Students Of Success

Navision Software was purchased by Microsoft and now it is supported by Microsoft Business Solutions together with Microsoft Great Plains, Axapta, Solomon, Microsoft Retail Management System and Microsoft CRM. Navision has extremely strong position on mid-size European and US markets, plus it has excellent manufacturing solution. Our goal is to help IT departments to support and tune Navision with in-house expertise and skills.
The topic of this article is Navision database access from ASP.NET application via C/ODBC interface. Our goal will be ASPX page accessing Navision Customers.

Let’s begin

1. In our case we will use Navision Attain 3.6 with Navision Database Server, Navision Application Server and Navision Client. These components are installed on Windows XP. You also need to install C/ODBC component form Navision Attain CD.

2. Let’s create ODBC DSN for Navision data access. Select Control Panel -> Administrative Tools -> Data Sources (ODBC). Then select System DSN tab and press Add button. We’ll use C/ODBC 32-bit data access driver. We’ll name Data Source Name Navision, Connection leave Local. As the database (Database button) select \Program Files\Navision Attain\Client\database.fdb (demo database). Then click Company button – we’ll use CRONUS demo company. It is important for C/SIDE correct database access to setup proper options for C/ODBC connection. Press Options button and look at the options available – we’ll need Identifiers parameter – it defines identifiers types, which will be transferred to the client application. In order to work correct with MS SQL Server 2000 with C/ODBC source we need to use these type: “a-z,A-Z,0-9,_”. Now DNS is done. Let’s create Linked Server.

3. Open MS SQL Server Enterprise Manager. Open server tree for the server, which you plan to use, for this server open Security folder and Lined Servers. With right click select New Linked Server in context menu. In the dialog box opened in the Provider Name select Microsoft OLE DB Provider for ODBC Drivers. Let’s name our Linked Server NAVISION. In Data Source string enter ODBC DSN name - NAVISION in our case. Linked Server is ready! Let’s select tables list and look at the data from Navision Attain database.

4. Next we need to create small stored procedure for sales data selection. Here is the text of the procedure:
SET ANSI_NULLS ON
SET ANSI_WARNINGS ON
GO

CREATE PROCEDURE NavisionCustomers AS

DBCC TRACEON(8765)
SELECT No_, Name, Address, City, Contact FROM OPENQUERY(NAVISION, ‘SELECT * FROM Customer’)

RETURN

Let’s clarify some points here. TRACEON(8765) directive allows us to work with the data of variable length, returned by C/ODBC driver. Without it we can not select Navision tables fields – we will have these errors:

OLE DB error trace [Non-interface error: Unexpected data length returned for the column: ProviderName=’MSDASQL’, TableName=’[MSDASQL]’, ColumnName=’Ship_to_Filter’, ExpectedLength=’250′, ReturnedLength=’1′].
Server: Msg 7347, Level 16, State 1, Line 1
OLE DB provider ‘MSDASQL’ returned an unexpected data length for the fixed-length column ‘[MSDASQL].Ship_to_Filter’. The expected data length is 250, while the returned data length is 1.

OPENQUERY command opens linked server and gives it execution request, and returns record set selected. Directives ANSI_NULLS and ANSI_WARNINGS are required – they provide the possibility of the execution for heterogeneous requests. To test the procedure you can give its name in MS SQL Query Analyzer – EXEC NavisionCustomers

5. Now we need to create ASP.NET application. Let’s use free RAD environment ASP.NET WebMatrix. You can get infor and download it at http://asp.net/webmatrix . You need .NET SDK 1.1 installed, before WebMatrix installation.

6. Launch WebMatrix, select creation of the Data Pages -> Editable Data Grid in the wizard screen. Let’s keep all the defaults suggested. On the access page created we’ll change the header to Navision Attain Customers, select Verdana font and the font size desired. Next place on the page the component SqlDataSourceControl and tune it’s – Connection String : server=’(local)’; database=’Alba’;trusted_connection=true (change server and database name to your actual names), and SelectCommand – as EXEC NavisionCustomers

7. For our Data Grid, which will show customers, define DataSource as SqlDataSourceControl1, and DatKeyField – as No_

8. Next switch to code edition mode and make these changes:

• In the DataGrid_Delete method let’s correct the request for the customer deletion to the one we need

• Change DataGrid_Delete code, base on the fields we plan to use

9. Launch our application and test it. This is it!

Happy customizing, implementing and modifying! If you want us to do the job - give us a call 1-866-528-0577 or 1-630-961-5918! help@albaspectrum.com

Boris Makushkin is Lead Software Developer in Alba Spectrum Technologies – USA nationwide Microsoft CRM, Microsoft Great Plains customization company, serving Chicago, Boston, San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Miami, Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Moscow, Europe and internationally ( http://www.albaspectrum.com ), he is Microsoft CRM SDK, Navision, C#, VB.Net, SQL, Oracle, Unix developer.

