Making Professional Projects

Many marketing and business professionals may find that developing professional looking projects can be a daunting task. In order to make the most effective impact with printed marketing materials they need to be designed well. With some valuable tips and the aid of printing companies Pickering, the process will not only be smooth, but enjoyable as well.

1. Define the audience. One of the most important factors when designing a professional project involves understanding whom the business is communicating with. This includes demographics and the purpose of the message as well as the market's purchasing habits. All of this information will be used in designing the most logical strategy in order to attract attention effectively.

2. Devise the creative approach. After determining the target market, decide how to best design the project. Include in the process how the message of the project and specific products or services should be represented. For example, what issue there is to solve. This will define the concept of the project.

3. Design motivating copy. Decide which type of action best conveys the issue in the most powerful way. Remember that action is at the heart of a good story. Many projects can be particularly challenging to develop. To best accomplish this, consider engaging the services of professionals at printing companies Pickering.

4. Ensure that the copy and all of the design elements are supported well by adequate illustrations, photos and other appropriate fundamental and descriptive characteristics.

5. Imagine that you are the desired customer and look at the professional project logically. To do this most effectively, engage the services of a graphic design and print company for the best results. Only qualified designers can ensure that the context and information is also believable and compelling.

6. Regardless what approach is used, use communication techniques designed to facilitate the process. For example, try storytelling, humor or incongruous images. Methods chosen will depend upon writing and design skill which is why the aid of a professional printing firm can be so critical at this stage.

Always keep in mind the brand identity and contemplate various ideas prior to making decisions. Ensure that all of the following aspects are covered completely:

a. That the concept gets attention
b. The story arouses interest
c. Desire is created
d. Action is inspired

Rather than hurriedly designing a professional project, take the time to ensure that customer interest will be stimulated enough to motivate interaction. The purpose of every professionally designed project is to convey the desired message effectively. Whether the purpose is to make a presentation, design a brochure or other creative marketing piece, keep in mind how the most important aspects of the project should be included.

Most often, there is only one chance to make a first and possibly lasting impression. This is why only fully trained, qualified graphic designers are capable of ensuring that projects are well designed enough to create the greatest impact.

Regardless of the type of project, engaging printing companies Pickering will provide the kind of creative solutions necessary to produce the best results possible.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7364355

Why Personal Loans Are Different and Why You Cannot Get One

Have you recently tried to get a personal loan and found your application was not accepted? The reasons are many for your inability to obtain a personal loan but let me start with what a personal loan actually is.

Financial institutions for the convenience of borrowers have created personal loan products that generally have a lower interest rate than that of credit cards and a finite length of time to pay back. They are a better alternative to credit cards for this very reason.

Personal loans can be used for a broad range of purchases and may also be used to consolidate other existing debt and credit cards into one single payment at a lower interest rate.

Unlike other loan types personal loans are unsecured. This means that the lender will look at your credit history prior to considering offering you the finance you require. This can make it tough for some borrowers particularly if you do not have a credit history, that is, you have never borrowed money before or had a credit card or you have defaults or bankruptcies on your credit file.

Lets consider this example. You want to go on a holiday however, to obtain the funds for this holiday you would need to save for 5 years. You go to your chosen lender or advisor to arrange a personal loan so you can have the money now. The lender will consider a number of factors regarding your financial situation including what you are requiring the funds for. They will be tough in their decision making because if for some reason you default on your loan they will have nothing to sell to get the money back.

A common reason why personal loans are often not approved is because the borrower has made too many inquiries/applications recently. Every inquiry/application for funds is marked on your credit file and the more inquiries/applications you make the less chance of obtaining personal finance. The lenders see this as a negative because they will assume that you have not been successful in obtaining funds previously.

Do not confuse personal loans with car loans. They are two different kinds of loans. Car loans are often offered with a lower interest rate as they lender can use the car being purchased as security.

If you are uncertain about how to obtain a personal loan you should use a lending specialist. Lending specialists have personal relationships with lenders to ensure they get the right information from the borrower and can discuss the lending requirements on a personal level to the lender. It provides the best chance of a borrower obtaining funds. In saying this the lending specialist can only assist when the borrower is up front with the information they provide.

