Creating a Virtuous Cycle in 7 Steps

Today I want to further highlight how breaking out of the intensive care environment can create a virtuous cycle for all stakeholders. Long-term ventilation with Tracheostomy in ICU is usually a vicious cycle, with ventilator dependency, depression and hospital acquired infection at its core.

We can break out of this vicious cycle and create a virtuous cycle. Home intensive care nursing is an evolving and dynamic alternative for long-term mechanically ventilated adults & children with Tracheostomy and their families and it has become a massive success in other countries, in Europe in particular and I was very fortunate to gain insight and 'hands-on' experience in the Industry in Germany for a number of years.

In order to go the extra mile and create something of value for long-term mechanically ventilated adults & children with tracheostomy and their families, as well as for hospitals and intensive care units, INTENSIVE CARE AT HOME is extending services outside of the traditional intensive care approach, by looking at ways of how innovative and effective alternatives can be created in the context of:

1) Creating a virtuous cycle by dramatically improving quality of life outside of an icu environment - just by taking a long-term ventilated adult or a child with tracheostomy outside of the ICU environment back home, gives them and their family such a boost, with the natural consequence of feeling so much better.

2) Establishing quality of life that is focused around a holistic approach towards the ventilated adult or child in their own home, outside of ICU.

3) Establishing quality of life that is focused not only on the quality of life of the ventilated adult or child, but is also focused on the quality of life of the family- we all know how much time families spend in icu to be with their loved ones and essentially putting their life on hold, whilst feeling very stressed and outside of their comfort zone.

4) Creating and freeing up expensive resources for hospitals and ICU's in particular that can be used for more acute and sick patients that have a much higher need for critical care, in comparison to adults or children who are long-term ventilated with tracheostomy and have little or no quality of life in ICU.

5) Creating win-win situations for long-term ventilated adults & children with tracheostomy, their families, as well as for intensive care units and hospitals, in view of intensive care beds being one of the most expensive resources used in a hospital

6) Creating a quality solution outside of the traditional hospital approach, where intensive care trained nurses can contribute and use their specialist skills to make a massive difference to the quality of life of ventilated adults & children with tracheostomy and their families, whilst maintaining high quality nursing standards in a home care environment that enable the customer's quality of life to be the main focus.

7) Breaking out of the vicious cycle of long- term ventilation in ICU, where long term-ventilation triggers depression and depression causes long- term ventilation. On top of that - more often than not-long-term ventilated adults & children with tracheostomy in intensive care catch a hospital acquired infection that usually prolongs their already expensive stay in intensive care, adding on another loop to the vicious cycle and putting additional costs on to their already long list of expenses.

The list could probably go on and please leave your comments on our blog, as I have put this month's newsletter on our blog, as well as in the newsletter section.

Have a great weekend!

Badminton Essentials - Choosing a Badminton Bag

A badminton bag is used in carrying badminton rackets as well as other equipment like nets and shuttlecocks. It is rounded on one end, tapering at the other, roughly taking the shape of a racket. Depending on design and style, it can also carry as many as eight rackets, with separate compartments for shuttlecocks.

Kinds

Over-the shoulder: Over-the-shoulder badminton bags are lightweight and slim, with a long strap slung behind a shoulder. They can normally carry about one or two rackets and have compartments on the straps or outside of the bag for shuttlecocks.

Duffel: Duffel badminton bags, on the other hand, are large tote-like bags that come with compartments to house several rackets. They can carry a maximum of eight rackets and have zippered sections for accessories such as clothes and shoes at the sides. While a badminton bag generally tapers on one end, duffels are different. Some duffel badminton bags are cylindrical or rectangular, much like any regular sports bag.

Buying tips

When it comes to buying a badminton bag, look for one that can fit all your rackets for convenience, with extra room for new ones. Make sure your rackets all fit comfortably into the compartments, with at least an inch of clearance from the walls of the bag to the tips of your rackets. And since you're looking for convenience, choose a bag that is easy to carry around. If you're driving, look for a bag that you can quickly secure to your car's roof or will easily fit in the trunk. Cushioned handles are also a plus because they make it more comfortable for you to carry your bag.

Real Estate: Buyer's Agent, Seller's Agent & Dual Agent (defined and explained)

There is a relatively new and not always well understood practice in Real Estate sales; it is called Buyer Agency or Buyer's Agent. Until recently Realtors and agents usually represented the seller, in opposition to the buyer, during the real estate transaction. Even the real estate agent who drove you from home to home was not truly working on your behalf. By law, the agent was required to work on the seller's side in order to get the highest price and the best terms for the seller -- Period! Some agents still work this way.

In the last few years, first the law and now the practice of representation has changed. We have an entirely different set of options and agreements when we are buying real estate. These options were previously only available and utilized by large companies or wealthy individuals. In the past, the buyer would get a buyer's representative by paying a fee up front and usually by the hour, until the transaction was complete.

