The Strengths and Weaknesses of the GBC Pinnacle 27 EZ Load Laminator

One of the most difficult parts of owning a
roll laminator can be installing the laminating film. However, loading
film is totally easy when you use the GBC Pinnacle 27. This device
utilizes GBC EZ Load film to make installation easier than ever before.
But what else can this machine do? Let's take a look at its strengths
and weaknesses and find out.

Strengths:

• The Pinnacle 27 is one of the easiest roll laminators to
  load. To load it, you must use GBC EZ Load film that simply snaps into
  your device. It's totally foolproof and impossible to load incorrectly.
  This will help you save a lot of time.
• This machine accepts
  both Nap Lam I and II EZ Load cartridges. These films range in thickness
  from 1.2 to 3 mil.
• The Pinnacle 27 has a feed opening that's
  27 inches wide. It's perfect for both letter- and legal-sized
  documents, as well as larger items such as banners.
• If you're
  in a hurry, you won't need to wait long for the Pinnacle 27 to be ready
  to go. It can warm up in less than 10 minutes so you can get to work
  right away.
• This device can laminate pretty quickly. It has
  the ability to laminate an item that's 12 inches long in just one
  minute. If you want to look at it another way, it can laminate a
  letter-sized document in about 5 seconds. Of course, your results may
  vary depending on the speed at which you're operating the laminator.
  (There are 10 different speed settings.)
• The Pinnacle 27 has a
  footage counter that keeps track of how much you've laminated. This can
  help you keep track of how much laminating film you have left.
• This
  machine has a built-in horizontal trimmer so you can cut away excess
  adhesive as well as free your document from the machine. This means you
  don't have to place sharp objects near the machine's rollers that could
  possibly end up doing some damage.
• When you're done using the
  Pinnacle 27, it will shut down automatically to keep the motor in good
  shape. (It will also reduce the risk of a fire.)

Weaknesses:

• The film you use can have a maximum thickness of 3 mil.
  Thus, this isn't a good machine to use if your document requires more
  protection.
• The Pinnacle 27 doesn't offer cold lamination.
  You'll need to use a different machine if you want to laminate items
  that are thermally sensitive such as color copies and some photographs.
• This laminator is really large and measures 35.5” (width) x 21"
  (length) x 14.25" (length).

Finally, this product has a
one-year warranty so getting it fixed (or replaced) will be easy and
won't drain your wallet.

The GBC Pinnacle 27 does have a couple
of shortcomings (particularly its lack of a cold setting), but overall,
this is one of the better roll laminators you can buy. You love that the
film is easy to install and that you'll get professional-looking
results in minutes. It's also great that it has an integrated trimmer
and footage counter. If you need a feature-packed laminator that loads
easily, the Pinnacle 27 is worth your consideration.

Lessons Learned from a Proposal Disaster

We have had a wonderful winning streak in the past year and a half winning literally every proposal we ran, but all of a sudden, our fortunes turned. A new client engaged us to help them prepare a proposal. They agreed to provide to us some key inputs such as subject matter expertise, raw past performance data, resumes, and a compliant price volume that they decided to prepare themselves. We went through our regular steps in educating them about the proposal process, held a kickoff, developed a schedule with plenty of contingency time and a goal to deliver the proposal a day early, provided guidance and templates, and prompted and waited for the promised information.

The deadlines kept slipping, as the client was busy with other priorities. We did what any good proposal people would do in the situation: increased the frequency of contact, added status meetings (that the client neglected), asked if the client would please allow us to interview them so that we could write everything ourselves (in vain), and made general pests of ourselves. As the deadline was nearing with no inputs from the client, we requested and got the extension from the government. We summoned the elusive client to our offices to pry the information out of them, but the client showed up to the daylong working meeting without a computer. Every time we confronted the client, he would absolutely, eagerly promise to get us the information "tonight, no problem." It never came.

Within 48 hours of the due date, as we were finishing the technical volume, we saw the cost volume for the first time. It had serious compliance issues that required obtaining a formal quote, wrong labor categories, and discrepancies with the technical volume that effectively changed the solution. We proceeded to burn the midnight oil to correct multiple places in text and graphics in order to line up the solution with the price volume.

We got the first past performance reference within 24 hours prior to the due date. It missed some key information, including the actual narrative. The second promised past performance reference failed to materialize. It wasn't looking good, and it wasn't getting any better.

After a second sleepless night in a row dealing with the last minute inputs, the day of the electronic delivery arrived, with a 2 pm deadline. True to form, the client wasn't there. They sent their teammate to sign everything and deliver the proposal. In the 4-hour period before the deadline, the teammate spent time on the phone making a valiant effort to obtain the missing quote for the cost volume, get a replacement past performance reference, and gather other missing bits of information to bring the proposal into compliance. The clock was ticking mercilessly.

Finally, various inputs arrived between 90 and 27 minutes prior to the deadline: unformatted information for the new past performance write-up, a new cost volume still missing an introduction and needing a review, and a quote in need of a rewrite. Fingers typed feverishly, and a mad rush of transferring multiple large files ensued. The technical volume that we wrote made it in with 15 minutes to spare, but the teammate was still trying to make changes to the cost and past performance volumes. The information made it to the government a few minutes past the deadline.

A week later, we got a letter disqualifying us from the competition on the grounds of being late. The client, in response, decided not to pay our final bill and even had the nerve to demand the money he had paid us to date, blaming us for not delivering on time.

I wanted to share a few lessons learned with you from this proposal disaster, so that you never have to encounter a similar situation.

One lesson learned is to educate AD NAUSEAM your clients, bosses, and colleagues, on just how much goes into a timely proposal delivery. Many fail to appreciate the tail end of the work. There is a REASON why we, proposal professionals, plan for extra time for delivery. Everyone who has been around the proposal block a few times knows just how much there is to do while you are getting ready to deliver, and that Murphy's Law reigns supreme.

You have to plan to: go over the compliance checklist to ensure everything is ready for submission; test the upload function ahead of time; remove hidden metadata; make sure that graphics look the same once they have been PDF'ed and compressed; take extra time to play with the document because files may not compress enough for electronic delivery; combine or split documents; triple-check all the files and CDs to see if they can open on different systems; allow time for correcting last-minute errors in obvious places that everyone overlooked; make sure all the forms are signed and scanned correctly; ensure document titles, versions, and sequence of submittal are correct; give plenty of time for the files to transfer and for you to get a read receipt; if you are delivering hard copies, set up a contingency plan for printers breaking, allow time for book check, and print an extra set for an alternative delivery plan; and on, and on.

Another important lesson learned is to be able to push back on some projects and clients, regardless of whether you are a full-time employee or a consultant. Proposal professionals have a natural tendency for being heroes and thriving on deadlines. Some of it is good because of customer focus and wanting to win no matter what. But you can't count on rescuing everyone from themselves, especially if they are habitual deadline deadbeats. You can't always be the only one who cares, left holding the bag. If you count on critical information from others, and have gone out of your way to explain the importance of getting this information by a certain date, and you are not getting it, you have to stand up for yourself.

Many have no problem managing a team and holding it to the deadlines, but everyone tends to want to please bosses and clients. Bosses and clients that throw unrealistic deadlines your way; withhold key inputs; disrespect your boundaries, your time, your work, and your instructions - will negatively reflect upon the quality and integrity of our work. At the end, they will also be unhappy with your performance, no matter what kind of heroics you exhibit.

The first step with someone who is a habitual offender is to let them know IN WRITING that their inability to meet a deadline may result in the proposal being late. If the behavior continues, put them on notice, politely, that the project is in danger of failing due to their performance, and document everything painstakingly. It is bad form to walk off in the middle of a proposal, but you have to be fearless and firm to take steps to protect yourself and your professional reputation.

The last lesson learned is a reminder that winning proposals is a team sport. Even Michael Jordan couldn't carry the whole game on his own - he needed a strong team to shine. Proposals that win require everyone's commitment - clients, bosses, authors, subject matter experts, teammates, and not only the proposal professionals assigned to the job. One may hope that individual performers work miracles at the last minute, but it is a much more powerful position to put together a strong team and give it the right resources and support to win.

Details, Details...

If you need proposal support, please, contact Lisa Arlt Escoto at 703-307-8749 or larltescoto@ostglobalsolutions.com.

Get your copy of the Executive Summary Secrets, a self-study course on how to write high-impact executive summaries, at http://www.ostglobalsolutions.com/execsumsecrets-embed.  

You can also still get the replays of the 30-hour comprehensive webinar, Blueprint for Winning Government Contracts for Small Businesses, at http://www.ostglobalsolutions.com/blueprint.

