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The retirement account I am going to tell you about is really neat if you work for a small company or own a family business that is home based or “brick and mortar.” A company-sponsored IRA can even be opened by the smallest of businesses known the “sole proprietor”. Under the SEP-IRA plan, an employer (your boss or any business entity you or your family owns that is recognized be the IRS) can contribute to an employee’s existing IRA.

The penalties for early withdrawal remain the same as with the traditional IRA. Contributions are deductible. If you are a small business owner, IRS Publication 590, Individual Retirement Arrangements, explains the contribution limits for these plans and your accountant can advise you. You can set one up with an online stock brokerage to invest in the stock market to legally avoid taxes on some of the profits of your business. Self-employed taxpayers have a different standard for contribution limits than employees of a firm that offer a SEP-IRA plan.

SEP-IRAs are flexible for employers. An employer does not have to contribute every year. The contributions are tax-deductible. Once you have the account open you buy and sell stocks using the techniques such as those that I teach!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dr. Scott Brown, Ph.D., a.k.a. “The Wallet Doctor”, is a successful futures trader, real estate investor, and stock investor. Dr. Brown holds a Ph.D. in finance from the University of South Carolina. His 1998 articles in Technical Analysis of Stocks and Commodities were prophetic in predicting an impending stock market crash. He has helped many people become profitable investors by teaching them to look out over many years to spot stocks that are low and primed for rise in the new bull market. His second article met with approval by Dr. Bob Shiller of Yale University. Dr. Shiller is the economist that Alan Greenspan most highly regards who coined the term “Irrational Exuberance.” In 1998 he shouted to the world to “get out” of the stock market but now he is shouting to everyone that it is time to “get in!” The Wallet Doctor is not only sought after for investment advice and coaching in stock investing but also in futures trading and real estate investing.

Visit Dr. Brown’s site at http://www.BonanzaBase.com or sign up for his investment tips at http://www.WalletDoctor.com

All closes are not created equal. Top producers realize every homeowner has specific needs and every situation demands its own close. While you may have found a close that works better for you than others, it shouldn’t deter you from using a variety of closes depending on the situation. By learning the 22 trial closes, you’ll stand a better chance of getting more listings. Knowing how to close many different ways will enhance your success.

When a homeowner delays listing, you use benefits to move him towards a signature. Then, ask again with a different close. Constantly use different closes throughout the presentation at each listing signal. Most agents fail to get a listing because they don’t ask for it. They give the homeowner the facts and figures and wait for the homeowner to say, “This is terrific, I’ll take it.”

If you want the listing, you have to ask for it. You have to ask for it many different times and in many different ways during the presentation. Since homeowners are afraid of making a decision, they will say “no” several times before they say “yes.” This is true even if they want it and are almost ready to list. If you don’t ask several times with many different trial closes, you may stop selling and leave just as the homeowner was getting ready to list.

Tension at the time of the close is natural. The agent fears rejection; the homeowner fears making the wrong decision. Using different trial closes helps the homeowner get past this moment of tension and gets him closer to a listing decision. Therefore, you shouldn’t stop after just one “no,” nor should you fail to use a trial close just because of tension between you and the homeowner.

Soft trial closes can be used early in the presentation. These closes are not pushy. They don’t ask for a decision; they merely ask for an opinion. If the homeowner gives a positive answer to a soft trial close, you can then go to a stronger close asking for a decision. If they give a negative answer to a trial close, you go back to questioning and reselling benefits to encourage them to want to list and make it easy to close.

Here are 22 different closes and trial closes to help you ask for the listing. Use different trial closes throughout your presentation.

1. The Commitment Close

This close helps ward off the “I’ll think about it” objection by obligating the homeowner to make a decision on the spot. Use this close when you are talking to a homeowner you feel will use the excuse he has to think about it. At the beginning of the appointment, you say:

All I ask is for you to look at what we have to offer, and tell me if it applies to you.

As you go through the presentation, make sure to write down the various comments of the homeowner. If the homeowner later says that he’ll think about it, you can respond with a review of an earlier homeowner statement. You said, concerning selling your home, in point 4

2. The “Hot Button” Close

Warm up your homeowner by pushing their “hot buttons.” Emphasize those benefits you know are the most important to them. Homeowners make 80% of their listing decisions on only 20% of the benefits. So hit their “hot button” over and over to get them “warm” enough to close.