Twenty five years ago, as a personal agent for wealthy clients and companies, I charged and worked an average of 20 hours a week for $30 per hour, plus expenses, plus 10% of the transaction (or when I was the buyer's agent, a $2,000 retainer fee to start with and then $30 per hour and 10% of the amount below the listed price that I was able to obtain for my buyer. If there was financing involved I also was paid to find and obtain the best financing).

That has changed dramatically. As a buyer's agent, a signature on a buyer's agent contract from my buyer begins the transaction. Usually the same original commission fee that would have been paid by the seller is split and half goes to pay the buyer's agent. In some cases the selling agent does not set up any fee to the buyers agent, or a very reduced fee, such as those agencies that advertise 2% or 3% or 4% commissions to the sellers, etc. In that case the Buyer just picks up the missing commission and at settlement another 4% or 5% comes out of the transaction and goes to us as Buyer's Agent. In other words there is a guarantee from us that we are working ONLY for you the buyer and in exchange you guarantee us a commission of 5% - which is usually already taken care of, or at least part of it, in the seller's commission.

I can draw this division of fees out for you on paper if need be when we meet the first time. Bottom line; you don't pay any more and you get the absolute best representation.

The buyer's agency arrangement begins with the initial interview, continues through an initial selection of properties to investigate and view and then to contract negotiations. This culminates with the final settlement and transfer of funds for property. The buyer may choose to have an agent specifically committed to representing his best interests.

The great part for the buyer is that he/she gets the benefit of decades of experience and professional knowledge, all of our connections and reputation with those connections, and pays nothing until final close of transaction. Where else can you get the best possible professional service and pay nothing until it's complete and satisfactory. Will your doctor, lawyer, accountant, mason or carpenter do that... NO. We do, if you contract with us first. Otherwise we represent the seller at your expense! This is true of all Realtors by law. Which would you like?

Recently real estate laws in virtually every state are being rewritten to allow and suggest that the buyer have his own specific representative. If you are the buyer and have a buyer's agent, your agent will try to get you the best deal possible, even if that is NOT in the best interest of the seller.

Legally: "Buyer's Agency" is a relationship where the real estate agent is working FOR you with fiduciary responsibility (financial and legal responsibility). The agent is then legally bound to only the buyer and owes his entire loyalty and allegiance to the buyer alone.

In the past, and even most of the time today, all real estate agents and brokers represent the seller alone; to get the highest price for the seller. In fact seller's agents MAY NOT disclose fully all that they know about a property to the buyer as they seek the highest price. The relationship of a broker and agent is established in writing with the seller when the property is listed for sale in the "Listing Agreement".

In Delaware we are required to give each person we work with; buyer or seller; a written explanation regarding agency status. We have professionally written brochures that explain the "seller's agency" and it's opposite "buyer's agency". This agency disclosure must be explained, in writing, at the first significant contact of the agent with the buyer or seller.

Agents in our office talk with a great number of long-distance buyers over the phone. We must, when we finally meet in person, disclose and determine which position we will take with the person we are speaking with. Some agents work mostly as seller's agents; some work mostly as buyer's agents and some work as a dual agent (where we act as full representative to both buyer and seller). Regardless of the role the agent takes -- it should be fully and completely known by all agents, buyers and sellers involved -- and it should be in writing.

Let us now put this forward again:

Seller's Agent: has the full and complete and sole duty to obtain the best deal for the seller. The seller's agent is ONLY allowed to give the buyer material facts about the property. It is customary for a cooperating broker and agent to be a subagent to the seller's agency established by the brokerage that has the written contract with the seller to sell the property.

Buyer's Agent: has the full, complete and sole duty to obtain the best deal for the buyer. The buyer's agent may convey any and all information obtained in any fashion, including in depth investigations about the seller or the property.

Dual Agent: has to be legally and financially loyal to both parties. Dual agency occurs when a real estate agency is contracted to sell a home. That means they have the listing, and an agent from that same brokerage, working as a buyer's representative, shows that listing. Dual Agency must be disclosed and agreed to in writing by all parties. Some people feel that Dual Agency is potentially a conflict of interests. It can be unless the agent is fully honest to all parties and they are fully aware of and in agreement with that relationship. Here, the entire purpose of the dual agent is to get the best possible deal, in all it's components, for both the buyer and the seller.

There are, in general, two major personalities of buyer's agents. First is the agent who only and always represents buyers. The other is the agent who takes each transaction and each customer into account before making that decision. An agent who usually works as a buyer's agent, for instance, may NOT want to represent a particular buyer as that buyer's agent for one reason or another. The reason is usually one of some personality difference. As I put it, when speaking with a buyer whom I wish to represent "I will be your gladiator. I will do battle on your behalf, and at the expense of and against the interests of, the seller and the seller's agent."

