Archive for January, 2011
General Stock Market Direction is Key to Success

There are many reasons why most people are not successful in the markets. In this article, we are going to talk about the importance of accurately determining the general stock market direction. The general market refers to the most commonly used market indexes. This includes the S&P 500, The Nasdaq Composite, The Dow Jones Industrial Average, and the NYSE Composite. The broad indexes will give you an indication of the approximate strength or weakness in each session’s overall trading activity. They will also give you an indication of new, emerging trends.
The reason it is important to know the current general stock market direction is because about 75% of all stocks follow it. Think of the general market as a large river with a strong current. When you buy stocks with the general market in an uptrend, it is like rafting down the river, with the current helping you along. When you buy stocks with general market in a downtrend, it is like rafting on this large river, but going against the current. Obviously, this is much more difficult. The point is that the odds are much more in your favor, when you only buy stocks when the general stock market is in an uptrend.
A great way to learn about the stock market is to observe and study the major indexes. After you acquire enough skill and knowledge, you will be able to recognize when the general stock market is changing at key turning points. This would include major market tops and bottoms. Once you can recognize when the general stock market has topped or has bottomed out, you have gained a tremendous advantage in the stock market and your overall trading will improve big time.
The skill you will need to learn is price and volume analysis. In other words, technical analysis or chart reading. Once you learn this vital skill, it will open a whole new world for you, concerning your trading and investing career. I recommend reading, “How to Make Money in Stocks”, by William J. O’Neil. This is an excellent book, covering all aspects of trading in the stock market.
Types of Online Degrees in International Business

International business online degree program is selected by students all over the world because its significance is growing increasingly. It includes all the business theories which are applicable internationally, the strategies which are important for international business and most importantly gives the required information of present international business worldwide. It has a variety of courses to offer, students usually opt for graduate and masters programs.
International business revolves around knowing the diverse cultures, creating an understating of international markets, socio-economic barriers within a culture, role of international relations in business and how its effects the international trade, the competitors of international markets and the etiquettes that are necessary for international business.
There are different types of online degrees in international business that various schools and universities offer. To purse an online degree in international business becomes valuable when supplemented with other degree programs. The schools and universities offer the same programs to the online students or compile the same courses that are being offered on the campuses. Therefore, students those are interested in pursuing international business degree can always apply for online degree programs.
To know what online courses in international business are being offered by different universities globally, there is always an option of researching the university online programs, which are given on the official websites of each University. International business online courses include accounting and finance, global corporation, international law, international trade and customs, strategies and traditional business disciplines. These courses provide a complete understanding of international business, which becomes helpful towards a successful career.
The programs for online degrees are that of online graduate degree, online master’s degree, MBA and graduate certificates. There are numerous Universities internationally that are offering online international business degree programs, a few are, University of Phoenix, American Intercontinental University, Colorado Technical University, Bellevue University and Ashford University.
With the technological advancements and growing communication, the career in this particular field is highly demandable in many areas. It directly has its connection with the economy of any country, because international business requires employees to learn about the strategies that set a certain business eminent in the international market. Therefore, the employees of any company can opt for online international business degree programs, even at the managerial level for some; the graduate certificate programs in international business are available.
Thus, the internet facility has been bridging the gap between quality education and its seekers. International business offering a wide range of courses, the types of online degrees in international business have provided access to educational institutions via internet, to obtain a great deal of knowledge plus a degree to implement the knowledge practically.
Tips for Top Customer Service

Many businesses like to advertise that they have excellent customer service or top service records, but what does this really mean? More importantly what does this mean for customers? With so many businesses promising to be the best and have excellent service levels, customers are a little wary. They don’t just want to hear about how wonderful your company is; they want to see actual service delivery. So how do you go about implementing a customer service plan that really works? Here are some tips to help guide you through the process.
Have a Customer-Oriented Outlook
Many business owners have good intentions, striving to maintain high standards in their business. This is a good thing but unless your efforts are focused on how they will benefit your customers, it won’t translate into top customer service. Too often businesses are focused on what they are doing and what they have to offer. They don’t take the time to find out if this is what customers want or need. In order to be able to deliver a service that is of value to your customers, you need to put yourselves in their shoes. Ask how your product or service will benefit them. What tangible reasons do they have to buy from you and not someone else? When you demonstrate real value and benefits to your customers, this automatically translates into top-quality customer service. Customers will see that your efforts aren’t forced and are indeed genuine. The result is customers that leave happy and appreciated; as a result, they are more likely to return and purchase from you again in the future.
