How to Start and Suceed with a Home Business

No matter who you are, remember everyone starts from ground zero as far as experience is concerned. Building a home business is no different. One will have to lay the foundation first of all which will consist of choosing a product or service, that requires knowledge of what you are trying to sell. You can't help your customer very well if you are unable to fully answer their questions. Do your research so that you may present yourself in a professional manner. This will compliment you in the future.


Learn how to promote your business. The big companies learned this long ago or they would have never become big. If you don't believe me look at the flyers in your mailbox or just open the paper. Advertising is the key to letting the world know that you have something that they need or want. You can not drive down the street with out seeing signs, posters, billboards, or a store window that says 30% off. Remember advertising is your voice, without advertising no one will know you exist. The louder your voice the more that will hear. Isn't that what you want, for them to come to see what you have? Don't whisper, scream to the world!


Now that you have brought the customers into your store whether it be a physical store or an internet site, be excited about your products or service. People love to be around exciting people. It creates an atmosphere in which sales are much easier to make. Let them know that you believe in what you are doing, in other words don't be a fake, customers can sense this and are turned off by it. If there is a warrantee or guarantee let them know this, it will help to make the sale. Always let the customer know that you are going to be there to assist them if any problems arise.


Now you need to establish a customer database, keep in touch with your clients on a regular basis. This is important! Send them advertise-ments, inform them of new products or services that you have added to your business. These steps will help you create confidence with your clients. It is also important to ask them for their feedback and suggestions that might prove to be beneficial to your business. Remember the customer is looking from another vantage point and may be more helpful than you might imagine.


Finally, don't be afraid of change or updating your business when needed. Times and trends change rapidly these days. Technology demands changes and requirements continually. Most of the time it is to our advantage to change with it so that we can meet the needs of an ever changing world and customer demands.


Just as computers and software demands are changing, so are the needs of your clients. The world is always moving and so must you to keep your business healthy and prosperous. By following these basic rules and using good old common sense you can and will have an enjoyable and rewarding business future. You make your own future...so make it bright!

How In Control Are You

Are you in complete control of your life or do you let others make all the major decisions about where you’re going, who you’ll do when you get there? Try this fun quiz to find out.

1. You’re invited on a fab holiday with a mixed group of friends, male and female, but you know your parents won’t approve. You:
1. Tell them but go anyway and to hell with the consequences. It’s your life, right?
2. Lie to them, either pretending it’s an all female group or that the trip is necessary for work or study.
3. Try to win them over, invite a couple of these friends over so they know your mates are not axe murderers or druggies. But you won’t go if you don’t win your parents’ blessing.

2. Some friends plan a cinema outing but you don’t fancy the film they’ve chosen. You:
1. Keep quiet about it. Why rock the boat? You’ll find someone else with whom to share your choice of film.
2. Say you don’t fancy the film but will meet them later for a drink.
3. Demand they all go to see your choice of film – your taste is infinitely better and your ability to argue stronger.

3. When you’re out with your man, how do you feel about who picks up the tab?
1. He does, of course, even if you earn more. That’s what are for, surely?
2. You do, mostly, because you like to pay your way and it means you always get to go where you want to.
3. No matter who earns most, you always split it down the middle for fairness.

4. What is your idea of having fun?
1. Life is a rollercoaster and you just ride with it. You like a wide variety of fun-filled activities, so long as there are lots of them.
2. You hate big crowds and funfairs and prefer small, intimate gatherings. You shine best at dinner parties, restaurants or nights in with the girls.
3. It all depends where the fun people are. You’re happy to join in whatever your friends are doing.

5. Your boss has been extremely critical recently and you can’t seem to please her. You:
1. Have it out with her, ask her what her problem is. You know you’re doing a good job and, if she doesn’t like it you know darn well you could move.
2. Ask your friends and family for advice but, be honest, you don’t have to take it. You just need warm shoulders to lean on right now.
3. You look at your performance overall, find ways to improve, then put then put them into action. You only confront her if she’s still unsatisfied.

6. When bills, like credit card statements, arrive at the end of the month, what do you do?
1. Shove them in a drawer till you vaguely think it’s time to pay them. You’re frequently behind with payments so get clobbered with late payment charges.
2. You file them away in date order and them pay them in time, but always at the last minute.
3. You’ve set up standing instructions with the bank so you just check to make sure the right amount has gone out.

7. When do you plan your big holiday of the year?
1. As soon as you get back from the last one.
2. You always go for last-minute bargains, it’s more fun that way.
3. By poring over brochures endlessly before making a final decision.

8. You believe that taking good care of your health is …
1. Something you know you should do and you know what you should do too. And you will – once you hit your 30s or 40s.
2. You exercise regularly, never smoke, hardly drink, eat a balanced diet and get plenty of sleep.
3. You know what you should do and you follow it most of the time but you lapse at times. Still, you try, don’t you?

