Courage can be defined as the ability to confront fear, pain, danger, uncertainty or intimidation. Self-confidence can be defined as having trust in one’s own abilities.
These two skills are linked together on the path to success and happiness in your life. You acquire these traits by practicing them whenever the chance presents itself.
Successful people are not naturally more courageous or self-confident. They just learned to “BE” more courageous and self-confident by walking through the fear whenever confronted with it. Successful people are able to do that because what they desire is always greater and stronger than the fear.
Practice makes perfect, so whenever you are called forth to exhibit courage and self-confidence, go for it. Courage & self-confidence are skills that can be learned.
Have fun, be of a light heart and always be kind and gentle with self.
Jun 30, 2006
Jun 27, 2006
Winner Never Fails Or Quit!
A Winner Is Not Only Who Never Fails
But Never Quit!
1) Officials rejected a candidate for a news broadcasters post. Since his voice was not fit for a news broadcaster. He was also told that with his obnoxiously long name, He would never be famous. He is...
Amitabh Bachchan
2) In 1962, four nervous young musicians played their first record audition. For the executives of the Decca Recording Company. The executives were not impressed. While turning down this group of musicians, One executive said, " We don't like! Their sound. Groups of guitars are On the way out." The group was called...
The Beatles
3) In 1944, Emmeline Snively, director of the Blue Book Modeling. Agency Told modeling hopeful Norma Jean Baker, " You'd better learn secretarial work or else get married". She went on and became...
Marilyn Monroe
4) In 1954, Jimmy Denny, manager of the Grand Ole Opry, fired a singer after one performance. He told him, " You ain't goin' nowhere son. You ought to go back to driving' a truck". He went on to become...
Elvis Presley
5) A small boy--the fifth amongst seven siblings of a poor father, was selling newspapers in a small village to earn his living. He was not exceptionally smart at school but was fascinated by Religion and rockets.
The first rocket he built crashed. A missile that he built crashed multiple times and he was made a butt of ridicule. He is the person to have scripted the Space Odyssey of India Single-handedly. He is...
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. President of India
6) When
Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone in 1876, it did not ring off the hook with calls from potential backers. After making a demonstration call, President Rutherford Hayes said, " That's an amazing invention, but who would ever want to see one of them?"
7) When
Thomas Edison invented the light bulb, he tried over 2000 experiments before he got it to work. A young reporter asked him how it felt to fail so many times. He said, " I never failed once. I invented the light bulb. It just happened to be a 2000-step process".
In the 1940s, another young inventor named Chester Carlson took his idea to 20 corporations, including some of the biggest in the country.
They all turned him down. In 1947, after 7 long years of rejections, he finally got a tiny company in Rochester, NY, the Haloid Company, to purchase the rights to his invention--an electrostatic paper-copying process. Haloid became...
Xerox Corporation
8) A little girl--the 20th of 22 children, was born prematurely and her survival was doubtful. When she was 4 years old, she contracted double pneumonia and scarlet fever, which left her with a paralyzed left leg.
At age 9, she removed the metal leg brace she had been dependent on and began to walk without it. By 13 she had developed a rhythmic walk, which doctors said was a miracle. That same year she decided to become a runner. She entered a race and came in last. For the next few years every race she entered, she came in last.
Everyone told her to quit, but she kept on running. One day she actually won a race. And then another. From then on she won every race she entered. Eventually this little girl...
Wilma Rudolph, went on to win three Olympic gold medals.
9) A schoolteacher scolded a boy for not paying attention to his mathematics and for not being able to solve simple problems. She told him that you would not become anybody in life. The boy was...
Albert Einstein
Have yourself a Super day!
But Never Quit!
1) Officials rejected a candidate for a news broadcasters post. Since his voice was not fit for a news broadcaster. He was also told that with his obnoxiously long name, He would never be famous. He is...
Amitabh Bachchan
2) In 1962, four nervous young musicians played their first record audition. For the executives of the Decca Recording Company. The executives were not impressed. While turning down this group of musicians, One executive said, " We don't like! Their sound. Groups of guitars are On the way out." The group was called...
The Beatles
3) In 1944, Emmeline Snively, director of the Blue Book Modeling. Agency Told modeling hopeful Norma Jean Baker, " You'd better learn secretarial work or else get married". She went on and became...
Marilyn Monroe
4) In 1954, Jimmy Denny, manager of the Grand Ole Opry, fired a singer after one performance. He told him, " You ain't goin' nowhere son. You ought to go back to driving' a truck". He went on to become...
Elvis Presley
5) A small boy--the fifth amongst seven siblings of a poor father, was selling newspapers in a small village to earn his living. He was not exceptionally smart at school but was fascinated by Religion and rockets.
The first rocket he built crashed. A missile that he built crashed multiple times and he was made a butt of ridicule. He is the person to have scripted the Space Odyssey of India Single-handedly. He is...
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. President of India
6) When
Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone in 1876, it did not ring off the hook with calls from potential backers. After making a demonstration call, President Rutherford Hayes said, " That's an amazing invention, but who would ever want to see one of them?"
7) When
Thomas Edison invented the light bulb, he tried over 2000 experiments before he got it to work. A young reporter asked him how it felt to fail so many times. He said, " I never failed once. I invented the light bulb. It just happened to be a 2000-step process".
In the 1940s, another young inventor named Chester Carlson took his idea to 20 corporations, including some of the biggest in the country.
They all turned him down. In 1947, after 7 long years of rejections, he finally got a tiny company in Rochester, NY, the Haloid Company, to purchase the rights to his invention--an electrostatic paper-copying process. Haloid became...
Xerox Corporation
8) A little girl--the 20th of 22 children, was born prematurely and her survival was doubtful. When she was 4 years old, she contracted double pneumonia and scarlet fever, which left her with a paralyzed left leg.
At age 9, she removed the metal leg brace she had been dependent on and began to walk without it. By 13 she had developed a rhythmic walk, which doctors said was a miracle. That same year she decided to become a runner. She entered a race and came in last. For the next few years every race she entered, she came in last.
Everyone told her to quit, but she kept on running. One day she actually won a race. And then another. From then on she won every race she entered. Eventually this little girl...
Wilma Rudolph, went on to win three Olympic gold medals.
9) A schoolteacher scolded a boy for not paying attention to his mathematics and for not being able to solve simple problems. She told him that you would not become anybody in life. The boy was...
Albert Einstein
Have yourself a Super day!
Jun 25, 2006
100 Ideas for Kindness
Welcome to Flo's Home Biz & Fun...
You could make a difference today!
Just one of these simple acts would make a difference to someone. Let's unite and share acts of kindness...
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
100 Ideas for Kindness
by Chris Wiseman
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
1 Deliver fresh-baked cookies to city workers.
2 Collect goods for a food bank.
3 Bring flowers to work and share them with coworkers.
4 Garden clubs can make floral arrangements for senior centers, nursing homes, hospitals, police stations, or shut-ins.
5 Adopt a student who needs a friend, checking in periodically to see how things are going.
6 Volunteer to be a tutor in a school.
7 Extend a hand to someone in need.
Give your full attention and simply listen.
8 Merchants can donate a percentage of receipts for the week to a special cause.
9 Bring coworkers a special treat.
10 Students can clean classrooms for the custodian.
11 Buy a stranger a free pizza.
12 Distribute lollipops to kids.
13 Sing at a nursing home.
14 Offer a couple of hours of baby-sitting to parents.
15 Slip paper hearts that say “It’s Random Acts of Kindness Week! Have a great day!” under the windshield wipers of parked cars.
16 Have a charity day at work, with employees bringing nonperishable food items to donate.
17 Serve refreshments to customers.
18 Draw names at school or work, and have people bring a small gift or food treat for their secret pal.
19 Remember the bereaved with phone calls, cards, plants, and food.
20 Treat someone to fresh fruit.
21 Pay a compliment at least once a day.
22 Call or visit a homebound person.
23 Hand out balloons to passersby.
24 Give free sodas to motorists.
25 Be a good neighbor.
Take over a baked treat or stop by to say “Hello.”
26 Transport someone who can’t drive.
27 Mow a neighbor’s grass.
28 Say something nice to everyone you meet today.
29 Send a treat to a school or day-care center.
30 Volunteer at an agency that needs help.
31 Wipe rainwater off shopping carts or hold umbrellas for shoppers on the way to their cars.
32 Give the gift of your smile.
33 Send home a note telling parents something their child did well.
34 Adopt a homeless pet from the humane society.
35 Organize a scout troop or service club to help people with packages at the mall or grocery.
36 Host special programs or speakers at libraries or bookstores.
37 Offer to answer the phone for the school secretary for ten minutes.
38 Volunteer to read to students in the classroom.
39 Write notes of appreciation and bring flowers or goodies to teachers or other important people, such as the principal, nurse, custodian, and secretary.
40 Incorporate kindness into the curriculum at area schools, day care centers, or children’s classes in faith organizations.
41 Give a hug to a friend.
42 Tell your children why you love them.
43 Write a note to your mother/father and tell them why they are special.
44 Pat someone on the back.
45 Write a thank-you note to a mentor or someone who has influenced your life in a positive way.
46 Give coffee to people on their way to work in the morning.
47 Donate time at a senior center.
48 Give blood.
49 Visit hospitals with smiles, treats, and friendly conversation for patients.
50 Stop by a nursing home, and visit a resident with no family nearby.
51 Plant flowers in your neighbor’s flower box.
52 Give another driver your parking spot.
53 Leave a treat or handmade note of thanks for a delivery person or mail carrier.
54 Give free car washes.
55 Clean graffiti from neighborhood walls and buildings.
56 Tell your boss that you think he/she does a good job.
57 Tell your employees how much you appreciate their work.
58 Let your staff leave work an hour early.
59 Have a clean-up party in the park.
60 Tell a bus or taxi driver how much you appreciate their driving.
61 Have everyone in your office draw the name of a Random Acts of Kindness buddy out of a hat and do a kind act for their buddy that day or week.
62 Give a pair of tickets to a baseball game or concert to a stranger.
63 Leave an extra big tip for the waiter person.
64 Drop off a plant, cookies, or donuts to the police or fire department.
65 Open the door for another person.
66 Pay for the meal of the person behind you in the drive-through.
67 Write a note to the boss of someone who has helped you, praising the employee.
68 Leave a bouquet of flowers on the desk of a colleague at work with whom you don’t normally get along.
69 Call an estranged family member.
70 Volunteer to fix up an elderly couple’s home.
71 Pay for the person behind you in the movie line.
72 Give flowers to be delivered with meal delivery programs.
73 Give toys to the children at the shelter or safe house.
74 Give friends and family kindness coupons they can redeem for kind favors.
75 Be a friend to a new student or coworker.
76 Renew an old friendship by sending a letter or small gift to someone you haven’t talked with in a long time.
77 For one week, act on every single thought of generosity that arises spontaneously in your heart, and notice what happens as a consequence.
