Drawing Hand Held Surface to Air Missile Fire at Night Using UAVs

One of the easiest ways to draw shoulder launched missiles at night is an unmanned aircraft very carefully and use the simulation, the sound of an Apache helicopter Fest, Howling of a jet fighter or a few unmanned aircraft with a combined four-engine transport. At night, May you have a few drones with strobe light or a green tint brightness of the simulation reflections of a bridge attack helicopter with a flute used by a drone, or even Whistler, which has forged a sound high frequency that has caused his team to Whistler. Devices like these can be purchased at Wal-Mart five dollars, the sooner the drone his trip more or high-frequency sound is made. We also use these cars in Deer country, but someone is screwing with radio reception in your life? Whenever a shoulder launched missiles have less. It is very likely that not even hit the target anyway, which was launched in the sky, and nothing will happen, perhaps not even to get closer, they will launch, is likely to be far from the drone provided a speed of the speed of an airplane that is not there yet. A drone can also go to an area near the border with the help of electric battery or slip instead of shutting down the engine and the collision of 300 meters from enemy troops. Have a little glory and the smell of cigarettes and a small group of voices talking about how to establish in English and the latest model of the corvette enemy to go through the model airplane crashed and give their positions and can be seen in the night vision goggles. We can even see small arms fire from satellites, if they sent a mortar round, we are all the same, you never know what hit, or see where it comes from. Undoubtedly, you have fewer people to fight against if it was history that floating around like in a few lived to tell anyone what happened that night? Lance Winslow - If you have any innovative ideas and unique, it seems to come with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs www.WorldThinkTank.net / wttbbs