HOW YOU SCORED

1. a-3, b-2, c-1
2. a-1, b-2, c-3
3. a-1, b-3, c-2
4. a-2, b-3, c-1
5. a-3, b-1, c-2
6. a-1, b-2, c-3
7. a-2, b-1, c-3
8. a-1, b-3, c-2

Control Freak (24-18) Boy, are you a controller! The higher your score, the more you are in control of your life. Or would like to be. You’re just like Madonna, organizing your life so spectacularly that even your children come in the right order, on time, and when you want them. Your wedding will be, like hers, a major opportunity for people to see you exactly as you want them to. Like her, you’ll have every detail sorted. Sounds fun, doesn’t it? For goodness’ sake, lighten up. Life cannot be totally controlled. Ask yourself why you need to be in such control. Let go a bit more and you might finally do what you fear most – enjoy yourself.
	Smooth Sailer (17-11) You like a bit of control over your life but you’ve no illusions. You know control is, well, an illusion. So you do what you can to control what you can but you don’t mind letting others sometimes lead the way, or let life take you where it will. Life isn’t completely about fate but nor is it something where we have total control over the script, principal players and plot. You recognize that. You’re healthy, fun to be with and friends appreciate you. Just make sure those parts of your life you are trying to control are the ones that matter – mostly your health and finances. As for the rest, have fun. Don’t be too hard on others if they don’t share your balanced attitude to life.
Doormat (10 or less) You’re either a complete wimp or, much more cleverly, you prefer to let others take the sweat out of your existence and make all your decisions for you. You’re so easygoing and laid back, you’re practically falling over. You don’t mind what happens to you. You know you’ll enjoy it. But you could be in denial. Maybe you fear others won’t listen to you so you just go along with what they say. Perhaps you fear trying to have more control over your life because you understand how hard this can be. Maybe you’re a youngest child or someone who has a “rescue me” script – you’re just waiting for others to make your life okay. It won’t work. Your need to grow up a bit. It’s fine to be easygoing, but try to form some opinions of your own.

Discovering ones own body – with the help of a partner

Too often women expect their men to pleasure them without having first identified what they like. This is not to say that women do not recognize when something feels good, rather, what I am suggesting is that some women do know what the literal motions are that cause them to feel good. Thus, this exercise is designed to help women identify which motions are most pleasing to their own bodies. Given that this is a two-person exercise, the male will also benefit from this exercise. Not only will he be with a woman who has a greater awareness for her own body, but he too will have learned with her what types of motions turn her on the most!

This exercise begins when the male has an erection and the female is lubricated. Some couples prefer masturbating to ensure a ‘hard’ erection and a ‘wet’ vagina. If the woman is having trouble lubricating, sometimes adding a little bit of Astroglide, a water based lubricant, is helpful. Once wet, engage in coitus with the woman on top. Specifically the male should lay still to encourage the woman to engulf his erect penis with her vagina. The woman should then move her hips in as many different ways as she can think of, all the while taking note of which motions feel the best to her. Having discovered what feels best, repeat, but this time changing the position of the knees / legs. Specifically a) squatting, b) sitting upright with legs out in front (so the motion comes from using your arms to help move you, c) laying down with both feet being near each other d) kneeling while leaning forward e) kneeling while sitting upright. Again move the hips in all different directions a) forward, b) side-to-side, c) circular and d) up & down. Throughout all of these positions their should be silence between the partners. The goal of this is NOT for the male pleasure, but rather for the female pleasure. She is simply moving for her own excitement. Then, at the woman’s command, the man should tilt his pelvis a) back, b) none c) slightly forward d) all the way forward. Again, the woman will need to repeat all the different positions so that she will be able to determine which positions causes her the most arousal.

Helpful hints:
. . . .tell your partner how much this exercise is turning you on. Tell her let go of her inhibitions and to ‘ride you’ any way that feels comfortable. Get creative verbally and find ways to give her permission to be selfish and just to focus on her own sexual pleasure.

For the female . . .use this as a great opportunity to focus on yourself for once. Too often lovers spend too much time trying to please the other and they forget about focusing on self. Remember sometime knowing that someone is orgasmic from their penis is as much of a turn on as receiving a blow job.

Vaginal Dryness

(written by Kelly Connell, MS.Ed.)

Ask Kelly,
I have recently started to have problems with vaginal dryness due to my age. I will be talking to my doctor about this to look at options. This question may seem silly but since I have never had to use lubrication before I would like to know how and where to apply the lubrication to make it most effective and to make it last the longest so we don't have to stop to reapply if possible. Also suggestions also on what products work best. We use condoms so the product has to be condom friendly to. Thanks for your help.

Dear Suzanne,
You did not mention how old you are or if you are going through menopause but I will try to give you some tips that may help you. First, you are absolutely correct when you mention talking to your doctor. He/She may want to give you hormone replacement therapy. Also, vaginal dryness can be a side effect of certain medications.

There are NO silly questions! I am glad you felt comfortable enough to write to me. There are many brands of lubricants out there today. Flavored, unflavored, some with spermacide, some thick, some thin etc. If you are using condoms, which by the way, is great! you want to use something that is WATER based. DO NOT use oil based products like vaseline, cooking oil or some of the lubricants sold in stores. Always check the label first. Oil based lubricants destroy condoms very fast and they will make them break within minutes. Water based lubricants are condoms friendly. As for brands, there is KY Jelly or Liquid, Astroglide, and Wet just to name a few. Some are available at your local drug store, but depending where you live, stores like Condom Kingdom or Condom Mania have a wide selection. I think they are available online through these stores. It might be fun for you and your partner to experiment with different brands, flavors etc. to see which ones you like the best. As for applying the lubricant...start by putting some on the outside of the condom once it is on his penis. Then put some on the outside of your vagina, and inner labia (lips) this will help you be more comfortable with the friction of intercourse. Lastly, try putting some inside the vagina. You can put some on the inner part of your vagina, by the entrance, with your finger. If your have small or short fingers (or your partner does) and can't manage to get some up inside the vagina, you can use an applicator like the ones that come with spermacide. You may not need to use a lot at first. Start with small amounts and gradually increase the amount until you feel comfortable. You may also need to stop during sex and add more. Vaginal dryness is very common in women as they age but it need not be a barrier to a satisfying sex life. Talk to your doctor and try these things. I have mentioned. Good luck! Kelly Connell, MS.Ed.