Canon has introduced a new range of Pixma printers, one of the most popular of these is the Pixma iP4200. Just like the older series Canon printers it has individual ink tanks, however there is a difference – these new cartridges have an onboard chip to measure the ink level of each individual cartridge. The new cartridges are the PGI-5 and CLI-8 cartridges. The cartridge numbers are…

PGI-5BK - Black pigment ink
CLI-8BK - Black dye based ink
CLI-8C - Cyan dye based ink
CLI-8M - Magenta dye based ink
CLI-8Y - Yellow dye based ink

Unlike traditional dye based inks, these inks from Canon are highly resistant to fading from light and gases in the air. Canon claim a 100 year life from these Chromalife inks if used with Canon paper, which is a great achievement.

These cartridges are also suitable for Pixma iP5200, iP5200r printers, MP500, MP800 and MP950 multifunctions.

Lots of people would like to know if these can be refilled, or if compatible cartridges are available. At the time of writing, February 2006, compatibles are not available for the PGI5 or CLI8 inks, probably for 2 reasons:
1. The ink formulations are quite complex - refill ink manufacturers need to make sure their inks will perform equivalent to the original Canon inks; and
2. The on-board chip has a patent from Canon on it so compatible manufacturers will have to be very careful not to infringe that patent, which could leave them open to litigation. Canon has recently won a lawsuit against a company in Japan which was refilling Canon cartridges and reselling them, so this will set back any plans for compatible cartridges.

There are refill inks available however. Refilling instructions are available from ink vendors. Canon has very cunningly adapted their printers – if you refill these inks and re-insert them into the machine, a warning message will appear on your computer along the lines of:

“You are using refill ink in your cartridges, if you continue your printer warranty will be void”, and you are prompted to press OK. If you press OK, the low ink warning facility on the printer no longer works. If this is the case, you must be very careful never to let the inks run dry as this will burn out your printhead.

James Sodor has been an expert in the field of printers since 1999, and is now kept busy at http://www.whatcartridge.com - the world’s largest free database of printers and supplies.

Selling your home is not a science but there are some standards that should always be maintained. For some reason sellers can get in the way of their own sale and mess it all up. Some sellers can’t understand why real estate agents ask them not to be present during showings. Buyers are not too interested in hearing the gory details of how little Johnny killed the cat in the dryer or any other wonderful stories.

1.When you hire a real estate agent to market your home, you interviewed 2 or 3 agents and picked the best, now let them do their job. Of course the owner can sell the home they know every little thing that any new homeowner would want to know and they want to tell them. Please be quite or better yet go for a walk when buyers come to see your home.

2.Canceling and not allowing showings or setting rules for showing times that prevent buyers from seeing the home. No showings on weekends, 48 hour notice no exceptions or listing agent must be present for all showings. These things may be convenient for the seller but are red flags for any buyer agent they just won‘t show the home at all.

3.Holding off the photographer and visual tour photographer because you are not ready or the house is not ready. Your listing depends on pictures and visual tours to get buyers to your home. They can preview the property 24 hours 7 days a week without leaving their own home. Almost 80% of buyers start their home search on the internet with pictures, lots of pictures and visual tours.

4.Your dog and cat can stop a buyer agent in her tracks and take your home off the showing list. Remarks on your listing like “don’t let the cat out” or “the dog barks a lot so put her outside” can slow down showings. My all time favorite is “don’t go in the garage the dogs will bite and hurt you.” Kitty litter on the kitchen floor or dog stains on the furniture are not good things.

5.Odors kill a deal every time. What’s worse is using a smelly fragrant deodorizer trying to mask a bad odor. Clean and fresh smell always works with buyers. Keeping the kitchen and bathrooms clean make sure all trash cans are empty and trash moved out of the house to outside closed containers.

