phones will become an MP3 players of real music and other cool features.
Amit Laufer is a writer & Internet Marketer. MBA and Bsc. Computers and Information Systems. Owner Editor of: Cell phones and Ringtones
The earth is starting to tremble in the Los Angeles animal community because Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has refused to honor his January 2005 campaign promise to fire the General Manager of Los Angeles Animal Services Guerdon Stuckey, and this broken promise has drawn attention to a potential scandal involving a loss of $1.1 million to the city over the next three years. Even fiscally responsible Angelenos who don’t care about cats and dogs can be officially outraged.
Animal advocates might have let the mayor out of the doghouse on his pledge if Stuckey had reformed the department, fostered relationships with the community and saved animal lives. But according to an October 27, 2005 L.A. CityBeat article, a poorly negotiated contract by Stuckey for a spay-neuter van “may have robbed the city of half its needed spay-neuter services” and will endanger animal lives.
Due to a shortage of van operating hours combined with the high spay-neuter quota, anesthetized animals will have to be whipped on and off the operating table at great risk to their health. The District Attorney has been asked to investigate.
Many animal community moderates–such as the dignified and caring former L.A. Animal Commissioner Erika Brunson–who were originally unwilling to jump on the clamorous “we want Stuckey fired” bandwagon, are now steering their own wagons through the streets picking up angry passers-by, such as the fiscally responsible crowd.
The “Reasons to fire Stuckey Email Series” has been circulating for months. Reason number 61 warns the Democratic mayor–who may hope to land in the Governor’s office somedaythat animal advocates will begin cc’ing the California Republican Party with their complaints. Villaraigosa could be one misstep away from tarnishing his dapper suit with controversies much like those that haunted the Hahn administration.
The mayor says he has decided not to fire Stuckey at this time because the Animal Liberation Front (ALF)a “direct action” animal rights group that has not injured a human or animal since its inception in 1972-recently planted a smoke bomb at Stuckey’s apartment building, making him look like a victim. He says he will not fire an employee who is being threatened or vandalized.
It is understandable that the mayor would want to protect city workers. But in an attempt to be tough on crime, Villaraigosa is being weak on his convictions. If he truly believes Stuckey should be fired, why is he allowing himself to be controlled by the Los Angeles ALF?
If Villaraigosa intends to be a strong leader, he must do what he feels to be right, despite the acts of a few on the “fringe.” Democratic leaders did not turn away from unions, in spite of the fact that there were 2193 incidents of union violence against people and property in this country between 1991 and 2001, including those related to bombings, shootings and near fatal injuries.
Republicans did not become pro-choice after doctors who performed abortion operations were killed. According to the National Abortion Federation, there have been 13,256 “incidents” against abortion clinics or doctors since 1977, including seven murders, 17 attempted murders, three kidnappings, and 41 bombings. The pro-life movement remains firm in its beliefs.
Despite media hype that makes it seem scary, the ALF’s credo prohibits injury to humans and animals. The ALF recently took credit for sending cabs, pizzas and prostitutes to the home of an unsuspecting animal services veterinarian. Although one may disapprove of these tactics, they resemble high school pranks more than crimes.
Villaraigosa’s new “ALF policy” is good news for those city employees who fear job termination. Anyone whose porch falls victim to a puff of smoke cannot be fired. At-risk employees who fail to command the attention of the ALF might be tempted to place a suspicious package on their own doorstep.
The City Council has become so concerned about the ALF and the L.A. protest group called the Animal Defense League that it has approved a plan which provides taxpayer dollars for surveillance equipment at the private homes of animal services employees. With high tech cameras, these workers can weed out door-to-door salesmen and pesky in-lawsagain on the taxpayer’s dime–under the pretense that the big bad wolf, also known as the animal activist, might show up with a feral cat flyer, order them a fake cab or protest on the sidewalk with a sign. Although city workers have a right to feel safe, this measure amounts to another questionable use of limited resources for a city that had 31,000 violent crimes last year.