HTHGS: Wet Vagina (Kelly Connell, MS.Ed.)

Dear Kelly,
Please help me. I have an embarrassing thing I need help with. My vagina is always wet unbelievably. Sometimes it is nice but other times it is very embarrassing. I am not that horny of a person to be wet all the time and it is gross because my underwear is always wet as well. Please tell me what I can do to make it better. It worries me because I think men think it is gross sometimes when I get fingered when they pull out their finger there is slime stuff on it. I know that I do not have a sexual transmitted disease so it is not discharge. Is douching something I should look into???? If so how to I go about doing it. Embarrassed Sue

Dear Sue,
Please do not be embarrassed. Women's vaginas are like a self-cleaning oven. They continuously lubricate and clean themselves to protect against infection. The amount of vaginal lubrication also changes with the menstrual cycle because of the hormone fluctuation in the body. The slime stuff you are referring to may be occurring when you are ovulating and the vaginal secretions take on an egg white appearance and texture. This is perfectly normal. There are vaginal secretions that have nothing to do with sexual arousal, they are just part of the normal function of the vagina. The first thing I would do is make an appointment with my gynecologist. Just because you don't have a sexually transmitted disease does not mean there isn't something else going on. Ask them to do a blood test to check your hormone levels. You may be producing a lot of a certain hormone and your body responds by producing an excess of vaginal secretions. or you may just be one of those women who lubricate a lot and that is what is normal for you.

If you are concerned about your partner’s reaction to your lubrication, try having a towel or wet washcloth next to the bed or where ever you are having sex where he can wipe his hands if he wants to. However, many times I think the woman is worried about his reaction and he doesn’t even notice or think anything is wrong. If you are concerned about your underwear, try wearing an unscented panty liner.

Lastly, DO NOT DOUCHE!!!!! I cannot stress this enough!! Douching is bad for you for several reasons. The advertising industry tries to convince women that their vaginas should smell like a rose garden. You have a natural smell and secretion level. Douching wipes all the normal secretions away and your body OVERCOMPENSATES by producing MORE secretions! In other words, it will come back heavier! You are also wiping away the normal bacteria that live in the vagina and it will come back heavier too, often resulting in a infection as the bacteria produce at a high rate to try to catch up. If you do have an infection douching pushes the infection higher up into your vagina transferring all that infection to your uterus and fallopian tubes. it can be very dangerous. Even the ones made of water are unsafe. If something does not look right, feel right or smell right it is usually because something is not right and you need to get to a doctor! Same goes for all the deodorant tampons, pads etc. You are putting chemicals into your vagina every time you use them. I hope this helps Kelly Connell, MS.Ed.

Relationship Problems

(written by Chris Fariello)

Ask Chris,

I have been seeing a man for about 1.5 years and he has not introduced me to any of his family and I have met only one of his friends (and I was introduced as a business partner), his son and his ex girlfriend, (his son's mother for only a minute). This in itself is weird. My first thought / feeling was that he had another woman, he swears not.

We live about an hour apart in Toronto, his son lives far from him as well, 1.5 hrs. and he does drive a lot. He feels we live too far apart and is always wanting to wait until our situation changes before he commits to a serious relationship with me, which I felt we were already involved in. At first I was hurt but I can see that this is not going to work as both our needs as people will not be met. I am a social person, he states he is not.

We work together in a business environment and speak to each other daily. Each time I agree to let go or break it off and say goodbye as lovers, he agrees but insists we must be friends and keep in contact with one another.

My biggest "beef" is that I feel that we have not been together as a couple, he has kept me at a distance for some time unless it has involved his son and mine who are close in age, or our business relation which may remain in any event. We have had amazing sex together, something he says is hard for him to let go of. I do like him as a person and we both have our own emotional baggage, but I feel that I am constantly shut out by him i.e.. when he arrive to see me he is already announcing his departure for the next day as he walks in, he had not invited me to a couple of parties he had last summer, and has already planned his vacation with his son alone this summer. During the course of this relationship we have seen each other 2 - 3 times a week max and spend little to no vacation time together as he wants to be alone with his son, that is alright with me as I have my own son to raise. We have had lucid times together and enjoy each others company from time to time.

He gives me mixed messages, from marriage to I'm not ready now to let's wait until summer, he always suggests that if I wait until whenever things are going to change and he will be ready then and in fact this has been going on for the duration of this relation and nothing has changed but my attitude, I want to move on from this and not think about why he would be so mixed up.

Last weekend I caught him lying to me and he had admitted to lying to me before. He said that he was with his son out of town and would not be back until later that day and my call display indicated he was in fact in town. He said he did not want to tell me because he wanted to something other than spend time with me and did not want an argument. At that time I told him our personal relationship was off, completely. Since that time he has called every day at least 3 times to tell me how much he misses me and likes me and now wants me to meet his brother and friends who live close to me. He has also said that he really wants this relationship to work out (only after a professional meeting where the prospective client was interested in me as a woman and he was jealous). This man grew up without his mother after 14 when she passed away, if that has any bearing. I had grown up in an abusive household myself and have had years of therapy for it.

