Daily Archives: December 2, 2011

Automotive, Consumer Services, Transportation & Logistics, Travel

‘Road Sense’ Motoring Safety Campaign Introduced by Carrentals.co.uk and Brake

Leave a comment

Carrentals.co.uk, the leading car hire comparison website which helps people book cheap hire from up to 50 top providers, announces its sixth ever ‘Road Sense’ campaign. The campaign, in partnership with road safety charity Brake, seeks to raise awareness of motoring safety issues among drivers of all ages.

The annual Road Sense campaign focuses on a key element of motoring, with this year seeing the initiative being consistent checks on tyres, brakes and engine as the winter weather sets in. Carrentals.co.uk and Brake are calling on motorists to get these vital checks carried out no matter what the impact on their household budget.

Gareth Robinson, Managing Director of Carrentals.co.uk, comments: “We are calling on drivers around the UK to be aware of the need for getting brakes and tyres checked regularly, particularly as the UK’s roads turn icier. This is the way to reduce the number of avoidable accidents on Britain’s motorways and roads throughout the winter.”

Brake is the UK’s leading road safety charity and has said recently that more UK youngsters die in car crashes today than die by any other means. Many accidents are caused by driving too fast and reckless overtaking, with one out of every four fatal accidents on UK roads involving someone aged below the age of 25.

“We are proud to work with organisations like Brake on our Road Sense campaigns,” Gareth continued. “Motorists would be wise to pay attention to the words of Brake since they really know their subject. We all need to pull together to improve the situation and lower the amount of serious accidents.”

Katie Shephard, director at Brake, says: “We enjoy working with companies like Carrentals.co.uk who seek to push the road safety agenda through initiatives Road Sense. Throughout this year’s Road Safety Week we at Brake want young people to become increasingly aware of the importance of driving sensibly and to ‘have a heart at the wheel’.”

The Carrentals.co.uk Road Sense site offers road safety advice as well as new offers, including discounts on winter clothing and reflective gear for children and adults from Outdoor Look and BrightKidz.

Carrentals.co.uk is the leading car hire comparison site comparing prices in over 15,000 locations worldwide including France, Spain and car hire in Ireland, with pick up locations including car hire in Dublin, Cork and Shannon.

For more road safety information, offers and advice visit carrentals.co.uk/roadsense2011

###

Business

Family Focus Blog Wins #1 Rank for Savviest in Social Media in Top Home-Based Business National Annual Ranking

Leave a comment

Family Focus Blog Wins #1 Rank for Savviest in Social Media in StartupNation Home-Based Business Competition

Nashville, TN, December 01, 2011 – Family Focus Blog has been recognized as one of the top home businesses in the nation by StartupNation in its annual Home-Based 100 competition.

Many of the StartupNation Home-Based 100 entries showed that people are leveraging the efficiencies and lower overhead of home-based businesses to pursue their passion and bring in income during these tight economic times.

“The 2011 ranking reveals that home business is serious business – more relevant than ever. It’s a natural response to loss of job opportunities, the need for supplemental income and the sheer passion for blazing your own trail and running your own show,” said Rich Sloan, co-founder of StartupNation.com, one of the leading small business networking and knowledge hubs online. “Home based businesses are the biggest block of all businesses in existence and we expect numbers to grow ever greater as extra bedrooms, kitchen tables, basements and garages increasingly host the innovative thinking and pursuit of success by millions of Americans.”

“I am thrilled to have received this recognition for my blog and social media has been such a fantastic tool for interacting with my blog followers and reaching new blog readers,” say Scarlet Paolicchi, founder of Family Focus Blog.

Being savvy in social media is a must for businesses seeking to build rapport and relationships in the community. Do you follow? Over 28,000 people follow Scarlet Paolicchi on Twitter @familyfocusblog.

Family Focus Blog is focused on going green and fun family activities. It’s written by a stay-at-home mom blogger from Nashville who reports on family fun, eco tips, giveaways, products, and causes that a following of people find interesting. While she’s based in Nashville, Paolicchi has cultivated a communication channel far beyond Tennessee.

The full results of the Home-Based 100 ranking are available on StartupNation’s website at www.startupnation.com/home-based-100/2011-winners .

