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Creating An Effective Online Presence Part One

February 3rd, 2012

I have learned so much over the past year about creating an online presence. There is so very much to know and most people who start their own businesses really dont know how to create, maximize and leverage their online presence.

I will give you just a summary of what Ive learned over the past year from reading, masterminding and coaching. I know I have only scratched the surface but if I can in any way cut down on your learning curve by sharing the things Ive already learned, then thats what I want to do.

Niche Marketing

This is the first thing you learn when creating an online presence. Its about narrowing your focus. It is not possible to be all things to all people and when you try, you end up watering down your message and in essence, being nothing to no one. This probably was the hardest lesson I learned. I fought the whole niche marketing idea because I believed that my niche was choice theory and I know choice theory applied to every possible life situation. While I still believe that this is true, I need to focus my marketing efforts on a much more specific and targeted niche. While I am still refining this, I have decided to market to two basic niches. The first is small to midsize companies who are interested in creating, inspiring and leveraging diversity in the workforce and the second is managers interested in learning Empowered Leadership to increase production, improve quality and reduce employee turnover.

What is your niche? You know you have a good one if you can identify how to find them. You need to know what they read, what entertainment they gravitate toward, and what groups they belong to. It is your goal to ultimately obtain a mailing list or email list to be able to market to your niche. If you can obtain a list, then you have a well-narrowed niche.

Creating a List

This is perhaps the most important asset to an online businessthe email list of potential customers and prospects. When doing business online, it is critically important to capture prospects’ email opt-in addresses so you can begin to market to them. The best way to get people to give you their email address is to offer them something compelling. This is intricately tied to your niche. Find out something they are looking forcreate a giveaway product in exchange for getting their email address. You can see how critical it is to have correctly identified your niche market because if you offer a list of cat owners information on how to train their dogs, you can see how that might not entice them to provide you with their email address. It must be information they are hungry for.

The opt-in part is also important. You cant just go add peoples email addresses to your mailing list. That is considered spamming. They must have the opportunity to opt-in, as well as the opportunity to remove their address from your database. Dont ruin your business before it gets started by tainting your reputation unnecessarily.

Sales Letters

Sales letters are very important. If there is one thing Id like to outsource, it would be sales letters. They are not fun for me to do but they may be fun for you. There are several things to be considered in a sales letter. First of all, research shows that the longer a sales letter is the better. It must have a captivating title. It must be filled with information about WIIFMWhats In It For Me, meaning your readers or potential customers. This is again tied to the first point about niche marketing. Your sales letter will be most effective when you can write as if you know the mind of the reader. You must understand their pain or speak to a goal they have. How can you be specific enough if you havent narrowed your niche? You cant.

The letter should be crafted with both the skimming reader and the detail reader in mind. This means making main points subheadings so the person who skims can get the general idea of what you are talking about just by skimming the headings. However, include sufficient detail to convince the person who is interested in lots of facts and statistics. You dont want to write your letter with only one group in mind because then you will lose out on the possibility of selling to the group you omitted.

Create products and services your niche is hungry for and then tell them why they must have your product to either solve their problem or help them become more successful.

Sales letters must have an urgent call to action. Create some type of advantage for those who act NOW. Research shows that even if a person is interested in what you are offering, if they dont act as they are reading your letter and decide to wait for another day, they never come back to it. Get them to act now by making it worth their while. You can even offer an extra incentive for the first 20 people who respond. Its up to you.

Articles

Writing articles is a tremendous way to get your name out there to the general public. I write at least two articles each month. I used to have my virtual assistant submit each one to online article banks individually. Now, for $100, I submit my article to I-Snare and they do the submitting for me. They will submit 100 articles for my $100 which is much more cost-effective than having to pay my assistant to do it.

The purpose of writing is to help readers get to know you and what you have to offer. When you write, you are not necessarily trying to sell somethingyou are basically providing useful information, just like this article does. And you get to include a bio box at the end with a link back to your website home page, a product page or a sales letter. This will help increase the traffic to your website and it will be a targeted audience, meaning those who are already interested in what you have to say.

These are just some of the things you want to give attention to as you develop your presence on the World Wide Web. My next article will focus on writing press releases, generating search engine traffic and getting listed in various online directories. Then, we will discuss writing a blog, producing an online newsletter, creating a sales funnel and embarking on joint ventures.

 

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Steve Nash NBA Career

February 3rd, 2012

Born on February 7, 1974, Steve Nash currently plays the guard position for the Phoenix Suns. He stands 6’3″ tall and weighs 195 lbs. While attending college in Santa Clara, Steve Nash was named as the West Coast Conference Player of the Year for two consecutive seasons. His collegiate basketball career wrapped with him being the Broncos all-time leader in career assists, free throw percentage and 3-pointers made and attempted. In 1993, Steve Nash could be found playing for the Canadian National Team and winning a silver medal. In addition, he played for British Columbia in the 1993 Canada Games, which earned him a bronze medal.

The 1996-1997 season marked the rookie year for Steve Nash. As a rookie, he started only one game but later proved himself after having his 3-point accuracy noted as the second-best ever for a Phoenix Suns rookie. The following season, from 1997 through 1998, Steve Nash worked hard to improve his points per game average and became one of the most improved players in the league. The following year, which marked the 1998-1999 season was trying for Steve Nash, who suffered a lower back injury that caused him to miss the final 10 games of the year. He still managed, however, to play in 40 games and continued to improve his points per game average during those games that he participated in. Yet again, difficulty struck Nash in the 1999-2000 season when an ankle injury took him out of 25 games during the season. He appeared in 56 games that year with 27 starts and an average of 8.6 points per game.