Jewelry and Fashion Accessories Are Easy To Sell

Since there are so many people out of work now and looking for ways to make money at home or online, why not use your love for fashion and earn extra cash selling fashion accessories and jewelry.  I can understand if you think you would like to do it but don’t even have a clue where to start so let me make a suggestion – visit shopbeenvied.com and review the hundreds of inexpensive jewelry items that are of surprisingly high quality as well as the nearly unlimited fashion accessories, including unique handbags that your girlfriends will love.  Please don’t take my word for it, once you visit the site you will be able to see for yourself the high quality of the fashion accessories and affordable jewelry that is created to be on trend; jewelry and fashion accessories that celebrities use or that celebrities wear.  The next step is to apply to become a fashion wholesaler of shopbeenvied.com and then you will receive huge discounts.  While most fashion wholesalers make it impossible to make money, our minimum order level is very low and here is another way people keep their inventories low:  they use website to showcase additional jewelry or fashion accessories like handbags, fashion tees, comfy hoodies, and so many other items that will make the opportunity to make money even easier since you don’t have to buy them until they are SOLD.  Once your party is over, you can then order those fashion accessories and they will be quickly shipped to you for your customers – how convenient and how profitable!
What I’ve just explained to you is how I started in the fashion business – except I didn’t have the convenience of using someone’s website to sell additional items without having to buy them first.  I had home fashion accessory parties and many people began to call me the handbag lady since so many people in my town bought them from me.  That hardwork provided the opportunity for me to open my own retail fashion business and today I run a flagship store in Colorado as well as our very successful website – you can do it too if you have the passion for fashion and the desire to succeed!  With a little effort, this home based business opportunity can be great fun, as it was for me, while generating hundreds or thousands of dollars of additional money for you to pay bills or to just have fun with.  Additionally, it can be a great way to spend time with your girlfriends or with your fellow soccer moms without the kids – just make a few simple appetizers and add a little wine to increase the activity, and sales, of these fashion accessory parties.  How can we help?  Please visit our site shopbeenvied.com and become a fashion wholesaler to start making money today!
At our flagship store in Colorado as well as our online retail location www.shopbeenvied.com, we carry a wide variety of fashion accessories that will allow you to make money with your own home business with the huge fashion wholesale discounts we provide.  Additionally, the wide selection of items and sizes will carry means that you can use our website to showcase items and then quickly order them so they can be shipped to your home for your customers.  We can never fully answer all questions with our articles so please visit our website at www.shopbeenvied.com and use the contact us button so that we can help provide fashion tips or fashion knowledge.  How can we help exceed your expectations and keep you on trend; not behind.  Thank you for your time and we hope you enjoyed this useful fashion tip information.

GBC Shredmaster GLHS930 Jam Free Super Micro Cut Paper Shredder Review

For a large office needing high security
shredding, the GBC Shredmaster GLHS930 is an excellent system. With
features such as Jam Free technology and super quiet operation, this
heavy duty machine is an efficient way of getting rid of all your
unwanted documents. Here is a closer look at the details.

Strengths:

• This machine is extremely easy to use. Simply slide in
  your items and the blades begin shredding on cue, automatically stopping
  when you've finished. A backlit control panel keeps you constantly
  aware of your machine's status. And after a few minutes of inactivity,
  the motor powers down to a energy conserving sleep mode in order to save
  electricity.
• GBC's patented Jam Free technology works to
  prevent paper jams from happening. The mechanism detects overfed paper
  and shuts down the blades before they are clogged. The throat glows red
  to alert the user to the issue. After the excess items are removed,
  the light turns green and shredding begins again. If a jam does occur,
  materials are sent back out to the user by the automatic reverse.
• The
  powerful motor boasts of two great features: continuous duty and quiet
  operation. The first allows all day shredding without frequent cool
  down periods. And with a noise level of only 55 decibels, this machine
  is around 10 decibels quieter than its competition. That's about the
  difference between an average conversation one yard away and a vacuum
  cleaner.
• The wide 10.2 inch throat easily accepts oversized
  paper and disorganized stacks up to nine sheets thick. The blades
  devour staples, paperclips, credit cards, and CDs. Items are shred as
  fast as 13 feet per minute, excellent for a high security device. The
  remnants drop into a large 30 gallon waste bin. The container is housed
  in a convenient pull-out drawer for simple removal and replacement of
  the shred bags, which come in both plastic and recyclable paper.
• Cross
  cutting shafts convert full size documents into tiny pieces, only 1/32"
  by 7/16" in size. These minuscule particles are small enough to earn a
  level 5 security rating, keeping even highly classified information
  safely obliterated.
• The cutting cylinders are self cleaning
  and self oiling. Both of these features keep the shafts running
  smoothly and prolong the life of your machine. They are backed by a one
  year warranty. The rest of the device carries two year coverage that
  includes on-site service.

Weaknesses:

• At 156 pounds, this is a hefty product. Since it lacks
  casters, moving it around will be a bit difficult. We recommend using a
  dolly for easier mobility.
• The capacities on this machine
  are low for a high use device, only taking nine sheets at once and a
  slow shred speed of ten feet per minute. Even so, this is fairly normal
  for such a high security shredder. If you don't need quite this much
  security and want faster shredding, we suggest the GLM1130.

As
evidenced by the many strengths, the GLHS930 is an excellent high
security device. Large offices needing the safe disposal of classified
information will highly benefit from this machine. We think the GBC
Shredmaster GLHS930 is an excellent choice for your next central office
shredder.

Article Tags:
Shredmaster Glhs930, High Security

How To Hire A Reliable Contractor

First, you have to decide what work needs to be done. Once you know exactly what you need, start contacting contractors. You make a bid for the job, discuss specifics, and receive offers from several. Pick the one that matches your needs best and likes the price, and you're ready to go. Now you can relax and watch the work getting done.

Collect Contacts

A good thing to do is get the contact information to several contractors before you need one. If you've got a simple job, like some roofing work that you need done, or a new window installed, get a number of potential contractors. Keep them on file in case you need them in the future.

The reason why this is such a good idea is that sometimes you need a contractor in a pinch. Selecting a good one takes time and you have to be careful to pick a good one. It's not something you want to be in a rush about doing. Once you've had a few small jobs done around the house, you'll already have a few good contractors you've worked with before.

Making A Bid

Bidding is the trickiest part for most folks. The idea is to take into account the price of materials, labor and the fee of the service provider who'll be organizing the whole job. This can be tough to calculate by yourself, but it's something you've got to do right. Don't go with the first bid that you get. Always wait until you get a few bids, and then you can pick the one that sounds best to you.

Get It In Writing

The most important tip of all is to get everything in writing. Anything that's not written in the contract can be changed. If your contractor suddenly pulls a switcheroo on you, there's not much you can do if it wasn't written in the contract.

A shifty one will always tell you, "We don't need to write that, my word is good." A good contractor won't be put out at all about putting something in writing. Good service providers are professionals and they know that everything should be in writing.

Always put a finish date in the contract, even if it's just an estimate. Bad weather and other things can keep a job from getting done on time, but there should at least be an estimated job end date, or it can drag on forever.

A good contractor is a great thing to find. If you're happy with their work, tell everybody you can about them, and keep them in mind for future jobs. A good service provider is something to hang onto!

Estate Planning and the Business Owner

Or, Last Will and Testament for the business person.  My favourite malapropism ever is ‘The French
don’t have a word for entrepreneur’.  So
much for levity.  The entrepreneur,
especially when he is setting up his or her business has several things to
contend with – the list is almost endless and depending on how well organised
one is Parkinson’s law would assert itself as almost inevitable. The thought of
inheritance or more coldly and cruelly death is generally far from one’s
thoughts at a time of optimism and general excitement.

Britain, anecdotally and statistically is a land of the entrepreneur
– it would be an act of profound unkindness to bore you with the figures,
ratios and  proportions so I shall contain
that natural tendency to play the part of the anorak. 
However, we must remind ourselves of people who would not normally
consider themselves needing of making arrangements for their inheritance because
they would feel they were of modest wealth or worse that they were not in
business. 

One of my very first clients, over 2 decades ago had been
left an inheritance by a great aunt who had been a member of the Bloomsbury Set
– in 2010 values, this client of mine gets between ten and twenty thousand
pounds per annum from the rights to one book – just by way of diversion, my
client was born after her forebear had died.