The buyer's agent must still be honest, but he need not be fair. For instance, if the buyer's agent is able to find out that the seller is in big financial or personal trouble and that the seller has a small mortgage on the property or that there is some impending deadline for selling the property, then the buyer's agent will tell the buyer. Together they will use that information to get a great deal for the buyer at the seller's expense... it that is possible.

If I were a buyer, I would not even consider doing a real estate transaction without a buyer's agent to act on my behalf. I suggest that you are wise to do the same. If there are detailed and extensive negotiations that need to be done; such as unique and difficult terms that must be negotiated then (being the buyer) I'd ask that the buyer and the seller agree to have me as a dual agent. Whatever your choice, it should be in writing with your agent and must be known to all parties involved.

Copyright © 2001-2004 by www.JodyHudson.com

Great Things About GPS Vehicle Tracking Devices In Fleet Monitoring

In order to continuously keep track of the exact position of each vehicle along their transport route, it's critical to have a GPS tracking system. Implementing GPS technological innovation can improve traffic conditions as well as linking backend system and thereby, revolutionizing the fleet driving industry. One can see their progress on a map in a display, and ensures constant communication with the fleet throughout the entire journey

With a GPS vehicle tracking system, vehicle arrival times are predicted more accurately, unauthorised usage could very well be reduced and/or eliminated, and notification sent when a driver speeds or departs from the designated route. Even more rewards are increased safety and reliability guidance for drivers losing direction or for vehicle breakdowns. With leaps in mobile technology to deliver high-speed access, sharing and storage of ever larger quantities of vital information can today utilize cloud based computing and virtualisation that integrates and operates with other platforms.

Without waiting for historical details when it enters a non-reception area, the info is buffered until it can transmit as soon as signal is once more out there. Known originally as the Navstar Global Positioning System, the GPS (Global Positioning System) was first conceived at the Pentagon in 1973 in response to the demand for an error-proof satellite system. Further characteristics such as wireless communication, automatic downloads and two-way text messaging are right now out there for smart phones, PDAs and laptops.

Fleet enterprises who operate multiple delivery automobiles in the same transport consignment can deploy an superior kind of trailer tracking app. As more gadgets capable of numerous and versatile connectivity intersect with the next generation of implemented telematics, it is predicted that a corresponding explosion in on the internet and smartphone interoperability should be shortly expected to be very actively in operation. Improved connectivity performance between fleet control rooms and cab mobile, reduced driver distraction, and faster and easier upgradeable platforms are seen to become the cornerstones of dependable support to making sure continuity of new services.

In 1978 the first operating GPS satellite was launched and by the mid-1990s the system was completely operational with 24 orbiting satellites constantly transmitting radio signals. Fuel levels and other vehicle speeds are in addition monitored by alerts signalling a vehicle stopping. Within minutes, email reports and a record of vehicle maintenance are provided to the business owner which can have complete control over his cars in spite of a huge number of miles away from him.

Such information ensures safe, obtain and faster on- time delivery services as well as decreasing common concerns associated with delivering goods. The position, route, stops, and velocity of vehicle are among a few of the info provided to the business owner.

Gainey's Back In The Groove

With a newfound perspective on both his career and life, Tommy Gainey has finally gotten his first ever win at a PGA Tour event during the 2012 McGladrey Classic. I wonder if he can pull another upset and win the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Classic...

As this ongoing PGA Tour event signifies the end of the current season, it ironically represents the start of Gainey's "two-gloved" progress in his career and in his life as well. He's not just another funky golf swinger that's struggling to make a name for himself on the tour. He has become a formidable opponent and he's beginning to gain attention among his peers. Who can forget about all of his birdies dropping in to finish at 10-under-par 60?

In an interview with the press just before the event at Lake Buena Vista, Orlando, Florida, the unconventional swinger mentioned how his first PGA victory has changed his life.

"Winning the McGladrey was indeed the best thing that has happened to me," he explained. "Let's just say that a lot of players were coming up and saying congratulations and great playing. They know how difficult it is to win here and now I have finally won. It took a long time because I believed I played like 150 or something to finally get a single win. So it's really hard. And all of them saying well done, means a lot."

With that victory weeks behind him now, Gainey has set his sights on one goal - going to Augusta. The baseball-style golfer obviously doesn't lack motivation because his win did not include an invitation for next year's Masters, something he is still seeking to pursue through world rankings.

An inclusion in the top 30 season-ending money list will send him to Magnolia Lane; however this week's top prize ($846,000) is just not enough to really make it. He is currently ranked 56th in the money list with a recorded earnings of $1,524,703; he will need around $959,392 to be included in that list.

Even if Gainey won't be able to go to Augusta National riding on a win at this Disney-sponsored classic, he'll be able to get there by winning a staple tour event at the FedEx Cup right before the Masters next spring. He can also reach it if he cracks the top 50 in world rankings either at the end of the year or a week before the coveted Masters. Either way, a win this week would definitely guarantee him a spot in the U.S. Open next year.

