The guy who invented the concept of “payday advance” was either a genius, or a product of the saying: “Necessity breeds invention”.Whoever he was, it’s a pretty great idea. Theoretically, if you find yourself strapped for cash between paydays, all you have to do is go online and find the nearest payday advance company in your area, for example, if you’re living in Ontario, then you’d be well-assured that there are many companies offering payday a in Ontario, whether it’s on-site on the loaning premises, or even online. Once you’ve given them your information, you’re pretty much in the money, if you excuse the pun.Now, doesn’t that sound so great? One minute, you’re up to your elbows in debt, or you’re tearing your hair out worrying about where you’re going to get some extra cash, then less than a couple of hours later, you’re walking out of your bank or loaning company premises, with a big grin on your face and a wad of cash in your hands.Hold your horses though! Like everything else, payday advances, especially online ones, do have their pros and cons. For the sake of argument, both sides will be presented here:ProsFast – In less than an hour, you’ll be approved and have cash on hand.Easy – All you have to do is send some basic information, and wait for them to assess you.Safe – No more dreading whether or not some mugger is waiting for you once you have the cash in hand such as when you leave the loan premises, which are less safe than at the bank.Minimal Paperwork – Online payday advance companies will require very little to no paperwork from you, unlike other companies that requires faxing your information to them, then waiting for them to manually check each piece of information given to them.No Time and Geographical Restrictions – Since many companies use online checking systems, you can virtually send your information to them anytime, anywhere.Impersonal, yet Service-Oriented – Since it’s online, you’ll still deal with professionals, but you’ll also be avoiding those awkward moments that you encounter if you’re going to borrow money from family or friends.However, there are also a few cons that come along with this deal, so stop and take a while to consider these things.ConsHigher interest rates – Of course, you always have to keep in mind that this IS a business, after all. The company will still charge you higher interest rates than if you get a loan from friends or family, who most likely will not charge any interest at all.Scams – This is the biggest danger that you face in doing business with online payday advance companies. There are so many out there that will just get your sensitive information such as identity and credit card information, and use them, or worse, sell them on the black market. Suddenly, you get a bill for a cruise to the Bahamas you never went on, or a down payment for a car you never bought. So be careful!Can only solve short-term problems – Remember, higher interest rates will result in much higher bills over time. So if your money problems are recurring, or long-term, don’t use online payday loans over and over again.In the end, it will still be up to you whether or not using payday loans is right for you. Be sure to go over all the pros and cons, and think about your individual situation, and you’re sure to make the most sound financial decision you can make.Money Loans Company – Payday Loans and Cash Advance
20 Eglinton Ave. East
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
M4P 1A9
Payday Advance – Looking at Both Sides of the Coin
How To Start A Service Business
Setting Up A Service Based Business For BeginnersAlthough there are exceptions where both entities are entwined into one, most basics of the business is built around one unifying category so that the intentions and goals are clearly and visibly set.This distinction allows the individual to then decide of the accompanying tools that should be chosen for the purpose of enhancing the business experience and also to contribute positively to the ease of running the business entity.Most service based forays are labor intensive which the business entity revolves around. This is either packaged as the selling of expertise in a particular field or the selling of the actual “engines” that produce the desired outcome that bring in the revenue.Either way the quality, efficiency, attention and detail that is exercised within the business are the eventual elements that are going to make or break the business foray into the revenue churning mechanism.Basically offering the time frame required to create a particular service or to provide the content of the project itself is how the cost factor is calculated and the profits are gained in the service based business.Therefore, the individual would have to factor in the cost of business entity by the labor intensive tool it provides, in order to provide a suitable base line for the eventual calculation of the profits and the pricing suitable to be demanded.Alternatively the value of the service based business can be calculated on the value of the service being provided in a consultancy capacity which is evaluated against the insights the said service will bring to the company with the intention of creating a system thereby the said company is able to save or be more cost effective.Being able to identify a suitable and good service based company is very important if the new business or existing business owner intends to hire its services to help enhance the site’s potential.Identifying the characteristics of a particular service based company and matching them to the needs of the site in question will allow the business owner is make an informed decision of the merits of the chosen service.Do Your Research First-Customer perception of a company is very important to the progress and eventual success of any business endeavor, therefore it is very important to be able to identify the appropriate service based one to best suit the individual’s needs.Being able to provide good service should always be the prime concern of any business entity especially if its revenue earning power depends on this one factor.Market research is often the best way to identify the companies that have good track records and are capable of delivering what they promise.This information can easily be sourced over the internet as these companies will be active in presenting their achievements for all interested parties to view.It is also an excellent platform for potential clients and competitors alike to note the merits of the presenting service based company.Being well-placed on the search engine rankings will allow the service based company to be more visible and thus make it easier to garner the intended customer base to ensure its consistent success.The features of a good service based company would have to include the value added by the business entity from the input stage to the output stage where the results are then measured by its success rates.These input stages are often regarded as the commodity phase and the processes that it is designed around have to ensure the successful output stage which is where the end desired results are more than adequately met.Making a sale or pushing a business proposition is never an easy task to accomplish for some, therefore having the relevant assisting tools at hand should provide the individual with some encouragement to see the process to success.Marketing Skills-The following are some tools that can prove to be of great assistance to any individual intending to beef up their marketing skills:Making use of as many online tools as possible to promote the business or product intended is one way to start the enhancement of the marketing skills venture.Using blogs to create the interest and visibility for the item is something that should be considered as this is one way to get the attention of the target audience without much cost incurred.Working together with others is another way to beef up an individual’s marketing skills. Being part of a team effort where the individual’s talents and contributions are noticed and acknowledged is definitely an encouraging factor and helps the individual to be more adventurous and keen on honing his or her skills further.Availing one’s self to be listed on freelance job sites is also another way of beefing up the marketing skill of an individual. The fact that the visibility factor the site can bring to the individual will help the person focus more on ensuring the eventual connections made are optimized and locked in at the