Archive for September, 2010
Brand Extension; Going from Consumer to Commercial
As more and more home pressure washers are sold at leading retailers such as Wal-Mart, Sears, Home Depot, Cosco, etc. We are seeing companies offer products in brand line extension to service this niche. Armor All is the newest company to offer it’s brand name customer loyalty to sell these products. They of course have been heavy into the Car Wash Industry with National Networks of Distributors in Canada and The US and Europe for tire cleaners and protectants, now they are offering a concrete cleaner for home pressure washer do-it-yourselfers.
http://armorallhomecare.com/products/concretecleanerpw.html
Many homeowners are finding this works very well for small clean-up jobs around the home. Armor All Homecare also has a new deck wash cleaner to remove oil, stains and mold.
http://armorallhomecare.com/products/deckwashpw.html
Armor All Home Brands went one step further in their brand extension was introduced for Home Vinyl Siding. Many small business type pressure washing companies are now using these products and have asked about commercial pricing and commercial grade concentration. It has always been Armor All’s strategy to first hit the consumer markets with their current outlets and retail connections and then to develop teams of industry sector sales forces to distribute to the companies, which might use their products. Armor All in that regard runs a two-tier system, which in turn expands brand recognition and helps with customer loyalty. This is one of the finest strategies of any cleaning products companies for brand awareness and they deserve kudos, we expect these products to be as good or better than their previous products accomplishments. We believe this newest effort to attack the Home Product Market and expand with the incredible growth in home pressure washers is very good.
Pressure washers can be found for as little as $79.00 at Wal-Mart and the industrial units we use can cost as much as $12,000.00 for the most ominous commercial hot water pressure washer machines. Armor All brand is owned by Clorox now and this might be a good indication of why they do so well when rolling out new products. They are a modern day Proctor and Gamble and can hold their own against Kelloggs, Hienz, GM, 3M or any of the top brands.
“Lance Winslow” – If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs
Diabetes Awareness: Family of Diabetics
Thousands, if not millions of people have diabetes in their family. It’s almost tragic the way things happen because it’s not always a “common knowledge” among families.
I tell you, it’s not until it hits you that it’s really awful.
Asking questions can help you and your family dodge the serious complications of diabetes. Early detection and active control of blood sugar levels can save lives.
Have you ever heard anyone ask:
Do you have diabetes? Does anyone in your family have diabetes? Is your vision okay or is it blurry? Are your feet feeling okay today?
A lot of people get diabetes, but you know, early detection and taking action can save your life or the life of a family member.
Ask your doctor about diabetes and have your blood sugar checked several times a year.
For more information about diabetes, including a Diabetes Quiz and a Free booklet, visit the Hope4Diabetes website at: http://hope4diabetes.com/info
This 20 page FREE booklet will provide you with in-depth information on comprehensive diabetes care. The 7 principles, or steps, will help you to understand, manage and diagnose your potential diabetes risk.
It could help you live a longer and more active life. The booklet is Yours absolutely FREE – No Risk! Share it NOW with the people you love and want to Keep alive!
David Anderson is a freelance health writer for Hope4Diabetes.com. Awareness is the first step to preventing the onset of diabetes. Visit our website at: http://hope4diabetes.com/info for more information and a free book.
Writing an eBook is Risk-taking Behaviour ? Choose to do it!
The choice to author a book isn’t one that just suddenly comes to you. It’s something that gradually happens. And it usually happens many times before you begin to take it seriously.
Are you the cautious person who takes few risks or are you a risk-taker? Are you the person who weighs the pros and cons over and over again refusing to address the obstacles to your goals and thus does nothing?
Are you the risk-taker who plunges ahead without thinking much about it and gets discouraged because of the obstacles that need to be overcome and the fact that your dream seems further and further away? Or worse still you fail and give up?
Somewhere between those two extremes lies the potential eBook author. The lesson may very well be that you must be realistic about your ability to embark on the eBook authoring journey and reach your destination.
Let’s take a brief look at these two extremes ? caution and risk-taking. One leads to change. The other is stagnation.
CAUTION
This article was written borrowing and adapting from material in Barbara Sher’s book, I Could Do Anything If Only I Knew What It Was, How to discover what you really want and how to get it. In her book, Ms. Sher has a quiz to determine if you are a cautious person which may be holding you back from achieving your goals. I have adapted her quiz to suit would-be eBook authors.
Answer these questions in relation to authoring an eBook.
Are you a person always in rehearsal? Have you been studying, taking courses, developing expertise, learning skills, and gaining wisdom but haven’t put it to its best use in an eBook?
