Archive for May, 2008

Creating, Recognizing & Measuring Value

Thursday, May 29th, 2008

By George Torok Price is what you pay - value is what you get.Warren Buffett, Chairman of Berkshire Securities Deliver value that your customers recognize, appreciate and reward. If you want your customers to value what you offer - you must demonstrate that you value them. Value implies trust so start by building trust. Always under-promise and over-deliver. Be known for keeping your promise and then some. Be honest. Never promise what you cannot deliver. Don’t confuse value with cost. A product’s value is almost never equal to its cost. For example, your product might cost you $2 and you sell it for $10. The value to you is $10. The value to the customer will usually be more than the selling price. If it was only worth $10 to the customer then they have no motivation to buy. But if the value to them is greater than the selling price, they are motivated to trade their money for something of greater value. It may be worth $25 to the customer. Then they will gladly give up $10 of their money for the product. The more that value exceeds the cost of the purchase, the more the customer will want to buy from you. Always offer value that is greater than the price they pay. Your challenge is to ensure the customer sees much more value than their cost. The Value FormulaHow can value be so different from cost? Examine the following formula, then discover where you can concentrate your efforts to enhance value. Total value = real value + perceived value Let’s take it apart to understand it. Real value comprises the tangibles. It is relatively easy to measure. Real value can be expressed in this manner: Real value = function/cost Function is what the product or service does in mechanical or analytical terms. Imagine you are buying a new car. If you are shopping for the best real value, you would get the most function efficient ground transportation for the lowest cost. You could measure the car’s function factor by comparing it with the cost of your practical alternatives; public transit, car pooling, taxi, bicycle, limousine, various car models. You might wish to consider the costs of these alternatives in terms of time and inconvenience. What does your new car give you that these other modes of transportation don’t? Having determined the new car’s function factor, you can divide it by its cost. Is its function worth more to you than its cost? If so, the new car has real value. At the end of your analysis you would buy the cheapest car. Not necessarily. Remember that what you are willing to pay for your car is based on the total value to you, which is a factor of both real and perceived value. So, sometimes without realizing it, you assign value to less quantifiable benefits and buy something that you like. Liking is not part of real value, it is part of a product’s perceived value. Perceived Value = belief x emotion Compared with real value, perceived value is more difficult to measure directly. Yet it can have greater impact on total value. Perceived value is the product of belief times emotion. It is influenced by intangibles such as image, credibility, beauty and feelings - all the benefits you should emphasize in your marketing efforts. Emphasizing your perceived value is the surest way to differentiate yourself from the competition - and gain you more profit. Perceived value is what makes a brand name more valuable than a no-name. Nike is one example of a company that built a fortune on perceived value. As individuals we think differently, perceive differently, and place different values on things. Beware of that. Use it to your advantage. When your prospect wants to negotiate price, remember to build up your product’s perceived value. How can you enhance the value of what you sell? If you are only looking at the cost of paper and ink then you are forcing yourself to compete in the commodity game. Instead find ways to emphasize the value of your relationship, the creative, - the intangibles. Always deliver real value too but compete on the perceived value. George Torok is co-author of the national bestseller, “Secrets of Power Marketing”, the first guide to personal marketing for the non-marketer. He delivers training programs and inspirational speeches to corporations and associations. To arrange for your speech or training program call 905-335-1997. To receive your free copy of the special guide, “50 Power Marketing Ideas” and subscribe to monthly marketing tips visit http://www.PowerMarketing.ca Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=George_Torok http://EzineArticles.com/?Creating,-Recognizing-and-Measuring-Value&id=165152 quick business loan cash advance settlement multiple payday loans texas car loan bad credit history