How to Capture Your Kids Memories - Digital Scrapbooking for Parents

I remember becoming a parent in 2001 for the first time. Was I elated. Actually I was on a big high all throughout my pregnancy like I had done the greatest feat in the world. But when my daughter was born, I wanted to capture every smile of hers, every inch of her growth. I wanted to be able to keep a record of how many times she does pee and poo in a day. I did what I could best at the time - jot it all down in a paper journal.

I did it earnestly for first few years and then the process became tedious and I started journalling once in a few months. Soon it was only on her birthday that I wrote her a letter.

With my second one born in 2004, I had no time to even click picture forget about writing anything down on paper.

I was discussing this with a fellow mom the other day (These days all I seem to discuss with other people is school, hobby classes, kids, and maids anyway.) She suggested that I try Digital scrap-booking. I had never heard of the term and decided to Google it and understand more.

Digital Scrapbooking is a way for you to highlight your precious photos and memories by overlaying these photos and memories on beautifully designed professional templates. You can also decorate your templates with alphabets, embellishments like buttons, ribbons and stickers and try out different textured papers - all digital in nature and all FREE. Some sites require that you download a software and then create scrapbooks while others allow you to do so online without any downloads. All you have to do is upload the picture and write a journal entry. That's it! Your online memory gets created and can be shared online instantly with friends and family.

Best part is that some of these now have mobile apps and sms integration so I can capture the unique moments in my kids' lives as soon as it happens, even while I am on the move, or while I am waiting for them in an after-school class.

I am really having the time of my life digging up the old pictures and chronicling my memories to preserve them for ever. Every time my daughters say something beautiful, it gets rare when they are over ten years, I capture it using my phone in my online digital scrapbook. I wish I had had this option when my girls were still little and the innocent words were easy to come by.

So if you are a parent who is busy and want an easy way to keep a record of your parenting moments, Digital scrapbooking is your answer.

Study Habits for Middle School Students

Ohhh I still remember when I was at Middle school, those beautiful days. At the beginning of each year, everything was very nice, new friends, new teachers some times, playing football and running from one side to the other all the time... Anyway it was beautiful "at the beginning of course" hahaha, because over time, the headaches started to appear.

You guys know what I'm talking about, when I say headaches right?

Yes that's right, tests, exams, many subjects, homework; ugh it was a big headache to put everything in my little head...

But well, we cannot do anything about it, we really have to study to acquire more knowledge... otherwise in the future we will be a Joe nobody (and nobody wants that);

Although the classes are boring, and we have so many pages to study, and many formulas to memorize, it is our duty, to know how to study, and have the best grades to step up to the next year and let our parents happy.

You should have good grades not only to glad your parents, but to glad yourself, because in the future, you will have a better profession, and you will be the person who will benefit most.

In middle school there are many more disciplines than in elementary school, and usually, the student may not be accustomed to so many disciplines, and may end up shuffling. It is very important to know how to organize your notes, because later you will need them when you're studying, and if they are organized, it will be easier to find each subject.

Summaries, summaries, summaries, much attention to it, always write the summary, always! As we all know the summary contains the topics that are spoken in the classroom. If you ever decide to study for a test, and you are not quite sure what you have to study, or where to start, you know where you have to search, right? Open your notebook, and check the summaries, you will find everything you need.

Another crucial tip is to study daily. I do not recommend creating the habit of studying only on the eve of exams or tests, because besides you stay too stressed, and do not manage to retain everything in the brain, you will accumulate a lot of subjects, and it will be hard to put everything in the head, in a short time.

Now imagine that you have 2 - 3 or 4 tests in a week? How are you going to study everything at once on the eve? It's impossible... you will get so stressed, and your head will "KABOOM"!

Maybe you can manage to pass on some tests, but most of the tests will go all wrong, trust me.

Well I gave you, some tips on how to get good study habits in middle school, read and follow what I said, and you will have good results, do not forget to pay close attention in class, write everything on paper and take notes of what the teacher say.

Good luck buddy!

Bad Breath and Gingivitis

Does this sound familiar to you? My dentist and hygienist mentioned that I had irritated gums as they cleaned my teeth. This is a symptom of gingivitis. Gingivitis can be a stepping stone to major problems in the mouth and gum line. It can lead to periodontal disease, which is a much more serious problem with the potential for actual bone loss.

Halitosis (bad breath) could be related to a gingivitis infection as both are caused by bacteria. Red, swollen and/or bleeding gums characterize gingivitis. These symptoms are most evident upon flossing and sometimes from brushing.

Bacteria cause gingivitis. And bacteria are considered to be responsible for bad breath.

Sometimes, I could even see the bloodstains that the hygienist quietly wiped away with a towel. It was embarrassing enough to know that I wasn't controlling my gingivitis problem, but to know that she was actually trying not to make a big deal out of it was troubling.