My question is why would a man say not now, you are free, I want this to work out, and I want you forever but wait? What is the best way to say goodbye and be able to maintain a professional relationship? Thanks for your time,

Janis,

I feel for you. Your story is not necessarily an unusual one and I would need to know more understand the reason behind both your and his decision to remain in this type of relationship. What does stick out, however, is that you do not sound happy about the current situation. I usually suggest to my clients to go with their gut. If you feel cautious about his intentions you may want to see that as a red flag. This may not speak directly to his character but rather the similarities to each of your perspective WANTS in terms of a relationship. You have spent 1.5 years already. Assuming the relationship will not progress, how much longer would you be willing to "settle" for good sex and occasional meetings? His recent reaction can be the result of many catalysts, perhaps he is sincere, or perhaps he only believes he is. Knowing/believing will be difficult. Establish for yourself specific boundaries and enforce them. It's important that you take responsibility for your own decisions in this relationship.

As for saying goodbye- this is never easy. Again, you need to make a decision for yourself, set boundaries, and let him know what they are. Then you must stick to it. Typically there is pain associated with breaking up. This tends to be elongated when the break up drags on and on with hopes that things will change (typically, he will change) and they never do.

Finally, it can never hurt to seek professional help, even for a short time, to help understand how you ended up in this type of relationship and well as mourning the loss.

Janis, if you demonstrate to people your strength, they will see it and offer you the respect you deserve. You will also get more of your wants, and will spend less time waiting for others to meet your expectations.

How to Get Customers to Recommend Your Business to other Customers!

Do you contact your customers after they have made a purchase?

If you don't then you really should.

Today I will show you how to get customers to recommend your business to other customers simply by contacting them.

For example, a while ago I called penny, one of my customers to see how she was getting on with some of my products. She said that she was doing very well and was very happy. I asked Penny if there was any way that I could improve my services to her. She said that she was more than satisfied with my service. I also used this opportunity to ask her if she had anyone in mind that she felt would benefit from my products and services, she recommended tow more customers to me.

So ask your customers to recommend you to a friend or colleague. You can use a business card for this or simply just ask them.

If you do use a card ensure that you tell your customer to add their name on the reverse. you can offer your customer a gift as a show of your appreciation, if you like., Gifts can include; business promotional items, flowers, chocolates, dinner for two, vouchers, what ever you feel appropriate. You must not ignore this method of stimulating more referrals as it is very effective and works many times over.

Kissing Techniques!

The key to good kissing is creativity, active listening, and changing patterns. Creativity speaks for itself. Creativity includes trying new ideas, and/or new combinations of movements, locations and moods. Active listening refers to paying attention to your partner's verbal and non-verbal signals.

Is your partner currently excited? Is your partner in a happy or sad mood? What does your partner want to do? Is your partner wishing for a quite evening of talking, or does he/she want a romantic encounter, a quickie, or animistic lustful encounter? Which movements turn your partner on the most? Which ones the least? Changing patterns refers to the alterations of types of kisses used.

Half of a good kiss is the anticipation of the imagination about what will follow and what this kiss means. Very rarely will a partner complain that the pace is too slow. The slowness can actually raise the sexual tension by 'pacing' the sexual encounter. Each stage will have to be fully explored before moving on. Sometimes, the simple act of kissing is enough. Kissing does not always lead to intercourse. Sometimes, the simple act of kissing is enough. Kissing does not always lead to intercourse. Sometimes a kiss is exactly what a couple wants, something steamy, hot, romantic, and connected. A frequent mistake that long term couples make is that a kiss is always a signal to intercourse. Or that a kiss should always follow a set order and path. Routines. (while pleasurable) can also be deadly. Routines sometimes can act to diminish the excitement, because the other person already knows exactly what will come next. In that way, a "first" with someone new is always exciting, because you simply have o idea about what to expect. Therefore, in an effort to help people 'break' old patterns a set of different types of kisses have been collected. It is my hope that you will all, on your next date, keep these ideas in mind and practice them on your next kiss.

Type of kissing

• Simple fast kiss on the lips
• wet fast kiss on the lips
• dry fast kiss on the lips
• Suspenseful kiss on the lips. The type that has a long build-up and both parties wonder when the other one will start to lean over... or if the other person is even interested.
• Elongated kiss. This one involves a bit of mouth movement (opening and closing). Elongated kiss, with the use of your tongue. Imagine sucking on your arm, while using your tongue to DAINTILY pull in the skin, and the DAINTILY push the skin back onto the arm. Another way to imagine this is, to think of using your tongue to 'knead' the skin on the arm. Similar to 'kneading' bread. The movements are best when slow, steady and precise.
• Slobber kiss. This is excellent for cunnilingus and fellatio. The saliva acts as lubrication. However, at all other times, unless specifically requested, avoid the slobbery kiss.
• Wetting lips kiss. Run your tongue along the contours of their lips.
• Sucking kiss. Exactly that. Suck on their lips.
• Upper lip kiss. Only kiss the upper part of the lip.
• Lower lip kiss. Only kiss the lower part of the lip.
• The nibbling kiss. Literally, nibble on their lips and nibble/kiss all over their cheeks and ears.
• Tongue sucker kiss. Literally, suck on your partner's tongue as if it was a finger.
• Teeth cleaner kiss. While kissing, run your tongue along the inside of their mouth. Explore the structure of your partner's teeth. Feel each tooth (within reason), one by one. By following each grove, note the textures of the tooth.
• Tongue player kiss. Use your tongue to play with their tongue.
• Mouth explorer kiss. Use your tongue to explore the rest of your partner's mouth. What does the inside of your partner's cheek feel like, the back of the lips? Does it feel dry, hard, of firm?
• Public kiss. Kiss your partner in public, kiss your partner in private.

• Motion kiss. Change kissing speeds.l Begin super slow, and then let yourself speed up. The beginning part of the kiss should last at least 10 min, then after your partner can not stand it any longer speed up. Then, do not forget to slow your speed down. Too much of anything is not a good thing. Frequent subtle alterations, keeps the person guessing as to what will come next.