Personal loans are perceived as being easy to obtain but don't be fooled by the marketing hype. With lenders tightening their lending policies they are much more difficult to obtain particularly if you try to do it without the help of a lending specialist.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7356781

Greatness With Your Credit Cards - Always Be Responsible

Now this is going to be very short and sweet. If you can't be responsible, then don't get a credit card. Simple as that. I could end it there but I want to elaborate a bit. I see all these companies promoting their secured credit cards and offers, but then again these other entire people think it is a way for them to go crazy and just start buying whatever they want.

Are you one of these people? Are you someone who really thinks that all you need to do is just get a card and shop? I would hope not. These are the people who are not responsible and wind up getting into huge financial problems because they are NOT responsible

Also they are lacking the education needed for that credit card. Common baby... let's get real. Hear me out. I am not just trying to preach to you and tell you something you already know, I don't do that stuff. What I am trying to do is see if you are really the person who should be carrying around a card that can possibly buy you anything you want.

Think about that for a second. That little piece of plastic in your hands can get you ANYTHING you want, well as long as your credit limit allows you too of course.

You can learn about a credit limit here.

If you have a really big credit limit, then you must be the most responsible.

The great thing though is that I see young people who are taking courses on money and actually know what to do when they get that plastic card in their hands; They know that it is NOT a toy. It is a tool to help build their credit so in the future they can go out and get things like cards, houses etc.

You build equity in yourself, which is what is most important. Now do you see how important this is. Man this is real talk.

The Credit Card Scariness - Don't Be Too Scared

Many people are scared of their credit cards. They don't know how to handle them. It takes true responsibility to be able to handle what it takes to manage and go through life with one of these plastic cards.

Do you have a credit card that you want get? Are you looking into the big credit card companies to pick one. Just make sure that you are getting into a legit company that you have heard of. Well you know what I mean, the card companies that are advertised all over the bill boards and are showing commercials everywhere. You don't really have to worry about like a Chase Bank card scamming you because they are so well know. All they want to do is make their customers happy.

Get more of these amazing money spending tips and financial advice absolutely FREE at this amazing and resourceful site below!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7362938

Things You Should Know About Credit Cards And Extra Tips

If you want to get a credit card from any company, whether it's Chase, Bank of America, or any other big bank you probably have noticed that I usually say the same common sense things. The reason why you may feel I am saying the same common sense things is because this is what works. I always like to talk about being responsible when it comes to your credit cards.

People who start going crazy and begin spending in big amounts don't understand the risk that comes with getting any type of credit card. There are different forms of credit cards.

If you are not comfortable to use a credit card then you should seriously consider using a debit card. Why? Well because you will have the control of what you spend because what you spend will purely be based on what you currently have... makes sense?

With a debit card, if you have $50 in it, then there is NO WAY you can spend more than 50 buck. I hope that makes some type of sense.

BUT when you get a credit card, then your freedom with the card expands. You don't need to have the money right now, per say. You can just pay them back later. This is what begins to get addicted and you need to stay away from this.

Make sure you have some sort of funds to be able t pay these credit card companies back because trust me; they WILL MAKE YOU pay them back.

They are not lending you money just to be nice; they are lending you the money so you can pay them in interest. The interest that you accrue will add to the overall balance and then you need to pay that principle balance off.

Does that make sense?

If not then you need to get educated when it comes to this because it is very important.

Use Your Credit Cards Points BABY! What You Waiting For?

Are you one of those people who are NOT for some weird reason NOT using their points that they get on their credit card. I use to have various cards but then I decided to go with a chase card, because I like the options that they gave to me.

Make sure you are comfortable with the options. When I say options you should be looking for would be

1. 0 Interest. If you can find a card that has 0 interest for several months that would be awesome. The reason this would be awesome is every time you pay your bill you will paying the full bill principle balance. Instead of paying all of that interest you won't be adding to it.

2. Make sure you can trust the bank. This is kind of common sense. In my case, I feel like trust Chase. That doesn't mean that you have to but it means that you should pick out a bank that you believe in. Maybe one that you currently have. Maybe they have a credit card program that you can enroll in. It's possible.

3. Look for nice point rewards. Many cards have reward points that you can use to get free things. Just by you using your card, they give you opportunity to get some free stuff.

Did you find this information helpful? Do you want to continue your financial education?

If so then make sure you check out more of my exclusive tips at my website below! Thanks in advance.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7362931

QuickBooks Running Slow?

There are many reasons why your QuickBooks could be running slow. Sometimes the slowness can be due to your computer or your network but sometimes it's due to the QuickBooks Data File itself. One of the things in QuickBooks that can slow down performance is all the Lists. Customers, Vendors, Items, Chart of Accounts, etc. Here are some tips to try and speed up your QuickBooks!