earliest opportunity.Social websites are also a good platform to introduce one’s marketing skills to the masses.Because of the competitiveness of all the participants in this particular platform the individual will subconsciously be forced to step out and ensure his or her participation leaves a positive impact on the interactions.Showcasing all the positive skill of the marketing process will eventually earn the respect and attention of others looking for such services.Create Your Website-Creating a website can be a challenging feat for those not very internet savvy, however it is not altogether a task that is formidable in nature. With a little startup knowledge and tips anyone can successfully attempt to put together their own website.The following are some guidelines that will help ease the process:Registering the suitable domain name is the first step to take when designing a website.The choice of this domain name should ideally take into consideration the relevance the name has to the intended site, an easy to remember reference, one that is short yet descriptive and whether it has the right extensions tagged to it such as.net,.com,.org.The next step would be to set up a web host account and this would entail the picking one that can provide the services the individual would need for the website.Although cost is always a factor for every business endeavor, it would be advisable to avoid using the cheaper and inexperienced ones available as this might end up costing the individual in the future.The follow up step would be to point the domain to the web host in place.This is a fairly simple exercise, however if the individual faces any potential problems along the way there are always assisting platforms to tap into to get the relevant help or explanations.Getting a word press linked to the site is another important step to incorporate into the setup. This word press is a free platform that is used by bloggers and allows the individual to build the website with the minimum of effort while making it user-friendly always.Last but by no means the least, would be for the individual to organize the website.This process would involve the backtracking exercise to ensure there are no defaults that would cause the viewer to be put off when visiting the site.Learning to build websites isn’t the complex technical process a lot of people think it is. All you really need to do is come to our website and get access to 300+ Tutorials that show you step by step how to build a website, and so much more, and start playing around with building your own websites.Advertising Ideas-In order to stay competitive it is necessary to always be able to have fresh views and ideas to present to potential customers and target audiences. Without such innovations the website will become stagnant and outdated thus eventually causing the original high volume of traffic flow to thin out. Brainstorming is one way of gathering and creating new ideas that would benefit any endeavor.Some of the ways that can be adopted to bring forth interesting and innovative ideas at the brainstorming sessions are facilitated by encouraging the participants to simulate the mindset of the customer or the intended target audience.By doing this the participant are more likely to anticipate the needs and wants of the customers and target audience and design any changes to fit into this discovery.Bringing people together to discuss ideas at the same time and in the same place is also another good advantage the brainstorming sessions can facilitate.Advertising ideas and campaigns can be discussed in “real time” as opposed to having emails flying about which is less effective and time-consuming and even confusing at times.Brainstorming for advertising purposes, should ideally take into account the following points:Problem definition and identification should be done at the very onset of the exercise. With this clearly outlined, other factors can then be worked on in line with the initial problem discovery information.Custom designing can also be worked on within the brainstorming session, as the collaboration of views can contribute to finding the one idea that is going to eventually used to build the campaign around.Customer Service-Making a sale is only the first step is the relationship building exercise, which will eventually contribute to either the success or failure of any business endeavor. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the customer service offered to cement the success rate desired.The following are some tips as to how to stay on top of the customer service exercise:Taking the customer for granted is the first and most common mistake most businesses make. This is especially evident when the business has expanded to now successful and comfortable levels. Often forgotten is the customers that brought the business to such heights in the first place.Therefore, it is very important to keep in touch with the customers so that vital information can be obtained about the current needs and wants of the customer.In the quest to stay informed and provide optimum customer service another point to consider and exercise is the importance of being fresh and innovative with ideas that are going to keep the customer coming back for more.When boredom sets in the customer will usually simply look elsewhere for the next new exciting thing that attracts their attention.Therefore, in order to induce customer loyalty innovative ideas should be a constant feature within the business.Happy Customers Are Loyal Customers-Training staff to treat each customer with respect and individuality is well worth the effort. Sometimes this positive treatment is the defining factor that keeps the customer coming back, even if the products are not exactly the best in the market.Having the protocols in place for quick and efficient responses to a customer’s queries or grievances, is one way of ensuring the individual stays a loyal customer and does not spread negativity about the business or product. Happy customers are loyal customers.In most cases it is rather difficult to specifically categorize businesses into specific service based styles. This is mainly because a lot of businesses tend to incorporate different platforms and strategies into the actual blueprint of the business format.However, there are some that can be clearly defined as service based business companies and the following are some of these examples:Types Of Service Based Business-Such service companies may include the likes of services provided by doctors, accounts, architects, actuaries, lawyers and other related fields.On a more creative side one may include the likes of services provided for by fabric designers, fashion designers, color scheme artists and many more as the list of such endeavors can be quite overwhelming.Most service type companies rarely have appreciable inventory as the purchases for usually made with the objective of facilitating a job thus the need to carry any inventory would not be necessary.Merchandising companies can also be considered service style enterprises as they to provide a service of sort to the customer base.However, this service is based solely on providing tangible elements rather than just the action of extending physical service. The generation of revenue is from the actual sale of the inventory rather than from the service extended.Manufacturing companies also come under the category of providing a service to the industry and the customer needs. In this scenario the products or items are made and sold within the company’s business entity thus ensuring monetary gains are derived both from the product and the service offered by manufacturing the product.All these different types of basic service providing entities are all in place with one goal in mind and that is to create the platform for revenue earning potential. Therefore, in order to understand and identify which would be best suited for the individual business owner, more research should be done to find the style that best suits the individual’s needs.OK, so I hope this article gives those looking to start their own online service based business a better understanding on what it takes to set up and grow a successful online serviced based business.To your great success on your online business journey, Bob
Small Business Consulting Opportunities – Be Your Own Boss