For example, the homeowner agrees with the uselessness of open houses… so you must repeat it over and over with a few stories of past client examples of successful sales without using open houses.

3. The power of suggestion close

Help your homeowner visualize using your services. Speak to them as though they already have listed, and tie in a “hot button” benefit. Remember enthusiasm is contagious. You should talk as though they already listed and sold their home through you. Use the word “when” not “if.”

When you sell your home, we will take a picture of us standing together in your front yard… just like these happy clients!

4. The “Yes, Yes” close

Ask “yes” questions, so when you close the homeowner is already in the habit of saying “yes.” Each time they say “yes,” they are closer to listing. Also, it becomes hypnotic. Eventually, “yes” comes automatically. Look at the following questions, and think about how natural it would be for the homeowner to answer with a “yes” to each one:

Do you want a quick sale?

Do you want top dollar?

Would you like to sell your home within 30 days?

May I show you some information?

5. The “Just Suppose” Close

In this trial close, you have the homeowner “just suppose” the objection didn’t exist. You then ask if he would list. This tactic also helps you uncover and tackle hidden objections.

Homeowner: Your commission is too high.

Agent: Is commission your only concern?

Homeowner: Yes.

Agent: Just suppose you felt our commission was fair, would you list then?

What this does is expose the truth commission is not really the problem. All the objection is about is the fear of saying yes. By eliminating the fear, or postponing it, you move closer to the listing.

6. The Sharp Angle Close

The sharp angle close uses the homeowner’s questions and comments to help you get a commitment to list. Instead of immediately assuring your homeowner you can meet all of their wants and needs, ask if they’ll list with you if you can.

Use this opportunity to try a trial close by asking the homeowner to commit to listing if you can do what he wants. Then, give him what he wants. Never say you can do something extra for the homeowner without a commitment he will list if he gets what he asks for. Without the commitment, he will say “great” when you say you can do what he wants. Then, he will say, “Okay. Let me think about it.”

Homeowner: I want a lower commission.
Agent: If I could get you a lower commission, would you list right now?

7. The Switch Place Close

When all else fails, ask your homeowner to tell you what he would do to sell the home. You might get a quick lesson not only on how to sell this person but also on how to sell more effectively to your other prospects. Use this close when you can’t figure out why the homeowner won’t list:

Mary, would you put yourself in my shoes? If you were selling to someone, and you didn’t know why he wasn’t buying, what would you do?

If you get an evasive answer, ask: Is it the price (me, service, etc.)?

Then, ask: What would have to happen for you to use our services?

8. The puppy dog close

This close gets its name from the pet store closing technique of letting prospects hold the animal they like, so they can’t resist buying it. This close lets your homeowner see for themselves their need for your service. Make sure your homeowner holds, tastes, feels, wears and tries out your service. Once they have experienced using it, they want it more and it will be easier to get them to list.

Example: Let the homeowner go through your MLS book (or computer listing database/print out) and decide the price point on the home. I did this all the time. I handed the homeowner the book and said:

“Here is your competition. They all have priced their home at $99,900. As you can see, there are pages of them! At what price would you price your home so it would stand out and not get lost in this book/computer listing?”

What this did was to establish my professionalism with the homeowner. Not one homeowner ever answered the question but rather said. “I’ll leave that up to you.” That’s the best yes an agent can ever get!!!

9. The summary close

To use the summary close, simply reiterate the homeowner’s needs and wants, and show how your service satisfies them. You sum up what the homeowner has told you about what he wants, and give him his own reasons back for listing. No one can disagree with his or her own reasons.

From what you told me, you want an agent with experience, honest, and doesn’t waste your time with useless activities such as open houses. Our company offers this and more! Don’t you agree?

10. The physical action close

The situation arises where you have to call the office to check on the possibility of accomplishing something the homeowner has asked if you can do. While on the phone, talk as though the homeowner has already listed. If the homeowner doesn’t stop you, she has listed.

Homeowner: I am happy so far but I have one question. What about this listing period? I find 180 days a little long.

Agent: Let me call the office and see if I can lower that. (During the call to the office, ask: Can we give Mrs. Homeowner a smaller listing period?)

