Sunday 22 March 2009

LIC Introduced Money Back Policy Jeevan Varsha

by Gian Brett
Recently, Life Insurance Corporation of India introduced guaranteed money back plan - Jeevan Varsha. LIC has launched the policy in the replacement of Jeevan Astha. The policy would be available from 16th February, 2009 to 31st March, 2009. It is a market based plan.
Jeevan Aastha Policy of LIC was also a mix investment and insurance plan. The company is most popular in life insurance. It is one of the largest investors in government sector also. After the 1956 it has now 24.6% investment in government sectors. It has more than 200 thousand million agents and more than 101 divisional offices.
The plan Jeevan Astha by LIC was great succeeded. After the success of that plan the Jeevan Versha has been introduced. It is one of the guaranteed products by LIC with regular premium and money-back plan.
Life Insurance Corporation of India has planed to collect about Rs. 1,500 crore premiums by the new product. According to the previous data LIC had collected Rs. 1,190 crore to sell 2.64 lakh Jeevan Astha Policies.
Jeevan Versha will offer two policy terms - 9 and 12 years. The policy is offering Rs 65 per Rs 1,000 sum assured for 9 years and Rs 70 for 12 years term. The payable terms are each 3 years.
There are calculations of policy terms. For 9 years policy terms payouts will be at the end of 3rd, 6th and 9th years. For 12 years policy terms payouts will be at the end of 3rd, 6th, 9th and 12th years.
Maximum age for the policy maturity is 75 years. For the 9 years terms age should be 66 years maximum and for 12 years terms maximum age should be 63 years.
In the period of recession there is no competitor for the policy, now. However, last year there were many market policies with money back guarantee in the insurance market but now, only LIC is on the top.

About the Author
Gian Brett is an expert writer of various subjects. He has written many articles on Insurance Plans also.

IPO-"Initial Public Offering" a Universal Online Share Trading

by Mr. Rajesh
The 2 Year factor A Company which aims to go public should act like a Public company in advance of two years as the preferred IPO. Once a company plans to go Public, it should select the IPO team. This would include a lead investment bank, an accountant and a law firm. A "All-hands" meeting is an official meeting that takes place six to eight weeks before a company formally registers with the Securities & Exchange Commission. A suitable timetable of duties will be assigned to the IPO team members.
The First Step The most significant and time-consuming task facing the IPO team is the extension of the prospectus. The prospectus is basically a business document that primarily serves as a brochure for the company. This brochure includes all financial data of the company for the past five years, information on the management team, and a description of a company's target market, competitors and growth strategy. Soon after getting the final approval from security exchange commission, the national association of security dealers and other security organizations start reviewing the final document.
Stepping Out The next step in the Initial Public Offering process is a "road show" which usually lasts a week or two. The company administration goes to a new city every day to meet with potential investors and explain their business plan. A company's administration team performs the road show to explain the success of the IPO. Companies must make an impact on institutional investors to bring them aboard as significant stakeholders.
The Right Price Investment banks try to put forward a suitable price based on expected demands for the deal and other market conditions. The pricing of an IPO is an insubstantial complementary act. Investment firms have to worry about two diverse sets of clients while the company is going public. It also wants to raise as much money as possible. The investors buying the shares expect to see immediate appreciation in their investment.
Navia Markets Investment banks normally try to price an agreement; hence the opening premium is about 15 percent. Many online IPO's, of course, have raised a large amount on their first day. The offering price should been confirmed at least two days after prospective investors receive the final prospectus. Then an IPO is confirmed effective. Navia Markets a South Indian E- Brokering Company offers effective IPO Services to Resident Indians and NRI's.
Reverse IPO An IPO is not confirmed final until seven days after the company's market debut. On rare occasions, an IPO can be canceled even after a stock starts trading. In such cases, all trading is canceled and any money collected from investors is returned. When a public company is acquired by a private company, this is known as a reverse IPO. This allows a private company to go public at a lesser cost and has diminished risk of stock dilution through an IPO.

About the Author
Rajesh Assistant Vice President Navia Markets Financial Services Pvt Ltd Chennai-34 http://www.naviamarkets.com/

Saturday 21 March 2009

Relief for Gurgaon Floor Owners

In a case which was pending for last 5 years, the Haryana government has finally legalised the registeration of independent floors constructed on plots by private owners, in colonies developed by Haryana Urban Development Authority(HUDA) and private developers such as DLF, Ansals and Unitech.
This is not only good news for the ones who were looking forward by buying property in gurgaon, but brings out relief for the ones who were insecure as they had bought their properties on General Power of Attorney(GPA). Their properties can now be registered in their own names by paying registeration charges to the revenue department.
What used to be in the past ?
  • The property aspirants would buy floors on General Power of Attorney(GPA) only and could not register the property in their own name.
  • The GPA can be challenged in the court of law by seller after the deal, jeopardising the property rights of the buyer.
  • The property buyers would not get finance from the banks since GPA is not considered to be a valid purchase instruments.
  • The government would lose revenue in the form of registeration charges and stamp duty in crore of rupees.

What will be from now on?

  • People can get independent floors registered in their names and become bonafide owners of the property.
  • They also qualify for loans from banks.
  • They will also be eligible for separate power, water and sewerage connections.

Google turns Voicemail into E-mail

There is an addition to already prominent and useful features list from google. Google is coming up with a service where in one would have to dial in a number from google and speek as you normally do to make a call and specify an E-mail where the email is to be sent. Google engine would convert the speech into text, draft an email and would be sent to the destination email address.
Thus, further miniming the gap between the Telephone and computers, this would serve as Email on the go.
For complete details about this feature addition refer to news from Reuters :

Affordable flats in Gurgaon by NBCC.


