Beldames’ Saloon

Business ideas for home based businesses really depend on your area of interest. If you like selling door to door or organizing home parties, then you will find that there are many opportunities for you to operate your own business out of your home. This still means getting dressed and going out in all types of weather. However, there are also business ideas for home businesses where you can do everything online taking advantage of what the Internet has to offer and the options are many.

Most people think that in order to have an Internet business, they need to take a computer course, which only adds to the expense of setting up a business. All you need to operate a work from home Internet business is your own personal computer and an Internet connection. Once you have that then the world is at your feet when it comes to business ideas for home based businesses.

You don’t necessarily need a website of your own to do business on the Internet. It all depends on what you are interested in doing as part of your work at home Internet business. If you have a flair for writing, then you will find a wealth of business ideas for home based businesses by searching the Internet. Those who do set up websites are always looking for writers for their articles and you can register with either elance or Guru, or both. These companies allow you to bid on writing once you pay the subscription fee, which is very reasonable - from $75 to $90 every three months.

If you do not want to pay anything at all to set up a work from home Internet business, then this possible as well. There are many sites that advertise work that you can do from your own home, using your computer and the Internet for your research. Write articles for magazines and if you have an education background, you can develop lesson plans for various publishers. As long as you can send and receive email and have a word processing program on your computer, then you can avail of many different business ideas for home based businesses.

When you want to work from home, the Internet is the best place to start searching for business ideas for home. Here you will find opportunities that require small or no investment to get started. When you take advantage of business ideas for home business, then the sky is the limit. How much money you make depends on how much time you want to devote to the Internet business you create.

There are plenty of business ideas for home based businesses, and some of the best are on the net.

To download a free copy of Peter’s Guide To The Ideal Home Business visit Peter’s Website Work From Home Solutions and find out about The Best Home Business and more, including Internet Home Business.

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In a study by Kimberly-Clark Professional, 39% of survey
respondents feared picking up germs in a public restroom more
than any other place. Is there good reason for the fear or are
people overly concerned? Can you reduce the risks?

WHAT’S IN THERE - CAN IT HURT YOU?

Without getting too specific, there are many germs that can
thrive in restrooms. Bacteria live off of moisture and organic
food (or waste)- which can be plentiful in public restrooms.

Fears of contacting STD’s (sexually transmitted diseases) from a
public washroom have more to do with the fear of the disease than
the likelihood of picking it up in a washroom. Many of these
bacteria and viruses do not live long enough outside the body to
be easily transmitted. However, some experts admit there is a
theoretical risk of herpes or crabs being contracted under
certain - but unlikely - conditions. Some public facilities
provide flushable toilet seat covers, antibacterial cleansers or
you can line the seat with toilet paper.

Of greater concern are salmonella and shigella bacteria which can
be transferred by contact with feces. The infected person can
transmit the bacteria on their hands which can then be
transferred to flushing handles, door handles and faucets.

RESTROOM HYGIENE - BATTLING BACTERIA

Foul odors, lack of supplies and puddles on the floors can all be
signs of improper maintenance.

Odor that comes from public washrooms can be caused by urine in
tile grouting. If the floors aren’t properly cleaned daily (or
more) then the uric acid salts will not be removed with regular
cleansers. These salts provide a food source for bacteria whose
digestive processes give off the foul odor.

Products like MicroGuard ™ from AllDura and even stainless
steel can reduce the maintenance required to keep bacteria growth
to a minimum.

A lack of supplies (toilet paper, hand drying towels or soap) can
also increase the unhygienic conditions of a restroom. Overly
crowded restrooms can suffer from a lack of supplies or a lack of
available sinks, soap dispensers or dryers.

PERSONAL HYGIENE - THE MAGIC WEAPON

It is the simple truth that hand washing will drastically cut the
chance for germ transference. A study done by Scott Papers found
that more than nine out of ten respondents claimed to wash their
hands when using public restrooms. However, only 67% were
actually observed doing so.

As manufacturers of paper products, including towels, the company
also states that drying hands thoroughly is imperative in
practicing proper hygiene. The moisture left on hands can still
carry bacteria. Because of this, air drying machines may not be
enough protection since many individuals do not use them long
enough to thoroughly dry their hands.