Apron Pattern

Monday, May 26th, 2008

By Steve Knowles Are you aware that an apron is a universal uniform these days? Many people use it in their daily activities at work and around the home. The clothing of the person wearing one is protected by the apron and can be shown with pride as an employee of an establishment. Restaurants around the world wear these wonderful pieces of clothing every day. Many occupations wear aprons as the crux of their uniform. The purpose of the uniform determines the design of the apron. Various patterns may be used to create a unique style and presence for the business or individual. An apron pattern can vary greatly, for instance, the material is quite commonly made out of cotton but can also be found in denim and canvas. Traditionally the design is hung over the head and tied around the waist. The apron pattern has changed little over the centuries as it works and works well. Apron pattern ’s though can have some individuality if the owner desires. You can quite commonly find an apron pattern to suit you by surfing the internet. Although you will have to be rather specific in your search if you are looking for a particular design. You should also look for apron pattern ’s that come with detailed instructions for the sewing and finishing. Do you wish it to be functional or have entertainment value? Usually the two do not go hand in hand. For instance the Statue Of David apron is not considered appropriate for a formal occasion or most businesses but will be a funny inclusion in a BBQ environment. Look for apron patterns that are easy to make and do not cost much money to produce. Choose your style and stick to your personality traits and you will be extremely happy with the results.And when all is said and done, have fun. For more information about aprons go to http://www.apronweb.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Knowles http://EzineArticles.com/?Apron-Pattern&id=468145 unsecured personal loan for bad credit bad credit car loan collinsville working capital loans for short periods oregon online phone loans

The Ideal Religion

Sunday, May 18th, 2008

By Richard Sem Lets pretend that a wise holy man, inspired by God Himself, is revealed today. Lets further pretend that he presents us with the Meaning of Life, the answer to at least some of the eternal questions that have vexed us since we climbed down out of the trees. What would happen to his words and deeds? Most likely dozens of pundits and experts would pop out of the woodwork and author dozens of books analyzing every word and nuance of the message. Within a year or two theologians would be interpreting each others interpretations and disputes would arise. Within a decade the original Meaning of Life would be lost in a flurry of sects, rituals and rules. This somewhat pessimistic and over-simplified scenario is a reflection of human natures irresistible tendency to take a sacred concept and, over time, to ritualize, bureaucratize and reinterpret into something very different. As discussed under What would Jesus, Moses and Mohammad Think, I doubted that the myriad denominations that evolved from their words and work were what they had at all intended. I cant believe that they ever imagined the colossal, wealthy and aristocratic bureaucracies that were formed in their names, let alone the superior, judgmental and angry viewpoints that often followed. So, what might they have hoped for? What legacy would a prophet hope to leave behind? How would he or she have seen his or her followers acting a century or two after his or her passing? What would be the structure of their ideal religion, if they had at all intended the formation of a faith and long-term following? What might be the ideal religion? I should first of all mention that my perspective comes out of Christianity because that was my upbringing, but I would think these concepts would apply for any tradition of faith. We might consider, then, the earliest Christians, who didnt yet call themselves Christians. In the early days they met in each others homes, often over a meal, prayed together, and discussed their common history and beliefs. No formal church, with all its rituals and rules, had yet formed, although the Judaic rules and rituals were mostly still followed. Over time, of course, disagreements arose over Jesus words and intentions and over whom or what he actually was. Leaders, such as Paul, eventually stepped forward, imposed structure and interpretation, and we were off and running. Note that bibles were not widely available until the sixteenth century and, besides, most people were illiterate during those early centuries, so it was more necessary for them to depend upon others to read and interpret for them. But could we step back and re-form a faith closer to what Jesus, or the other prophets, might have hoped for? For me, such a faith would be one with an elemental foundation, such as certain holy books (with the possibility that others might be later considered and added), a belief in God and, in the case of Christians, at least an acceptance that Jesus existed and was a holy man worthy of emulation and study. Some general codes of morality such as the Ten Commandments and Golden Rule might be included. Congregates would periodically gather together to study, discuss and pray. Leaders might be elected, but their duties would not include imposing rituals or interpretations. While chapters and verses would be studied and discussed, the overall intentions of the prophet(s) would not be forgotten. I fear that I am naive, that such a congregation couldnt exist for long without falling to the siren song of bureaucracy and a theology of rules and rituals. After all, Utopian philosophies never succeeded because they didnt take into account the fact that greed for power and influence happens, that some will inevitably lead for their own gratification, and that many will follow no matter what. But perhaps this age of the Internet will allow for a discourse closer to the founders intent than anything that has come along so far. We can hope. For more, see my blog at www.therestofus.net. Dick Sem Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Sem http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Ideal-Religion&id=430627 loan with personal check best payday loans how can i get a construction loan with bad credit cash advances