Writing a last will and testament is not one of the first
things that comes to mind for someone who is going about the tasks involved in
setting up and running his or her business. 
The unspoken though of the business person building wealth 0r a wealth
producing asset to be enjoyed in years to come – there’s the catch - years to
come.  The very randomness of life
implies some folk would die during their working lives a certain inherent short
sightedness is built into the make up of the entrepreneur.  From earlier in this write up, it is apparent
that there is a class of people who would generally fail to recognise
themselves as business folk who need to have an up to date last will and
testament.  These are artistic or
creative types – after all the income would roll in for at least seventy years
after the death of the artist – and with a bit of lightness of foot, it could
the generated for a few decades longer. This a niche that enjoys the benefit of
residual income. This is exemplified my experience of having several clients
who were minor pop stars in the 1960s and 1970s, their modest but recurring
royalties would hardly enable them to live the life of Riley, but they have as
a rule been able to set aside the funds to pay for private education for their
children, grand children, and in a couple of cases, great grand children.

The income lives on, long after the death of the business
man – this in truth is the unarticulated sentiment of most people when they
enter into business, its like a sort of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs – satisfy the
basic needs of feeding one’s self and family, and then go on to fulfil higher
status needs such as building a ‘legacy’.

Estate planning – at the bare minimum writing a last will
and testament provides the business – and its owners the chance to resolve the
question of the passage of the  ownership
of the enterprise on the demise of its current owners  - which would happen in the fullness of time.
It creates peace of mind for the employees and helps attract a higher calibre
of staff – the question of proprietorship hence the inheritance, if not management
would at least be resolved by drawing up and keeping up to date the last will
and testament of the firm’s owners.

Intimus S14.87 5.8mm Industrial Shredder Baler System Review

The Intimus S14.87 Industrial Shredder Baler
System is ideal for those businesses needing extremely high volume
shredding. The S14.87 combines a data shredder with a baler for
instant compaction of waste material with the added bonus of being
narrow enough to fit through standard width doors. Additional features
such as automatic functions and a conveyor belt feed system add to the
convenience of this machine. Let's take a closer look at this shredder
baler system.

Strengths:

• Automatic
  features abound on this machine. Two manual power switches
  offer basic controls while the shredder does the rest for you. A
  locking master control turns the device on and off. A second
  switch offers options for off, forward, and reverse functions.
  Off activates automatically if the bin is opened or if the
  baler is full, which also has an audible alert. An automated
  anti-jam function triggers the blades to reverse overfed items back
  out to the user. Backlit icons tell you if the power is on, if
  there is a paper jam, or if the bin door is open.
• Sturdy
  blades are driven by a powerful, continuous duty motor. This
  allows it to run constantly without needing frequent cool down
  periods. Thermo-sensor protection offers added prevention of
  overheating. The cutting cylinders are covered by a 5 year
  manufacturer guarantee with a one year warranty on parts and
  labor.
• Items ride into the blades down a conveyor belt
  and enter through a wide 17 inch opening. Up to 140 sheets can
  shred at once as fast as 55 feet per minute. Thin,
  illegible strips less than ¼ inch across remain and are
  immediately pressed into a bale.
• The baler compacts
  shredded material enough to reduce the scrap volume by up to 70
  percent. Depending on your preference, this machine can use either
  bag or strap bales. On the top of the machine is a locking door
  that allows the addition of non-shredded waste. A simple push
  button releases the bale, which is readily tossed into a recycling
  receptacle.

Weaknesses:

• Between
  the shredder and the baler, this is a very heavy piece of
  equipment. But two fixed and two lockable casters on the bottom
  offer ease of mobility, though it will still be heavy to wheel
  around. We don't think this will be much of an issue for most
  users.
• The narrow strips only provide a level 2
  security. For generic office documents about to be compressed,
  this keeps items safe enough. If you're looking for a higher
  security device, this machine does come in a cross cut version
  offering a level 3 security rating.

The Intimus S14.87
is well-able to accommodate the heavy duty shredding needs of any
industry. Convenience is seen in the automatic features, conveyor belt
feed system, and baler. Compact bales come out ready for recycling.
A manufacturer warranty is a good sign you're getting a quality
device. We think this shredder baler system is an excellent choice for
your next industrial machine.

Fireplaces in Adelaide, For The Warmth of Your Home

If you are thinking of getting a fireplace you'll find a million various kinds of fireplace types to select from. Whether or not you desire a classic brick fireplace types or a far more modern type, you're positive to uncover the layout you're seeking for.

Knowing what you desire your property to look like is going to be the biggest choice in picking your fireplace types. Always have a few types in mind prior to producing that final choice, just in case. In the event you already use a fireplace of one's own, be certain it may be upgraded or changed prior to you try doing it yourself.

be certain you know what type of fireplace that may fit well in your house prior to deciding for the type of fireplace types you'll want. The three varieties are gas burning up, wood burning up, and electric burning up fireplaces. It doesn't matter In the event you will use it or if it's just for show, it does matter when producing your types. Several folks still like the smell of a real burning up log, a wood burning up fireplace is for them. But some folks prefer gas burning up fireplaces because it's far more convenient then trying to catch a log on fire and they no longer need to crumble papers or try lighting a fire. With the electric fireplace you possibly can use a fire within a matter of seconds, basically push the button and out pops a fire and you do not even have to have a vent for this. Depending for the style you prefer, this will figure out the type of fireplace types that'll work ideal for you.

Brick Fireplace types are one from the ideal types for a wood burning up fireplace. They are safe and easy to upkeep whilst not leaving marks from the smoke either. This looks excellent with a cast iron screen around it and will go with just about any type of décor you have in your house. A brick fireplace brings the warmth from the house into your living room, make your property inviting. with a brick fireplace you possibly can even create one in your own backyard, so In the event you ever dreamed of that backyard barbeque this could be the layout for you.

Traditional Sales Training and Professional Selling

A question that surfaces in the sales training community every
so often is whether or not traditional sales training has been rendered
ineffective by changes in technology, economy, etc.

Without an agreement on what is meant by “traditional sales training”
and “ineffective” any discussion on the matter is likely to have a high
probability of misunderstanding especially among participants who are
not familiar with each others communication patterns. So, for the sake
of this discussion “traditional sales training” will mean “a specific
practice of long standing” and “ineffective” will mean “not having the
desired effect”. With that being said, let us frame this discussion in
the context of “fundamentals” which we will conclude to mean “basic
components of effective selling”. Hopefully after reading the meanings
we are assigning to those words and/or phrases you will immediately see
the rub (i.e. fundamentals being ineffective).

In all fairness, times do change and much of what is fashionable at
one point of time is outdated or no longer valid at a different point in
time. Certain aspects of traditional sales training, which are specific
to the era, industry, etc., are not exempt from this. However, sales is
a people business and generally speaking people have not changed much
through the years when it comes to self-interest or decisions so the
fundamentals of selling are as valid today as they have been for much of
the past.

The basic components of effective selling are “self-interest” and
“decisions”. Lucky for us traditional sales training provides us with
long standing sales practices that have been calibrated against these
two (2) components and proven effective through the years by countless
numbers of people engaged in professional selling. When viewed through
these perceptual filters (self-interest and decisions) professional
selling often becomes much easier to understand. As a side note, a key
distinction to remember is that not everyone who sells is engaged in
professional selling.

Self-Interest: It is quite apparent that people are most receptive
when they believe you have what they want or can help them get what they
want. This is classic self-interest (WIIFM?). A common complaint I see
among salespeople is that they cannot seem to grab the attention or hold
the interest of the prospective buyer they call on. How can this
example be applied to your own sales practice? As the saying goes, “Find
out what people want and help them get it”.

Decisions: If you think about it everything in life is a decision (Do
you want to do this or that?) and thankfully we have freedom of choice.
In the context of buying the two (2) key decisions a prospective buyer
must face are “Will I Buy?” (aka Buying Decision) and “What Will I Buy?”
(aka Purchase Decision). The length of time it takes the prospective
buyer to progress through these key decisions is known as the “Buying
Cycle”. How does this apply to your own sales practice? If you don’t
know the difference and/or how to facilitate the prospective client’s
progress through these decision processes you limit your own performance
by essentially sending the prospective buyers away to figure it out on
their own.

In conclusion… If your own sales practice is not providing you with
the outcome you desire then it might be time to look further into
traditional sales training and the fundamentals of selling.

The Strengths and Weaknesses of the MBM FMM3 Three Spindle Floor Model Paper Drill

When you need to punch holes in a lot of
paper quickly, a paper drill is what you need. One that can help you
out is the MBM FMM3. Let's take a look at its strengths and weaknesses
so you can figure out if it's the best drill for you.