I knew my dentist was concerned because she gave me a bottle of alcohol based mouthwash to try and mentioned that she wanted to see how I looked next time. I don't like using it; there is too much alcohol and the taste is not very pleasant. Alcohol may also dry the mucous membranes in the mouth.

The Problem

Bacteria can stick to your teeth and secrete acid onto them contributing to cavity formation. They can also infect the gums, particularly around the gum line, causing gingivitis. This can manifest initially as bleeding and irritated gums.

Having a lot of uncontrolled bacteria multiplying in the mouth may also lead to bad breath, but there is a natural and normal amount of bacteria in the mouth, and you will never completely get rid of them all, nor would you want to.

Theory has it that it is actually the anaerobic bacteria that live in the tongue and throat that produce sulfur that in turn produce hard to get rid of bad breath. These anaerobes create VSCs or volatile sulfur compounds. One type is the familiar rotten egg smell. There are other odors coming from VSCs as well. These sulfur-producing bacteria may feed on certain foods, like coffee, alcohol and meats.

A gingivitis problem can offer a way for bacteria to easily enter your blood stream and that can lead to additional problems. Systemic infections could come from this. Gingivitis can be something that makes your gums bleed easily in a mild case or it can be the root of deep gum recession, leading to bone loss in the worse case scenarios. (Periodontal disease)

Loss of gum line can be discouraging. A friend of mind once described the process as, "getting long in the tooth". Sometimes, people experience this problem by brushing too hard. TIP: Using a soft bristled toothbrush with the type of motion that your hygienist recommends may help prevent eroded gum lines.

Treatment and Prevention

Had you ever heard of under-the-gum cleanings? This could be part of the protocol your dentist might invoke, should you develop periodontal disease. If you know people that have had an under-the-gum cleaning; they may tell you that it is not very pleasant.

Your dentist can deal with this problem in a variety of ways. However, prevention probably is the best option. Include good flossing and brushing habits - see your dentist for details. And you could add a non-alcohol based mouthwash alternative to your regimen.

I'm currently using a special toothbrush that uses vibration to clean the teeth. This device does a better job than a regular toothbrush in keeping my teeth clean. It does take a little while to get used to because of the vibration. It makes many, many vibrations per second. This helps to give it such wonderful cleaning abilities.

Don't feel sad if you have excellent oral health habits but you still have bad breath. This is common and many people experience this same situation. Oral health products that don't contain sodium lauryl sulfates or artificial flavors that can still kill the bacteria that cause bad breath without using harsh alcohol or tough chemicals may be helpful.

I am not a dentist. This article is for information purposes only. This article is not meant for diagnosis, treatment or prevention nor is it meant to give advice. If you have or suspect you have gingivitis, periodontal disease or any other dental problems, visit your dentist for a consultation.

Discussion Boards Made Easy

What is a forum? A forum is a website platform used to create an online community. This online community will have common interests, they usually find by typing in google. If you look at EasyForums.org, you will notice a broad category of subforums. This allows users to pick their interests and ask questions, make comments, take polls, send private messages to others and make friends.

Why should I join a forum? Joining a forum is a great way to gain knowledge about a specific topic, communicate with others and to express yourself! Let's say you want to learn more about, "how to grill." Joining a grilling forum will allow members to learn all they want by taking advantage of what that forum offers them. Most forums are free to join, so there is really no disadvantages of joining a forum of your choice.

Lets take a closer look at a forum, easyforums.org is a free forum to join, and there is sure to be a niche or topic you will like. The discussion boards are made easy on this website.

This is what I mean by easy...

E=eating A=activity S=service Y=you

Easy Forums is divided up into 4 categories, under these categories you will find several subforums of your choice. If you were to click under the E=eating category, you would be able to talk about grilling, favorite foods, drinks, easy recipes, 30 minute meals and more!

By clicking A=activity, you would find discussions about free activities, celeb gossip, easy hobbies, adult fun and more.

S=service is great to talk about different services of your interest.

Y=you is all topics about you! There is sure to be something you want to talk about in this subforum.

EasyForms.org is just one example of a large forum. Simply go to Google and type in an interest of your choice and type forums after it. You will be able to surf the web and find a forum of your choice. Remember that most forums are free, however, some of them charge a fee to join.

Joining a forum is a great way to learn something new, to ask other peoples opinion on topics who have the same interests as you, ask questions, ready articles, watch videos and more. Registering is easy, simply type your user information and confirm your account within your email you use for the forum.

Use Forums to Generate Traffic and Backlinks

Forums can be used as an extremely powerful tool to generate targeted traffic and backlinks to your blog or website. If you want to succeed in making money online, then you must make use of forums in your internet marketing business. Forums have been known to generate a lot of traffic if used to full potential.

Generally, forums are niche specified and hence its members have a common goal or interest for that particular niche. So you can find the one and start promoting your blog or website there. Joining such a forum gives you a place where the people are already interested in your niche and you can use your marketing techniques to gain people's attention.