NBCC- Largest Public sector construction company, has launched a group housing scheme.This scheme applies to employees of Government/State government/Central government/PSU - Public Sector Units/Banks...
The flats vary in dimensions starting from 9000 sq.feets to 2000 sq.feets, complete layout and plan explanation, payment details is provided at this link

http://www.nbccindia.com/nbccindia/public/jsp_pub/gurgaon_scheme.jsp

The scheme allows for filling application for House as an individual or in a group of atleast 30 applicants. So, if we you can try and make a group and assign an individual from the group and ask that individual to submit applications to NBCC. There is also greater possiblity(or probablity) of flat being alloted for group rather than individuals. As 75% of flats are reserved for groups, moving them higher in preference and priority.

Last date for appliying (sending a formal Expression of Interest(EOI) - no payment) in this scheme is 31st March,2009.

SAVE FUEL: YAANI SAVE MONEY

PCRA - Petrolemun Conservation and Research Association, has launched a unquie advertisement for spreading awareness about fuel consumption, being broadcasted these days on Television. It goes something like this - a persion stops at the petrol pump, where in petrol vendor announces that there is a special 20% discount for you and tells him the several ways of reducing fuel consumption which in turn amount to saving money... it is very nicely presented.
DRIVE AT 45-40 KMPH TO CUT YOUR PETROL & DIESEL BILLS BY 20% SERIOUSLY!
Be a fuel efficient car owner.Other than driving at 45-50 kmph, you can
  • Switch off your engine at red signals if you have to wait for more than 15 seconds
  • Join a car pool
  • Drive in the correct gear
  • Always maintain the recommended tyre pressure
  • Walk or cycle short distances
Even if one half of all car owners follow these simple steps, India will save fuel worth Rs.1,000 crore every year.
Oil is our lifeline. Let us use it efficiently and reduce our fuel bills.

Friday 20 March 2009

A lemon a day keeps doctor away


The lemon is not only useful ofr making delicious summer drinks but also for therapeutic and beuty purposes.


Here are benefits of consuming the fruit:

  • Lemon acts as blood purifier and improves the body's ability to get rid of toxing.

  • Lemon fruit is excellent in fighting disease that's related to infection.

  • Buy lemon to get rid of certain insects. It's mother nature's version os insectisides and will help to repel mosquitoes and flies.

  • Lemon works as a great antiseptic and can be directly applied on skin to relieve pain and infection.Not only that because of its styptics property, it is said that lemon could be applied on cuts to stop bleeding.

  • Drinking lemon juice is useful for people with heart problem - because of its high potassium content.

  • Pure lemon juice can be used to relieve pain from wasp and bee stings.

  • Lemon juice mixed with olive oil may help to dissolve gallstones

  • It is believed that regular intake of fresh lemons may be useful in treating cases of kidney stones.

Thursday 19 March 2009

Want to get over the toughest interviews? This is what you should do…

by Jobsbridge

A good resume helps you land a good job. However, it's not always that your resume gets you the dream job. Managing the interview is very important, especially the 'tough and tricky' questions.

Tough and tricky interview questions would encourage you to think and give the interviewer clear and revealing information to assess if you are suitable for the job. The best way to succeed is to be well prepared for interview, prepare thoughtful answers to typical interview questions, well-researched questions about the organization and develop skills to market yourself. There is no magic to crack tough interview. It is a skill that can be learned and developed with practice.

Here are few tips that will help you crack a tough interview:

  • Talking convincingly about your skills

Job interview is a platform to market your skills and grab the job. The idea is to persuade the employer that you have the right match of skills, background and ability required for the job and that you can comfortably be included in the organization and its culture. If you are applying for a job that requires selling or other specialized skills then demonstrate that you have the requisite skills and refer to past credentials that is convincing.

  • Do your homework well

Prepare for your interview beforehand. List out few definite questions which are likely to be asked and prepare for them. Try to practice and have mock up sessions so that you look calm & composed, positive when answering the questions. You have to take care of your body language as well which communicates your vibes to the Interviewer.

When asked if you have any questions, there is your opportunity to show them that you are interested in the job. Prepare questions and ask them; because if you don't, then the interviewer may get the impression you haven't done your homework, or aren't seriously interested in the position.

  • Communicate well

Develop your verbal communications skills. Remember, though you may have great management or technical skills and a strong record of accomplishment, yet if you can't verbally convey your skills and past credentials, you may get rejected. Being precise, to the point and proper articulation is the key.

  • Don't blame it on others

There are many tough questions that will put pressure on you or create stress like "Why did you want to leave your job?", or "Why have you had so many jobs?" If you blame your boss and workplace, you'll be seen as someone who blames others for your failures and avoid responsibility for your own actions and decision. Remember what goes around comes around - slating your old boss will only make you look petty and bitter. Give responses like "I was ready for more challenge", or "Each job offered a better opportunity, which I took".

  • Demonstrate your leadership & team player skills

Interviewer tests if you can lead well in your job and how you deal with your subordinates. Be enthusiastic and confident in your answers; cite examples to leading in personal life, such as being 'head of the local under 16's football team'; whatever you say make sure your leadership qualities stand out.

Teamwork is very important to an employer. A properly functioning team creates a happy workplace and increases productivity. Combine your leadership qualities with teamwork in such a way that the interviewer gets the feel that you are best in managing and running your team.

  • Be practical & reasonable

When faced with questions like "Why should we appoint you?" or "What can you do for us that other people cannot?" You can either start with restating your relevant strengths or giving a more confident response like "I don't know the other applicants, so it would be wrong for me to dismiss their claims. However, I am sure that I have all the main attributes the role requires which combined with determination and positive approach, should ensure that I'd be a very good choice."

Never say you can build Rome in a day. Impractical commitment only makes false impressions which can be easily shattered once you are employed and start working.

  • Be direct and precise

Try to answer all of the questions the interviewer throws at you in a precise and positive manner. Do not interrupt the interviewer halfway through - it's bad etiquette. Be an active listener and wait for the question to be fully delivered to you and give your answer even if it means saying to your interviewer "can I just pick up on the point you made in a previous question".

Try to give a direct answer then elaborate it with examples. Choose relevant examples that highlight your past successes and remember not to go on and on.