The Dangers of Pesticides and the EPAs Harrowing Plan to Test Them on Kids

Pesticides are a ubiquitous toxins in our environment. We liberal spray the ants and spiders in our homes, to use in our gardens and in our gardens, fog with our streets to kill mosquitoes dissemination even in our own bodies to keep bugs away. Farmers use 1.5 million pounds of pesticides every year and most of them were found by the EPA to be carcinogenic. But it's not all. The U.S. farmers use 1.5 million pounds of pesticides each year, which is 1.5 billion pounds of pesticides sprayed on the food we eat and our children. And it's not only fruits and vegetables, meats contain pesticides because the animals eat food which was widely sprayed. In addition, pesticides are used in many consumer products such as paints, cosmetics, food packaging, textiles, carpets and exercise. And they are often used in parks and other recreational areas are golf courses among the biggest offenders, during a year with the help of seven or eight times the pesticides are used in an area of similar size in the agricultural field. The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has registered nearly 900 pesticides, which have been made in more than 20000 products, according to the Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides. About 60 percent of herbicides, 90 percent of fungicides and 30 per cent of insecticides are known to be carcinogenic, according to the EPA, and these pesticides contaminate our groundwater, air and our own food we eat. What are the health effects of these pesticides? Animal and human studies have shown certain pesticides that contribute to an alarming number of health problems such as: * cancer fertility problems brain tumor childhood leukemia * * * non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma * birth defects irritation of the skin and eyes * * hormone therapy or hormonal problems in the system for the central nervous system of children are particularly vulnerable to the toxic effects of pesticides. Their bodies are still being developed and immature, making them susceptible to such injuries. In fact, studies conducted by the National Academy of Sciences and the Environmental Working Group found that children exposed to pesticides are carcinogenic in a high risk of cancer and other prospective studies found that the use of pesticides is associated with an increased risk of malignant tumors of childhood. You know this information, I think, when it is unacceptable that our children shampoo with pesticides to kill the lice. But all these negative effects were found in many studies usually focus on a single subject. It is, therefore, is to study the cumulative effects on the body of all pesticides that are at risk, and we consume over the years? The EPA test pesticides on children? Whether children are so vulnerable to exposure plantevernmiddel is precisely why the EPA has chosen to study, and in October 2004, received $ 2.1 million to do so. What are the link this large sum? The American Chemistry Council, a chemical industry group ahead with large Wigs as Monsanto, Dow and Exxon. The two-year study called Children's Environmental Exposure Research Study (Cheers)-monitor children in low-income families to find out how chemicals can be ingested, inhaled or absorbed by the newborn for children up 3 years, and the health effects of this cause. Families in the EPA study Cheers pesticides receive a T-shirt, video, video camera, jersey, calendar, framed certificate, newsletters and $ 970. Surprising that EPA has chosen the name of a serious study entirely flippant Cheers . Study participants will receive $ 970, a T-shirt, a bib for her baby, a calendar, newsletter, a certificate in the framework of assessment and a video camera. Although the study does not require participants to change the level of pesticides in their homes or are at risk of any chemical, which requires the demonstration of the use of these toxic products in your home. Motstanderene is concerned that low-income families to use their pesticides just to be involved in the study. They can also noted that since the study was partly funded by industry, which represents a conflict of interest. Most of the effects of pesticides have been evaluated long-term, it is very likely that the negative effects will be considered short-term study. The result is that the chemical industry may request a study by the EPA found refuge plantevernmiddel and flexible to increase regulation of the use. Said EPA pesticide scientific Troy Pierce, This goes against everything we recommend at EPA on the use of [pesticides] on children. Payment in Florida families at home have regularly treated with pesticides is very sad when we know that the EPA [plantevernmiddel management] should always be used to protect children. In November 2004, the study was postponed, largely because of disagreements that have arisen around him for a final exam , but should resume in the spring of 2005. It is certainly a step in the right direction that EPA has taken steps to study the effects of pesticides that we are all exposed. But his proposal of compensation for having participated in this investigation very seriously gimmicky includes some topics: Free T-shirt, bib and timing? And it even has a name gimmicky (Cheers ), something that May explain why the public was so worried when it appeared an industry-funded study is to try to get low-income families to monitor their use of chemicals that the government already knows toxic. What is the good news? This is good news in all this, and that is: Is it possible to reduce its exposure to pesticides (but it is certainly not likely to be reduced to zero). The top ways of doing this include: * Buying certified organic fruits, vegetables and meat (do not forget to wash the production, especially crops grown commercially, thoroughly before eating using a diluted solution of soap ) * Avoid using pesticides and toxic garden of his house ( opt-out natural pesticides that can be found in your local health food instead temperature) * Do not use pesticides for cosmetic purposes like dandelions on the lawn * Do not use repellent chemicals or error of http://www.sixwise lice shampoos. No SixWise.com free electronic newsletters, Web's # 1 most read newsletter with original articles in 6 areas of life leads to well-being.

The History Of Blackjack

The origin of Blackjack is somewhat unclear. Some people believe that Blackjack originated in the french casinos in early 1700 in which he is known as the twenty-one ( 20 and 1 ). The game has become known as Black Jack, because if a player held a Jack of spades and ace of spades as 1 st two letters, the player was paid extra. Hence, with a Jack in a vital card and shovels are black, the game was called Blackjack. The match was played in the USA since 1800. But between 1850 and 1910, gambling is legal in the USA until Nevada, it is a crime to play. In 1931, casino gambling was legalized again in Nevada, where Blackjack is one of the biggest games that are offered to players. The object of blackjack is to get as close as possible to 21 points as possible without going over 21 years (bust). While the number of cards face value of securities, cards (Jack, Queen and King cards) are worth 10 each, and Ace card can be worth 1 or 11. The person (player or distributor), that when the total value of the card as close as possible to 21 without exceeding 21 (bust), will win the game. A tie (push) the results if the player and the dealer is the same card values. The game is played in the following steps: (1) The player makes a bet. (2) The broker deals two cards (generally up) and a letter to the player himself. (3) The distributor provides other letters for themselves and put his head down. (4) The player is asked if he / she wants another letter (press), or if he / she wants to live. (5) The player can be on as many hits as he wants until the total value of the card at 21 or bust. (6) If the player bust, the house (casino) will win. (7) If the player stops a total value of the card which is closer to 21 without passing, the dealer can demonstrate the value of its second letter. (8) If the value of any other card provider to provide you with a Blackjack (total value of 21), then the house (casino) will win. The dealer must keep drawing cards until the full value of their cards 17 or more. If the dealer exceeds 21, so that the player will win. Those who come as close as possible to 21 points as possible without going over 21 years (bust) is the winner. Blackjack is so popular today as it was in 1800. It is by far the most played games in a casino. This is mainly because it is very easy to learn and play. Adel Awwad is the webmaster of Free Cash http://www.casinoguide.ws/ Casino Guide.