78 Offer to return a shopping cart to the store for someone loading a car.
79 Invite someone new over for dinner.
80 Buy a roll of brightly colored stickers and give them to children you meet during the day.
81 Write a card of thanks and leave it with your tip.
Be sure to be specific in your thanks.
82 Let the person behind you in the grocery store go ahead of you in line.
83 When drivers try to merge into your lane, let them in with a wave and a smile.
84 Buy cold drinks for the people next to you at a ball game.
85 Distribute kindness bookmarks that you have made.
86 Create a craft project or build a bird house with a child.
87 Give a bag of groceries to a homeless person.
88 Laugh out loud often and share your smile generously.
89 Plant a tree in your neighborhood.
90 Make a list of things to do to bring more kindness into the world, and have a friend make a list. Exchange lists and do one item per day for a month.
91 Use an instant camera to take people’s photographs at a party or community event, and give the picture to them.
92 As you go about your day, pick up trash.
93 Send a letter to some former teachers, letting them know the difference they made in your life.
94 Send a gift anonymously to a friend.
95 Organize a clothing drive for a shelter.
96 Buy books for a day care or school.
97 Slip a $20 bill to a person who you know is having financial difficulty.
98 Take an acquaintance to dinner.
99 Offer to take a friend’s child to ball practice.
100 Waive late fees for the week.
Have yourself a fantastic day!
You could make a difference today!
Just one of these simple acts would make a difference to someone. Let's unite and share acts of kindness...
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
100 Ideas for Kindness
by Chris Wiseman
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
1 Deliver fresh-baked cookies to city workers.
2 Collect goods for a food bank.
3 Bring flowers to work and share them with coworkers.
4 Garden clubs can make floral arrangements for senior centers, nursing homes, hospitals, police stations, or shut-ins.
5 Adopt a student who needs a friend, checking in periodically to see how things are going.
6 Volunteer to be a tutor in a school.
7 Extend a hand to someone in need.
Give your full attention and simply listen.
8 Merchants can donate a percentage of receipts for the week to a special cause.
9 Bring coworkers a special treat.
10 Students can clean classrooms for the custodian.
11 Buy a stranger a free pizza.
12 Distribute lollipops to kids.
13 Sing at a nursing home.
14 Offer a couple of hours of baby-sitting to parents.
15 Slip paper hearts that say “It’s Random Acts of Kindness Week! Have a great day!” under the windshield wipers of parked cars.
16 Have a charity day at work, with employees bringing nonperishable food items to donate.
17 Serve refreshments to customers.
18 Draw names at school or work, and have people bring a small gift or food treat for their secret pal.
19 Remember the bereaved with phone calls, cards, plants, and food.
20 Treat someone to fresh fruit.
21 Pay a compliment at least once a day.
22 Call or visit a homebound person.
23 Hand out balloons to passersby.
24 Give free sodas to motorists.
25 Be a good neighbor.
Take over a baked treat or stop by to say “Hello.”
26 Transport someone who can’t drive.
27 Mow a neighbor’s grass.
28 Say something nice to everyone you meet today.
29 Send a treat to a school or day-care center.
30 Volunteer at an agency that needs help.
31 Wipe rainwater off shopping carts or hold umbrellas for shoppers on the way to their cars.
32 Give the gift of your smile.
33 Send home a note telling parents something their child did well.
34 Adopt a homeless pet from the humane society.
35 Organize a scout troop or service club to help people with packages at the mall or grocery.
36 Host special programs or speakers at libraries or bookstores.
37 Offer to answer the phone for the school secretary for ten minutes.
38 Volunteer to read to students in the classroom.
39 Write notes of appreciation and bring flowers or goodies to teachers or other important people, such as the principal, nurse, custodian, and secretary.
40 Incorporate kindness into the curriculum at area schools, day care centers, or children’s classes in faith organizations.
41 Give a hug to a friend.
42 Tell your children why you love them.
43 Write a note to your mother/father and tell them why they are special.
44 Pat someone on the back.
45 Write a thank-you note to a mentor or someone who has influenced your life in a positive way.
46 Give coffee to people on their way to work in the morning.
47 Donate time at a senior center.
48 Give blood.
49 Visit hospitals with smiles, treats, and friendly conversation for patients.
50 Stop by a nursing home, and visit a resident with no family nearby.
51 Plant flowers in your neighbor’s flower box.
52 Give another driver your parking spot.
53 Leave a treat or handmade note of thanks for a delivery person or mail carrier.
54 Give free car washes.
55 Clean graffiti from neighborhood walls and buildings.
56 Tell your boss that you think he/she does a good job.
57 Tell your employees how much you appreciate their work.
58 Let your staff leave work an hour early.
59 Have a clean-up party in the park.
60 Tell a bus or taxi driver how much you appreciate their driving.
61 Have everyone in your office draw the name of a Random Acts of Kindness buddy out of a hat and do a kind act for their buddy that day or week.
62 Give a pair of tickets to a baseball game or concert to a stranger.
63 Leave an extra big tip for the waiter person.
64 Drop off a plant, cookies, or donuts to the police or fire department.
65 Open the door for another person.
66 Pay for the meal of the person behind you in the drive-through.
67 Write a note to the boss of someone who has helped you, praising the employee.
68 Leave a bouquet of flowers on the desk of a colleague at work with whom you don’t normally get along.
69 Call an estranged family member.
70 Volunteer to fix up an elderly couple’s home.
71 Pay for the person behind you in the movie line.
72 Give flowers to be delivered with meal delivery programs.
73 Give toys to the children at the shelter or safe house.
74 Give friends and family kindness coupons they can redeem for kind favors.
75 Be a friend to a new student or coworker.
76 Renew an old friendship by sending a letter or small gift to someone you haven’t talked with in a long time.
77 For one week, act on every single thought of generosity that arises spontaneously in your heart, and notice what happens as a consequence.
78 Offer to return a shopping cart to the store for someone loading a car.
79 Invite someone new over for dinner.
80 Buy a roll of brightly colored stickers and give them to children you meet during the day.
81 Write a card of thanks and leave it with your tip.
Be sure to be specific in your thanks.
82 Let the person behind you in the grocery store go ahead of you in line.
83 When drivers try to merge into your lane, let them in with a wave and a smile.
84 Buy cold drinks for the people next to you at a ball game.
85 Distribute kindness bookmarks that you have made.
86 Create a craft project or build a bird house with a child.
87 Give a bag of groceries to a homeless person.
88 Laugh out loud often and share your smile generously.
89 Plant a tree in your neighborhood.
90 Make a list of things to do to bring more kindness into the world, and have a friend make a list. Exchange lists and do one item per day for a month.
91 Use an instant camera to take people’s photographs at a party or community event, and give the picture to them.
92 As you go about your day, pick up trash.
93 Send a letter to some former teachers, letting them know the difference they made in your life.
94 Send a gift anonymously to a friend.
95 Organize a clothing drive for a shelter.
96 Buy books for a day care or school.
97 Slip a $20 bill to a person who you know is having financial difficulty.
98 Take an acquaintance to dinner.
99 Offer to take a friend’s child to ball practice.
100 Waive late fees for the week.
Have yourself a fantastic day!
Jun 22, 2006
Myths About The Internet
Welcome to Flo's Home Biz & Fun...
Their's a lot of misinformation about the Internet and many false expectations of what it can accomplish. In today's article Terry is sharing some of the comments he receives from people. He tries to clear up some of the myths about the internet. I found the article informative and worth sharing...
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Common Misconceptions about Developing a Web Site
by: Terry Kent
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
As a web designer who practically spends their entire day online, I realize there is a lot of misinformation about the Internet and many false expectations of what it can accomplish. I thought I'd share some of the comments I've received from people and try to clear up some of the myths about the internet.
I don't want or need a web site because I don't want to be overwhelmed with sales/orders/requests.
That's not going to happen. There is a common misconception that if you build it, they will come. Not so. Just like getting a bunch of business cards printed, they look nifty sitting on your desk, but if you don't hand them out, they aren't helping you.
The same applies to a web site, just because you have a presence online doesn't mean people will see it. It doesn't just magically propagate itself to all the people that may possibly be interested in your specific product or service. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to promote one's business online. It's like those old Mail Pouch Tobacco ads painted on the sides of barns. They're really neat, but unless the road goes by the barn, nobody will see the billboard.
One of our long term clients is an excellent example of how it takes time and effort to promote online. He sells kettle corn, popcorn, nuts, jams and jellies. It's taken 5 years for him to approach being 'overwhelmed' with orders, and that only happens around Christmas time. This has, in part, been due to a continuous effort of trading links with other similar businesses, keeping the site up to date and adding products on a regular basis. This way, each time the search engines come around and 'index' his site, they can see the site is busy, changing, growing. This helps keep his ranks high in the search engines for keywords that are relevant to his business. While there is no guarantee of being at the top in search results (regardless of what some claim), a constant effort will help make sure you get hits from relevant keywords. Think of keywords as your target audience. You bring the right keyword hits, you get the sales.
I have all the business I can handle so why do I need a web site?
I don't need or want to sell my product or service online.
You may have all the business you can handle today, but markets and economies can and do change. A web site can be useful in helping you spread the word about your business as well as working as an educational tool to teach your potential clients. It can go into more detail about what you provide than even a brochure can do.
It can come in handy when you are pressed for time and someone asks you about a specific service you provide. It's also more reliable than you! It won't forget and leave out a crucial detail that may be important to a potential client. Perhaps you're a massage therapist. While you may not be interested in actually 'selling' your services online, a web site could be used to list any certification or training you've had. It could go into detail about each type of massage you provide. It could even show photos of your facility to show people what a professional operation you run. This can free you up to do what you do, give quality massages.
A web site is also handy because it's never written in stone. You had 1,000 brochures printed up and now your address or prices have changed? Now you've got 1,000 brochures that need to be recycled. A web site is a quick fix if anything about your business changes.
I've got a web site, how come I'm not getting rich?