The knowledge that proper washing and drying can protect you from
even unsavory public restrooms is comforting. The fact that
public washrooms still need to provide the basics for good
hygiene, as well as good maintenance is something that needs
work. Carrying an antibacterial gel for emergency use is
recommended when visiting a public area.

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes
only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any
disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any
health care program.

Emily Clark is editor at Lifestyle Health News and Medical Health News where you can find the most up-to-date advice and information on topical health matters.

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One of the most difficult tasks a new prospective entrepreneur faces is the construction of a Sales Model. Many books devoted to instruction for writing a business plan devote little or no attention to this vital exercise. The knowledge needed to assemble a quantified, qualified and clearly narrated Sales Model is essential to convey the scope and validity of an opportunity.

The most elemental data point required to commence assembling a strong sales proposition is the Cost of Goods (COG). Knowing with absolute certainty the all-inclusive COG is the foundation number necessary to build the Sales Model and ultimately a strong business plan. Guessing, estimating or hoping that the number you slot into your plan is accurate will lead to a solid dead end, and very quickly.

The Sales Model, just like the completed business plan, is written based on a series of assumptions. These assumptions are then qualified (given historical and current market perspective), quantified (COG and sales goals are utilized to extrapolate a believable sales universe is available for the product) and narrated (explanation is provided to support the basis on which the assumptions were based). The Sales Model is but one section of a business plan: however, it is the heart and soul of the following financial section so crucial to investors.

I see so many business plans that scream “this is guesswork”! First year sales are projected at a nice, clean round number (so often $1,000,000). Growth ramps up too quickly, and to unbelievable numbers. The justifications for these assumptions are based on mirrors and hope.

Let us make a few assumptions here to show a basic example of a method to build a believable Sales Model. We will assume that research has proven that our COG (remember, including packaging, shipper, master shipper and freight, customs and duties, if any) is $1.00 per unit for our widget.

Our next assumption to decide is the wholesale selling price: if the item is to be sold through traditional retail sales distribution channels. The nearest competition we can find on the market is selling in mass-market distribution stores (Wal Mart, K-Mart, etc.) for an average of $6.49. Assuming a 37.5% markup, the competitive item is being sold at wholesale for $4.06 (round to $4.00). Assuming that our item has features and benefits that would be perceived as similar to the competition $4.00 is an acceptable wholesale. A 25% COG is well within industry parameters (based on historical norms).

We now have our COG, a wholesale sales price and a pretty good picture of the retail price that will enable the item to be competitive and still offer excellent profit potential. The easy part is over. Here is where things get tricky.

Our item will be sold in the hardware section of stores. After studying industry specific data and researching the hardware product category we determine that we will have over 135,000 potential store placements if 100% of the American market could be penetrated. This is hard data. Now we must leave science and become artful.

How many of these 135,000 hardware outlets can we believably project to carry our widget in year one of operations, year two, year three, etc? Making every effort to build our plan on solid assumptions, we are going to be conservative. During the first year after operations commence, we will open 2% of our potential universe. Year two will see the widget’s distribution add another 2.5% of the hardware outlets and year three we will gain another 3.5%. After three years we will conservatively projected 8% of the potential distribution points for a hardware widget.

Another point to consider when building out a distribution model, not all of the stores will be shipped at one point in any yearly cycle. It is important to have a line at the very top of the cash flow section in the Financials that details how many stores you project to open each month. Allow for seasonal variations. Is the widget a summer item, a Holiday item? This will determine peak shipping months.

The next assumption is sell-in levels. How many units of the widget will a store typically carry in inventory? Competition averages 18 units per store. Is the widget going to be promoted, placed on end cap display, given a floor stand or presented in a featured way? These are questions that must be qualified, quantified and narrated to justify the sell-in assumption.

If the sell-in assumption is 18 units per store, then our next task is creating a retail sales turnover. Again, if it is verifiable that the competitive leader turns goods an average of eight times per year, we will be conservative. An inventory turn of six times during year one, seven times during year two and eight times in year three is easily defensible. This will, of course, be average out as stores come on line during monthly new door openings.

As we are not completing a proper spreadsheet here, reflecting 12 month flows in our example, let us assume that year one sales are for stores that have been carrying the product for a full 12 months. Here is where our Sales Model construction for year one has brought us.

