Car Hire has grown tremendously over the last few years as
renting or leasing a car in Abu Dhabi has become a popular trend. With more and
more people moving in and out of the country, it seems to be the best option to
hire a vehicle in the UAE for both tourists and residents.
Abu Dhabi is a city that is best experienced on wheels; Abu
Dhabi, the capital city of UAE is truly an Arabian Jewel flanked with golden
beaches, an ever evolving futuristic skyline and rich culture and history. One
must visit the Yas Island, Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Marina Mall, heritage village
and drive along the Corniche at your own pace.
The city is designed for cars, most major roads are
maintained in excellent condition and the signage is well designed and easy to
follow. Apart from the experience of driving on clean, wide roads there are
several other benefits to renting a car here.Pest control Abu Dhabi
Renting a car is a more sensible option than using taxis or
public transport; Taxis, although cheaper than in most other countries, can still
make a dent in your travel budget. On the other hand, car rentals are
economically priced and you get to travel whenever and wherever!
Renting or leasing has some very attractive service and
financial benefits as well; not least of these are the fixed costs &
hassles of buying a car, replacement vehicle, no ownership or insurance risk
and so on.
If you do have an accident while driving a rental car, the
hassle of police reports and insurance claims is borne by the rental agency
(provided you have all the required legal documents and relevant insurance)
saving you the headache of having to deal with this.
If driving a Mercedes or a BMW is high on your list of
things to do, there is no better place than in Abu Dhabi. Most locals are
passionate about luxury vehicles and thus you can get a good choice of vehicles
for hire from car rental providers.
Rental cars can be booked online prior to arrival in the
country, and can be picked up from the airport location as most car rental
companies have their stations in the airport. Arrangements can also be made to
have the car delivered at the hotel. This can save you the hassle of finding a
taxi to and from your hotel and also makes it convenient to drop off your car
and head straight into the airport when you are finished with your business or
leisure trip.
We have all been reading about the sad California story of
little 8-year-old Jahi McGrath, who was declared legally dead (no brain-wave
activity) after an operation, but whose parents have moved her from the
hospital to an undisclosed location and have insisted that she is not dead, and
that she will be kept "alive" by a feeding tube and respirator.
Who can not be moved to tears by this tragedy? Who can not
sympathize with these parents, who expected that she would come out of the
operation alive and physically healthier. But she didn't. What an awful
experience for them and their family.
And yet, we do wonder, why these parents refuse to accept
the medical decision? Actually, the answer is simple: they don't want to lose
their dear Jahi, and they will do everything they can to keep her alive.
There are three gates through which mourners must walk in
order to recover and move forward:
1. Accept the death of your loved one. This means, in this
case, to accept the reality and finality that Jahi is truly gone, that she has
left us her memories and life-lessons, but not her physical body. This is the
first and for some, the most difficult gate to walk through, and it often leads
to anger and blaming and a refusal to accept the inevitable.HAPPY NEW YEAR MEME
2. Confront the grief which comes from the death. This gate
leads grievers to begin the process of healing, of indeed "laying them
gently down" and beginning to see that there can be a future after loss, a
future that will be different than the past. The core of this idea is the deep
dark secret of grief: she died, I am still alive. Lots of folks have a
"survivors guilt" because they are still alive. Nonetheless, living
is a good thing, we should honor that life.
3. Embrace your new life, not forgetting about your loved
one, but remembering them and moving on in your own life to joy and
celebration. This seems far away and impossible for most grievers to even think
possible, but with proper counseling and patience, it will happen.
I am afraid that these parents have not been able to begin
their grief process, because they still cannot accept the reality of their
daughter's death. While their daughter is still alive, their own lives are now
deadened because she isn't there in the way they would like. Their lives are
now "upside down," and that is not the way they are supposed to be.
Sadness walks with them, and so this has not been so far a Happy New Year. We
can only hope that by next January, they will be able to grieve Jahi's death,
move "from mourning to morning," and be able to wish themselves and
us a Happy New Year.
If you are interested in a spiritual reflection on Jahi,
specifically the question where her soul might be in this "in
between" space she finds herself, read this article written by my friend
Susan Esther Barnes. Find it at
Are you grieving the loss of a loved one?
Do you need help moving "from mourning to
morning?"
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So many consumers, myself included, would love to be able to
make that perfect cup of espresso in their own home. I would give anything to
be able to just wake up, roll out of bed and walk over into the kitchen in the
privacy of my own home and make a great espresso. It always seems like the best
espresso is always made from a professional machine. Those large professional
machines, take up a great deal of space and cost a significant amount of money.