How To Connect Cell Phone To PC?

Wednesday, May 14th, 2008

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Mike_Singh]Mike Singh These days, people are getting ever more reliant on technology. This is particularly true of communications technology. I remember the days when I had never even seen a cell phone. Today I consider it a gross dereliction of duty to step out of my front door without being completely 100% contactable for every minute of every day. This state of affairs is not just true for business people, it is not even limited to adults, and increasingly kids are keeping in contact with their parents, their coach, their friends and their piano teacher by cell phone, usually to explain why they will be late for an appointment it seems. However, regardless of the fact that this communications revolution involves everyone, there are certain people in certain industries that are far more reliant on communications technology then the rest of us. For these people it is crucial that they can get online, read their emails, and do a host of other tasks that require internet access. Their life has been made a lot easier by certain new technologies such as hotspots and blue tooth. With these new services, you can walk into virtually any coffee shop or airport lobby in the world, open up your laptop and you will immediately be online. This is a truly amazing advance on the connectivity that people could previously achieve and has removed a lot of the need for things such as internet kiosks and phone booths. However, there will be times when you simply cannot get to a star bucks. Difficult as it is to believe, there are still places in the world where you can be stuck without instant internet access and this can be a serious problem for some people in tight situations. Examples of this could include when you are on a train or in a car, when you are broken down at the side of the road, when you are in a small town far from major cities etc. In any of these circumstances, you may need to get online fast but dont know how. Well, the solution is to revert to something that many people did in the past but stopped when the technology moved on. That is connecting your laptop to your laptop and using that to get online. All you need is a cell phone that supports data transmission, which today includes virtually all phones, and a blue tooth, infra red or data cable connection between your phone and your pc. What are you waiting for? Give it a shot! Visit http://www.1-stop-cell-phones.com/ to read articles about [http://1-stop-cell-phones.com/cell-phone-accessories/handsfree-for-sanyo-cellular-phones/]sanyo 8100 handsfree speakerphone set and [http://1-stop-cell-phones.com/cell-phone-accessories/usb-data-cable-for-sanyo-4900-rl4920-5300-8100-8200/]usb data cable sanyo. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Singh http://EzineArticles.com/?How-To-Connect-Cell-Phone-To-PC?&id=215982 personal loans online bad credit direct deposit unsecured bad credit loan 100 payday loans high limit instant cash advance credit card bad credit

Isn’t There But One God?