The mayor continues to react to the “ALF threat.” He recently removed Erika Brunson from the Los Angeles Animal Commission and replaced her with surveillance expert Glenn S. Brown. The Commission, which is endorsed by the humane community, provides a compassionate and intelligent voice for the powerless victims of our public shelters: the animals The current commissionersexcept for Mr. Brown–may not be experts on installing cameras to detect fake pizza deliveries, but they are experts on how to combat the violence perpetrated against the dogs, cats and other animals that we have a responsibility to protect.
If Mayor Villaraigosa fails to honor his promise to fire Mr. Stuckey and to hire a compassionate and experienced General Manager who can implement a no-kill plan and reform the department, he may find that the animal community is politically-speaking, more bite than bark. A decision to retain Stuckey is likely to become a permanent smudge on Villaraigosa’s finely tailored lapel.
The animal community expects the mayor to do the right thing. But in case he doesn’t, they have forwarded this article to the Republican Party.
Charlotte Laws, Ph.D. is a member of the Greater Valley Glen Council and is the president of the League for Earth and Animal Protection (LEAP). Her websites are http://www.charlottelaws.org and http://charlottelaws.typepad.com and http://www.leapnonprofit.org.
There has been much interest in the high plateau area overlooking the northern coast at Topola just north of Balchik in Bulgaria. Investors who have bought land in this location have enjoyed substantial gains in the value of their Bulgarian property investment, but will this continue?
For the most part of 2005 there was little activity on the golf course construction site. This lead to speculation that the golf course may not actually be built. However, in recent weeks there has been a flurry of building activity and visitors to this attractive location on the Black Sea Coast can now visualize that this really will be an exemplar property development in Bulgaria.
The 18 hole golf course will also offer clubhouse facilities, restaurants, bar, swimming pools, tennis courts and volley ball. Luxury villas in this fabulous development will be available and top prices will be up to £300 000.
Ian Hunt at Best Bulgarian Estates Ltd, a UK based Bulgarian property agency, said,
‘The development of the golf course at Balchik is great news for people who have invested in land and property adjacent the golf course. The ongoing construction will now prompt more land owners and developers to build properties at Topola. But it is still good news for people considering investing in Bulgaria. Building plots at Topola can still be purchased for around £15 000.
It is possible to build a good standard Bulgarian villa for around £30 000. In light of the golf course construction many people, now looking for potential investment opportunities will be attracted to the area. We think the price of land in this area will rise significantly over the next few months. This is currently an excellent investment opportunity’
View golf course plots and other Bulgarian property
Ian Hunt Best Bulgarian Estates Ltd
Did you know that after Christmas, Valentine’s Day is the biggest retail holiday? That means a variety of things for you the consumer, but mostly it means the market is saturated with a plethora of heart-shaped, cutesy, not so worth it products. I have a philosophy…one that is not always popular…but here it goes. If you love someone, then saying “I love you” is a full time job, not one accomplished by dime store shrink-wrapped chocolates and plush toys holding bags of candy hearts.
Don’t get me wrong. These things were great when we were 10, but we are adults now so here are a few ways to ensure you have a classy holiday that shows you put a lot of thought into it.
The key to success if knowing your significant other’s tastes and not stepping on a land mine in the process of telling her how much you care. Yes, this article is geared mostly towards the men out there who are trying to get it right this year. However, women, you can take heed of this advice as well because I don’t know a man alive who wants a teddy bear holding a cheap satin heart.
1. Ask yourself “Do I know her tastes well enough to buy a personalized gift?” We are going to help you sort this out, but you are going to have to too.
2. What is your budget? Financial troubles as a result of overspending on Valentine’s Day are not going to help your romantic life.
3. Always be classy. You don’t have to spend a fortune to achieve style.
We have broken the choices down by the major items generally purchased for Valentine’s Day. This by no means is an all-inclusive list, but will put you on the road to victory.
Chocolate:
Does she like it? If not, then obviously skip this traditional gift.
Does she have a favorite brand? Or favorite ingredient?