6.Over stuffed closets, garages full of your junk so much so that you can’t fit a car, basements full of stuff, too much furniture, all of your collections on display in every room. All of this stuff gets in the way, clean it out.

7.A dirty house won’t sell unless it is distress sales to an investor where you can expect a low ball offer, if you don’t care it will show. Buyers like to see the outside when they open the blinds it’s not a good thing that dust and dirt fall down on them. Walking around toys, pillows on the floor or a generally messy house doesn’t allow the buyers see the home they are more worried about what they will step on.

8.Uncut lawn, untrimmed shrubs, overgrown weeds do not make for good curb appeal. Trimmed and edged lawn and shrubs are a basic requirement of a good appearance that will attract buyers to your home. Buyers are always driving around neighborhoods they drive by disasters but stop and write down phone number and web addresses of well maintain homes.

9.Most home buyers are not looking for a project, the closer your home is to move in condition the quicker sale you will have. The exterior of your home must be in very good condition. No broken windows all screens in place, rain gutters clean and properly attached. Doors, shutters and trim freshly painted.

10. Turning on the kitchen faucet and it comes off in your hand is not going to get the buyer jumping to make an offer even if they like the house they maybe too embarrassed to make an offer because they broke something. Everything inside the home should work properly. Lights, doors, drawers, appliances, and kitchen and bath faucets.

It’s up to the seller to have the home ready and available for the buyers. If you are not ready don’t put up the for sale sign, don’t waste your time or your agents time and money. It does cost money to properly market a home your real estate agents money until closing.

Bill Carey with over 30 years in real estate sales, investments, and home building offers a unique perspective to the buying and selling process of residential real estate for F*R*E*E consumer information and reports log on to http://www.CharlotteNCExecutiveHomes.com and see
“Insider Real Estate Secrets Revealed”
…a must-read for Home-Owners and Renters!
It’s a F*R*E*E 12-lesson e-course covering more than 20 topics exposing the realities behind buying and selling a home.
It Could Make(or Save) You Thousands of Dollars

See http://www.BillCareyRealtor.com and sign up for our monthly e-newsletter with tips for buyers, sellers, home owners and soon to be home owners.

(Your Comments are Welcome)

Search Engine Optimization is broken down into two segments.
Aspects of onsite changes to make your site more spider friendly
and Offsite keyword text backlinking.

>From an on site SEO perspective, consistency and placement of
your keywords are important. Spider read a page top to bottom
left to right. Therefore your major keywords should be
consistent from your Meta tags all the way down to your footer
page. Consistency in Syntax as well a prominence. Interlinking
your site with keyword text links not only helps navigation of
your site but it improves your keyword density.

There is much discussion in regard to the keyword density as to
what is considered a non spam factor. Each page should have
about 350-500 words per page with a keyword density of no more
than 7-10%. Keyword density is also considered in your graphic
alt text as well as hyperlinks.

Generally speaking, if your keyword looks stuffed, it is.

Basic On site SEO Factors:

Title Tag ( with Keyword)

Meta Description ( Consistent with Title Tag)

Meta Keywords ( Consistent with Title tag and Description)

H1 Tags ( with Keyword)

Graphic Alt Text ( with Keyword)

Keyword Hyperlinks

Keyword Density in body text

Keyword in Menu Links

Footer Page with Keyword Text Links

Off site linking is generally though of as the most effective
way to raise in the search engine rankings. However if your on
site SEO is not complete you are battling an up hill battle.

When planning your off site linking strategy you need to keep in
mind that reciprocal links are considered devalued through the
latest round of algorithm updates. Textual Keyword Rich links
from various C-block IP address are the best links possible.

There are many ways to receive quality links.

Some of the top linking strategies to receive quality links come
from the following venues:

Article Submissions SEO Friendly directories Blogs Press
Releases Growing your links in a consistent manor is also
relevant. Creating 1000’s of links in a short period of time
could set up red flags. You will receive many links via RSS
Feeds from the sources described above and be successful in your
linking campaign.

Getting Search Engine rankings can take time depending on your
keywords, but consistency and effort both on site and off site
will bring you the desired results.