To find such a forum, you can search in Google for some of the top forums in your niche. Joining and signing up is generally free. Once you have find the one which you feel good for promoting your online business, join it and fill your details, profile and everything required.

All forums are generally designed to share, discuss and review certain ideas and opinions. You need to gain confidence and recognition amongst members of the forum. For that you need to remain extremely active in the forum. Make sure that you make at-least ten posts a day. Try to provide valuable information and always be ready to socialize with other members. The more you interact with people and help them, more will people know about you and will trust you.

You can use signature of your posts to leave a link ( no affiliate link) back to your blog or website. This serves as a great source of traffic once you have gained authority in the forum. You can increase your subscribers and potential customers significantly. Also, it helps in providing backlinks to your blog. The more you post in the forum, more your backlinks appear and more you will get the link juice to your blog.

You can even look to promote you own products. You can offer a discount exclusively for the members of the forum. This is an excellent way to make some quick money online. But for that you need to have a good authority which comes eventually if you keep on working. Some forums even have the facility to review other sites and blogs. You can ask for opinions for your own blog and look for your strong and weak areas.

How CEO's Can Use Axiology To Improve The Bottom Line Part I

In today's fast-paced business world, CEO's are trying to keep up with change and adapt to the global marketplace, constantly searching the horizon for an edge over the competition.

One thing they overlook is very close to home. In fact it is just down the hall from them.

It's their very own employees.

By learning how to unlock the hidden potential of your employees and executives you can create multiple leverage points for your business that your competition cannot duplicate because it's unique to you. Your employee mix is yours and yours alone. You owe it to your company to get the best from your employee's; their minds, their strengths and their keen abilities.

Imagine if all employees utilized all their strengths and could know and understand the roadblocks that hold them back? Playing at the "top of their game" they would make better decisions for the company, help reduce expenses and contribute to higher profits.

So much can be achieved by simply knowing a person's strengths. It can help build confidence in their ability to make and carry out decisions. It's as critical to know the areas in which they need help. Create an atmosphere where people are not afraid to ask for help or guidance.

Employees become more willing to ask for help before a situation becomes critical if they accept, that like others, they are not perfect and nobody really "knows it all". This fear of asking for help holds people back and stunts the growth of companies. When nothing holds a person back, he/she can surge forward with the power and confidence of someone on a mission.

So the question to ask is, "How do we structure a program for our people to discover their true strengths and their roadblocks to achievement?"

The answer is a little known science called Axiology, the study of values and judgments. The Value Profile is the tool of Axiology that unlocks a person's hidden value. It reveals how you can make better decisions based on how you think and what you value.

Here is a scenario to give you an idea on how Axiology and the Value Profile help CEO's obtain greater leverage from an employee's strength.

The CEO, lets call him Richard, has to make a tough decision. He needs to expand his company in order to keep ahead of the competition. Richard decides to put someone in charge of a Special Projects team to determine where the company's best opportunities for the future are.

Using the Value Profile, Richard can accurately measure and compare possible candidates for the position. There are 120 different critical areas with pinpoint and objective information that can be obtained from each individual.

The first section of the report determines a person's skill in Deciding What Needs to Be Done. This report measures a candidate's ability to decide what issues are relevant and what issues require attention. The findings would provide insight on the candidate's ability to rely on analytical as well as "gut" instincts, both critical allies to executives making important decisions.

The profile also provides laser accuracy into how well a candidate "sees the big picture" and how the pieces of the picture fit together to make a whole.

Added insights include measuring ability to use practical thinking and the ability to project a goal into the future and develop a plan to attain it.

In the second section of the report, Developing a Strategy, Richard gains insights on the candidate's ability to plan and manage the project. This is the only tool that provides you with specifics of how each candidate can plan for consequences of actions and decisions, and how he reacts to crises. As a CEO, it's more important than ever for you to know which candidate best knows how to quickly identify the source of a problem and the factors relating to the problem.

You can know which candidate has the best combination of skills to manage the project and move your company forward if you know who has the ability to come up with alternative solutions for problems and who can control the flow of events.

But it doesn't stop there. You can take an even closer look at your selection of candidates. In the third section of the report you take out your magnifying glass and see the management abilities of the candidates.

Utilizing this section of the report, Richard can benchmark each candidate's ability to identify problems and critical issues. You know how well they can determine what needs to be done and whether or not they know how to do it in the most effective manner.

Another component of the report tells you if they can determine and understand what is needed to carry out your objectives, whether they are clear about potential problems and the abilities of their people to resolve those situations.

The last part of this section provides Richard with a clear picture of which candidates are best equipped to create an efficient process or manage a system that others can follow.

These are a few of the many insights Axiology and the Value Profile can provide Richard and other CEO's who want to fulfill the vision they have for the future of their company.