It seems like nothing compares to the style of espresso or a cappuccino that comes
from a professional machine. Retailers sell similar machines, which are smaller
and significantly less expensive. The downside of these machines, is that the
parts are made of plastic most often and they fall apart and break down only
after a few months of usage. Everytime I have attempted to make an espresso or
froth milk for a cappuccino from one of those machines, it turns into an
absolute disaster. I gave up. I opted for the Starbucks on the corner instead.
After a while, it becomes a nuisance to crawl out of your house and down the
street, just for coffee.
Then came the advent of Nespresso. An absolute creation from
the Gods. I will admit, I was very hesitant at first. I am not a fan of the
Kuerig style single cup coffee. That style of coffee is watered down and never
strong enough in flavor of caffeine. I was afraid Nespresso was going to be
espresso version of the Keurig, a watered down imposter espresso. On the
contrary, I found the exact opposite. Nespresso is a lifesaver and a game
changer. The Nespresso pods taste amazing. They are robust, powerful and pack a
punch. best nespresso machine
Nespresso Pixie C60, it's the perfect and ultimate kitchen
accessory. This first time I saw and used this machine was in Europe, Paris to
be exact. It was a beautiful, a tiny apartment in the Bastiile. Some of the
space in Europe, are even smaller than a New York apartment. This machine was a
perfect size for that miniture space. Very small, very compact, very easy to
manage and most importantly very easy to clean. The Nespresso Pixie is the
smallest Nespresso machine on the market. The pods are conveniently placed in
the machine and the espresso is ready in two minutes. The pods are available in
a large variety of flavors. This machine is ideal for small space and
competitively priced. It's capabilities are outstanding.
The machine contains a container for used the pods, which is
can be easily emptied and cleaned. It has the capability of being programmed
for both Espresso and Lungo. It automatically powers off. This Pixie proves
that size does not always matter. It packs twice the punch for its size. It is
a streamlined version of their Grand Cru Machine. The capsules offer the best
coffees by minimizing the preparation time by cutting out the grind and the
filling of filters, and even the use of filters altogether. It is suiting even
for the pickiest of Italians.
Louis Cooper is a 37 year veteran of the retail trade. An
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In this lesson I will teach you how to say Happy New Year in
Spanish. I will also tell you how Christmas is celebrated in Colombia while
teaching you some new vocabulary words.
This is how you say Happy New Year in Spanish:
"Feliz año nuevo!" But in Colombia they simply say
"Feliz año!"
My first year in Colombia I celebrated the Christmas
holidays in Barranquilla, Colombia. But every year after that I celebrated the
Christmas holidays in Medellin. Barranquilla and Medellin, just like the rest
of Latin America, actually celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve, the 24th. HAPPY NEW YEARGREETINGS
Every year, I have a typical Colombian Christmas dinner
here: A dinner consisting of "pollo relleno" (stuffed chicken),
"buñuelos" (I'd describe these as fried cheese balls),
"natilla" (raw sugar pudding).
The only difference between my Christmas dinner in
Barranquilla and my the one in Medellin is that my new "novia paisa"
(girlfriend from Medellin) cooked the "pollo relleno" from scratch.
The pollo relleno that I had on the coast of Colombia was already pre-cooked
when purchased from the
"supermercado" and was already stuffed with
"carne, aceitunas, y huevos." (meat, olives and eggs).
Being a non-traditionalist, I found myself cooking a couple
of non-Colombian dishes for my "paisita" on Christmas Eve. The last
time I went to New York I made sure that I bought all the Puerto Rican and
Dominican cooking ingredients that I would need to take back here to Medellin
to cook some
From New York, I brought back Sazón, Adobo, Cilantro and, of
course, Sofrito. I'd describe "Sofrito" as a
slightly"picante" (spicy) Puerto Rican tomato sauce.
And with those ingredients, I managed to cook Puerto Rican
or Dominican style dishes of "arroz amarillo" (yellow rice) and
"habichuelas" (stewed red beans). But in Medellin, the word
"habichuelas" means "string beans" and "frijoles"
means "beans."
Pat Jackson is the Founder of Learning Spanish Like Crazy -
the only learning Spanish method that teaches real authentic everyday
conversational Latin American Spanish.
Happy New Year! Well I have begun my New Year the way I've
started many others. Determined and depressed. How can you have the same
feelings at the same time? Oh well, I promised to be honest, so we will be more
determined together ok? There are two sides to depression, the feeling and the
action(or inaction as the case may be). It is not good to suppress your
feelings but it is not good to be dictated by them either. Acknowledge your
feelings! " I don't want to write this, I don't want to do anything!"
" I'm off of work today!" "I just want to go back to bed!"
"I can't eat if I'm sleeping right?" Does that make us feel better?
Probably not but this does. I'm writing. Action slowly causes those feelings to
disapate. If not then you might need to seek professional help. Still with me?