Some symptoms of slow QuickBooks performance:
The Customer Center, Vendor Center or Employee Center are slow to open.
Opening, editing or saving a transaction (including paychecks)is slow.
The Find window opens slowly.
Quick-zooming to open a transaction from a report is slow.
Creating an invoice from a sales order is slow.
The History Window is slow to open after clicking the History button on a transaction.

Some list characteristics that can reduce QuickBooks performance include the following:
Your lists are long and contain many elements that you no longer use.
Your lists have a large number of inactive elements.
Your customer list has many jobs underneath customers.
Your account list has many sub-accounts.
Your item list has many sub-items.
The Customer, Vendor, and Employee centers have custom-sorted name lists.
How do you fix it?

WARNINGS Before doing any of the steps below:
1.Create a backup of your data file.
2.Create an archive copy of your file. If you merge together any list elements, you can open the Archive copy to find the history of the unmerged elements.
3..Be aware, that once you merge together two elements, you cannot unmerge them.
Custom sorted lists:
1. Open the center that has performance issues.
2. To the left of the Name column, ensure there is no diamond column.
3. If there is a diamond column, click the diamond to remove it. You do not need to be in single-user mode to remove the diamond.
4. Close the center and reopen it.

Chart of Accounts
If you are using sub-accounts to track source of income or use of expenses, merge sub-accounts together or into the parent accounts and set up Classes to do the tracking.

Item List
Merge together old and/or inactive items that you no longer sell. The merged items lose their identity; be sure you have an archive copy with their individual history.

Customer List
If your Customer: Job list has several, old jobs underneath Customers, merge them together. If you have old, inactive Customers to whom you no longer sell, merge them together. The merged customers and jobs lose their identity; be sure you have an archive copy with their individual history.

Vendor List
If you have old, inactive Vendors from whom you no longer purchase goods, merge them together. The merged vendors lose their identity; be sure you have an archive copy with their individual history.

Employee List
If you have old, inactive Employees whom you no longer employ, merge them together. The merged employees lose their identity; be sure you have an archive copy with their individual history and be sure that you have all of their tax forms up to date, printed and submitted to the appropriate tax agencies.

If these still doesn't work, there are other things that can be done to try and improve speed before having to possibly start a new QuickBooks Data File.

We offer a full range of business accounting services. We specialize in set-up, clean-up, and disaster recovery of accounting software systems. Whether you need QuickBooks recovery, QuickBooks inventory or any other QuickBooks software, CIAS provides the best service.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7348758

Adding Icons to the Icon Bar - Shortcuts in QuickBooks

The Icon Bar (QuickBooks 2012 and earlier) and Shortcuts (in 2013) is a uniquely customizable area to help you work a little quicker. Many of our clients didn't realize you could add and take icons away from this section to help you access the areas you use the most. Here's a quick lesson on how to make the most of your icon bar.

For the most part you are able to add icons using the "Customize Icon Bar" or "Customize Shortcuts" functionality in that area. Unfortunately not all areas and transaction types are listed in this section (we'll address this next). The best way to get to this customization screen is to place your cursor in the Icon Bar/Shortcuts and Right Click. In QuickBooks 2012 and earlier version there is also a double arrow on the far right of that bar that you can use to access this area as well. Once in the Customize Icon Bar screen you can add new, edit a label or icon or delete unnecessary icons.

To add new icons:
• Select Add
• Scroll on the left for an area or transaction you wish to add
• In the center section, the default icon for this area will have a box surrounding it. You can make an alternate selection if you would like
• On the right the default Label and Description will appear. This can be altered as well
• Once you have make your selections click OK

If you want to move icons up/down (2013) or left/right (2012..) click on the diamond to the left of the icon and reorder. This is the same as other list items in QuickBooks software

To delete icons simply highlight that section and click delete.
Now for the stuff that is not listed in the Customize screen. Open the window for the transaction or area you wish to add to your Icon Bar. One idea is the Calendar. For some reason this area is included on the icon bar when you first launch a new company but not available to add in the customization area if it were mistakenly deleted.

For this example let's open the Calendar from the Company Menu
From the View Menu select Add "Calendar" to Icon Bar
Once this is done you will have access to it in the Customization area to change it's location and/or label.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7348879

What Is the Official Unemployment? Are Internet Marketers Skewing the Data?

