Friday, March 5, 2010

Top 10 Mistakes In Blogging – Part 1/3


Hey guys, I am back. I still have 7 more days to complete my tiring reservist :P Just managed to catch some rest and decided to write up a post on the top 10 things you should avoid in blogging. I think this article will help lots of bloggers who are reading my blog and will benefit from this article :)
I have helped thousands of bloggers around the world to blog more effectively and I can say that there are tons and tons of mistake made by lots of people. So I am going to share with you based on what I have seen so far by all my customers and subscribers, the top 10 mistakes to avoid in blogging.
1. Avoid Black or Dark Backgrounds
Time and time again, I have seen many new bloggers when it comes to selecting a theme. They decide to select a theme that has a dark background or the text are displayed on a black or dark background.
The recommended color for a background is always a light color or white. The reason why this is so is because, many readers who view a dark background website would associate it with a hacker’s website or something that is not nice.
2. Always Space Evenly Your Article Post With Paragraphs
This may sound time to many, but I see it all the time. Where bloggers post up articles on their blog forgot to leave paragraph spacing for their articles. Let me show you an example the before and after effect:
Here’s an article without paragraph spacing
How Can Joint Ventures Build Your Business?
For instance, you got know a new person called Mr.X with 10,000 email database. You decided to work with him to do a cross promotion, he promote his database to your product and you promote his product. When this happens, both parties not only makes money but also increases the amount of subscribers database each person have :) That is exactly how those big gurus make millions of dollars in a few hours with JVs with more then 100,000 list it’s impossible not to make any $$$ :PWell my time is short, I like to share more about how you can go about to find these JV partners and how you can craft the email to invite them. If you like to find out more, I will need to see you comment on the post below what you like to know more and just hit me with a reply “yes I want to know more!” :)
Here’s an article with paragraph spacing
How Can Joint Ventures Build Your Business?
For instance, you got know a new person called Mr.X with 10,000 email database. You decided to work with him to do a cross promotion, he promote his database to your product and you promote his product. When this happens, both parties not only makes money but also increases the amount of subscribers database each person have :)
That is exactly how those big gurus make millions of dollars in a few hours with JVs with more then 100,000 list it’s impossible not to make any $$$ :P
Well my time is short, I like to share more about how you can go about to find these JV partners and how you can craft the email to invite them. If you like to find out more, I will need to see you comment on the post below what you like to know more and just hit me with a reply “yes I want to know more!” :)
You will noticed instantly the major different when you have spaces in between your articles as it will make the article be read more easily. The recommend space is to give one paragraph space every 4 sentences.
3. No Affiliate Programs Or Products Been Sold On The Blog
This is kind of a weird thing and simple thing to say but I have seen many bloggers who blog online that are trying real hard to make money online but when I see their blog. They lack of even promoting a single product on their blog.
Here’s the thing, if you do not post up products you like to promote you will never make a sale online and you will never earn money online :P So if you have yet to post any affiliate links till now, I would highly recommend you go to Clickbank and sign up for a free affilaite account and start selling products on your blog.
I am going to stop here and post the next part of article in the next post :) Mean while, you can find out what I am doing now by following my Twitter here. If you like this post, you may consider clicking here to subscribe to my blog :) To get a more comprehensive guide on blogging, I would highly recommend you to get my Full Blogging Guide Book Here :) If you have any further comment please do remember to comment below.