For more information, press only: Karen Torres, StartupNation (248) 685-9005, kares (at) startupnation.com, Scarlet Paolicchi momswearyourtees@gmail.com at http://familyfocusblog.com

Contact:
Scarlet Paolicchi
Family Focus Blog
6141 Tuliptree Ln
Nashville, TN 37221
404-661-4163
momswearyourtees@gmail.com
http://familyfocusblog.com

Entertainment

Casino Lunch Launches New Affiliate Program

Leave a comment

Casino Lunch Adds Multi-Tier Real Time Affiliate Reporting For Members

Valetta, Malta, December 02, 2011 – Casino Lunch, one of the newest online casino sites on the World Match gaming platform, is proud to announce the launch of their new affiliate program, Lunchbox Affiliates.

“It’s taken a lot of hard work by our entire team to get this done,” stated Gian Perroni, Affiliate Program Director, “but it was worth the wait as the player activity reporting is just great. Affiliates can watch their earnings grow in real time!”

“We think the name of the program is appropriate as well,” Perroni continued. “Affiliates get up and go to work every day like the rest of us, so it makes sense for them to have a lunchbox with them, and more importantly we see our lunchbox as being like a toolbox, complete with all of the tools that our affiliates need to build a successful, growing and enduring business.

Casino Lunch is now offering players over 70 different games, including 12 variations of Roulette and more than 25 different Slots games. The site is open 24/7 for both fun and real money play, and is in English, Polish, Russian, and Spanish, with additional languages coming shortly. New players are offered €1,200 in deposit bonuses, and the site has a very player-friendly VIP program in place.

Affiliates are offered a selection of tools to help them promote the site, including custom creative, dedicated bonus codes, no deposit bonus offers, and special promotions. A minimum revenue share percentage of 30% is offered to all partners, and they are provided with 365 day/year multilingual support.

In addition to the great selection of casino games, the site will be adding a new poker room shortly on the Euro Cake Network, providing poker player with world class action on an established and recognized network.

Both the casino and the pending new poker room are fully licensed by the Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LGA) in Malta, a recognized and respected online gaming licensing regulatory body. Casino Lunch provides online casino gaming to players from all countries except the U.S.

Media Enquiries
Nick Adams
care@casinolunch.com
+1.778.999.1150

About Casino Lunch
Casino Lunch (www.CasinoLunch.com) offers online players a delicious menu of licensed and regulated casino games, including roulette, slots, video poker and table games. Providing a no-download experience and attractive promotions, Casino Lunch focuses on creating the best VIP player experience online. Casino Lunch accepts players worldwide, except for those from the United States, and operates 24/7/365. Players are welcome for both free and real money action.

Contact:
Nick Adams
Casino Lunch
Level 2, Centre Point Building
Dun Karm Street
Birkirkara
Malta BKR 9037
+1.778.999.1150
care@casinolunch.com
http://www.casinolunch.com/

Business

Network in Moderation at Holiday Social Events

Leave a comment

Networking at holiday social events varies from general business networking. Learn the ins and outs from master networker Lillian D. Bjorseth, who gives you practical advice on how to look and act polished and professional.

Lisle, IL, December 02, 2011 – “It’s okay to network at holiday social events so long as you do it in moderation and eat and drink in the same manner,” said Lillian D. Bjorseth, business networking advisor, coach, author and president of Duoforce Enterprises, Inc.

“Whether it is office parties, neighborhood open houses, country club dances or professional organizational luncheons and dinners, keep the conversation about the event, the holidays and the other person,” Bjorseth said. “It’s even more unforgiveable to focus on yourself at social affairs than at business events.”

She advises that you also look and act professional because others are still deciding 10 things about you within 10 seconds of seeing you. Furthermore, they will carry that impression with them into the boardroom or onto the telephone when they again speak with you or about you.

“Don’t overfill your “little” plate. Snacking ahead of time can curb your appetite. Keep cold drinks out of your right hand (the one you use to shake hands!). Ice and condensation will likely make it feel cold and moist. Holding the drink in your left hand is a far better solution than wrapping a napkin around the glass. If seating is available, sit down for a few minutes to eat. When you rise again, sans foods, your hands will be free. And don’t forget to wash them before you start shaking again,” Bjorseth says.