As web designers we repeatedly run into clients who just can't be sold on long term marketing maintenance for their site. They have a hard time justifying such a monthly expense. While the technology surrounding search engines changes at the speed of light, one thing remains constant: Content is King. Yes, it's a cliche phrase, but true. Just as those old barn billboards are fading into obscurity because the highway now takes all the traffic away from those rustic back roads, you need to keep up to compete.
In order to successfully promote online, you must continually be adding to your site, whether it's adding updated articles, trading links with similar businesses, or archiving your monthly newsletter online, it takes an ongoing effort. Sure, you might be able to do these things yourself. However, sometimes you need to decide when to concentrate on what you do best, which is run your business and let a web designer or internet marketer do what they do best, which is promote your site.
It's also essential that you promote your web site off-line as well. It takes everything from putting your web address on your business card to sharing the address in conversation, to including it on any and all advertising you do.
Remember the popcorn vendor I mentioned earlier? This gentleman also spends a great deal of time and effort promoting his site off-line. He literally stands on the street corner to do it! If you ever frequent the eastern panhandle of West Virginia you may have seen him. He sets booths up on busy roads full of people headed weekend fun on the Potomac river and has a storefront in Frederick, MD. So, he's obviously busy promoting his business off-line! His web site address is www.catoctinkettlekorn.com. You should check it out. His popcorn is delicious and I'm told the kettlecorn is pretty healthy, too! See, I just promoted him! It takes all kinds of promotion, from paid advertising to word of mouth, to make a business a success.
I don't need a professional web site designer, my uncle's friend knows some html.
While that ultimate decision is up to you, it's important to keep in mind that your web site is an extension of your business. It should appear just as professional as your business. It should also be targeted towards your specific audience just as any printed marketing collateral should be.
While little animated kitties are cute, do they help sell your product or service? Maybe they do if your business is related to animals, but otherwise, probably not. Using professional graphics is very important. There's a trick to saving graphics for the web to allow for a nice looking image, while still providing something that is quick to download. Will the graphics match any off-line imagery used? Can someone who knows a little HTML create them, as well? Maybe, but not always.
In this day and age, in order to compete, every marketing tool at your disposal should be used to its fullest potential. It takes more than HTML to create a successful web site. A successful web site takes not only a coder who knows HTML, XHTML, PHP, CSS and a bunch of other acronyms, but a graphic designer and a marketing expert to pull it all together. The most successful sites will blend seamlessly with your off-line materials.
My market is local, I don't need or want to sell to the world.
Just because your market is small or local doesn't mean a web site can't work for you. It's all in how the search engine promotion is handled. You can certainly gear your site towards a region as well as a specific target audience. Again, the fear that you'll be overwhelmed with inappropriate orders is groundless.
I can't afford a web site.
Yes, a professionally designed web site isn't necessarily cheap. However, it doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg either. It most definitely should be planned into your marketing budget as any other marketing tool would be. Today, a web site is as necessary as a business card, brochure or a yellow pages ad. In fact, it may be becoming more so. You can certainly share much more information about your products and services on a web site than a yellow pages ad can. In some locations, a web site can even be cheaper than a phone book ad!
By being able to quickly share information like testimonials from satisfied clients, your history or philosophy, experience, a showcase of your work, contact information, your prices, or your personnel, half the job of selling can be done for you, online.
It then just becomes a matter of how can you afford NOT to have a web site?
-=-
Have yourself a Super day!
Their's a lot of misinformation about the Internet and many false expectations of what it can accomplish. In today's article Terry is sharing some of the comments he receives from people. He tries to clear up some of the myths about the internet. I found the article informative and worth sharing...
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Common Misconceptions about Developing a Web Site
by: Terry Kent
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
As a web designer who practically spends their entire day online, I realize there is a lot of misinformation about the Internet and many false expectations of what it can accomplish. I thought I'd share some of the comments I've received from people and try to clear up some of the myths about the internet.
I don't want or need a web site because I don't want to be overwhelmed with sales/orders/requests.
That's not going to happen. There is a common misconception that if you build it, they will come. Not so. Just like getting a bunch of business cards printed, they look nifty sitting on your desk, but if you don't hand them out, they aren't helping you.
The same applies to a web site, just because you have a presence online doesn't mean people will see it. It doesn't just magically propagate itself to all the people that may possibly be interested in your specific product or service. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to promote one's business online. It's like those old Mail Pouch Tobacco ads painted on the sides of barns. They're really neat, but unless the road goes by the barn, nobody will see the billboard.
One of our long term clients is an excellent example of how it takes time and effort to promote online. He sells kettle corn, popcorn, nuts, jams and jellies. It's taken 5 years for him to approach being 'overwhelmed' with orders, and that only happens around Christmas time. This has, in part, been due to a continuous effort of trading links with other similar businesses, keeping the site up to date and adding products on a regular basis. This way, each time the search engines come around and 'index' his site, they can see the site is busy, changing, growing. This helps keep his ranks high in the search engines for keywords that are relevant to his business. While there is no guarantee of being at the top in search results (regardless of what some claim), a constant effort will help make sure you get hits from relevant keywords. Think of keywords as your target audience. You bring the right keyword hits, you get the sales.
I have all the business I can handle so why do I need a web site?
I don't need or want to sell my product or service online.
You may have all the business you can handle today, but markets and economies can and do change. A web site can be useful in helping you spread the word about your business as well as working as an educational tool to teach your potential clients. It can go into more detail about what you provide than even a brochure can do.
It can come in handy when you are pressed for time and someone asks you about a specific service you provide. It's also more reliable than you! It won't forget and leave out a crucial detail that may be important to a potential client. Perhaps you're a massage therapist. While you may not be interested in actually 'selling' your services online, a web site could be used to list any certification or training you've had. It could go into detail about each type of massage you provide. It could even show photos of your facility to show people what a professional operation you run. This can free you up to do what you do, give quality massages.
A web site is also handy because it's never written in stone. You had 1,000 brochures printed up and now your address or prices have changed? Now you've got 1,000 brochures that need to be recycled. A web site is a quick fix if anything about your business changes.
I've got a web site, how come I'm not getting rich?
As web designers we repeatedly run into clients who just can't be sold on long term marketing maintenance for their site. They have a hard time justifying such a monthly expense. While the technology surrounding search engines changes at the speed of light, one thing remains constant: Content is King. Yes, it's a cliche phrase, but true. Just as those old barn billboards are fading into obscurity because the highway now takes all the traffic away from those rustic back roads, you need to keep up to compete.
In order to successfully promote online, you must continually be adding to your site, whether it's adding updated articles, trading links with similar businesses, or archiving your monthly newsletter online, it takes an ongoing effort. Sure, you might be able to do these things yourself. However, sometimes you need to decide when to concentrate on what you do best, which is run your business and let a web designer or internet marketer do what they do best, which is promote your site.
It's also essential that you promote your web site off-line as well. It takes everything from putting your web address on your business card to sharing the address in conversation, to including it on any and all advertising you do.
Remember the popcorn vendor I mentioned earlier? This gentleman also spends a great deal of time and effort promoting his site off-line. He literally stands on the street corner to do it! If you ever frequent the eastern panhandle of West Virginia you may have seen him. He sets booths up on busy roads full of people headed weekend fun on the Potomac river and has a storefront in Frederick, MD. So, he's obviously busy promoting his business off-line! His web site address is www.catoctinkettlekorn.com. You should check it out. His popcorn is delicious and I'm told the kettlecorn is pretty healthy, too! See, I just promoted him! It takes all kinds of promotion, from paid advertising to word of mouth, to make a business a success.
I don't need a professional web site designer, my uncle's friend knows some html.
While that ultimate decision is up to you, it's important to keep in mind that your web site is an extension of your business. It should appear just as professional as your business. It should also be targeted towards your specific audience just as any printed marketing collateral should be.
While little animated kitties are cute, do they help sell your product or service? Maybe they do if your business is related to animals, but otherwise, probably not. Using professional graphics is very important. There's a trick to saving graphics for the web to allow for a nice looking image, while still providing something that is quick to download. Will the graphics match any off-line imagery used? Can someone who knows a little HTML create them, as well? Maybe, but not always.
In this day and age, in order to compete, every marketing tool at your disposal should be used to its fullest potential. It takes more than HTML to create a successful web site. A successful web site takes not only a coder who knows HTML, XHTML, PHP, CSS and a bunch of other acronyms, but a graphic designer and a marketing expert to pull it all together. The most successful sites will blend seamlessly with your off-line materials.
My market is local, I don't need or want to sell to the world.
Just because your market is small or local doesn't mean a web site can't work for you. It's all in how the search engine promotion is handled. You can certainly gear your site towards a region as well as a specific target audience. Again, the fear that you'll be overwhelmed with inappropriate orders is groundless.
I can't afford a web site.
Yes, a professionally designed web site isn't necessarily cheap. However, it doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg either. It most definitely should be planned into your marketing budget as any other marketing tool would be. Today, a web site is as necessary as a business card, brochure or a yellow pages ad. In fact, it may be becoming more so. You can certainly share much more information about your products and services on a web site than a yellow pages ad can. In some locations, a web site can even be cheaper than a phone book ad!
By being able to quickly share information like testimonials from satisfied clients, your history or philosophy, experience, a showcase of your work, contact information, your prices, or your personnel, half the job of selling can be done for you, online.
It then just becomes a matter of how can you afford NOT to have a web site?
-=-
Have yourself a Super day!
Jun 20, 2006
Be Financially Independent
Welcome to Flo's Home Biz & Fun...
Yes, You Can--and You Should--Become Financially Independent! You owe it to yourself and those You love to rid yourself from the power-robbing, creativity-stifling, worry-causing scourge of dėbt. And You CAN!
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Yes, You Can Be Financially Independent
by - Michael Angier , founder and CIO
www.SuccessNet.org
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
By its very definition, financial independence means to not be dependent on anyone or anything for our financial needs. That requires being free from debt.
When asked what they would do if they won the lottery, most people say they would pay off their debts. Just imagine what it would be like not to owe any money!
We’d all like to be free from owing money. But something has happened to us over the past couple of generations—we’ve come to accept debt as just another part of modern life.
It doesn’t have to be that way.
The average American will earn between $600,000 and $2,000,000 in his or her lifetime. But it’s not important what we make—it’s what we keep that makes the difference. The percentage of people reaching 65 who are financially independent are in the small single digits. Over 25 percent of the US federal budget is used just to pay interest on the national debt. Debt has become the new “American Way” and it’s not something to be proud of.