Doors Opened 2700 (2% of 135,000)

Sell-in per Door 18 units

Wholesale Price 4.00

Inventory Turnover 6 Turns

Sales Year 1 = $1,166,400

Perform the same calculations on the assumptions we have created for years two and three and the results are $3,061,800 and $6,220,800 respectively.

The Sales Model we have created for our mythological widget is built on assumptions that we have vetted, checked against historical norms and properly support our theorem with logic and a conservative, believable rationale. The numbers work together and tell a story of strong sales traction with a lot of distribution to be gained (after year three we have 92% of the market still not serviced).

We now have the top line sales number under which we can project a financial picture that will excite potential investors, licensees and partners. They will know that we are serious, professional and knowledgeable. This presentation of a comprehensive plan supported by reality based assumptions is lacking in so many business plans I read.

By definition, a business plan is based on assumptions, and lots of things happen to distort assumptions. Murphy named a law after himself for a reason. Stuff happens! Nevertheless, business plans that achieve successful results are built on assumptions that mitigate the potential for ugly surprises. A business plan without a well-constructed Sales Model has no chance of overcoming the natural cynicism inherent in investors and decision-makers.

Geoff Ficke has been a serial entrepreneur for almost 50 years. As a small boy, earning his spending money doing odd jobs in the neighborhood, he learned the value of selling himself, offering service and value for money.

After putting himself through the University of Kentucky (B.A. Broadcast Journalism, 1969) and serving in the United States Marine Corp, Mr. Ficke commenced a career in the cosmetic industry. After rising to National Sales Manager for Vidal Sassoon Hair Care at age 28, he then launched a number of ventures, including Rubigo Cosmetics, Parfums Pierre Wulff Paris, Le Bain Couture and Fashion Fragrance.

Mr. Ficke and his consulting firm, Duquesa Marketing, Inc. (http://www.duquesamarketing.com) has assisted businesses large and small, domestic and international, entrepreneurs, inventors and students in new product development, capital formation, licensing, marketing, sales and business plans and successful implementation of his customized strategies. He is a Senior Fellow at the Page Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, Business School, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio.

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Property Exchanges conforming to IRC section 1031 offer wonderful opportunities to defer tax liability and maximize profits while helping to continue with the investment of the capital.

The IRC clearly states the main qualifying parameter of the exchange as a like-kind exchange. “In a like-kind exchange, the property you give up and the property you receive must be held by you for investment or for productive use in trade or business.” Thus, 1031 Exchanges can involve only like-kind of properties.

In all, there are five types of 1031 Exchanges. In Simultaneous Exchange one property is sold and the next is bought exactly the same time.

In Delayed Exchange, property is sold and the replacement property is bought within 180 days. Reverse Exchange has the replacement property bought before the initial property is sold.

Improvement Exchange uses some of the capital to improve the property, as in building a road. Personal Property Exchange can also come under ‘like-kind’ exchanges other than real estate. That includes cattle, aircraft, mineral rights, etc.

Just as there are several types of 1031 Exchanges, the processes in each of them vary substantially. Delayed Exchange is the most common type, and also the most popular.

In Delayed Exchange, the first step is planning out the whole transaction by talking to a qualified intermediary, otherwise called a facilitator. The facilitator then ascertains the investment objectives of the seller or exchanger and suggests the right option after estimating the amount of potential capital gains and the resultant tax outgo involved.

Drafting a standard purchase and sale agreement is the second step, stating the exchanger’s intent to exchange the property and obtaining the buyer’s consent to cooperate. The facilitator then suitably converts the sale transaction into an exchange deal through specialized documentation.

Having decided to perform an exchange, parties are then notified about the transaction and the intent to exchange. The parties involved are the real estate agent, closing agent, accountant and attorney.

The facilitator then collects the information required to prepare the exchange documents. The originals are then forwarded to the closing agent for execution during closing. All parties get the documents for review. After closing, the exchanger will transfer the relinquished property to the QI, who would then simultaneously sell the property to the buyer. The proceeds go to the QI and held by him until the acquisition of the replacement property is over.

In the Delayed Exchange, from the date of closing the relinquished property the exchanger gets 45 days to identify the replacement property and 180 days to complete the exchange. The identified replacement property is purchased by the QI and transferred to the exchanger in the stipulated time, making the exchange complete.