• Loud kiss. Kiss your partner while making loud kissing noises.

• Silent kiss. Kiss your partner without making any noise - best to practice when someone is around and you do want to be heard.

• Copycat kiss. Kiss your partner the exact way that she/he kisses you. Follow your partner's lead.

• Open eyed kiss. Maintain eye contact during kissing.

• Closed eye kiss. Close your eyes and imagine how this kiss will lead to the best sexual encounter ever imaginable.

• Lick kiss. While kissing, use your tongue to lick her tongue, her teeth, and the roof of her mouth. Do not confuse this 'lick' with a dog's sloppy wet kiss. This 'lick' is very precise. This technique is meant to be used to pull you partner's mouth slightly closer to your and to feel what your partner feels like. Please note, your partner's mouth should be relatively dry afterwards.

• Talking kiss. The talking kiss refers to whispering sweet nothings to your partner as you kiss them on their lips. In between each kiss or two, while still invading their space, sharing thoughts with them about how much you like them, or how much they turn you on. (i.e. the dress you wore last night, your eyes, the way you handled the situation at dinner etc.)

• Elevator kiss. Sneak a kiss in to your partner when you are on the elevator and no one else is around.

• Peck kiss. Just a fast kiss on the lips, where you literally peck your partner on the lips.

• Isolated kiss. Just one kiss.

Home Business, What's So Great About It?

Home Business allows you more time to do what you want.

Home Business gives you more freedom i.e. no more 9-5 job.

Because a Home Business is well... at Home, you don't have to travel far to get there.

Just come down stairs in your pajamas and get to work right there and then. It's so convenient.

What is this article about?

Basically this is about starting a Home Business, what's involved, what options there are, how much it can cost etc.

I have already described the advantages of having a Home Based Business, so now we will discuss what is involved in starting one up.

When you start working for yourself there are several things you must take into consideration.

How much can I afford to spend on advertising, materials and other costs, can I afford to lose the money I am going to put into this business, where will I get finance from? And a million other things.

So I will break this down into many small chunks which will make it much easier to digest.

How much money will I need to start this up?

That is entirely dependant upon you and your goals. You should only invest as much money as you can afford to lose, this way, if everything goes wrong you can still live without too much interference.

That aside you must think how much you are going to spend on advertising. To work this out, you should take all of your costs and assign them a percentage of your finance which you will put into them. For example, if you had $10,000 to start your Business, you could assign 10% to advertising depending on how much everything else costs.

In my opinion you should work out your initial costs first, like rent and materials for example.

Then you can take what's left over and assign it to whatever else you want to spend the money on afterwards.

How can I tell if I can afford to lose the money I invest in my Business?

Very simply estimate the most that the business will cost you and assume that it wont make any money at all for a month, obviously this will be a big loss, but it will give you an idea of what COULD happen if your very unlucky.

If it looks like way more than you can afford to lose, then don't do it until you are more prepared. But please remember that in business, there is no reward without risk. So if you don't risk your money, then you wont be rewarded.

Do I need finance? And Where can I get it from?

Do you have enough personal savings to start the business you want to? If you don't then you will need external financing.

The place where most people will get there initial financing is the bank. But there are other places and people as well.

Bank

Mortgage for premises

Loan

Venture capitalists

Grants

And many more, but the above are the main ones.

I'm sure you know what mortgages and loans are, but chances are, you don't know what a venture capitalist is.

A venture capitalist is someone who contributes financing to a business in exchange for part ownership of the firm. This is ideal if you are starting an expensive business which you might not be able to afford, but expect high profits from.

But be careful, when you give up part ownership you give up some profits.

The Secret of Getting Your Customer to Say Yes!

Have you ever been at the point when your customer is just about to buy something and they decide not to, or simply say no?

If you are like me then this would have happened to you more than once.

Today I will show you a way to encourage your customer to say yes and actually make that purchase.

My hubby and I went to a fish market very early one morning a couple of weeks, to buy a large fish. If you have not been to a place like this before, allow me to set the scene for you:

Indoor warehouse with several market stalls with market traders selling every type of fish you can imagine, you also imagine the smell, not the kind of place that you would like to spend to much time in!

The funny thing is that quite a few of the stall owners are selling pretty much the same thing, at more or less the same price.

My hubby and I are never quite sure which stall owner to purchase from. So we go around each stall comparing prices and receiving sales pitches from each or the stall owners.

One particular sales pitch till this very day comes to the front of my mind after my wife asked this particular fellow, "how much is this box of fish?" After a few moments of giving us the price he iterally started packing the box into a bag and then concluded by saying "would you like on box or two?" You see, this sharp fishmonger worked on the assumption that we were definitely buying from him, and it was just a matter of us deciding on how many of fish we wanted.

So don't say "would you like it or not?" say "Which one would you like?" or "how many would you like". This powerful sales marketing statement was used very well at the point of sale.

You see you do not leave room for the customer to say no. It's either one sale or another. On the other hand if you ask them, "would you like to buy this or not", then they can easily say NO.

As a business owner which would you prefer?

Give this a try, it really does work.

How To Prospect For New Customers In Chat Rooms!

If you're like most people, when you think of chat rooms, you probably think about a bunch of people who get together and talk about dating, relationships, etc.

Well, you'd me only half right, because chat rooms are so much more! In fact, let me give you the true definition of a chat room, and you'll understand what I'm talking about.

A chat room or forum (There is no difference. They're one-in-the-same) is a web site, part of a web site, or part of an online service, that provides a venue for communities of users with a common interest to communicate in real time.

