Linkfromblog.com
Wikipedia
It’s unique and a readily interesting concept… write about something on your blog and get paid.
Everyone is full of opinions, and as a business consultant, that is what we get paid to do. From time to time, someone wants their business website reviewed and then written about. Assignments like these are something that come naturally to those who are in the business of handing out opinions like business cards.
Linkfromblog.com allows anyone to take up this role. Mostly people are seeking a consumer’s POV on their site, but if you are in the world of consulting you can provide the business website with 2 very unique viewpoints.
We like this concept and look forward to working with companies in reviewing their sites and placing honest straightforward reviews on our blogs.
Home Office Life
- Image by Jeremy Levine Design via Flickr
Setting up a Home Office
One of the challenges of working from home is how to draw the line between your personal and professional life. Family members (especially young children) may not understand that you’re “busy” when you’re just in the house, and may distract you right in the middle of an important call or letter. It may also be near impossible to stay organized and focused when your “work station” also happens to be the kitchen table, your bedroom, or the living room.
The most important thing to remember is that you are still working. Like all office environments, you need structure and space. Find a room (preferably with a lock) and equip it with a desk, a comfortable chair, appropriate lighting, a phone, and computer equipment. You may also need a printer, fax, and depending on your business, a scanner. There are some hybrid products that combine these functions, and you can install software that will allow you to receive faxes on your printer. Be sure to invest in cable or DSL as well, especially if your business is web-based.
You should set up a business email account; it looks more professional than sending or receiving business correspondence through your personal address, and at least protects your privacy. Your phone line should also be kept separate from your residential line; the last thing you need is your children tying up the phone or even answering it (some clients are put off by this).
Do invest in a filing system. Depending on your available space, you can get a small cabinet or even a wicker basket where you can place folders with important documents, receipts, and other records of your business. Go through these at least once a month so you can throw out any papers that you no longer need.
Now for office hours. It is recommended that you strictly follow a schedule: the specific times in the day, or days in the week, that you will focus on your work. Why? First of all, you want to have the discipline to shift into “work mode”, and the habit of sitting at your desk at those times will steel you from the temptation to “put it off until later”. It also helps manage the expectations of other people, who may think that since you follow your own hours that you are at their disposal. You can always say, “Oh, I’m sorry I can’t go with you, since that falls within my office hours. But I’m free from (name a time).”
Many people who work from home say that it helps them to actually dress up when they’re ready to get down to business. It’s psychological. It’s hard to take yourself seriously when you’re sitting in front of the computer in your pajamas; your mind still thinks that you’re on a break. You don’t have to wear a suit, but at least take a shower, brush your teeth, and put on a comfortable shirt and jeans. If you want, put on makeup as well-if you feel you look good, the confidence and enthusiasm will show in your voice.
Author Bio
Philip Nicosia is the webmaster of Resources.eu.com an online resource centre covering many topics including work at home.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com – Free Website Content
ObamaCare vs. The Constitution
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfKXw__P89w&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]
So, one has to ask…. why aren’t you able and willing to defend your stance on this?
Jan Schakowsky, I think you are right about one thing though… no where in our constitution does it state anything about Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. Therefore, perhaps we should look at repealing these as well. After all, Washington has done nothing but create a virtual tax based black hole in these programs as well.
Why can’t we as Americans be able to handle our own retirement and healthcare and have the choice in how they are invested on our own? Why can’t businesses have the right to choose to offer and not offer coverages such as these and let the workforce marketplace choose for themselves on who they wish to work for?
Socialists.. Democrats (synonymous in this day and age) have chosen to blatantly disregard liberty in their welfare programs… the liberty of the people who fund these programs to support the lower class who choose not to work and succeed.
Why is liberty and choice too much to ask in this day and age?
A $30B Oil Change?