Friday, May 9th, 2008

By David Butcher I heard a pastor say, regarding people of the Muslim faith, Too bad they are praying to the wrong God! This was during a Sunday morning sermon. I flinched. Doesnt the Bible say that there is only one God? I believe it does. I found at least six scripture references: Mal 2:10 Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us? why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, by profaning the covenant of our fathers? Mar 12:32 And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he: 1Cr 8:6 But to us [there is but] one God, the Father, of whom [are] all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom [are] all things, and we by him. Eph 4:6 One God and Father of all, who [is] above all, and through all, and in you all. 1Ti 2:5 For [there is] one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Jam 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. I recall Osama Bin Laden asking, during one of his taped messages, Where was your God . . .? (during the September 11 attacks in 2001). I also recall that only about 10% of the number of people that are usually in the twin towers died that day. Did our God not take care of the other 90%? Did their God not help them in their mission? It seems to me that one God dealt with both factions the best He could and still keep His promises. Does it matter that some call God Jehovah? Should it matter if some label their Lord by the name Buddha, or Mohammed, or Jesus? Should it matter if they refer to the Bible or to the Koran? Is not a rose by any other name still a rose? Are we not all brothers and sisters, regardless of religion, or politics, or color of our skin, or geography? I remember a scene in the movie, “Oh, God!”, in which George Burns, as God, answers a question from religious leaders about Jesus, Mohammed, and Buddha. He stated, as best I recall, “They were all my sons.” Of course, that was just a movie, wasn’t it? I, and my wife, Carolyn Richards, attempt to get the message across during our Christian concerts that “Prayer Works!” Prayer works for everyone, regardless of religion, or politics, or skin color, or sex, or any other physical or emotional difference. It seems to be a law of the universe as surely as the Law of Gravity is. There can be only one “god”, one “force”, one “cosmic consciousness”, or one “higher power” that makes prayer work, regardless what labels we put on it! Perhaps we would all get along better if everyone realized this. The differences here on earth are ours, not God’s. 2004 David M. Butcher Dave Butcher works a musical ministry with his wife, Carolyn Richards. They are full time and travel the USA presenting their program at churches, gospels sings, revivals, RV campgrounds, fairs, festivals, and other events. Carolyn is the #5 “Most Played Overseas Gospel Artist” according to the Oct & Nov, 2004 issues of Glory Train Express. She has had at least one song on the charts every month in 2004. Dave & Carolyn ask that you remember this: The Lord is gonna see that Everything’s Alright! Trust Him! http://CarolynRichards.net Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Butcher http://EzineArticles.com/?Isnt-There-But-One-God?&id=5374 can you file payday auto title loans for bankruptcy accredited bad credit personal loans payday loan stop payments or close bank account loans for small business short term federal bid loans

3 Easy Steps to Buying the Right Engagement Ring

Saturday, May 3rd, 2008

By Brandon Hopkins You’ve made the plunge, you’ve decided to get married. Congratulations! Don’t think about it now, but there are many things you need to think about before the big wedding day comes, and one of them is how are you going to find the right engagement ring? Before the stress settles in, here are 3 easy steps to finding and buying the right engagement ring. 1. Go home before you buy. If you think you have found the right ring, go home. While you are at home, think about the ring you are about to buy. Does the ring have the look you want? Will it fit your lifestyle? Most people wear their engagement rings for life, so finding the right engagement ring shouldn’t be a shopping trip taken lightly. When you are at home thinking about your engagement ring, think about whether or not it fits your lifestyle. Are you always on the go or into sports? If so, you may not want a large solitaire with a high setting. 2. Ask around for references. This goes for online and offline shopping. Do you know anyone who has bought from this jeweler or jewelry store? If not, find someone who has, and see what they thought about their transaction. Honesty is usually the best policy, but on occasion, you will find dishonest people. That goes for all walks of life, and shopping for an engagement ring is no different. If the diamond or stone you are buying has a pretty price tag, you may want to get the values of the ring verified by a third party. You can have someone check the color, clarity, etc of the ring before you have made your purchase. 3. Make the deal. Would you pay full sticker price for a car? Most people wouldn’t. The same goes for engagement ring shopping. Most prices are negotiable, and you can usually haggle your way to a discount or upgrade. Don’t be afraid to ask if that is the best price, and how much of a discount they can give you. Knowing these 3 easy steps before buying your engagement ring will help you find the right ring, get a good deal and be happy with your engagement ring for life! Brandon Hopkins is the owner of Online Engagement Rings and has been writing about and buying rings for many years. He is available for speaking and writing opportunities and can be contacted through his website at http://www.online-engagement-rings.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brandon_Hopkins http://EzineArticles.com/?3-Easy-Steps-to-Buying-the-Right-Engagement-Ring&id=39503 interest rates on personal loans borrow loan shark money department store paycheck paycheck tax calculator