When you get off the phone, tell the homeowner how lucky she was to have gotten the lower period. And show her on the listing form the shorter period. If she doesn’t stop you, she’s listed her house.

11. The hurry up close

This close implies it’s to the homeowner’s advantage to list now rather than wait until later.

Homeowner: Maybe I should wait.

Agent: You may want to list now. The reason is there are few homes in your price range in this neighborhood on the market today. This means buyers have less choices and the chances of getting your price are better. But if you wait, from my experience there will be more homes and then you’ll have to be more competitive.

12. The testimonial close

To build credibility and reassure your homeowner he’s making a wise decision, tell him about the success other people have had with your service. In this close, the agent uses letters or stories from other clients who have used the service and have received fantastic results. This eliminates listing anxiety.

Homeowner: I’m not sure.

Agent: These clients used our services, and they have had fabulous results. So will you!
This close is good for an insecure homeowner afraid of making a decision. The fact others have already tried your service and are happy will relieve his anxiety.

13. The qualifying close

This close determines whether or not the person you are talking to is able to make the necessary decision.

If I can sell your home at the price you want, are you in a position to make a listing decision today?

14. The readiness close

When you can’t tell if you’re getting through to a poker-faced homeowner, use the readiness close to gauge your homeowner’s interest. This close checks the homeowner’s “listing temperature.”

You can also find out if you are on the right path with your presentation or need to change course. The great thing about this close is it doesn’t end your presentation. Instead, it tells you whether you should keep selling or go for a stronger close.

Does this make sense to you?

How do you feel about this so far?

Is this what you wanted?

Is this an improvement for you?

15. The invitational close

If your homeowner is waiting for an engraved invitation to list, give them one. Make a persuasive argument for your service, including the reasons why your homeowner should list. Then, invite them to do it. This close is powerful because it is direct. It is especially useful with the no-nonsense homeowner. They appreciate its directness.

Why don’t you give us a try?

Why don’t you take it?

Would you like to get started right away?

16. The ultimatum close

This close is best used when the homeowner is putting you off and hasn’t made a decision. He hasn’t said “yes” or “no.” He just continually procrastinates. This close should be used only when you have decided the homeowner isn’t worth pursuing any further. You want to force a decision. In this close the agent fills out a listing agreement, looks at the homeowner, and says:

Either it’s a good idea, or it isn’t.

At this point, you give the homeowner the agreement, and ask them to sign it.

17. The reverse close

The reverse close turns a homeowner’s reasons for not listing into reasons for listing. When your homeowner voices an objection, think of a benefit to that objection.

Homeowner: Your commission is too high.

Agent: That’s the very reason you should use us. Because of our successful track record, which proves our quality, we list and sell more homes than most other companies. Being with the best is better than with the rest!

18. The take away close

People want things more if they feel they may not be able to get them. If you suggest what you are offering may not be available it can be just enough to help the homeowner want to make the decision now.

I only take a few new listings per month. I do not want to over extend myself and hurt my clients. Right now I have the time for another client. I sure would love to work with you! I think we would work together well. Wouldn’t you agree!

19. The Scratch Pad Close

This is a very powerful close. Bring out three or four agreements early in the presentation. Mention you’ll be using them as scratch paper. You are doing this because if you get a strong listing signal later, you’ll already have a filled-in agreement with their name and address on it. You can just slide it across the table for the homeowner to sign.

20. The Ben Franklin close

Since few agents can offer homeowners the perfect service, it’s often difficult to overcome every one of their objections. When an unanswered objection stands between you and a listing, make a list of benefits versus objections. Just make sure the benefits far outweigh the objections.

Present them to your homeowner, and say, “As you can see, the reasons for listing outnumber the reasons against.”

This is a good close to use when the homeowner has some objections you cannot overcome. Simply list all the pros and cons of the situation.

21. The “You’ll Thank Me Later” close

Use this close when you know you’re pressuring the homeowner.

Homeowner: (Irritated) I’m not ready to list.

Agent: I know I’m pressuring you. But you’ll thank me after you’ve sold your home and found the one you want. You’ll feel great!

22. The story close

Close to 80% of the listing decision is based on emotions. The part of the brain involved with emotions is the right hemisphere, and this side deals well with stories and pictures. In order to appeal to the emotional side of the brain (the listing side), build your presentation around stories of others who have hesitated before making a decision but were overjoyed with the results when they did decide to act. You can even use stories that are not business-related.