Strengths:

• The FMM3 can drill holes in a 2-inch stack of paper.
  That's about 500 sheets which is equal to an entire ream. This is a
  typical drilling capacity for this type of device and it will help you
  get your paper processed in a lot less time than if you were using a
  regular hole punch.
• This machine has three spindles so you
  can create the traditional three-hole pattern very quickly. Unlike a
  single spindle device, the FMM3 can punch all three holes at the same
  time which will help you be more productive.
• You can use a
  number of different sizes of paper with this device. The largest sheets
  you drill can be up to 32 inches long. This device has a nice large
  table to accommodate bigger sheets of paper as well as give you plenty
  of room in which to work. The table even has measurements printed on
  it.
• The FMM3 comes with three 1/4” drill bits and a bit
  sharpener so you can keep them in good condition. This device can handle
  bits ranging in size from 1/8” to 1/2”.
• This machine is
  operated by a foot pedal that's located near the bottom of the device.
  The foot pedal makes it easy to operate this machine while keeping your
  hands free. Ultimately, this will give you more control over the
  entire drilling process.
• The FMM3 is well-constructed so it will be able to withstand frequent use. Also, it's backed by a one-year warranty.

Weaknesses:

• This is an incredibly large device so it may not be
  suitable for some offices. It measures 15” (depth) x 32” (width) x 52”
  (height) and it's going to take up a lot of room even though it's a
  free-standing device. It weighs 292 pounds, so it's extremely heavy.
  Don't attempt to move the unit yourself. Be sure to get some help.
• The FMM3 is a pale blue color which might not be the best hue for some work environments.

The
MBM FMM3 is a great floor model paper drill that would be suitable for
use in print shops, binderies, and industrial environments. This is a
heavy-duty device that can process a lot of paper at once and it will
punch the standard three-hole pattern. You can use both large and small
sheets with this machine and you'll always be able to count on getting
perfect-looking holes thanks to the 1/4” bit. (The bit sharpener is a
welcome addition.) This is a really well-built device so you can count
on it providing you with years of use. While it will take up a lot of
room (and the blue is a bit of an eyesore), the FMM3 is a terrific
paper drill you should check out.

Ladies shoes – what you are missing

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Ladies shoes – what you are missing

 

The Victorian age brought many gifts for the folk. Boots were one of
those gifts which quickly became popular with both genders. In the 1800s, the
ladies fell in love with ankle length boots and the fad continued to the twenty
century. A fall in the popularity of these boots amongst ladies shoes category
took place in the 1980s and 1990s however a revival has taken place and they
are in high demand again. The best selling items in these boots are those
designed with knee length imparting a graceful and confident look to the ladies
who wear them.

There are some definite attributes to be kept in mind while looking for
an ideal pair of ladies shoes. While comfort is of utmost importance, many
other factors cannot be ignored also. Of these, fitness and appearance rank
high. The suitability of boots with the clothes, their style and their length
are few of the decisive factors. When you go to the market, there is a wide
variety of boots to choose from like wide cuff, ankle, cowboy, designer boots,
clogs, heeled, lace up boots, wedge, fashion, knee, wellies and long boots.
Think of any occasion, formal or fun time, and there’s the right boot for it.
Once you have purchased a high quality boot, proceed anywhere with a chic and
smart look but just make a wise selection for the right style.

The ankle boots are the most popular ladies shoes in this category which can
be worn under trousers. The ankle boots are now more worn with jeans and skirts
though pants is also another option. Next to ankle boots, heeled footwear also
carries a unique look. They are an ideal match with skinny jeans and leggings.
In these times, knee boots have also become a hit with users. They look great
with skirts just above the knee or with knee-length skirts.

A wide variety of ladies shoes can be purchased online. So how about
getting active today?

 At the end we can't ignore Trainers
shoes

Being A Green Business Means Going All The Way

It is a great idea for small business owners to go green. Becoming more Eco-friendly is important to a lot of people. It is a positive thing to do. It is attractive to many customers as well. You need to understand though what it means really become a company that is green.

Of course it is a wonderful thing to be running an Eco-friendly business; however many times companies will market themselves in this way but actually do things that are inconsistent with running a truly green business.  Although, these acts may go unseen by many in the public, you may be surprised at how many Eco-conscious consumers realize that your mission statement and your actions are going in two different directions. 

Going green does not mean selling actual green plants or garden ornaments. There are many plants that are grown by destructive methods. Remember that before you hang a bunch of pots up to look good. If you have any students on the payroll ask them to find some information for you on the subject. They will probably get a kick out of it.

If you want to market your business as greener, and you aren't really sure where to start then try some of these getting started green tips: 1. Replace regular light bulbs with energy efficient ones.  2. Purchase office supplies and promotional gift items that are made of recycled materials. 3. Make all customer communications via the web instead of through USPS. 4. Make contributions to recycling efforts in your community. 5. Keep all customer client records in your computer database instead of maintaining paper files.  6. Use logo cloth bags for your customers shopping needs instead of paper and plastic which both wear on the environment. 7. Find ways to recycle things you accumulate as waste such as toilet paper and paper towel rolls can be used by a local scouting group to make crafts.  8. Join recycling group efforts like Free Cycle and other groups designed for giving stuff away instead of sending it to the landfill.

Before you start telling the world that you have a green business make certain that you know what you are talking about. If it is to attract customers you will probably pull people in that are very knowledgeable. They will see immediately that you either are or are not honoring your pledge of Eco-friendliness. You can ask for ideas from customers and look at the library for help with the subject.

Intimus S16.50 7.8mm Industrial Strip Cut Shredder Review

For a high volume performance industrial
shredder, the Intimus S16.50 is a great option. Designed for easy
operation, this shredder quickly disposes of large quantities of
expired or sensitive information. Automatic features make it simple to
use and a warranty guarantees quality craftsmanship. Here is a more
in depth look at the S16.50 7.8mm Industrial Strip Cut Shredder.

Strengths:

• Many automatic and safety features make this device
  easy to operate. A safety locking key allows only authorized
  personnel to turn the machine on and off. If a paper jam begins to
  occur, the blades automatically reverse and try to re-shred the
  material three times. If it still jams, the items are fed
  back to the user for separation. This prevents paper from being
  overfed and clogging the blades. A plastic shield helps to
  keep any flying particles from getting into your eyes while you work.
  And if you reach for the blades while shredding, chances are
  before you can touch the cutting cylinders your body will hit the
  wide, emergency shut down bar located across the front of the feed
  table.
• A highly convenient conveyor belt feed system
  allows you to toss stacks onto the belt and let the machine feed
  the items into the blades automatically. The front table
  offers a large workspace for you to store your shred stack or coffee cup
  while you're using the device. A massive stack of up to
  420 sheets can enter the 20 inch wide opening at once, including
  credit cards, CDs, floppy disks, and notebooks. Items are shred as fast
  as 50 feet per minute. That equals approximately 1800
  pounds of throughput an hour.
• Thin, illegible strips
  fall into a large capacity waste container that minimizes bag
  changes as much as possible. The bin is on casters for easy pull
  out and disposal. Over 118 gallons of waste can be stored before
  the bag will need to be emptied, saving you from frequent trips to
  the recycle bin.
• One other nice thing about this
  shredder is the warranty backing. The cutting cylinders are guaranteed
  by a 5 year warranty while parts and labor is covered for one
  year.

Weaknesses:

• Unfortunately, this machine isn't mounted on
  casters but weighs about 1600 pounds. If you do need to move it around,
  we suggest using a heavy duty appliance dolly to help you do it.
• The narrow strips created only earn a level 2 security
  rating. While this secures generic office documents, such as work
  orders and memos, any confidential information should go through
  at least a level 3 shredder. This model does come in a higher
  security version to meet that standard.

Overall, the
S16.50 is well-suited to meet the heavy duty shredding needs of any
industry or warehouse. Large businesses will appreciate the
convenience of the conveyor belt feed system as well as the many safety
and automatic features. We would highly recommend this machine for
your next industrial shredder.

Article Tags:
S1650 78mm Industrial, 78mm Industrial Strip, Intimus S1650, S1650 78mm, 78mm Industrial, Industrial Strip

Looking for beautiful homes for sale in France?

“France is one of the most beautiful places on this planet”. And when it comes to buying a property here, it offers ample of opportunities. And, in case, you have visited this beautiful country and now are in search for homes for sale in France, you need to contact several reputed real-estate agents. There are various websites as well, which offer ample of quintessential information about the places in the country where you can find beautiful homes at competitive prices.

Before you move ahead with your decision, there are several things that you need to consider.

•    Make sure that you buy the property at the right place
  
•    Look out for as many options as possible
  
•    Check out with local real estate agents as they know the best when it comes to properties
  
•    Go for Internet Research
  
•    Also make sure that you meet all the legal requirements of the place

There is no doubt that finding good homes for sale in France is not that easy. And it requires a great deal of market research and timely action. Moreover, the country has passionate and friendly people, so you can have a chat with them as well (of that particular place). This may also help you in finding a nice home.