Then Let's begin!
I listed foods that I like that are good to eat and here are
a few:
1. Whole grain and natural carbohydrates. Raw and plain
potatoes. Whole grain cereals, like oatmeal. Brown rice and similar grains. The
closer to the dirt the better it is.
2. Beans and legumes- If you eat from this group, good for
you! Keep it up, try dishes with beans that used to have meat in them, like
casseroles! If you don't eat beans you need to try to find some that you will
eat. Ask for bean dishes at restaurants. Try exotic places and don't be afraid
to ask questions.
3. Fruits and Vegetables- Eat as many raw as possible! Cook
the others as little as possible. Frozen and canned are OK if nothing else is
available but no heavy syrup fruits.
4. Fish- I can not stress enough the importance of eating
fish. Especially if you are limiting your intake of red meats(a good idea.) I
know a lot of people who say "I don't like/eat fish". Again, go to a
restaurant to experience different kinds of fish. That is how I discovered
tilapia and scrod for the first time. Like I've stated, I know plenty of people
who won't eat fish. Most of them are overweight. Enough said.Happy New Year Images
2020
How about exercise? Well since I am off today I need to do
more than I do in the course of a normal day. (I know, I feel like resting,
relaxing, it is my day off!) I will start by walking to the rental office to
pay my rent. Now to be honest I had planned to drive but I forgot to stop there
on the way back from dropping off my daughter at school. Well good. I can walk.
My reason for not exercising has always been laziness of course but also pain.
It hurts to walk. But my mantra for this year is "Well hell it hurts anyway
whether I walk or not!" Lets start to push this body this year! Let's see
what we are made of! Let's begin ok?
Next, I will start to write down all that I eat and drink
and how I move. I have never done this successfully before but I've been told
it is critical for success. Now please don't compare what I eat with what you
"should eat" I am 350 pounds for a reason. Just like our parents said
"Don't do what I do, do what i say" Challenge yourself! Do better
than me! I also need to be encouraged by you. Please Email me with your
comments, good or bad. Criticism is the beginning of learning, if you are
humble. I am not an exercise expert. I am not a diet expert. I am not being
sponsored by any diet company. I am just a fat guy really wanting to lose
weight. I am getting married this Valentine's Day. I need to do this now. do
you have a motivating goal? Do you have a person who will help you when it gets
difficult? I will be that person for you. Let me help you, we can help each
other. Let's begin.
Strange to see those words in the middle of June but over
95% of New Years fitness resolutions have been forgotten, abandoned or just
plain discarded for "higher priorities" by now.
Sure people are frustrated, discouraged, and miserable with
their current condition... but feeling that way about ones health and body
doesn't determine whether or not they'll be successful in making a real change.
Why?
Well, there are many reasons for fitness failure. And as a
fitness professional I see them all the time.
It's now summer time, beach season and time to reveal those
bodies to the sun and warm weather. How many people made it to the finish line?
How many are still keeping up on their fitness resolutions to be healthy and
fit?
Here are 5 reasons fitness programs fail.
1. Incomplete programs- starting a strength-training
program, with no attention paid to nutrition. Or beginning a cardio program
without addressing strength training, etc. I could go on and on. But chances
are most people can identify with one of these scenarios. Happy New Year SMS
2. Failure to address nutrition first- starting an exercise
program, and failing to address nutrition FIRST is just plain dumb. We have to
feed our body the right "fuel" to exercise, have energy, keep up with
the increase in activity, and furthermore really get our metabolism moving.
3. Incomplete nutrition- with all the wacko diets and
'well-meaning' but 'uneducated' friends giving advice in this area, it's no
wonder there is so much confusion. All protein. No protein. All organic. Low
glycemic. High glycemic. Good fats. Bad fats. If a person is confused when it
comes to putting together a nutrition program that will get you to your goals,
they're not alone.
4. Avoiding endurance- mostly a mistake made by men. You
know the folks I'm talking about. They're over 40+and get back to the gym to
work on their "big arms & chest" when they really need to be
working on getting' rid of the "big gut". That means making cardio a
priority!
5. Push too hard, too soon- this one is really sad, and it
happens because most folks begin exercising with no instruction. And also
because most are IMPATIENT, and they have nobody to help them establish realistic
goals on a timetable, with a plan to accomplish them. So they workout like an
animal for a week, then can't
move their body for three, and lose all the motivation they
had when they started, or get injured...Totally unnecessary.
To ensure a healthy and fit life be sure to approach health
and fitness as a year long journey, not just a month or two her and there. By
avoiding the 5 mistakes above we can definitely stack the deck in our favor.
Happy New Year and Happy Birthday Capricorn!!! Capricorn
holds the secret to the fountain of youth. They appear so practical and serious
throughout their early years that everyone thinks Capricorns skipped childhood.