Develop Relationships with your Customers
Marketing studies show that it is far more cost effective to retain existing customers than to constantly have to prospect for new customers. By developing relationships with your customers, you will be creating a solid foundation from which to grow your business. At the same time, you will be learning more about your customers. You can find out why they buy from you, what they like about your products, and what is important to them. You can also find out about their likes and dislikes and this can give you ideas on how better to serve them. This information can also be useful when you are looking for ways in which you can offer better service or more value to your customers.
Train All Staff in All Departments
It is true that some employees will have more customer contact than others. However, when customer service is something that is ingrained into all work functions, it becomes part of the culture of the business. It is not enough to train the front-line salespeople in customer service. Everyone, including the accounting department, admin people and cleansers, should realize the importance of customer service. When they understand that their job is not just a job but an important part of servicing customers, they will be more conscious of being courteous and helpful with customers.
Get Customer Feedback
How do you know that your customer service levels are where they should be unless you get feedback from your customers? A simple follow-up phone call to customers can enlighten you as to how you are really doing in the eyes of your customers. It can either confirm that you are doing well or that there are areas of your customer service that need work and attention. At the same time, letting your customers know that you value their input and feedback shows your customers that you are serious about customer service. Just asking for their opinions can already improve their impression of your business.
Streamline Your Systems and Processes
There are many CRM systems that can help you manage and keep on top of your customer followups and appointments. Looking at your general office operations and systems is another way in which you can improve your customer service. When you operate more efficiently, this will benefit your customers. For example, if you use an online faxing system, customers can receive information via fax more quickly. When they want to send information through to you by fax then you can give them a dedicated fax number to send it to. You can also then assure customers that there is a greater level of confidentiality when dealing with their documentation. This is made possible because you can view the document on a screen without having to print it. Simple systems like this can help you to serve your customers better.
Many businesses like to advertise that they have excellent customer service or top service records, but what does this really mean? More importantly what does this mean for customers? With so many businesses promising to be the best and have excellent service levels, customers are a little wary. They don’t just want to hear about how wonderful your company is; they want to see actual service delivery. So how do you go about implementing a customer service plan that really works? Here are some tips to help guide you through the process.
Have a Customer-Oriented Outlook
Many business owners have good intentions, striving to maintain high standards in their business. This is a good thing but unless your efforts are focused on how they will benefit your customers, it won’t translate into top customer service. Too often businesses are focused on what they are doing and what they have to offer. They don’t take the time to find out if this is what customers want or need. In order to be able to deliver a service that is of value to your customers, you need to put yourselves in their shoes. Ask how your product or service will benefit them. What tangible reasons do they have to buy from you and not someone else? When you demonstrate real value and benefits to your customers, this automatically translates into top-quality customer service. Customers will see that your efforts aren’t forced and are indeed genuine. The result is customers that leave happy and appreciated; as a result, they are more likely to return and purchase from you again in the future.
Develop Relationships with your Customers
Marketing studies show that it is far more cost effective to retain existing customers than to constantly have to prospect for new customers. By developing relationships with your customers, you will be creating a solid foundation from which to grow your business. At the same time, you will be learning more about your customers. You can find out why they buy from you, what they like about your products, and what is important to them. You can also find out about their likes and dislikes and this can give you ideas on how better to serve them. This information can also be useful when you are looking for ways in which you can offer better service or more value to your customers.
Train All Staff in All Departments
It is true that some employees will have more customer contact than others. However, when customer service is something that is ingrained into all work functions, it becomes part of the culture of the business. It is not enough to train the front-line salespeople in customer service. Everyone, including the accounting department, admin people and cleansers, should realize the importance of customer service. When they understand that their job is not just a job but an important part of servicing customers, they will be more conscious of being courteous and helpful with customers.
Get Customer Feedback
How do you know that your customer service levels are where they should be unless you get feedback from your customers? A simple follow-up phone call to customers can enlighten you as to how you are really doing in the eyes of your customers. It can either confirm that you are doing well or that there are areas of your customer service that need work and attention. At the same time, letting your customers know that you value their input and feedback shows your customers that you are serious about customer service. Just asking for their opinions can already improve their impression of your business.
Streamline Your Systems and Processes
There are many CRM systems that can help you manage and keep on top of your customer followups and appointments. Looking at your general office operations and systems is another way in which you can improve your customer service. When you operate more efficiently, this will benefit your customers. For example, if you use an online faxing system, customers can receive information via fax more quickly. When they want to send information through to you by fax then you can give them a dedicated fax number to send it to. You can also then assure customers that there is a greater level of confidentiality when dealing with their documentation. This is made possible because you can view the document on a screen without having to print it. Simple systems like this can help you to serve your customers better.