Randy Roussie has been a real estate trainer since 1987 and has helped thousands of agents succeed in real estate sales! Randy is the author of many real estate training programs and his company has developed many unique products and services for agents.

You can visit Randy’s web site at http://www.randyroussie.com

In the early 1900s, Formula One went ahead with unstable motor vehicles & older gentleman drivers, although the actual Formula 1 title did not begin until the nineteen-fifties. While the years drove by and the contest fan base grew it almost immediately became clear that Formula 1 Motor Racing was the pinnacle championship for motorsport. The racing vehicles were the fastest, the equipment was the most sophisticated & the racing drivers were at the finest of their condition coming from countries all over the earth.

With the allowance of sponsorship, Formula 1 took on its more world wide shape and might currently be looked at of being very big business ? with salary costs reaching millions and billions with immense ease. With very big business comes politic interest and now & again it is the people you are acquainted to & how much wealth you are in possession of that acquires you what you wish. Formula 1 is entangled with conspiracy theorists ? I will divulge to being one of them ? but depending on how wrapped up you would like to get in the F1 Racing world, that side of things is quickly neglected. What truly matters is what arises on the race tarmac.

Travelling over the land for just about eight months of the year, F1 calls countries large and small, prosperous and poor, with vivid scenery’s, interesting tourists & piles of native culture to be soaked up. Covering Friday, Saturday and Sunday, a F1 weekend is an extreme journey, from early testing, to the dying laps of the race.

The essential configuration includes a F1 race every fortnight. Sometimes the Formula One calendar is altered with a little bit & there are Formula 1 motor races on back-to-back weekends, or at times you have to go a number of weeks before seeing the illustrious motor racing drivers again. When it is time for the next Formula 1 motor race, you can study the news for your preferred Formula One constructor as they get to their destination. Friday involves practice periods, Saturday is for qualifying & Sunday is the actual race. For F1 Constructors Bio’s, past and present, then go to F1Tribute.com today.

It seems like everywhere you go today, people are talking about stress. Our spouse is stressed. Our children are stressed. Even our pets are stressed. The modern day business professional has a host of technological tools to keep him or her continually linked to the office PC, colleagues and clients. As a result, the eight hour workday has become a twenty-four hour occupational nightmare. No matter where we go, or what we’re doing, our boss, clients and office-mates are calling.

So while we are dazzled by the convenience associated with our high-tech gadgets, we suffer from the stress of increased workload, decreased time for rest and information overload.

What many people don’t realize is that there are as many ways to defeat these modern day stressors, as there are to induce them. Unfortunately more often than not we opt for the medicated quick-fix vice the natural and gentle approach taken by holistic and naturopathic medicine. So what’s the difference?

Although western and naturopathic modalities are linked, the approach used by each is fundamentally different. A western doctor or MD will search for the disease responsible for the symptoms exhibited. An MD will then treat the disease and only the disease. A holistic health practitioner understands that the body is intrinsically linked to the mind and soul. The approach taken by holistic practitioners will not only identify the symptoms and associated disease but look deeper into what imbalance in our lifestyle has triggered the disease.

While using the body’s natural mechanisms to heal is optimal, they take time. This is one reason why western medicine is best suited to handling emergency situations where time is of the essence. Under these circumstances the means undoubtedly justify the end and the fast-fix is often the most suitable choice.

So what is holistic and naturopathic medicine? Simply put it is the use of any natural treatment to establish balance and encourage healing.

Theoretically, naturopathy is based on the principle that one can use his or her mind to enhance the immune system and improve overall well being. Consequently, if a person’s mind were imbalanced it would not be able to heal the body. It is this fundamental premise that holistic health is based on; the co-dependant relationship between mind, body and spirit. the high success rate associated with naturopathy has prompted most North American doctors to combine western practises with holistic medicine.

If you’ve decided that holistic medicine is the way to go then the next step is deciding which brand is best suited to you and your body. Some of these include nutrition, herbology, energy work, touch therapy, mind revision therapy, Chinese medicine, hypnotherapy, aromatherapy and more. Often overlooked are stress-reducing spa treatments. Massage, facials, scrubs and wraps all help to sooth the senses, ease the mind and comfort soul.