Her other professional advice includes:

* Don’t tell off-color jokes or use crude language just because the atmosphere is more relaxed. Such behavior offends many people, including coworkers, their spouses, partners and families who can carry a lot of weight.

* Dress properly for the occasion. Find out ahead of time the appropriate dress for men and women. And, women, don’t show excessive cleavage if you want to be taken seriously in the office or want to use the event to lay the groundwork for future employment.

* Remember the behavioral basics. Exhibit good posture. Give a firm handshake. Maintain eye contact at least 85 percent of the time. Keep your gestures understated, especially in a crowded room where expansive gestures can lead to touching someone else or even spilling your food or beverage … or theirs!

Additionally, Bjorseth suggests you don’t make the head honcho your only target or feel as if you need your token minutes or two with him/her. Have longer and more meaningful conversations with those who are lower on the totem pole and aren’t besieged by everyone else. Top brass seldom gets involved in the day-to-day hiring, promotions and other managerial duties. Make a positive impression on everyone you meet so you will be memorable long after the event is over.

“Carry your business cards,” Bjorseth says. “Women, keep at least a small supply in your holiday bag. If attending with a male partner, have him keep some extras in his inside suit pocket. It’s so much more professional than writing your vital information on a cocktail napkin. Hand them out only if asked.”

Bjorseth shares three final suggestions:

• Don’t press people on the spot. If you want more information, a referral or an appointment, get the person’s business card and ask if you may email or call him/her later. Networking is planting seeds. A holiday event is not the place to sell. Follow up during normal business hours.

• Don’t be the last to leave. Unless you are close personal friends with the hosts, don’t be the last to leave the neighborhood open house. Similarly, unless you have volunteered for clean-up duty, don’t be the straggler at company or organizational functions. It’s like pushing back from the table when you are still hungry: leave while you’re still making a positive impression.

• Send holiday cards. Bypass the pre-printed, sterile ones. Take the time to sign your name and write a short personal note. As appropriate, send to your clients, prospective employers and, particularly, to those people at any level who are vital links in your networking chain.

Contact:
Lillian D. Bjorseth
Duoforce Enterprises, Inc.
2221 Ridgewood Rd.
Lisle, IL 60532
630-983-5308
lillianspeaks@duoforce.com
http://www.duoforce.com

Education

Career Webinar for Military Spouses Shows How to Land a Job Before a Base Transfer

Leave a comment

Bryant & Stratton College Online and SalutetoSpouses.com host free webinar highlighting job search, resume and interview tips for military spouses on December 8

Buffalo, NY, December 01, 2011 – Bryant and Stratton College Online and SalutetoSpouses.com announced today a free career webinar for military spouses. The webinar, “Score a New Job Before Packing Your First PCS Box,” will be held on December 8 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. EST and highlight strategies military spouses can use to find a new job before they arrive at their next duty station.

“Maintaining a career can be challenging as a military spouse, especially while moving from base to base. This webinar is intended to show spouses how they can get a jump on the job search and securing an interview not just after the transfer, but before they even arrive at their next duty station,” said Allison Perkins, military spouse and editor of SalutetoSpouses.com. “We are excited to host this webinar as part of the available articles, discussion boards and stories available on the site every day. SalutetoSpouses.com is proud to offer a variety of education, career and life resources for military spouses.”

Kristina Saul, a military spouse and career expert, will lead the webinar. Ms. Saul has been a Navy spouse for 23 years and is a virtual event producer for Milicruit, producing online job fairs that help military retirees and their spouses connect with companies around the nation. During her husband’s career in the Navy, Ms. Saul held 13 different jobs during 12 moves, including positions in retail management, finance and non-profit organizations, as well as serving as an executive assistant to a two-star admiral’s spouse.

During the webinar, Ms. Saul will offer tips for preparing a resume, searching for a job before arriving at a duty station and landing an interview. Specific strategies will include leveraging military spouse networks to make connections, turning a house-hunting trip into a job-hunting trip, increasing a job candidate’s marketability and leveraging an overlooked asset – being a military spouse.

“This webinar will show military spouses how to not only find a job, but how to build a resume to eventually land a job they love. Moving and finding new employment can be a big undertaking, but by planning a job search before the movers pack the first boxes, a spouse can help create a career path that achieves their professional and personal goals,” said Ms. Saul.