Yes No
Are you constantly planning, preparing, talking about it, asking for advice, hesitating, ? without doing anything about actually writing the eBook?
Yes No
Do you hang on to dreams and goals too long without taking action in even a small way to move you toward your goal? In other words do you refuse to make short-term goals that will lead you to your dream?
Yes No
Do you use the excuse that you don’t have the time to work toward your goal of authoring an eBook?
Yes No
Do you find time to do some things that you don’t really need to be doing like watching too much television, doing things you don’t want to do, or “puttering” with something that could buy you time to write?
Yes No
Do you look at others pursuing their dreams and envy them the journey?
Yes No
Is your dream of authoring an eBook not important enough to you to begin the journey because it would be too selfish and other people and things deserve your time and energy? Do you habitually put other people and things ahead of your own needs and wants?
Yes No
Do you crave change and adventure in your life by authoring an eBook but it hasn’t gotten past the ‘daydreaming’ stage?
Yes No
Reflect and Write
Now go back to these questions and take the time to write a letter to yourself. Take the time in this letter to reflect on your “why” of your response. Be honest with yourself. You’ve got nothing to lose.
While you are reflecting on your “why”, include some positive ideas about how you could get started at the eBook authoring process. Consider those strengths you already bring to the process. Consider who or what could help you reach your goal.
As Sher states, “If you have said Yes to most or all of these questions then you’re a Sure Thing person and you’ve got some thinking to do.”
“Safety is riskier than you realize.”
Caution shouldn’t be thrown to the wind but without risks life isn’t an adventure.
“Fear is that little darkroom where negatives are developed.” ? Michael Pritchard
Time becomes so important in our lives once we are old enough to realize that we may not have made the best use of it in the past. The truly “lucky” person is someone who realizes that time is indeed running out and if authoring an eBook is in his/her plans then let’s get started.
Shoot for something And you will never achieve the impossible. But shoot for the impossible And you’re bound to achieve something.
RISK-TAKING
“Hide not your talents. They for use were made. What’s a sundial in the shade?
- Ben Franklin
Is taking risks too risky for you? There are risks associated with eBook authoring. Specific risks in the eBook authoring process will be addressed in a future article but for this article we will focus on the general consideration of your attitude toward risk-taking.
Without taking calculated risks, your dream of authoring an eBook won’t be realized. Without this risk factor between you and your dream, you would already be living your dream. It’s what holds most people back. You must realize that ACTIONS are what make things happen not THINKING about actions. Any new behaviour comes through taking a chance and realizing you might not succeed ? the first time.
Realize also that there is always a solution to every obstacle you might encounter. The answers to all your questions are already out there. You may just have to find them.
From Do It! Let’s Get Off Our Buts by John-Roger and Peter McWilliams, “Be daring, be different, be impractical,” Sir Cecil Beaton advised, “be anything that will assert integrity of purpose and imaginative vision against the play-it-safers, the creatures of the commonplace, the slaves of the ordinary.”
It takes courage to pursue one’s dreams. Banish fear by taking action. Failure is part of the learning process that goes hand-in-hand with risk-taking.
On a scale from one to ten, with one being cautious, and 10 being a risk-taker, assess yourself numerically where you presently stand in terms of authoring an eBook.
I rate myself a ___.
Well???
Reflection Time
What do you need to do about it, if anything? What actions are you going to take? What can you do within the next 24 hours to take that first concrete step toward your goal? What is it about your past and present behaviour regarding writing a book that makes you feel good about yourself? What bothers you? Who could help make a difference in your eBook authoring life if you chose to confide in them? Have you ever told anyone you wanted to write a book? Why? Why not? What good do you think it would do to begin telling others about your dream? What have you done in your past that you thought you would never be able to do? Why is authoring an eBook any different from that situation? What obstacles do you see to authoring an eBook? For each obstacle consider at least 3 ways you could overcome that obstacle. How will you feel when that eBook is published and the first copy is sold? What would authoring an eBook do to your self-esteem? Your life? Your confidence? Your career? Your income? Your future?
A poem for reflection!
Risk-Taking is Free
To laugh is to risk appearing the fool.
To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.
To reach out for another is to risk involvement.
To expose feeling is to risk exposing your true self.
To place your ideas, your dreams, before the crowd is to risk their opinion.
To love is to risk not being loved in return.
To live is to risk dying.
To hope is risk despair.
To try is to risk failure.
But the risk must be taken, because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.
The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing and is nothing.
He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he simply cannot learn, feel, change, grow, love, live.
Chained by his certitudes, he is slave, he has forfeited freedom.