Gone are the days of the fabled ‘Quack’ and his snake potions. Modern day holistic medicine is regulated by stringent guidelines put in place by local governing health authorities. So go ahead, give it a try. Better yet, combine your dream vacation with a spa/holistic retreat and your favourite person for the perfect getaway. I can’t think of a better way to spend your holiday.

Jackie Chaulk is a freelance writer and novelist. Her topics include beauty, health & wellness, women’s issues, parenting and music. Contact Jackie at geoffnjack@shaw.ca.

Mum, dad, can we get a puppy? Its a plea that may parents will know only too well. How do you go about adopting a dog to make suure that the dog is happy and there isn’t too much upheaval in your home?

If you are thinking of adding a dog to your family, consider adopting your new best friend from an animal shelter or humane society. You’ll not only get a good feeling from helping a homeless pet, you’ll get an outstanding companion. The staff at these organizations carefully check the animals for sound health and good temperament. In addition, some shelter animals have had the benefit of training to develop good manners while they waited for a new home.

Through no fault of their own, a lot of great dogs wind up in animal shelters hoping for a second chance at happiness. People relinquish their pets to shelters when they are no longer able to care for them. Sometimes this is because the owner was unprepared for the responsibility that comes with caring for a dog. Often, however, caring owners struggling with life-changes or trying to cope with family tragedy realize their pet would be better off with someone else. They bring them to the shelter because they know the animal will be well cared for and placed in an excellent home.

You can find just about any age, size and breed of dog at an animal shelter. So, if you have your mind set on a puppy, a shelter is a good place to look. However, if you would like a more mature dog that is likely already housebroken, you’ll also find these kinds of canines at the humane society or animal center.

Upon arrival, shelter staff carefully evaluate each animal for physical and behavioral soundness. They make note of quirks, and work with specialists to eliminate negative behaviors. Most shelters have adoption counselors who interview potential adopters to understand their needs and lifestyle.

This is nothing to worry about - the counselor just wants to make sure that so they can make the perfect match for dog and owner.

This is an opportunity for you to find out about the dogs at the shelter too. There are a number of questions you should ask the counselor.

- Why is the dog available?

- Does the dog have any behavior problems?

- How is the dog with other animals and children?

- Does the dog have any health problems?

- Is the dog spayed or neutered already?

You will find it easy to pick your new dog with this expert advice. In fact your only problem may be not taking all the dogs home with you!

Bringing your newly adopted dog home is exciting for you, but may be a little overwhelming for her. Keep her on a leash as you take her from room to room, giving her plenty of opportunity to sniff. You may want the first stop on your tour to be the backyard or wherever you want her to relieve herself. The excitement of a car ride and coming to a new place can give her the need to empty her bowels or bladder.

Dogs are creatures of habit, so the sooner you establish a firm routine, the more comfortable your new dog will become. Always feed her in the same spot and at about the same time each morning. You’ll find she grows to anticipate “what comes next.” For example, if you always feed her after you bring in the newspaper, you’ll notice she becomes very excited when you open the door to step outside. Dogs catch on quickly.

Remember, though, the reason why many dogs are in animal shelters in the first place. If you don’t have the commitment to look after the dog properly, think again.

http://www.best-pet-health.info is a resource which will help you find infomation, hints and tips to keep your newly adopted dog happy and healthy. This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and live links are included intact.

There are some companies that only sell term life insurance but they are the exception and not the rule. Term only life insurance companies are usually companies that are proponents of buy term and invest the difference. Most life insurance companies sell both term and permanent life insurance. There are some life insurance companies that have affiliates that sell supplemental policies to support their wide range of life insurance products. Shopping for term insurance is relatively easy but the number of life insurance companies that sell term insurance is staggering. There are a number of things to consider when you choose a life insurance company. How do you want to be serviced? That is an important question to answer because that will help determine what kind of life insurance company will best service your needs.

If you would like to have ongoing professional advice then you need to look at insurance companies that distribute their products through agents. There is an increasing number of people that prefer to do everything themselves either over the internet or by telephone with customer service representatives. There are insurance companies that do business this way as well. Once you have determined your preference then you can narrow down the insurance companies that fit your needs. This kind of evaluation will save you a lot of time when entering a rather large insurance marketplace.