  • Be positive

Keep a positive attitude in your answers. Everybody wants to recruit a person who has a positive outlook towards life as they tend to keep the workplace refreshed. Questions like 'How do you feel about carrying out mundane or repetitive work?', 'What motivates you?' tests how positive are you in your approach. Answers like "I understand all jobs have some element of repetitiveness but I take all aspects of my job seriously regardless of whether they are mundane or not and I always give 100% to my job" are fascinating. Never say that a handsome paycheck motivates you the most, although it does, yet that response can make a negative impression. Instead, mention that challenges in a project and growth opportunities in future drives you along and keep you satisfied.

  • Be calm & composed

Most of the candidates fail due to fear and tension. Interviewer tests you how well you handle stress and pressure. If you easily break then you are not the one they are looking for. Hence, no matter what, maintain calmness. Interviewer might criticize you to check how well you take criticism or negative reviews. The ideal response would be "We all at some point make mistakes and I am more than happy to take on board any constructive criticism that is given to me as it helps me understand and learn from the situation". Be careful about your tone of voice, level of enthusiasm, and body language; an interviewer notices everything about you during the entire interview.

  • Negotiate your salary tactfully

Never set a bench mark that you may find difficult to negotiate around. Never give an impression that money is your driving force. Therefore, when asked 'What salary do you expect for this position?' a nice way to answer that would be "Let's talk about the job opportunity and potential first, so I can get a sense of what you need", "This position is not exactly the same as my last job. So let's discuss what my responsibilities would be here and then determine a fair salary for this job." Idea is never give the numbers first.

  • Closing and Leaving the Interview

Once the interview has finished stand up and shake hands with the interviewer in a firm manner. Try and avoid wiping your sweaty hands on your clothes in front of the interviewer. Thank the interviewer for their time, say goodbye in a nice manner and leave the room. Try to stay as professional as possible.

About the Author

To read more article please visit: http://resources.jobsbridge.com

also visit our website: http://www.jobsbridge.com/


Some Effective Ways to Quit Smoking

by lori winther

Thinking of effective ways on how you can quit smoking could be a great step for you to take. Quitting could be very much difficult most especially if you have been dependent and addicted to the taste of nicotine. However, no matter how difficult quitting could be, you should realize that more and more people end up being successful at it simply because they are serious about quitting.

First of all, avoid direct contact with cigarettes as this could encourage you to smoke over and over again. It is also important that you know how to refuse when your friends offer you a stick or two of cigarettes.

Make your quitting attempts known to your friends and inform them on how their support could help you with this. You should also try to consider avoiding the company of friends who are all smokers and equally encourage you to smoke.

One of the most important things that you have to bear in mind when it comes to smoking is the simple fact that quitting should be done as gradually as possible. You are not supposed to quit smoking instantly as this could only make you crave for more sticks or packs of cigarettes. If you're used to smoking a pack a day, cut it down into a couple of sticks a day and so on.

If you still find it hard to quit smoking, you might want to consider asking help from professionals who could help you with your attempts and guiding you throughout your whole course.

About the Author

Learn the new way of smoking without risking your health.


Wednesday 18 March 2009

Five Things to Look For When Buying Electronics Online

by Bal Gill

The most common question I have been asked over the last 5 years has been is it safe to buy expensive electrical goods on the internet. However things have changed in the last year or so. As more and more people now buy online I get feedback and information on issues, which people have had to face when they have bought online.


Here are my five things to look for when buying online:


Tip1: Is the supplier reputable? There are many companies on the net and a lot of them are good decent companies who fulfil their orders in a true and ethical manner. If you are not sure then do some research there are many places on the internet where you see feedback from previous customers. Do not part with your cash unless you are sure.


Tip 2: What guarantee does the supplier offer? This is very important when making a decision. There are big differences between suppliers. Some offer onsite warranty with others its return to base. Some will pay for shipping others will not. The length of guarantee can also vary. These are important factors as electrical goods such as large LCD TV's can cost a lot to ship.


Tip 3: How big will the delivered item be? You must take this into consideration when ordering online. Many of my readers have had a shock when their flat screed plasma TV has arrived and they have not been able to get it through the front door!


Tip 4: How heavy will the delivered item be? Very much like tip 3 you must take this into account when purchasing online. If you do not take care when ordering online you could end up with a product which is a lot heavier than you imagined. Take a detailed look at the specification before you click order. The photographs alone do not give you the whole picture. You have to arrange for help to safely move the item.


Tip 5: How responsive is the supplier? Some electrical items cost a lot of money. You are quite right to expect a quick response from the supplier if you should have any issues. This is not always the case. Ring or email the seller with some questions. See how quickly you get a response this will be a good indication of their customer service.

About the Author

Bal Gill has been writing online for over 10 Years. He also runs a website called Best DVD Recorder Reviews. http://www.best-dvd-recorder-reviews.com



Monday 16 March 2009

Natural Remedies for the Common Cold

by Carry Ellis


Remember the old saying? - commonly misquoted, but correctly it goes like this:

"Starve a cold lest you feed a fever…"

The meaning of which is, often when we acquire sickness coming on in the body, it is because the body is overloaded with waste products and really needs a cleanse. Cutting back on heavier foods, doing a small fast of juices, blended live veggie drinks and a cleanse, can do a great deal to clean up the body and keep from getting something worse. Thus: "starve a cold" LEST "you feed a fever".

Allowing yourself to rest, lighten up on what is consumed, and put some living fresh rejuvenating foods into the system will help relieve cold symptoms and waylay the fever. The ancient Ayurvedic (5,000 year old healing art) suggests drinking ¼ cup warm water every hour till sickness is gone, while fasting or eating lightly.

Drinking warm water plain, with lemon, tea can give the body a boost by hydrating and offering fluid to carry away waste products and toxins that may be overloading the body, and assisting in elimination.

Next step, make yourself a gentle, light Super Immunity™ Soup - the special blend of herbs and spices have been shown by research to fight everything from staph to strep, giardia, cancer, viruses, bacteria, fungus and more. Make a lighter soup, with much broth and veggies, enjoy to your heart's content. You'll be amazed at how quickly your system will send that cold running.

