Continue Reading March 11th, 2010
I expect you know that volunteer work is a great way to help build stronger communities as well as aiding the needy. Finding the freedom for this kind of event is not actually as simple as you would think, and arranging specific activities will take up free time better used to actually work. Obviously, if volunteering becomes a group effort with colleagues, it’s likely to be more enjoyable.
Continue Reading March 6th, 2010
Born in New Jersey, Nicholas Bredimus examined the practices of software, airlines, and hospitality together and revolutionized these trades. He has worked on initiatives varying from creating time-saving software programs to increasing aircraft safety and designing high value homes.
December 28th, 2009
For some strange cause, human beings are prone to prize and occasionally take up random useless facts. These useless knowledge facts is the consequence of thousands of years of fact assembling and organisation performed by humans all over the globe. Our draw to useless knowledge facts may be just as much a byproduct of our own semiempirical itch to compile statistics to help us describe ourselves inside that world. Our identity may very well survive in the immeasurable knowledge gathered since the beginning of scrivened human civilization.
While we are so frequently confused about the import of these facts, we are nonethless driven by them. Lists of these seemingly useless bits of knowledge have been hoarded for ages. Even in the modern era, we see them in tomes like “Guinness World Records”, whose publication has reached the hands of countless members of our species. Within these listings, we find that our own unique worries and neuroses may not be so peculiar. This provides us with a degree of solace that may help us continue moving in the manner we have become accustomed to.
If we lived in a world whose goals and needs were not collected, our our own eternal heart might also be lost to time.
Continue Reading December 8th, 2009
The volunteers’ sense of brotherhood can strengthen the local community spirit, and as you’d expect it will fulfill the volunteers’ goal of giving charity to those who can’t support themselves. But where do you find the time to donate your time? You’ll also discover that it’s easier to volunteer when an event is pre-planned. And don’t you think that if you had your friends from work active alongside you, you’d all have a better time while volunteering?
Continue Reading November 27th, 2009
Volunteering; coming together as a community, and supporting your local needy. It’s a lot simpler to get involved when another party has planned the event.
November 16th, 2009
The availability of Internet and mobile services round the clock can be annoying, especially when people around are using it in complete disregard of the social climate. A new survey has found that a majority of Americans do not approve of the use of mobile communication services everywhere.
The study funded by Intel, the internationally known chip maker and conducted by Harris Interactive Research revealed that four out of every five people in the US want some behavioural norms regarding the use of mobile phones and smartphones.
According to the “Intel Holiday Mobile Etiquette” which polled adult ‘online Americans’, calling, texting or going online in a church or any other holy place is the most condemned behaviours with as many as 87percent of the poll respondents voting against it. The study also showed that every 3 out of 5 adults believe it is not proper for their date to do so.
Over 50percent were uncomfortable by the secret use of mobiles while eating a meal in company, while three quarters of those surveyed felt it was fine to go to the loo to check mails. However, they added that this should be a quick check and not a long chat.
It looks like the Americans need to develop these mobile etiquettes as these things happen too often though most of people are disappointed by such acts. If you haven’t yet joined the ranks of mobile internet users, take a look at pay as you go mobile broadband, however it is fair to point out that how you choose to use the service; to be or not to be “socially acceptable” is a choice you might have to make on your own!
Continue Reading October 25th, 2009
Steve Schwarzman’s story is one of altruism and dedication. In 2008 Steve Schwarzman placed number fifty three on the list of America’s richest people, nevertheless it’s not money which makes this story so fascinating but additionally his unbelievable rise to power in the business industry and his generosity to society. Steve’s life shows everybody that the most significant qualities in flourishing in business are work and dedication…
Continue Reading October 13th, 2009
Steve Schwarzman’s story is one of success and a willingness to put in the hours. Forbes named him as the fifty-third most wealthy person in the US recently, even so it’s his generosity to society and his incredible business success that show him to be such a interesting character. The Blackstone Group mogul is an inspiration and his life illustrates that wealth can be achieved through hard work and being unequivocally committed to your job
March 8th, 2009
Message boards, discussion forums and newsgroups can all produce very profitable results for you and your business. Most of us already participate in one or more of these and the more you participate the bigger the benefits to you and your website will be.
So let’s find out how to make this a profitable venture for you.
