Students Of Success

A client with a creative business called me one day and asked the following question. It’s a question I get asked frequently, so rather than write an entire article, I decided just to tell you exactly what I told her.
Kirstin,

“I never know what to say when a potential customer calls and asks ‘How much do you charge? What are your fees?’
I don’t want to shoot myself in the foot by quoting something too low, but also don’t want the caller to hear a number that they think is too high and hang up.
What do I say to them so I don’t put them off, but also don’t immediately take myself out of the running to get their business?”

-Ann P., Philadelphia, PA

Ann,

Don’t feel compelled to blurt out a number or hand over a price sheet. Calmly and confidently tell the prospect, “It depends.” Follow up with, “Let me ask you a few questions….” Then proceed to ask the prospect questions that will help you learn about her needs, uncover her concerns, understand her methods of measuring success, and determine how to show the value of your services.

Without knowing the basic information above, you are not in any position to be quoting prices and fees. Do yourself and your potential client a favor and don’t rush into discussing pricing until you have all the facts, m’am.

-Kirstin

Kirstin Carey is the author of “Starving Artist No More: Hearty Business Strategies for Creative Folks.” Kirstin knows how much most creative people hate sales, contracts, and discussing money and she consults creative people on the business side of creativity so they make more money, get better clients, and still love what they do. She put together a resource full of proven strategies and insider secrets guaranteed to help creative types get the business help they need so they don’t have to starve anymore! Go to http://www.MyCreativeBiz.com

Where do you go to find inspiration? The Internet? The Bible? Magazines or TV shows?

Inspiration is all around, if you know where to look. When your life is chugging along slowly, without much enthusiasm, try these five places to put it back into high gear.

1. The newspaper comic page.

Comics are one of the sweetest treats in life, like a Godiva chocolate for your mind. Reading the comics will not only provide you with much-needed laughter, but it will remind you that simple things can make a big difference. Speak a word of encouragement to someone, give a person a genuine compliment or just tell them you appreciate them. People are starving for kindness and recognition. The comics will remind you that even the simplest act can help lift someone up.

2. Your country’s flag.

No matter what country you live in, millions of patriotic men and women before you made sacrifices so you can enjoy a better life. Every time you see a flag, let it inspire you to vote, conserve energy or resources, or volunteer. Your country will be made stronger for the generations who follow you.

3. Trees and plants.

Plants, and especially large trees, are studies in perseverance. They send out roots and leaves to seek the nutrients and sunlight they need to survive. Let them inspire you to keep trying and searching for whatever you need in life to thrive.

4. Appliances and electronics.

Every man-made device you see in your home or at work started with an idea in someone’s mind. Often it took the inventor years of struggle and development to make his dream a reality. If they succeeded, you can too. Every new idea is attacked by critics and naysayers. But when you look at your car, television, or refrigerator, let these successful products remind you that with enough hard work, dreams do come true.

5. A school building.

When you see a school, think about all the teachers who dedicated their lives to your education. Remember too, that learning is a lifelong process. Curiosity keeps you young, while learning gives you direction. Thanks to the Internet and public libraries, you can become an expert in whatever subject you choose. When you see a school, be inspired to keep learning and creating new opportunities for yourself.

Jack Zavada writes a f.ree inspirational newsletter called Inspire-O-Gram.

Even with the popularity of digital technology, and the availability of equipment and software associated with it, many printing firms are still slow to make the changes needed to upgrade their business. More so when it comes to digital photography.

More often than not, most typical printing outfits are no set up to process digital files that bad results do happen. Mistakes are often made such as conversions of files to CMYK doing irreparable damage to the images, and the operator trying to rectify his mistakes by fixing it with a series of layers, selections, masks and adjustments. These further aggravates the already damaged file by introducing new problems like banding, and colors that look muddy, desaturated, neutralized, and unappealing.

But this situation can be avoided and great results can be achieved. If you feel that you are not getting the best output for your digital camera images, here are a few key tips for you:

Tip 1: PROFILES

It’s a must to ask your chosen printer whether they honor embedded RGB profiles. This would mean that they have the capacity to handle RGB color separation work. If they don’t want to get your RGB file, or they seem like they don’t care or understand what you’re saying, then it’s time for you to go to another printer.

Tip 2: CALIBRATED

Remember to use shops and facilities that regularly calibrate their displays. This can be done with a hardware calibration system.