When fighting a cold, follow the protocol above, and then bundle up to keep warm, get outside and move in the fresh air and sunshine; it's amazing how quickly the body will begin to reclaim itself.

Another aspect to consider in any illness is emotions. Is there something in life we're unhappy about, or holding back on, and just don't want to admit to ourselves, that is lowering our immune response? We are a complex organism, affected by our mind, emotions and relationships to life and those around us. Often when we are frustrated, bored, working out of obligation rather than true desire, eventually illness "appears".

A truly joyful heart creates a radiant body and spirit something to aim for and become aware of as we journey on the path of life…

About the Author

Cary Ellis, healthy diet and lifestyle expert is author of "Vegan/Vegetarian Super Immunity™ Soup Recipes". Follow regular health tips at her healthy diet blog and find her free soup recipes and videos at her healthy lifestyle site



VoIP- The Latest Technology To Get Connected With The World

by Ricky Martin

Ever since its launch, VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) has benefited a cross-section of society, individuals and businesses, organizations and institutions, connecting people across the globe at much cheaper calling rates than ever before.

But what exactly is VoIP? Simply put, VoIP is a latest technology that allows you to make phone calls over a high speed broadband Internet connection as compared to the traditional analog phone lines.

In other words, VoIP has transformed our computer or laptop into a telephone system. Particularly for individuals, families and small and medium businesses, VoIP has come as a boon. For example, Usha Raman, an Indian born American pursuing her education in Los Angeles, can't think of life without her VoIP phone connection, especially when it comes to connecting with her folks in India. Thanks to the digital phone service providers offering VoIP services.

Earlier, keeping in touch with her family back home in India used to cost her a small fortune every year. Footing those huge phone bills was becoming a financial burden. Not anymore. With VoIP phone call rates to India costing just 2.9 cents a minute, she can now talk to her parents to her heart's content. As for her connecting with her fiancé in New York is concerned, they talk as much as they want since her VoIP phone offers unlimited calling in the US and he's got one for himself too.

VoIP phones services are vying with each other to offer lower domestic and international calling rates, advanced calling features and top quality services and the customer is benefiting the most from this competition.

In other words, VoIP phone services have helped minimize distances and brought the world closer. Here are some major benefits of VoIP phone:

Saves Money

One of the main advantages of VoIP is the low cost for both short and long distance calls. As compared to normal telephones, VoIP is a lot cheaper. There might be differences in terms of phone call rates between one VoIP service provider and another but the rates will still be lesser than your regular phone service. According to estimates, you can save upto a few hundred dollars every year on your phone bills.

With a VoIP phone service, you can make phone calls and at the same time access all the other programs stored in your computer and surf the Internet as well.

Simple Infrastructure

All you need for setting up a VoIP connection is a computer, sound card, speakers and microphone. And of course your VoIP account.

Flexibility

With VoIP you get to retain the same number even if you change location. You have the option to choose area code for your phone number and you can even have more than one phone number in another state or even another country. These additional features differ between providers.

Portability

Another advantage of VoIP is portability. You can use your VoIP to make and receive phone calls simply by signing in to your VoIP account. This makes VoIP as convenient as e-mail - no matter whether you are traveling or staying miles away you can talk to your family or business associates for almost nothing.

Additional Features

VoIP users also get to enjoy additional calling features such as Email Alert for Voice Mail, Voice Mail, Call Forwarding, Call Waiting, Caller ID, Call Block, Call Return and Do Not Disturb, etc. Some leading digital VoIP phone services offer these features at no additional cost.

About the Author
Ricky is associated with a leading VoIP service provider in the US and is based in its India branch. And as a freelance writer he writes on latest technological developments with main focus on voice over ip voip, broadband Internet and other related issues.

Life insurance to safeguard your future

by Juanita Martinez
Life insurance is a financial tool that helps protecting the interests of the family members at the event of a premature death of the bread earner of the family. Hence, if you have financially dependant family members, you may consider buying a life insurance plan.

Life insurance plan works as a risk manager, helps you to plan ahead for your future. Some life plans, along with providing the policy holder with the death benefit, also help in accumulating fund value.

Life insurance, since its inception has trudged a long way. Now life policies are available at every possible form to cater the various needs of its consumers- term life plans, universal life plans, whole life plans and so forth.

Term life policy
Term life policy can be termed as the forerunner of the life insurance industry. The term life plan offers coverage for a certain period of time against the payment of premium. The traditional term life policy only pays out the death benefit if the policy holder dies within the term of the plan. The term life insurance can further be categorized as the following,

The level term policy: in the level term policy the coverage level and therefore the premium remains constant for the entire term of the plan. The decreasing term life insurance: the policy coverage decreases with time. This type of plan is ideal for people with mortgage loan. The coverage limit will decrease in accordance with the outstanding loan amount.

The whole life policy For a whole life plan the coverage continues for the lifetime of the policy holder, i.e. as long as the policy holder continues paying the premium the coverage will continue. The premium level, however, is subjected to stay the same for the traditional whole life plan. The whole life policy is priced higher than the term life plan because of its advantageous features.

How to determine the amount of coverage you need?
It's important to determine the coverage level that you need before shopping for the life insurance. At the outset if you have a family dependent on your income, or have kids to care for, you need life insurance. However, that doesn't imply that life insurance isn't an option for a single individual. A life policy can help in creating substantial saving for the funeral expenses as well.

Here is a formula that might help you in determining the coverage level you need.
  • Multiply your income with the number of years you're planning to work.
  • Add to it unexpected expenses, like- huge medical bills, to obtain the final figure.
  • Incorporate the inflation factor into your calculation.
  • Include the additional income that the family might lose at the event of your untimely death.
  • You must not miss adding the funeral expenses and the estate taxes while calculating the coverage need.

A figure thus obtained can give you a fair idea about the level of the coverage that may cover all the losses of your family, apart from the emotional loss, if you don't live long enough to take care of them.

