Category Archives: Business

Bargain Franchise Opportunities for the Newly Unemployed

We are in a recession that doesn’t appear to be getting any better, and it will not for a considerable time until these congressmen stop considering only themselves and not We the people!

Bloomington, MN, December 08, 2011 – Those without roles, folks who can only find part-time work and others who hate their jobs and are looking for a business venture, low cost franchise opportunities in 2012 like M.L.M is one of the finest opportunities today.

Why MLM over Other Categories of Business?

Why does Multi-Level Marketing have such a sullied reputation, and does it actually?

M.L.M is a financial model which has been around for decades, and many of the companies we see each day are in reality Multi Level Marketing corporations, only you simply don’t realize it. Corporations like Amway and Mary Kay certainly don’t have a bad name, they generate uncountable billions of dollars for their representatives every year and have no debt, unlike many other major companies. At the same time there are many new companies on the horizon like iWowWe, that offers a free video email feature as well as a paid video conferencing feature, as well as The Empower Network which is not technically a MLM company but instead a company that allows you to actually start making money from a blog by selling their products and retaining 100% of the commission. That is not to say there are not some bad MLM corporations around, they just don’t last long. Look at M.L.M from a practical viewpoint. Once you’ve selected an Multi-Level Marketing opportunity that interests you, you pay an one off buy-in fee, that is it.

How Much Is this Going to Cost Me?

Sometimes that is all that you will pay, is the buy-in fee these can range anywhere from under $100 to into the thousands and all depends on the company. Some MLM corporations have other programs you can join to make your business more successful faster. You get coaching, product, back office support, and occasionally leads to go with the package, in most cases you don’t have to worry about shipping, packing or any of that side of business. Start any other sort of small company and that just won’t happen. With a bricks and mortar store you have electricity bills, lease, inventory taxes, sales taxes, payroll expenses, costs of inventory, fixtures, advertizing and a whole lot more. You can always get a larger franchise if you can afford the price, but with most being over $100k the average person simply cannot afford it.

You may still need to handle a lot of those headaches plus you will pay a charge to the franchise company and a share of your profits!

Okay I’m Sold, Now What Does One Do?

Well here’s the better news.

At the most recent count there were over four thousand M.L.M business opportunities to choose from. There’s everything from jewellery, to technology, weight reduction, energy, green technologies – there’s something for everybody. If you’ve a hobby or something that you love doing, see whether there is an MLM opportunity related to it.

If you have been working in the insurance industry or banking for years and got let go, there are lots of great opportunities for you too do not squander that knowledge. Ladies who want to make some additional cash so that they can stay at home with the youngsters have tons of choices. It is not just Tupperware and cosmetics anymore there are so many different MLM opportunities it’ll make your head spin. Just do something you love, you will put more into your business if you do, and your passion won’t run out because you get bored with what you selected.

Enthusiasm is definitely an advantage for anyone in the MLM business. When you start recruiting a downline, folks will be asking you why do you look so darned satisfied all the time, and is that a new sports car?

Contact:
Brad Broekema
Free eBiz Help
8100 Penn Ave. S.
Suite 124
Bloomington, MN 55431
612.293.5470
Brad@FreeeBizHelp.com
http://www.FreeeBizHelp.com

Promotional Product Distributor Entrepreneur Named Canada’s Most Powerful Woman 2011

Akran Marketing announced today that Monica Channa, its Executive Director, Operations, has been awarded a spot in the 2011 Canada’s Most Powerful Women Top 100.

Ottawa, ON, December 07, 2011 – Akran Marketing announced today that Monica Channa, its Executive Director, Operations, has been awarded a spot in the 2011 Canada’s Most powerful Women Top 100.

Canada’s Most Powerful Women Top 100 award winners are honoured by the Women’s Executive Network, a non-profit organisation dedicated to the advancement and recognition of women, for their leadership and professional achievements. The recipients are chosen by an independent advisory board and span nine categories. Monica was selected for the CIBC Entrepreneurs award.