Bankruptcies, failed marriages, alcohol and drug abuse, crime and a host of other things can often be related to the scourge of debt. Part of the reason we’ve embraced being in debt for most, if not all, of our lives can be attributed to the fact that everyone else—including our government—is doing it. Owing one, two or even three times as much as we earn in a year would have been horrifying to our grandparents. Had consumer debt—a term unheard of only 30 years ago—not crept into our society gradually, it never would have been embraced.
Just think what it would be like if you owed absolutely nothing to anyone for anything. All the payments you pay each month—all the interest, all the worry, the limited choices—would disappear. No more would you have to stay in a job or profession you despise with people you don’t respect. You would feel not only free from debt, but you would experience freedom in many other aspects of your life.
Imagine what your life would be like if you only had to pay for utilities, food and entertainment. Would it make a difference in the quality of your life, the quality of your relationships, your health? Of course it would.
We can all become debt-free and in less time than you might think. But first we have to get serious about it. It won’t happen by itself. The 40-40-40 plan won’t cut it. That’s working 40 hours a week, 40 years of your life and retiring at 40 percent of what you were making before.
Most people work into May of each year, just to pay their taxes to the state and federal government. How many more months do we have to work to pay the interest and principle payments on what we owe?
Let’s say that you owe $40,000—not counting your home mortgage—credit cards, furniture, cars, etc. If the average interest on this debt was 14 percent, you’d have to pay $5,600 just in interest each year. On top of that, of course, are principle payments. That could easily be another $5,000 to $10,000. Even if you were only paying $10,000 in payments on this debt, you would have to make over $13,000 before taxes to service this liability. If you made $35,000 annually, you’d be working almost five months of that year just to make your payments. Add to that the five months to pay taxes and what have you got left? Is that any way to live? No wonder so many people feel trapped.
How Do You Get There?
Getting out of debt and staying out of debt is simple. SIMPLE, but not always easy. I want to encourage and support you and your business to become debt-free. I’m confident that you will have more fun, encounter less stress and be more productive.
My wife and I have made our plan, we’ve simplified our lives, and we are well on our way to reaching this objective. Our company has no debt and we will personally be free of ALL debt in a short while. You can do it, too.
Debt-Free, then Wealth
Albert Einstein was once asked what he considered to be the greatest invention of all time. “Compound interest,” was his reply. When you’ve eliminated your debts, you can then start to use this “great invention” and make compound interest work FOR you instead of against you. You will develop an investment portfolio that can make you truly wealthy in only a few years. You can become a true capitalist in the real sense of the word—one who creates capital. And you will be free.
You owe it to yourself and those you love to free yourself from the power-robbing, creativity-stifling, worry-causing scourge of debt. After that, you can begin to develop real wealth.
Related Resource
In a separate message, I tell you about a proven and surprisingly simple way to get on top of your finances. I've also arranged a substantial discount for you. SuccessNet.org/go/leoquinn.htm
-=-=-
Copyright Michael Angier & Success Networks International.
Used with Permission.
Michael Angier is the founder and president of SuccessNet. Their mission is to inform, inspire and empower people to be their best--personally and professionally.
Download their free eBooklet, 10 ESSENTIAL KEYS TO PERSONAL EFFECTIVENESS from www.SuccessNet.org/keys.htm or by sending a blank email to keys@SuccessNet.org.
More free subscriptions, books and SuccessMark Cards are available at www.SuccessNet.org.
-=-=-
Have a Super day!
Yes, You Can--and You Should--Become Financially Independent! You owe it to yourself and those You love to rid yourself from the power-robbing, creativity-stifling, worry-causing scourge of dėbt. And You CAN!
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Yes, You Can Be Financially Independent
by - Michael Angier , founder and CIO
www.SuccessNet.org
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
By its very definition, financial independence means to not be dependent on anyone or anything for our financial needs. That requires being free from debt.
When asked what they would do if they won the lottery, most people say they would pay off their debts. Just imagine what it would be like not to owe any money!
We’d all like to be free from owing money. But something has happened to us over the past couple of generations—we’ve come to accept debt as just another part of modern life.
It doesn’t have to be that way.
The average American will earn between $600,000 and $2,000,000 in his or her lifetime. But it’s not important what we make—it’s what we keep that makes the difference. The percentage of people reaching 65 who are financially independent are in the small single digits. Over 25 percent of the US federal budget is used just to pay interest on the national debt. Debt has become the new “American Way” and it’s not something to be proud of.
Bankruptcies, failed marriages, alcohol and drug abuse, crime and a host of other things can often be related to the scourge of debt. Part of the reason we’ve embraced being in debt for most, if not all, of our lives can be attributed to the fact that everyone else—including our government—is doing it. Owing one, two or even three times as much as we earn in a year would have been horrifying to our grandparents. Had consumer debt—a term unheard of only 30 years ago—not crept into our society gradually, it never would have been embraced.
Just think what it would be like if you owed absolutely nothing to anyone for anything. All the payments you pay each month—all the interest, all the worry, the limited choices—would disappear. No more would you have to stay in a job or profession you despise with people you don’t respect. You would feel not only free from debt, but you would experience freedom in many other aspects of your life.
Imagine what your life would be like if you only had to pay for utilities, food and entertainment. Would it make a difference in the quality of your life, the quality of your relationships, your health? Of course it would.
We can all become debt-free and in less time than you might think. But first we have to get serious about it. It won’t happen by itself. The 40-40-40 plan won’t cut it. That’s working 40 hours a week, 40 years of your life and retiring at 40 percent of what you were making before.
Most people work into May of each year, just to pay their taxes to the state and federal government. How many more months do we have to work to pay the interest and principle payments on what we owe?
Let’s say that you owe $40,000—not counting your home mortgage—credit cards, furniture, cars, etc. If the average interest on this debt was 14 percent, you’d have to pay $5,600 just in interest each year. On top of that, of course, are principle payments. That could easily be another $5,000 to $10,000. Even if you were only paying $10,000 in payments on this debt, you would have to make over $13,000 before taxes to service this liability. If you made $35,000 annually, you’d be working almost five months of that year just to make your payments. Add to that the five months to pay taxes and what have you got left? Is that any way to live? No wonder so many people feel trapped.
How Do You Get There?
Getting out of debt and staying out of debt is simple. SIMPLE, but not always easy. I want to encourage and support you and your business to become debt-free. I’m confident that you will have more fun, encounter less stress and be more productive.
My wife and I have made our plan, we’ve simplified our lives, and we are well on our way to reaching this objective. Our company has no debt and we will personally be free of ALL debt in a short while. You can do it, too.
Debt-Free, then Wealth
Albert Einstein was once asked what he considered to be the greatest invention of all time. “Compound interest,” was his reply. When you’ve eliminated your debts, you can then start to use this “great invention” and make compound interest work FOR you instead of against you. You will develop an investment portfolio that can make you truly wealthy in only a few years. You can become a true capitalist in the real sense of the word—one who creates capital. And you will be free.
You owe it to yourself and those you love to free yourself from the power-robbing, creativity-stifling, worry-causing scourge of debt. After that, you can begin to develop real wealth.
Related Resource
In a separate message, I tell you about a proven and surprisingly simple way to get on top of your finances. I've also arranged a substantial discount for you. SuccessNet.org/go/leoquinn.htm
-=-=-
Copyright Michael Angier & Success Networks International.
Used with Permission.
Michael Angier is the founder and president of SuccessNet. Their mission is to inform, inspire and empower people to be their best--personally and professionally.
Download their free eBooklet, 10 ESSENTIAL KEYS TO PERSONAL EFFECTIVENESS from www.SuccessNet.org/keys.htm or by sending a blank email to keys@SuccessNet.org.
More free subscriptions, books and SuccessMark Cards are available at www.SuccessNet.org.
-=-=-
Have a Super day!
Jun 18, 2006
Fathers Day Quotations
Welcome to Flo's Home Biz & Fun...
To all Fathers, much Love on your Special Day !!!
Quotations For Fathers Day
When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much he had learned in seven years.
— Mark Twain
It's only when you grow up, and step back from him, or leave him for your own career and your own home - it's only then that you can measure his greatness and fully appreciate it. Pride reinforces love.
— Margaret Truman
My father used to play with my brother and me in the yard. Mother would come out and say, "You're tearing up the grass." "We're not raising grass," Dad would reply. "We're raising boys."
— Harmon Killebrew
You only appreciate your father the day you become a father yourself.
— Anonymous
Dad taught me everything I know. Unfortunately, he didn't teach me everything he knows.
— Al Unser, Jr.
It is a wise father that knows his own child.
— William Shakespeare
I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father's protection.
— Sigmund Freud
Dad - Ask him when Mom says no.
— Author Unknown
One father is more than a hundred schoolmasters.
— George Herbert, Outlandish Proverbs, 1640
A father carries pictures where his money used to be.
— Authur Unknown
To her the name of father was another name for love.
— Fanny Fern
My father didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.
— Clarence B. Kelland
You don't have to deserve your mother's love. You have to deserve your father's. He's more particular.
— Robert Frost
A father is a banker provided by nature.
— French Proverb
The words that a father speaks to his children in the privacy of home are not heard by the world, but, as in whispering-galleries, they are clearly heard at the end and by posterity.
— Jean Paul Richter
It matters not that Time has shed
His thawless snow upon your head,
For he maintains, with wondrous art,
Perpetual summer in your heart.
— William Hamilton Hayne
Children are poor men's riches.
— Anonymous Proverb
None of you can ever be proud enough of being the child of SUCH a Father who has not his equal in this world-so great, so good, so faultless. Try, all of you, to follow in his footsteps and don't be discouraged, for to be really in everything like him none of you, I am sure, will ever be. Try, therefore, to be like him in some points, and you will have acquired a great deal.
— Victoria, Queen of England
Have yourself a great Father's Day!
To all Fathers, much Love on your Special Day !!!
Quotations For Fathers Day
When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much he had learned in seven years.
— Mark Twain
It's only when you grow up, and step back from him, or leave him for your own career and your own home - it's only then that you can measure his greatness and fully appreciate it. Pride reinforces love.
— Margaret Truman
My father used to play with my brother and me in the yard. Mother would come out and say, "You're tearing up the grass." "We're not raising grass," Dad would reply. "We're raising boys."
— Harmon Killebrew
You only appreciate your father the day you become a father yourself.
— Anonymous
Dad taught me everything I know. Unfortunately, he didn't teach me everything he knows.
— Al Unser, Jr.
It is a wise father that knows his own child.