The Importance of B2B Business Factoring of Invoices

Accounts receivables, when held back, holds up company capital. The sale of your invoices to a factoring company provides quick cash that is usable for your business right away. It is a struggle for small business owners to obtain cash at times and that is why it is important for B2B business factoring of invoices to a factoring company. The importance behind B2B business factoring of invoices becomes evident when a business is facing a financial crunch. Many small business owners do not want to become bogged down with loans that yield a high interest rate. When the business needs ready cash for company survival or even to take advantage of an opportunity is when B2B factoring of invoices becomes a vital means of income to the business. Factoring out a company’s invoices does not require a business plan or tax statements. The cost behind doing this factoring is minimal for only a month or two; however, on a long term basis it can become more costly than a loan. The idea of B2B business factoring of invoices may seem the solution you need for your circumstances. It would be advisable for you to consider some of the following facts: • Do you really need the money for your company’s survival? • Are you taking advantage of an opportunity that will enhance your business? • Have you checked to see if this type of financing matches up with your business plan? • At this time do you feel your business is ready for expansion and more money? • Is this Accounts Receivables factoring your only way out or have you tried a small business loan? • Finally, what are the current economic and industry conditions? Is now the time to finance or should you wait? B2B business factoring of invoices plunge can mean the difference between company survival and bankruptcy. As a business person we understand that obtaining cash is one of the most vital means of keeping the business alive and doing well. Remember that this process is not regulated as the banking industry. We should investigate such things as the company we are going to work with. Make sure that you negotiate the rates, and inspect contracts. After you have done your homework and feel your ready then go with confidence. The latest method in converting your invoices into fast cash is referred to as Inzap. We wanted to mention this procedure as it is a form of B2B business factoring of your invoices. Inzap has some good advantages that you might want to use. The fact is you can convert your invoices into fast cash for about 2% which is the best rate around. It only takes a few days to get your money but Inzap offers a more attractive payment terms to business customers. This is a new approach to B2B business factoring of invoices. You do have many advantages over the traditional factoring services. I would like to mention some of these advantages for you to consider. • The rates are lower about 2% of the invoice amount. • The cash is available in just a few days. • There are no minimum requirements you can use Inzap as little or as much as you like. • You receive 100% of the cash upfront minus the fee charge. • It takes about 5 minutes to sign up and they accept small business owners as well as the larger ones. • You control your customer relationships while your customers enjoy getting more attractive payment terms. Many business owners wonder why Inzap can offer such good services and low prices over the traditional method of factoring invoices. The importance of B2B business factoring of your invoices is always noted as essential to business. That is one of the main reasons that you should always investigate any business that you plan on doing factoring of your receivables with. Inzap has two good reasons that are beneficial to them which help them to keep good rates for the service they provide. The following two primary reasons may affect your business but you are the one who needs to consider if it will or not. • One of the main things that Inzap does not do is insure you against non-payment by your customers. • Cash flow is sped up but if your customer doesn’t pay for any reason then Inzap makes you responsible to pay them back. When you use this service I would advise that you use customer accounts that you can depend on. • Inzap may start you out with a low credit line and build you up over time. The B2B business of factoring invoices is indeed a method worth considering as a means of getting fast cash without the hassles.
About The Author
This article has been supplied courtesy of Bill Darken. Bill often writes for B2B Business Factoring. This site is dedicated to supplying the latest news and articles on small business factoring to assist people progressing with information and news. You can also look for small business information at small business answers.