Small Business Consulting Opportunities Are EndlessIn reality, anyone can become a consultant. Small business consulting opportunities today are endless. If you have an area that you are extremely knowledgeable in and you have the drive and passion for excellence, you could become a consultant.Many of the small business consulting opportunities do not require any special training. For example, if you are really good with computers, the software they use and network security, you could become an IT business consultant. Perhaps you are very creative and knowledgeable when it comes to marketing. You know how to take a product and make it sell. You could become a marketing consultant.There are a few things you should keep in mind when browsing the small business consulting opportunities available. The first thing to consider is the qualifications that are needed. Is the area you are considering something you could call yourself an expert in? Are you familiar with the current information that is needed? For instance, when it comes to becoming an IT consultant, you would need to be knowledgeable with all of the current computer information. Technology is constantly changing and you have to know all of the up-to-date information. Another thing you need to check on is if there are any special certifications or licenses that are needed. While some companies may not require you to have a degree in a certain area, they may require you to be certified. Organization is another key factor when researching the small business consulting opportunities. You need to make sure that you are able to handle time management and be prepared when you enter into a situation.Small business consulting opportunities are readily available to those people who are critical thinkers. A consultant is known as a problem solver and in order to solve issues effectively and efficiently, a person has to be able to demonstrate problem solving. A consultant works side by side with the business, therefore communication is important. A successful consultant must have excellent communication skills. They also need to have leadership skills. A consultant has to lead a company to success, and in order to do this, they have to lead. When a consultant comes into a company, the people there are relying on them to take their company to the top. The consultant has to take the lead and run with it, take control of the situation.With so many small business consulting opportunities in many different areas, pricing is very important. A consultant needs to know how to set an hourly rate if their services are used by the hour. If a company uses them on a day to day basis, then the consultant needs to know how the prices for daily rates. Some companies will need a consultant to help with projects. If this is the case, a consultant needs to know how to bill their client by the project. When a company uses a consultant on a monthly basis, then the consultant would charge a monthly retainer. A small business consultant usually makes a substantial amount of money and pricing is the key element into turning those small business consulting opportunities into a success. Many consultants will require their client to pay a deposit beforehand. There will be occasions where the consultant will pay for expenses out of their own pocket. It is important for them to know how to get reimbursement from the company they are working with.There are many areas of business, making the small business consulting opportunities endless. A great consultant has to have knowledge, passion, and understanding. There are thousands of people who have knowledge that they didn’t even know existed. Once they tap into that knowledge, educate themselves even further and put that knowledge to use by helping others, they are considered a consultant. A business consultant is the most sought after because there are companies developing all over the world.One of the best small business consulting opportunities is being your own boss. You can set your own hours and pay, which makes you the boss. Of course you have to work certain hours, especially when helping a company with a project, but you basically are in control of that also. You just have to determine when the project needs to be done and how many hours it will take you to complete it. In reality, you have the most control over your work schedule when you become a consultant. You set the prices you are to be paid, and if you are an expert in a certain area, it is up to you to make sure your prices are set to what your time is worth. You are in complete control!If you would like to know more about small business consulting opportunities, you can click the link below to find out more information.
Top 10 Overseas Property Investments in 2010
1. BrazilThe Brazilian property market has got a lot going for it. The country is attracting a lot of inward investment, has one of the world’s fastest growing economies, a rapidly emerging mortgage market, a general shortage of quality homes, and has been selected to host the 2014 football World Cup and 2016 Olympic Games. This will lead to the construction of new and improved infrastructures and homes across Brazil.Property investors from around the world are flocking to Brazilian shores with a view to snapping up real estate, in anticipation of future capital growth.One local expect projects Brazilian property prices could appreciate by up to 200% over the next decade, driven by the country’s burgeoning economy, and the pending introduction of mortgages to overseas nationals.Investment banking firm Goldman Sachs believes that Brazil’s economic growth could outstrip that of the other BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) member nations over the next few years.Brazil’s economy is widely expected to become the fifth largest in the world by the time the Olympic Games kicks off in 2016, and yet Brazil property and land prices still remain a fraction of those found in more developed nations.The Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has already pledged to spend up to £11.5bn on building a million new homes in Brazil between now and 2011.However, potential high property investment rewards are not with out their risks, as crime and corruption still remains widespread in Brazil.2. FranceIn stark contrast to the relatively high risk, high return nature of investing in Brazil, the risks associated with investing in French property are far lower.France has traditionally always been a rather safe haven for property investors. The nation was the first European country to come out of recession in 2009, reflecting the fact that the global credit crunch had much less of an impact, compared to other European counterparts.France’s strong economy is having a positive impact on its property market, which now appears to be on the road to recovery.Increasing property and mortgage transactions are boosting residential values, with the latest FNAIM data revealing that the average price of a French property appreciated by 2.8% between April and September 2009.Although average prices remain down 7.8% year-on-year, the market is generally expected to improve further, due to France’s prudent attitude to mortgage lending.Anyone taking out a mortgage in France is generally only permitted to borrow one third of their total gross monthly income. This has ensured that mortgages remain readily available, with 100% loan-to-value home loans available at competitive borrowing rates.Consequently, mortgage lending in France is soaring. French mortgage broker Athena Mortgages reports that there was a 21% rise in mortgage enquiries in Q3 2009 compared with the previous quarter.The buy-to-let and leaseback sectors are reportedly attracting particular interest from investors, due to improved yields across the country.The capital city of Paris has long been identified as one of the most attractive European cities for investment, and is typically the most popular place to buy a home in France, along with Cannes, Marseille and Nice, which are all located along the southern Mediterranean coast.3. USAThe USA property market may be showing tentative signs of improvement, following one of the worst economic and property crashes in living memory, but the downturn has come at a cost to many US homeowners.Data from RealtyTrac shows that a record high of 938,000 US homes foreclosed in the third quarter of 2009. If this trend continues, foreclosures would reach around 3.5m by the end of 2009, up from around 2.3m properties last year.Properties in Nevada had the highest foreclosures rates in Q3, followed by homes in Arizona, California, Florida, Idaho, Utah, Georgia, Michigan, Colorado and Illinois.