ONLY A PERSON WHO RISKS —- IS FREE – Author Unknown
© 2005 Paul Jackson
Paul Jackson is a retired educator with wide-ranging experience in self-help workshops for educators. His new-found passion of eBook authoring allows him to apply his reflective philosophy to the process of authoring an eBook. At http://www.ebookwritingandpublishing.com
Paul uses his philosophy of “Helping people help themselves” to assist individuals in reaching his/her dream of authoring an eBook.
How To Write A Eulogy
Remembering someone special in a personal way can be healing for everyone concerned, for a eulogy is a deeply personal way of saying goodbye. The key word is life, and you’ve been given the opportunity to celebrate a loved one’s life in the individual way that made your friend unique. Don’t be daunted by the task, just take these simple steps for a sincere and moving last farewell.
To prepare a eulogy, you will need to be well prepared. The eulogy should convey your feelings and your experiences and should be written in an informal, conversational tone. It’s not for summarising the person’s life and it doesn’t have to speak for all present. Just sit down and write from your heart. So, where do you start?
1. Get your material
First, collect some biographical facts : age, working life, marriage dates, places lived, children, and so on. Ask the family, they will welcome the chance to talk about their loved one. Then collect personal facts : special skills and accomplishments, characteristics, hobbies, etc. Now think about the stories you remember, or the turn of phrase or typical behavior that captures a person’s character so well.
Here are some questions to get you thinking:
- How did you and the deceased become close? When did you meet?
Some of the simplest thoughts are deeply touching. For example, “I’ll miss his crooked grin ” “I’ll always remember her bubbling laugh”. These warm touches will bring loving memories to those who are listening. Some of the best memorial services are filled with fond remembrances and laughter. Poetry is inspirational, and also of great assistance in writing a eulogy.
2. Organise your material
Write your notes in point form on sheets of paper or on 3×5 file cards – one idea to a card. Now group the cards into piles of similar topics. Then sort each pile of cards into a logical order. Write your first draft. Use linking sentences to make each topic flow easily into the next. Pay most attention to your beginning and ending. As you write, edit and polish, keep the words “celebration” and “thanksgiving” in your mind.
3. Practice!
If you’re not used to speaking in public, start practicing. Run an Internet search on ’speaking tips’ or borrow a book on speaking from the library. Read your speech into a tape and then play it back. You’ll be able to polish your eulogy and your delivery. Now stand in front of a mirror and practice some more. Even someone who has never spoken in public at all will do a good job with practice.
4. How do you keep calm?
It doesn’t sound easy, but you can do it. If you’re worried about choking up or breaking down in the middle of your eulogy, you can take a moment to compose yourself, then carry on. This is perfectly acceptable. If you’re afraid you might break down while in the middle of the eulogy and find yourself unable to recover, ask someone ahead of time to be ready to take over at a signal from you. Give them a copy of your eulogy. Just knowing you have a backup speaker will probably be all you need to stay calm.
Above all, remember to breathe
You’ll only have to speak for five to ten minutes, but your gift will live on in the hearts of the deceased’s family and friends
Susanna Duffy is a Civil Celebrant, grief counsellor and mythologist. She creates ceremonies and Rites of Passage for individual and civic functions, and specialises in Croning and other celebrations for women. http://celebrant.yarralink.com
Exercise For A Golfer – Dont Fear it
Exercise for a golfer is widely used. Despite the success many professionals have enjoyed, and continue to enjoy in their game, mainly because of golf-specific exercises, many amateur golfers still shun any golf specific exercises.
Even when it is rather obvious that leading names in the game like the legendary Tiger Woods heavily rely on staying in good shape for the game by having personal trainers and by being involved in golf specific exercises.
Bt far the main reason why most still fear and avoid exercise for golfers is the belief that they will develop muscles. Actually lifting weights are a very effective way of toning the golf-specific muscles for the game, by strengthening them. Strength training using weights will never increase the size of your muscles.
Nobody would loathe building big muscles more than most lady golfers. Yet many of them have dramatically improved their games by increasing their strength through golf-specific weight training.
Actually you need to be in the gym several hours a day lifting very heavy weights to develop a weight-lifters’ muscles. The weight-lifting exercise regime for golf involves lifting lighter weights many more times over a very short period of time compared to a weightlifter looking for muscles with heavier weights lifted fewer times at a time but for longer hours daily.
The fact that many lady golfers have been able to dramatically improve their game by getting involved in exercises for a golfers, but have not build heavy stiff muscles, should be encouragement enough for many amateurs to seriously consider exercise for a golfer programs.