It is the facilitator, or QI, who answers all questions from the exchanger’s accountant or attorney. The exchanger’s funds are deposited in separate and insured accounts to ensure security, sometimes in a $1,000,000 fidelity bond account.

The exchange has to be done diligently so that it survives the audit and scrutiny of the IRS.

1031 Exchange provides detailed information about 1031 exchange, 1031 exchange companies, 1031 exchange experts, 1031 exchange forms and more. 1031 Exchange is the sister site of Greater Orlando Real Estate.

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Drive by any car lot in the United States and ask to see the latest hybrid car models. Don’t be stupefied if eight out of ten tell you that they can’t seem to keep them on the lotthat they’re just selling too fast! There is reasoning behind the hype: consumers believe in one (or all) of three things, that they’re going to be getting a better deal once gas prices hit $2.50 a gallon, that they’re not sacrificing performance and that they’re helping the environment.

Let’s first take a look at how these cars are put together. First, we have to understand the concept of “hybrid”. A hybrid car might be defined as any vehicle that uses two or more sources of energy to propel itself. Seems simple enough. Hybrid machinery is all around us in the form of diesel-electric, such as city buses, and nuclear-electric, such as those used on many US submarines. So, the idea and the technology have been around awhileit’s just now that another energy scare like that of the 1970s, that we start becoming resourceful and a little ingenious. Hybrid power is on the up-rise (and in-demand) only because the two different types of propulsion possibilities (gasoline/diesel and electric) standing alone have proven an ineffective means to get both power and efficiency in one package. But, working together, there is promise.

A hybrid car, in modern terminology, is usually referring to any car that has a combination of an electric and a gasoline (or diesel) motors. These cars use kinetic energy (referred to as regenerative breaking), absorbed by your breaks when you slow down to a stop, to recharge batteries that in turn push the electric motor. All of this is combined into one finely tuned schematicthe result being power to the transmission and propulsion power (i.e. wheel movement).

All hybrids contain a gasoline engine, an electric engine, a generator (mostly on series hybrids), fuel storage container, batteries and a transmission.

There are basically two different types of hybrid engines. The first is a parallel hybrid. This sort of hybrid actually contains both a gasoline and electric motor that both operate independently to propel the car forward. It’s designed to have two power sources working with one goal in mind. In many ways, they are still “connected”.

The second hybrid is often referred to as a series hybrid. In a series hybrid, the gas or diesel powered engine doesn’t connect to the transmission directly, meaning that it doesn’t actually propel the car by itself. It actually works indirectly, powering a generator, which in turn (controlled by computer monitoring systems) either feeds power to the batteries or directly feeds power to an electric motor that connects to the transmission.

As stated above, hybrid buyers are looking for the combination (and compromise) of power and energy that these cars seem to provide. Many gas-powered cars have a lot of horsepower. This is useful for modern driving experiences. No one wants to be doing the minimum 45 mph on the interstate and stopping to “refuel,” as with purely electric motors. Plus, there’s no need to feel like you should have placed your slow-moving reflective magnet on the trunk. However, many gas-powered cars are truly “wasteful” resources because out of those 175 horses, you’ll only have to use less than half that power for everyday driving. We don’t even have to get into the harmful environmental factors of pure gasoline engines. We are just now starting to see the results of our apathetic attitudes on this subject.

The engines in hybrid automobiles are usually much smaller (except in some brand new V-6 models). While this reduces fuel consumption, it means that for the extra “power” that drivers are looking for has to come from somewhere else. That’s where the electric motor and batteries come into play. In some models, sensors detect that the car is in need of extra energy for going up hill, for example. That’s when the “hybrid” half of the engine kicks in. It will do a dandy job of giving the engine that extra oomph or boost that it needs, without using any more gasoline.

Newer hybrid models do a lot of extra tricks so that your car gets as many miles to the gallon as possible. For example, when you’re stopped at a traffic light, another sensor will trigger the gasoline engine to idle down to a complete stop, while the car stays “running” solely on its electric power. Did I mention ingenious?