Rising unemployment levels – currently at a 26-year high of 9.8% – was cited as the main reason for the increase in foreclosure levels. Yet, there may be worst to come, as the unemployment rate is not expected to peak until mid-2010.Unfortunately, one person’s misfortune is another’s gain. With around 7m properties currently in the foreclosure process, compared with 1.3m for the same period in 2005, predatory investors are buying up distressed, abandoned and repossessed homes at bargain-basement prices, as now appears to be the ideal time to fill your boots.Although the sub-prime mortgage crisis started in the USA, there are growing signs that the property market may now be at or near the bottom of the cyclical downturn. Various indices reveal that average residential prices started to rise, albeit marginally, during the second quarter of 2009.4. NorwaySales in Norway have nosedived over the past year or so, as residential values have cooled.However, the Norwegian property market downturn, which has not been anywhere near as severe as in other neighbouring countries, appears to have already bottomed out, and looks ready to lead the Scandinavian property market recovery.The key to the Norwegian property market is the strength of the country’s economy, which has made it one of the wealthiest in the world, while new housing output has dropped below average, which could fall short of demand next year.Norway is rich in both gas and oil and this helps to support the country’s economy and ensure that its currency also stays strong – both alluring to property investors.The country’s population is estimated to increase by 23% – approximately one million people – over the next 40 years, which should make sure that long-term residential demand is robust.Another positive is the fact that unemployment is extremely low – approximately 3% – compared to its European counterparts.Almost half of the Norwegian population resides in the counties of Oslo, Rogaland, Akershus and Hordaland, and so this is where property investors should focus their attentions. Property prices in these places remain relatively cheap compared to wages in Norway.5. SwitzerlandMany of the high earners currently living in Britain look set to quit the UK in droves ahead of the introduction of a 50% top tax rate in April 2010, and escape to more tax-friendly shores, such as Switzerland.The Swiss authorities are actively lobbying to attract many of these disillusioned high-net worth individuals, who are being tempted by assurances that they will be allowed to steer clear of European Union regulation and Britain’s Financial Services Authority.It is estimated that hedge funds managing in the region of £10 billion in assets have already moved to Switzerland in the past year alone. This has increased demand for homes to rent and buy.Due to canton restrictions, it has previously been difficult for foreigners to buy property in Switzerland. However, the country has now eased its strict property buying regulations, and opened its doors to more international buyers, partly through the introduction of ‘residence de tourisme’ style investments, which is similar to the ever-popular ‘leaseback’ formula in France.Switzerland, one of the richest nations in the world, is of course a tax haven.
Anyone who sets up permanent residency in Switzerland would be entitled to take advantage of the country’s favourable tax law, including the lump sum taxation, which charges a levy based on people’s lifestyle and spending habits.Given that one’s taxable income is charged at just five times their annual rent or rental value of their property, and the fact that assets outside Switzerland remain tax-free, should ensure demand for Swiss properties – to rent and buy – remains strong for years to come.Historically, Swiss property values have typically appreciated in line with inflation. Properties located at the top end of the market, in cantons like Valais and Vaud, have reportedly increased by up to 20% in the past year.6. AustraliaThe Australian economic and property market recovery has been swifter than the other leading nations around the world.It has been claimed that the revival in the country’s property market and economy is as much as 12 months ahead of the other developed countries in the economic cycle.Unemployment peaked in September 2009, in stark contrast to Britain and the USA, while increasing commodity demand from China has forced the Australian Central Bank to raise benchmark interest rates. Yet this has failed to cool strong residential demand, which coupled with a general housing shortage, is forcing property values higher.The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics house price index shows that the average price of a residential property in Australia appreciated by 4.2% in the third quarter of 2009, which means that in the year to September, residential prices increased 6.2%.Australia could be set for a residential property price boom over the next few years, as the country’s economy continues to show genuine signs of recovery.A recent Australia property report projected that average residential prices in nearly all capital cities would increase by between 11% and 19% by 2012, with the greatest property price rises expected to be recorded in Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne.7. MalaysiaI tipped Malaysia to be the number one place to invest in property in 2009, due to the country’s robust property ownership laws, lack of capital gains tax and attractive mortgage rates.However, residential sales were sluggish during the early half of the year, as the market struggled as a direct consequence of the global credit crunch, while there are some political uncertainties emerging.But with consumer sentiment improving, the recent positive market recovery, supported by the construction of new residential schemes across the country, should continue in 2010.While property prices race ahead across much of Asia – in countries like China, Vietnam and Singapore – which has led to heightened fears of budding property bubbles, the Malaysian property market has merely stabilised, making it suited to more balanced investors.With an extremely young and well-educated population, long-term demand for property in Malaysia looks set to grow.Domestically, an increasing number of people are moving from the countryside into the larger cities, while internationally Malaysia looks set to cross a demographic landmark of huge social and economic importance.Malaysia’s population is growing by around 2%, or an extra 500,000 people, every year. The World Bank projects the country’s population will grow annually by 1% until 2050, which will place further pent-up demand on property values.Malaysia’s property prices are still lower than they were in 1997, due partly to the Asian financial crisis in the late 1990′s, suggesting very real room for growth.8. Abu DhabiThe recent property price falls in the fast growing UAE capital of Abu Dhabi, the richest and largest of all the seven UAE states, have been nowhere near as severe as in neighbouring Dubai.The tax-efficient emirate has the largest fossil fuel reserve in the UAE, is the fourth biggest natural gas producer in the world, has the world’s highest income per capita, is home to almost all of the Arabic Fortune 500 companies, and is currently