The next step is to ask yourself why you are purchasing life insurance. This will give you a better idea about what kind of policy to look for when obtaining quotes. Debt coverage is usually best protected with term insurance. You may want to look at companies with extensive term portfolios. There are a lot of reputable insurance companies and they are highly regulated by their individual state’s insurance commissioner. There is a rating bureau called AM Best that gives a rating to each insurance company according to their financial strength. You can find this book in most libraries.

View our recommended source for insruance quotes and information http://www.ezquoteguide.com. They are powered by the largest network of insurance brokers online.

View our Recommended Source for Insurance Quotes it is a simple site that offers low rate insurance quotes of all types. term life insurance, cheap auto insurance

We’ll all been there. Ballplayers call it a slump. Some call it a lull or a funk. These are the times when you don’t seem to have as much energy or passion for your work. You can’t seem to get as excited (or excited at all) about the tasks in front of you. You are less productive, and you don’t feel as good about your work either. Beyond that, the quality of your work you are getting done may be slipping as well.

This situation can be caused by many things and it can affect both individuals and teams. Regardless of the reasons for the situation, there are specific, predictable ways to get past the funk. When you apply these suggestions (and some of them you can apply within one minute of finishing this article) you will lift both your spirits and your productivity, and begin to give you your rhythm back.

Since there’s no reason to wait any longer, let’s get started!

Get started. Action is the most important force we have. Taking action, whatever it is, will make a big difference. Often our energy is drained by procrastination. Lou Holtz, the longtime football coach said, “When all is said and done, there is a lot more said than done.” Stop talking about it or thinking about it and get started. Do something. Do anything. Get started!

Fake it. Dale Carnegie taught us that if we “act enthusiastic, we’ll be enthusiastic.” This is a fundamental truth. If you don’t immediately take action, you can begin by getting yourself excited about the task. If you are having trouble getting excited about the task, get excited about getting over your slump. That will motivate you and help you get going.

Start small. The first actions we take don’t have to be large. We may even feel a bit daunted by what is in front of us. In fact, the size of the project or obstacle in front of us may have been what caused the slump to start with. The size of your actions doesn’t matter. Take a small step right now.

Think big. While you may start small, you can still think big. Having a big vision can help motivate you and get you excited. It can be incredibly helpful to have a big vision.

Set a goal. Of course the “think big” suggestion is related to goal setting. But you can have a big vision without truly having a goal. Again, at this point the size of the goal is less important than having a clear endpoint that is something you really want. I didn’t make this the first suggestion, though you could argue it should be. Why didn’t I? Because sometimes people procrastinate in setting a goal! You need this step, and if you can get that clear focus at the start, all the better.

Get some help. Sometimes a task is easier if you have someone to work with. Get a co-worker to share the load on your project, and offer to help them in return. Ask a neighbor for a hand. Their helping hand or their camaraderie may be what stimulates you, or maybe it is the accountability that comes from another person saying, “I’m ready, where do we start?”

Get some advice. Talk to someone who knows about your project or task. Ask for the benefit of their experience. Get their ideas about how to proceed. Their advice will be helpful, and you will likely feel some support for your actions.

Have a daily plan. Do a little bit more each day. A big effort today is great, but if it isn’t followed up tomorrow you might find yourself right back where you started emotionally and psychologically. Have a daily plan and work that plan. Consistently work on the task or project and you will find your energy and enthusiasm growing. Soon your slump will be a distant memory.

Set a reward. Maybe you will reward yourself with your favorite dinner, or a night out, or a new CD. Pick something commiserate with your task and something that is motivating to you (or your team). It won’t be long until you will be enjoying the rewards you set for yourself.

Johnny Cash wrote and sang a song called “Get Rhythm,” and the last chorus goes . . .

Get rhythm when you get the blues
Hey, get rhythm when you get the blues
Get a rock ‘n’ roll feelin’ in your bones
Get taps on your toes and get gone
Get rhythm when you get the blues

All of these suggestions come back to that musical advice. When we get into a rhythm, we get out of our lull and into greater joy… and productivity.

Go ahead, get rhythm today!

Kevin Eikenberry is a leadership expert and the Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group (http://KevinEikenberry.com), a learning consulting company. To receive a free Special Report on leadership that includes resources, ideas, and advice go to http://www.kevineikenberry.com/leadership.asp or call us at (317) 387-1424 or 888.LEARNER.