Buying homes for sale in France is undoubtedly requires heavy investment and therefore, a lot of thought and research should go in, before you finalize a particular home in a particular place. There is ample of useful information available on the Internet about the property market in France. Last but not the least, do not make hasty decisions. Take you time and opt for the one which suits your budget and requirements in the best possible way.

 Fine French Homes is a well-known name in the property industry, offering beautiful Homes for Sale in France at the competitive prices.

Nike Says-Just Do It ! And We Listen

The saying "Just Do It" seems to be known universally. It is one of the most effective advertising messages ever created. You have to wonder how they accomplished this. Even ages later thinking about that phrase makes me want to jump up and go running in the rain more than anything else.

Nike had plenty of money to work with. You can't deny that was helpful in running this campaign. It is not the most important factor though. If it was then other companies that have tons more dough than Nike would have a campaign that was just as good. Nike used a really good idea and repeated it a whole lot, to say it bluntly.

Repetition is one of the biggest factors in making this type of advertising successful.  Now surely if you spoke to an advertising person, they would tell you that you had to spend a bundle to have that sort of impact, but the truth of the matter is that you just need to figure out something simple that you can associate with your business and make people take notice.

It may be an advertising campaign, slogan or logo, but if you are creative and can land on that certain something and promote it a lot, then it will work.  Logos work really well for this purpose, because people don't even have to read the words to know that is an advertisement for your business, they just learn to associate that symbol with your business.  Come up with a unique, yet simple logo, to promote your business and you will be on the right track.

Once you settle on the perfect idea, you have to go crazy with it. Do the same thing that Nike did. The swoosh symbol goes on absolutely everything that they sell. You can put yours on all your things too. Whatever you use to package goods to leave the store whether boxes or bags, it should have it. Put it on the uniform, on the receipt, absolutely anything, just like Nike.

Worldwide Business Promotion and Advertising with B2B Directory

With due time, world economy has got awesome growth that brings some unexpected changes in the society in terms of fashion, technology, education, and lots of growth we can seen in the field of research. Over the past few years, the trends of using internet technology have changes at very massive rate. Numbers of websites are getting online every day that brings different types of unique features and facilities at the international level. From social circle point of view orkut, face book, hi5, friend feed and many more have played an important role in bringing the whole world under one roof. All these facilitate making online friends, enlarge your friend circle, and exchange your ideas and life experiences and lots more. Apart from these numbers of business directories are coming up with their unique features and facilities for online traders globally. These business directories are known by b2b directory or suppliers directory that comprises huge list of online manufacturers, buyers, sellers, exporters and other types of online traders. In these business to business directories you will find thousands of products and services arranged category wise like electrical equipment & supplies, agricultural products, aircrafts products, toys and packaging products, fashion accessories, food items, timepieces jewelry & eyewear, cars products, electronics to telecommunications, medical, massive manufacturing base, home & garden capital machinery, printing products, power plants products and many more.

All these products and services are subscribed by different manufacturers and exporters for their buyers and importers. In these business to business directory or exporters directory you will find an option of getting sign in, where you can create your account for your own products and details. From those details one can easily find products description and can purchase from there only. B2B directories plays valuable role in performing common platform for manufacturers, sellers, buyers and exporters from all over the world. These business or importers directory gives new direction that changes the ways of carrying business around the world.

For developing countries these business directories proves to be useful product that brings importers and buyers towards developing countries for purchasing new products at the reasonable products. In this all for developing countries these business directories proves to be useful product that brings importers and buyers towards developing countries for purchasing new products at the reasonable products. In this all scenario Indian suppliers directory plays an important role for Indian trade and commerce. As India is one of the developing countries making awesome efforts to develop their economy by offering various types of business and education opportunities at international level. All these b2b directory india not only saves time but also saves huge money while dealing with clients globally. This is one of the simplest way of increasing productivity of the business and efficiency of generating revenue by using these new and advance technology of online trading methods. It proves one of the efficient way of carrying business that changing the whole scenario and method of trading around the world. In these Indian b2b directories, you will find online traders including manufacturers, sellers, buyers, exporters and importers from all around the world. These indian business directories play a vital role in cater all types of online traders from all over the world under one roof.

Article Tags:
These Business Directories, Business Directories, Online Traders, These Business, Developing Countries

Online Lawyer Directory with Huge Data and Resources

sometimes it becomes necessary to hire services of lawyer at particular point of time. On other hand there are some unexpected paths that arose the need of lawyer for solving issues and problems. The main experience is to find appropriate attorneys and lawyers as per your issue and case study. Somehow, in many case friends, colleagues and family members pays an important role in finding lawyer in order to read and solve case study. But it is really proves to be an challenge to find an attorney in a particular geographical location. As with the growth of technology and use of internet, number of online resources is coming with huge list of online lawyers and attorneys that one can search as per his or her case study and budget. These lawyers directories are commonly called by online law firm directory with different categories including criminal lawyer, tax law, civil, tax lawyer, real estate lawyer, commercial litigation, family law, immigration, personal injury law, employment lawyer and many more from different law firms all around the world. Like lexvidhi.com is one of the famous and popular online attorney and lawyer directories with types of legal article, law categories where you will find number of different lawyers with huge experienced of wide verities of case studies. All these online attorney directories proves to be an useful resources in this world of technology when it is really got an easy task to search a particular lawyer with required needs and requirements.

All these also provide you with a unique feature of filter search, where you can perform unique search for finding a lawyer for your case study. In this online attorney directory you will find many of them are freelancer or running their private business, therefore it is very cost effective to find a lawyer through this online legal directory that brings complete solution to your case study. With lexvidhi you will also get a chance of getting enroll with legal article submission related to law news and services. By making good and filter search you will able to get a suitable lawyer with relevant experience that ensures your victory in the long run. But before making search you should clear with your case study, need and requirements that definitely saves time and finance. In these days number of attorney directories with their huge data proves to be very good source for finding a particular lawyer at a urgent and difficult moment of life that meets your needs and requirements. Here, you will get all types of attorneys with complete information regarding case studies, experience, names, office addresses, categories, fees structure and so on. In this modern and technological world, the use of internet is one of the closest and easiest methods of finding specific type of attorneys. Such types of online law firm directory will brings you with the maximum number of lawyers and attorneys where you can evaluate your search with various attorneys before you make a final decision on hiring a legal professional.

Article Tags:
Huge Data, Case Study, Online Attorney

Learn How To Manage Your Company With The Right Tools

Being a manager in your business than you should be taking the steps required to make a point that you do everything the correct way. Seeking to handle employees might seem simple - but it is one of the hardest jobs anyone may have. There are many rookie mistakes that individuals will make when they are in this position that might anger the employees.

The first error that most will make is setting goals for people that they can't possibly meet. Help to give them enough time to finish a project and ensure that they have all the data they require to get it done properly the first time.

If you have assigned them a tight schedule because your higher ups have not given you any other choice than be prepared for them to work long hours. Don’t contend with them about trying to pay overtime and intentionally limit the time they might work on the project.

If no mistakes have been made than don’t automatically assume that they will. Trust everybody that works under you unless you have a legitimate reason not to. If there are some trust problems with anyone than you should consider hiring someone new.

Any troubles between two coworkers need to be covered carefully. Do not select a side - but be a moderator that can assist to resolve the trouble. You want them to work everything out so they are able to continue to work with each other without animosity.

In order to be an efficient construction project manager you have to set a good example for everyone else. Don’t be someone who comes in late and leaves early and takes long lunches every day. Try to come in before them and leave with them. This shows that you are working just as hard.

Timeless Wisdom For Modern Leaders - Lead with Guiding Values

Lead with Guiding Values

Wise leaders create guiding values for themselves and the organizations they lead. These values form the foundation for the organization's culture and function as a guiding light for coworkers, helping them make correct decisions and work toward common goals.

These values are best reflected in time-tested principles, which are deep, fundamental truths with universal application. These truths address laws that are as firm in "human physics" as the law of gravitation is in natural physics. For example, the law of gravity says that if you drop an object from the roof of a building it will fall to the ground. We know, with absolute certainty that this will happen every time we do it and we don't question it. This law is true. It is real. In the same way these human truths are equally reliable. They are not only a set of values, but they are the foundations of human effectiveness and interaction.

When leaders align with universal principles such as trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, honesty, compassion, excellence and perseverance they create the conditions for long-lasting success, fulfillment, happiness, a meaningful life, a life of contribution.

King Solomon, a leader synonymous with wisdom, says: "A good man is guided by his honesty."

Leaders have to be clever and competent, but they must also have sound values and a powerful sense of integrity. In good times as well as bad the most effective leaders stay true to their unique set of values. They do what is right and tell the truth in all areas of life.