The US Government released some startling official unemployment numbers for the month of September. Are those a reflection of the real unemployment situation? Or, are those unemployment statistics highly misleading?

Firstly, let's review the actual reported official unemployment data for September, exactly as they were reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):-

Number of people employed - 155.1 million

Number of unemployed - 12.1 million

Unemployment rate - 7.8 %

How did these numbers compare to the official unemployment data for August?

Here is a look at the official unemployment data for August:-

Number of people employed - 154.6 million

Number of unemployed - 12.5 million

Unemployment rate - 8.1 %

If we compare the official unemployment data for September versus August, we see the following delta:-

Number of people employed - 0.5 million more in September than August

Number of unemployed - 0.4 million less in September

Unemployment rate - 0.3 % decrease in September

Compared to recent history, this delta is extraordinary and certainly lends itself to question, or at the very least a raised eyebrow. Some very influential business magnates and thought leaders have publicly questioned the data and are themselves suspicious of the sudden change in the official unemployment data.

Some deeper investigation into the reported data, shows that there has been a sudden and influential change in the survey. Government researchers have been instructed to change the angle of the research questions so as not to enquire whether interviewees are not working in their chosen career field, but rather, and very simply, are interviewees not doing any work, of any type, whatsoever. This subtle, but yet misleading question, has resulted in many interviewees admitting that they are doing something, at least, in order to bring in some income for their families. The interviewees are not asked whether the activities that they are engaging in are bringing in sufficient revenue to pay the bills. Thus, many respondents are, very honestly, replying that they are not doing nothing about their unemployment, but are trying to start a home based employment opportunity for themselves. And, yes, you guessed it, a number of folks have resorted to exploring the world of internet marketing in order to attempt to generate income to replace the income they were earning before unemployment struck them.

Thus, internet marketers, and similar folks, have now been included in the government's official unemployment data definition as "employed", irrespective of whether they have made a single dime or not.

Are we, therefore, to trust the government's official unemployment data?

The answer is, somewhere between a yes and a no. The official unemployment at its core is more than likely accurate. However, what is to be distrusted is any variation, from month to month, in the definition provided to interviewees of what constitutes employment or unemployment. In the current situation, what would be more instructive would be to provide two sets of data:-

- One that includes the new definition being provided to interviewees

- A second that asks the interviewee to respond based on the historical definition

In that way, a delta can be established between the two definitions and the official unemployment data can be more transparent and therefore lead to less skeptism and doubt.

Alternatively, a less desirous method, would be for Congress to pass legislation that changes in data collection techniques and definitions cannot be made within 6 months of any major federal election. That would hopefully remove the question mark of political influence being behind the official unemployment data.

In summary, the timing of this sudden change in the definition of employment, just weeks before the 2012 election, is questionable and raises suspicions regarding the reason and timing for this change. Are those that sit at home and surf the net hoping to get paid a penny per click really employed? Seems a stretch to me.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7336865

Start-Up Loans In Scotland: What The New Entrepreneurs Need To Know

Something had to be done, and at last the UK's coalition government has rolled out a scheme to put some much needed meat on the bare bones of the economy.

The announcement that £82.5 million is going to be made available over the next three years to help fund the creation of 30,000 new companies was welcomed by the business community as a step in the right direction.

The scheme aims to support younger entrepreneurs and will be open to individuals between the ages of 18 - 24 with initial funding of around £2,500 per company. The initiative will also provide support in the form of business mentors to assist first-time business owners.

Inevitably, it is hoped these fledgling businesses will grow and prosper and soon generate significant job creation across Britain, in which case they will need to consider small business payroll services among many other accountancy measures.

Accountancy is a fundamental core factor for any business whether large or small, new or established, but it is best that new entrepreneurs think about it as early as possible, because it saves an awful lot time and trouble to get payroll service providers on board from the start rather than a year's time.

Sorting payroll matters should be thought of as a positive step because any delay can be marred by the amount of paperwork each business requires to be completed throughout the year.

That's why the world needs accountancy firms because they can take care of all small business payroll matters leaving entrepreneurs free to concentrate on making their business a success, which after all is time consuming enough.

And the good news is accountancy can now be handled online, thus saving business owners even more time and energy in providing proficient and efficient online payroll services to meet their employee's needs whilst keeping the HMRC happy at the same time.

The advantage to having small business payroll providers is they have their finger on the pulse at all times, making sure businesses keep up-to-date with the regular changes to national insurance, tax and employment law.