Now the 2 key words in the above definition are "common interest". It doesn't have to be a dating chat room. There are a thousand different type of chat rooms out there. you can chat with other people who like the same things you like, whether it's Internet marketing, automobiles, babies, bowling or pets. Whatever the topic, there's probably a chat room for it somewhere.

Here's how chat rooms work: Chat rooms allow users to communicate with each other in real time (or live), as opposed to the delayed time you get with e-mail. A user enters a chat room, types a message into the computer, and sends it. The message is instantly displayed on the computer screens of the other users in the chat room.

Sometimes these venues are moderated either by limiting who is allowed to speak (not very common) or by having moderation volunteers patrolling the venue watching for disruptive or otherwise undesirable behavior.

So how can you profit from chat rooms? First of all, go online and find a chat room of interest to you, that ties in perfectly with your website. For instance, if you go on Google and type in the words "business chat rooms", Google will present you with more then 90,000,000 pages. As you can see, the possibilties are virtually endless!

Once you find a chat room you like, start participating in the discussions. Develop a friendly relationship with other users. Eventually, the other users will get around to asking you what you do. Now this where you have to tread softly. Go ahead and tell people in general don't like being "sold", especially from someone online they've never met. That's why it so important to give people a chance to see you in chat rooms and get to know you check out your website and view posts on a bulletin board. You have to build a reputation with them first."

It's important to appear in the chat room at the same time every day or at least several days per week. Let visitors know what your chat room schedule is. If you play your cards right, you can become the "resident expert" visitors and regulars turn to for advice. And that's very good for business!

The Mind State of an Ice Sculptor

Working is like sculpting an ice palace.

Under the brightly lit light,

the palace is sparkling and splendid looking.

But, in the end,

the crystalline ice palace will dissolve.

Engaging in work with focused attention is very good.

However, if the mood is too serious and too heavy,

you will feel very tired and very pressured.

So, you should work with the mind state of an ice sculptor,

and accomplish the task joyfully and in a relaxed manner.

Don't be too attached, or too serious,

but do pay attention while sculpting.

Reflection in the Water

The "Great Compassion Mantra" and "Diamond Sutra"

are required daily practice for us.

This is brain washing.

We must wash our own brain every day.

Otherwise, the thinking mind quickly gives rise to afflictions;

unable to feel where the happiness lies.

Start with holding of attention in mantra,

and mindfulness of Buddha;

follow with the practice of Ch'an meditation.

Repetition of mantra, chanting of Buddha's name,

and focused sitting meditation,

are all work that is one to one.

It is you facing yourself.

Why are we doing this one to one business?

It is like when we let ourselves reflect upon the water,

our image shows up in the water as a reflection.

If we do not let ourselves reflect upon the water,

our reflection does not show up;

and we will not find ourselves.

Chanting of Sutra, or recitation of mantra,

is to allow your own image to reflect in the mantra,

in the Sutra, like the reflection that appears in the water.

The "Self" is found inside this reflection.

The Smurfs

What are the Smurf names? Who and what are the Smurfs? Where do the Smurfs live? The Smurfs friends and enemies are all listed below:-

Papa Smurf is the leader of the Smurfs, and the only Smurf who wears red. Papa Smurf brings the Smurfs to safety in times of danger and crisis. Everyone in Smurf Village turns to Papa Smurfs when things go away. Papa is always busy making magical spells and potions in his laboratory.

Baby Smurf one special evening, baby smurf was delivered to the village via a stork! Baby has magical powers and speaks in baby-talk. It is not known whether baby is a girl or a boy.

Brainy Smurf seems to be an expert on everything... but he's usually wrong. He publishes a series of missives entitled "Quotations of Brainy Smurf" - universally reviled by all (except himself, of course). Brainy's best friends is Clumsy.

Clumsy Smurf is a kind soul who is often tripped up by his own two feet. Clumsy loves to collect rocks and is best friends with Brainy. Clumsy's clothing seems to fit rather loosely, adding to his clumsy appearance.

Dreamy Smurf is always dreaming of other places and other things. Dreamy is best known for his appearance as Astromurf, where he visited the fictitious Swoofs on their home planet.

Farmer Smurf plants the crops for the Smurfs and helps organize the harvest. Farmer smurt wears a straw hat and overalls.

Lazy Smurf is perhaps the most apply named in the village. Almost certifiably narcoleptic, Lazy can fall asleep anywhere, anytime, day or night

Handy Smurf wears a pencil in his ear and helps fix things in the village. Handy is known for his amazing technological creations, such as the telesmurf (telephone), Weather Smurfing Machine, and Smurfmobile. The rest of the Smurfs have a bit of a Luddite bent and often criticize (and eventually abandon) Handy's inventions.




Reporter Smurf is the news reporter for the Smurf Village. Reporter Smurf wears a newsroom-style visor on his head and carries a quill and notepad. Reporter interviews various Smurfs for publication in his newspaper, which he prints using his printing press, which is maintained by Handy Smurf.

Greedy Smurf is an exceptionally greedy smurf. He loves one thing above all else - food. Greedy is often chased by Baker Smurf for stealing snacks and goodies. Greedy just can't seem to help himself!

Smurfette was created by Gargamel to destroy the Smurfs - and shew was orginally a brunette! Papa Smurf's magic changed her nature (and her hair color) Smurfette love flowers and the color pink. Smurfette is one of three female smurfs in smurf created smurfette.

Tailor Smurf makes all the clothes in the village. He's often seen with a needle of two in his cap and a tape measure around his neck.

Painter Smurf is a brilliant artist (much like our own Vic Greorge) Painter speaks with a French accent and refers to his paintings as "masterpizzas".