Tip 3: INK JET PRINTS

To avoid second-guessing where the mistakes rest, it is better to just provide your printer with prints, especially to alert operators to potential problems.

Tip 4: SHARPNESS

Although well-sharpened images look a bit intimidating when viewed in Photoshop, especially at 1:1, your image will print well. Great sharpness is required when you’re dealing with coarser screens and uncoated stocks.

Tip 5: FOR POSITION ONLY

Layouts showing FPO images cropped and scaled will help printers provide optimum and sharpened result to your image.

Tip 6: COLOR CHECKER

With each new set up for color reference, one printer suggests that you ask your photographer to do a shot of his Gretag MacBeth “Color Checker” target.

Tip 7: RAW FILES

Ask your photographer if he or she can provide you with digital camera raw files. These raw files will provide you with the greatest latitude and quality in the hands of skilled operators.

The best way to go about this problem is to simply deal with printing companies whose prepress staffs understand the basics of color management. People who know and are experts on the advantages of digital raw camera files, and explain them to you when asked.

If not, then it’s better for you to change now.

For comments and suggestions regarding this article please contact webmaster@ucreative.com or visit http://www.ucreative.com

Sports Memorabilia Collectors are flocking by the droves to buy
Collectible Sports Memorabilia from CollectibleSport. They are
taking advantage of the great selection and value found for most
popular sports, including baseball, basketball, football, golf,
NASCAR, die cast cars, sports bobble heads, and sports hero
posters. This is the perfect marriage of the popularity of
Collectible Sports Memorabilia and the upcoming holiday gift
giving season.

Visitors to CollectibleSport.com have commented on the excellent
layout of the site, the ease of use, the great selection, and
fantastic deals to be found there. Updated items are being
continually added for the sports currently in season.

Collectible Sports Memorabilia that can be found at
CollectibleSport.com allows the connection to a time that we
love to remember regarding a special sporting event. Those
experiences are brought back from our memory with the
Collectible Sports Memorabilia collected for a particular event.

As those special sporting events happen, make sure you capture
that exhilarating feeling. Make sure you do not miss out on
those Collectible Sports Memorabilia items that capture those
special moments. Now is the time to visit CollectibleSport.com
and check the special prices and selection.

The holiday gift giving season is fast approaching. A
Collectible Sports Memorabilia item from CollectibleSport.com
would make the perfect gift!

There are certain laws issued for people that have bad credit
and to know these laws is important to protect all those
involved in your life. The Federal Legislation and several other
agencies including the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) protect
you from collection agencies and creditors.

If you have bad credit you really want to read this article
especially if you are being harassed by creditors or else
threatened. First, we are going to look at what steps debtors
can take to protect their status.

Debtors have the right to ask collection agencies or any source
hassling them for debt collection to stop hassling them. You
must contact the collection agencies immediately and request
that they stop communication with your completely.

It is important to word your letter wisely avoiding giving them
ammunition against you. You can do this if your collection
agency has claimed a lawsuit against you, or if the date has
ended, where the creditors can no longer contact you.

If the collection agency has written several letters or made
several phone calls threatening you with a lawsuit, you can
write an informal letter asking the agencies to stop nagging you.

If you have a current debt, it is wise to negotiate with the
creditors, since some may reduce your balance or even dropped
the debt completely. If the debt is older than seven years, it
is important that you DO NOT communicate with a collection
agency regarding the bill.

At the seven-year period, the account should have been removed
from your credit report. If it has not these people are in
violation. There are several reasons why creditors will
disregard lawsuits.

Some of those reasons include reductions in their chances of
winning the suit. If your debt is old then collectors avoid
paying high attorney fees to collect the balance.

Therefore, knowing is glowing when you have bad credit. If you
owe a debt, you have the legal right to protect your self
against creditors. The best solution is stop ignoring the
problem and finding a solution to repair your credit.

Problems do not go away, rather they add up more problems.
Credit repair is a deduction so you do not want to add on more
than you can take.

Collection agencies under the law cannot correspond with you by
sending mail to your address with symbols or labels. Collection
agencies cannot call your mom and dad, or any family member
regarding your debt.

The collection agencies are obligated by law to cease
communication if you have been subpoenaed to court. Collection
agencies are under law to avoid calling debtors after 9pm or
before 8am. (Some laws state that the collection agencies cannot
call after 10pm and before 5am.)