sitting on over 88 billion barrels of proven oil reserves.Yet Abu Dhabi is now actively trying to reduce its reliance on oil, and is diversify its economy into the financial services and tourism sectors. Billions of pounds have been allocated for infrastructure projects and the development of residential, leisure and cultural schemes across the oil-rich emirate. The plans are truly remarkable.Nevertheless, investors seeking out bargain deals will find some of the best opportunities for distressed property investments in the Gulf region in Abu Dhabi.The recent slowdown in the property market means that just 45,000 are anticipated to be completed in the capital in the next four years, augmenting the exiting housing shortage.The supply of housing stock remains scant, partly because Abu Dhabi is not part of a community master-plan like those pioneered by Emaar and Nakheel in Dubai.The housing shortfall in the capital is expected to stand at around 15,000 homes next year, which could mean that property prices and rents are forced up, while residential demand – domestic and international – is expected to increase.Because Abu Dhabi does not have the same high level of exposure to the global financial crisis, compared with other UAE emirates, mortgages for non-residents – at up to 75% loan-to-value – are readily available again. This is likely to appeal to buy-to-let investors, as well as those people seeking equity release and to remortgage their properties in Abu Dhabi.9. OmanThe relaxed Arabian state of Oman, voted ‘destination of the year 2008′ by Vogue magazine, has long been a popular holidaying destination for people living within the GCC.With a population of around 2.3m, Oman is being modernised and liberalised culturally and economically by hereditary Sultan, Qaboos Bin Said Al-Said, a forward-thinking leader.Sultan Qaboos strategy for economic growth – Vision 2020 – aims to diversify Oman’s economic dependency on oil, and focus on other industries, such as property and tourism.Demand for property in Oman is primarily being driven by the Sultan’s decision to introduce legislation in 2004 – ratified in 2006 – permitting foreigners to buy freehold property and land in designated tourist areas, most notably Muscat. These projects are referred to as Integrated Tourism Complexes (ITC). Furthermore, foreign homeowners can now apply for residency visas.A number of luxurious developments are being erected across Oman including, The Chedi, Azaiba, Wadi Kabi, The Wave, Barr Al Jissah Residences, Jebel Sifah, Salalah Beach, The Malkai, Muscat Hills, Al Madina A’Zarqa, Jebel Sifah, and Salalah Beach.The fact that Oman appeals to end-users – not just investors – means that the medium to long-term prospect for Omani property market growth looks good.10. South AfricaSouth African property market conditions look ripe for investment, as the country starts to come out of recession. Recent property price falls appear to be bottoming out, while FIFA’s 2010 football World Cup fast approaches.From the moment world football’s governing body, FIFA, awarded South Africa the rights to host the World Cup in 2010, shrewd property investors from around the globe have been looking on with great interest, with one eye firmly on cashing in on the sport’s popularity.The first ever FIFA World Cup to be hosted on African soil has the potential to be the biggest sporting event of all time.The tournament is expected to attract around 350,000 football fans for a month of football mayhem, starting on 11 June 2010, which is tipped to contribute around £1.5bn to South Africa’s gross domestic product and generate another £500m in government taxes.South Africa property prices haven softened over the past year or so, due to a fall in residential demand, caused by reduced housing affordability, higher inflation and interest rates.But residential prices could soon experience growth, on the back of what should be a reinvigorated economy, spurred by the football tournament.While the odds may be stacked up against the South African football winning the World Cup in 2010, it is not too far fetched to assume that the country’s housing market could prove to be the real winner of the tournament, generating significant returns for property investors in the process.
Savile Row Tailors – Pioneering In Men’s Fashion
Great Britain’s rich history is not just limited to tales surrounding the royal family or the conquests that saw it become one of the supreme powers of the world. In fact, the centuries of supremacy that this country has enjoyed symbolize the pinnacle it achieved in almost all realms of life, may it be trade, governance, literature, education, art or fashion. When we talk about the British contributions towards the world of style and fashion, there is a centuries old history associated with it as well. Among the most prominent representatives of Britain’s fashion industry are the Savile Row tailors, whose master craftsmanship is known to all and sundry around the world.About Savile Row Tailors:
It would not be wrong to regard Savile Row as the hub of men’s custom-made suiting. This is a status it has enjoyed for the past couple of centuries and it is to the credit of the artisans working here that the world has come to recognize Britain as a trendsetter in the fashion industry. Although the Row also caters to the demands of its female clientele, its widespread popularity primarily comes from its strong adherence to men’s apparel. In fact, the craftsmen you find on the Row will proudly present a list of iconic male figures for whom they have had the privilege of creating statement pieces for.Who Is The Best Among The Savile Row Tailors?
To decide which of the Savile Row’s designer outlets have an edge over the others is a difficult question to answer and would mainly depend on the taste the buyer has. The choice is also difficult to make because each of these fashion solution providers have their own niche and design strengths that attract different categories of clients, ranging from celebrities to entrepreneurs. Some of the most sought after names in this Mayfair area include:Spencer Hart:
Although counted among the recent entrants to Savile Row, Spencer Hart quickly became popular among men who are on the lookout for modern cuts with hassle-free designs. The shop considers itself to be the creator of ‘cool’ factor in men’s suiting and has been successful in remaining true to its label. Presenting the perfect fusion of trendy, elegant and sassy, Spencer Hart impresses its customers with each collection by introducing the flawless minimalist yet stylish dark-finish suiting styles.Gieves And Hawkes:
If you are on the lookout for suits that incorporate the old-age British class and finesse, you would definitely be impressed by what Gieves and Hawkes have to offer you. Being one of the earliest outlets on the street, Gieves and Hawkes have maintained their traditionalist British styles, ranging from military uniforms to vintage style suits.Richard James:
Richard James has separate outlets for its readymade and bespoke collections. It is to Richard James’ credit that even though the suits are styled with impressive cuts and distinctive silhouettes, they do not appear to have a pompous look. Innovations in designs and the creative use of colours adds stars to the outlet’s portfolio.