Search Engine Optimization
Richmond Virginia

Close more Sales – Make more Profits By Frank Furness

Closing sales is always easier if your preparation is done well
upfront. The more you know about your client and the more you
anticipate objections and cover them during the interview, the
easier the close will be. In many cases, if the sales person
conducts the sale properly, the prospect will close the deal
himself, and this should be the aim for the sales person – it
implies that the salesperson has done everything correctly
during the process. It’s only if the full sales process has not
been followed that the salesperson would need to overcome a
number of objections and know how to close. Research shows that
top salespeople know when and how to close, this should be your
aim. Remember the old Golden Rule, after asking a closing
question, just ‘shut up’. He who speaks signs….. Here are a
number a closes and scripts, learn and use them well. The
Assumed Close – This is the close you would use most of the
time. If you have followed the complete sales process, just
assume that the person wants to buy and assume the close and
start completing the order forms. It would go something like:
“Are you happy that we’ve covered everything and would you like
to go ahead?”, or simply “Would you like to go ahead or “Shall
we complete the paperwork?” The Alternative Choice Close: for
example – This is where you would give them two alternatives;
whichever they choose to answer will indicate that they are
ready to buy. Examples are “Would you like to have it delivered
next Tuesday or next Friday?”, or “Would you like to pay by cash
or cheque” or “We can deliver the car with leather or cloth
upholstery - which one would you prefer?” The Balance Sheet
Close – This is used with analytical clients like accountants,
engineers and computer consultants who think very logically. You
would say to them “Many of my clients in similar positions to
yourself are very successful because of their ability to make
logical decisions. (this is their kind of language). They
normally weigh up the pro’s and con’s and make a decision based
on which outweighs the other. Let’s draw up a balance sheet (you
do this on a sheet of Paper) and on the left hand side list all
the pro’s or reasons for going ahead with the purchase and on
the right hand side all the reasons for not going ahead with the
purchase. Whichever side has more reasons would be the correct
decision to make. Let’s list all of the pro’s on the left hand
side (and here you must list at least ten reasons why they
should buy your product), and all the cons on the right hand
side” (this you let them fill in). Normally they don’t come up
with more than three reasons, and amongst those is the hidden
objection. The hidden objection would include reasons like
‘We’ve already spent or annual budget’ or ‘I’m not actually the
final decision maker’ or ‘It’s a little too expensive’. Once you
find the hidden objection, you can address it and move forward.
The Similar Situation Close – Here you would relate a situation
similar to your prospective client and let them realise that
they could have similar consequences. It would sound something
like this ‘You know, about a month ago, I had a client facing a
decision similar to the one you’re considering today. He went
ahead with our comprehensive medical plan and had a need to use
it just last week. The situation was unfortunate; however, his
burden would have been doubled had he not gone ahead with the
insurance.’ The Cost of Delay Close – This is a close where you
highlight the additional costs that the client could occur if
they delayed the purchase. Examples are “As you know, houses in
the area have increased in value by 30% in the last year, the
longer you wait to purchase, the more it will cost you” or
“Interest rates are increasing by 1% next month and this could
add a lot to the loan in the long term. Let’s get the paperwork
completed today and have the rate fixed at the lower amount”.
The Secondary Question Close – This is where you ask a minor
question that would have them commit to closing the purchase. If
you were selling life insurance it would be “Who would you like
to nominate as the beneficiary”. If you were selling appliances
it would be “Would you like to take the extended warranty?” If
they commit to the minor close, assume that they are in
agreement and complete the paperwork. The Pen Close: “Do you
want to use your pen or mine?” (while producing the contract and
pen) The Decision Maker Close: An example would be “I know most
men wouldn’t be able to buy something of this value without
consulting their wives - do you need to get your wife’s
permission on this?..” or “Most business people in your position
need to refer this kind of decision to their boss or a
committee, do you need to refer it?” If their answer is ‘no’,
you know that they are the decision maker and can close the
sale. If their answer is ‘yes’, you would need to repitch the
complete process to the decision maker. I would suggest that you
use this close early in the sale to determine who the decision
maker is, or you could waste a lot of time speaking to someone
who is not a ‘qualified prospect’. The High Costs Close – With
this close you need to make decision makers aware that by
settling for the cheapest price, they could lose on quality or
service. An example would be “That you can find this product for
less elsewhere may well be true, and in today’s economy, we all
want the most for our money. A truth that I have learned over
the years is that the cheapest price is not always what we
really want. Most people look for three things in making an
investment: one, the finest quality; two, the best service, and
three, the lowest charges. I have never found a company that can
offer all three - the finest quality and the best service at the
lowest price. I’m curious. For your long-term happiness, which
of the three are you willing to give up? Quality, service or low
price?” The Emotional Close – With this close you let them feel
the emotions or consequences of not going ahead with the