Patience is their finest quality and it would seem that Capricorns are holding
out, patiently waiting until 29ish before letting down the wall of serious
face.
Capricorn will get all the ducks in a row along with a 401K
before committing to wild and random crazy stuff. Remember the symbol of
Capricorn is the tireless mountain goat. Endurance and persistence motivates
this earth sign to climb higher and reach for success. The smell of money and
the clink of change keep Capricorn interested. They are the quintessential savers.
If you love a Capricorn do not expect a joint bank account.
Buy your lover the best of everything because to them looking good is key. Do
not, however, be fooled by their taciturn façade because under the designer
clothes lives a stand up-laugh-out-loud- comedian who will keep you rolling in
the aisles right into retirement.
SKY WATCH: Do not expect to make history New Years Eve-that
No Day Thing is sitting around from early evening until mid-day on the first.
Plans can take a turn or go sour. Be as flexible as you can and your only
memories will be the photos you take on your iPhone. Not a great way to make
the switch from one year to the next but we've done it before and we can do it
again. Focus on the kindness you can do for others-in the end-that's all that
matters. Make your New Year's resolutions later on January one.
Aries (March 21-April 20) Aries must focus (not easy) on
opportunities that exist close to home. Look into the community-talk to
family-share what you have learned with others. Cosmic Advice: Put your chin
out and stand straight-you look good and sound even better in the professional
world of possibilities.
Taurus (April 21-May 20) Taurus can make resolutions but do
not include a partner. Solo promises are likely to be less work. Expect the
appearance of a friend whom you thought disappeared for awhile. This act will
continue with many versions. Cosmic Advice: Do what you do best
professionally-speak out and use examples that are far reaching.
Gemini (May 20-June 21) Gemini can make resolutions with a
win-win attitude. You are covered-someone has your back (and your front). Do
not grow complacent but enjoy the accolades. Cosmic Advice: You wanted to
discuss money and where it is coming from-check out the sources and ask
questions-go on a trip if it means getting answers.
Cancer (June 22-July 22) Cancer can make a New Year's
promise to be better in a relationship no matter what. This is where your heart
is as the calendar flips to 2013. Cosmic Advice: Your energy is funneled into
combined resources and joint monetary decisions.
Leo (July 23-August 22) Leo is doing his or her best to
please the important other half in his or her life. As 2013 comes in your
thoughts are centered on how you can balance your own needs with your partner.
Cosmic Advice: There does not seem to be a you in 2013. Remember there are
years like this and its okay.
Virgo (August 23-September 22) Virgo has the best luck when
it comes to fostering a career but the juggle at home is very demanding and
puts restrictions on your accomplishments. This is a cycle and with patience
you can work things out and enjoy the balance of both. Cosmic Advice: Stay
grounded-pretty much there is no other choice.
Libra (September 23-October 22) Libra prefers to stay home
for New Years. Throwing a party has possibilities or maybe just a table for two
in your own kitchen. This staycation attitude marks the beginning of a similar
year. Cosmic Advice: Careful at work or in daily routine-things happen that go
unexplained.
Scorpio (October 23-November 21) Scorpio can use his or her
words to bolster a local opportunity. The ongoing issue is your cement shoes
outlook. You can get yourself down easily. Try to focus your resolutions on
family and home gaining perspective on why family is so important. Cosmic
Advice: Long distance travel looks good for 2020.HAPPY NEW YEAR MESSAGES
Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Sagittarius talks
money, how much belongs to him or her and the dynamic changes taking place both
visible and invisible. There is not much to stand on at home-the once favored
castle of your life begins to lose favor. Cosmic Advice: Partnership holds the
destiny you seek.
Capricorn (December 22-January 19) Capricorn manages to make
New Year's resolutions that stick. Called persistent Capricorn can be silent
but deadly. Beware any plan that involves Capricorn taking over in business.
Remember: The choice would be a good one for any of a dozen reasons. Cosmic
Advice: Lady Luck rides the bus with you every day. Stay to say thank you.
Aquarius (January 20-February 18) Aquarius bleeds to spend
2013 working towards a personal goal. The world is conspiring in your favor.
Leave the lazy self home-get up and get out.
Pisces (February 19-March 20) Pisces has the hand of god
over his or her head. This is a very spiritual beginning for the New Year. Talk
to people with experience in the types of groups you are looking to join. Group
activities are key to kicking off this New Year. Look to folk who know what you
need and how to get it.
I wish to commune with you today for the passage of this
new year. The cycle of time is something which is at the same time inexorable
and beautiful. The cycle of seasons, stars, the constant changes that are
shaking our lives are all small stones arranged in the path of our lives to
show us our way back home, back to the divine infinite, that lost paradise that
we must claim as it is our fundamental right to return to this state of grace.