— William Shakespeare
I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father's protection.
— Sigmund Freud
Dad - Ask him when Mom says no.
— Author Unknown
One father is more than a hundred schoolmasters.
— George Herbert, Outlandish Proverbs, 1640
A father carries pictures where his money used to be.
— Authur Unknown
To her the name of father was another name for love.
— Fanny Fern
My father didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.
— Clarence B. Kelland
You don't have to deserve your mother's love. You have to deserve your father's. He's more particular.
— Robert Frost
A father is a banker provided by nature.
— French Proverb
The words that a father speaks to his children in the privacy of home are not heard by the world, but, as in whispering-galleries, they are clearly heard at the end and by posterity.
— Jean Paul Richter
It matters not that Time has shed
His thawless snow upon your head,
For he maintains, with wondrous art,
Perpetual summer in your heart.
— William Hamilton Hayne
Children are poor men's riches.
— Anonymous Proverb
None of you can ever be proud enough of being the child of SUCH a Father who has not his equal in this world-so great, so good, so faultless. Try, all of you, to follow in his footsteps and don't be discouraged, for to be really in everything like him none of you, I am sure, will ever be. Try, therefore, to be like him in some points, and you will have acquired a great deal.
— Victoria, Queen of England
Have yourself a great Father's Day!
Jun 16, 2006
Over The Garden Wall
Welcome to Flo's Home Biz & Fun Blog...
I love herbal gardens, I had one in the back of my patio door. When I cooked, my herbal garden was very close to retrieve the herbs. What I enjoyed was the beauty it created when looking outside and the aroma it provided! I've been gone for 7 years so my herbal garden is no longer there.
I hope You enjoyed yesterday's article "The 15 Most Powerful Healing Herbs in Your Kitchen". Here's another great article by John an AdlandPro Community friend, it's that time of year to plant any garden You wish.
If You desire a herbal garden then today's article is for You. John is sharing tons of information to help You how to grow, dry and freeze your own herbs. “HAPPY GARDENING”... enjoy!
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Over The Garden Wall With Oaky:
Growing, Drying and Freezing Your Own Herbs
By John Elliott Aka Oaky Wood©2006
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
These annual, perennial and sometimes shrubby plants are often grown by amateur gardeners, and cultivated for their culinary and sometimes medicinal uses, although they can make attractive specimen plants in mixed borders. In most gardens, a small plot can easily be set aside for growing a few choice herbs. Large or medium Patio style planters and hanging baskets, near the kitchen, using cultivated herbs is fast becoming a popular hobby, as healthier lifestyles are sought throughout the world. The aromatic fragrances are also so refreshing on those balmy summer days as you lay basking and relaxing in the sunshine, enjoying your iced lemon teas.
Generally, herbs need a light, fertile, well-drained soil or compost, in full sun. They can easily be grown in odd corners in the garden, but if space allows, a designated herb garden is the most convenient and can be a most attractive way of grouping them. The ancient Romans, Greeks and indeed even the great traditional English gardeners, all enjoyed and treasured their herb gardens in there many shapes, sizes and complexities throughout history.
Ideally the site should be a south facing position, and on a slight slope to aid drainage. Herb beds should be arranged and planned to make access easier to each group of plants, placing the taller varieties to the back or centralized, where they won’t overshadow the smaller ones, and keep moisture loving varieties to the bottom of any slope. Raised bed culture is also ideal for an herb garden feature, add a waterfall or running water and enjoy the relaxing aromatic tranquillity it creates.
Many herbs can be grown from seed in window boxes, on patios, in pots on outside windowsills, hanging baskets or that old discarded wheelbarrow. Use John Innes potting compost No 1 or 2, or a similar good quality brand from your local garden supply center, and put a good layer of broken crocks or small polystyrene pieces in the bottom to ensure good drainage. Keep the compost just moist during the growing season, and give a liquid feed occasionally, to encourage good growth. The actual windowsill or patio should preferably face south or west, so that the plants receive direct sunshine for the greater part of the day.
The culinary and medicinal uses of individual herbs is beyond this article, but generally the best and fullest flavors always come from the freshest of your picked herbs which will keep for only a limited period in well sealed, and dry air tight plastic containers in your refrigerator. For winter use, herbs must be dried or frozen. Certain evergreen herbs, such as chives and dill, are not suitable for drying and ideally should be frozen or the plants re-potted up for growing indoors, within a conservatory, glasshouse, or on a sunny windowsill.
HARVESTING AND DRYING YOUR HERBS
The time off harvesting individual herbs varies according to whether the herbs are being grown for their leaves, flowers, seeds or stems.
Plants grown for their leaves and stems should be gathered in the young leafy stage before flowering begins for best flavor. Harvest flower heads whilst in full bloom, and the seeds when the pods begin to open and split naturally as they turn yellow or golden brown.
Always choose a dry day for harvesting your herbs, and gather then early in the day before the sun becomes hot, but just after the morning dew has evaporated, to lock in the flavors. Handle the leafy shoots and sprigs carefully to avoid bruising. Large leaves can be stripped from the stems before drying but small leafed types are best left intact. Discard all damaged and discolored leaves, and if possible wash the remainder gently in cold water. Spread the leaves thinly in flat shallow containers, ideally on cheesecloth-covered frames, which will allow air to circulate. Place the containers in a dry, airy and warm place out of the direct sunlight. An airing cupboard or the warming drawer of a cooker is suitable provided there is reasonable ventilation. Leave for at least 4 to 5 days turning the herbs once a day. They are ready for storing when they become brittle and rustle slightly when touched.
An alternative method is to tie into small bunches and hang upside down in a shaded, dry, warm and airy place. These will take a little longer to dry out completely. You can dry out your herbs quicker in front of a fire, or within an oven on low heat but some of the aroma and flavor will be lost.
The leaves should be completely dry before storing. When completely dry large leaves varieties should be stripped from their stems, small leaves, and fine-stemmed herbs such as rosemary, thyme and bay, retain their flavor better when stored whole and crumbled before use. Discard as much chaff (waste) as possible and pack the leaves or sprigs into small, preferably opaque containers. Clear jars should be stored in a dark place. Remember to seal and label each jar immediately.
Herbs both dried or frozen, may be stored separately according to variety, or as your favorite mixtures and combinations. It is often labor saving to make up your herb bouquet, tied in muslin bags at the drying stage.
The procedure for drying flower heads and seed pods are the same. Loosen seeds by rubbing pods between your palms until the seeds drop out. This is best done outside with a slight breeze present as this will blow away some of the chaff. Once separated dry your seed for a further week and once completely dry store in the same way as for the leaves.
FREEZING YOUR HERBS
Freezing is an excellent way of preserving and storing your herbs, especially chervil and parsley, which have tender leaves unsuitable for home drying. Gather and wash your herbs and place them in a metal colander. Blanche the herbs by immersing your colander in boiling water for 1 minute, then into cold water. Leave to thoroughly cool, drain and freeze immediately, storing in small plastic bags, ice cube making or plastic containers, kitchen foil or even waxed cartons. Frozen herbs need not be thawed before use in soups, stews or gravy’s and can actually be chopped more easily whilst frozen. Frozen herbs are best used for flavoring as they become limp when thawed, and so useless as garnishes. Never refreeze.
OTHER USES FOR YOUR DRIED HERBS
Apart from their culinary and medicinal uses which is beyond this article to explain in any depth, your dried herbs may also be used to make sachets, potpourri's and pomanders, which give off a long lasting aromatic fragrance to rooms, airing cupboards, drawers and linen closets. Lavender sachets are so well known, but many other herbs and flowers make pleasant mixtures.
Particularly pleasant fragrant and aromatic mixtures include:-
1/. Lemon thyme with verbena.
2/. Fragrant leaves geraniums with rosemary.
3/. Lavender, rosemary and a few cloves with a piece of orange, lemon or lime zest.
4/. Equal parts of peppermint, lemon verbena, lemon balm, rose geranium and rose petals.
Well my friends I hope you’ve enjoyed today’s “Over The Garden Wall with Oaky”… it’s off to the potting shed for me, as an amateur gardeners work is never done no matter what time of year it is… “HAPPY GARDENING” until we meet again
By John Elliott
Aka Oaky Wood©2006
-=-
John Elliott aka Oaky Wood has been an avid amateur gardener for over 25 years and is currently co-founder of The Corner 4 Women http://thecorner4women.com is a writer, artist, poet and webmaster, also the owner of the Oakwood Grafix group of websites http://www.oakwoodgrafix.co.uk/
-=-
Have yourself a Super Friday & enjoy the upcoming weekend!
I love herbal gardens, I had one in the back of my patio door. When I cooked, my herbal garden was very close to retrieve the herbs. What I enjoyed was the beauty it created when looking outside and the aroma it provided! I've been gone for 7 years so my herbal garden is no longer there.
I hope You enjoyed yesterday's article "The 15 Most Powerful Healing Herbs in Your Kitchen". Here's another great article by John an AdlandPro Community friend, it's that time of year to plant any garden You wish.
If You desire a herbal garden then today's article is for You. John is sharing tons of information to help You how to grow, dry and freeze your own herbs. “HAPPY GARDENING”... enjoy!
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Over The Garden Wall With Oaky:
Growing, Drying and Freezing Your Own Herbs
By John Elliott Aka Oaky Wood©2006
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
These annual, perennial and sometimes shrubby plants are often grown by amateur gardeners, and cultivated for their culinary and sometimes medicinal uses, although they can make attractive specimen plants in mixed borders. In most gardens, a small plot can easily be set aside for growing a few choice herbs. Large or medium Patio style planters and hanging baskets, near the kitchen, using cultivated herbs is fast becoming a popular hobby, as healthier lifestyles are sought throughout the world. The aromatic fragrances are also so refreshing on those balmy summer days as you lay basking and relaxing in the sunshine, enjoying your iced lemon teas.
Generally, herbs need a light, fertile, well-drained soil or compost, in full sun. They can easily be grown in odd corners in the garden, but if space allows, a designated herb garden is the most convenient and can be a most attractive way of grouping them. The ancient Romans, Greeks and indeed even the great traditional English gardeners, all enjoyed and treasured their herb gardens in there many shapes, sizes and complexities throughout history.
Ideally the site should be a south facing position, and on a slight slope to aid drainage. Herb beds should be arranged and planned to make access easier to each group of plants, placing the taller varieties to the back or centralized, where they won’t overshadow the smaller ones, and keep moisture loving varieties to the bottom of any slope. Raised bed culture is also ideal for an herb garden feature, add a waterfall or running water and enjoy the relaxing aromatic tranquillity it creates.