purchase. An example would be “Over five years it might seem a
lot of money, but we find that most responsible people decide
they simply have no choice but to go for it when it’s less than
a pound a day to protect your…/safeguard your…./improve
your… (whatever).” The Puppy Dog Close – Let someone have a
puppy for a week and then ask for it back and you will receive a
lot of resistance: It has become part of their life. The same
applies to business, leave a sample product with a client for a
week and let them get used to it, “Let me leave it with you and
you see how you get on with it…” If they see the benefit they
will purchase it. I see a lot of this on the internet where
companies offer free software on a 30 day trail, after 30 days
you are so dependant on the software that you purchase. The
Great Leader Close – You would use this close is someone is
really reluctant to make a decision. Simply replace ‘Winston
Churchill’ with a great leader from your country (Benjamin
Franklin, Nelson Mandela). An example would be: “I recently
heard about something that Winston Churchill, one of the
greatest minds of our time, said. Here are his words:
“Indecision has cost the British, British business, and the
British government billions of pounds. Far more than a wrong
decision would have cost. ”What we’re talking about now is a
decision, isn’t it? What will happen if you say yes and what
will happen if you say no? If you say no, nothing will happen,
and things will be the same tomorrow as they are today. If you
say yes, …..”(you will have financial freedom/you will have a
hassle free holiday…) The ‘I want to think about it’ close –
This is most probably the most common objection you will come up
with. Once again you need to find the ‘hidden objection’. An
example would be: “That’s fine. Obviously, you wouldn’t take
your time thinking about this unless you were seriously
interested. So, may I assume you will give it very careful
consideration? Just to clarify my thinking, what part of this
opportunity is it that you want to think over? Is it the quality
of the service I’ll render? Is it something I’ve forgotten to
cover? Is it the return on your investment? Is it any of the
financial aspects? Seriously, please level with me……. (Wait for
the hidden objection) The Financial Freedom Close - You’ll have
financial freedom for the rest of your life, you’ll have the
satisfaction of ……….(watching your son walk across the stage on
graduation day, and you’ll be…………(a part of a Blue Chip company
offering unlimited career opportunities.)……..(driving your new
car for three years with free roadside assistance anywhere in
Europe) The Bad Experience Close – This you would use when the
client is a little wary because of a prior bad experience.
“First of all, even though it wasn’t my company, I apologise for
times other companies have sold you products and then let you
down with the follow-up and service. Let me assure you, we will
always be available to you and will contact you on a scheduled
basis to make sure of your satisfaction. In fact, that’s one of
the reasons I chose to work for XYZ. We are always here for our
customers. Your ongoing business is important to us, and I won’t
do anything to jeopardise the relationship we’re establishing
here today.” The ‘Too Busy’ Close. “Jack, I can see that you are
very busy today, and I believe that you have a strong desire to
make the right decision regarding the investment and the
benefits to you. To allow you the opportunity to consider the
benefits we have to offer without interruption, how about
letting me take you for a light lunch where we can cover the
details uninterrupted.” You can then: •Reschedule for a better
time •Recommend lunch for the next day •Suggest moving to a
conference room or a coffee shop The Collecting Information
Close – This is a close that should be used early in the
interview. It gives you permission to collect information that
will help you to come up with the correct solution and close the
sale. “Mike, I want to do the best I can for you today. So,
would you be offended if, while we chat I make a few notes. That
way there is no chance that I will forget anything that could
save you time or money.” The Understanding Concerns Close –
“Please help me to understand your concerns? Would you mind
elaborating on your feelings of uncertainty for me? The Big Ego
Close: “We generally find that only the people who appreciate
and are prepared to pay for the best quality go for this
service/car/product – How do you feel about it?…” The
Testimonial/Reference Close – Always carry a folder with letters
from happy clients that give glowing references. Show this to
the client saying “Mary, take a look at what some of our
satisfied customers have to say about us. Please feel free to
even give them a call and ask them about or quality and
service.” The Last Chance Close: (You’ve tried everything, but
just can’t close. Pack your case and prepare to leave. When you
get to the door, stop and ask) “Just one last thing - would you
tell me where I went wrong - you see I just know this is right
for you, and I feel almost guilty that I’ve not sold it to you
properly, as if I’ve let you down…..” “What could I have done
to convince you that this is the right product for you?” The
Benefits Close: “I can see I’ve not explained this properly -
can we take a moment to go through all the benefits and see
which one is stopping us from proceeding?” (At which you list
all the benefits - the positives, and run through each one to
confirm it’s not that one which is causing the problem, crossing
a line through each as you go. When you cross the last one out,
you claim that there really seems to be no reason for not going
ahead…) The Pro’s and Con’s Close: “I can appreciate this is a
tough decision - what normally works is to write down a list of
all the pro’s and con’s - two separate columns - and then we can
both see clearly if overall it’s the right thing to do…” The
Begging Close – If all else fails, beg. What do you have to lose
at this stage apart from you pride…..