As things began to look up for the youngster, the 2001-2002 proved to be his best ever. During this season, Steve Nash scored an average of 17.9 points per game, which marked a career-high. In addition, he was the only Maverick player to participate and start in all 82 games during the season. Fans who thought the previous years games were plentiful found themselves excited to see another brilliant season from Steve Nash, who ranked third in NBA assists during the 2003-2004 season.

The 2004-2005 NBA season marked great honor for Steve Nash, who joined an elite group of athletes to ever be named as the NBAs Most Valuable Player for the guard position. He was named to the NBA All-Star Team for the third time in his career and finally began to garner the recognition that he had worked so hard to achieve. In 2005-2006, Nash was awarded his second consecutive NBA Most Valuable Player Award.

As the years have progressed, Steve Nash has improved his game and has proven that hard work and persistence really does pay off. After starting his NBA career with struggling points per game averages and several injuries, Steve Nash made a comeback that kept coming back season after season.

Fans who would like to request a signed photo or simply send Steve Nash their best wishes are urged to do so in care of his NBA franchise team. If you are requesting an autograph, be sure to include a SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope) along with your request. Letters and requests should be mailed to:

Steve Nash
Phoenix Suns
201 E. Jefferson St.
Phoenix, AZ 85004

 

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Learn How To Purchase A Poker Set

February 3rd, 2012

There are so many different ways to purchase poker related items including chip sets, poker tables, poker accessories, and even poker books. With the recent popularity of this age-old card game, you can find them in many local stores as well as numerous specialty websites. Just like with most things in life if you are willing to do a little leg work you can often find a great deal as there is a wide range of price. The internet, due to it being a worldwide marketplace with thousands and thousands of competitors that are not limited by geography, is generally the best place to bargain shop. On the web you will find a variety of poker chip sets, poker tables, poker table tops and many other poker accessories.

Poker chip sets come in many different styles and designs, and have different combinations of accessories. The best and most cost effective way purchase everything you need to start a home poker game is to purchase a Poker Combo Package. Poker combo packages usually come with your choice of chips, a poker table or poker table top, and depending on the package you choose your choice of accessories like a card shuffler, two decks of cards, and/or a dealer button. With one of these packages you get everything you need to start a regular game of poker with friends.

The price will vary depending on the style and weight of chips you choose, the type of case, and whether you want a poker table or a table top. Styles generally include the basic Suits, Dice & Diamonds, but can come in many others, some with pictures and some with denominations you are sure to find a style perfect for you. Weights vary from 9gram to 13.5gram clay chips, or 11.5gram composite chips. Cases can be aluminum, leather, wood and hold anywhere from 300 chips to 600 chips usually. Poker tables and table tops can be round, octagonal, or oval and usually fit anywhere between 5 to 10 people. Even if you cant find exactly what you want in the pre designed poker combo packages, many sites are very willing to work with you to put together a package that will be perfect for you.

So in review you will most often find your best deal with the most options on the internet. If you are willing to do a little bit of research you will generally do better than any local store can offer you especially when it comes to personalizing the poker set to you personal tastes. Look for a site that is willing to work with you and offers quality merchandise at affordable pricesthere are several of them out there!

 

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Wholesale Jordan Sneakers

February 3rd, 2012

There is very little that people do not know about the Jordan sneakers, and based on the rush that is created everytime wholesale Jordan sneakers are available (www.urbanhotlist.com), the craze for the shoe is still on. However, do you know the basics that need to be followed when buying a shoe for getting the best fit for your feet?

Experts advise that shoes need to be bought always in the evening. Not because of any type of superstition, but because this is the time when your feet are most swollen and hence, you will know whether the shoe will be comfortable or not. Whether you are buying ordinary day-to-day wear shoes, office wear or wholesale Jordan sneakers, this is a point that you should keep in mind, if you care about your feets comfort.

Next you should ensure you always buy at reputed shops. In this way you will be least likely to be cheated or sold cheap replicas or reproductions without your knowledge. Even if you go for replicas, you still gain if you buy them from reputed shops, as they would insist on basic norms of quality, as compared to smaller and unrecognized shops, where the bottom line will be to make some profit. Wholesale Jordan sneakers (www.urbanhotlist.com) make a great bargain and many retail shops sell them at wholesale price during regular sales. All you need is to keep a watch and learn when the shop has their next sale.

There is another point that you should keep in mind when you buy your shoes, i.e. the right size. The best size of the shoe will be having a gap of at least 3/8th inch in front of the longest toe you have. Good quality sports shoes, including wholesale Jordan sneakers, will provide you perfect fit for your feet because they are constructed specifically to give the highest comfort.

Experts advise that you change your shoes, regardless whether the shoe has any notable wear or not. This is because the benefits of the shoe on the foot wears off after a certain amount of usage, even if you do not see it from the outside, and hence, without knowing you will be damaging your feet. Even when you buy a good sneaker such as wholesale Jordan sneakers, you will still need to change it after a maximum of 500 miles of walking on it. By the way, in order to accommodate the need to know how much you have walked, new shoes are coming out which will have speedometers and mileage meters inbuilt. Now, this is a innovation that would make some waves.

 

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Alternative Venture Finance: Federal Grants and Loans

February 3rd, 2012

While most companies seeking venture capital initially think about angel investors and venture capitalists, a large alternative source of financing is federal grants and loans. The two largest federal grant programs are run by the Small Business Administration (SBA), and by Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs).

An SBA loan, regardless of whether it is a direct loan from the SBA, or, as is more common, a bank loan guaranteed by the SBA, is essentially a bank loan. The benefit of it versus a traditional bank loan is the rate. SBA rates are typically much less than traditional business loan rates.