Ms. Channa took part in the Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Summit at the Allstream Centre in Downtown Toronto, where an audience of over 1,200 celebrated the accomplishments of those chosen for this prestigious distinction.

According to Monica Channa, Executive Director, Operations, “It’s such an honour to receive this prestigious award. This just shows that more and more Canadian women are rising up to become great leaders and entrepreneurs.”

About Akran Marketing
Akran is an award-winning branding company and industry leader in providing unique and creative promotional product solutions to the public and private sectors throughout North America. With offices in many major cities, Akran prides itself on its around-the-clock customer service, quick turnaround times, the exceptional quality of its products, and its affordable prices. Akran has received several awards including the Better Business Bureau’s “Market Place Ethical Award” in 2010 and being named the “Mid-market Fastest Growing Company in Ottawa” in 2009 by Ottawa Chamber of Commerce.

The following are trademarks or registered trademarks of Akran: Akran™, and any Akran logo referenced herein.

For more information, please contact: Raman Agarwal at 613-739-4000 or raman@akranmarketing.com

Contact:
Raman Agarwal
Akran Marketing
12-2000 Thurston Drive
Ottawa ON K1G 4K7
613-739-4000
raman@akranmarketing.com
http://www.akranmarketing.com

BestBathrooms.com Extends Guarantees on its Radiators

As one of the UK’s fastest growing online specialist department stores, BestBathrooms.com is working to further the success of its customer service and product reliability by extending guarantees on all radiators.

The entire range of radiators now comes with an industry leading 15 year guarantee protecting against manufacturing errors and defects. This unrivalled promise demonstrates the quality and trusted performance of our radiators which are not only highly efficient but look great too.

Our comprehensive range can meet the requirements of both traditional and modern styled homes. Browse from categories for traditional column radiators, convector radiators and our luxury designer radiators which feature anthracite powder coat finishes in white, silver and high gloss black.

BestBathrooms.com Product Manager for Heating said: “BestBathrooms is proud to be able to deliver a 15 year guarantee on an already successful range of top quality radiators. Our radiators provide outstanding performances but it’s good to know that we can offer the necessary services should there be a need.”

The BestBathrooms’ 15 year guarantee is applicable to all radiators excluding heated towel rails.

BestBathrooms.com specialises in luxury bathroom and home heating products. With over 30 years’ experience and no costly showrooms, we are able to supply our high quality products at unbeatable prices. To view our offers, buy online and to read our blog for the latest expert advice, visit www.BestBathrooms.com

About BestBathrooms.com

At BestBathrooms.com, we supply luxury bathroom and home heating products direct to the consumer and, since we manage the whole journey from design through to delivery at your door, with no costly showrooms, we are able to supply our high quality products at unbeatable prices.

Based in Lancashire, UK, BestBathrooms.com has been built upon 30 years of experience in bathroom and home heating product design, manufacture and sales. Our product experts have used that wealth of experience to assemble exciting ranges at BestBathrooms.com that enable our customers to create the perfect bathroom and home heating system, at an affordable price.

Media Contact Information

Name: BestBathrooms
Website: www.BestBathrooms.com
Email: laura.davis@trueshopping.co.uk
Phone: 01282 471385
Address: Unit 1 & 2
Dawson Court, Billington Road
City: Burnley
County/State: Lancashire
Postcode/ZIP: BB11 5UB
Country: UK

How One Dollar Lights Up Africa – The success of the WakaWaka Solar Lamp

In the beginning there was light for all – and a little later there was electric light for, well, only some of us: 1.5 billion people still live in darkness. Dutch startup Off-Grid Solutions makes an end to developing countries’ killing kerosene dependency. They want their high-tech, low-cost WakaWaka solar LED lamp to light up Africa ‘like a Christmas tree’.