Personality Styles and Closing The manner in which a sale is
concluded depends on the style of the decision-maker - watch out
for the signs: Drivers (decision makers/task focused people) are
likely to decide very quickly and may be a little irritated if
you leave matters hanging after they’ve indicated they’re happy;
Analyticals (accountants, engineers) will want every detail
covered and may need time to think, so don’t push them, but do
stay in touch and make sure they have all the information they
need. They will buy when they are ready, you can’t rush the
close; Amiables may actually say yes before they’re ready
because they want to please you, in which case you need to
ensure that everything is suitably covered so nothing can
rebound later: Expressives – make sure they understand all the
details and always follow up and put all of the details in
writing. Biggest Closing Mistakes •Not asking for the business
•Talking too much •Not in the mood to sell •Lack of enthusiasm
•Rushing the close •Selling logic rather than emotion •Too many
distractions •Loss of control ©Frank Furness 2004 ABOUT THE
AUTHOR Frank Furness is author of the ‘Finding New Business and
Clients’ and many other products that can increase your business
on CD, DVD and Video NOTE: You’re welcome to “reprint” this
article online as long as it remains complete and unaltered
(including the “about the author” info at the end), and you send
a copy of your reprint to frank@frankfurness.com Take a look at
other articles, free software and eBooks at
http://www.frankfurness.com/

In an earlier article we looked at how repetitions contribute to the muscle building process, but is the position regarding sets just as clear cut? Unfortunately, the answer to this is no as some experts feel one set to failure is sufficient, whereas others argue that multiple sets are needed to ensure maximum muscle gains.

Research to date suggests that, when using six to eight repetitions to failure at 75-80% 1RM, there is little significant difference between training with single and multiple sets in terms of increasing either strength or muscle size. Any small differences that have been recorded indicate that a single set completed to failure encourages strength gains but subsequent sets have a slightly greater impact on muscle size. What is clear is that the law of diminishing returns applies, so you have to question if the marginal improvements in size justify the extra time and effort expended.

Like everything else in life, bodybuilding does not remain static and several cutting edge experts have redefined the boundaries of achievement. Increasingly, serious athletes are using methods that extend the set beyond the point of failure. This involves forcing the muscle to perform more work despite having experienced failure in the previous rep. In practice, you perform one last forced repetition with the help of a training partner.

This obviously calls for great commitment and high motivation but the rewards include better mass gains thanks to the greater muscular overload. Such intensive training places additional importance on the need to lift with sound technique and to incorporate sufficient recovery time into your muscle building program.

You can find out more about building muscle by visiting the site listed below.

Richard Mitchell is the creator of the bodybuildingadvisor.com website that provides guidance and information to athletes at all levels of bodybuilding experience. Go to Bodybuilding Advice to learn more about the issues covered in this article.

Well… first off, let’s define exactly what a Forum is so that you’ll be able to relate to what I’m about to explain within this article.

The simple definition of a Forum is… it’s a online community with a open discussion that allows you to ‘Post’ questions or queries related to a specific topic.

You can find Forums online related to any topic under the sun, so it doesn’t matter what the question is that you might have because there’s a Forum out there with hundreds, if not, thousands of members ready and willing to give you helpful Tips and Advice to the questions you have making your life and decision making that much easier.

I can’t stress this enough, especially if you’re New to Internet and the Internet marketing scene.

Now, for the last segment of this article on want to focus on WHY forums are essential for Anyone who is considering starting an online business.