For most of you and as for me, 2010 was a year of
changes, a year with many new ideas that have sprouted and a year during which
life took you off guard sometimes quite brutally. However, these rude awakening
should not be condemned but rather honored. For all the changes and challenges
that stand are as many opportunities to find your true self, to show the world
and yourself the flame that resides in your heart.
When I talk about spirituality, people often tell me that
it is illogical to believe in a god that would leave many things happening in
the world. Others wonder why life seems to punish them. Usually in response I
smile and sympathize. But I can assure you that there is no God who has
forsaken you or has been trying to persecute you. Because all of that would
presupposes the existence of a God outside of you. But God, Allah, Buddha, the
Holy Spirit, the Christ consciousness that incarnated fully in this man named
Jesus, the Great Spirit of Native Americans, the divine is everywhere and
therefore seat at this moment in you. This force is pure love, goodness,
infinite abundance, original beauty. It is the Alpha and the Omega, the
beginning and end of all things. It is the twinkling stars at night, the scent
of jasmine at dawn, the laughter of a child, the love that burns in the eyes of
a couple, the soar of the eagle, the song of an orca... But it is also the
transformation of the body after burial, the explosion of stars, the
transformation of autumn leaves that feed the young oaks in the spring...
Traditionally, the New Year is a time when we evaluate
the finished year and announce good intentions for the one to come. But alas at
that time we often feel guilty and criticize life or God for what we
experienced. It is also the time when we redrew the map of our goals and our
wishes by deciding to erase the past year. Early in the new year, it is
customary to wish people a new beginning. We wish people to start over and to
obtain a number of things which should bring the peace they so desire. I
decided to break with tradition and wish you a year 2011 in my way. This will
perhaps seem strange but take it as a sincere token of my love for you, that I
know you personally or not.
Firstly I hope you will not forget 2010. Enjoy that year
with its blessings and its challenges. They have shaped you and were many
opportunities for you to grow, evolve, move forward on your path. Our eternal souls
from the firmament dream our lives just to make us grow and help us to return
home. Take the example of a great athlete who lost a major competition. He do
not forget, he learns from his failure, change his training and then win the
next competition. He does not turn his back on his past and does not drown in
his misery. So look at the year 2010 with a half smile. Thank it for having led
you to the shores of 2011, for it has taught you these lessons, it has
supported you in your real quest. Now you can look towards the future with the
wisdom of experience.HAPPY
NEW YEAR MESSAGES
Finally I will wish you one thing for the coming year.
Something so precious that if you have it then, health, material abundance,
physical love, all this will come naturally to you at the best time. I wish you
will find the love of the divine in you. I do not mean necessarily that you
will become religious because it has nothing to do with it. I am talking about
finding this unconditional love in you, this star that shines brightly in the
palm of your heart and which will help you to play your score in the symphony
of life. Gandhi said "if a man reaches the heart of his own religion, he
stands, therefore, in the heart of all the others religions" (note: it is
my own translation from the French quote). For me each one's own religion is
about the way each of you perceive the divine and the infinite in everything,
how you can become an expression of this primordial energy: unconditional love.
When you see how to embrace the divine in everything then you find God, then
you meet with your true self and you open your eyes to your place in the
universe. When you fall in love with the world, you fall in love with yourself
and you begin the most beautiful of the romances: the one with Creation.
Therefore everything you will need to be really happy will appear on the path
you dance.
Finally, I would quote the Psalms 103.1 and 103.2 of
David: "Praise the Lord, my soul! All that is within me, praise his holy
name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and never forget all the good he has
done". For this year 2011, I wish you awaken to the Lord in you, that is
to say, the divine being you are. That everything in you and in your life
celebrate and sing your awakening.
Happy New Year! It's a time for wiping the slate clean and
making a fresh start. We'll make resolutions that we hope will improve our
lives - we'll vow to lose weight, get out of debt or get organized. To make
2010 the best year ever, try this: as a married partner, determine to do
whatever it takes to improve your relationship with your spouse. Research shows
that if husbands and wives will channel their energy and creativity towards
strengthening their relationship, our families will be healthier, our children
will be happier, and we as individuals will increase our emotional, mental,
spiritual and physical well-being.
New Year's Resolutions to consider:
Adopt a pro-active, growth-related attitude about your
relationship - maintain control rather than putting it on autopilot
Spend more time together as a couple - quantity and quality
go hand-in-hand
Schedule regular date nights with your spouse. Write it on
the calendar in ink!