Investment Property Portfolio’s - 6 Key Strategies for a Smart Loan

A booming market for buy-to-let and investment property portfolios has created the need for new types of mortgages and investment property loan facilities. Securing finance for buy to let and holiday rental properties classed as an “investment property loan”, has never been easier and many of the main lenders have transformed their lending criteria to support property entrepreneurs. Historically lenders were reluctant to support property investors unless they had serious investment equity ranging from 25-40% of a given properties value. The latest range of financial offerings, are now more in-line with existing household mortgages where buy to let loans are available for up to 90% of the value of the property. The criteria for lending, depends very much on the anticipated yields for the property and to some degree on solid business plans and logic that reflect capital growth in the investment. With a myriad of product offerings available it maybe difficult for a prospective property investor to determine what constitutes a good offer from a financial institution. The best investment property lenders will look and consider 6 key elements in their risk assessment. So it is very important that you as the proposer understand clearly and prepare in advance a plan that accurately presents your facts in order to pitch smartly to get the finance you need. 6 key Investment Property Loan points Equity available – Know what you have in terms of tangible equity in your home, other investments in assets, and liquidity. Use this valuable information to form the basis of calculating your security to finance the investment plan. This ensures to the lender that you have a sound knowledge of your strategy in investing and you have a good consideration in managing your risk. Interest Rate Percentages – It is generally anticipated that the higher the investment deposit the better the mortgage rate. Buy-to-let mortgages rarely attract the discounts that home mortgages attain. However interest rate benefits are gained if you are prepared to put up front 20 – 25% of the loan value. Try and avoid low deposits as the rates for larger deposits will be more attractive both in the short-term overhead reduction and long-term gain. Current debts – Ideally all outstanding mortgage and loan liabilities or commitments should be understood and declared when requesting the finance. This will determine the maximum loan available to you for your investment project. Ideally this should be considered in advance of any property speculation or viewing of proposed properties. You may also find through this process that it presents an excellent opportunity to consolidate current finance and reduce overheads through the consolidation process. Current Income or Salary – Lenders will often consider salary and income within the mix of calculating repayments. Multiples of salary are often considered along with the yields or estimated monthly rental incomes from the property portfolio. Important to the property investment will be the current state of the property and whether the property requires investment in refurbishment or modification to enable tenants or renters to occupy. Tax liability Reduction – You can often save money by offsetting your mortgage payments, maintenance costs and agents fees against rental income. This will ultimately reduce tax liabilities against any profits made in rental and capital growth. Insure properly – Accidental damage caused by renters or tenants does occur as does general wear and tear. So, make sure that you invest in adequate insurance and don’t let these costly overheads affect your profits. There are specialized landlord and investment property insurers who will cover your property for these eventualities and once again these fees should be tax-deductable. Summary: Investing in a property portfolio can be a lucrative venture provided that you are prepared and you understand and manage your risks. Lenders will look for good credible knowledge of the investment and will make assessments based on the six points raised earlier. An ill-conceived plan and approach will unlikely attract the finance desired from leading financial institutions. Alternative sources of finance may be available to you, although you should expect to pay significantly higher costs in terms of interest payments set-up fees and management costs. If the numbers don’t add up in the plan the leading lenders will not support your venture. If this is the case then veer towards prudence and carefully rethink the 6 key steps to a smart loan.
About The Author
Brian Long is the the author of numerous article. He has an MBA and writes about various finance related topics. For more information or to find a investment loan property Holiday Home Loan Online, Investment Property Loan, Home Building Loan, Business Investment Loan, visit (Second Home Loans).