This week’s announcement of XTO’s (XTO) purchase by mother of all oil giants, Exxon/Mobil (XOM) caught the world a little off guard and turned Wall St. into a frenzy of little children on the eve of Christmas. A move of this magnitude, $30B+ to be closer to the number, signaled something many investors at http://community.tradeking.com/members/bigdog/blogs/49905-ideas-for-trading-the-xom-xto-deal have been expecting, consolidation and evolutions of industries and their key players. But why does this recent acquisition by Exxon/Mobil (XOM) spark such high speculation?
It just may be that the winds of change are upon us and we are about to be ushered into the upcoming stages of the global business evolution where companies from multiple different industries and sectors come together and their rebuild place in the market. Although past performance is rarely a guarantee of anything to come, we can see overtime how companies came together and split off like cells in mitosis and how overtime become giants and become forgotten in a flood of paperwork.
Exxon/Mobil (XOM), a powerhouse of a company, realizes it needs to stay in business. Exxon/Mobil (XOM) also has deep pockets to pay for some of the best minds to spearhead endeavors to make sure the Exxon/Mobil (XOM) name stays around for an extended period of time. Exxon/Mobil (XOM) is not stupid or blinded by greed (which, keep in mind, this company has been a willing horse in the Wall St. race time over time since the bottom fell out of the markets), but rather astute and very open-minded in a 5 to 10 year forward looking mindset of the future of the company.
That being said, it’s of no surprise that Exxon/Mobil (XOM) wants in on the natural gas trade now more than ever. With more fuel efficient cars on the road, a high sales rate of hybrids or straight alternative energy driven cars along with the recent Cash for Clunkers campaign, and more fiscally conservative Americans watching their travel times and looking into telecommuting from home… Exxon/Mobil (XOM) has come to the realization that they must either adapt or become obsolete. And what’s going to be the next big thing? What’s going to be the more cost effective way to heat and power generators? What’s going to be the next standard for fossil fuels?
Natural gas.
Exxon/Mobil (XOM)’s purchase wasn’t one that was a fly by night decision. If that were the case; however, the $10B in debt they acquired would have been enough to scare any half-assed analyst off who was only interested in the pick of the day. Exxon/Mobil (XOM) carried this decision because not only do they viagra the company is worth $30B, but also the $10B in debt is worth it and looking at Exxon/Mobil (XOM)’s 10-K reports, then can definitely handle it over time. Because of this move, Exxon/Mobil (XOM) will be poised to capitalize on more diversified assets, thus being able to provide supply in multiple markets of demand.
This is a great move for Exxon/Mobil (XOM), which demonstrates to us that they are still heading up the leader board with massive power plays like this.
What’s next on the Exxon/Mobil (XOM) hit list? I wouldn’t put hydrogen production companies outside their scope of reach in about 5 years or so as the technology betters itself. Also, perhaps there will another shake up in this industry and Exxon/Mobil (XOM) may take to buying parts of companies that others are selling off to build its arsenal in the energy world. Regardless, Exxon/Mobil (XOM) has what it takes to keep moving and shaking for a long time.
The Loser of Retail
Learning more about this time of year is key for anyone looking to spread their wings in the world of investing. While other industries have their key times that show the investing communities like http://community.tradeking.com/members/bigdog/blogs/48731-retail-stocks-ho-ho-ho who are the leaders versus who are the laggards, when it comes to retail it’s the time between Thanksgiving and the end of the year that acts as a litmus test of the best and the worst retailers, both brick and mortar and online. Not only that, it acts as a pulse check on the American consumer. Because both are tied in together, it vital that the companies that get ahead make so that the consumer WANTS to buy by offering deals on items and slashes profit margins enough to make the consumer feel that they are getting the best deal possible on the newest and coolest widget out there.