12 Terrific Moving Tips When You're Moving Your Home


Who can't use some moving tips when they're packing up their whole life for a new home? If you're among thousands of people who have picked up and moved their family to a new home or a new community, you have fresh memories of some of the ups and downs or thrills or frustrations of moving.
Drawing from personal experience, I know there are lots of ways to help make your household move easier and more smooth. Read here for help to get your life, and your possessions, organized for a peaceful and exciting move.
Make a list.
Write everything down! You'll thank yourself later. Before you pack even one box, create a simple record keeping system. Create a computer-printed list of numbers with a space to write the contents. Or have a spiral-bound notebook for the job. You'll place a number on EVERY box you pack and list the contents on your list. Don't put the list down unless it's in a place you'll callPacking Central. This is where you'll find your labels, marking pens, box tape, and other supplies. When describing the box contents, be specific -- "A-D files" is better than "files", and "Tulip dishes" rather than "misc. kitchen".
Have plenty of supplies.
Don't make me say this twice-- you'll need LOTS of boxes--probably more boxes than you think, and having enough boxes will make your life easier! (If you buy your boxes from a moving company, you can always return unused boxes for a refund. If you got them free from the grocery, just toss any leftovers.) Have about 10 boxes set aside to use for last minute items on moving day, such as bedding, clothing, and cleaning supplies. You'll need strong plastic packing tape to close up the boxes securely. Use unprinted newsprint (newspaper can stain your items) or packing paper or bubble wrap to wrap and cushion household good. Again, you'll need lots more supplies than you think, so get extra so the packing can go smoothly. Return any unused supplies after the truck is packed.
Utilize wardrobe boxes.
These tall boxes are perfect for bulky, lightweight items such as comforters, pillows, and blankets, as well as clothes that need to remain hanging. Call your mover to ask the width of the wardrobe boxes they'll be bringing. Then measure the clothes in your closets (including coat closets) to see how many wardrobe boxes you'll need. You can also use them for closet storage boxes, shoe boxes, and other bulky items such as fabric bolts, large baskets, or gift wrap tubes.
Don't make the boxes too heavy to lift, however. One mover told the story of someone who put a bowling ball in a wardrobe box! When the box was lifted off the truck the bottom gave way, sending the bowling ball on a wild ride down the ramp, across the street to the gutter, then down a hill where it finally came to rest in a roadside ditch. (Is that a strike or a spare?)
Strategize wardrobe box use.
Moving companies will be happy to deliver boxes ahead of your moving day. Or if you're doing the move yourself, get things organized as early as possible. A few days before your move, fill some sturdy handled shopping bags with bulky closet items such as shoes, sweaters, belts, and jeans. On moving day, fill the bottom of the wardrobe boxes with some of the shopping bags, then add your hanging clothing. Pack hanging items tightly so things won't move around and fall off of hangers. Finally, cover the shoulders of your clothes (a dry cleaning bag works well), then add a few purses or sweaters on top. You'll have fewer boxes, and closet items remain together. Also, the shopping bags will make it easier to retrieve your belongings from the bottoms of a tall wardrobe box.
Color coordinate.
Designate a color for each room in the new home, such as yellow for kitchen, orange for dining room, etc. Apply colored stickers on the box near the box number. In your new home. Put a matching sticker on the door to each room. The movers will know where to put everything when they arrive at the destination. It's also helpful to post a big sign on the wall in the room where you want boxes stacked, ("Boxes here please") to keep them out of furniture and traffic areas.
Keep things together.
Insist on keeping things together when you or the movers are packing boxes. Keep bookends with books, light bulbs with lamps, and extension cords with appliances. Small, loose parts can be attached to the item they belong to with tape or placed in small envelopes -- to keep picture hooks with pictures, shelf brackets with a bookcase, a special wrench and bolts with the wall unit. Keep larger corresponding items (such as a cable TV cord) in resealable bags, and tape these to the underside or back of the item. As a backup, have a "Parts Box" open on the kitchen counter and fill it with cables, cords, parts, pieces, brackets, or nails that are removed from any items of furniture. Keep this box with you, or mark it well with a rainbow of colored stickers so it can be easily located on move-in day.
Pack ahead.
Anything you can pack ahead will save you time on moving day. If it's summer, get your winter clothes out of the way. You don't really need 5 radios or TV's around your house for the last few days there. Box up your shampoo and extra toothpaste and live out of a travel cosmetic case for the last week or two. Pare down cooking utensils and food supplies to bare essentials. Wastebaskets can also be packed (put things in them!) while you switch to using plastic grocery bags (hang them on a cabinet door or door handle to collect trash.)
Consolidate cleaning supplies.
If you must clean your old place after moving out, put together a kit of basic cleaning supplies and rags. Clean anything possible ahead of time (the inside of kitchen cupboards, the oven, windows, etc.), and if possible, vacuum each room as movers empty it.