In most cases, in a guaranteed SBA bank loan, the SBA guarantees 90 percent of the loan will be repaid to the bank. As such, banks are at much less risk than in most other loans, and are a bit more flexible with regards to who they offer these loans. However, the SBA usually requires the founders of the company to personally guarantee the loans, which makes them risky should the venture collapse.

Alternatively, Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs) are privately organized corporations that are licensed and regulated by the SBA. Small or emerging businesses which qualify for assistance from the SBIC program can receive equity capital and/or long-term loans from these companies. Essentially, these companies provide their own capital, which is supplemented by federal funds, to the companies they fund.

Interestingly, U.S. taxpayers benefits from the SBIC program as tax revenues generated from successful SBIC investments have more than covered the cost of the program. Likewise the program has created hundreds of thousands of jobs.

In summary, SBA and SBIC financing are viable alternatives to financing from angel investors and venture capitalists and should be considered in the capital raising process. Similarly to angel and VC financing, companies seeking SBA and SBIC financing need a strong management team and value proposition, and a highly professional and compelling business plan in order to raise the capital they need.

 

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Big Brother Put Your Debts Up For Eviction

February 3rd, 2012

Copyright 2006 Andy Warren

Another Big Brother season is underway and viewers are still gripped by the gradual (and sometimes quite dramatic) psychological demise of people who appeared to be living on the edge to begin with. Its easy to tune in and gaze in disbelief at the people who have chosen to put them.elves in this bizarre position all for the sake of the elusive prizes of acceptance, approval and more money. Why do they do it?

Perhaps they dont quite realize what theyre getting into in the first place. Maybe it just seems like a good idea at the time so they go for it. Perhaps the temptation is just too compelling. But are we really all that different to the housemates?

Just the like the Big Brother house you probably share your life with some unwanted partners and maybe theyre beginning to take over your life. In this case theyre called Credit Card Debt, Late Payment Fees and Overdraft Charges. They seem to come into your life, uninvited, and just established themselves there. And now you cant seem to get rid of them. And theres no public vote to take them out.

So who really invited them in and why cant you evict them? The answer lies in a real Big Brother thats lurking in the background of your life. And its not really some sinister Orwellian nightmare, its simply your own temptation getting the better of you.

Of course there are some cases where people have really fallen on hard times and are dealing with challenges of debt and poverty that are not their own making. However, there are many more earning a decent salary with no real challenges who have simply slipped slowly into more and more debt.

Perhaps youve been tempted by the attractive offers for loans and credit cards. Maybe the magazines full of the latest must-haves have grabbed your attention for just long enough to get you buying. Could it be that those impulse buys, or the offer of a 10% discount at the department store were just the push you needed to put you in your own Big Brother house with some new housemates?

And once those unwanted housemates of Debt, Charges and Fees get their feet in the door it can feel like their immune from eviction every month. They just stay there and if anything they get more of a foothold and get larger. Theyre eating you out of House and Home and you cant even go to the Diary Room to complain.

So what can you do?

Well the first thing is to accept that you actually invited them in and stop denying that you were responsible. Its tough to do but its the first step to putting yourself in charge.

Next you need to decide, once and for all, that you want them out. And you need to decide that youre willing to do whatever it takes to evict them.

The Charges and Fees can be voted out quite easily by getting yourself a little more organised and setting up direct debit payments to make sure at least your minimum credit card payment is covered each month. You may need to speak to your bank for an extended overdraft but youll need to stay within in to avoid overdraft fees and that does mean watching what you spend for a little while as you get back in charge. Of course, if youre avoiding a few 25 late payment charges each month then youll find staying in credit a little easier. Many people find they can get these unwanted visitors out within a few months or less.

The slightly bigger challenge is your Credit Card and Loan Debt. This takes a little more work but, by sticking to an effective plan for paying off the debt, many people find they can clear their debts within a year to two years. The more focus and concentration you put in the faster it goes.

And once youve evicted those unwanted housemates you can start inviting a few more friendly faces in, like Savings, Investments, Wealth and Good Relationships. Now wouldnt you prefer to spend your time with those?

 

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Evening Activities for a Stag Weekend in Bristol

February 3rd, 2012

Ah, Bristol! If any city deserves the name of Home of Comedy, it must be Bristol. Home to Jongleurs and Jesters, a pair of world-class comedy clubs, and birthplace of Lee Evans, Justin Lee Collins and laughing gas, Bristol offers some unique possibilities for stag weekend activities. A Bristol stag weekend can combine an afternoon of paintballing, quad biking or five a side with an evening of carousing and comedy at one of Bristol’s rightfully famed comedy clubs.

The traditional stag night of strippers and lap dances has more recently been replaced with an entire weekend’s worth of ‘guy fun’, often away from home so the scandalous naughty doings don’t trickle back to those who might care. If you’re planning a stag weekend for an upcoming wedding, a Bristol stag weekend offers many possibilities for memorable, unique stag activities. Among the many Bristol stag weekend activities that you might include are:

:: Quad Biking at a Bristol course
– An obstacle course run on quad bikes can kick off a stag weekend in Bristol with a bang. Get dirty, get the blood pumping and get the testosterone primed for a night on the town later.

:: Assault Course
– River rafting – upstream? A Bristol stag weekend favorite is an assault course that pits your team against the river – and other teams on a home-built raft made of articles bought in a ‘ship’s store’. It’s another blood-raising activity that will prime the pumps for a hot night on the town later.

:: Bavarian Bierkellar
– Instead of a nightclub, take the Stag out for a beer-filled night at a mini-Munich Bierfest. With oversized steins of the best brews in the world, and lots of raucous fun, it’s a Bristol stag weekend standard.