One of the biggest losers in the game is Sears (SHLD) , who not only operates Sears, but who also owns Kmart. Kmart has been a plague on Sears (SHLD) since they acquired them. Once a powerful player in the retail market, Kmart as a whole has not been the powerhouse Sears (SHLD) had hoped for. While recent updates to many of their stores has allowed Sears (SHLD) to open a new pathway to consumers by offering Kenmore appliances and Craftsman tools, it has not been enough to bolster the sales they hoped for. Much of the consumers out there look at Kmart as a second thought to the likes of Target (TGT) and Wal-Mart (WMT) to which, sadly, is often reflected in many of their stores as they are often the last in the Sears (SHLD) family to receive an updating or routine maintenance. What was once one of the bigger names of retailers 20 years ago; Kmart is quickly fading into an after thought and is losing ground to others who fight harder to win the loyalty of return consumers.
For Sears (SHLD), the best course of action is simple. Merge and consolidate with another bigger firm like Macy’s (M) in order to keep the doors open. However, a much better idea would be to sell off Kmart all together to a firm who can give it the time and attention it needs. By offering it up to the likes of Metro AG (FWB: MEO) (Germany’s largest retailer), it would provide capital for Sears (SHLD) to take care of some of the debt Sears (SHLD) has incurred over the recent quarters and provide Metro AG (FWB: MEO) an avenue to be more of the retail giant it wants to be and giving Wal-Mart (WMT) more of a run for its money. Wal-Mart (WMT) recently closed its doors in Germany, so if there was a marriage of both Metro AG (FWB: MEO) and Kmart (or even Sears (SHLD) completely) then these companies would be able to succeed where Wal-Mart (WMT) failed, thus giving investors the faith needed to keep the boat anchor that is best known as Kmart afloat.
I Need A Rebound….
As with most investors out there, Wall Street over the past few years has brought up feelings of heartache, confusion, and betrayal. Many have put there hopes and future into it. Many also were there through the bad times until it was no longer a burden they could bear. Many are still there holding its hand as it recovers, but there are even more who have dumped their losses and looking for another company to invest their money in, carrying the bitterness of the past with them as they search. To assist in this search, http://community.tradeking.com/members/tk-all-star/blogs/46959-10-stocks-on-the-rebound discussed what stocks are very likely to make a nice comeback for 2010.
Now, someone can spend all the time in the world discussing technical analysis and looking solely at the 10-k or other tools used to analyze company’s well being or they can operate solely on fundamentals and think “There is going to be a need for this company in the future….. blah blah”, but either way you can not deny the simple fact that both work hand in hand. Looking at what the future holds for our stock market, we have to look at trends in our society and market to assure that whatever company has what it takes to grow, both technically and fundamentally.
DeVry (DV)
Education is an industry that many companies are cashing in on. As our economy grows, we need skilled labor and sometimes a better option to low-funded state schools are schools like DeVry (DV). DeVry (DV) has set itself ahead of the fold when it comes to specialized education focusing originally and primarily on the IT field, churning out many graduates who now support our computer infrastructures and security worldwide. Many of the graduates of DeVry (DV) seek to get their degrees and certifications without having to take many of the “filler” classes you find in a traditional university. Because of this, these graduates become technical experts in a certain area which many companies find key in building stronger and more secure networking and computer based processes. A very strong branding, DeVry (DV) can often be seen in various marketing arenas that cater to people who are looking to make a change in their education status. Tie this into a very strong and well managed company structure; it’s a recipe for success which may prove profitable for the rebounding investor.
Pepsico (PEP)/ Coke (KO)
Bitter rivals, Pepsico (PEP) and Coke (KO) are poised to continue high levels of profitability (which isn’t overly surprising…. hence why Warren Buffet controls about 9% of Coke (KO) ). It’s a safe bet to hold some of either of these companies in a rebound portfolio. Granted, its not a speculative stock, but rather these companies offer high levels of stability even through the previous issues with the stock market. Diversification is key, and these companies have that. The chances of Pepsico (PEP) and Coke (KO) needing a bailout anytime in the near future are quite slim, due to keen management at the helm who identify themselves with the respective company’s brand and mission.