Since the idea behind the hybrid powered car is reduced fuel consumption without the loss of speed or power, many cars are being designed to move through the streets with the utmost in aerodynamic form; meaning that a hybrid will create less “drag,” simply due to its body structure. Many also use much lighter building materials, reducing weight and pull. Some models even have wheel covers and no mirrors (replaced with cameras and navigation equipment), which saves an enormous amount of energy.

Hybrids don’t seem to be a fad or some social experiment. Consumers and car enthusiasts alike are enjoying what they’re seeing in the market. Everyday it seems a better designed, lighter; more fuel-efficient and powerful hybrid enters. Recently released models are even beating their gas-powered counterparts. One boasts a 255 hp engine with other capabilities such as being able to shut down half the cylinders (without notice) while in motion to conserve fuel and energy.

Hybrid-engineered cars cost a bit more too. Usually the price difference is around 3,000 bucks. And, it may take a few years (depending on gas prices) for you to actually make the savings in fuel worthwhile. However, it’s still better for the environment, and that lingers (and makes it worthwhile) in some consumers’ minds.

And, if you are still one to wholeheartedly grip the stick of your V-8 without budging, you might take into mind that newer hybrid models are gaining on those petal-to-the-metal peelers of yesteryear. Hybrid models are inching nearer to (and even beating!) gas powered cars in 0 to 60 mph road tests.

So, when you decide that a new car might be a viable option in the near future, don’t expect to see too many hybrids in dealers’ lots. You may have to do some across-the-state driving to find a choice. Do some preliminary searching on the Internet and find out what model may benefit you and your lifestyle the most. Keep in mind all that we’ve mentioned and perhapsin the futureyou’ll have no other choice than a hybrid, which at this time seems to be by far the best choice around.

Michael Walker is a freelance author providing tips and hints on engine related topics such as JDM engines, used engines and engine swapping. His articles are a valuable source of information for the auto enthusiast.

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As the owner or an employee of a small-to medium-sized business, you might have never thought about media monitoring. Maybe you are not even sure what exactly is meant by this and have thus ignored it so far. But you should take some time to get acquainted with the concept of media monitoring. For companies of every size, it is a crucial tool for market success.

When you monitor the media, you basically look for all the information that is beeing published about your company in different media formats like newspapers and magazines. But what is the benefit you get from this search process? Do you only end up with a waggon load of data or can this scanning give your company the cutting edge?

The answer is yes, it can. It is not something only big firms with large public relation staffs do benefit from, but every organisation or company. It can accomplish a variety of tasks including

• control how and how often your company is being portrayed in public

• follow-up any PR-activities you might have launched

• examine how your competitor’s media-image looks like

• discover new trends in your specific profession and

• analyse market developments.

These aspects are relevant for companies of every size. Imagine you are a small company producing a certain product, for example computer hardware components. You think media monitoring does not apply to you because you produce your goods locally and do not compete with “global players” who spend millions on their media campaigns?

Well, in this case, size does not matter. It is still important how the people living in the community where you are located react to your business. It is still important that you are among the first who catches a new trend concerning your product range - or otherwise another small enterprise may come up with the innovation that you could also have produced. These are only two small examples that show why media monitoring is so important.

If you are opposed to media monitoring because your company only has a small budget for public relations, think twice. Especially if you only have a small amount of money at hand to promote your company, it is essential to follow up every PR activity to make sure that money is well-invested.

For media monitoring, a simple concept applies: only when you know what is going on you can react accordingly. So do not only go through your local or regional newspaper and expert publications, but broaden your horizons. Filter the internet for information about your trade and company. With the help of search engines, hundreds of websites, online-publications and databases can be sorted through. There are also professional monitors how can do this job for you. In any case, media monitoring is worth the effort - regardless of your company’s size.

About The Author

Kathrin Koehler works as PR consultant for the company activemeta.net, specialised in media monitoring and - analysis services. For more information, go to www.activemeta.net or email to koehler@activemeta.net.

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A recently published poll has confirmed that exclusive undies are definitely the one desire sure to enable girls, young and old to feel engaging. Indisputably at the top end of the luxuriant women’s night garments business, Myla is a prestigious business hailing from London, Great Britain focused on enabling girls, young and old to feel good-looking and unique in exclusive intimate apparel. Their products list embraces suggestive hold-up stockings, including, of course, underwired bras, winsome nightwear conjoined with fun and flirty sleeping room appliances.