If you have an attorney and the collection agencies know this
and calls anyway, immediately file a complaint to the proper
agencies regarding the action. It is important to document all
information when you are in debt. This can protect you when the
moment arises.

If you have a job and a collection agency calls your work
environment he or she is in violation of the law. (Note: If your
employer allows calls, the law may not be effective)

Collection agencies are prohibited from impersonating law
enforcement or government officials in an effort to collect a
debt. At no time is a collection agency allowed to make
available to the public information regarding your debts.

Collection agencies are prohibited from sending letters, making
phones calls, or acting out any form of communication that
insinuates false impersonation. It is also against the law for
collection agencies to repeatedly call your home requesting you
or threatening you to pay the debt.

If a collection agency phones your home, they must comply by the
law and identify their name and the companies name within one
minute of the phone conversation.

Finally, collection agencies are prohibited to list debtors on
the ‘deadbeat’ list. Many laws and regulations apply to both
collection agencies and debtors. Therefore, when you know the
law you have strength to protect your self and a possible
solution to avoid the law.

If your credit is bad, the first step to a resolve is paying
your dues and knowing the laws.

Saying that you want to be rich isn’t enough. However, when you
say: “I want $12,000 two years from now”, you have a specific target
that you can break down into manageable goals.

You can break that down as follows: $6,000 per year, $500 per month,
$125 per week, and $17.86 per day. Now work on getting $17.86 for tomorrow,
and then do the same the next day, and then the next day and in two
years’ time your goal will be realized.

Goals that are quantified and broken down into little pieces within
their deadlines are easily reachable.

The same thing would apply to any goal you have. For example, if you want to start investing in Real estate, you will need to come up with some quantifiable goals. These can be:

· Read one book every two weeks for the next three months;
· Read seven different magazines on real estate the following month;
· Attend one seminar on the fifth month and;
· Look to buy one property in month six.

You need to put a number in your goals like read six books in three months or exercise for 30 minutes everyday. This will make your goals tangible and easy to reach because you know exactly what you need to do to reach them.

If you would like more information about this subject and how to manage your time more effectively to reach your goals click on this link

http://www.EffectiveTimeManagement.com

Copyright © 2005 EffectiveTimeManagement.com All rights reserved.

My name is Catherin Nellissen. I have been organising events and training for over 11 years. I have learned the hard way how important it is to stay on top of what’s happening and making sure that everyone working with me knows what to do in a timely matter. I believe that organization is the key to a successful career and life! Over the years, I have created templates that help me and the people that work with me keep on top of our busy workloads and reach our personal goals. I have decided to share my knowledge of time management, hoping to help other people take control of their busy lives and make sure they accomplish what their heart desires. Life’s too short – get organised!!.

Your semen reflects what you eat…

All the body’s secretions such as sweat, saliva, urine and your
sperm smell and flavor are affected by what you eat.

What goes in comes out and is reflected in the flavor and smell.
Ever notice how when you eat a curry with lots of garlic onions
and spices how the smell comes out of your skin afterward?

It’s also in your semen just as it’s in your sweat.

Changing your diet will have an effect on your body’s secretions
including your semen.

Most techniques or supplements that claim to alter the flavor of
semen aim to increase the amount of sugars in it, and disguise
the salty bitter taste, but most don’t work, you simply need a
change of diet.

The best way to have better tasting semen is the most obvious, a
good diet and clean living.

Cut your intake of the following:

Alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, junk food with lots of chemicals and
preservatives.

You should also limit foods that break down into strong tasting
or smelling chemicals that are excreted by the body. Fruits and
some vegetables are good, but some are definitely not
recommended.

Good examples are asparagus; onions and garlic contain high
amounts of sulfur and vegetables from the cabbage family, like
Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, kale which all add to
semens bitter taste.

Strongly spiced dishes, like curries comes out and flavors
semen. Of course, you don’t want to have a diet all the time
just to get better tasting semen, but if you love your partner
keep away from the madras curry!

Eat your greens & drink more fruit juice!

A recent study concluded that vegetarians have better tasting
semen, which leads to an obvious conclusion.

Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, and drink lots of juice
and water (at least two liters a day) to flush out your body.

Eating or drinking pineapple juice is strongly recommended as
the best a way to make your semen sweeter.