Apart from weights, most of the exercises for a golfer involve stretch exercises designed to improve a golf swing. Some of these stretch exercises for a golfer can easily be done form the comfort of an office or home when you have a moment to spare.
About The Author: Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness experts in the country, author of the Ultimate Golf Fitness Guide, and founder of several cutting-edge online golf fitness sites. Visit his new golf fitness training site at Perform Better Golf.
Deck Building Basics
In my previous article, “planning for a new deck,” I outlined the steps for planning for a new deck. This article takes the process one step further. We’ll look at how to get started actually building your deck. By this time, I will assume that you have your building permit in hand, a good set of plans, and a materials list. If you don’t have a material list, simply take your plan to your nearest home center or building supply store and have them create one for you. Most lumber yards can actually arrange for delivery of all your materials at one time including all the nails and screws are you will need. This can be quite handy on large projects or if you don’t own a truck or a trailer. The lumber yard will bring all the parts and pieces you will need to build your new deck.
The first place to start, is to set some posts for your deck to rest on. Were I live in the Northeast, we have to deal with the frost and free cycle of winter. When I received my building permit, the code officer made sure to point out that all posts must be secured in country at least 36 inches below the surface of the ground. This will ensure that when the ground freezes the posts of the deck will not heave. Check with your local zoning office to find out what your specifications are for setting posts.
Renting a post hole digger makes setting the posts much easier, especially if you live in an area with a lot of playing or a lot of stone in your soil. I was able to dig a half a dozen holes in less than an hour. Digging the same number of holes my hand would’ve taken me at least half a day so the few dollars I spent on the post hole digger rental was well worth it.
Next, a port some stoning concrete makes into the holes and set the posts. My plan called for 4×4 posts. Your plans may be different. After the posts were in and let the concrete cure according to the directions on the package. I then nailed 2 x 2 joists to the side of the House and around the perimeter of the deck. I used metal choice hangers to hang all the internal joists. You can also tell nailed them but metal choice hangers are stronger and easier to use than trying to toenail large lumber.
There are lots of different types of taking you can use on top of your deck. I choose simple pressure treated lumber. To attach the deck boards to the joists you can use either nails or screws. If you use nails, make sure you use special spiral nails. These help prevent nails from popping. Deck screws are preferable as they are stronger but they are much more expensive than nails when laying out the decking, it is easier to let the deck boards run long and trim them down later once the entire deck surface is finished. When all the deck boards or laid, simply take a circular saw, and cut all the ends off the deck.
For a finished look, attach a skirt board to the exposed edges of the decking and over the rim joists. The last thing to do, if needed, would be to add railing, and or steps. However, these basics should get you started.
Dean Novosat is an avid do-it-yourselfer and remodeler. He writes for http://www.newsletterjournal.com, http://www.newsletterjournal.com, and http://www.newsletterjournal.com.
Philadelphia Cheap Apartments Finders
Place of living, food, and clothes are three basic human needs. We have to fulfill those of three basic needs if we want to live. If we want to live in a comfortable and conducive environment, we have to choose the best living place. We also have to consider about our budget. We should choose an affordable place of living. Nowadays, it will be very easy for us if we want to buy apartment as a place of living. We can browse at the internet to find it. If you are the person who lives in Philadelphia and around it and if you are looking for affordable apartment as your place of living, this site can help you to find it. This is the leading providers that can help you to find Cheap Philadelphia Apartments for you. You can see the range of prices that match with your budget. You can also choose the apartments based on some categories like choosing the nearby neighborhood, colleges, cities, zip codes, etc. If you need the service and if you need detail information, there is no need to wait. You can visit the official site on Philadelphia.searchcheapapartments.com. All of the information to find your cheap apartments in Philadelphia is provided here.
Online Guide to Play Online Roulette
Nowadays, there’re many kinds of new online gambling games. Sport betting, online poker and many more are few of them. But, the most popular game in online gambling world these days is the modified old gambling games. Roulette is one of them. There’re many new roulette game in online gambling world, and each of them has interesting new feature. Some of gambler would need to adapt with this games new feature.
There’re many website that provide information for those adaptation problem. OnlineCasinoSuite.com is one of them. This website offered lot of information about online roulette that can help gambler. There’s list of online casino that provide roulette online game. There’s also online casino review for each place in this list that will explain more about the online casino feature, such as bonuses, payout percentage and many more.
And for the roulette game itself, there’s article about this game here. This article will explain everything about roulette game, from basic rule, how to play it and strategy or tips to play and win this game. This website also has information about online gambling tournament. Gambler can use it to test their skill in playing online gambling game. Here, there’s also gambling forum, where gambler can share information and chat with other gambler. And all of this information and feature is free.