About the Author
Juanita Martinez is a longtime contributor and Moderator of the ampminsure community. She is a financial writer, specializing in the field of insurance. You can reach-out to her through the ampminsure community for insurance related queries.

Sunday 15 March 2009

How to Plan a new IT Network Infrastructure


by Derek Rogers


Whether you are setting up a new business or office or making huge changes to your growing business empire, a new plan to develop a solid IT network infrastructure is required as the individual units that make up your business are crucial for smooth operation of any business. It is not just how each computer unit works, but how they all work together and how they are connected. This is what the network governs and planning it right will ensure optimal and safe performance.

Below are a few tips that will help you plan your new IT network infrastructure:

Decide what Network Topology fits your Needs and Building Layout

There are many different ways in setting up a network for IT usage. Each network has their own advantages and disadvantages and some others can be more advantageous in certain room or building layouts. Analyze these factors and weigh them in with the kind of features you need in a network. Common networks use the star topology including the IT businesses that adopt structured cabling systems. Who knows? You might even need to incorporate wireless capabilities in the network when things get messy. Draw diagrams or use CAD software to help get the idea of the network to avoid backtracking.

Fulfil the Requirements of the Network

Once you have decided on which network to use, you will need to identify and fulfil the requirements of the network for it to function correctly. This includes the basics of networking like IP assignments and answers to simple questions like, whether or not the network will use public or private IP addresses, how IP addresses will be assigned to the client, units and if multiple subnets are required. The best way to plan for this step is to use network simulator software.

Optimizing the Network Performance

After you did all the network IP assignments and find that everything is working, you can proceed to optimizing the performance for faster operations and more reliable computing as a whole. If you chose the right topology, you may need to do very little here. This involves basic TCP/IP tweaking such as setting the Maximum Transmission Units, Maximum Segment Sizes and other packet settings. The objective is to cater to your bandwidth limitations and squeeze as much performance on your network as possible.

Take Security into Consideration

Now that you planned how optimized your network is, you should then put security into the picture. Normally security measures sacrifice network performance, but if you optimized the network to the best as possible, there should be room for a little bit of degradation to give way to security. This should be taken very seriously especially on the larger networks that have lots of sensitive data. Not only security from hackers and viruses, but also stable measures to avoid data loss and corruption. You need to make sure your network runs stable and that minimal problems arise to avoid time loss on troubleshooting.

A well-planned network can immediately go to work after you start executing your plans. Don't forget to test everything and make sure the network runs properly so you can switch to the live environment and launch your new IT network infrastructure.

About the Author

Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who writes for a number of UK businesses. For information on Network installation, he recommends Network 24, a leading provider of network installation services.

The Oscars have been won - as expected! - "Prof. Arindam Chaudhuri"

From the land of elephants and snake charmers to the land of shit-swimming slumdogs... Indian media goes hysterical! And Indian politicians remain as shameless as ever!

The Oscars have been won - as expected! And it sure was a pleasure to hear Resul Pookutty speak about the power of silence and Om, and give Hollywood a chalk-talk lesson or two about Indian philosophy. It was also a great feeling to see the Indian living legend - A R Rahman - get something he more than deserved (though he has done far better work as well). The Indian film fraternity has some amazing green thumb talent; and some of them surely are at par with the world's best. Thus, although only these two (Rahman and Resul) got the Oscar, I am sure there are many more deserving Indians out there who are no inferior. The only unfortunate thing is that the Oscars for them were awarded for a film that has been made clearly with one callow intention in mind - to draw up a caricature of every possible negative side that is there to India, for the sole viewing pleasure of western audiences - as I wrote in my editorial on the same issue a few weeks back (to read the same, log on to http://arindamchaudhuri.blogspot.com/2009/01/dont-see-slumdog-millionaire-it-sucks.html). Having said most of all I wanted to say about the film the last time, this time there are two more aspects to the slumdog phenomenon I wish to highlight!

I really don't want to take away from the happiness of the Indians who won the big awards; and surely they deserve all the accolades. And as I wrote earlier, it sure is a well made film with an interesting narrative style. However, I am quite shocked at the shameful euphoria created by the half educated Indian media that has unanimously termed the movie as an "Indian pride" and "the world taking note of India". Neither could anything be further from the truth than this nor could anything stink more of a pathetic lack of intellect and understanding of reality. While a considerable number of people are saying that it (Slumdog Millionaire) is just a film and should be simply enjoyed as a creative process and left alone, the fact - as I wrote before - is that it also happens to be a film very evidently made to show 'only' everything that is possibly wrong with India (often, in a completely concocted manner) for the pure viewing pleasure of western audiences, because poverty-porn sells in the west. Yes, the movie has been marketed well... as the feel-good film of the year (for the western audiences most certainly)! To me, it surely is the most negative feel-good film I have seen! As a film, it works; but it really is then just a film... It has no commitment, for it delves on no issue and shows poverty in the most depoliticized manner. From the name of the film (Jhoparpatti Ke Kutte Bane Crorepati - if one were to translate the movie's name into Hindi), to every scene in the film including Anil Kapoor's completely unreal character, the movie has a clear dilettante attempt to show India in a deliberately abrogating manner. Leading NGOs working in Mumbai slums have vouched that they have never seen maiming of children for begging - in fact ask yourself, how many times have you ever seen a blind child beggar? All those who have read our cover story on the film (http://www.thesundayindian.com/08022009/default.asp) would know how at every stage, the flick has just played with reality to show India in a jaundiced light without any obvious commitment to showing the pains of poverty - apart from Danny Boyle's surrogate post-film speeches of course! Far from it bringing any glory to India or Indians, Boyle's caustic photoplay has only satisfied the western urge to look further down upon the 'repugnant' India, especially at a time when while they are reeling under depression, India is purposefully growing healthily. The evident western desperation to speciously paint India so vacuously couldn't have been shallower. Globalization backfired on them and took away their jobs... So it obviously feels great to see this side to India and heartily award it as well!!