6 Tips For High Quality Natural Skin Care – For Free
Natural skin care products are top sellers in the skin care market. More and more people are recognizing that the chemicals used in big brand name skin care products are not good for us, or our skin, and turning to natural alternatives, both for skin care products, hair care products and cosmetics.Here’s 6 skin care tips for getting healthy good looking skin, for free. Because although the best natural skin care and anti aging products are spectacularly effective, there is more that you can do than just using organic skin care products.1. Improve your diet.Like it or not, our diet affects our entire body, and our skin. Our skin is an organ of our body like any other organ, and like the other organs our skin can get unhealthy from an unhealthy diet. But as everyone sees your skin it’s a highly visible result of a poor diet.This applies to all skin types, whether you have oily skin or dry skin or or any skin type, poor diet will affect the health, and look, of your skin. Skip the burgers and pizzas in favor of fruit and vegetables and your skin will look way better, and you’ll be healthier.2. Avoid big brand name cosmetics and skin care products. These products, including such things as hair care treatments, hair removal treatments, popular cosmetics, many facial and body care products and more contain chemicals that can both be harmful to your health and also damaging to your skin. Ironically, skin care products and cosmetics can actually cause skin problems. Junk your big brand name products.The author has personal experience with this. My young daughter was given traditional cosmetics by her ballet studio for her first ballet concert a few years ago, and immediately broke out in a nasty skin reaction. We now use our own (natural) cosmetics for her and there has been no repeat.3. Make yourself stick to a regular exercise routine. Exercise improves blood circulation, and this is good for your skin, and for your whole body. Exercise has so many benefits it’s hard to know where to start, and this includes improved skin health.4. Pay attention to getting plenty of beneficial essential oils in your diet. This includes omega 3 which comes from eating fish as well as some other foods. Omega 3 is good for your skin, and your overall health. You can get omega 3 from good (natural) supplements, but if you’re on a budget just find out which foods contain omega 3 and eat those. Do a little research and find a good source of omega 3 essential oil and include this in your diet regularly.5. Drink plenty of water. Your body, as well as your skin, needs to stay hydrated. If you don’t drink water this will impact your overall health as well as your skin health. Water is important for many things in your body, including skin health.6. Start dry brush exfoliation. It sounds complicated, but exfoliation is just using a soft, dry brush to gently brush your skin. Why would you want to brush your skin? Dry brush exfoliation helps remove the dead skin cells that all of us have on the surface of our skin.And you don’t just brush the skin on your face either, you should brush your entire body. It is done by gently brushing in small circles from your feet right up to your face. Dry brush exfoliation also helps improve your blood circulation in your skin, and lymph circulation.There’s 6 things you can do for free to help improve your skin beauty routine. In fact you can even save some money, for example fruits and vegetables are usually cheaper than burgers and pizzas. And if you regularly do these 6 things they will improve your skin health over time, and you will see the results. And your body will thank you for it with improved health overall.One last thing. Once you’ve junked your big brand name skin care products and cosmetics and hair and facial and body care products, find some high quality natural skin care products. They work better than the big brand name products (many of which do nothing at all), and they are made from safe non allergenic ingredients. Science is finding answers to skin aging and skin health, and they come from safe plant extracts such as shea butter and natural keratin.Stay health, stay fit and stay hydrated and your skin will do the same.
Who Are You Trying to Kid With That Business Plan?
A lot of people dream of starting their own business. They have heard of the “unlimited opportunities” and the “complete freedom” and the “not having a boss”. If you are one of those who have that dream and believe it really can come true then I have something to say to you “WAKE UP!”When you start your own business you don’t have ‘complete freedom’. As a matter of fact there’s a really good chance that you will have less freedom, a lot less freedom. To be successful you will most likely be working seven days a week and you will be working longer hours and you will be working for a lot less money (at least in the beginning). Does it still sound like something you really want to do?As far as ‘not having a boss’ goes, well I hate to be the one to break this to you but you will always have a boss. If you don’t do what the customers want then you will go out of business and if you are lucky enough to borrow money to start and run your business then your banker/investors will be telling you a lot about how you are going to run your business. Okay so maybe they aren’t your ‘boss’ but they are still the ones who will tell your what you must do. And that’s what your current boss does now. Does it still sound good?Of course you can be stubborn and do what you want instead of what the customers want and there’s a word for business owners that do that. They are called employees because they went out of business and had to go back to work for someone else. Still interested in starting your own business?I’m going to assume at this point if you are still reading, that you are interested in starting your own business. Don’t get me wrong, I have started lots of companies and had a lot of success. Over a period of ten years I actually sold two of my companies to a Fortune 50 company for a LOT of money. At that time a lot of my friends commented on how lucky I was for that to happen. I just smiled and didn’t respond to those types of comments. You see, they only saw the end result of a lot of really hard work and a lot of really long hours working seven days a week. They didn’t see the failed marriage, the teetering on the brink of not being able make my payment to the bank. They didn’t see me working for free with no salary at all for weeks and weeks. They didn’t see me having to take money from my personal checking account in order to meet payroll. Yep, I sure was lucky.When you start your own business you don’t see things like those I just mentioned. If you are serious about starting your own business then you have heard that you must have a ‘business plan’ to take to the investors. Well, I have looked at lots and lots of business plans over the years and for the most part they were all worthless. People who want to start a business tend to see the world through rose colored glasses. For example when they get to the part on the business plan where they are to assess the competition nearly everyone completely under estimates not only the number of competitors but the strength of the competitors too. People who are convinced that they want to go into business for themselves tend to operate with blinders on. I’ve seen people come up with some really outlandish things in the ‘Competition Analysis’ of a business plan.Failure to properly analyze the competition is one of the most common flaws I see in start-up business plans. Here’s an example: I had a gentlemen come to me (as a potential investor) with the idea of starting his own Lexus repair shop. He had been a mechanic for over 15 years and had all of the ‘industry certifications’ and had been through all sorts of courses and schools on how to diagnose and repair just about anything related to Lexus automobiles. He had no experience in how to “run” a repair shop but that’s the subject of another article.Here’s how brief recap of how the conversation about competition went:Me: “What about your competition, who are they? Him: “There really isn’t any”. Me: “What? How do people get their cars repaired