:: Comedy Club
– Bristol is the home of comedy – and the comedians that play the Bristol comedy clubs are past masters at pointing the finger at stags out celebrating their last nights of freedom. No Bristol stag weekend would be complete without a night of gut-busting howlers at a Bristol comedy club.

That’s just a small handful of the activities that a Bristol stag weekend might include. You’ll find more ideas at the Bristol Board of Tourism web site, or from a UK tour operator and event organiser.

 

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What Supplies Will You Need for a Dog?

February 2nd, 2012

The time has come. You have stopped by the pet shop every day on the way home from work to dote on the cute puppies in the window. Normally you return home with the thoughts of a cute puppy scampering down your hallways. Well, today you did it. You decided to purchase your very own puppy. However, before you bring your puppy home you need to be prepared. You need to purchase various dog supplies so that you can provide a welcoming home to your new dog.

What types of dog supplies do you need? There is a bounty of dog supplies available on the market today. The dog supplies range from basic necessities such as dog food to cute dog costumes. Dog supplies have become such a hot market today that numerous pet supply companies have popped up to meet any needs you have for dog supplies. This competition in the market place is a benefit to you because often times you can find great prices on dog supplies by doing a little market research.

Let’s first take a look at the basic dog supplies that you will want to have when your pooch arrives home. Basic dog supplies include: dog food, dog bowls, collar, leash, kennel/crate, and dog bed. Dog food is number one on the list because you shouldn’t feed your canine table scraps or your own dinner. You can place their food in regular bowls, but it is fun to search for a cute dog bowl. You can find dog bowls that even have their name on it.

Dogs have specific nutritional needs to need to be met so they grow up strong and have a healthy life. Proper dog supplies include the dog food that is geared towards their age, weight/size, and activity level. It is vital to maintain the proper weight for your dog’s size and breed. Table scraps and human food can lead to excess weight that is a detriment to your dog’s overall health. Not to mention they might have some unsightly waste products as a result of the human food.

When searching for dog food from your dog supplies list it is crucial that you find the right dog food. Check with a veterinarian, breeder, or dog shop owner for recommendations on the proper food. Dogs also will become used to their specific brand and type of dog food and if you suddenly change it they may suffer from upset stomach. Since they will be on the dog food for a long time it is a great idea to spend time finding the proper dog food for your pooch.

A dog collar and a dog leash should be next on your list of dog supplies. Many states require that you register your pet with the state. In addition you may need to demonstrate that your dog has had the required vaccines, such as rabies shots, and they must wear a tag on their collar regarding this. Also create a dog tag that has your dog’s name on it, your name, and phone number in case your dog ever gets lost.

Most cities require that your dog be on a leash through various leash laws. Keeping your dog on a leash is a smart idea especially when you head out to parks or walk along the road. You don’t want your pooch to bother other people or run out in front of an oncoming car. These scary situations can be avoided by using a leash to control your dog’s movement. Leashes are also a training tool which you can use to teach your dog the proper behavior for their daily walk.

Dog supplies have improved over the years especially regarding different types of leashes. Does your dog constantly pull away from you on the leash causing them to cough? If so, you can buy a least that doesn’t connect to just their collar, but is instead a harness that wraps around their entire body. You slip their legs through it. This type of leash can be much more comfortable for your dog, so consider it when looking for dog supplies.

If you leave your dog outside at all, whether you are home or not, you need to make sure that your dog is in a secure area. Therefore, you can keep them on a leash that is connected to a runner cord so they have a great area to run. Or you can provide a fenced in area for them to play in. Special things to note when looking for these types of dog supplies is that the leash should be a chest harness leash because you don’t want the dog to constantly run after passersbys and hurt their throat. If you have a fence then make sure that it is in line with your dog’s jumping ability. You don’t want your dog jumping over the fence the second you turn your head.

Next on your dog supplies list should be a dog kennel/crate and/or dog bed. Your dog needs a place they can call their own in your home. A dog kennel/crate helps a dog to feel safe, especially when you are gone. Refrain from using the dog kennel as a discipline retreat. You want them to look forward to their own space in your home.

These are the basic dog supplies you need to purchase before you pick up your new pooch. Later on, you can spend hours finding fun toys, dog chews, and dog costumes for your new best canine friend.

Visit the Dog supplies [http://www.dog-breeds-infosite.com] website to research dog breeds & get free tips on dog training, dog books, dog products & how to find dog sitters & dog walkers.

Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=K_Brandt

 

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The Ironman Triathlon-Whats Your Fear Factor?

February 2nd, 2012

What scares you the most about your upcoming ironman race? What’s your fear-factor?

As fit as a person is going into the first career Ironman, the fear-factor is in the equation as the big day creeps ever closer.

As cool and confident as many participants may appear, there is almost always something that fills them with a certain amount of misgiving and anxiety.

For many, the fear-factor will be overwhelming self-doubt as they wonder to themselves what on earth they have gotten themselves into. Its almost like diving off a high cliff. Once you’re committed, there’s no turning back. After all, everyone in your circle of friends family and co-workers know all about it. For months they have observed as you’ve immersed yourself in your Ironman preparation. How can you possibly back out and face the people who have supported you as you’ve prepared for the race of your life?

Well, some people can and do back out. I recall one story in the early 80′s that took place in the Hawaii Ironman.

As the story goes……..At the conclusion of the swim portion of the race and all the swimmers were off the course, it was discovered that one person was missing. In other words, someone who was signed in for the swim had not arrived. Apparently they searched the entire course with scuba divers looking for the missing swimmer and fearing the worst.