Posting on forums, newsgroups and boards is the start of a relationship between you and others who read these venues. Many message boards and forums also allow you to use a picture of yourself. This adds to making the whole experience much more personal between you and other readers. It allows for many friendships to be formed. I am constantly told by readers of my newsletter that they have often meet people they deal with online and many friendships have been developed.
With these venues you have the potential to reach thousands of people, all who can help you and your business and may form some lasting friendships in the process..
This is one of the most productive efforts that you can involve yourself in online. Time is money and a lot of you are also working full time jobs while trying to build an online business. Set aside time on a daily basis to participate in at least one of these ventures.
- Join boards where your expertise can help relevant traffic and leads for your site.
- Join areas where you have an opportunity to help others and others who may be able to help you.
- Join areas where people are involved with the same interests that you have in websites you have developed.
I have an online newsletter (http://www.emailpromotions.net) that is aimed at people working on the internet. I offer free software that I have found online as well as marketing tips, traffic tips and computer tips. I also have a website that focuses on Resort Spas Worldwide (http://www.spasoftheworld.com). I participate in a great number of forums and newsgroups and it is a tremendous help in building my online businesses
1. Look for message boards that get a lot of traffic. The more traffic on the board the better your chances of getting more traffic to your site and making good connections with others. If the forums contain spam, avoid them like the plague. They are a waste of your time.
2. Let people know who you are. Use your real name and if possible post a picture of your self. Don’t be afraid to also use the logo from your site if you have one. You need people to trust you in order to build an online experience with them. You will be surprised at how well known you will become by using this simple method. Not only will people get to know and trust you but they will refer others to you. Word of mouth/email is a very powerful tool for you to use.
3. Success in getting your post read is your first priority. Subject lines MUST catch a persons eye in order for them to open it. Stick to topics that are hot or create your own hot topic. That way your message is right at the top. People like to look at hot topics and busy threads.
5) When posting or responding to a topic, use keywords that people using the search engines would use to find that topic. Put those right in the subject line since the search engines do index many popular discussion boards.
4. Keep in mind that message boards are also websites and search engines pick up keywords. Make sure you use a lot of good keywords in the body of your message and also in the subject line if possible.
5. As well as keywords, offer a link to someone that is free that people can use. An ebook, a free software program etc. The link alone will bring people back to the topic time and time again, bringing more and more traffic.
6. Signature files…you should already be using a signature file with your emails but make sure to use them every time you post. Make sure it explains your site and your product. This will also count as sites that link to your website and thereby increase you popularity and rankings. Make sure you do it tastefully or you will see your message tossed very quickly.
7. Make sure you are contributing something of value when you participate in these communities. Once you start to become a valuable contributor others will be more trusting of you and will feel safe making purchases from your site.
8. Forum etiquette. Make sure you follow the rules to a “T” or you will develop a reputation for being combative. So many people attack others and if you must respond to someone attacking you, take it to private messages. Attacking others or attacking in defense will drive business away from your site faster than you can blink an eye. Before you post any message, read it carefully and make sure it does not sound combative. Always read your posts before hitting the submit button.
9. Posting on a regular basis will give you more traffic than you dreamed of. Set aside hour a day to monitor boards and to post on some. It should pay off very nicely in the end.
Jean Sutherland has successfully run her own ezine for over 5 years and has a subscriber base of 35,000. Her ezine revolves around people doing business online and beside offering free software, it also provides traffic & marketing tips, informative business articles, free ebooks and computer tips for those trying to work online. http://www.emailpromotions.net
December 15th, 2008
Small businesses are really excluded from the global economy
Small businesses from many different industries, both traditional and hi-tech, have discovered a new way for them to succeed in the “global economy”.
It involves collaboration on large proposals, R&D and fulfilment of orders assisted by relatively low cost, virtual collaboration technology.
Traditionally many small businesses join supply chains centred on larger companies.
Unfortunately the companies at the bottom of such supply chains are often treated as commodity players and replaced with cheaper alternatives when the opportunity arises.
Some brave small businesses have attempted to “go it alone” by creating sophisticated internet e-business architectures which directly link them to their major customers and partners.
However the expense, risk and sheer management effort involved in this approach puts it beyond the reach of most.