The west would have wanted to believe India still is a land of elephants and snake charmers; and therefore, were very uncomfortable thinking that perchance it no more seems to be so and was changing too fast for their comfort. Now they know India has changed indeed!!! It is no more the land of elephants and snake charmers... It is the land of shit-swimming slumdogs, who are turning millionaires... more by goddamned luck than by hard work. That's their new view of India. That is the power of a well made and well marketed film and that is the new brand image of India that one film has been able to create. And that is why this film cannot be left alone by Indians as just a film. People have to realize its ramifications. Today, when you meet anyone who has seen the film abroad but has not been to India (well, most haven't), amongst many other similar questions, you are faced with the question - do kids really swim in shitholes as shown in the film?

That, however, brings us to the second very important aspect. While what I wrote above is an undisputable fact, the fact also is that poverty and slums are the ugly reality of India. And yes, while the people living in slums are not dogs, this country unfortunately makes them live worse than the way western people could think of making their dogs live about five decades back! So India, this new image of India - of slumdog millionaires - was waiting to be created. It has been our own doing... or undoing. And as I sat watching this year's budget in the midst of this new image of India, I was saddened that even this year nothing was done to try and remove these slums from India. What was most shocking is what happened the day after Slumdog Millionaire swept the Oscars. The next day, the big budget sops got announced - a whopping figure of Rs 30,000 crores for the Indian rich in the form of reduction of service taxes etc. it made me really sad to see that while the world has a new outlook for India, the fools in the Indian media failed to rub it into the minds of our people; and our politicians - visionless as ever - remained shamelessly uncommitted in the wake of this newfound status (read shameful status). A 300 square feet two-room flat with a dignified toilet and kitchen costs anything between Rs 65,000 to Rs 1,00,000 to construct in a basic manner. And given the fact that 25% out of the 30 crore people living in cities live in slums, India needs 1.5 crore such flats (assuming that, on an average, these 7.5 crore slum dwelling families have 5 members each) to become free of any slums and to give these people dignity of existence. This, in effect, means that all the government has to do is plan a Rs 1,50,000 crore budget for the same or Rs 30,000 crores per year for five years! Instead of giving away these meaningless and visionless sops, the government would have done well to declare that it would spend Rs 30,000 crores per year in the next five years to remove all slums from India so that there can no more be any new slumdog millionaires made on India. In fact, as an economist, I find the sops such a foolish act in the middle of this slowdown. At this time, we require jobs to be created, investments to be made; and these sops will do neither. A slum relocation programme would have meant investments to job creation to dignity to the people who we keep in slums like dogs.

Till the time we have a more committed, educated media and a political class, we will remain beach bum fools and fatuously gloat in our change of panhandler status... from that of the land of snake charmers and elephants to the land of shit-swimming slumdogs! Jai ho!!!

About the Author
Article By Prof. Arindam Chaudhuri

Why you need Data Recovery Services

by Mullwani

Your hard drive is the most important thing you have in your PC because it is the one that stores all your information. In this way, it is important to ensure that your hard disk drive is kept in proper running condition so that your data may not be corrupted. It would then be important to perform regular hard disk scans using anti virus software and regular maintenance of your PC e.g. having it blown to remove dust. A small particle of dust landing on platters of the hard drive disk can cause you to lose all your information.


But it is also good to remember that the hard drive is a man-made machine. Therefore, the unfortunate thing is that despite the amount of care that is taken, hard disk drives are still bound to crash. So have to look for ways of recovering data after it has failed.


Data loss and system crashes occur when errors are experienced in the hard disk sectors. This does not only apply to hard disks but to anything that is considered a storage device e.g. magnetic tapes, CDs/ DVDs, USB flash disks etc. Once the system is overwhelmed by either logical or physical errors, it is bound to fail.


When the hard disk drive is failing, one of the common problems experienced is croaking. Croaking includes things such as frequent error messages such as 'Disk Boot Failure' 'Operating system missing', disk not in proper running order while the computer is booting, the "Blue Screen of Death" (a blue screen with a lot of information written on it that shows the hard disk is being defragmented) or even weird sounds such as whirring or click sounds. When such things are experienced, it could mean that your system is about to crash. It is then advisable to backup as much data as possible. However, backup may become outdated.


Therefore, the next option would be to employ the services of a data recovery expert. This is the most advisable and, personally, the best option to be taken when the system begins to crash. With the experience they have, data recovery specialist will use the necessary skill and technology to recover your data.
More information about data recovery services follow the link.


About the Author
www.datarecovery.co.ke/

The Coming Age Of HDTV - What Does It Mean To Me?

by: Lloyd Howard

HDTV - high-definition television: it is something that has been discussed for some time now, however not everyone has a strong sense of what it is and why he or she would want to have it.
Because all television stations will be required to broadcast a digital signal after February 17, 2009, many viewers are beginning to ask a lot more questions about how the new digital age of television will affect their personal viewing experience. They want to know whether or not their television set will be compatible, whether or not they will have to replace it, and what steps they will have to take in order to keep watching their favorite shows.

How To Identify If Your Television Is An Analog TV

Analog television has been with us since the inception of television broadcasting. Analog is the old way of processing a television signal.

Television technology took a big leap in the 1960's with the transition from television tubes to circuit boards, but that conversion failed to bring with it any major strides in the quality of the television picture.

If your current television does not have a logo on its front that indicates DTV (Digital TV), EDTV (Enhanced Definition TV), or HDTV, then your television set is an analog TV.

Understanding The Transition From An Analog Signal To The New Digital Signal

Digital image processing is a technology that began in earnest during the 1970's, when Japanese technology companies began to explore the concepts of HDTV. The Japanese TV manufacturers were exploring ways to improve the picture quality of the television image, as a way to find more customers for their television products.

While Americans were busy playing with building the computer industry, the Japanese were hard at work trying to build a better television set. The first HDTV systems developed by the Japanese still relied on the old analog system of sending a broadcast signal to their televisions, but they were still able to produce a better television viewing experience.

When initially introduced to the U.S. Government, the new HDTV system produced a myriad of concerns, which included the issue of an analog HDTV-system needing more bandwidth than what was currently allotted to the television broadcasters.