Whatever your answers to those questions, do not buy shrink wrapped, generic chocolate. We are not a big fan of the heart shaped, fake lace and Elvis velvet. You know what I am talking about. Now avoid it! A simple, elegant box with a nice ribbon is much classier.
Flowers:
Does she like flowers? (Remember some people are allergic to certain flowers)
Does she have a favorite? There is not a rule that says you must be red roses. I happen to love yellow roses and it would be a sign to me that my mate understood me if he bought me yellow roses instead of traditional red.
Jewelry:
Now talk about a land mine. If you are determined to buy jewelry, consult her friends and family to find out what she likes and wants if you are not absolutely positive. Good jewelry is an expensive proposition to screw up. Avoid heart shaped anything…please, I am begging you. The act of giving her the jewelry is saying “I love you,” there is no need to tattoo it on her forehead so to speak by giving her a heart shaped necklace she feels obliged to wear all of the time.
Dinner or Brunch:
1. Go where you will both be comfortable
2. Make reservations to avoid waiting
3. If you want to try something new, go somewhere that you both have wanted to try.
4. If you are nervous about a new place and you want the perfect evening, check out the place ahead of time.
5. Be yourself. For example, if you are not a wine expert then ask for help from the staff. We women like a guy who will ask.
Or be daring…don’t go out to eat. If you are not a very good cook, order take away from a local establishment (not fast food or pizza) or hire a personal chef, and put your time into setting a beautiful table. She will be very impressed that you made the effort.
Lingerie:
Oh yet another land mine. Do you get the feeling this holiday was meant to test the best of relationships? Be careful here. Your fantasies may not be her desires. And please, please, please again be classy not tacky. Cheap lingerie does not say “I love you.” It says “I’m cheap or you are a tramp.” If you aren’t sure about this one at all, then make it a partner activity. Tell her you want to buy her something nice and that you want to do it together.
Other Gifts:
There is no rule that your Valentine’s Day gift has to be heart shaped, red/pink or traditional. I don’t recommend buying her a blender or cordless drill, but if there is something that she has really been checking out and you can afford it, then show her that you have been paying attention and go for it.
Travel:
Many places offer weekend specials for Valentine’s Day, but often are booked well in advance. As an alternative, plan a weekend away at a different time and give this to her as a gift over your Valentine’s Day dinner.
Proposals:
OK, we saved this one for last because it is a big one. For some reason, the multitudes feel that proposing on Valentine’s Day is the thing to do. In case you couldn’t tell from this article, I am encouraging you to think out of the box. Valentine’s Day proposals have come to be expected. Why not be different, propose at a random time and really surprise her. However, if you feel that you must succumb to the pressure, do it right. Follow all of our tips above and crank them up a notch. Again, be creative but classy. You want her to remember this special time.
So here you are at the end of the article and about ready to chuck in the towel. Don’t! We know you can do it. Take a deep breath, do not wait until the last minute and if it all seems a bit too overwhelming, call in help. Use your resources and make this a truly special day that is only the beginning of a truly special year of romance.
Indra A Books, author of this and many other lifestyle articles, is the owner and founder of ON THE GO 4 U, Personal Shoppers & Concierge Service in the Washington DC metropolitan area. The company’s creed is to provide its clients with the ultimate life management experience. In addition to its shopping and concierge services, ON THE GO 4 U also publishes a monthly e-zine and conducts workshops on wardrobe, entertaining and decorating. For more information about the author and ON THE GO 4 U, please visit http://www.onthego4u.net
© 2005 Indra A Books for ON THE GO 4 U
Publishing a free newsletter is an effective and inexpensive marketing strategy with several business benefits. Here are some of those benefits:
1. Increases sales
Prospects only become paying clients when they know, like, and trust your business. Publishing a free newsletter is a way of making your readers get more acquainted with your business. As a result, this will increase sales. You’ll find that when you convert your readers into paying clients, they’ll repeatedly buy more of your services as they get to know you more, like you more and trust you more.