Citrus fruits and cranberry juice are also good, because they
make the body’s pH more acidic, which balances the alkalinity of
semen which gives it its salty, bleach taste.

All fruits juices and fruits have a high sugar content, so make
sure you eat and drink plenty.

Other great foods for better tasting semen

Parsley, wheatgrass, and celery have been recommended for
sweeter semen as well because of the chlorophyll they contain.

Cinnamon, cardamom, peppermint and lemon are also great foods
for better tasting semen.

Keep in mind

Your body takes around 12 - 24 hours to secrete what you put
into it, so keep this in mind when eating the foods listed
above.

Your skin is an organ with a very complex structure, serving as an important factor in the metabolic process and playing an important role in protecting your organism. The skin protects your body against external factors that could harm internal tissues. Since your skin does so much for you, you should care for it properly in return.

Skin Care

Everyone wants a healthy, clean and smooth skins, without any lesions or scars. The only way you can achieve a perfect skin is by taking good care of it. You shouldn’t waste your time looking for miraculous treatments that will cure your acne overnight. The only way to achieve and maintain a healthy skin is by following three basic steps:

* Always go for the best acne skin care treatment product

* Plan a schedule to apply the product on your skin

* Protect your skin from external factors, such as aggressive sunlight or other whether related factors and food allergies

The amount of time you spend caring for your skin while you are young determines the way your skin will look when you get older.

How To Choose An Acne Skin Care Treatment Product

There’s a wide range of acne skin care treatment products available on the market. Some can prove very efficient, while others are a waste of money. However, different treatments work for different people. The first thing to consider when purchasing an acne skin care treatment product is what type of skin you have. Most people have a dry, oily or combined skin. There are very few persons with a normal skin. Determining your skin type is the first step. There are a lot of products available for all types of skin.

Acne is often a result of the sebum that causes your pores to clog. This is why you need to use a cleansing milk at least once a day to wash your face with. There are various cleanser available for different types of skin.

Acne Skin Care Rules

* Take at least 20 minutes a day, either in the daytime or in the evening, to care for your skin

* Start treating acne when it’s still a minor problem

* Use only non-comedogenic cosmetics

* Never try to squeeze at your pimples

* Avoid excessive sun exposure

* Keep your skin clean

* Wash your skin if you’ve been sweating

The only way to achieve the healthy and smooth skin you want, you have to spend quality time caring for your skin and use the best acne skin care treatment products. Acne appears generally during puberty, but it can prolong further even after you reach adulthood. Initially, acne lesions are very small, but if you don’t do anything about them, they can grow into deep cysts. Severe acne is much more difficult and painful to fight against.

Michael Morris Acne Skin Care Treatment Product Infos and Other Valuable Resourcese Here

Getting the main idea in reading is central to effective studying.

You must learn what the author’s central idea is, and understand it in your own way.

Every paragraph contains a main idea. Main ideas are perfect for outlining textbooks. Make it a habit to find the main idea in each paragraph you read.

Extracting Important Details

Extracting important details mean that you locate in your reading main and most significant ideas.

There is usually one important detail associated with every main idea. The more important details you can identify, the easier it will be to review for examinations because you have made a link between an idea and information that supports it.

The more links you can make between details and ideas, as well as ideas themselves, the more powerful will be the efforts of your study.

The first things to ask yourself are: “Why you are reading the text? Are you reading with a purpose or just for pleasure? What do you want to know after reading it?”

In other words, identify your purpose.

Once you know this, you can examine the text to see whether it is going to move you towards this goal.

An easy way of doing this is to look at the introduction and the chapter headings. The introduction should let you know whom the book is targeted at, and what it seeks to achieve.

Chapter headings will give you an overall view of the structure of the subject.

After grasping ideas from chapter introductions, ask yourself whether the book meets your needs.

Ask yourself if it assumes too much or too little knowledge.

If the book weren’t ideal, would it be better to find a better one?

Take 1-2 minutes to skim through the article to find the core idea. Know what is being expressed. Do you need more details? If not, find another article.

Read lightly and flexibly. Know what you need. Slow down to fulfill your purpose, answering questions that are most important to you.

Since very few words carry the meaning, speed up to pass redundant or useless information.

You can find out more on how to effectively double your reading speed and accelerate your learning abilities to the extreme on Rene Graeber´s website at www.speed-reading-online-training-course.com
You´ll see a complete speed reading course…