Procter & Gamble (PG)
As the king of consumer goods, Procter & Gamble (PG) puts itself out there controlling and manufacturing much of what your everyday consumer purchases. I economic uncertain times, this industry is often the one who triumphs the most as well as the retailers who sell their products. Regardless of whatever the economy is, people still need to eat, bathe, and maintain hygiene. Procter & Gamble (PG) has diversified their products to cover multiple areas of consumer need which helps them increase cash flow; however, economic challenges being the double edged sword that they are, consumers are increasing their purchasing of generic brands to offset inflated cost brought on by the retailers and manufacturers of brand names. If history is any indicator for the future, we can see more growth and revenue in this industry as economic stability comes to pass over the course of the next few quarters.
For the broken hearted investor who bought companies like UnitedHealth Group (UNH) at $50 or AIG just before the fall in hopes of looking to turn a profit or have an ace in the hole for their retirement portfolio, these companies may provide one the hope he or she needs to know that their heartbreak doesn’t have to be a permanent one and may turn out to be a match made in heaven, leading to a restoration of hope in various industries while reaffirming the importance of a level headed view on both the fundamental analysis and the technical analysis as equally important ways to choose one’s investments.
W.W.W.B.D- What Would Warren Buffet Do
Recently announced, Warren Buffet Berkshire-Hathaway (BRK) and the acquisition of Burlington Northern (BNI) set the investment world clamoring as investors try to determine what move the Omaha investing guru was set out to do. Not only what to do, but also the why’s as well. One place I found the discussion to be the best and most solid is at http://community.tradeking.com/members/bigdog/blogs/46715-after-bni-what’s-next-for-buffett-brk
This purchase of a major transportation company only reaffirms the aged investor’s stance in “investing in what you know”. Many of the everyday investors out there are at a loss why of all the companies out there to purchase, he chose a train company. Why not increase his market share in Coca-cola (k)? What about an increase in the holdings in Kraft (KFT)? Both are very good ideas; however, his logic is very simple.
While increasing investments in these companies may be a smart move as well, many people forget about the basics of supply and demand. These companies create the supply and the consumer provides the demand; however, it takes distribution to get the product to the people. Therefore, owning a piece of distribution helps ensure a consistent level of profitability by being able to take a profit off the mark up inflicted in the distribution chain process.
Why trains? As oil prices remain high, transportation by train is often seen as more cost effective way to transport goods. Technology in the train manufacturing industry has improved greatly, allowing these once outdated forms of transportation to become resurrected into a contender that is more efficient and cleaner than what the trucking industry can offer. While trains don’t have the flexibility as over the road trucks may have, they still provide the ability to move bulk amounts of goods long distances at a much cheaper rate than trucks. Distribution centers near railways can then offload these goods and load them on trucks for local delivery to wholesalers and retailers.
Is Warren Buffet going to try to acquire all the rail transport companies he can? I doubt it, so don’t spend too much time in that industry. If that was the case, he wouldn’t be selling off his shares of Union Pacific (UNP) or Norfolk Southern (NSC) Better yet, look for movement in the transportation arena to focus more on his holding’s movement in shipping from investment interests in Asia if any there is any more movement in this industry. I’d keep my eye on DryShips (DRYS) as a very possible contender for Buffet’s affections.
Lets talk bailout. Lets talk billions. Lets talk failure. Lets talk the powerhouses of our banking system. Lets talk at http://community.tradeking.com.
Fannie Mae (FME) today requested more funds from the after posting a quarterly loss of $19.76 billion due to distressed economic issues still plaguing our country bringing the American taxpayer investment total to about $60 billion. On a positive note though, Fannie Mae requested about $10 billion less than last year. What’s it going to take to pull this company out from under the rocks?