Via Kickstarter.com, the general public is now enthusiastically pre-ordering WakaWaka´s for 35 dollars each. The minimal support to contribute to their mission is one dollar. Thanks to this innovative way of crowdfunding, WakaWaka grows at the speed of light .And with it, the dream of providing all Africans with a sustainable light solution becomes more real by the minute.

1.5 billion people live off-grid. They depend on kerosene fuel for their basic lighting needs. Annually millions of children suffer severe burns from accidents with kerosene lamps. The toxic fumes cause even more health problems. World Bank reports that each day 780 million women and children inhale the equivalent of two packs of cigarettes as a result of indoor air pollution.

Fuels for lighting take up to 20% of income of people who try to survive on less than $2 a day. This way, the poor stay poor. But there is light at the end of the tunnel: WakaWaka solar LED light.

The WakaWaka (‘Shine Bright’ in Swahili) solar lamp uses the latest in patented solar technology developed by Intivation, allowing for superior charging in any weather conditions.

Each day of free solar charging gives 16 hours of decent reading light. It has different light intensities and fits on a bottle, stimulating recycling and opening up opportunities for joint promotions. Innovative distribution methods will reach even the most remote rural areas. Various accessories (cell phone chargers, radios, etc.) are already in development, which will further enhance livelihood and help people get out of poverty.

Co-founder Camille van Gestel: ‘I genuinely believe that if you can make a difference, you must. I have never done anything with so much passion. The support and inquiries we are receiving for WakaWaka from all over the world are as stimulating as they are heartwarming. We are doing the right thing.’

Let’s hope this new bright light spreads fast, for all and everybody. LED there be light.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/229055906/wakawaka-is-the-coolest-solar-led-light

http://www.wakawakalight.com

************************************************************************

About Off-Grid Solutions
Founded in 2011 by 4 partners: sustainable entrepreneur, inspirator and guru Maurits Groen, hands-on change maker and entrepreneur Camille van Gestel, carbon emissions consultants Do-Inc, experts emerging markets and finally Paul Naastepad seasoned executive in clean tech industry.

 

FRA highlights Positive Forestry Report from UK

A new report highlighting the strength of the forestry market in the UK over the past year has been highlighted by Forestry Research Associates (FRA) as another reason to invest in timber.

Bainbridge Island, WA, December 06, 2011 – A new report highlighting the strength of the forestry market in the UK over the past year has been highlighted by Forestry Research Associates (FRA) as another reason to invest in timber.

The report from property firm Savills and UPM Tilhill, published earlier this week, claims that timber prices are expected to be largely unaffected by the wider economic crises taking place in the Eurozone and the UK. “This report adds weight to the argument for putting some cash into alternatives that are less likely to correlate with wider economic trends,” stated Peter Collins, an analyst with FRA, a research and analysis consultancy that has a special interest in forestry investment and sustainable forestry.

The report highlights the rise in value of forested land in the UK, showing that purchasing forest land is a good way to diversify an investment portfolio to protect it against risk. This is particularly relevant at a time when stocks and shares are so volatile and investors are looking for safe havens for their money over the long and medium term.

This is according to FRA, which supports various forms of forestry investment, from buying forested land in the UK as a property investment, to buying areas of plantation land in Brazil, through managed forestry firms like Greenwood Management.

George McRobbie the forestry operations director at UPM Tilhill said, “We recorded a surge in forest values with an average of £4,650 per stocked hectare being attained, the highest level since our survey started and 34 per cent, some £1,174, up on 2010.”

He added, “This is equivalent to an annualized increase of 13.7 per cent since 2003. Optimism is clearly strong and overall the market is rising, backed by clear investor confidence and strengthening timber prices.”

Savills added that these value increases, along with the tax advantages of investing in timber, will continue to attract people to timber as an asset class.

Contact:
Peter Collins
Forestry Research Associates
620 Vineyard Lane
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
(206) 316 8394
info@forestry-research.com
http://www.forestry-research.com

SEO-Peace.com Celebrates Christmas with $99 Link Building Packages

Christmas is an expensive time, and the team at SEO-Peace play Santa, by giving the gift of savings back to their clients. The company have announced a host of very attractive Christmas offers, including link building packages for just $99.