Well, the main reason is this… Forums are a great way to research your market you are considering developing a Product or Service for.

Why, you ask?

Simply because this is where people go to post there questions about a certain problem they’re dealing with and the ‘Rule Of Thumb’ is… when creating a Product or Service (no matter what kind of product or service it is) make sure it solves a — Problem.

This is the KEY ingredient to the success of your Product or Service.

Seriously, take a look at all the Posts from the members and note which ones share the most common threads.

If you see alot of common treads, that means there’s potential for a Product or Service to be developed.

By doing this simple task it will save you Time and more importantly… MONEY, because who would spend the Time and Money researching and developing a Product or Service if there was NO demand for it. Right?

You see how this works.

It Pays to do a little research.

And Research is the KEY ingredient for a successful Product or Service and Forums are simply a great place to get started, especially for anyone considering starting an online business.

Now, with that said, what you need to do now is figure out what you would ENJOY doing as a online business and draft up a business plan from there.

This is a VERY important step.

Then, go to your favorite search engine and search out a few forums within the area of business your interests lie and become a member.

Take notice to the main topics and write them down on a notepad so you can look over them later to see if there’s any potential.(Remember, the most common threads)

It’s that simple.

I truly hope this article helped you and opened up your mind up to the endless possibilities that await you online, no matter what business your considering.

We all need Answers and Forums are simply the BEST place to get them answered.

Cory Threlfall is an Internet Marketing Strategist and is the Editor and Publisher of The Internet Wonders eZine which is published ‘Bi-Weekly’ that focuses on providing Webmasters with quality Articles, Product Reviews, Tips, and More on how to Promote, Build and Increase your Web Traffic! Subscribe at: www.internetwondersezine.com

If you have more than one goal, knowing which direction to take your career can be quite the dilemma. Many job-seekers are looking in more than one area of expertise, and their resumes often reflect that. The problem with this is that it can be confusing for those searching to fill a position.

Of course, most employers hope to hire multi-taskers, but many times having a varied assortment of skills listed on your resume can work against you. What you need to do is focus your resume to suit a particular career, even if this means creating a different resume for each different job pursuit.

So, I really need more than one resume?

If you career pursuits are similar, one resume might be all you need. However, if you’re looking in different, unrelated sections of the classified during your job search, you’ll have to have a different resume for each job goal.

When you write a generic resume for all of your career goals, your resume may be too extensive. Employers are looking for someone who is focused. You want the person in charge of hiring to look at your resume and know immediately you’re the right candidate to call in for the interview. Any uncertainty on the part of the hiring manager means the resume is destined for the trash bin. Recruiters and hiring managers simply don’t have time to waste reading wordy or confusing resumes.

Another way to tell if you need to write more than one resume is to give your resume a good review. Better yet, have a trusted friend or relative go over your resume. Are your goals confusing? Are your skills across the board? Would a hiring manager have any trouble figuring out what it is you actually do? If so, you’re in need of more than one resume.

I sent out my resumes…now what?

You need to know if your resume is effective. How can you tell if you have an effective resume? One way is through tracking. It’s not enough to create a resume and send it off. To be fully successful in your job hunt, you’ll want to keep track of where it went and the type of response it received.

When you’re ready to send out your resumes, make a spreadsheet or grab a notebook to list some information. List the date, the type of resume sent, and where it went. In addition to helping you remember where you applied, it will also help you to see how effective each resume actually is.

For instance, are you being called back for interviews more for one resume over another? Are you getting call backs, or are your resumes being ignored? Keeping track of where resumes were sent, when, and the response (or lack of response) to each one will help in your job search.

If you find you’re not receiving as many responses to your resume as you had hoped, don’t be dismayed. It just means a little more fine tuning is in order. Your primary goal is to catch the eye of the hiring manager. You simply can’t do this with a generic resume.

Jennifer Anthony is the owner of Telecommute Resumes, a website dedicated to providing information about telecommute resume and cover letter writing techniques. You can also learn how to find legitimate, work from home jobs and you will find links to related networking forums. She also owns ResumeASAP, offering professional and affordable resume writing services.

If you have comments about this article, or if you are
interested in learning more about professional resume writing, please contact Jennifer Anthony by e-mail.