Their newest plan? To begin transferring these defaulted mortgages into “Deed for Lease” where the mortgage holder transfers the title to Fannie Mae and begins paying rent to Fannie Mae under a 1 year lease, which sounds like a great option to many out there who feel this is a great way to help those less fortunate, but those “many” don’t realize basic concepts of this action will negatively impact. If these homeowners have defaulted for over 3 months, what makes anyone think that they are magically going to gain the ability to pay the rent? What’s going to happen after the one year lease is over? Why should the American taxpayers get to own these toxic assets, instead of having them unloaded as quickly as possible (even at a loss)?
In short, this company and its counterpart, Freddie Mac (FRE), are at a crossroads in what can be their final years of existence if something drastic isn’t done short of setting fire to all the homes they own and just collect the insurance on them. Without some fresh ideas that aren’t “quick fixes” we can see more funding being dumped into these companies with little to no regulation on fiscal responsibilities and continue to see stock prices hovering around the dollar mark.
On a lighter note, Citigroup has had a hard run for its money. Personally, I’ve always been a fan of Citigroup, but its harder now than ever to wave that flag proudly. Once a dominant figure in the banking industry, it has had the hardest time keeping it head above water in recent years; thanks to none other than ousted former CEO Chuck Prince for the majority of the trouble this group is trying to recover from. However, recent news has shown that Citigroup (C) is looking to spin off one of its only self supporting acquisitions, Primerica (their financial services marketing arm), into an IPO to raise some much needed cash to help keep them afloat along with their remaining shares in Smith Barney which is slated to be sold to Morgan Stanley (MS) who currently owns the other half of that endeavor. These moves are bittersweet to investors as they are simple signs that this company is serious to getting back on track, but yet…. the company is selling off its “ace in the whole”. What’s left for this company to sell off? They have sold off much of their credit card assets and their commodities arm which were there other big money makers. At this point, this IPO is one of their last few opportunities to pull themselves out from the train wreck they are under.
The Zagan Award for Best Hosting Company (Session 1)
As a business owner, one thing is pretty much an absolute. You need a website.
Well, who do you go with? What is a good deal vs. a not so good deal? Over the next few posts, we are going to review over 44 different companies in a sort of competition of sorts. It’s going to be a challenge to these providers to show us what they have to offer standing side my side to others in the same market. Please keep in mind that this investigation has taken countless hours and countless cups of coffee to complete as a service that we at Zagan Consulting do solely for you, our customers.
We will be judging the merits of each company based on price vs. product and overall feel of the company based on marketing material and website. Also, we will look past the “specials” and see just what you are in for as a customer of each one of these services. Just because the initial price is right, doesn’t mean it will always be right for you and your business.
So let’s begin.
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Session 1 – Round 1
Vs.
Surftown (Disqualified)
Vs.
Vs.
JustHost
I have to say is one of the best I have come across. Zagan Consulting is housed with them as is many other sites I have worked on. While trying to be objective, I have to vouch for them in so much as their customer service is nothing short of the best.
Price: $3.95/month (36 month purchase) or $7.95/month to month
Disk Space: unlimited
24/7 Support: Yes
Hosted Domains: unlimited
Email Accounts : unlimited
Bandwidth Allowance : unlimited
Money Back Guarantee: Anytime
CGI, Ruby (RoR), Perl, PHP, MySQL: unlimited
Free Site Builder: Yes
SQL Databases: unlimited
This is what I love to see. No limits to anything and for a really cheap price. No wonder they are so highly rated.
Hint: (As of 10/15/2009: If you go to the purchase screen and enter a domain name, it will take you to the next screen where you enter to pay. If you exit out of that screen, a popup will let you know you are being offered an additional 50% off hosting.)
Surftown (Disqualified)
I really wanted to include these guys in this because I think this Swedish company has a good product and could expand into North America better if they would just talk to more people like me. Their loss.
FatCow
I love the concept and the ease of use. I see the website and I fall in love with the creative minds behind this product. Also, its powered 100% by wind power so it is green friendly. Everything about the site is a-moooooo-zing (sorry, had to do it).