ARE SOME NETWORK MARKETING/DIRECT SALES COMPANIES A SCAM?

This is my honest look at network marketing and direct sales companies to expose the stigma attributed to the industry by an uninformed, disgruntles, misinformed and unmotivated individuals who enter the industry without doing their due diligence of the company that they have decided to join. Most individuals that fail to earn money or do well in the industry fail because of many reasons.
My observation and research on why network marketers fail is because of the lack a supportive sponsor/upline, lack of training, lack of a strong WHY, lack of personal education, lack of good work ethic, lack of perseverance and lack of a positive attitude in general. In all industries people fail and quit and in most cases, it is not the industry that fail or quit the individual but it is the individual that quits on him or herself. But it is human nature for us to blame someone else for our failures.
The industry receives its black eye from these unhappy individuals who fails to research the appropriate company for their personality and fails to train and educate themselves of the products and services provided by the company. They also fail to train and educate themselves about the industry on how to become a productive network marketer. Most of these companies provide an excellent training and support to help the individual succeed in the industry. Most of the individuals that quit the industry really quit on themselves because they did not take the advantage of the training and the education in order to succeed in the industry. These are the people who badmouth the industry because of their failure. They fail themselves and they continue to live a miserable life of always complaining and whining about how bad life is and that they always get the short end of the stick.
Most of the companies in the network marketing/direct sales are excellent opportunities for you to start your own home based business with all of the upside potential and no downside risks. Any one of these network marketing/direct sales companies if they are worth their salt, they will have a structure and a proven business plan that will train and support the representatives in field to assure their success. I suspect that there are bad companies out there that are poorly managed and that are less than desirable to be involved with but I have not come across of any to date. You as an individual have to do your due diligence before you join one of these companies and when you do join one of these companies, make sure you take the advantage of the training program that they have in place and also educate yourself on how to become a productive network marketer.
A quick rule of thumb in selecting the appropriate company is to look at the experience, integrity of the leadership, look at companies that have been at least 2 years in existence, look to see if they are financially solid, look at what percentage of revenue is paid out to the representatives out in the field.
Besides the guidelines that I stated above, are the company’s operations, finances and compensation plans transparent? Can you see where the money is coming from and where the money is going?
I have done my due diligence and I have found a company that I can stand a 100% behind it and its products and services. This opportunity makes to much sense for you not to at least take a look. Take a look at this opportunity and this may or may not be for you.
First, watch this 4-minute video http://www.mpbtoday.com/video/mpbtoday.html
If you are interested and wish to learn more about this great opportunity, then, click on the link below to join my team and change your life if you wish to.
To join go to my website http://www.mpbtoday.com/leoneldarosa
Good Luck and May God Bless You!
Leonel DaRosa
774-281-0095
Consultant/Independent Representative
Business Incubator Top Tips From The International Business Guru

Before we discuss the business Incubator top tips from the International business guru it would be prudent of me to explain some of the startling facts and statistics about new business start-ups.
Business Incubator & International Business Guru Statistic #1: Business Start Up & Failure Statistics
- 400,000 new businesses start up each year in the UK.
Business Incubator & International Business Guru Statistic #2: Business Start Up & Failure Statistics
- As many as one fifth of these cease trading within their first 12 months.*
Business Incubator & International Business Guru ru Statistic #3: Business Start Up & Failure Statistics
- Some economists state over 50% of small businesses fail in the first year.
Business Incubator & International Business Guru Statistic #4: Business Start Up & Failure Statistics
- Some economists state 95% fail within the first five years.
400,000 new businesses start up each year in the UK. As many as one fifth of these cease trading within their first 12 months.* Some economists state over 50% of small businesses fail in the first year & 95% fail within the first five years.
The business Incubator top tips from the International business guru, highlights the 9 main reasons why businesses fail, & how a new business operating in a business incubator achieves a high rate of success.