Mission, Vision And Values

A great deal has been written in business literature about how critical it is for a company to have a mission statement. Many companies jumped on board with this idea and created a mission statement. Some did it collectively with employees and stakeholders and some simply held an executive committee meeting and created a mission statement for the company. Whatever the situation, I believe that most companies were unable to sustain the excitement of having a vision of where they were going and a mission of why they are in business. In fact, I think there are very few employees who can articulate their company’s vision or mission statement. A couple of weeks ago, I received a phone call from a client asking me if I would develop a year’s worth of leadership trainings for their mid-level managers. During our conversations, I asked what types of topics they would be interested in. I was told that their managers were really at a basic level. They had basically been promoted from direct line staff and given no transition training for the past five years! That’s when I asked the big question. Does your agency have a mission statement? The person on the other end of the phone got really quiet and then finally said, “You know, I honestly don’t know.” At this point I knew that whether or not the company had a vision and mission statement didn’t really matter if the employees don’t know what it is. When you have a good vision and mission statement in a company, everyone knows why the company is in business and in what direction it is going. I believe one of the best books that will guide a company through the process is Full Steam Ahead! Unleash the Power of Vision in Your Work and Your and Life by Ken Blanchard Jesse Stoner. They say that “in order for organizations to be fully powered, the leaders need to know how to create a compelling vision that resonates with the hopes and dreams of those in the organization.” Mission Statement: The first element of a dynamic vision is to clearly articulate what the company’s purpose is. It describes why they are in business and usually translates into the good they are doing in the world. Coaching for Excellence is not in the business of leadership coaching and staff development. We are in the business of helping leaders develop skills to be more effective with those they supervise by placing equal value on relationships with employees and the quality of the product or service. You want your mission statement to be written from the point of view of your clientele. What benefits do they get from the product or service you provide? What’s in it for them? Once you have your mission statement, everyone in the company needs to personally figure out what they contribute to the mission. How does their job support the mission of the company? The mission should be designed so that everyone in your company becomes excited and energized at the thought of fulfilling their part. Values: The next step is to discuss company values. Values will help determine how the mission statement will be supported. The company must clearly articulate what values are important in living out the company’s purpose. When values are written, employees should know exactly what it looks like when they are living the company values. Behavioral examples are important. When an organization has taken the time to outline their values, then they can hold people accountable for behaving in line with the values and people who are interviewing for a job can make a conscious decision to accept an offer based on whether or not their values are compatible with the company’s values. Blanchard and Stoner write, “There’s a lot of power in values. I think it’s because values tap into people’s feelings. People cherish their values and are deeply emotional about them. When they act in support of their values, they are proud of their actions. . .Values serve as the driving force behind purpose. Values supply the energy and excitement that help people remain committed when the going gets tough.” Vision: A company’s vision describes its direction for the future. As Coaching for Excellence’s Empowered Leadership teaches us, there is much more energy associated with working toward what a person wants, as opposed to what he doesn’t want so a vision statement must be expressed positively. Once you have a map describing where you are going, it’s easy to know what to do next. As goals are accomplished, the next goals come into focus. Blanchard and Stoner enumerate eight elements of a compelling vision: * Helps us understand what business we’re really in * Provides guidelines that help us make daily decisions * Provides a picture of the desired future that we can actually see * Is enduring * Is about being “great”—not expressed solely in numbers * Touches the hearts and spirits of everyone * Helps each person see how he or she can contribute If your company wants to develop a strong vision statement, start today. Begin with conversations about why you are in business, but don’t end there. Develop the mission, the values and vision and then keep the excitement alive by continuously talking about it.
About The Author
Kim Olver is a professional coach, specializing in the field of interpersonal skills, empowerment and leadership development. She has functioned in the role of supervisor and administrator for over 20 years. This column is for readers to submit their questions for Kim to answer. It could be a question about supervision skills, maximizing teamwork, customer service, interpersonal skills or client satisfaction and empowerment. No interpersonal question in the field of work is off limits. For more information visit http://www.coachingforexcellence.biz/Coaching.shtml or contact Kim by email to Kim@CoachingforExcellence.biz.