Use your luggage.
Fill luggage and duffle bags with clothing, sheets, towels, and paper goods. Even for local moves you'll be able to quickly spot your navy suitcase holding your favorite sweaters, whereas "Box #189" might remain elusive for days.
Safeguard valued items.
It's a good idea to keep valuable possessions, such as silverware, collections, or antiques, with you. If you have a long move and no room in your car, bury the items in a box titled "Misc. from kitchen pantry". Either way, check your homeowner's insurance to see how you are covered during the move, and if you need additional insurance from the mover. Also, find out what paperwork (receipts, appraisals, and photos) you might need to file a claim in case of loss.
Keep important papers with you.
Your list of "important" papers might include: birth certificates, school records, mover estimates, new job contacts, utility company numbers, recent bank records, current bills, phone lists, closing papers, realtor info, maps, and more. Don't leave these with the mover. Keep them with you!
Personal boxes.
Use brightly colored storage tote boxes, one for each person. Let each family member fill theirs with items they'll want 'right away' in the new home -- a set of sheets, a towel, a couple of extension cords, a phone, nightlights, address book, pens and paper, keys, kleenex, and travel cosmetic case, and so on.
Moving may not be the most fun you've ever had, but planning ahead will go a long way toward making the process bearable.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Seven tips for SMEs


WITH such high expectations for recovery, prospects look good for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Nevertheless, success is never guaranteed.
“Businesses need to learn from the lows of 2008 and 2009 and make changes to their future strategies and operations. They also need to do it before the recovery happens, rather than wait,” says Regus Group global chief executive officer Mark Dixon.
Regus Group is the provider of pioneering workplace solutions, with products and services ranging from fully equipped offices to professional meeting rooms, business lounges and the largest network of video conferencing studios.
The company operates a global network of more than 1,000 business centres in 450 cities and 78 countries.
Dixon believes that SMEs’ have strong prospects ahead if they take steps now to become smarter, greener and more successful. He offers seven tips to get SMEs going.
Tip 1: Think small
Businesses of all sizes could learn from the example of small businesses. According to the Regus Business Tracker Study, companies with fewer than 50 employees are more bullish about 2010 than their larger counterparts, suggesting the economic recovery will be led by them.
There are evidences that smaller companies are more adept at marketing and customer retention, while large firms struggle with internal concerns like cost management and staffing.
Tip 2: Take a trip
Companies should not let international boundaries stand in their way when it comes to focusing externally.
China, India and other emerging economies have huge potential for future growth.
With communication technologies becoming ever more advanced and ever cheaper, doing business abroad can fuel future growth prospects.
Research into new markets is key, as is finding the right international partners. Otherwise, costs can begin to spiral out of control.
Tip 3: Work smarter
Businesses all over the world are looking at the cost of headcount but many neglect to look at other fixed costs.
“For the majority of businesses, property is the second biggest fixed overhead.
Even so, 95% of businesses fail to identify it as an area where they could make major savings.
“Instead of locking themselves into costly, fixed-term property arrangements, they should look at more flexible arrangements, such as short- or medium-term leases, or virtual working,” he says.
He says flexible working can reduce a company’s property costs by up to 60% whilst creating a more motivated workforce.
Tip 4: Go green
Leverage on more energy efficient technologies.
Cost-saving, green technologies like energy monitors, and zonal air-conditioning and lighting can significantly cut utility bills.
He says organisations like the Malaysian Department of Environment can give advice on energy-efficient technologies and grants.
In addition virtual and flexible working can reduce a company’s travel costs, as well as cutting employees’ carbon footprints, according to him.
Tip 5: Look around
“Recovery or no recovery, some sectors have been thriving even during the recession. Telecoms, for example, is strong globally, with many developing countries installing new mobile technology.” he says, adding that sustainable technology is also doing well.
He says businesses of all sizes should look for ways to benefit from the opportunities in thriving sectors, and never get so trapped by day-to-day management that they fail to spot new openings.
Tip 6: Outsource
Companies should focus on revenue- generating activities and outsource the rest.
“Property, administration and support services can all be handled by other people, allowing businesses to concentrate on the activities they do best,” he says.
Tip 7: Network
This is vital for meeting new customers and contacts, and gathering information and advice.
“It’s one of the easiest ways to generate new business,” he says.
Source: The Star