Many herbs can be grown from seed in window boxes, on patios, in pots on outside windowsills, hanging baskets or that old discarded wheelbarrow. Use John Innes potting compost No 1 or 2, or a similar good quality brand from your local garden supply center, and put a good layer of broken crocks or small polystyrene pieces in the bottom to ensure good drainage. Keep the compost just moist during the growing season, and give a liquid feed occasionally, to encourage good growth. The actual windowsill or patio should preferably face south or west, so that the plants receive direct sunshine for the greater part of the day.
The culinary and medicinal uses of individual herbs is beyond this article, but generally the best and fullest flavors always come from the freshest of your picked herbs which will keep for only a limited period in well sealed, and dry air tight plastic containers in your refrigerator. For winter use, herbs must be dried or frozen. Certain evergreen herbs, such as chives and dill, are not suitable for drying and ideally should be frozen or the plants re-potted up for growing indoors, within a conservatory, glasshouse, or on a sunny windowsill.
HARVESTING AND DRYING YOUR HERBS
The time off harvesting individual herbs varies according to whether the herbs are being grown for their leaves, flowers, seeds or stems.
Plants grown for their leaves and stems should be gathered in the young leafy stage before flowering begins for best flavor. Harvest flower heads whilst in full bloom, and the seeds when the pods begin to open and split naturally as they turn yellow or golden brown.
Always choose a dry day for harvesting your herbs, and gather then early in the day before the sun becomes hot, but just after the morning dew has evaporated, to lock in the flavors. Handle the leafy shoots and sprigs carefully to avoid bruising. Large leaves can be stripped from the stems before drying but small leafed types are best left intact. Discard all damaged and discolored leaves, and if possible wash the remainder gently in cold water. Spread the leaves thinly in flat shallow containers, ideally on cheesecloth-covered frames, which will allow air to circulate. Place the containers in a dry, airy and warm place out of the direct sunlight. An airing cupboard or the warming drawer of a cooker is suitable provided there is reasonable ventilation. Leave for at least 4 to 5 days turning the herbs once a day. They are ready for storing when they become brittle and rustle slightly when touched.
An alternative method is to tie into small bunches and hang upside down in a shaded, dry, warm and airy place. These will take a little longer to dry out completely. You can dry out your herbs quicker in front of a fire, or within an oven on low heat but some of the aroma and flavor will be lost.
The leaves should be completely dry before storing. When completely dry large leaves varieties should be stripped from their stems, small leaves, and fine-stemmed herbs such as rosemary, thyme and bay, retain their flavor better when stored whole and crumbled before use. Discard as much chaff (waste) as possible and pack the leaves or sprigs into small, preferably opaque containers. Clear jars should be stored in a dark place. Remember to seal and label each jar immediately.
Herbs both dried or frozen, may be stored separately according to variety, or as your favorite mixtures and combinations. It is often labor saving to make up your herb bouquet, tied in muslin bags at the drying stage.
The procedure for drying flower heads and seed pods are the same. Loosen seeds by rubbing pods between your palms until the seeds drop out. This is best done outside with a slight breeze present as this will blow away some of the chaff. Once separated dry your seed for a further week and once completely dry store in the same way as for the leaves.
FREEZING YOUR HERBS
Freezing is an excellent way of preserving and storing your herbs, especially chervil and parsley, which have tender leaves unsuitable for home drying. Gather and wash your herbs and place them in a metal colander. Blanche the herbs by immersing your colander in boiling water for 1 minute, then into cold water. Leave to thoroughly cool, drain and freeze immediately, storing in small plastic bags, ice cube making or plastic containers, kitchen foil or even waxed cartons. Frozen herbs need not be thawed before use in soups, stews or gravy’s and can actually be chopped more easily whilst frozen. Frozen herbs are best used for flavoring as they become limp when thawed, and so useless as garnishes. Never refreeze.
OTHER USES FOR YOUR DRIED HERBS
Apart from their culinary and medicinal uses which is beyond this article to explain in any depth, your dried herbs may also be used to make sachets, potpourri's and pomanders, which give off a long lasting aromatic fragrance to rooms, airing cupboards, drawers and linen closets. Lavender sachets are so well known, but many other herbs and flowers make pleasant mixtures.
Particularly pleasant fragrant and aromatic mixtures include:-
1/. Lemon thyme with verbena.
2/. Fragrant leaves geraniums with rosemary.
3/. Lavender, rosemary and a few cloves with a piece of orange, lemon or lime zest.
4/. Equal parts of peppermint, lemon verbena, lemon balm, rose geranium and rose petals.
Well my friends I hope you’ve enjoyed today’s “Over The Garden Wall with Oaky”… it’s off to the potting shed for me, as an amateur gardeners work is never done no matter what time of year it is… “HAPPY GARDENING” until we meet again
By John Elliott
Aka Oaky Wood©2006
-=-
John Elliott aka Oaky Wood has been an avid amateur gardener for over 25 years and is currently co-founder of The Corner 4 Women http://thecorner4women.com is a writer, artist, poet and webmaster, also the owner of the Oakwood Grafix group of websites http://www.oakwoodgrafix.co.uk/
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Have yourself a Super Friday & enjoy the upcoming weekend!
Jun 15, 2006
15 Powerful Healing Herbs
Welcome to Flo's Home Biz & Fun Blog...
The following is an article by John an AdlandPro Community friend. Here are 15 powerful herbs that hold a plethora of natural healing ingredients. By including these herbs and spices into your daily cooking, You will greatly enhance your quality of life...
The 15 Most Powerful Healing Herbs in Your Kitchen
By John Elliott Aka Oaky Wood©2006
Since ancient times our ancestor’s harvested the many herbs and spices that grew wild around them, mixed potions, and treated ailments. Man was after all a hunter-gatherer, and an omnivore, (an organism which gets its food energy from both plant and animal material).
The humble herb and spice rack in your kitchen today need not be just a decorative feature, although they look quite pleasing to the eye hanging on the wall, in both modern and old fashioned styled homes. They can in fact hold a plethora of natural healing ingredients that can also add great taste to the foods you eat every day.
Of all the herbs and spices you can choose from for flavor, there are 15 that are more powerful than the rest. Below is the list and you may well be surprised to learn of the many diverse conditions for which they’ve proven so very useful.
1/. BASILBasil is an herbal carminative, that is, it can relieve gas and soothe stomach upsets. One possible explanation for its calming effect is a compound called eugenol, which has been shown to help ease muscle spasms.
Research is still preliminary, but laboratory studies also suggest that compounds found in basil may help disrupt the dangerous chain of events that can lead to the development of cancer
2/. CAYENNE
Cayenne pepper is a hot red powder made from tropical chilly peppers. It contains alkaloid capsaicin, which relieves pain by blocking the chemicals that send pain messages to the brain. If you eat cayenne at the first sign of any type of headache, with plenty of water as a chaser, this spicy herb may be an effective alternative treatment.
Added to food, cayenne perks up appetite, improves digestion and relieves gas, nausea, and indigestion. The herb also thins phlegm and eases its passage from the lungs, thus helping to prevent and treat coughs, colds and bronchitis.
3/. CINNAMON
Cinnamon bark contains an oily chemical called cinnamaldehyde that kills a variety of illness causing bacteria, including the dreaded E.coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus aureas.
Research shows that cinnamon is also able to stop the growth of the Asian flu virus. Herbalists report that cinnamon bark also helps regulate the menstrual cycle and checks flooding during menopause. Also cinnamaldehyde has a tranquilizing effect that helps reduce anxiety and stress.
4/. CLOVE
Oil of clove is 60 to 90 percent eugenol. A potent pain deadening antimicrobal. Clove has earned the official endorsement of the FDA as an effective stopgap measure for tooth pain. Clove is also among the spices that can help the body use insulin more effectively, thus lowering blood sugar somewhat. In one lab study, clove was also found to speed healing of the dreaded cold sores.
5/. DILL
Dill has been used to soothe the digestive tract and treat heartburn, colic and gas for thousands of years. In fact, the word dill comes from the Old Norse word dilla, meaning to lull or soothe. The herb has an antifoaming action that suggests why it might help break up gas bubbles. Like parsley, dill is rich in chlorophyll, which also makes it useful in treating bad breath.
6/. FENNEL
Rich in volatile oils, fennel is what’s known as a carminative herb, meaning that it can ease bloating, gas pains, and digestive spasms in the small and large intestines. Fennel can also reduce bad breath and body odor that originates in the intestines.
Women who are breast feeding may find that fennel, which works in a way similar to the body’s hormones, increases milk flow.
7/. GARLIC
Intact garlic cloves contain an odorless, sulphur-containing amino acid called alliin. When the garlic is crushed, alliin becomes allicin. Research shows that allicin helps lower cholesterol and blood pressure and also helps prevents blood clots. Garlic can also reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
Compounds in this familiar bulb kill many organisms, including bacteria and viruses that cause earaches, flu and colds. Research indicates that garlic is also effective against digestive ailments and diarrhea. What’s more, further studies suggest that this common and familiar herb may help prevent the onset of cancers.
8/. GINGERWhen it comes to quelling the queasiness of motion sickness, ginger has no equal say herbalists. In fact, researchers have demonstrated that ginger beats dimenhydrate, the main ingredient in motion sickness drugs such as Dramamine, for controlling symptoms of seasickness and motion sickness.
Ginger stimulates saliva flow and digestive activity, settles the stomach, relieves vomiting, eases pain from gas and diarrhea, and is effective as an anti-nausea remedy. This aromatic herb also helps lower cholesterol. Herbalists have also found it to be useful as a pain reliever.
9/. MINTHerbalists the world over use mint, as a premier stomach tonic, to counteract nausea and vomiting, promote digestion, calm stomach muscle spasms, relieve flatulence, and ease hiccups. Menthol, the aromatic oil in peppermint, also relaxes the airways and fights bacteria and viruses.
Menthol interferes with the sensation from pain receptors, thus it may be useful in reducing headache pain. Scientific evidence suggests that peppermint can kill many kinds of micro-organisms, and may boost mental alertness. In one study, people who inhaled menthol said they felt as if it relieved their nasal congestion, although it didn’t increase their measurable airflow.
10/. OREGANO
Oregano contains at least four compounds that soothe coughs and 19 chemicals with antibacterial action that may help reduce body odor. The ingredients in oregano that soothe coughs may also help un-knot muscles in the digestive tract, making oregano a digestive aid. This familiar spice also contains compounds that can lower blood pressure too.