The webinar is offered for free by Bryant & Stratton College Online and SalutetoSpouses.com. Military spouses interested in attending are invited to register at http://online.bryantstratton.edu/webinar/.

Bryant & Stratton College is proud to support the military and their families. In addition to the upcoming webinar for military spouses, the College offers a variety of other resources. Bryant & Stratton College Online created SalutetoSpouses.com, an education and career resource website for military spouses and an accompanying scholarship program that offers $6,000 toward a Bryant & Stratton College Online degree to eligible spouses of active military personnel. For enrolled students, Bryant & Stratton College Online also formed a student veterans group to make success in the classroom and workplace more attainable.

Additionally, G.I. Jobs Magazine has named Bryant & Stratton College Online Military Friendly School for 2012 and as a member of the Service members Opportunities College (SOC) consortium*, Bryant & Stratton College is also an approved institution for the training of U.S. veterans and their family in accordance with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Bryant & Stratton College is proud to be CLEP, DANTES, ECE and other SOC Colleges approved.

For more information about Bryant & Stratton College Online and its online degree programs, visit http://online.bryantstratton.edu.

*The Bryant & Stratton College-Virginia Beach campus is also a SOCNAV and SOCAD consortium member.

About Bryant & Stratton College Online
Bryant & Stratton College is a private career college delivering outcomes based education and training through a flexible, contemporary curriculum in a personalized environment.  The College is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and has locations in New York, Ohio, Virginia and Wisconsin, as well as an Online Education division, and a Professional Skill Center. For over 155 years, Bryant & Stratton College has been providing real world education leading to bachelor’s and associate’s degrees and professional certificates. Bryant & Stratton College Online offers five online bachelor’s degree programs, eleven online associate’s degree programs and eleven online certificate programs in a variety of fields including business, criminal justice, financial services, healthcare, human resources and information technology. Some online programs are not yet available in all states. For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of graduates and other important information, please visit www.bryantstratton.edu/disclosures.  General information about Bryant & Stratton College and its online degrees can also be found at http://online.bryantstratton.edu.

Contact:
Kavitha Thimmaiah
Communications Strategy Group
465 Main St # 400
Buffalo, NY 14203-1795
(303) 433-7020
kthimmaiah@csg-pr.com
http://salutetospouses.com/

Business

AAA calls for responsible investment in response to Occupy movement

Leave a comment

Alternative investment and impact investing advocacy group, Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA), has announced its support for more social enterprise investment as called for by London-based expert, Luke Fletcher.

Boston, MA, December 01, 2011 – Alternative investment and impact investing advocacy group, Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA), has announced its support for more social enterprise investment as called for by London-based expert, Luke Fletcher.

Fletcher, of the Social Finance Group, claims that investing in social enterprise initiatives could be the most workable solution to the current unrest about the financial markets. AAA supports this claim and is looking to raise awareness of both the global impact of socially responsible investment, and the potential returns they can offer.

Writing for SocialEnterpriseLive.com, Mr Fletcher asserted that those involved in demonstrations against fat-cat wages and the general model on which global business operates, through the Occupy protests, should be focusing their efforts on promoting social enterprise as an alternative.

AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, added, “We are keen to remind people that there is an alternative to stocks and shares and that it is possible to make a real statement against capitalism through sensible, ethical investments in social and environmental projects.”

Mr Fletcher explained, “Social impact investment is projected by JP Morgan to be at least a $400 million-$1 trillion industry over the next decade.” He added that the City of London needs to realise this potential and leverage its strength to move to the forefront of this emerging asset class.

AAA promotes impact investing as a means of making strong returns while steering cash injections in a direction that is positive for developing countries, vulnerable communities and the environment. Some ethical alternatives have already caught on in the mainstream, such as forestry investments through firms like Greenwood Management, which manages sustainable forestry plantations in Brazil. However, more needs to be done, claims AAA.

AAA joins Luke Fletcher and many others involved in social enterprise, in hoping that the Occupy movement triggers a change in attitude, among investors in general, towards more responsible and fair investment choices.

Contact:
Anthony Johnson
Alternative Asset Analysis
71 Commercial St
Boston, MA 02109-1320
617-939-9596
info@alternativeassetanalysis.com
http://www.alternativeassetanalysis.com