Set aside time each day to talk with each other - both
chit-chat and heart-to-heart
Work on your problems and conflicts - don't let them go
unresolved
Get help if you need it - seek out a counselor or minister
Attend a marriage class, join a couple growth group or read
a book on a relationship topic
Touch each other - sexual and non-sexual affection are
important
Resolve that this year, your marriage will be a blessing to
you, your spouse and most importantly, your children. Children pay a huge price
when their family is destroyed. Resolve that your children won't ever have to
suffer through a divorce. Make 2010 the year that your marriage is the best
it's ever been.Happy New Year IMAGES
Keep reading. Keep learning. Keep growing!
Married for 33 years, Greg and Priscilla Hunt are certified
Specialists in Marriage Enrichment, Couple Communication Instructor Trainers,
Prepare-Enrich Seminar Directors and Mentoring for Better Marriages Trainers.
Greg is a consultant and author. Priscilla is Executive Director of Better
Marriages: Association for Couples in Marriage Enrichment. The Hunts are known
for their energetic, creative and thought-provoking style of presenting.
"Happy New Year" is a common phrase used every
year to represent a "new beginning". This year it is 2012 that
symbolizes a fresh start for everyone. There is always something great about
the start of a year because it stands for challenge, hope, planning and the
ability to "make things happen".
Running a successful business is not easy. It involves
planning, organization, being prepared for the unprepared, and remaining on-top
of an unpredictable environment. It involves predicting trends, taking risks,
and drawing conclusions about situations where the outcome may not be so
clear-cut. Here are a few critical elements for any company that wants to
survive the erratic environment of the business world, prosper and succeed into
the future.
Business success is reliant upon watching the market and
planning the right moves at the right time. Working in any niche business
requires a firm understanding of the needs, and the flexibility to change and
adapt in order to accommodate those requirements. Marching in the wrong
direction is costly. Yet, jumping in front of the pack without weighing all of
the factors of doing so can be equally detrimental. This is a fine line that
must be walked.
It is always best to scope out the landscape, assess long-term
industry goals and act at the appropriate time. Although quantity often means
quicker revenues, all cost considerations and long-term profitability and
stability needs to be assessed. Quick delivery may mean lower quality. Lower
quality represents re-engineering and replacement. This greatly affects cost
and future revenue because of the injury to reputation. For long-term
sustainability it is sometimes better to go at a slower but forward-thinking
pace.
The customer is number one. Nothing is more important. Treat
customers better than well. Give more than what is expected. High quality
product combined with superior service and an understanding of customer needs
puts a company in a position of long-term balance and stability. This posture
deliberately generates a steady stream of revenue, growth and profitability.
Stay personal. People want to talk to people.
Be innovative. Think beyond the box. Be different. Steve
Jobs once said "You can't just ask customers what they want and then try
to give that to them. By the time you get it built, they'll want something
new." Stay ahead of the curve; create something that will service
customer's needs before they realize they actually need it. Whatever you sell,
always keep making it better. It's costly but the cost of not doing so is
greater.
Stay close to your customers. Find out how they are using
your products. Ask questions about what could improve their experience.
Encourage customers to provide ideas and yes even complaints. Take a "hear
it first" approach. If someone is unhappy you want to know. Every concern
is valid. Many times it is just a misunderstanding about how something works.
Learn everything you can about your customers.
Don't nickel and dime. Sometimes you have real costs and are
not able to give out a free-bee. Other times you can give something either at a
discount or at no charge. If you have a long-term steady paying customer that
is totally low maintenance try to do something for them. Perhaps offer some
free training classes or advice that will allow them to use your product more
effectively. Stay in touch.
Build relationships. To keep customers long-term takes more
than just a good product. Genuinely caring about your customers goes beyond
offering a good product. Maybe they need longer terms because of some
unexpected expenses or were unusually affected by the economy. If you could
accommodate then do it. Maybe they need help after hours or require some
special scheduling. In turn, good relationships offer recommendations by
customers which will benefit your firm. Any relationship is a two-way street by
nature and it always goes beyond the normal realm of business.
Next, all business is not good business. If you know that
your product is not a good fit, do not take the business. This is probably the
most difficult challenge yet it is an important one. Attempt to do a discovery
meeting before you proceed with any sales cycle. This will allow you to assess
the needs of the prospect and if you are not a good fit, direct them elsewhere.
Remember, there is no harm in recommending a competitor. We receive referrals
from competitors and also give them. It's good business and everyone wins.
Competitors do not have to be enemies.
Get out there. Today business goes well beyond a website.
For example, set up a LinkedIn client group to share advice and ideas among
clients. This can be more intimate and exclusive than an open network. For a
more open environment try a Facebook page. These take a while to build up so do
not be discouraged if the response is slower than anticipated. Keep posting
current items. These take work though. If you do not have the time or person to
work on this it is best to wait until you do.Happy New Year GREETINGS
Take the word "policy" out of everyone's
vocabulary at the company. "Policy" is a word that indicates that the
company is inflexible and unwilling to accommodate a special circumstance.