The 9 Main Reasons Why Businesses Fail
Business Incubator & International Business Guru Fact #1:
1. Poor marketing:
Business Incubator & International Business Guru Fact #2:
2. Cash flow problems:
Business Incubator & International Business Guru Fact #3:
3. Poor business planning:
Business Incubator & International Business Guru Fact #4:
4. Lack of finance:
Business Incubator & International Business Guru Fact #5:
5. Failure to embrace new technologies:
Business Incubator & International Business Guru Fact #6:
6. Poor choice of location:
Business Incubator & International Business Guru Fact #7:
7. Poor management:
Business Incubator & International Business Guru Fact #8:
8. Poor human resource relations:
Business Incubator & International Business Guru Fact #9:
9. Lack of clear objectives:
Franchise Businesses have a 90% success rate. * * Daily Mail 07.01.08
Business incubation’s flexibility dictates a success rate of 98%.*
- 87% still survive after 5 years of starting. *
- *UK Business Incubation (the international membership and best practice body)
The Concept Of Business Incubation
- Business Incubation (BI) is a unique & highly flexible combination of business development processes, infrastructure & people.
- BI is designed to support and fast track new & small businesses, products, innovations & entrepreneurs by offering support through the early stages of development and/or change.
What Is Business Incubation?
- Business incubation provide SMEs and start-ups with the ideal location to develop and grow their businesses, offering everything from virtual support, rent-a-desk through to state of the art business facilities and everything in between.
- They provide direct access to hands on intensive business support, access to finance and experts and to other entrepreneurs and suppliers to really make businesses and entrepreneurs to grow.
Q: Why Does Business Incubation Work?
A: Business Support & Expertise
- Every growing business needs the right accommodation; Most people in business incubation are attracted by the ease of monthly rental and an early exit option if things aren’t working out for them.The added value of specialist business expertise and on-going support and advice generally keeps them hooked.
- Starting any business is fraught with uncertainty, financial burdens and resource issues.
- Incubators offer the opportunity of not making the same mistakes other businesses have in the past.They also generally provide a route to business finance coaching and mentoring.
- Little realistic business support is offered to aspiring entrepreneurs from minority & disenfranchised groups
The Goal Of Business Incubators
- Business incubation provides an environment for the internal passage of business advice, support and nurturing required during the early start up phase of business development.
- The goal is to increase the chance that a start-up will succeed, and shorten the time and reduce the cost of establishing and growing its business.
- If successful, business incubators can help to nurture the companies that will form the true creators of a region’s or nation’s future wealth and employment.
Business Incubation Objective
Business Incubators have been used to achieve a wide range of objectives. Primarily those that small businesses are good at; i.e.
1. Creating jobs
2. Developing innovative ideas
3. Diversifying the local economy
4. Generating activity and wealth by creating a vibrant small business sector.
UK Business Incubators
1. Approx’ 300 UK business incubators.
2. Supporting over 20,000 dynamic, creative and innovative businesses.
3. Supporting all sectors, including ICT, science, technology, creative industries & social enterprises.
4. All manner of entrepreneurs represented.
5. No age limit, gender or physical discrimination.
About UK Business Incubators
- Research demonstrates that each incubation client business leads to approximately 167 employment opportunities per incubation unit. Each unit averages 30 businesses.
- Many (59 to 60%) of incubators run ‘outreach’ services, providing support to commpanies outside of the incubation unit.
Location Of UK Incubators
- Stand alone business incubators
- Science or business park
- University campus
- Laboratory
- Private sector large corporate
- Anywhere where there is a demand for intensive business support.
- Business incubators can be found in all regions and locations.
- They are located where the market needs them.
Assisting Entrepreneurs – Business incubator’s help to grow entrepreneur’s through tailored workshops and training, support in book-keeping and finance, assisting with tax returns and legislation.
- It offers a shoulder to cry on in hard times. – Or, will celebrate with you when you get those much needed orders.
Incubation Period
- On average, clients tend to stay within the incubation environment for 2 to 3 years.
- There are incubators that specialize in accelerating the growth of your business which operate on 6 month terms.
- It really depends on the nature of the business, the sector its operating in, and the demands of the product or service that have been developed.
What Would It Take To Start Up?
A consultancy service to present the following…
1. Feasibility report. Cost: ?2,500.
2. Way forward strategy. Cost: ?3,800.
3. Strategic business plan. Cost: ?8,000.
4. Marketing strategy. Cost: ?4,500.
5. Implementation plan. Cost: ?4.700. Total: ?23,500.
If a prospective new business incubator considers a start-up and meets certain criteria, these fees may qualify for between 40 to 50% grant funding.
The most difficult aspect of starting a new Business Incubation Unit
Finding the right Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of the incubation unit who has proven business growth skills to steer the unit forward towards self sustainability & profitability.
Managing Director’s Requirements
- Private Office.
- Personal Assistant.
- Office furniture, IT & tele-communication equipment.
- Occasional access to Board Room.
- Financial Package