There's more to come; this is the first part of a three part article series. In the second article Richard, our CEO, will discover how he can assess the candidates' organizational abilities, inner drive to succeed, and how much of a self-starter each candidate is.

(c) 2004, Team Results Inc. and Axelrod & Associates, All rights in all media reserved. Reprint rights granted so long as the article and the by-lines are reprinted intact.

Effectively Using Online Social Networking For Business

Tapping into online social networking sites has become a very effective strategy used by many for business expansion! Although this particular strategy does require a certain amount of diligence insofar as building relationships FIRST, it is a great way to boost sales!

Here are 3 simple but important tips to keep in mind when using these communities to help you boost sales for your business!

Be Yourself

Taking the time to be casually social is always the first and most important step when building relationships on these sites! You need to be yourself when connecting with people otherwise you will be identified as a insincere and likely banished from any other attempts at interacting! People looking to do nothing more than promote their products need not attempt to use these sites since you'll be wasting your time and that of others!

Actively Listen

Do not get caught up in the 'nasty' habit of simply waiting for a chance to speak when taking part in any discussions! First of all you'll learn little about the other participants as well as likely offering input or comments unrelated to the current conversation! Actively listening means to hear what others are really saying therefore putting yourself in the position to contribute value when you do respond! The best strategy for building relationships at these communities is to demonstrate you really care and can even be of help! Listen carefully to the conversation will help you accomplish both of these objectives! This is the single biggest and most effective way to get accepted and is not at all difficult to do!

Connect With The 'Experts'

Networking with those 'in the know' is another highly recommended strategy when visiting these social communities! After a while it will become easy for you to identify others who have similar interests to yours! Determining their level of authority in the field can be done by observing how many followers they have or how others react to their comments! It is these people you'll want to connect with since they can be extremely helpful by sharing their knowledge and even assisting you in your own business expansion online!

Leveraging the viral potential online social networking sites can offer is a popular way many use for their business expansion on the internet! However to make the best use of the efforts you invest in building relationships at these sites to help you boost sales, there are 3 things you need to keep in mind! The 3 simple tips offered above are aimed at helping you gain the greatest benefit you can when working within these communities to boost sales! Simply keep in mind these sites are all about building relationships and your failure to do so will only result in you wasting your time otherwise!

Several Highly Effective Viral Marketing Techniques

Viral marketing refers to the different marketing techniques that are used to achieve the various marketing objectives such as brand awareness, traffic building etc. This type of marketing can be delivered with the help of different mobile network specially internet. The viral marketing is present in too many forms such as text messages, video clips, web pages, flash games, ebooks, emails, images or different kind of softwares. Following are some very useful viral marketing techniques that should be very helpful to you in growing your online business.

Videos

Upload some educational, interesting and entertaining videos to the Meta café, YouTube and other video sharing websites. Try to capture the deep imaginations of the people. Today different video editing softwares are available. With the help of these softwares anyone can easily create and edit videos just like the expert editors.

Social Media Websites

It is really very hard to get the success without participating in the different social media sites like twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Myspace etc. It is also true that hotmail and some other service providers achieved the viral marketing success before the advent of these above mentioned social media networks. But today it is also very important to take up yourself with the latest trends of the business and the latest trend of viral marketing are just possible through various social media sites.

Articles

If you can write articles which are well written and offer good value to the readers then this is not out of the realm of possibility that one or more than one of your articles could work as viral marketing articles. All you have to do is to write informative, relevant and high quality content and then allow this content to be syndicated. Remember, if you are not a decent article then do not try to push yourself to write some articles. You can easily get the services or assistance of experience writing services, which can write articles for you at reasonable prices.

High Quality Newsletters

Newsletters are an excellent way to keep your clients informed about your business. It also has superb potential of viral marketing. In order to take the full benefit of the potential of newsletters it is highly recommended that always encourage your readers or clients to pass your newsletters to other people. Just like articles you can get some high quality newsletters inexpensively and quickly through the different reputable writing services.

The Girl Next Door

When you think about the girl next door, usually it brings pleasant thoughts. She is a lady we have seen around, exchanged greetings and smiles - walked away feeling good. The part about feeling good has a lot to do with the calm atmosphere and the casual meeting. There was no crowd, no expectations of trying to be picked up, and you were not concerned about being rejected. Instead, it was you and a lady exchanging some small talk with no pressure or competition. Over time as you get to know each other the conversation may get a little more personal and you may decide to get together for dinner or drinks. It seems to come natural.

In a club, the atmosphere is completely different. There is competition and much more intensity in the air. The women don't know who you are and if they seen you around, they can only judge you by your actions - which may be effected by alcohol. When you do walk up to one of these ladies in a club, right away you are inviting her to go out, have a drink, etc., without her really knowing who you are. No wonder this type of atmosphere is ripe with rejection. Granted a lady may get to know you in a club over time, but there always seems to be another guy around the corner trying to take your place. Probably this competition is the reason for the hurried invite for a personal connection. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. But I bet, must guys have had more then their share of rejections in a club and really don't care for the feeling.