For the ultimate in tempting cheer the Myla sales team tenders the most unconventional undies produced from de luxe fabric extending to satin, silk chiffon, lace conjoined with sheer mesh. Indulging flirtatious females, young and old there are ruffle bras right beside skirted knickers, padded balconettes right beside corresponding frilled thongs and silk and lace suspenders or, even better, winsome playful lace-trim babydolls produced from silk chiffon and lace. Their worldly range of products tenders structured basques, tie-side knickers, sheer chemise camisoles conjoined with long satin silk halter night gowns. If you are aspiring to unblemished suggestive irresistible glamor, devotees will pick a provocative quarter cup soft triangle bra or a lace padded plunge bra corresponded by tie-side knickers and a garter belt topped off by pantyhoses. An optimal solution for the chamber, there basically are incredibly sophisticated pure silk satin and tulle stays, skirted knickers, cami shorts, feathered g-strings and lace bands.

If you require fun and flirty sleeping room love equipment devotees will pick flirt candles, frilled high heels, pantyhoses, silk and lace suspenders and love enhancing scented lavender candles. Tease and entrance with mini feather ticklers, silk satin tie-ups, chiffon edged silk satin blindfolds, invigorating sunflower massage oil, toothsome milk chocolate body paints or a playful paddle. For the ultimate fun and flirty appliances, the Myla sales team tenders a range of designer toys specially developed by a swarm of globally renowned craftspeople. Customers can choose from a broad palette extending to Rachel Wingfield’s Sphere, American designer Scott Henderson’s C-Shell or Marc Newson’s famous Mojo toy.

Feel handsome with designer luxury underwear from Myla!

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In recent years obtaining loans online has become a new and somewhat
unknown reality. Years ago one would make appointments with their
bank lenders and obtain loans the so-called old fashioned way. But in
this fast paced world, people want instant gratification. Nobody wants to
wait for approval, they want to know the outcome instantly. And for those
who only want a small personal loan obtaining one has become even easier.

Cash
advance loan shops are popping up all over, reminding me of the Starbucks
craze. Even online you can easily find payday loan sites that are eager to
help folks whose payday check can’t come quick enough.
So which is better, the traditional banks or online loan companies? It’s hard
to say, there is a place for both I think.

When placing an application for a home
loan, person to person interaction would be more comforting I believe. Home
aquisition is one of the most important steps a person will ever take, so making
contact with another person calms fears of the unknown, especially with the
task of a home loan. In cases of bad credit histories, an application through an
online loan company can be a welcome relief. It is much easier to receive
rejection through a computer than face to face. Also online loan companies can
be more lenient towards people with poor credit which helps those that want
to get out from under the black mark of bad credit.
Investigate both avenues when it’s time to acquire a loan to find out which route
is best for your individual needs. I suggest looking at my site for online loan
reviews..http://www.onlineloanreviews.com.

Connie Barker is the author of this article and owner of http://www.onlineloanreviews.com

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As you grow, should you go after government, city, state, municipality contracts like school district contracts? Maybe. They are an entirely different business model. When you are talking about selling to medium sized businesses, again go back and assess your tech skills.

Assess what kind of skills you are bringing to the table and see how close you are to being able to being that deep into a few skills, because that is what these medium sized businesses are looking for. They are not looking for an outsourced version of a central IT manager.

Going after government, city, state, municipality, public school districts, etc. involves bids, bid packets, bid surety bonds, long sales cycles, and a lot of politics. This stage of the game is a very different business model, very different than selling to the sweet spot of small businesses or even small businesses in general.

Only go after these kinds of things after you have completely exhausted and completely saturated your sweet spot marketing roll out. In other words, don’t persue them until most of the sweet spot small businesses within a 50 mile radius know who you are, they are in your prospect funnel, and you have grown them to the point that you have absolutely maximized them out and you still don’t have enough business. This is pretty unlikely unless you are in the absolute middle of nowhere.

You should consider supplementing your business base with some high-end micros- and some medium sized businesses before going after government work. This is because of the level of aggravation with the bids, then the politics and the waiting to get paid. It’s not a very good place for people to be - especially in their start up stage.