This is important because it helps ensure business owners are never penalized for lack of employee care when it comes to sorting out the weekly pay slips or the contributions deducted from the wage.

There's also PAYE to consider.

Employers are responsible for ensuring their staff pays their national insurance and tax. The stipulations change rapidly, altering the deductions employers should make and the HMRC holds employer's solely responsible if any mistake is made.

Thus the advantage to having payroll service providers ensures employers pay on the dates outlined by the HMRC. Never missing a deadline means the employer doesn't have to worry about penalties ever again.

There are also P45's, P46's and P60's to think about.

Each employee must have a P45 in order for their unique tax code to be applied. Without this, the onus is on the employer to create a P46 that they must then submit to the HMRC. Again, using online payroll services takes care of all this ensuring every worker is legal and registered.

If you are thinking of becoming one of the new entrepreneurs in Scotland, then you might like to know that most Edinburgh payroll services come with free employment advice as standard, no matter what your query.

Vince Cable, Minister for Business, Innovation and Skills said when launching the new scheme:

"With more young people than ever before looking to start their own business, Start Up loans will provide the support they need to help get their business ideas off the ground."

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7350237

Insights Into Credit Management

Credit Management is the management of one of the business' most valuable assets - its receivables - this starts from the assessment stage right through to collection.

Effective Credit Management yields a substantial pay back in reduced borrowing, interest saved and improved liquidity. It is not simply a "debt chasing" exercise as it is often referred to.

Credit Management depends on the creation and implementation of a credit policy which establishes systems and procedures for opening accounts; defining the credit worth of the customer; establishing the terms on which goods or services will be supplied; and collecting payment when it is due.

Let us now look at three (3) areas in the Credit Management process:

· Credit assessment;

· Monitoring and controlling amounts outstanding on the sales/account receivables ledger;

· Ensuring the supplier is paid for the goods and services rendered

Credit Assessment

This is the stage at which the credit granting decision is made. It is a decision-making process and the decision is crucial, for it is at this stage that offers an opportunity to minimize the risk of bad debt.

The potential creditor needs to gather and then needs to evaluate the information in order to make a decision as to whether it is prudent to grant credit. There are many sources of credit information with varying levels of value. However, establishing credit worth is like doing a jig-saw puzzle and these sources are merely parts of the puzzle. It is only when they are put together that a picture emerges.

The objective of credit assessment is to establish the identity of the customer and that customer's ability to pay. Establishing the correct identity i.e. the correct legal status of the customer is the essential prerequisite to grating credit. The potential customer may be a Public Limited Company; Private Limited Company; Sole Trader; Partnership; Government or Local Government Body; Club; Church, or an Individual.

Account Monitoring - credit limit

After the evaluation of the potential customer, some suppliers normally apply a credit limit. It is not easy to determine absolute credit limits for customers. The answer can only be an estimate because of the many unknown factors, not least the change in the customer's liquidity since the last set of accounts if the customer is a business.

Having credit limits gives suppliers the opportunity to reassess customers on a regular basis. If there was no limit no brake will be placed upon the account at any stage. When credit limits become inadequate they should be updated.

Cash Collection

The granting of credit means taking a risk. There is no guarantee that goods and services received on credit terms will be paid for or paid on time. All suppliers must therefore have procedures which encourages the customer to repay as agreed, hence a cash policy.

A developed cash policy is essential if sales are to be turned into cash at a rate which enabled current liabilities to be met promptly. Preparing a collection policy must include recognition of needs for;

· Flexibility to cope with varying sales levels in varying economic climates e.g. during a recession.

· Priorities which will support the central objective of maximizing debtors for the shortest possible time e.g. key customers, special terms, marginal sales, cash only.

· Adequate in-house liaison particularly with production, sales, computer and dispatch departments. Essential where credit limit observance is required and marginal business is necessary.

There you have it in a nutshell - insights into Credit Management.

Nigel St. Hill is a life and money management coach helping people to unlock their doors to abundance, so that they could live the life of their dreams. He worked with Cable & Wireless (now LIME) as their Credit Manager and was the first person in the Caribbean to be qualified in Credit Management. He has been a contributing columnist, having written numerous articles in the local newspapers and magazines and the "In the Zone Magazine," and "Caribbean Success University" both based in the U.S.A. He is the author of the book, Money Management Caribbean Style and several ebooks including The Easy Cash Flow System and How to Keep Your Doors Open in a Recession.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7346154