As it turns out, the missing swimmer had never entered the water. He decided he just couldn’t do it and left the transition area and went for breakfast at a local restaurant. When he returned for his gear, he asked someone what all the fuss was about and then, much to the relief of all concerned, the mystery was solved. The lesson here— If you EVER decide to drop out of an Ironman race, be sure to let the organisers know as soon as possible! They care about you and your safety.

It seems that the swim is particularly terrifying for many first time Ironman athletes. People have been known to stand on the shore in tears, unable to face the swim even long after the gun has sounded. Some have been coaxed into the water by volunteers and ended up doing just fine. Normally, just a few hundred meters into the swim, your nervousness will disappear and you’ll settle into the race.

In my first Ironman in Hawaii, I’ll never forget the amazing euphoria in the transition tent after the swim. More than anything, I believe it was relief, because for many, myself included, a very big hurdle had been cleared. As far as I was concerned that day, there was nothing that would stop me from crossing the finish line once I conquered the swim. There was no doubt, the water way my fear-factor.

I believe that most who are considering their first Ironman are runners. Also, pretty well everyone has biked at one time or another in their life, but really few have had the opportunity or reason to swim in the open water. So it stands to reason that a lot of first time Ironman triathletes are going to be extremely apprehensive about the Ironman swim.

Some I suppose may fear the bike. Maybe steep hills or cycling around so many others will cause some concern. At least in the bike and run you have complete control. You can just stop or slow down. I think its fair to say, that in the swim, once you’re half a mile out in the open water, you’re pretty well committed.

Personally, I think much of the fear-factor grows all out of proportion as the race nears. Ironman preparation is much more than swim, bike, run. You must also prepare yourself mentally.

When you begin to have doubts about your ability, or when the fear of failure begins to haunt you, its time to take a step back and consider how far you have come.

It may not seem like it on race-day, as you are surrounded by hundreds of athletes, but in the big scheme of things, few people in the world will ever attempt what you’re about to do. Believe in your training, your preparation and ability. When the fear-factor is overwhelming as the race nears—regardless if its the swim or the bike or just fear of failing—remember this:

There are hundreds of other athletes who will feel the same as you on race morning. That’s one of the things that makes the Ironman so amazing. You are all on the same journey together. The goal is a common one. It is this united spirit that will help calm the fear-factor and take you through the day. You’ll understand what I mean as your first Ironman race-day unfolds.

There will be several thousand volunteers and thousands more spectators and friends and relatives who will all play a part in your amazing journey.

They will be behind you when your fear is greatest, your inspiration when you doubt and your strength when you tire.

You are truly amazing just to reach the start line of an Ironman triathlon. Just to have gotten to that point makes you a resounding success, so how can you possibly fail?

You have erased the doubts you once had that you would even find yourself on the beach on Ironman morning awaiting the starting gun. You are in the best condition of your life and have the admiration of everyone around you as you prepare for the greatest experience of your life.

If you are about to attempt your first Ironman, may the Iron Gods of Kona, who haunt the searing lava fields of the King K. highway smile upon you and very soon welcome you into the most amazing family on earth.

 

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How To Write Articles Quickly

February 2nd, 2012

Yuck, it’s that time again, newsletter time. Are you stuck in front of a blank page or computer screen? Do you struggle each time you have to write? People seem to find all other tasks preferable to writing an article. We have a friend who finds himself washing out socks instead of writing. There’s a term for it: “shaving the yak.”

Originally coined by Seth Godin, marketer and author extraordinaire, “shaving the yak” means that when faced with writing, some people find themselves doing any other chore they can think of, eventually finding themselves down at the zoo, shaving yaks.

Writing can be painful to many people. It doesn’t have to be. Here’s a basic outline of how to write an article quickly and without the painful struggle.

1. Pick a topic that appeals to your readers. This may not be what you think they want, so you need a way to ask, or find out what they want to know. Either ask them directly, or use keyword search tools to find out the most popular requests on the web in your field.

2. Write to appeal to basic human emotions. While you may know a lot about software engineering, or whatever your field, you have to hit readers where it hurts, where they feel, rather than appeal to their brains. So even if your article is about finding a computer networking solution, base your article on the pain that readers encounter with this problem.

3. Get to the point quickly in the first paragraph, using the key words you know people are looking for on Google. State the problem on an emotional level, then make a bold statement to indicate you have a solution.

4. Exaggerate the problem and the pain. Give some real-world examples of how it manifests in your readers’ lives, affecting their work, play, family, physical and mental well-being. Use emotional words that resonate with readers, appealing to universal human dilemmas.

5. Next, suggest three ways to solve the problem. The brain finds it easy to think in threes. Limiting your solutions to three points makes it easier for readers to digest your ideas. It also makes it a whole lot easier and faster to complete your article.

6. Summarize the problem with the three solutions. Be sure to repeat your key words used in your first paragraph.

7. Finally, go back and write your title. This is the most important step of all, because your title provides two important keys:

a. It ensures readers will open and read it when they see the title.
b. It ensures that readers will find your article on the web when they search for solutions on Google or their favorite search engine.

8. Write an effective resource box, with your name, website and blog URLs, your credentials (what makes you an expert), and how and why people should contact you or use your services. Offer them a free report or white paper on your website to entice them to visit and leave their email address with you, and make sure you offer something compelling.

Now, if I had followed my own advice, I would have given you only 3 steps. You see, I struggle with brevity myself, having been cursed with an over-active brain and too much education.

Here’s what you can do right now to solve your writing woes: Write down your topic (a painful problem), tell your readers how bad it is, and then give them 3 solutions they can take to rectify the problem. Open up a new document in Word and start now!

That’s how you can write articles quickly and easily, without having to wash your socks or go down to the zoo to help shave the yaks.