Copyright MMI-MMVI, Small Biz Tech Talk. All Worldwide Rights Reserved. {Attention Publishers: Live hyperlink in author resource box required for copyright compliance}

Joshua Feinberg can help you grow your computer consulting business, the RIGHT way! Sign-up now for your free audio training program that features field-tested, proven Computer Consultants Business Tools.

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Life consists in what a man is thinking of all day. Ralph Waldo Emerson

The difference between a goal and a dream is the written word. Gene Donohue

You’ve been driving around looking at houses. You’ve even stopped in on open houses during the holidays. You’ve driven in different areas, but you don’t know the neighborhoods or the schools. Of course, your dream is to have a home of your own. That’s a goal, but it’s not really a plan. Basically, you’re off path.

Now that the holidays are here, and the New Year is just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about moving forward. Think of your accomplishments this year, and the next steps you want to achieve. Start writing your goals and making plans to accomplish them.

What is the difference between a dream and a goal? It’s the written word. However, we need to do more than scribble down some ideas on paper. Our goals need to be complete and focused. Here’re some steps that will help you build a road toward your goals.

If it’s owning your own home or finding a new one, let’s have a plan. Buying a home, is often a family’s dream. However, while you’re thinking about a home, let’s not forget about the holiday season. Let’s be grateful for the things we have.

This is a special time to think about special goals. Let’s think about working toward a better tomorrow. Follow some of these easy steps when planning ahead.

1. Make sure the goal you are working for is something you really want, not just something that sounds good. When setting goals, it’s important to remember that your goals must be consistent with your values.

2. A goal cannot contradict any of your other goals. For example, you can’t buy a $300,000 house if your income is only $50,000 a year. This is called non-integrated thinking and it will sabotage all of the hard work you put into your goals. Non-integrated thinking can also hamper your everyday thoughts as well. We should continually strive to eliminate contradictory ideas from our thinking.

3. Develop goals in the six areas of life: Family and Home; Financial and Career; Spiritual and Ethical; Physical and Health; Social and Cultural; and Mental and Educational. Setting goals in each area of life will ensure a more balanced life as you begin to change your everyday living.

4. Write down your goals in the positive instead of the negative. Work for what you want, not for what you want to leave behind. Part of the reason why we write down our goals is to create a set of instructions for our subconscious mind to carry out. Your subconscious mind is an efficient tool, use it. The more positive instructions you give your subconscious mind, the more positive results you will get. Thinking positively everyday will also help you in life, and obstacles you may encounter.

5. Write your goals down in complete detail. Instead of writing a new home, write a 2,800 square foot home in the country with four bedrooms and three baths. Once again you are giving the subconscious mind a detailed set on instructions to work on. The more information you give it, the clearer is the final outcome. The more precise the outcome, the more efficient is the subconscious mind. You can close your eyes and visualize your home. See yourself on the porch looking across the land. See yourself watching the kids play in the front yard. Can you see it? So can your subconscious mind.

6. Make sure your goal is high enough. Shoot for the stars and the moon. If you don’t buy a house this year, keep trying. Don’t give up.

7. Importantly, write down your goals. Writing down your goals creates a roadmap to your success. Although just the act of writing them down can set the process in motion, it is also extremely important to review your goals frequently. Remember, the more focused you are on your goals, the more likely you are to accomplish them. Sometimes, we have to revise a goal as circumstances and other goals change. If you have to change a goal, don’t consider it a failure, consider it a victory as you realized something was different.

8. Now you’ve got written goals. Unless someone is helping you to achieve your goals, don’t freely share your goals with others. The negative attitude from friends, neighbors and family can drag you down quickly. It’s important that the goals in your head stay positive. Reviewing your goals daily is crucial part of your success and it must become routine. Visualize the completed goal, and see your new home. Start each morning with your goals, and repeat the process before you go to bed. This process will start both your subconscious and conscious mind on working toward your goals.

9. Check your goal(s). Every time you make a decision, ask yourself if it takes you closer to, or further away, from your goal(s). If the answer is yes, you’ve made the right decision. If it takes you further away, you know what to do. If you set your goals and write them down, you are on your way to achieving success in every aspect of your life.

Happy Holidays!

Helena Biasatti Hill is a
Dallas real estate broker and a contributor to the
Flower Mound Homes Weblog.

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