That doesn't say they are perfect or that the struggle to be true to themselves and their values isn't a life-long journey. And it's not just in the major decisions that this quality is needed; integrity in little things is equally important. There are no degrees of integrity. You either have it or you don't.

We value honesty more than any other virtue and we appreciate people who represent a strong value system. If we are to follow someone, whether it is in business, school, or politics, we want to feel faith and confidence in that person.

Solomon says: "It is far better not to say you'll do something than to say you will and then not do it."

We expect our leaders to set a good example and act in an exemplary and positive way. Effective leaders live as they learn through acting in accordance with vision and values. As the saying goes: Our actions speak louder than words. That our words and deeds are aligned constitutes the basis for credibility of leadership.

Wise leaders set a good example by acting in accordance with higher values. Those values permeate their behavior and promote confidence. They range from creating good relations to fully completing tasks. Quality and creativity are the key words.

What the leader spends time on and pays attention to counts. Wise leaders deliberately devote time to the group's viability and development. Supporting both the group and the individual becomes the norm. When people in the group see that words and deeds are consistent, this creates credibility. And it is through being credible that a leader can encourage a long-term commitment from the group.

Solomon says: "Without wise leadership, a nation is in trouble; but with good counselors there is safety."

Wise leaders understand their role of creating the arena for their employee's success. Such an arena makes it possible for the employees to feel inspired, challenged and that they are working towards an exciting future. It makes it possible to interact in a winning way in relation to their surroundings.

We as individuals are unique and at the same time complementary. To develop fully, we need supportive leadership. Some leaders create "leadership by enthusiasm" when facing a task with themselves at the center. Others lead by providing a clear picture of the situation and opportunities available in it. Still others have a more methodical, step by step manner of leading the group.

A wise leader provides a sense of continuity for the group and defines limits that all have to comply with - especially the leader him/herself - regardless of their leadership style.

Solomon says: "Whatever you do, do well."

We all possess a greater potential within us. The question is where do we find the situation and the people that can bring out this greater good. "How can I create my future" and "How can I lift those around me" will be the key questions for enhanced leadership.

Wise leaders realize that there is only one way to go. It is to deepen one's own awareness of and confidence in the future. The responsibility that lies before us as leaders is to always operate for the good, for a better future, and a better world. This is a deep understanding of and commitment to the values that possess a weight and validity beyond one's own self, and which gives life greater quality and larger dimensions.

To become a wiser leader:

• Empower your co-workers to participate in the development of the group's common guiding principles. Ask question and discuss: What do we want to stand for? What do we consider as truly important? How do we want to interact with each other and others in order to provide value?

• Set aside time for your own reflection on what you value and what you want to stand for in your life and leadership.

• Deal with those in your environment with dignity and respect.

• Devote time to the group's viability and development.

• Know and honor your commitments and promises to the entire group.

• Serve as a good example when it comes to relationships, attitudes, and work habits.

• Know that what you, as the leader, spend time on and pay attention to counts.

• Create the arena for your employee's success.

• Always operate for the good, a better future, and a better world.

Article Tags:
Guiding Values, Good Example

Dynafold DE102 14

The Dynafold DE102 14" Paper Folder is a
lightweight, medium duty folder offering high performance and simple
operation. This efficient device has the potential to increase
productivity and save you both time and money. Eventually it will pay
for itself. Let's take a closer look at the pros and cons of the DE102.

Pros:

• This machine utilizes an automatic friction feed system,
  so you can stock the paper tray sheets and turn your attention elsewhere
  while it folds the stack. As many as 500 sheets can sit in the tray
  table at once. When the papers are all folded, the device will stop
  automatically. Precisely folded items are deposited in a partially
  enclosed tray located below the feed table. The catch tray holds up to
  500 letter-size folded sheets.
• If a paper jam occurs, power
  is cut to the motor to give the user an opportunity to fix it. Trays
  one and two can be simply removed for easy access to the rollers for
  quick clearing of jammed paper.
• Multiple folds can be made by
  the plates of this machine, including half or single fold, the standard
  letter trifold, a "Z" fold, and a gate fold, which has a wider middle
  panel. Custom folds can also be produced by adjusting the plates. The
  variety of fold styles can be used to produce multiple items, such as
  brochures, small booklets, flyers, bulletins, and menus.
• Paper
  sizes can range from 3-1/2" x 5" up to legal size, though it is built
  to mainly be used with letter, legal, and A4 size documents. Paper
  weights accepted run from 16lb bond up to 40lb bond. This folder
  self-adjusts to varying paper thicknesses.
• Dynafold provides a 90 day warranty on this product.

Weaknesses:

• The fold plates on this machine are manually adjusted.
  While there is a guide to assist you, precise folds may be difficult to
  attain without much trial and error. Because of this, the device may be
  best suited to those only needing to use one fold style. Offices
  needing frequent changes of the plates should invest in a folder with
  automatically adjusting plates, such as the Dynafold PF-330.
• As
  with most friction feed folders, this one doesn't work with glossy or
  coated papers. If you attempt to use them, a misfeed or paper jam may
  occur. These mediums are not used by many offices and won't be a
  problem for most. But if your business is looking for a machine that
  can accommodate specialty papers, the DE322 is able to handle them.
• One
  last thing about this machine is the limitation to legal size paper.
  This also may not affect many offices. However, if your office is
  looking to fold 11" x 17" items, such as booklets, the next model up
  from this one, the DE202AF, offers a wider size range.

Overall,
this is a great basic folder. Form and functionality are combined with
speed and performance. Many businesses won't be affected by the few
weaknesses and as such, this would be an ideal machine for them. We
think the Dynafold DE102 is an excellent choice for your next paper
folder.

Article Tags:
Dynafold De102

Can Your Answering Service Do This? A Look at Advanced Call Centers

For years, one of the few things a call center could do was take messages. Then, slowly, they began to support more advanced features such as order taking and surveys. At present, advanced call centers can do any number of things from scheduling appointments to answering questions about a specific company's products or services. Amazingly, these centers are so dynamic and flexible they can go from handling appointment setting calls for one customer to taking orders for another. Impressively, they make this sort of transition time and time again and callers would be hard pressed to notice any lack in performance.

So many doctors and others in the health services industry utilize a medical answering service for calls that come in after their office is closed. Others may use their service for lunchtime calls or when things get particular busy. What many fail to consider is that a lot of answering services can manage their appointment books along with taking general messages for the staff. These appointments are maintained online in a secure place accessible by both the answering service and office staff. Patients can call in at time, day or night, to make or change their appointments. This is a major improvement over the old fashioned method of having patients leave voicemails and then calling them back with availability.

The real estate industry has always been highly competitive and fast paced. Real estate brokers and agents have made great use of advanced call centers by setting up operators as the first point of contact for potential clients wishing to sell their home or buy property. Unlike a typical answering service, advanced call center operators can ask questions pertaining to the property clients wish to sell such as number of bedrooms, address, approximate value of the home, whether there have been any recent improvements, etcetera. Real estate agents spend a great portion of their day outside the office and rely on support from services such as advanced call centers when out in the field.

Personal injury lawyers take advantage of the great functionality of advanced call centers by having operators take information from those injured in anything from car crashes to slip and fall accidents. Some common questions asked are whether or not the accident was sustained at work, if a police report was made, and if medical attention was required. Attorneys make great use of television, billboard, and other advertising. Because they are so effective, they experience a great influx of callers inquiring about their legal services. In the past, their offices were either overwhelmed by callers or they were forced to hire large staffs of temporary receptionists. A good advanced call center is able to provide the same help, but on an "as needed" basis and for a lot less money.

Construction supply companies use advanced call centers to handle orders and inquiries pertaining to material availability. A plumbing or HVAC supply warehouse might get hundreds of calls a month asking whether the company has a specific part or material needed for a job. In years past, warehouse staff would have to place the caller on hold and manually search for the needed piece. With advanced call centers, the customer can get an instant answer of product availability by having the operator access an online inventory management system connected to the warehouse's system. Furthermore, the operator can also order the part and handle payment over the phone for the customer.

Article Tags:
Advanced Call Centers, Answering Service, Advanced Call, Call Centers, Call Center, Real Estate

Safe Way to Start Your Own Business

Hopefully, you took my advice last week and you have a handy-dandy list now of what you want to do.  We know you want to start your own business; hopefully you now know what it will be.

Being used to a steady paycheck from a regular job, with a family or other financial obligations, makes stepping out of your comfort zone a little risky.  It doesn't seem to matter how miserable you are in that job, the alternative scares the pants off many of us.  There is a safer way of jumping off that cliff and it entails your current boss.