How to Successfully Navigate Your Business through an Economic Downturn

An economic downturn is a phase of the business cycle in which the economy as a whole is in decline.This phase basically marks the end of the period of growth in the business cycle. Economic downturns are characterized by decreased levels of consumer purchases (especially of durable goods) and, subsequently, reduced levels of production by businesses. While economic downturns are admittedly difficult, and are formidable obstacles to small businesses that are trying to survive and grow, an economic downturn can open up opportunities. A well-managed company can realize the opportunity to gain market share by taking customers away from their competitors. Resourceful entrepreneurs capture the available opportunities, from an economic downturn, by developing alternate methods of doing business that were never implemented during a prior growth period. The challenge of successfully navigating your business through an economic downturn lies in the realignment of your business with current economic realities. Specifically, you, as the business owner, need to renew a focus on your core clients/customers, reduce your operating expenses, conserve cash, and manage more proactively, rather than reactively, is paramount. Here are best practices that will help you to successfully navigate your business through an economic downturn: Goals: The primary goal of any business owner is to survive the current economic downturn and to develop a leaner, more cost-effective and more efficient operation. The secondary goal is to grow the business even during this current economic downturn. Objectives: • Conserve cash. • Protect assets. • Reduce costs. • Improve efficiencies. • Grow customer base. Required Action: • Do not panic… History shows that economic downturns do not last forever. Remain calm and act in a rational manner as you refocus your attention on resizing your company to the current economic conditions. • Focus on what YOU can control… Don’t let the media's rhetoric concerning recessions and economic slowdown deter you from achieving business success. It´s a trap! Why? Because the condition of the economy is beyond your control. Surviving economic downturns requires a focus on what you can control, i.e. your relevant business activities. • Communicate, communicate, and communicate! Beware of the pitfall of trying to do too much on your own. It is a difficult task indeed to survive and to grow your business solely with your own efforts. Solicit ideas and seek the help of other people (your employees, suppliers, lenders, customers, and advisors). Communicate honestly and consistently. Effective two-way communication is the key. • Negotiate, negotiate, and negotiate! The value of a strong negotiation skill set cannot be overstated. Negotiating better deals and contracts is an absolute must for realigning and resizing your company to the current economic conditions. The key to success is not only knowing how to develop a win-win approach in negotiations with all parties, but also keeping in mind the fact that you want a favorable outcome for yourself too. Recommended Best Practice Activities: The Nuts and Bolts… The following list of recommended best practice activities is critical for your business' survival and for its growth during an economic downturn. The actual financial health of your particular business, at the outset of the economic downturn, will dictate the priority and urgency of the implementation of the following best practice activities. 1. Diligently monitor your cash flow: Forecast your cash flow monthly to ensure that expenses and planned expenditures are in line with accounts receivable. Include cash flow statements into your monthly financial reporting. Project cash requirements three-to- six months in advance. The key is to know how to monitor, protect, control, and put cash to work. 2. Carefully convert your inventories: Convert excess, obsolete, and slow-moving inventory items into cash. Consider returning excess and slow-moving items back to the suppliers. Close-out or inventory reduction sales work well to resize your inventory. Also, consider narrowing your product offerings. Well-timed order placement helps to reduce excess inventory levels and occasional material shortages. The key is to reduce the amount of your inventory without losing sales. 3. Timely collection of your accounts receivable: This asset should be converted to cash as quickly as possible. Offer prompt payment discounts to encourage timely payments. Make changes in the terms of sale for slow paying customers (i.e. changing net 30 day terms to COD). Invoicing is an important part of your cash flow management. The first rule of invoicing is to do it as soon as possible after products are shipped and/or after services are delivered. Place an emphasis on reducing billing errors. Most customers delay payments because an invoice had errors, and therefore, will not pay until they receive a corrected copy. Email or fax your invoices to save on mailing time. Post the payments that you have received and make deposits more frequently. The key is to develop an efficient collection system that generates timely payments and one that gives you advance warning of problems. 4. Re-focus your attention on your existing clients/customers: Make customer satisfaction your priority. A regular review of your customers' buying history and frequency of purchases can reveal some interesting facts about your customers' buying habits. Consider signing long-term contracts with your core clients/customers which will add to your security. Offer a discount for upfront cash payments. The key is to do what it takes to keep your current customers loyal. 