 

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Can Cell Phones Harm Your Health?

February 2nd, 2012

It seems like everywhere a person goes there is at least one person in view with a cell phone to their ear whether it is on the road, in a store, in a parking lot, walking down the street, etc. Even in places where cell phone usage is banned such as concert halls or movie theaters there is the occasional offender, or more likely, at least a few people using the text messaging feature on their phone.

Cell phone usage has exploded over the past decade and continues to rise. Nearly two hundred million people in the United States have cell phones and there are well over one billion users worldwide. That means there are a lot of phones sending their frequencies over the airwaves at any given time.

Concern has arisen over whether or not cell phone usage can harm a persons health. Brain cancer rates in the United States have risen since cell phones were introduced, leading some people to wonder if cell phone usage is the reason for the increase.

There have been reports of people developing brain tumors in the exact same spot where they held their cell phone. Some studies have expressed concern over long-term cell phone use, believing it can lead to a person to develop cancer. That is not to say a person who uses a cell phone is going to get cancer, but some studies suggest long-term use increases a persons risk.

Things may not be all gloom and doom however. A large study done in Denmark with almost a half million cell phone users showed no increase in cancer for cell phone users.

Yet, other studies have concluded there is a greater risk of cancer but only with analog phone users. Some other studies conclude that any type of cell phone usage can raise a persons risk for developing cancer. There are a lot of varying opinions on the subject. According to the FDA, available data does not show there are definitely health problems associated with using wireless phones, but the information goes on to say that there is also no proof that wireless phones are completely safe either.

What about cell phone usage is causing the concerns and the numerous studies to be done? Cell phones emit radiation when they are used. The levels are low and are the same type of radiation as a microwave oven emits but in much smaller amounts.

It has been suggested that using hands free sets can alleviate the problem of the head being exposed to the radiation. Again opinions vary. Some studies say it does not decrease the amount of radiation exposure at all. Other studies say it significantly decreases the amount of radiation exposure.

Some people say the biggest danger with cell phones isnt from the either real or perceived potential to develop cancer, but from inattentiveness while using the cell phone. How many of us have seen vehicles driving somewhat erratically down the road and then see when we get near the vehicle that the driver is talking on a cell phone. It is a proven fact that a driver on a cell phone is less attentive and more likely to get in an accident. And, hands free sets arent the answer that some people may believe. Yes, they free up both hands for driving and prevent a person from getting a sore arm, but the drivers mind is still occupied with the conversation and therefore less attentive to what is going on around him or her on the road.

Even people who are walking and talking on a cell phone at the same time can put themselves in more danger because they are not as aware of what is going on around them.

All the conflicting reports make a person wonder what they should do. The good news is that more comprehensive studies are being done to see if cell phone usage does or does not cause cancer. At the same time, manufacturers are working on new processes that will decrease or even possibly eliminate a persons radiation exposure. Until more definitive answers are given, a person may want to avoid talking on a cell phone for several hours every single day, but a person probably does not need to feel like they should have to give their cell phone up. It is still a great tool.

The advice about driving and talking on a cell phone is the same as it has been though. A person should pull over in a safe area out of traffic before engaging in a cell phone conversation.

 

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Why Women Should Avoid Being Stressed During Pregnancy

February 2nd, 2012

Stress has become an inevitable consequence of modern everyday life, and as we are subjected to increasing amounts of it, we experience more and more of the effects of the great rate of wear and tear we subject our bodies to. The term was originally coined by Hans Selye in 1936, and defined by him as “the non-specific response of the body to any demand for change.” This means that we are all subjected to stress, but its effects on our bodies differ greatly from person to person, largely dependent on the gravity of and how we handle the stressful situation. It manifests itself in any number of physical or psychological symptoms that are often ignored until it seriously affects our health. In fact, stress is currently one of the leading causes of illness worldwide, such as depression, erectile dysfunction, hypertension and heart disease. This increasing number of stress-related illnesses has raised alarm bells throughout the worldwide medical community.

 

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Perfect Party Themes

February 2nd, 2012

Very few people know how to party or celebrate well. Think about all of the parties you have attended in the past couple of years. What sticks out from them? If they were fun, why? If you would dread going to the parties again, why do you think that is? Can you remember elements of the parties that were unique, or did they all pretty much seem the same? I have been to a lot of parties in my life, although very few of them are memorable. I think one of the best ways to make a unique and truly fun party is to start with great party themes.

Out of the maybe one hundred parties I have been to, only one or two of them have had great party themes. Most of the parties did not have a theme at all. I think that we could learn a lot about planning great parties if we began the planning with great party themes.

Party themes have such a huge potential in making parties fun because they focus the party around a particular idea or concept. Starting with great party themes allows you to have details such as food, decorations, games, and even costumes if you are really daring, to all centered around the same party theme. What fun it can be to arrive at a party and see that everything from the napkins to the attire of the hosts has been planned and done with intention. I guess that one of the main things that bugs me about most parties is that they seem to be thrown together at the last minute. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes last minute parties can be fun, but usually I prefer a party with a little more intentionality.

Party themes can be easy and fun to determine. Think first about the guests that you will invite to your party. Try to have party themes that fit the ages, hobbies and interests of your guests. Not many thirty year olds will enjoy a barbie themed party (unless of course it is done as a satiric celebration). Shoot for party themes that are appropriate for your guests and for the occasion of the party. Party themes for a birthday will likely look different than anniversary or graduation parties.

In order to plan great parties with great party themes you will have to get creative. It might take a little extra work, but I guarentee that you and your guests will be raving about the great party themes for weeks afterward.