Policies should be guidelines that are needed for business operation but should
not stand in the way of a solution.
Treat employees well. A company is people. Unless people are
treated well and respected for their talents they will not be able to service
customers. Offer whatever benefits you can afford. Create a nice atmosphere
with good work tools. Listen to issues. Be considerate if an employee has
personal problems. Try not to micro-manage. Praise when deserved. Do not praise
when not deserved. Know when to give a second chance and when not to. If you
are less than perfect on this then keep trying. Most of us need to keep trying.
Document everything in an automated system. All information
stays with the company. Keep client matters confidential and secure. Buy a
shredder and make everyone use it. Store everything on a corporate server not
desktops. Maintain a secure network with anti-malware. Ensure that data backups
are taken and securely stored. Information is the business. Never lose sight of
this.
Nothing is perfect. Keep checking processes, procedures and
practices. Be willing to change as well as stay the same for good reason. What
others are doing may not be right for you. Manage growth and assess
profitability constantly. Never travel without a roadmap. This ensures that you
will always get where you are going.
It is 2017 and there are so many new year goals that will be
met. If you are just like me and you are striving to build a company from the
ground up, there are some ground rules that you must follow. In every business,
whether it is big or small, there are certain formulas or recipes that must be
followed. One of the things that you must understand in business is you must be
flexible. In addition, there are a couple skills that you must master. the
first skill is good planning and the second skill is organizational skills.
Those two skills must be mastered before going to the next
step. Assuming you have already mastered these skills, I will talk about more
skills you must master in order to have a great and thriving business.
The first skill that you must master for the new years is
keeping detailed records. All successful business models require detailed
records. By keeping detailed records, you will be able to better understand
where your business is at financially. The detailed records will also give you
an idea on the areas your business can improve.HAPPY NEW YEAR WALLPAPERS
The second skill you must learn for the new years is
understanding the risks and the rewards that follow any business owner. The key
to having a thriving business is understanding the areas where you can take
calculated risks. You must constantly ask yourself this question, "what is
the downside?", when you decide to start your business.
The third skill for you to learn for the new year is
understanding how to analyze the competition. the thing that competition breeds
is great results. Competition forces you to bring out your best self and it
forces you to always stay on your toes when it comes to business decisions. The
glory about analyzing the competition is you get to figure out what is working
and what is not working for other businesses.
Starting a company is not easy and if you want to succeed
and live off of your profits, you will have to acquire the skills that have
been highlighted in this article. In addition, you will have to continue doing
research on the type of business you will want to do. What I would recommend is
for you to start a business that fits your personality. For example, if you are
a talkative person and you love people, then you might want to get involved in
the telecommunications industry.
CAPRICORN is patient, frugal and strict. There are rules to
abide and Capricorn is the authority of enforcement. Practical and persistent,
Capricorn has goals to achieve. Known as the astrological mountain climber, Capricorn
is always striving to succeed and rise above the crowds. Materialistic and
aware of the tangible, Capricorn folk can handle finances with ease and wisdom.
This sign does not fantasize, if there are castles to be built then Capricorn
wants concrete and a crew putting in the foundation.
The planet Saturn, the taskmaster, rules Capricorn, and it
takes these folk almost twenty-nine years to learn their lessons well. Once he
or she passes that magic age, things tend to ease up. They grow older but get
younger and funnier. Capricorn has a very dry sense of humor that is the
trademark of a good stand-up comedian. If fame passes him or her by, no
worries, they can still entertain friends and strangers alike with their one-
liners.
If you love a Capricorn give him or her a back rub, the
weight of worry often plagues Capricorn with back problems. They tend to be
rigid and need a partner who has a gentle touch. Music is a good stress
reducer; Capricorn will appreciate your intervention. Nothing but the finest
will do, quality is everything, but Capricorn wants the best for less. The true
bargain shopper, your Capricorn sweetheart will love having you along to show
off his or her good deals. When it comes to love, Capricorn signs on for the
long haul. He or she will do everything possible to insure that the two of you
have a nest egg, sound financial planning and tons of security. You can be the
dreamer and your Capricorn partner will make them all come true.
Sky Watch: Happy New Year 2010-Did you ever compete in a
three legged race? You know the game, one of your legs is tied to a partner and
you must get from point A to point B before all the other three-legged-duos. As
we welcome another decade, we might find that the three-legged race is in full
swing. Who will fall? Who will give up? Who will win? The reason relationships
and partnerships and all negotiations take on this metaphorical competition is
simple: three planets are dancing backwards this month. Mercury, Mars and
Saturn will be on the floor turning things upside down. The ride will be a bit
bumpy through the middle of March, but there is opportunity at every turn. Keep
your eyes on the finish line.