11/. PARSLEY
Diuretic herbs such as parsley prevent problems such as kidney stones and bladder infections and keep our body’s plumbing running smoothly by causing it to produce more urine. They also relieve bloating during menstruation.
Also there’s a reason for that parsley on the edge of the diner plate, its not just there for fancy decoration; it’s an effective breath freshener because it contains high levels of chlorophyll.
12/. ROSEMARYRosemary is one of the richer herbal sources of antioxidants, which have been shown to prevent cataracts, and contains 19 chemicals with antibacterial action that help fight infection.
Traditionally used to ease asthma, this common culinary ingredient has volatile oils that can reduce the airway constriction induced by histamine, that chemical culprit of asthma and other allergy symptoms. Herbalists think that rosemary may also help ease breast pain by acting as a natural drying agent to fluid filled cysts.
13/. SAGE
The oils found in sage are both antiseptic and antibiotic, so it can help fight infections. Sage is effective for symptoms of menopause, night sweats and hot flashes, because of its estrogenic action and because its tannins can dry up perspiration.
There’s also compelling evidence that sage may b of value to people with diabetes for whom the hormone insulin does not work as efficiently as it should. Lab studies indicate that sage may boost insulin’s action.
14/. THYME
Thyme contains thymol, which increases blood-flow to the skin. The warmth is comforting, and some herbalists believe that the increased blood-flow speeds healing. An anti-spasmodic. Thyme relaxes respiratory muscles and is endorsed for treating bronchitis by Commission E, the expert panel that judges the safety and effectiveness of herbal medicines for the German government. Aromatherapists say that thyme’s scent is a mood lifter.
15/. TURMERIC
Many clinical studies agree that curcumin in turmeric has anti-inflammatory effects, including a significant beneficial effect in relieving rheumatoid arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Curcumin, which gives this spice its familiar yellow pigment, may also lower cholesterol. Turmeric is also packed with antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, and E, which have been shown to prevent cataracts.
Passed down to us by our forefathers and countless generations throughout the world, these 15 food additives and enhancers are just a selected few that are currently known to have medicinal and beneficial properties, yet represent the more commonly used. By including these herbs and spices into your daily cooking or diet on a regular basis, you will greatly enhance your quality of life, and reduce the need for those expensive, and often damaging pharmaceutical drugs.
To your continued good health
By John Elliott .. Aka Oaky Wood©2006
-=-
John Elliott Aka Oaky Wood is currently the Co-Founder of "The Corner 4 Women©2006" http://thecorner4women.com is a Poet, writer, artist, webmaster and designer. He is also the owner of the Oakwood Grafix©2005 Group of websites http://www.oakwoodgrafix.co.uk/
-=-
Have yourself a Super Thursday!
The following is an article by John an AdlandPro Community friend. Here are 15 powerful herbs that hold a plethora of natural healing ingredients. By including these herbs and spices into your daily cooking, You will greatly enhance your quality of life...
The 15 Most Powerful Healing Herbs in Your Kitchen
By John Elliott Aka Oaky Wood©2006
Since ancient times our ancestor’s harvested the many herbs and spices that grew wild around them, mixed potions, and treated ailments. Man was after all a hunter-gatherer, and an omnivore, (an organism which gets its food energy from both plant and animal material).
The humble herb and spice rack in your kitchen today need not be just a decorative feature, although they look quite pleasing to the eye hanging on the wall, in both modern and old fashioned styled homes. They can in fact hold a plethora of natural healing ingredients that can also add great taste to the foods you eat every day.
Of all the herbs and spices you can choose from for flavor, there are 15 that are more powerful than the rest. Below is the list and you may well be surprised to learn of the many diverse conditions for which they’ve proven so very useful.
1/. BASILBasil is an herbal carminative, that is, it can relieve gas and soothe stomach upsets. One possible explanation for its calming effect is a compound called eugenol, which has been shown to help ease muscle spasms.
Research is still preliminary, but laboratory studies also suggest that compounds found in basil may help disrupt the dangerous chain of events that can lead to the development of cancer
2/. CAYENNE
Cayenne pepper is a hot red powder made from tropical chilly peppers. It contains alkaloid capsaicin, which relieves pain by blocking the chemicals that send pain messages to the brain. If you eat cayenne at the first sign of any type of headache, with plenty of water as a chaser, this spicy herb may be an effective alternative treatment.
Added to food, cayenne perks up appetite, improves digestion and relieves gas, nausea, and indigestion. The herb also thins phlegm and eases its passage from the lungs, thus helping to prevent and treat coughs, colds and bronchitis.
3/. CINNAMON
Cinnamon bark contains an oily chemical called cinnamaldehyde that kills a variety of illness causing bacteria, including the dreaded E.coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus aureas.
Research shows that cinnamon is also able to stop the growth of the Asian flu virus. Herbalists report that cinnamon bark also helps regulate the menstrual cycle and checks flooding during menopause. Also cinnamaldehyde has a tranquilizing effect that helps reduce anxiety and stress.
4/. CLOVE
Oil of clove is 60 to 90 percent eugenol. A potent pain deadening antimicrobal. Clove has earned the official endorsement of the FDA as an effective stopgap measure for tooth pain. Clove is also among the spices that can help the body use insulin more effectively, thus lowering blood sugar somewhat. In one lab study, clove was also found to speed healing of the dreaded cold sores.
5/. DILL
Dill has been used to soothe the digestive tract and treat heartburn, colic and gas for thousands of years. In fact, the word dill comes from the Old Norse word dilla, meaning to lull or soothe. The herb has an antifoaming action that suggests why it might help break up gas bubbles. Like parsley, dill is rich in chlorophyll, which also makes it useful in treating bad breath.
6/. FENNEL
Rich in volatile oils, fennel is what’s known as a carminative herb, meaning that it can ease bloating, gas pains, and digestive spasms in the small and large intestines. Fennel can also reduce bad breath and body odor that originates in the intestines.
Women who are breast feeding may find that fennel, which works in a way similar to the body’s hormones, increases milk flow.
7/. GARLIC
Intact garlic cloves contain an odorless, sulphur-containing amino acid called alliin. When the garlic is crushed, alliin becomes allicin. Research shows that allicin helps lower cholesterol and blood pressure and also helps prevents blood clots. Garlic can also reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
Compounds in this familiar bulb kill many organisms, including bacteria and viruses that cause earaches, flu and colds. Research indicates that garlic is also effective against digestive ailments and diarrhea. What’s more, further studies suggest that this common and familiar herb may help prevent the onset of cancers.
8/. GINGERWhen it comes to quelling the queasiness of motion sickness, ginger has no equal say herbalists. In fact, researchers have demonstrated that ginger beats dimenhydrate, the main ingredient in motion sickness drugs such as Dramamine, for controlling symptoms of seasickness and motion sickness.
Ginger stimulates saliva flow and digestive activity, settles the stomach, relieves vomiting, eases pain from gas and diarrhea, and is effective as an anti-nausea remedy. This aromatic herb also helps lower cholesterol. Herbalists have also found it to be useful as a pain reliever.
9/. MINTHerbalists the world over use mint, as a premier stomach tonic, to counteract nausea and vomiting, promote digestion, calm stomach muscle spasms, relieve flatulence, and ease hiccups. Menthol, the aromatic oil in peppermint, also relaxes the airways and fights bacteria and viruses.
Menthol interferes with the sensation from pain receptors, thus it may be useful in reducing headache pain. Scientific evidence suggests that peppermint can kill many kinds of micro-organisms, and may boost mental alertness. In one study, people who inhaled menthol said they felt as if it relieved their nasal congestion, although it didn’t increase their measurable airflow.
10/. OREGANO
Oregano contains at least four compounds that soothe coughs and 19 chemicals with antibacterial action that may help reduce body odor. The ingredients in oregano that soothe coughs may also help un-knot muscles in the digestive tract, making oregano a digestive aid. This familiar spice also contains compounds that can lower blood pressure too.
11/. PARSLEY
Diuretic herbs such as parsley prevent problems such as kidney stones and bladder infections and keep our body’s plumbing running smoothly by causing it to produce more urine. They also relieve bloating during menstruation.
Also there’s a reason for that parsley on the edge of the diner plate, its not just there for fancy decoration; it’s an effective breath freshener because it contains high levels of chlorophyll.
12/. ROSEMARYRosemary is one of the richer herbal sources of antioxidants, which have been shown to prevent cataracts, and contains 19 chemicals with antibacterial action that help fight infection.
Traditionally used to ease asthma, this common culinary ingredient has volatile oils that can reduce the airway constriction induced by histamine, that chemical culprit of asthma and other allergy symptoms. Herbalists think that rosemary may also help ease breast pain by acting as a natural drying agent to fluid filled cysts.
13/. SAGE
The oils found in sage are both antiseptic and antibiotic, so it can help fight infections. Sage is effective for symptoms of menopause, night sweats and hot flashes, because of its estrogenic action and because its tannins can dry up perspiration.
There’s also compelling evidence that sage may b of value to people with diabetes for whom the hormone insulin does not work as efficiently as it should. Lab studies indicate that sage may boost insulin’s action.
14/. THYME
Thyme contains thymol, which increases blood-flow to the skin. The warmth is comforting, and some herbalists believe that the increased blood-flow speeds healing. An anti-spasmodic. Thyme relaxes respiratory muscles and is endorsed for treating bronchitis by Commission E, the expert panel that judges the safety and effectiveness of herbal medicines for the German government. Aromatherapists say that thyme’s scent is a mood lifter.
15/. TURMERIC
Many clinical studies agree that curcumin in turmeric has anti-inflammatory effects, including a significant beneficial effect in relieving rheumatoid arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Curcumin, which gives this spice its familiar yellow pigment, may also lower cholesterol. Turmeric is also packed with antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, and E, which have been shown to prevent cataracts.
Passed down to us by our forefathers and countless generations throughout the world, these 15 food additives and enhancers are just a selected few that are currently known to have medicinal and beneficial properties, yet represent the more commonly used. By including these herbs and spices into your daily cooking or diet on a regular basis, you will greatly enhance your quality of life, and reduce the need for those expensive, and often damaging pharmaceutical drugs.