 

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The Standard Of Football Referees In The Premiership

February 2nd, 2012

What do you think of the current standard of the football referees in the English Premiership? Do you think a system of video replays should be introduced to help these referees and to stop what are some important mistakes being made? These two questions are things which myself and my friends debate on a regular basis, especially after a few beers.

I will never forget attending a football match a few years ago which was played in one of the leagues below the Premiership. It was a very important match between my favourite team Birmingham City and one of their local rivals Stoke City. It was an important match because Birmingham really needed to win the game as they were in danger of being relegated in that particular season. The three points for the win would certainly have helped them in their quest to survive.

With only around ten minutes of the match remaining Birmingham were leading a tense match by one goal to nil. Then one of the Stoke players barged the Birmingham keeper, who had the ball in his hands, over. The ball slipped from his grasp and one of the other Stoke players kicked it into an unguarded net.

I was certain that the referee would have seen what was a definite foul on our keeper, as I am sure was every other supporter in the stadium. To my and all of the other Birmingham supporters horror, he did not and he let the goal stand. I am normally quite a calm person but became so angry it was untrue. The next thing that happened was one of the Birmingham fans ran onto the pitch and fully punched this referee in the face. The players were taken off the pitch while order was restored.

I remember thinking at the time that this referee had deserved to be hit, but I later changed my mind, once I had had time to calm down. We are all capable of making a mistake of course.

I really believe in the argument that video replays should be introduced in some capacity, as in this case the goal would not have been allowed to stand.

Week in week out in the Premiership many mistakes are made which have a huge impact on the results of different matches. Football is such big business these days with the players earning such huge sums of money, surely we should have something in place to ensure that some of these errors are stopped during the match and are not merely things to debate after it.

I actually feel quite sorry for the football referees these days. With so many matches on the television they are being scrutinised more than ever. Even if they only get one decision wrong over the course of the match they still receive criticism.

I personally think that the overall standard of referees in the Premiership is very good and that we should start to get off these peoples back. I would however like each referee to be interviewed after each match in the same way as the football managers are. By doing this they could explain to the supporters why they made certain decisions during the match. They could also be shown a reply of some of the bigger incidents and asked to comment on whether they think they made the correct decision after viewing the replay.

 

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Power Steering Pump Failureor is it the Steering Rack?

February 1st, 2012

Has your cars power steering suddenly quit working? If so, it could be that your power steering pump has failed. The unit itself may be shot or it could be a loss of steering fluid through a bad hose that is causing the problem. Regardless, you better tend to the problem now or you will soon be struggling with steering a car that seems to be working against you, not with you.

Before pump failure becomes obvious, you will usually hear buzzing or whining noises coming from underneath the hood. On the other hand, if you notice a gradual loss of power as evidenced by an increasingly difficult time moving the steering wheel [as when attempting to parallel park] or if you notice the problem when you first start up your car in the morning, then your steering rack may be going.

Steering racks fail gradually, but when they do you must take action before total failure occurs. Otherwise, control of your car becomes impossible and failure could then happen at any time, as in those times you are on the interstate. A real threat to your safety and to the safety of other drivers!

To find out if it is the steering rack causing the problem, check the power steering fluid closely to see if you notice small metallic pieces of metal floating around in it. If you do, then your steering rack is wearing out and the metallic pieces are the evidence that the rack is coming apart piece by piece.

Either way you slice it, you can expect that a major repair bill is looming for you. Not the news you want to hear, but not the news you have to hear either. Yes, taking your car in to your local garage or to your dealers repair department will cost you dearly. You will pay a mint for labor and pay a premium for a replacement steering pump or steering rack. High labor costs and huge replacement parts price mark ups are all part of the equation.

Fortunately, if you are even somewhat handy you can do either job yourself. Many weekend mechanics love grabbing a hold of their Haynes repair manual and with the replacement part at their side, go after the job. Of course, where you buy the replacement part can really matter, but strong savings can be gained if you shop online. Yes, auto parts wholesalers such as the Steering Rack Pros have what you want and at deep, discount prices. Reputable online wholesalers buy directly from the manufacturers and pass on big savings to you. No dealer mark ups, no third party charges. Just every day low prices on the parts you want and need.

So, go ahead and replace your power steering pump or steering rack today and save big on labor costs and replacement parts. There isnt much better in life than to do a job yourself and gain a strong sense of satisfaction when you know you have successfully overcome a challenge and saved a bundle of money in the process.

 

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The Art of Make-Up

February 1st, 2012

Latest Cosmetics for the Modern woman and their uses:
These are the cosmetics used for makeup.

1. Foundation: This is used to give the skin an even tone. It neutralizes red cheeks, broken veins and freckles. It is very useful if make-up is to look very effective. It provides the base for all other make-up and makes their application quite easier. It is very essential to keep in mind that the main purpose of a foundation is to even out natural skins tone and not to change the colour of the skin. Foundation is available in either liquid, cream or solid form.

2. Face Powder : This is used to set the foundation which would otherwise within 2-3 hours, slide off the skin. Face powder is the essential finishing touch to all make-up. It also gives staying power to lipstick and prevents cream blusher and eye shadow from creasing. Face powder is available either in a loose from or in a compressed form.

3. Concealers: These are required to blot out dark shadows under eyes, broken veins, high cheek colour, blemishes etc. Concealers come in sticks or as thick cream and are generally applied before foundation.

4. Blusher: This is the first of the color cosmetics that you apply to your face and one of the most flattering Its main purpose is to accentuate the cheek bones and to add colour and warmth to the skin. Blushers come in a variety of colours and shades in a wide thrice of textures as well.

5. Eyebrow colour : This is used to add colour to the eyebrows. These colours are either in the form of a pencil or a powder.