In 1993, a consortium of American researchers and manufacturers (known as The Grand Alliance) joined forces to find a way to bring HDTV-quality to the American public, while keeping the bandwidth requirements of broadcasters within the existing limits.

Researchers soon understood that they would need to push at least part of the television signal in a digital format to make sure that HDTV could be transmitted within the limits currently allotted to the television broadcasters. By the time they had finished their work, the Grand Alliance had created a system that was 100% Digital.

In 1995, after considerable opposition from the television broadcast industry, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission officially set the standard for completely digital HDTV broadcasting system. This put into motion the events that are just now coming to fruition, with the rollout of the new Digital Television broadcasting system.

Although most television stations have been broadcasting a Digital Television Signal now for a few years, analog television owners have been none the wiser. But that will all change on February 17, 2009.

Will My Analog Television Stop Working In 2009?

The simple answer is "yes", but that does not mean that you will have to buy a new television in order to get the new digital broadcasts. While you may not need to replace your television set, you may have to make changes in how you get your television signal.

There are in fact three ways that the average consumer can continue to get a television signal using their old television set:
  1. Subscribe to a cable television service (and use their digital television converter);
  2. Subscribe to a satellite television service (and use their digital television converter); or
  3. Buy a DTV converter (Digital TV Converter) to receive signals from your analog antenna and to convert that signal back to analog, so that you can continue to use your analog television. (If you receive your television signal over-the-air, the Federal Government has implemented a Coupon Program to help consumers offset the cost of the DTV converter boxes: http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/index.html )
Understanding The Three Facets Of The New Digital Technology
  1. Lines Of Resolution
The newer digital technology is all about Lines Of Resolution. With more lines of resolution, the viewer will receive more image information, therefore bringing the viewer much more picture clarity and detail.

When the Japanese rolled out HDTV on the Japanese mainland, the lines of resolution numbered 1080. To put this into perspective, the standard analog TV signal exhibits 330 lines of resolution. This makes it more than clear that the original analog HDTV format really was a real issue for television broadcasters in the United States. To produce a resolution of 1080 lines on a system designed for 330 lines would have literally required three times the bandwidth of the current analog system.

Here are the standard television resolutions:

* Analog Television - 330 Lines of Resolution
* VCR's - 240 Lines of Resolution
* DVD's - 480 Lines of Resolution
* EDTV - 720 Lines of Resolution
* HDTV - 1080 Lines of Resolution

There is a caveat to this chart though. The minimum requirement of the FCC is that broadcasters must produce a minimum of 720 Lines of Resolution. As a result, some broadcasters like ABC chose the 720-resolution, and yet they can still legally call their programming standard, HDTV.

Other broadcasters like PBS opted for the higher 1080 format. Good for them.

In 1998, when the first HDTV's became available to the buying public, the Headline News newscasters were joking that with the rollout of HDTV, we the audience would be able to see every blackhead and blemish on their faces. Of course, they were probably correct in that assumption. The detail of the HDTV-signal is absolutely amazing.

2. Aspect Ratio

Another factor connected to the new HDTV-format is the Aspect Ratio. In a standard analog television, the Aspect Ratio is a 4-by-3, which nearly looks square. The 4-by-3 ratio means that it can be measured 4-parts wide to 3-parts high. With the new HDTV format, the Aspect Ratio has been changed to the same format seen in the movie theatre - a 16-by-9 Aspect Ratio, or 16-parts wide to 9-parts high.

3. Sound Quality

The third factor connected to the new HDTV-format is Sound Quality. In fact, most HDTV programming will carry with it Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound, as frequently heard on DVD's. So long as you have a surround sound unit attached to your television set, the surround sound will enable to the television viewer to be immersed in the sound, so much so as it often feels as if you are in the middle of the action happening on your television set.

In Conclusion...
While it is true that you do not need to upgrade your television from the analog format to the new digital format, you might seriously consider doing so anyway.

Now that we are quickly approaching the end of the analog-television era, the cost of HDTV television sets has fallen considerably. Whereas five years ago, the average HDTV cost in the range of $3-4,000, the cost of most HDTV's has fallen to under $1200 today. After February 17, 2009, the cost of HDTV should drop again, making it much more affordable to the general public.
Although it will be possible to convert the digital television signal to analog, you will lose the extra picture detail on the conversion. So, if you stick with your analog television, you will be restricting yourself to the quality of picture you are currently receiving, even after the change in television broadcasting formats is complete. Although color-technology was first introduced to audiences with the release of The Wizard Of Oz in 1939, color television did not become mainstream until the late-1960's. And although the technology of color was mainstream, black-and-white televisions were still being manufactured and sold well into the 1980's.

Fortunately, this transition will be a bit quicker than the conversion from black-and-white to color. Under the FCC rules for the transition to digital television, television manufacturers were required to include a digital tuner in all television sets manufactured after March 1, 2006.

This conversion is much like the transition from AM to FM as the standard listening medium in the radio industry. Radio listeners could not listen to FM stations until which time they had upgraded their radio from AM to the AM/FM format. The same thing will happen here as well. If you want to receive the beautiful, high-quality HDTV images, you will need to upgrade to a television set capable of displaying the HDTV images.

If you have any lingering doubts about the better HDTV standard, all you need to do is to visit your local television store and see for yourself just how awesome of a picture HDTV actually produces. Just as Dolby Digital Surround Sound enables the listener to feel as if they are in the middle of the action on the television, HDTV permits the viewer to feel as if they are standing in the same room as the actors, on the sidelines at the football game, or on the same beach as the models - it really is that good of a picture.

All About Pizza

The term pizza covers a lot of territory. If you want to learn all about pizzas, then you should have a bit of a background on pizzas: specifically the history of pizza, pizza origin, pizza facts, and even pizza trivia such as who invented pizza. The subject also delves into the different types and styles of pizzas. The varieties currently existing defy any attempts at enumeration. Thus, most people who attempt such a task stop at a broad categorization of pizza types according to certain attributes such as crust thickness, crust elasticity, crust baking and cooking procedures, toppings, etc. Aside from general, historical or trivial information, other things are of interest to the pizza lovers. For instance, homemade pizza enthusiasts would like to know certain tips and tricks for making pizza. This includes pizza making techniques, the best pizza crust recipes, pizza toppings, homemade pizza sauce, etc. Some other interesting topics will be frozen pizza dough and where best to attain them, what are the criteria for choosing the, what are the methods for preparing them, etc.