Virtual Enterprise Networks (aka VENs) give small businesses scale
The “third way” which companies are discovering is to join “Virtual Enterprise Networks” or VENs with other like-minded but complimentary businesses to market, sell and deliver collective offers to the market beyond what the individual companies could offer by themselves.
In addition these VENs are also undertaking significant collaborative product development work, often in partnership with applied research institutes and universities, which would be beyond the reach of the member companies individually.
For example, a group of UK Engineering companies are using the VEN approach to collectively bid for many-million pounds of work per annum from a large European Customer. Like many corporates this customer has a supply chain rationalisation (aka small supplier reduction) programme which would stop them dealing with any of the companies individually.
Another example is a group of Swiss component manufacturers who used VENs to move up the value chain away from contract-specific components to branded product solutions in the face of stern cost-based competition from Czechoslovakian companies exporting into their home market.
A third example is a group of Mexican manufacturers who used a VEN to support their entry into a new, more sophisticated market (the US).
So what exactly is the “Value Proposition” for a VEN?
A VEN connects businesses into peer networks that are supported by appropriate technology to give them the capabilities and competitive advantages of global enterprises particularly:
SALES
MARKETING REACH
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
HUMAN, CAPITAL & IT RESOURCES
Whilst exploiting their inherent competitive advantages in being able to be more agile in areas such as:
SPEED & RESPONSIVENESS
ENTREPRENEURSHIP & INNOVATION
FLEXIBILITY
LOW OVERHEADS
So what are the critical factors for making a VEN a success?
All the experience points to four main ones:
CSF1. Not over-complicating the technology support!
The surprising thing about virtual enterprise networks is that the technology support companies need to get started and win collective new business is neither complex nor costly.
When companies are starting to collaborate all they really need is a simple web-based collaboration platform which they can access from their companies (whilst travelling) which allows them to securely communicate, schedule, discuss and work on shared documents.
Typically numerous suppliers offer such software as a hosted, pay-per-use service, which requires no software, installed at any of the client PCs.
Companies operating in a network also need access to good shared business applications such as campaign management/CRM - these applications must be web-based as networks of small companies do not have shared IT infrastructures.
CSF2. Taking “Network Governance” Seriously
The biggest concern a customer will have in dealing with a network is who is accountable when things go wrong (and can I sue them if it has to come to that!).
Also customers want to treat the network like a single entity not like a collection of different companies. Thus they need to see single point of contact, seamless business processes and common values from a network.
This can all be grouped together under the term “Network Governance”.
Networks, which do not invest in building this typically unravel in their first sales pitch to any large customer once the customer’s procurement department starts asking probing questions.
“Marriage of Convenience networks” rarely win collective contract work from major organisations.
CSF3. Development of Common Collaborative Working Practices
A virtual enterprise network is a virtual team. However it is made up of individuals from many different organisations with different ambitions, IT awareness, business cultures many of whom do not know each other well.
It is therefore a classic Virtually Networked Team and as such needs to agree the way these people will work together, make decisions, handle conflicts, share information and use the virtual collaboration technology.
An aspect of VENs which seem to differentiate them from other forms of networking is the willingness of the members to invest in the development of these shared working practices.
Without such practices it is unlikely that trust will grow in the network to the extent necessary to achieve anything significant.
The first conflict that happens will probably destroy the network.
Strange as it may seem it is sometimes the appearance of the first good business opportunity that destroys a network as members revert to non-collaborative styles with the smell of the money!
CSF4. “ABC” Roles
The most successful virtual enterprise networks are based around 3 key roles, which can be remembered using “ABC”.
“A” is for the Architect who knows what the network of companies can (and cannot) deliver. The Architect is also responsible for finding companies to fill gaps in the virtual supply networks needed to deliver specific customer opportunities.
“B” is for the Broker who sources potential customer opportunities for the network and then works closely with the Architect to qualify them and configure the right virtual teams to bid.
“C” is for the Coach who works with the individuals in the different companies to build trust, design accountability structures, resolve issues, address conflicts of interest and build them into effective cross-company teams.
I am sold - how can I get started?
Click on this link to access “A 6-week plan for setting up a Virtual Enterprise Network” ===> http://www.bioteams.com/2005/07/24/a_kick-start_plan.html
Ken Thompson’s shared know-how on the “how-to” of virtual collaboration and successful bioteaming is available free on http://www.bioteams.com
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