ARIES (March 21-April 20) Aries usually embodies solo
competition but the three-legged race has you tied to a lover. Perhaps
commitment is at the finish line. How long can you have this great relationship
and avoid acknowledging that you actually like this partnership. All your
lessons are learned through relationship; Saturn will be sharing your bed for the
next two years and expecting Aries to follow the rules. Cosmic Advice: Relax;
there is the very real possibility that this could be just what you need.
TAURUS (April 21-May 20) Taurus may find the best
opportunity in the three-legged race is tied to home and family. Daily
responsibility can be draining but if you pay attention to the signposts as you
pass you will notice that work is not so boring, exercise is not so painful,
and eating healthy makes you feel good. Taurus has many plans for the New Year,
many resolutions, all revolving around being the best you can be. If your
partner is home & family, then do not make separate meals for them and for
you. Cosmic Advice: Your determination to be better in the new decade can be
contagious.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21) Gemini is having a mental
three-legged race. You want to be doing two things at once (so what else is
new?). Mixed together with the enjoyment of life, the escapes, the rewards,
lovers and children you struggle with keeping your mental sharpness. Writing,
reading, speaking and all forms of communication are in this race. Cosmic
Advice: Combine the mental experience with your ability to enjoy life. Lessons
and commitments will have to be learned and made as you move to the finish
line. You can do it all, just prioritize.
CANCER (June 22-July 22) Cancer is tied to family and
finances, a strange combination as you head towards the finish line. Perhaps
this pairing is more about putting down roots, using your resources to buy some
real estate, and purchase that first or second home. Cosmic Advice: In this
race, you will have the opportunity of a lifetime. Home is where you are...
LEO (July 23-August 22) Leo is paired with his or her self
in this three-legged race to the finish line. Things are a bit unsettled for
Leo, he or she may have some false starts in this race. You may not be able to
rely on clear thinking or perhaps be faced with having to make choices.
Opportunity is still a viable option. Cosmic Advice: You need to be patient
with yourself. You are wrapping up some very important personal goals. Work on
creating new habits, some of the old ones are ineffective.
VIRGO (August 23-September 22) Virgo will be the dark horse
in this three-legged race. Your efforts may go unnoticed, but you can be sure
that what you do behind the scenes will increase your resources. Maybe you are
making plans that are not being discussed publicly; this quiet contemplation
allows you to save cash and store up for unexpected expenses. Cosmic Advice:
Lady Luck is moving in, one-to-one relationships should improve.
LIBRA (September 23-October 22) Libra has the burden of
responsibility. Libra must make sure everyone in the race knows the rules. The
weight of friendship can keep Libra from being competitive. Libra does not have
to win, keeping the peace is more important. Cosmic Advice: Negotiating the
goals of a group or organization may be more valuable to Libra than reaching
the finish line first.
SCORPIO (October 23-November 21) Scorpio can be involved in
a repeat performance. You have locked away your three-legged partner and are
out there doing what you have done before. No need to improve or rework your
act, publicly you get the nod for a do over. Cosmic Advice: If you have not
made a physical move by now, perhaps you might be caught in another redo.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22-December 21) Sagittarius likes to
live outside the box, despite the rules that keep you grounded. In this
three-legged race of the New Year, Sadge is coupled with reviewing the
traditions and beliefs of the past and cleaning house on goals and dreams. We
all have to re-evaluate our progress and judgment, for Sadge this is good
timing. Opportunities are abundant just give yourself all the room you need to
get to the finish line.HAPPY NEW YEAR GIFTS
CAPRICORN (December 22-January 19) Capricorn should be
reaping the harvest. The many years of hard work and progress are like the
crops in the field. You need to go out and survey what you have planted and decide
what will work for you in the long term. Reviewing your resources with a
partner can bring more opportunity your way. Cosmic Advice: Money owed can be
paid to you, insurance or estate money can also find its way into a joint
account.
AQUARIUS (January 20-February 18) Aquarius prefers to travel
in tandem or has more success when paired rather than being solo. This
combination must find the comfort level and when satisfied seek opportunities
at a distance. Cosmic Advice: You are beginning the last stage of reaching your
goals. Your belief system will be challenged, but rely on that trusted partner
for the best advice.
PISCES (February 19-March 20) Pisces may struggle in this
three-legged race because he or she is not in the best of health. There are issues
of daily routine, habit, eating, exercising and the like, which wear Pisces
down. This may all appear to be so burdensome but the reality is that in this
three-legged race you can rely on the resources of someone else to take you
over the finish line. Cosmic Advice: Lady Luck is sitting down next to you for
2010. This is the best cosmic news.