It must be obvious that this article is a mite ambitious for wishing to tackle something entitled "all about pizza." However, an attempt is definitely warranted, so here goes.

Some pizza facts and trivia

Accounts of pizza history always begin with the origin of pizza. This one might as well follow the same tack. We have to thank any civilization or race that baked flat bread on hot stones or stone ovens for pizza, for almost certainly, bread like the focaccia was the "mother of the pizza crust." However, the invention of the pizza is more properly attributed to the Neapolitans - the people of Naples, Italy who were baking and making pizza crust topped with tomatoes, oil, and Italian herbs, and spices. This rudimentary and traditional Italian pizza was common peasant fare in Naples. If you want an individual originator and inventor of pizzas, however, then you won't be wrong if you cite Rafaelle Esposito - a native of Naples; he modified the basic Neapolitan pizza recipe and came up with three variants that added mozzarella cheese to the rudimentary Italian pizza toppings.

Now, if you are looking for some topics for small conversation, then you must remember the following trivia. One note of caution, though; you shouldn't blurt these out just to anybody or you'll sound decidedly corny and geeky. Make sure you're talking to someone interested in pizzas before you use the following trivia as conversational gambits.

" Most people in the United States love pepperoni; the least liked toppings are anchovies.
" Pizza was called (and is still called) tomato pie and pizza pie in certain parts of the States.
" The first pizzeria in the United States was opened in New York.
" The pizza industry is worth more than 30 billion dollars in the United States alone and Americans consume around three billion units of pizza every year.
" New York pizza is traditionally plain. Supposedly, New York pizza is unique because of the acidity and hardness of the water in New York. New Yorkers therefore claim that only in New York can you make real New York Pizza.

(New Yorkers must admit, however, that if water is the unique characteristic of New York pizzas, one who uses water adjusted for hardness and acidity to reflect New York water conditions, adds all the usual New York pizza ingredients and toppings, follows all the procedures strictly but makes the pizza in New Jersey can conceivably make an authentic, New York style pizza. But such an assertion, some would say, is just plain cheek.)

Pizza types and pizza styles

The first step to a great homemade pizza is determining what type of pizza you wish to make. After all, different types of pizza have different attributes and thus call for different types of pizza base, pizza toppings and cooking techniques. Would you like to make an authentic Italian pizza, a New York style pizza, a California style pizza, or a Chicago style pizza?

Italian pizza is generally lean, although when you add cheese, its fat level generally rises in proportion. There are various kinds of Italian pizza, too. There are Neapolitan pizzas, of which there are two general types: the marinara and the Margherita. There are various combinations of these as well. Authentic Italian pizza, moreover, is supposedly baked on wood-fired or even coal-fired, stone ovens.

New York pizza, as abovementioned, is generally plain. The mainstay of New York pizza is mozzarella cheese - fresh mozzarella cheese to be precise. One can add garlic, different types of cheeses, anchovies, shrimp, etc but these are usually optional. The pizza dough recipe for traditional New York pizza, on the other hand, calls for high-gluten flour. The result is firm, usually thin, chewy pizza.

The California style pizza is generally known for gourmet flavors. You can say the California pizza has countless variations. The pizza crust, in this case, is light, crisp and generally well risen. The toppings can be out of this world - generally California pizza makers experiment a lot with all kinds of meat, sea food, breakfast dishes, and vegetable for the toppings.

The Chicago style pizza, on the other hand, is generally crusty and very filling. They are characterized by their raised edges; imagine a pre-baked apple pie crust where you can place the fillings on top. Chicago pizza is usually meaty (some variants come stuffed with cheeses and meat layers) and it is eaten with a knife and fork.

You can also start by deciding on the flavor you want. Do you want to make a cheese pizza, a vegetarian pizza or a fruit pizza? Perhaps you want to make a low fat pizza, a low carb pizza, a healthy pizza? Sourdough pizza is also another variant. Take your pick among your many options. Once you have decided, choosing the recipe would be much easier. If you have decided on an Italian pizza, for instance, then find your Italian pizza crust recipe, your Italian pizza sauce recipe and the overall Italian pizza recipe that will give you a list of toppings and pizza preparation procedures for making an authentic Italian pizza. For an easier time of it, you can opt to use Italian-style frozen pizza dough then just follow the Italian pizza recipe that you've found.

Some pizza making tips and techniques
Hand tossing will help you minimize the lumps in your pizza dough. However, this should be done only after sufficient pizza dough kneading. This process lets your pizza dough develop into the right kind of consistency - that which is suitable for stretching and hand tossing. Hand tossing, however, is not advisable for thick pizza crust varieties.

If you want a crisp and firm pizza that retains its structure even when the moist toppings are added, you can bake the pizza crust before you add the toppings and the pizza sauce. However, for thin pizza crusts, baking the crust after the toppings and sauce have been added is sufficient. For uniform baking and crisping of the crust, use a pizza stone or a pizza screen.

Finally, remember that the protein content of your flour will influence the end product. High-gluten flour will lead to a crisp but chewy crust. Gluten-free flour, however, may lead to very soft dough; additives may have to be used to give the pizza dough strength.

Quick pizza crust recipes and easy homemade pizza recipes of all kinds and style are easily available online. There are tips for baking and preparing frozen pizza dough, making your own pizza dough, preparing the ingredients for the best pizza crust recipe, etc. All you need to start making your very own pizza recipe is an internet connection, a good source of basic pizza recipe, great pizza equipment, your imagination, and lots of time and resources for experimentation.

How to Successfully Navigate Your Business through an Economic Downturn

by: Terry H Hill
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

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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/


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