More and more, couples are choosing to write their own wedding vows.
Although many people believe that this is the best way to truly express
their personal beliefs and feelings, often they are unsure about how to
begin and what to include. If you would like to write your own wedding
vows, here are some tips for writing vows that pledge the love you truly
feel.

Inform your clergyman early

If the ceremony will be religious, let the clergyman know about your
plans as soon as possible. If there are guide principles you will need to
be aware of as you write your vows, the sooner you know what they are
the better. This is also a good way to avoid possible conflicts between
the beliefs of your house of worship and your own personal beliefs. If
there is some disagreement between the two, you may need to adjust
your plans or wording, or perhaps look for another clergyman.

Ask yourselves fundamental questions

Once you’ve taken that first step, begin by asking yourselves questions.
These may include: “What does marriage mean to us? Why are we
marrying? What promises are most meaningful, and which ones are
essential that we keep?

You may want to ask what words like love, honor, respect, faithfulness,
forgiveness, honesty, fidelity, friendship, and trust mean to each of you.
This exercise will help you to clarify your thoughts as well as express
your true feelings toward each other, your expectations for the future,
and your personal visions of your lives together in the future.

Focus on what’s unique

An essential element of personalizing your wedding vows is expressing
what is unique about the other person. Think about how you see each
other and write down as many of the reasons for loving each other as
you can verbalize. If your backgrounds are different, acknowledge this
and promise to respect and honor your differences as well as your
commitment to building bridges that will strengthen common grounds. If
this is not a first marriage for one or both of you, you may want to talk
about your faith in love and the bond that marriage creates between two
people.

Don’t get too personal

Keep in mind that exchanging wedding vows is as serious as it is
meaningful. Your goal should not be to make your vows sound cute or
amusing. Also, avoid suggestive language or phrasing.

And don’t confuse personal feelings with private affairs. Topics having to
do with money, conception and child-rearing, politics, or in-laws should
not be included in wedding vows to be overheard by your guests.

Incorporating traditional pledges

Although much of what you will write will be unique to your relationship
and therefore highly personalized, you may want to include meaning
parts from traditional vows that are a part of your culture.

While most of the wording is their own, many couples continue to
incorporate the familiar love, comfort, honor (though usually leaving out
the “obey” part) wording into their vows.

Rehearse before your wedding day

Since this is a special occasion, you should give it all of the time and
attention it deserves. Practice reading aloud what the two of you have
written. This is the true test that what appears on paper is what you really
intended to say, in the way you intended to say it. Rehearsing will also
allow you to determine how long exchanging your vows will take and
whether adjustments are needed. If the wording sounds awkward or if it
is difficult to read, change it.

Don’t rely solely on your memory

A case of nerves can strike unexpectedly, and at the most inopportune
time, so make sure your precious words are written down. Once you are
satisfied that your wedding vows express exactly what you wanted to
say to each other, it is time to finalize your draft. The final copy,
preferably two or three, should be printed using a fairly large font size,
which will make it easier to read.

It is a good idea to give a copy to the clergyman, at least several days
before the ceremony is to take place. If a severe case of nerves does
strike, it may be he who will need to read your vows.

Personalize the whole ceremony

Aim to keep the time it takes to exchange your vows between one and
three minutes. To extend the feeling of a ceremony that is a celebration
of
your unique love, have a family member or good friend offer a carefully
selected prayer or reading as part of the ceremony. You can also
choose music that is both appropriate for the occasion and especially
meaningful to the two of you.

About the Author

Jean Bachcroft is a former public relations director, the founder of
Bachcroft and Aloha Labels, and the publisher and editor-in-chief of
Town and Country Shopping Bargains Magazine. For designer
wedding, holiday, and year-round mailing and return address labels,
visit Bachcroft Mailing and
Return Address Labels and
Aloha Return Address
Labels.

For
bargains and
bargain shopping articles, visit Town and Country Shopping
Bargains.

It’s surprisingly easy to virtually kill your eBay business, if
you’re not careful.

Yes, I know, you can probably start over again from scratch
without it costing you anything, but do you really want to?

So, if you want your business to end up dead in the water, here
are some simple ways to do it.

1. Lie about an item

Say it works fine when it sometimes doesn’t work. Say it’s in
perfect condition when it has a scratch. Your customers will
hate you!