To your continued good health
By John Elliott .. Aka Oaky Wood©2006
-=-
John Elliott Aka Oaky Wood is currently the Co-Founder of "The Corner 4 Women©2006" http://thecorner4women.com is a Poet, writer, artist, webmaster and designer. He is also the owner of the Oakwood Grafix©2005 Group of websites http://www.oakwoodgrafix.co.uk/
-=-
Have yourself a Super Thursday!
Jun 13, 2006
For Your Amusement
Among other things...
Author Unknown...
Will Rogers, who died in a plane crash with Wily Post in 1935, was probably the greatest political sage this country has ever known.
Enjoy the following:
1. Never slap a man who's chewing tobacco.
2. Never kick a cow chip on a hot day.
3. There are 2 theories to arguing with a woman... neither works.
4. Never miss a good chance to shut up.
5. Always drink upstream from the herd.
6. If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging.
7. The quickest way to double your money is to fold it and put it back in your pocket.
8. There are three kinds of men: The ones that learn by reading. The few who learn by observation. The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence and find out for themselves.
9. Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.
10. If you're riding ahead of the herd, take a look back every now and then to make sure it's still there.
11. Letting the cat out the bag is a whole lot easier then putting it back.
12. After eating an entire bull, a mountain lion felt so good he started roaring. He kept it up until a hunter came along and shot him.
The moral: When you're full of bull, keep your mouth shut.
ABOUT GROWING OLDER...
First - Eventually you will reach a point when you stop lying about your age and start bragging about it.
Second - The older we get, the fewer things seem worth waiting in line for.
Third - Some people try to turn back their odometers. Not me, I want people to know "why" I look this way. I've traveled a long way and some of the roads weren't paved.
Fourth - When you are dissatisfied and would like to go back to youth, think of Algebra.
Fifth - You know you are getting old when everything either dries up or leaks.
Sixth - I don't know how I got over the hill without getting to the top.
Seventh - One of the many things no one tells you about aging is that it is such a nice change from being young.
Eighth - One must wait until evening to see how splendid the day has been.
Ninth - Being young is beautiful, but being old is comfortable.
Tenth - Long ago when men cursed and beat the ground with sticks, it was called witchcraft. Today it's called golf.
And finally - If you don't learn to laugh at trouble, you won't have anything to laugh at when you are old.
Have yourself a Super Tuesday!
Author Unknown...
Will Rogers, who died in a plane crash with Wily Post in 1935, was probably the greatest political sage this country has ever known.
Enjoy the following:
1. Never slap a man who's chewing tobacco.
2. Never kick a cow chip on a hot day.
3. There are 2 theories to arguing with a woman... neither works.
4. Never miss a good chance to shut up.
5. Always drink upstream from the herd.
6. If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging.
7. The quickest way to double your money is to fold it and put it back in your pocket.
8. There are three kinds of men: The ones that learn by reading. The few who learn by observation. The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence and find out for themselves.
9. Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.
10. If you're riding ahead of the herd, take a look back every now and then to make sure it's still there.
11. Letting the cat out the bag is a whole lot easier then putting it back.
12. After eating an entire bull, a mountain lion felt so good he started roaring. He kept it up until a hunter came along and shot him.
The moral: When you're full of bull, keep your mouth shut.
ABOUT GROWING OLDER...
First - Eventually you will reach a point when you stop lying about your age and start bragging about it.
Second - The older we get, the fewer things seem worth waiting in line for.
Third - Some people try to turn back their odometers. Not me, I want people to know "why" I look this way. I've traveled a long way and some of the roads weren't paved.
Fourth - When you are dissatisfied and would like to go back to youth, think of Algebra.
Fifth - You know you are getting old when everything either dries up or leaks.
Sixth - I don't know how I got over the hill without getting to the top.
Seventh - One of the many things no one tells you about aging is that it is such a nice change from being young.
Eighth - One must wait until evening to see how splendid the day has been.
Ninth - Being young is beautiful, but being old is comfortable.
Tenth - Long ago when men cursed and beat the ground with sticks, it was called witchcraft. Today it's called golf.
And finally - If you don't learn to laugh at trouble, you won't have anything to laugh at when you are old.
Have yourself a Super Tuesday!
Jun 11, 2006
You've Got... Complaints!
Welcome to Flo's Home Biz & Fun Blog...
Today's article is about having complaints from your customers and how to turn upset clients into raving fans. Alexandria gives You a system to handle these situations graciously by sharing 5-step process to follow and turn them around for the best...
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
"You've Got... Complaints!
How to Turn Disgruntled Customers
Into Raving Fans"
by Alexandria K. Brown
"The E-zine Queen"
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Did you know that marketing isn't only about getting your clients or customers? It's also about KEEPING them, and keeping them happy. That's a big key to growing your business, because not only will those customers themselves keep coming back to you for more, but they'll send their friends and colleagues as well.
Studies done by the American Management Association show that your average HAPPY customer will tell three people about her experience with you. But your average unhappy customer will spread the negative word about you to 11 other people!
I'm sure you've done this yourself. I sure have! In fact, I can name three companies right now that I will *never* do business with again, simply because of the way they handled my complaints. (Sometimes all I wanted was for someone to say, "I'm sorry this happened, Ms. Brown!")
A System Is Your Solution
If there are any complaints you receive on a regular basis, you should be addressing them by putting systems into place to avoid those problems from happening in the first place. There's no way your business can grow with those landmines in your path.
But even after you do, remember that you are human, and so are your customers, so things will go wrong from time to time. And customers will write or call you to complain. So let's give you a system to handle these situations graciously, with integrity, and turn them around for the best!
After doing some research, I've found that most all the recommended protocols for taking care of complaining customers basically follow this 5-step process.
1. Validate the customer's feelings. Simply acknowledge that she's irritated. Example: "I can understand you are upset."
2. Assure her you'll take care of her. Let her know something will be done. Example: "I'm here to help you with this."
3. Make a "sad-glad" statement. This helps the customer realize you care. Example: "I'm sorry you experienced a problem. And I'm glad you told me about it!"
4. Ask the customer what will make HER happy. Don't let this scare you! Customer service experts say that most often the upset customer will ask for *less* than what you would have offered yourself. Example: "How can we make this better?" or "How can we make this up to you?"
5. Acknowledge that you'll do what she wants, or make a counter offer. (But always try to just give her what she wants! In the end, it will save you time and headaches, and avoid any bad word spreading about you.) Example: "I want to keep you as a customer, and we're going to honor your request." Or, "We can't do that per our agreement, but we can... [counter offer here]."
I'd also throw in a little something else for her trouble. For example, perhaps free shipping or a bonus gift.
Adjust to Fit, and Review With Your Team
Of course you should adjust this process to fit your particular business. I suggest you take a few minutes to write up a script based on these steps, and then review it with your assistant or anyone else in your business who is in contact with your clients and customers. Make any necessary changes, and then distribute it to your team and agree that everyone will follow it.
Have your team keep a log of each complaint that comes in, what it's about, and how it's handled. Then have a monthly meeting to review and suggest improvements.
© 2005-2006 Alexandria K. Brown
WANT TO SEE MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS ONE?
See Alexandria's Small Business Marketing Blog.
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Online entrepreneur Alexandria K. Brown, "The E-zine Queen," publishes the award-winning 'Straight Shooter Marketing' weekly ezine with 19,000+ subscribers. If you're ready to jump-start your marketing, make more money, and have more fun in your small business, get your FREE tips now at www.EzineQueen.com
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Have yourself a Super Sunday!
Today's article is about having complaints from your customers and how to turn upset clients into raving fans. Alexandria gives You a system to handle these situations graciously by sharing 5-step process to follow and turn them around for the best...
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
"You've Got... Complaints!
How to Turn Disgruntled Customers
Into Raving Fans"
by Alexandria K. Brown
"The E-zine Queen"
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Did you know that marketing isn't only about getting your clients or customers? It's also about KEEPING them, and keeping them happy. That's a big key to growing your business, because not only will those customers themselves keep coming back to you for more, but they'll send their friends and colleagues as well.
Studies done by the American Management Association show that your average HAPPY customer will tell three people about her experience with you. But your average unhappy customer will spread the negative word about you to 11 other people!
I'm sure you've done this yourself. I sure have! In fact, I can name three companies right now that I will *never* do business with again, simply because of the way they handled my complaints. (Sometimes all I wanted was for someone to say, "I'm sorry this happened, Ms. Brown!")
A System Is Your Solution
If there are any complaints you receive on a regular basis, you should be addressing them by putting systems into place to avoid those problems from happening in the first place. There's no way your business can grow with those landmines in your path.
But even after you do, remember that you are human, and so are your customers, so things will go wrong from time to time. And customers will write or call you to complain. So let's give you a system to handle these situations graciously, with integrity, and turn them around for the best!
After doing some research, I've found that most all the recommended protocols for taking care of complaining customers basically follow this 5-step process.
1. Validate the customer's feelings. Simply acknowledge that she's irritated. Example: "I can understand you are upset."
2. Assure her you'll take care of her. Let her know something will be done. Example: "I'm here to help you with this."
3. Make a "sad-glad" statement. This helps the customer realize you care. Example: "I'm sorry you experienced a problem. And I'm glad you told me about it!"
4. Ask the customer what will make HER happy. Don't let this scare you! Customer service experts say that most often the upset customer will ask for *less* than what you would have offered yourself. Example: "How can we make this better?" or "How can we make this up to you?"
5. Acknowledge that you'll do what she wants, or make a counter offer. (But always try to just give her what she wants! In the end, it will save you time and headaches, and avoid any bad word spreading about you.) Example: "I want to keep you as a customer, and we're going to honor your request." Or, "We can't do that per our agreement, but we can... [counter offer here]."
I'd also throw in a little something else for her trouble. For example, perhaps free shipping or a bonus gift.
Adjust to Fit, and Review With Your Team
Of course you should adjust this process to fit your particular business. I suggest you take a few minutes to write up a script based on these steps, and then review it with your assistant or anyone else in your business who is in contact with your clients and customers. Make any necessary changes, and then distribute it to your team and agree that everyone will follow it.
Have your team keep a log of each complaint that comes in, what it's about, and how it's handled. Then have a monthly meeting to review and suggest improvements.
© 2005-2006 Alexandria K. Brown
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Online entrepreneur Alexandria K. Brown, "The E-zine Queen," publishes the award-winning 'Straight Shooter Marketing' weekly ezine with 19,000+ subscribers. If you're ready to jump-start your marketing, make more money, and have more fun in your small business, get your FREE tips now at www.EzineQueen.com
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Have yourself a Super Sunday!
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