Vanity Smurf is never without a mirror in sight Vain to an extreme, Vanity is constantly worrried about his appearane. Vanity wears a flower in his cap and is demostrably effete.

Gargamel The smurfs face a most singular nemesis - Gargamel. The evil Gargamel is a wizard who spends his days trying to capture, eat and otherwise destroy the Smurfs.l Gargamel is absolutely obsessed with the Smurfs and lives for the day he is victorious over our little blue buddies.

Azrale Gargamel has long-suffering sidekick named Azrael (not "Azreal" or "Azrial"). Azrael is a tough, mangy cat who compounds the Smurfs' problems when they're being chased by Gargamel.

Real Self in the Robot

This body of ours is like a robot.

It can move only when the source of electricity is turned on.

There is something that sustains our body;

a formless, invisible thing that controls everything.

This thing is the same in the present, in the past, and in the future.

It is the "Self" from before the time our parents gave birth to us.

It does not have any fave, any mind, nor any of the five

senses, and it is beyond all activities of consciousness.

When we sit silently in meditation,

we can observe and perceive the real nature of this thing.

Gradually, you will come to understand yourself.

The thing that is your "Self" may be called

no-self, the true self, the original face,

or it may be called Buddha, God, or maybe Allah.

The Sun and the Dark Cloud

Our "awakened nature" is like the sun;
our various ideas and conceptions are like dark clouds.
Every single day, the sun shines brightly.
The only difference from one moment to the next is
whether a dark cloud is there or not.
"No awareness" is like
when the sun is blocked by a dark cloud.
In actuality, the sun is still there.
The "awajebed nature" is never confused or unaware,
not even for a brief moment.
It can only be temporarily obscured and covered up
by our ideas and conceptions.
Through spiritual practice, our mind and heart slowly
become clear and brigh, capable of transcendence.
You will discover that the "awakened nature" is like
a sun shining on the earth,
a mountain spring,
a stone wall.
Its original nature is to shed light on all and everything,
without any distinction of good and bad.
None of this stuff can, or will, interfere with the sun.
So, our 'awakened nature" is never lost.
Everyone has it all originally.
Some day we may eventually discover
this very beautiful, very pure, and serene "awakened nature."

The Sun

When we are confused and bewildered,
when we are grasping and clinging,
when we are disturbed or depressed,
when we are attached and deluded,
we often end up losing our mind and heart.
However, through the contemplation of "prajna," wisdom
can reveal insigh into all of creation in the universe.
It is like the sun shining upoon every place on earth,
brightening our eyes and unlocking our wisdom,
enabling us to cut through the various traps and
entranglements of the world;
thus, ending all afflitions once and for all.
Our mind and heart are no longer confused and lost.
We can live wih greater freedom and ease.

Not Wearing Clothes

That which ca change or be transformed may not be
called the "Mysteriously Begotten" or the absolute reality.
The complete "Emptiness"
is the "Mysteriously Begotten," the absolute reality;
that which is not tied to any visible, changeable,
outer conditions or phenomena.
The "Mysteriously Begotten" is the complete "Emptiness"
of the mind and heart.
So, what sort of change occurs
when the mind and heart are empty?
Well, the mind and heart are not wearing any clothes.
What do we mean by "wearing clothes?"
We mean "making connections to all kinds of appearances,
and giving rise to every kind of inner state."
Without "Emptiness," you will not see the "Self."
"Emptiness" is not wearing the clothing o form,
appearance, sound, sensation, or feeling, etc.

Taking Off Clothes

What is our original face?
Our mid and heart, at the very present moment,
is our original face;
but we often mistake our unreal hysical bodies
as the origina face.
We take what is seen, and what is heard,
as the original face;
we take all of the outer stuff as our original face.
Thus, our mid and heart often run around with
phenomena, chasing after everything,
frequently mistaking the unreal as the real.
In reality, our true original face often appears with the
unreal stuff, making it impossible for us to distinguish or understand.
It is necessary to go through deep focussed meditation,
and insightful contemplation,
in order to look at our mind and heart
as apart from all phenomena.
Our original face is the mind and heart
from before we were born,
when we had not yet put on the clothes
of this physical body, and after we die,
when we have taken off the clothes of this physical body.
The true face is the mind and heart not limited
bya physical body or any outer phenomena.

Wearing Clothes

Are life and death scary?
We, who are pure spiritual consciousness,
become a human when wearing the clothes of a human;
become a dog when wearing the clothes of a dog;
become a fish when wearing the clothes of a fish;
become an insect when wearing the clothes of insect;
become bteria when wearing the clothes of bacteria.
So, we, who are pure spiritual consciousness,
may not be a human being, or some flying creature,
or a four-legged beast.
Now, which one are we? None of them!
when we incarnate as a human being,
we are called a human being;
when we incarnate as a bird, we are called a bird.
None of these are the solid, definite form of us;
none of these are the form of the "Self."
For this reason, we should not be attached,
and we should know the truth of "Selfessness."
the continuous stream of life is just like this.
We may generate many different forms of life,
but none of these life forms is who we are.
Our life is formless.
Our present form of life and body is borrowed,
and originates from karmic cause and effect.
So, nex time when someone is scolding you,
or criticizing you, do not take for granted that it is you!