6. Eye Shadows: These are used to give colour, definition and shape to the eyes.

7. Lipstick: This is used to balance the made-up face and to emphasise the mouth. Nowadays, lipsticks have a much softer texture. Lipsticks can be used directly on the lips but it is difficult to achieve a clean outline this way. It is thus better to take the lipstick off the stick with a lip brush.

8. Highlighter: This is generally used for dramatic effects to give a flattering lift to a face.It is used on the browline, top of the cheekbone and the top line centre. The colours are light cream or white and are available either in the powder or cream form.

9. Shaders and Contours : Shaders are always brown and are used around the face to give a slimming effect. Contours are generally brown and are used under the cheekbone, to give a hollow look. The key to successful application for shaders and contours is a very light touch.

10. Mascara : This is used to emphasise eyes further by adding colour, thickness and sometimes even length to lashes.

When Buying cosmetics and perfumes online make sure to buy from proper sources to avoid buying sub standard cosmetics and perfumes

 

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Master Detox,Nature’s Answer to a Healthy Life?

February 1st, 2012

Master Detox is an extraordinary proprietary formula featuring Humic and Fulvic Acid. The processing and specific balance of ingredients gives support to the natural healing process of the body. The unique nanotechnology used in Master Detox can really penetrate cells to perform innumerable functions and is a powerful antioxidant. It energises, oxidizes and chelates. It is considered to be the missing link to optimum health, Combining ancient wisdom and modern technology, MASTER DETOX brings opportunity to the whole body on a cellular level.

 

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Snow Skiing Exercises – Some Exercises to Help You Make Good in Skiing

February 1st, 2012

Skiing is one of the interesting sports you can enjoy in winter and of course, if you have been wanting to perfect the sport for more enjoyment or to win any competition, it is important to learn a few snow skiing exercises. Learning a few tips and techniques on how to improve your skills and maximize your potentials in the sport can also be your key to beat competition.

Of course, you have to be fit and strong for any sport and one way to do this is to train your muscles and your body to the tough challenge of skiing. Although the muscle groups that are given much attention to in skiing.are those in the legs, it is however important to build and exercise the entire body to attain total fitness.

Cardiovascular exercises are always on the list if you want to develop stamina in your chosen sport. You can do brisk walking, swimming, jogging, cycling or other cardiovascular exercises to help you with it. It is also important in building endurance. For sure, you always want to ski all day and you don’t want to easily get tired and lose focus.

To build strength in your hamstrings and quads, you can do lunges, squats and other exercises that focus on inner and outer thighs. Leg exercises are important to build strength in your legs. You can find exercises for the outer and inner thighs, as well as the quads, the hamstrings, the calf muscles as well as the shins. Strengthening your legs allow you to strengthen your performance as well.

Aside from the leg, you have to focus also on exercising your knees in skiing. Knee injuries are common in skiing and you can indeed avoid the risks of having knee injuries by exercising it before doing your skiing.

You can do squats and leg presses and you may add weights as well to strengthen it. Leg extensions, lunges and leg curls are also other exercises that may help strengthen your knees and protect it from injuries.

Along with the knee and leg exercises, it is also important to exercise your core and your upper body. You have to focus on your hips as well as your core and you have to go as far as your shoulders and arms. This will allow you to have balance and total control of your sport.

Keep in mind that snow skiing is not a sport you can do the whole year round, so there is a higher tendency of your body to be unconditioned for the sports when the skiing season arrives.

Do not also forget to include your flexibility exercises, as these will also protect you from injuries as well. There are a lot of snow skiing exercises that you can actually do to improve your skiing and to avoid injuries, so make sure you do them before trying to exercise your ski muscles to build strength and endurance.

Carolyn Anderson loves skiing. To help you condition your self and maximize your potential in skiing, check out Avalanche Ski Training. Also check out Accelerated Muscular Development System, a program that will help you build the body you have always desired.

Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carolyn_Anderson

 

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Understanding Exercise Misconceptions

February 1st, 2012

Fitness and exercise are gaining popularity over the past decades for many reasons. People engage in these activities to improve their circulatory, respiratory, and immune system. Others exercise to eliminate stress and anxiety from their busy lives. Regardless of the reasons, many people are seriously working put and are gaining minimal results. This happens because of misconceptions about exercise are some reasons that prevent many individuals from getting in shape. Understanding these misconceptions are essential in achieving one’s desired results.

 

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Thinking about a desk for your computer?

February 1st, 2012

If youre buying a computer desk for yourself, it can be difficult to know what to get, especially if you have never bought one before and have no idea about ergonomics. Remember that ergonomics isnt just about stopping injuries when it comes to computer desks its also like a kind of feng shui, making your work space the best possible one for you to be in.

You dont need to go all-out on spending lots of money on some great kind of wood for your desk something cheap from a DIY shop or Ikea should be fine. The important things are how big it is, where you put it, and its shape.

You should measure the space the desk is going in beforehand and make sure that any desk you buy will fit comfortably there are few things worse than a crowded work room. If the room is too small to fit a desk comfortably, you might want to reconsider using it.

The ideal desk will have a slide-out tray of a size that can easily fit a keyboard, as well as a shelf underneath for a printer or scanner. Nothing should be too near the floor, as its not good to be bending down all the time ideally the computers system box should fit on top of the desk, to allow you to turn the computer on, put in discs and so on without bending down.

If you can, make room for a piece of paper and a pen on your desk too its good to be able to jot things down easily and have somewhere to put any pieces of paper you need to make use of, instead of having to perch paper on the side of your keyboard. The time and effort you save this way is well worth the tiny amount of extra space it requires.

 

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