5. Re-negotiate with your suppliers, lenders, and landlord: i) Suppliers: Always keep your negotiations on the level of need, saying that your company has reviewed its cost structure and has determined that it needs to lower supplier costs. . Tell the supplier that you value the relationship you have developed, but that you need to receive a cost reduction immediately. Ask your supplier for a lower material price, a longer payment cycle, and the elimination of finance charges. Also, see if you can buy material from them on a consignment basis. In return for their price concessions, be willing to agree to a long-term contract. Explore the idea of bartering as a form of payment. ii) Lenders: Everything in business finance is negotiable and your relationship with a bank is no exception. The first step to successful renegotiations is to convince your lenders that you can ultimately pay off the renegotiated loan. You must point out to your lenders why it would be in their best interest to agree to a new arrangement. Showing them your business plan and your action plan that includes your cost-savings initiatives, along with "the how" and "the when" of the implementation of your plan is the best way to achieve this goal. Explain to them that you will need their cooperation to insure that you can survive, as well as, grow your business during the economic downturn. Negotiated items include: the rate of interest, the required security to cover the loan, and the beginning date for repayment. A beginning date for repayment could be immediate, within several months or as long as a year. The key is to realize that your lender will work with you, but that frequent and continual communications with them is critical. iii) Landlord: Meet with your landlord. Explain your need to have them extend the term of your lease at a reduced cost. Make sure you have a clause in the lease agreement that entitles you to have the right to sublet any or all of the leased space. 6. Re-evaluate your staffing requirements: This is a very critical area. Salaries/wages are a major expense of doing business. Therefore, any reduction in the hours worked through work schedule changes, short-term layoffs or permanent layoffs has an immediate cost saving benefit. Most companies ramped up hiring new employees in the good times, only to find that they are currently overstaffed due to slow sales during the economic downturn. In terms of down-sizing your staff, be very careful not to reduce your staff to a level that forces you to skimp on customer service and quality. Consider the use of part-timers or the current trend of outsourcing certain functions to independent contractors. 7. Shop for better insurances rates: Get quotations from other insurance agents for comparable coverage to determine whether or not your present insurance carrier is competitive. Also, consider revising your coverage to reduce premium costs. The key is to have the right balance-to be adequately insured, but not under or over insured. 8. Re-evaluate your advertising: Contrary to the other cost-cutting initiatives, evaluate the possibility of increasing your advertising expenditures. This tactic realizes the advantage of the reduced "noise" and congestion (fewer advertisers) in the marketplace. The downturn period a great opportunity to increase brand awareness and create additional demand for your product/service offerings. 9. Seek the help of outside advisors: The use of an advisory board comprised of your CPA, attorney, and business consultant offers you objectivity and provides you with professional advice and guidance. Their collective experience in working with similar situations in past economic downturns is invaluable. 10. Review your other expenses: Target an across-the-board cost-cutting initiative of 10-15%. Attempt to eliminate unnecessary expenses. Tightening your belt in order to weather the downturn makes practical, financial sense. Proactively managing your business through an economic downturn is an enormous challenge and is critical for your survival. However, through well-planned initiatives, an economic downturn can create tremendous opportunity for your company to gain greater market share. In order to take advantage of this growth opportunity, you must act quickly to implement the above best business practices to continue realigning and resizing your company to the current economic conditions. Copyright © 2008 Terry H. Hill You may reprint this article free of charge in your newsletter, magazine, or on your website, provided that the article is unedited, and that the copyright, author's bio, and contact information below appears with each article. Articles appearing on the web must provide a hyperlink to the author's web site, http://www.legacyai.com Terry H. Hill is the founder and managing partner of Legacy Associates, Inc, a business consulting and advisory services firm. A veteran chief executive, Terry works directly with business owners of privately held companies on the issues and challenges that they face in each stage of their business life cycle. To find out how he can help you take your business to the next level, visit his site at http://www.legacyai.com About The Author
An author, speaker, and consultant, Terry H. Hill is the founder and managing partner of Legacy Associates, Inc., a business consulting and advisory services firm based in Sarasota, Florida. A veteran chief executive, Terry works directly with business owners of privately held companies on the issues and challenges that they face in each stage of their business life cycle. Terry is the author of the business desk-reference book, How to Jump Start Your Business. He hosts the Business Insights from Legacy Blog at http://blog.legacyai.com and writes a bi-monthly eNewsletter, "Business Insights from Legacy eZine." By signing up for Business Insights from Legacy eZine at http://tinyurl.com/2t4fxs you can keep abreast of the latest tips, tactics, and best business practices. You will, also, receive the free eBook, Jump Start Your Knowledge of Business. Contact Terry by email at http://www.legacyai.com or telephone him at 941-556-1299.