Understanding the need for business to continue in the midst of an expensive upcoming Christmas season, Search Engine Optimization experts, SEO-Peace.com, have launched a very merry range of heavily discounted Christmas SEO packages.

Priced at just $99 a piece, there’s a range of useful services on offer to boost any business to the top of Google – with packages ranging from articles, blog posts and linkwheel – right through to high quality niche contextual posts.

To make the packages even more festive, each comes with a free link building gift – ranging from a free Squidoo to free articles and hubs. Of course, being priced so low, there’s more money left in the bank for any business owner to spend on Christmas.

Sunita Biddu, SEO-Peace’s CEO, explains why the company felt it was important to open such a generous offering:

“Christmas is an expensive time for even the most wealthy of business owners, and ironically it is also a time where business can be a little quiet- meaning less money is flowing into the bank” she says. Miss Biddu continues “So, we have created a series of SEO packages that are affordable, and heavily discounted. Our hope is that they will be gentle on the cash flow, and position businesses in a healthy ranking for the start of a busy 2012 season”.

SEO Peace is regarded around the world as experts in their field. The long-established company places a very special focus on fast-turnaround, value for money and unparalleled, solid customer service.

“We don’t want to be a company without a human face. Therefore, we choose to listen to each of our clients and treat them as friends. We find we can do better business this way, and provide a more useful service to them” adds Sunita.

The discounted link building services are sure to be popular, so ensure to book while spaces are still available.

More information about this offer and all of the company’s services can be found at http://www.seo-peace.com/currentspecialoffers.html.

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Retail Industry Finding New Ways To Contribute To A Greener World

[West Palm Beach, FL] – December 2, 2011 – Consumers today are far more concerned over the state of the environment than at perhaps any other time in history. Today’s shopper wants to know what the companies they do business with are doing to help contribute to a cleaner, greener world and businesses across multiple industries have stepped up their efforts to see to it that they take an active role in making commerce more sustainable and ecologically sound. In the retail industry, huge strides are being made in reducing waste with reusable grocery bags being a top way that stores are cutting down on pollution. Plastic bags might not appear terribly menacing, but the threat that they pose once they enter the world’s waterways is substantial, according to many scientists who study these locations. As awareness of the strangulation of sea creatures due to plastic bags continues to rise, more people are demanding that retailers take action. In addition, fewer plastics ending up in landfills also serves to help reduce the number of toxins entering the soil. Since bags that can be reused are a cost effective solution, many businesses are relying on them as a way to prove their commitment to the environment and their sales are rising in response to this.

Generic bags can certainly help with the environmental concerns the public has, but they do very little to promote a businesses brand. With solutions for reusable bags provided by Custom Grocery Bags, stores are able to provide the same branded look that engages their customers and helps to serve the purpose of marketing far more effectively. Since these bags cost less than ever before to order with customize graphics and color schemes, many companies are deciding that this is the ideal way for them to convert customers to this type of bag from the old plastic and paper based alternatives that were less sturdy and caused so many problems. Consumers are proving themselves quick to adopt use of these new bags, as well, with polls showing that the bulk of consumers appreciate the ability to use a better constructed bag that is also easier to carry.

Those interested in learning more about Custom Grocery Bags and the variety of products they offer should visit http://www.customgrocerybags.com to explore the possibilities their store has open to them. Or they can call 1-888-234-1657 to speak with someone over the phone.

Contact Info:

Ryan Newman
Custom Grocery Bags
1551 North Flagler Drive, Suite 1218
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Tel: 954-882-7122 (direct)
866-454-6949 (fax)
info@customearthpromos.com

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

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

Network in Moderation at Holiday Social Events

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

AAA calls for responsible investment in response to Occupy movement

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