Transformation of Bodies

What exactly is the true self?
You may be a human being in this life; but we don't know
what you will be in your next life.
We stay in this cyclic existence of birth and death and
rebirth, continuously reincarnating and transforming into
many different life forms, transforming and transforming.
But, what are you exactly? In reality, you are not any of
these defined forms.
Perphaps you are a human today, a horse tomorrow,
and you will become a bat the day after.
So, am I a horse or human, ultimately?
Am I a bat or a butterfly?
You have to become detached from unreal appearances
in order to know what is real.
This means that you should first comprehend the whole
truth of suffering, impermancence, and selflessness.
Slowly, you will become detached from the unreal,
and as a result the real will manifest.

Water Flowing into the Ocean

When we are confronted with big and small problems,
or troublesome situations, we should exercise forbearance,
acceptance, and tolerance.
Be like the ocean, which receives hundreds or rivers.
Without making exceptions, the ocean accepts water from
the rivers, the streams, or the sewers, and converts the
water into a single taste - salty.
The ocean contains many different kinds of water.
The practice of Buddha Dharma requires exactly the same
kind of inner capacity;
a mind and heart that is
capable of accepting everything,
capable of dissolving and transforming everything,
and ultimately experiencing and realizing the taste of "Emptiness."

Like Sugar in Water

When we encounter obstacles in daily life,
we should learn acceptance and tolerance
if we want to transform the obstacles into a surge of power.
Use the wisdom of "Emptiness" to transform and dissolve the obstacles.
Let the mind and heart always remain in the condition of
"Emptiness"; wherein anything added into the "Emptiness"
will not affect the "Emptiness."
Thus, let whatever tasks or problems come to us,
be like the situation of dropping sugar into water.
The sugar dissolves, and the problem is gone.

Temple of the Body

Our body is like a temple.
The mind lives inside the temple.
It is Buddha; it is also a demon. How come?
Right knowledge, right understanding is called "Buddha,"
and wrong knowledge, wrong understanding
is called a "demon."
Both Buddha and demon are functions of the mind.
If the mind is bright, clear and awakened,
the whole temple will be bright, clear and glorious as a result.
If the mind is not bright, clear and awakened,
this temple of the body will become
dark, dreary, and without light.

Food

Question: Usually it is said that the "prajna"
method is the most difficult to transmit
Master: It is not diffucult.
Question: But, it is supposed to be the hardest method to teach, and impossible to grasp. Furthermore, "Emptiness" and "Existence" may cause conflict.
Master: Not true.
Polarization of "Emptiness" and "Existence" is the cause of confict.
Actually, "Existence" is the food of "Emptiness."
How could there be conflict?
This would be like saying that
"Bodhi (enlightenment) is affliction."
Affliction is the food of "Bodhi."

Window of the Heart

A house without a window can not let in the warm light of sunshine;
nor can the fresh air circulated freely in such a house.
We people are in a similar condition.
If the window of the mind and heart is not open,
we will feel stuffy inside.
Open up the inner window, so that
your mind and heart can be unrestricted and expansive,
and your inner vision can be clear and sharp.
Once the window has opened up, the inner space of
mind and heart will suddenly be enlightened.
You will be able to see many things in a clearer light.
After this, you will have a better understanding of the
truth about "Emptiness,"
and will better digest all "existing" afflictions.

Masks Of The Five Aggregates

The so-called "five aggregates" are:
Material Form (phenomena)
Feeling (sensations and feelings)
Thinking (conceptions of perceptions)
Volition or Mental Formation (the driving force of change and transformation)
Consciousness (discrimination and differentiation)
These "five aggregates" make up all outer,
impermanent, and changing conditions.
To find your "Buddha Nature," it is necessary to
relinquish all attachment to the "five aggregates."
Whether perceiving the "Emptiness" of the aggregates,
or relinquishing attachment to the aggregates, either one will do.
Complete "Emptiness" of the "five aggregates"
allows you to know how to recognize and experience
your inner nature - the true nature of the mind and heart.
If is just like when other people are wearing masks,
you can only recognize the masks,
but not the people themselves.
Detachment from the "five aggregates"
allows you to truly identify and experience the real face
behind the mask, your true nature.

Pursuit of Wealth

Question: For a businessman,
making money is the primary goal.
How does one contemplate and reflect on this
in order to gain true insight?
Will one fall into the trap of becoming too attached to
making money?

Master: No, you won't.
Because making money is "Emptiness,"
and not making money is also "Emptines."
So, it is okay to make money;
it is also okay not to make money.
When you need to make money,
it is not necessary to hesitate too much.
When you don't need to, then just leave it alone.

Question: Is it okay for a Buddhist practitioner to pursue wealth?

Master: Pursuit of wealth is "Emptiness."
Whether you pursue it or not,
there is not much of a difference.

Asking for Directions

If you desire liberation,
recognize the nature of "Emptiness"
and you will attain liberation.
If you desire no more reincarnation,
recognize the nature of "Emptiness,"
and there will be no more reincarnation.
Beside this, you should also recognize the "Self."
You have to first recognize the "Self,"
then you will be able to keep yourself under control.
How does one do this? Through inquiry/
If you don't know, you should inquire.
For example, when we are driving toward a destination,
if we shoudl ask someone for directions.
Sometimes, you even have to ask more than once.
You have accomplished the task only when you have
arrived at the destination.

Bubbles of Dream like illusion

All things and phenomena are but
bubbles and images of dreamlike illusion.
Everything that happened is like a dream, or like a dewdrop.
Whatever you see in front to our eyes is illusory,
dreamlike, and nothing other than "Emptiness."
So, is it really true that we have so much sorrow and sufering?
Or is it just that our mind and heart are not "letting go?"
Or is it that we have not sufficiently
developed the habit of "letting go" of the mind?
Chan meditation practice is learning to
let go of your mind and heart;
learning to release and relieve yourself.