Part of remodeling your kitchen or bathroom will lead you to purchasing the right faucet for the area. Why take the time to choose something? Why invest the time and money into something that seems so simple? The faucet is one of the foundations of the kitchen or bathroom. Without it, the rooms are virtually worthless. It is also one of the most used pieces in these areas and therefore should reflect some of the style and needs of the space as well. So, yes, taking a few extra minutes to choose the right faucet for your kitchen or bath is necessary.

What To Look For

Before heading to the local department store or the home improvement store, check out the options that you have in faucets right here on the web. You will find several things. First, you have options in the materials that are used in the faucet. While most faucets are made of stainless steel, others will be made of other materials such as brass and others. To choose the right materials, make sure to think about the needs in maintenance and the ease of use as well as the way the faucets matches other hardware in the kitchen or bath area. But, the materials are only the first thing that you should consider.

You also need to think about the way the faucet works. Now, this is mainly from a preference point, but the faucet can be designed in several ways. It can be a single lever handle or it can have several levers. It can feature a spraying unit that changes sprays or it can be a single version. Nozzles can be added to the side of the faucet so that you can extend the faucet to hard to reach areas or to flower pots. You should consider a higher level handle and faucet if you will need to fill large pots that you want to set in the sink.

Oh the choices! Still there are other things to consider about the faucet. You will want it to be easy to use. You’ll want children to be able to reach it and to turn it on and off simply without allowing them to scald their hands. You will want it to look good too, right?

To that point, many people have found that designing their kitchen or bath around a faucet makes for an interesting design. With so many designs offered, you are sure to find ones that you just love. Then, you can find ways to add the same design throughout the area. For example, the cabinet doorknobs and handles can feature the same style or materials as the faucet. You can add the same curves to the other areas of the rooms. These things really can help to make the faucet fit in well with your kitchen or bath needs.

All this from a faucet choice? Yes, and we recommend that you take the time to look at several so that you find just what you need and want for your home!

If you would like to find more help and information on finding the perfect faucet for your home visit: faucetflow.info Stop by today before you make your faucet purchase

Question: I went to three local thrift stores — a Goodwill and two Salvation Army stores. Of thousands of books, I found only two that were reliably profitable, both worth under $20. It didn’t seem very productive, it would have taken many hours of work to make $35.

Answer: First, I would say that trying to find good books for resale in a Goodwill/Salvation Army type of store is going to be difficult for a couple of reasons:

Number one, most of the books donated to these shops are usually are very popular (and therefore commonly available) titles. For example, you’ll see lots of romance books, and lots of “Chicken Soup for the Soul” books at these shops, a lot of popular fiction. Nothing is wrong with these books, but they are so plentiful in the used market that the prices for them are very low because there isn’t enough demand after the book has been on the market a few years. So, for example, when an Amazon seller ends up with one of these books you see in abundant supply at thrift shops, and find that the book is selling for only 90 cents on Amazon, the seller prices theirs at 89 cents. Then the next person prices theirs at 88 cents, and so on. If there is not enough demand from the book buyers on Amazon to soak up these used copies being listed online, the price can go all the way down to 1 cent!

The other main reason it’s so hard to find valuable books in a thrift shop is that lots of used booksellers regularly go there to find books for resale. So the stock gets picked over very quickly. If there is not much turnover at the shop, with new inventory coming in from people donating books, pretty soon all the books that were worth decent money will end up in the hands of booksellers, and most of the stuff left on the shelves is junk.

Also, some of these types of thrift stores are beginning to sell some of the valuable donated books online themselves. They check the online price as soon as they get the books, and the valuable ones they sell themselves and keep all the proceeds, instead of allowing booksellers or collectors to snap them up at bargain prices. I guess there’s nothing wrong with that, except that it makes it really hard for book buyers and collectors to find decent books in these types of stores.

Library sales are probably the best source of profitable books for online sellers. And that is precisely because the books available at a library sale haven’t been picked over before you see them. So you have a much better chance of finding some valuable books at a bargain price at a library sale.

See a real-time list of the most highly sought after used and collectible books.

Read more free articles on selling used books profitably online: http://www.weberbooks.com/selling/selling.htm

Steve Weber is author of “The Home-Based Bookstore: Start Your Own Business Selling Used Books on Amazon, eBay or Your Own Web Site” (ISBN 0977240606). Got a question for Steve? Send to: steve_weber@yahoo.com