Your employer could be your ticket to a successful freelance business, if his business doesn't conflict with your dreams.  If you were thinking of starting a freelance copywriting business, you could negotiate a contract with your current employer for 50% of your time for the first year after you leave.  This would give you a springboard for finding other clients while still covering your monthly expenses.

You're probably wondering about now, why your employer would agree to sign a contract for half of your time?  There are a number of reasons, and they can result in a "win-win" situation for both of you.

If you're on good terms with your employer, chances are he doesn't want to lose you.  It takes time to train someone to fill your job and train them to the company's way of being productive.

Even if he decides to replace you, it can take months to gather resumes, interview candidates, and hire the right person.  During that time you can be performing job functions from your home office, perhaps even training your replacement and providing your boss with a smoother transition by minimizing the disruption to his business.

If you're not on good terms with your boss and the company is downsizing, merging, or being bought out, you can help them avoid the unpleasantness and cost of firing you.  You are actually doing them a favor by restructuring this in the form of a contract for services that can be "stretched out" for a period of time if needed.

Frankly, if an employer has to choose between letting you go and paying severance and benefits versus signing a contract for a time period, which do you think they'd prefer?  Signing and getting tangible work and services in return without the costs associated with terminating you is a much better deal for him.  The contract may even be allocated from a different budget category, making it more affordable for the company.

There's another reason your boss may opt for a contract, and that is your knowledge.  You are already familiar with the company, its clients and services.  You're able to provide the services they need and you understand what has to be done. Many creative people have used this logic in approaching their bosses to negotiate their first contract and go out on their own.

If you're interested in starting your own business your current job can provide the security you need in your first year.  What better way to get started on your dream?

Customer Care Process For Your Online Shopping Cart

The success of an online store depends on how effectively you can serve your customers. Online customers are more detail-oriented and they prefer to be treated more attentively. The reason is simple – the customer cannot ‘see’ you and your products in reality and to give them the ‘feeling’ that he gets when he visits your store physically, you need to be more specific in both pre and post sale scenarios. Naturally, an extravagant design, use of cutting-edge technologies, and a range of hotcake products – nothing can ensure your success for a longtime if your customer care facility is inadequate.

Gone are the days when customer care meant that your customer would call up to complain about a defect in the product and the lady sitting on the customer care desk would pick up the phone lazily, note down the complaint, give a complain number to the customer, hang up the phone and start polishing her nails or continue reading the trash novel. For today’s business, customer care plays the most pivotal role. Good customer care means you are emphasizing on customer’s delight and thereby winning loyalty, which is the most significant thing for an online shopping cart owner who often faces fierce competition to remain in the market.

The customer care process for your website powered by shopping cart software should consist of the following services:

• Email support – The turnaround time for an email should be ideally 12 hrs although the normal practice amongst online shopping cart owners is of 24 hrs.

• Chat support – Should cover at least the business hours of your country/locality (12 to 16 hrs a day at least)

• Phone support – Business hours normally; should employ additional manpower during shopping seasons

Please note that your customer care reps should be adequately trained to handle the queries and they should have proper product-knowledge and operational details of the shopping cart software. Besides, the customer care reps should also have the skill to build rapport with the customers and take the finer points of your products and services to them.

Like your sales team, your customer care team should know about your customers’ demography, orientation, likings and so on. Most importantly, your customer care team members should have the linguistic abilities and communication skill to carry out their responsibilities successfully.

Besides these traditional customer support mechanisms, online retailers should also focus on social networking platforms which getting popular day by day. Social media platforms offer excellent ways to build communities loyal to your brand or product. At the same time, it offers a platform to advertise your product.

Moreover, you can easily bring out new changes, offers or anything that connects with your customers on social media platforms and your customers will know this instantly. An account in Twitter or FaceBook has an enormous reach when it comes to sales through your online shopping cart. A small and targeted tweet or a short message send to your customers or a FAN page that describes the latest additions in your product-line is far more impacting than a roadside billboard in your locality.

Protecting Yourself When Buying A Wicker Furniture Set From A Foreign Seller

Again, that's "ideally." But things are not always ideal, and sometimes you have to venture to other regions before making a final purchasing decision, especially when it comes to buying a wicker furniture set for the inside or outside of your home.

Investigate the reputation of the seller. How long has he or she been working with wicker? Do they have a paper trail that you can follow in establishing reputable business transactions? The Internet is a worldwide marketplace, but that unfortunately means that you're subject to more charlatans, scammers, and thieves, who won't follow through on the promises that they make you. Visit the company's website, but don't stop there. If possible, go by their warehouse. If the seller is in another country, check with your embassy or consolate within their borders and see if that person has maintained accurate and legal records.

Buy from someone who makes your decision for you. How can that happen? Being trustworthy is a good start, but it must go beyond that. How knowledgeable is the person about the process for producing wicker and using natural materials for the creation of other high quality furniture? What is the person's selection like? The most honest, hard working, friendly people in the world are not the right people if they can't give you options and pricing to make the purchase possible.

Find the best shipping options. In a perfect world, no one would pay shipping, but when you are importing goods over international waters, that is not possible without someone losing a lot of money. And no one is going to make you a promise like that unless they're too good to be true. Make sure you calculate costs of shipping, tariffs, and any other add-ons. Factor that into the budget when you are determining what you can afford. If it is too much, then you should probably seek something closer to home.

Seek the opinions of third-party people that you can trust. It may not be easy to find someone you know who has purchased from the exact same dealer that you are considering, but that shouldn't mean you avoid this step. There are a variety of watchdog groups out there whose specific purpose is consumer protection. When using the power of the Internet, the improbable becomes possible, and it happens in a flash. Find someone who can connect you to another customer of the client, or at least someone who has done something similar to what you are considering and can provide you with the peace of mind needed for such a big decision.

Article Tags:
Wicker Furniture

Timeless Wisdom For Modern Leaders - Lead Through Change

Lead Through Change

Wise leaders are always preparing themselves and their group to meet the future. They create a positive and optimistic approach to support themselves and others.

King Solomon, a leader synonymous with wisdom, says: “The intelligent man is always open to new ideas. In fact, he looks for them.”

To learn how to lead is largely a matter of getting acquainted with the development we are a part of, constantly seeking knowledge and new information that will move things forward.

Development takes place all the time. We are in a never-ending process of transitioning from yesterday, to today and towards tomorrow. The world is changing physically, socially, and economically at this very minute. When we recognize that life itself is about development, our task becomes to creatively resolve the various situations we encounter and to see things in new and different ways.

We can all count on situations where we will experience adversities, difficulties or problems. But by accepting change as a natural part of life and leadership, we are taking important steps towards renewal. In effect, we are setting ourselves up to learn more of life’s exciting journey.

Solomon says: “A man who refuses to admit his mistakes can never be successful. But if he confesses and forsakes them, he gets another chance.”

Wise leaders realize that success is right on the other side of perceived failures. They see failure as a part of the process of development and as an opportunity to gain experience and to learn. They are constantly asking new questions, and that opens up new perspectives.

Failures contribute to the discovery of weaknesses. Then our analysis of what occurred makes it possible for us to gain support, practice, and learn so we can strengthen what was weak. So, even if this sounds rather strange, we actually learn more from failure than success.

Wise leaders consider adversity as temporary information on how far they have come on their journey. Using adversity, they mobilize people to gain new energy and power for the next step.

They examine perceived failure for the learning inherent in it, and they communicate in a way that produces positive energy in their group, thus building an incentive to take even stronger action.

Solomon says: “The swiftest person does not always win the race, nor the strongest man the battle. Wise men are often poor, and skillful men are not necessarily famous.”

Wise leaders realize that – as many say – life is not fair. We are sometimes struck unfairly by losses, which may be heavy burdens to bear.

But even when we suffer considerable losses, we still have something most valuable left, something that no loss can take away: The freedom and power to choose how we will respond to life situations and events, and how we intend to address other people we encounter along the way.

Next to life itself, the power of choice is our greatest gift. Wise leaders choose to respond constructively to life events and situations. They choose to turn the negative into something positive and learn from it. They choose to be grateful for life’s trials – which they view only as opportunities for learning.

We all have access to that power within us. We have to accept life as it is and balance what we receive against that which we expect, so we always will maintain a positive movement forward.

Solomon says: “Don’t you know that this good man, though you trip him up seven times, will each time rise again?”

Wise leaders draw strength from setbacks and learn from failures.
They realize that trials make people to grow, that the suffering teaches us patience and patience develops internal strength and character. We mature.

They know that the more experience they gain and the more setbacks they overcome the better and stronger leaders they will become.

Therefore, they are working hard on themselves and their groups to look at every situation from newer and greater perspective. They retain the view that gives them the strength and energy to proceed with commitment and interest.

We are especially important for each other, to support each other in such an approach.