now?” Him: “Nearly everyone takes their cars to one of the local dealerships for repairs. I can do it a lot cheaper than the dealerships because I will not have all their overhead.” Me: “So there are no independent shops that work on Lexus?” Him: “There are some independent shops but they are so small that I wouldn’t consider them real competitors.” Me: “So why are they so small?” Him: “I think their prices are too high.” Me: “Are their prices lower than the dealerships who are doing the majority of the work now?” Him: “Yes. The independent shops are almost always a lot cheaper than the dealerships.” Me: “So maybe the independents are so small because people who own a Lexus are not swayed by lower prices. After all they paid a lot for their car. Maybe they are not as price conscious as you think.” Him: “I can do the same work for 30% to 40% cheaper, how could they not be interested in that?”Can you see what’s going on here. This guy was convinced he could do it better, faster and cheaper than anyone else. Yet the facts as he presented them showed that the customers he wanted to go after were not easily persuaded by the “cheaper price” argument which happened to be what he wanted to use as his unique selling proposition.One of my favorite sayings when talking to people about their business plans is “Don’t confuse me with the facts because my mind is already made up.” A business plan is supposed to get people to think. To do an unemotional analysis to see if there really is a viable opportunity there. But too many of them will do all sorts of mental gymnastics to justify their position. I don’t care what type of business you are thinking about starting, there is competition out there. Don’t kid yourself.Another big problem I see in business plans is a lack of management experience. Here’s another real world example. I had a ‘friend of a friend’ ask me to meet with a friend of theirs. It was a woman who had the idea of starting her own “cookie bakery”. She didn’t have the funds necessary and was coming to me as a potential investor. I agreed to meet with her. One of the very first questions I asked was “Where did you come up with the idea of starting your own bakery”? She said that for years she had baked cookies and she had lots and lots of people tell her she should start her own bakery. These people (mostly friends and family) said she baked the best cookies they had ever tasted. She had brought some to our meeting and to her credit, they were very good.When I asked her about her experience in running a bakery she told me she had never actually worked in a bakery. As a matter of fact, she had been a secretary up until the birth of her second child and had taken 6 years off. Now that the child was going to school, she was ready to “go into business for myself”.Out of respect for the friend who had asked me to meet with her I didn’t quickly end the meeting as I normally would have. Instead I took some time and asked her some questions. My goal was to try to get her to stop being emotional and to only analyze the facts. A few of the questions were:”Have you picked out a location?”
“Do you have any idea what the lease will be?”
“How much will it cost to renovate to get it ready?”
“How much equipment will it take?”
“Can you lease it or do you have to buy it?”
“Where are you going to get your customers?”
“How much is the insurance going to be?”
“What about liability insurance in case someone claims your cookies made them sick?”
“Where are you going to get your customers?”
“How are you going to advertise?”
“How about utilities?”
“How much will it cost you to make a single cookie?”She stumbled through most of her answers and in exasperation said “You don’t seem excited about this idea”. She said she was really excited about the idea and was hoping I would get excited to. I told her I get excited when the companies I have invested in are making a lot of profit.The meeting was going nowhere and I couldn’t get through all of her emotions so I told her to get all of the information together then total up the monthly expenses with no salary for herself and come back and tell me how many cookies she needed to sell everyday just to pay the bills. She told me that as the owner she should get a salary. I agreed and said your salary will be paid from the profits so your income is virtually unlimited. Just put the numbers together and give me a call when you can tell me how many cookies you have to sell everyday just to pay the bills.Guess what? I never heard back from her. I was the one who rained on her parade with a harsh dose of reality.It takes a lot of courage to go into business for yourself. It’s not for the faint of heart and requires a 100% commitment. And in the beginning it requires you to take a realistic look at the facts without deluding yourself. If you are going to present your business plan to anyone else with the hopes of having them invest in your new venture, you better be ready for some really tough questions. The best way to prepare yourself for those types of questions is to not kid yourself when working up your business plan. As a final note don’t EVER tell a potential investor that there is no competition. They know better.
Top Queensland Resorts and Hotels
Queensland has developed a plethora of accommodation choices for those looking to embark on Queensland holidays. Visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in complete luxury during their stay in the region. From all-inclusive island resorts to some of the most fascinating hotels in the city centers, you will be able to find comfort and style set to world class standards in Queensland resorts and hotels.Queensland Accommodation BrisbaneAs the capital of Queensland, Brisbane has some of the grandest accommodation choices to offer. Bribie Island – On the Bay Resort is one of the most highly rated resorts in this part of Queensland. The facility features 28 spacious luxury apartments each room having large slide back glass doors and spacious balconies offering sensational views of the bay. The resort has a 10 meter salt water lap pool, spa ledge, sun baking lounges, outdoor dining area and barbecue. Also on the facility is the award winning Blue Anchorage Restaurant.Clear Mountain Lodge and Vineyard occupies a pristine location on the peak of Clear Mountain offering flabbergasting views of Brisbane City, Samsonvale Lakes, The Glasshouse Mountains as well as the Samford Valley.Queensland Accommodation Gold Coast As one of the most beautiful places to stay in Queensland, the Gold Coast is loaded with fine accommodation choices for tourists. The 19th Avenue On The Beach is an excellent Queensland accommodation opportunity located on Palm Beach. The absolute beachfront location makes this an unmatched place which promises plenty of lazy days to soak up the sun and enjoy magnificent views of the brilliant blue Pacific Ocean.Aruba Sands Resort is a world class four star hotel located in the heart of Broadbeach. Although this place is known for its hustle and bustle this particular hotel is located in a quiet side street. It has a patrolled swimming area along with a Kurrawa Surf Club and the Oasis Shopping Centre located in the vicinity.Whitesunday’s Accommodation Whitesunday’s is one of the most favored places to stay in Queensland. It has a variety of world class hotels and resorts to offer to the tourists. Amongst the many world class accommodation choices in Whitesunday’s is Airlie Cove Resort & Van Park Drive. This brilliant resort is at a distance of 2 km from the Airlie Beach and provides the ideal mainland base from where you can embark on an exploration of the entire region.Also located on Airlie Beach, Water’s Edge Resort is another brilliant resort set amidst lush tropical gardens. The hillside upon which it is located at a distance of 100 metres from the bustling cosmopolitan village of the region adding further value to the accommodation.Above mentioned are just some of the brilliant Queensland resorts and hotels that you will have the opportunity to reside in during your trip to this popular tourist destination of Australia. Other regions that you might want to look at for suitable Queensland travel accommodation are Tropical North Queensland, Townsville, Mackay, Fraser Coast and Sunshine Coast.