2. Positions you as an expert in your field
Experts can charge more for their services, and they often get more media exposure. By providing helpful tips to your readers, a newsletter is another vehicle for demonstrating your expertise, and showcasing your knowledge and skills. This will enhance your credibility in the marketplace and therefore attract more clients.
3. It’s cost-effective
Publishing and distributing an electronic newsletter is inexpensive because it is delivered by email, and there’s zero cost on printing and postage. Of course you can choose to publish in hard copy format, but that will defeat the cost-effective advantage of an electronic format. With the magic of technology today, you don’t have to own a web site to be able to publish an electronic newsletter and distribute it via email. There are several companies that provide templates you can use to publish and distribute your newsletter. All you need is an email address to send it from and a subscription method.
Also, as it takes five to eight contacts for a prospect to say “yes” to buying from you, a newsletter is a cheap and easy way to “warm up” your prospects.
4. Nurtures relationships with clients and prospects
As long as you’re in front of your clients and prospects on a regular basis, you’ll be at the top of their mind when they’re ready to buy the kind of service you offer. Unless you do this, they’ll forget you. Publishing a newsletter is an effective way to stay in front of them without being a pest! As they read each newsletter issue, your subscribers will get to know, like and trust you more (that’s if you’re not bombarding them with just promotions). You’ll be viewed as a valuable resource, rather than an aggressive salesman. As a result, you’ll convert more prospects into clients, and turn more one-time clients into repeat buyers of your service.
5. Spreads the word about your business
Some of your subscribers might not be clients, but they may be groups that have influence and credibility with your target market e.g. the media, staff at trade associations, training companies and so on. Such groups are called “the centers of influence” of your industry. Keeping in touch with them via your newsletter can lead to paid speaking engagements, referrals, tons of media exposure and profitable joint ventures.
6. Helps you build an in-house mailing list
Many businesses spend thousands of dollars on list rental for direct mail campaigns. Offering a newsletter is one of the cheapest ways to get people’s contact information, allowing you to market to them over and over again. This also means you’ll have qualified prospects on your database… the more qualified your prospects are, the higher the chances of a sale.
Tips For Smooth Sailing:
• Don’t publish a newsletter that is filled with promotions and nothing else, or that goes on and on about your business schedule or staff party or recent media exposure. Your readers don’t care about these things. They only care about “what’s-in-it-for-me” so make sure at least 80% of your content focuses on helpful tips for your readers.
• While you should focus your content primarily on information that is of use and interest to your subscribers, you should always include a subtle promotion for your services. Your readers wouldn’t mind this, as long as you’re providing valuable content. About 10-20% of your content should tell the reader how your services can solve their problem i.e. the problem you’ve just addressed in the newsletter article.
• Your newsletter shouldn’t have so many pages. We’re in an era of busy schedules and your readers probably subscribe to other publications. If yours takes more than 15-20 minutes to read and digest, you run the risk of having your readers delete it without reading or they may unsubscribe.
• Include a subscription box on your web site so that visitors can sign up to receive the free newsletter. Make sure the box is easy to find. If you don’t own a web site then you can spread the word about your free newsletter by printing a “blurb” about it on your invoices, receipts, brochures, and other marketing materials.
• To build momentum fast, publish your newsletter at least once a month. In some industries, it is better to publish twice a month or weekly.
• Be consistent with your publishing schedule. If you’ve decided to publish once a month then do so consistently, otherwise a “here and there” schedule will undermine perceived reliability
• As with any marketing strategy, test and track to determine what works best. Variables to test include how often you publish, the length of your newsletter, the writing style, electronic vs. hard copy format etc.
Copyright © 2005 by Habiba Abubakar and Emprez. All rights reserved.
Note: You are welcome to republish this article as long as you do so in its entirety and the “about the author” bit at the end is included fully and unaltered.
Habiba Abubakar, a.k.a. The Profit Diva, specializes in helping small business owners who are struggling to increase their client base and are tired of earning mediocre profits. Her FREE business-building newsletter covers proven, low-cost, and immediately usable marketing strategies. Sign up for your FREE copy at http://www.profitdiva.com