Solomon says: “Keep on sowing your seed, for you never know which will grow – perhaps it all will.”

During challenging periods, wise leaders focus on short-term objectives and progress, and they strengthen initiative and the ability to act.

Accomplishing small steps gives encouragement to go further and strengthen the group’s self-confidence and sense of being successful.

Each day, step-by-step dealing with and resolving opportunities, information, and issues that we are facing, brings forward the best in us. This is how we grow!

Solomon says: “Look straight ahead; don’t even turn your head to look.”

Wise leaders teach themselves and their group to identify the focus of concern—that which they can directly affect and that which they can affect in a process forward.

They continue with determination to gather experience, which they then turn into wisdom. They renew their group’s cultures and in this way build the new society. Wise leaders feel the deep pleasure and the call to create the new, better, and greater.

To become a wiser leader:

• View life as a constant process of development.

• View perceived setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow.

• Balance what you receive against what you expect.

• Help your group to analyze in all the different situations what they did well, what could be developed further, and how others have done.

• Focus on short-term objectives and progress in tough periods, which creates energy and positive ambition to keep moving in the face of adversity.

• Know that the situation is never as bad as it seems and never as good as it can be.

Want more business? Give your customers exceptional service.

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Everyone wants
more customers.  Getting them can be an
expensive proposition but necessary to sustain your business.  It is
far less expensive to keep your existing customers by simply making them
happy every time they buy from you.  One
of the easiest ways to do it is providing exceptional customer service.  What you do for your customers is
important but how you do it will usually decide whether they buy from
you again.

For example, I
recently visited a local restaurant with my wife and we ordered their grand
opening special.  The white linen
tablecloths, imported china, polished silverware, comfortable seating and mood
lighting prepared us for what we thought would be a wonderful dining
experience.  The owner had invested
considerable time, money and effort to create a beautiful atmosphere with
attention to every detail... almost.

 We waited for more
than one hour until the waiter finally brought the meals to our table without
an explanation or apology.  When
questioned about the reason for the long delay, the waiter remarked, “It’s
not my fault. It’s those guys in the kitchen that don’t know what they’re
doing.”  Before leaving the restaurant, I spoke
with the owner about the waiter’s remark.  He said, “I
appreciate your bringing this to my attention. Before I can work on the table service,
I need to get the equipment and staff in the kitchen working right first.”

 He was more
concerned about what he was doing and less about how he was doing
it.  In other words, the method of
delivery is less important to a customer than the experience of receiving it. Make your customers feel welcome and
appreciated.  Show them that their
business is important to you by giving them the same service you would expect.

 Work on providing
exceptional service by continually improving the means of delivering it.  You will keep your customers and be pleasantly
surprised when they refer your business to friends and associates, bringing you
new customers that you need and want...absolutely
free.

Answering Service Providers

In the United States there are literally hundreds of answering service providers to choose from. There are several call centers with various levels of abilities. These answering service providers service a variety of different businesses and professionals. With so many choices, the consumer needs to find the perfect fit for their needs.

Larger Answering Service Providers
There are a number bigger answering services that cater to U.S. based businesses. The bigger services lack a personal touch, but have incredible technical abilities. Companies who require more technical or cut and dry applications, often times use a larger answering service. These larger call centers provide tasks such as order taking, customer support, credit card processing, help desk and scripting. These centers are ideal answering service providers for credit card companies. With the ability to access information off premise, the operators can service cardholders and answer any questions, as well as give out financial information to callers.

In addition, these larger centers are best equipped to handle applications where there are large volumes of calls at specific times. Television commercials and infomercials often times find tremendous spikes in call volumes that are impossible to handle unless there is ample staff to handle the calls. Very few services are staffed properly to handle the type of call traffic associated with this type of media.

Smaller Answering Service Providers
Smaller answering services may not have the same abilities as the larger centers. However, the smaller services are able to pay attention to detail and provide a higher level of customer service. Companies such as Physician offices and small businesses are ideal fits for a smaller answering service provider. Small to moderate call volumes are best served at a small call center. Smaller services are the best able to handle the needs of small businesses.

Overseas Answering Service Providers
Don't even bother. Overseas answering services are not able to handle the needs of United States businesses. The care and knowledge needed to handle the subtleties that occur in answering service day to day, is something that overseas centers are incapable of.

Article Tags:
Answering Service Providers, Answering Service, Service Providers, Answering Services

Taking a Look at the Intimus Powerline PL210 Electric Paper Cutter

Intimus makes heavy-duty products that are
perfect for use in production environments. One of their products is
the Intimus Powerline PL210 Electric Paper Cutter. This is a paper
trimmer that cut process hundreds of sheets at a time and it's
extremely durable. Let's take a look at this device to see how it can
help you out and why it's worth your consideration.

Strengths:

• The
  PL210 has a truly astounding cutting capacity. It's capable of cutting
  up to 2.875 inches of paper at once. That's over 500 sheets, an entire
  ream. This is definitely a good trimmer to get if you need to process a
  lot of paper at once.
• You'll be able to use this device to
  trim different sizes of paper because there's 16 inches of space in
  front of the blade. It will be easy to trim both letter- and
  legal-sized sheets. Also, you can trim delicate types of paper because
  there's a false clamp you can attach to this cutter. All in all, this
  is a very versatile trimmer.
• The PL210 has a manual clamp
  that will put the appropriate amount of pressure on the paper when you
  cut it. There's also an illuminated cutting line so you'll be able to
  see where exactly you're cutting. And you can use the manual backgauge
  to get things all lined up beforehand. The backgauge even has an analog
  readout.
• This device is equipped with a keylock to prevent
  unauthorized use. There's also a safety shield to keep your hands away
  from the blade and the push-button controls ensure safe operation.
• This cutter comes with a stand. The legs of the stand can be adjusted by 1.5 inches for leveling purposes.
• The PL210 is manufactured in the United States, so when you buy it you're supporting American workers and businesses.
• And
  finally, this cutter is extremely durable thanks to its all-steel
  construction. The device is covered by a one-year warranty.

Weaknesses:

• The
  PL210 is very large with dimensions of 34.25” x 47.5” x 49.5”. This is
  a free-standing unit, not a desktop device, so it's probably not the
  best choice for office use. However, it would be great for print shops,
  binderies, and other production environments.
• This cutter weighs 720 pounds, so it's very difficult to move around. You're going to need some help moving it.
• There are side tables available for this device. Unfortunately, they're sold separately.

Overall,
the Intimus Powerline PL210 is cutter that's well worth the money.
This device has an excellent cutting capacity, making it ideal for
businesses or organizations that work with a lot of paper. You'll be
able to process standard 20 lb. sheets in addition to more delicate
materials. This cutter has a lot of user-friendly features from the
illuminated cutting line to the keylock. And you can feel good about
buying this durable trimmer because it's American-made. The PL210 is
going to take up a lot of room, but it's worth it. Check out this
cutter today. You won't regret it.

Baseball Stats And The Six Sigma Edge

When it comes to numbers, baseball can definitely be related to Six Sigma due to . . . statistics. Many people don't consider the level of technical detail involved in baseball statistics, but anyone who has ever been involved in a Six Sigma project can easily see the correlation between the two.

Baseball is just another name for America's favorite pastime. These names mean the same to many young fans who collect the sports cards with the important stats on each player and their team. Mastering the terms and technical aspects of this well loved game as every faithful fan knows, will give you more insight as to what was going on during any game. Player stats such as fielding percentages and RBI's holds valuable information, even for math students struggling to pass this required class and beating the odds.

The stats of the Six Sigma Process and your company work in much the same way. Six Sigma Process can give you important business operational stats and get you very detailed information about each step of the process you are using and if it is effective or if something needs to be changed. Another way of looking at this is imagining the Six Sigma Process is like a'box score' for your company's production and progress. Spending time gathering ideas of how to develop a method of project progress for each project;or in baseball game terms "keeping score", will ensure better than expected success.

It is easy to see how a baseball game is a good example of how success is structured; whether it is a game or a business. Baseball just happens to have nine innings, three outs and three strikes as part of its structure. This can easily be transferred to a business when dealing with customers, but it might take a little more than nine innings to get the desired results. Businesses with a very tight structure, have learned to use structure to their advantage and make it part of a successful winning strategy.

If your business is in need of change and improvements that a structured approach could possible help; using the game of baseball to help gain insight as to the possibilities that the Six Sigma Process has to offer is a good place to start. Your current business level will need to be determined to understand what your objective is, what kind of score you are currently rated at and what, if any, backup plan you have in place. Improving your game is what you can expect with Six Sigma Projects. Six Sigma Programs produce winners who enter and finish the game like a fast ball that's too hot too handle.

Article Tags:
Sigma Process