Everything About Payday Loans
The statement that a payday loan will be your sheet anchor when you desperately require cash is rather sketchy. They, without any doubt, have got their very own positive factors. Nonetheless there are actually many disadvantages to this type of financial loans. I personally try to step back from this form of lending services. Nonetheless let us evaluate pretty much all advantages and drawbacks of these loans to create an objective view on this credit service.In actual fact, payday loans are money advances. When you get caught up in between your pay days with no money in your purse, you desperately require some funds from an outside source. Moreover if you are faced with various unpredicted expenses, you have got very poor credit rating, and credit cards aren’t any option for you, a payday loan is what exactly will be able to assist you to make it through until you obtain your next paycheck.Dealing with such kind of financing is merely like dealing with pretty much any other loan. You simply borrow a certain amount of cash with a commitment to return it back at the pre-agreed fee and rate.Payday Loans CostsDifferent creditors sanction loans at various fees and rates. And this particular problem actually is a drawback of these loans. You will often shell out from $ 15 – $ 30 for receiving $ 100. In terms of interest you would require to pay, it’s really drop-dead enormous. The interest rates range in between 390% and 780%. And this is really the worst part with regard to these loans. Let’s now proceed to the more pleasant aspects.Applying for a Payday LoanThe procedure for payday loans application is very simple. You can execute it on the Web, or go to a loan office. You complete a loan application and give a few personal details for a loan provider to make a loan decision. The requirements are usually pretty much the same: you have to be at least 18 or above, need to have a stable employment with a minimum monthly income of $ 1,000, and also a checking bank account. You will, quite possibly, be asked to give your social security number, copies of bank accounts and pay stubs. In case you fulfill all the specifications, you can be positive that you would be approved for a loan. Thereafter you normally have got to hang around for 24 hours (or less in some instances) and you will have the access to your cash.Payday Loans Positives and NegativesPayday loans really are a solution for cash-strapped individuals. In the event that you desperately want to get hold of some cash and you need the same fast, using a payday loan is certainly much better than stealing a bank. Another nice thing with regard to such sort of loans is that by getting one you do not expose yourself to a long term obligation, such as whenever managing a typical bank (when you get a mortgage, a car loan, or a reward charge card). You’ve got to pay back the money borrowed soon after you receive your next paycheck. Usually, the ceiling on the highest possible sum of money you can borrow is $ 2,500. Therefore, this is one more advantage of such loans. You just won’t bury yourself in big debts. And payday loans end up being significantly less expensive as compared to bounced checks.So, when you have a heap of bills to pay one day and no credit line or cash available for doing it, consider getting a payday loan. It is usually a good backup strategy for you. However be responsible with respect to paying it off on time, otherwise, you will encounter big charges and might get the sticky end of the stick. Recollect payday loans primarily in some cases of unexpected emergency, not whenever you feel like purchasing a new designer’s suit or jewelry.
A Garden Bench Is Much More Versatile Than You Think!
Garden benches are so much more than a place to sit. Available in a wide range of materials it’s easy to find one that suits your specific tastes and needs. They also can not only serve to provide you with a great looking focal point, or garden accent, but also can be used to balance and even help define your garden space as well.One reason so many people love garden benches is that there is just such a huge variety. Most people only associate a garden bench with a metal bench yet don’t realize that there are so many different types available. A metal garden bench can actually be made from iron, aluminum, copper, as well as other types of metal too. These can be as ornate or as simple as you like. For a more natural look many homeowners go with a wooden garden bench. These can range from Oak, Teak, or Pine, to something like Eucalyptus. All of these can add a natural charm and appeal to your garden. There are also many different types of stone benches and a wide variety of plastic garden benches too. Whether you prefer a man-made or natural material there is something for everyone and every garden space.Garden benches are also perfect for providing a great looking focal point or even a more subdued accent to your garden. They work so well at both of these because of the huge variety available. Many homeowners opt for their bench to be their focal point which typically means an ornate metal garden bench, but the choice of material is yours. Depending on your garden there are many types which can work well to give you a focal point which not only matches the style of your garden but calls attention to itself as an object of beauty as well. And of course all the while providing you with a place to sit and enjoy your great looking garden at the same time. Using one to accent your garden space is just as easy because all you need to do is find a bench which goes with the feel, look, and style of your garden and you’re golden. Many homeowners choose to go with a simple stone or wooden bench as an accent to enhance the beauty of their garden because they are extremely good looking but also because they are simple looking enough that they don’t demand all the attention.Another reason so many people decide to purchase a garden bench is actually one which a large number of homeowners and gardeners often overlook the importance of, or don’t think of at all. And that reason is balance. So many people tend to work very hard on one aspect or area of their garden that they completely forget about the look of their space as a whole. This often means that they end up with one fantastic looking section in their garden but nothing else. A garden bench can provide balance to this space by making your garden look much more even and well rounded. An added bonus is that at the same time it can help to define the boundaries of your garden space too. Balance is always much more pleasing to the eye and will also make your outdoor space look exponentially better when viewed as a whole.With such huge array of materials and styles available which can provide you with a gentle accent or striking focal point it’s easy to see why so many people love garden benches. This especially true when they can provide balance and help to define your outdoor space at the same time. Who would have thought a place to sit could be so versatile?