Meeting a girl online is similar to the girl next door concept. She may not be next door, but the atmosphere of little pressure, casual conversation and getting to know each other by online exchange (email, online chatting, etc.), make it a more pleasant feeling. In time, this exchange may blossom into more then friendship. If sparks connect, you will find yourself in love with the girl next door though she may be miles even oceans away.

A lady in a bar who doesn't know who you are, may say no for that reason alone. She may get to know you in time, but more then likely you have asked her out before she got the chance to know who you are. After a guy has been rejected, more then likely he won't return to the scene of the accident. You may tell yourself you will let the lady get to know you before making any advances, which is not a bad idea, but by the time she gets to know you, three other guys have asked her out. The girl next door concept in a bar could work, but the competition and the odds are stacked against you.

With the girl next door concept on the internet, you get to know each other before asking intimate questions. And when the time comes to invite the lady into a romantic encounter, she knows who you are and rejection is less likely. Granted, there are jerks on the net whose first email may say "baby, I want to make love to you all night," but that line seems out of place for a first email. Yet that same line may not seem so out of place the first time you meet a lady in a club. See the difference? I doubt if you would say "baby, I want to make love to you all night" the first time you meet your new lady neighbor. Yet in a club, after a few drinks, you will say just that and it is almost expected.

You can see why the girl next door concept works well with online dating. Ladies get to know the guys, rejection is less, and finding love is more likely. I can't imagine a better way to get to know the girl next door then from the comfort of your home and computer. The girl next door is as close as your fingers on the keyboard - you just got to go out and find her. With so many online dating services, finding the girl next door should be as easy as ringing her door bell.

Modern Furniture: A Staging Must!

When it comes to selling your property, there is no doubt about it, you need to appeal to the masses. This means that your 15 year old living room set won't cut it. There are, however some simple solutions that can help you modernize the look of your home, without necessarily breaking the bank. For instance, if you were planning on updating your furniture once you've moved into your new house, it may be wise to do so right away and move the furniture once your house is sold. Certain items such as chairs and sofas can be re-upholstered to give them a fresh new look. You can also invest in inexpensive accessories that will attract the buyer's attention to a more modern decor while preventing your old comfy couch from becoming an eyesore.

As a first step, you will need to determine which furnishing items you will be keeping once you are in the new house and which ones you will be replacing. It is crucial that this step be taken immediately as it will go a long way in helping you sell your home. It is wise and even recommended that the furniture you are planning on replacing after you move, be replaced immediately. It's time to go shopping! Yes it may be a hassle to buy it all now and then move it once the house is sold but remember that if buyers are not making offers because the house doesn't appeal to then, you may never be buying all this furniture, whereas buyers will be more likely to make an offer on a house they see themselves living in. Although they will not be buying your furniture, it is the overall look of the house that has to speak to the buyer. You need to guide their imagination and show them how nice it can be.

Although you are planning to move, you may not be planning on purchasing new furniture. After all, why throw away such good comfortable furniture that has already been broken into. There is also a simple solution for that. Slip covers for sofas, love seats and armchairs are a fantastic and inexpensive way to breathe new life into your dated living room set. For the bedrooms, whenever possible remove any headboards with a dated took and use fresh modern linen to dress your beds. Set the dining table with modern plates and a bright centerpiece to attract attention away from the older table. Re-upholster chairs for a fresh modern look. If your rooms are over flowing with furniture, it will be important to get some of it out of the house and arrange to store it until your house is sold.

Last but not least, you can use decorative items and accessories to attract the buyer's attention and tone down the dated look. Bright, bold and contrasting colors tend to attract the eye. The buyer will be focused on the colorful item and will probably be less likely to notice the dated decor. The most important accessories you can modernize are your window coverings. They are a dead giveaway and no matter how expensive and chic they are, if they are from another time, it will be a turnoff to the modern buyer. Other examples of using accessories to deter attention can be a contrasting colored throw placed on an older couch, which will catch the buyer's eye. The same is true for an old dresser. You can easily invest in a colorful, modern vase to offset the age of the dresser. Adding art to your walls will also have the same effect. The idea is to tone down the older furniture by enhancing it with modern accessories.

In the end, you do not have to buy or rent new furniture to stage your house. You simply need to give buyers what they are looking for and if that is a modern look and feel, there are ways of doing it without spending thousands on furniture you don't necessarily like. If you are going to be changing your furniture, by all means, buy it and stage your house with it. It will go a long way. If this purchase is not part of your plan or your budget, you can use re-upholstering as an effective alternative to bring your old items into the twenty first century. alternately, you can also use modern decorative accessories to give your buyers the impression of a modernized look. The options are plenty and the more modern the look, the more likely you are to sell quickly.