2. Mail your item whenever you feel like it

Make sure to leave your customers hanging around, wondering when
their item is going to turn up. This makes sure they buy from
someone else next time.

3. Let items end anytime

Few people will be around to care about your auction if it ends
in the middle of the night. Why go to the trouble of working out
whether auctions will end at a good time?

4. Don’t bother with email

Customers are just time wasters anyway. eBay businesses are
supposed to run themselves! Never give informed responses to
questions about your item.

5. Sell rubbish

Really, it’s just eBay. You can just sell any old tat from the
market for a 200% profit. Let quality be someone else’s concern
- I mean, really, what do they expect for that price?

6. Refuse to give discounts

You know what your items cost, you know what your profit margin
is going to be, and you’re not going to negotiate. Remember that
giving customers special deals might make them feel good and
come back to you again.

7. Make your listings ugly

As many colors, flashing lights and animations as possible will
really give those customers a headache. Write as much in
CAPITALS!!!! as you can. Preferably big, red capitals. Be sure
to use the fonts Impact and Comic Sans. For an extra special
touch, see if you can figure out a way to add some music.

8. Don’t take photos

It’s such trouble, after all. If buyers are picky enough to
actually want to see items before they bid on them, then screw
‘em, that’s what I say.

9. Write short descriptions

Be as brief as possible, and use lots of mysterious
abbreviations. This obviously makes you look very cool. You can
even just write the title again in the description box. Think of
the effort you’ll save!

10. Use reserve auctions

Now, this is a fairly controversial final choice, but it really
is one of the best ways to scare away your customers. They’ll
see ‘reserve not yet met’, and click that ‘back’ button before
you know it. Luckily, they can always bid in a normal auction
for the item somewhere else.

Well, there you are. How to close your eBay business in 10 easy
steps.

I know you’re not guilty of any of those.

Are you???

An Internet business can rise and fall based on more then just the quality of the product or service they provide. Marketing your product or service can make or break your Internet business because if you don’t promote your business effectively then you could end up with a garage full of extra inventory. Therefore it is imperative that you create a website campaign for your Internet business to avoid financial loss and the feeling of failure.

How should you create your website? What information should you put on your website? First of all let’s change the singular “website” to the plural “websites”. Yes, you should have more then one website for your Internet business. Many Internet website and graphic designers will advise that you have one major website for your Internet business. This is not the way to go.

Why? There are many reasons, but one major reason is that if you have only one website then you are barraging your potential customer with too many options. Having a long list of links on your website can drive your customer away from actually purchasing your product or service. Providing information regarding your company can be helpful, but also may become a distraction for potential customers.

How many websites should you have for your Internet business? It varies depending on your product and scope of services, however in general you should have the following three main websites: a branding website, a sales letter website, and a power squeeze website page.

What is the purpose of these three main websites? What information should you place on these websites? The major goal is to minimize the number of distractions on each website which can lead to a higher sales conversion rate. Create a website environment in which one major task is assigned to each website.

Following is information regarding the purpose and content necessary for the three major types of websites.

1) Branding Website: The purpose of the branding website is to brand you and/or your Internet business. Successful businesses create a marketing brand that a customer associates with their company. The sole purpose of the branding website is to promote your brand. You do not sell your product or service at this website.

2) Sales Letter Website: The sole purpose of this website is to sell your product or service. You can provide purchasing information on this website and allow your customers to purchase directly from this website.

3) Power Squeeze Website Page: The sole purpose of this website is to capture personal customer information. When customers reach this page you should request their first name, last name, and email address at a minimum. It is vital to capture this personal information as it enables you to build a relationship with the customer and market to them over and over in the future. The Power Squeeze Website Page should come right before the Sales Letter Website.

Incorporate these three websites into your Internet business websites to capture personal information, create customer relationships, and create an environment that effectively promotes sales conversions. Skip the old way of doing business with one website and diversify your portfolio of Internet business websites for financial gain and business success.

Matt Bacak, Entrepreneur Magazine e-Biz radio show host became a “#1 Best Selling Author” in just a few short hours and the co-author of an amazing new ebook that will teach you how to Retire From Your Job This Year and Still Make More Money Than the Average Medical Doctor… You Can Do It
Once You Know the Proven Steps Outlined here! ==> http://www.internetmillionairemind.com