Even the service they are selling for $66/yr… $5.50/m (no “special” plans or anything… a few upgrades available) seems to be pretty outstanding for price of a 12 month plan. A future contender to the big boys of web hosting.
Price: $5.50/month (12 month purchase) ($66/yr)
Disk Space: unlimited
24/7 Support: Yes
Hosted Domains: unlimited
Email Accounts : unlimited
Bandwidth Allowance : unlimited
Money Back Guarantee: 30 days
CGI, Ruby (RoR), Perl, PHP, MySQL: PHP, Python, CGI
Free Site Builder: Yes
SQL Databases: unlimited
StartLogic
I laughed when I started looking at this site. Not the kind of laugh that is positive and full of happy thoughts either.
Rule #1- If you are in the IT world, it’s a pretty good idea not to have a picture of your employees on the front page of your site. Computer/ technology “geeks” aren’t usually know for their “appealing” nature. I could go on for days… but I won’t and I will get back to the reviewing of it.
The cheapest package is similar in price to the others. That’s about it. As I read through what they offered, I struggled not to just navigate away from this page. Not only do they offer less of about almost everything… THEY CHARGE FOR THE DOMAIN NAME and $30 for set up as well. Typically companies include this into the price you pay for the service.
I’ll list what they offer here in case you are curious about what they actually offer, but don’t bother with ordering. You can do much better. As a matter of fact, I’m putting this company on the list for the Most Shameful award. StartLogic, be ashamed.
Price: $4.95/month (12 month purchase)
Disk Space: 60 gigs
24/7 Support: ?
Hosted Domains: 10
Email Accounts : unlimited
Bandwidth Allowance : 600
Money Back Guarantee: 30 days
CGI, Ruby (RoR), Perl, PHP, MySQL: PHP, Perl, CGI, MySql
Free Site Builder: Yes
SQL Databases: 1 (yes… 1… 1… pathetic)
VERDICT:
JustHost is the winner of this round, barely beating Fat Cow. Just Host has a lot more options for the price; however Fatcow is technically cheaper based on 12 month terms and is also a Green friendly company, which is included in the lower price. Justhost wins this round, but Fatcow has clinched a wildcard spot in the competition.
Earnings season
As we trudge our way through the final quarter of 2009, the eyes of many will be drawn to the markets, as though an economic version of a continual Groundhog Day, for some foresight into the future of the global economy and an end to the ever present downturn.
As the S&P 500 moves up in a gradual crawl from the grave, your average everyday investor can look at this index as a general indicator of our economy. Even gauging by the S&P’s numbers at this time last year, we can not deny that there is more investor confidence now than before. Of course, as we enter the last quarter of 2009, we have to also give the markets some breathing room due to the change in power in Washington; causing more industries to grow, but equally shrink as well.
As the nation picks up the pieces of a fallen economy, we can see that this new “change” is going to bring about hard times for some industries. Managed Health Insurance industry and their heavy hitters like WLP (Wellpoint) and UNH (United HealthGroup) may take a severe beating if the pending legislation passes against their favor. We most likely will see a small version of fall out in this industry, with the big fish acquiring as much market share as possible by buying up small firms. With UNH’s overly mediocre stock prices steadily hovering at about 1/3 of what it used to be and with its current management at the helm, prepare for new announcements. This industry is hurting badly if 9 out of top 10 best companies all show red for change between September to October, so be prepared. Who knows? Maybe even something as brilliant as…. United CigWellTena…. All in hopes to stay alive if this legislation passes.
As the ebb and flow continues in our economy, so will the bulls and the bears. While there may be some gradual rise, don’t expect for anything to be a “sure thing” as the bigger companies finish up their plans for next fiscal year.
For this quarter though, expect:
- low retail reports for the holiday season amid high unemployment
- travel to begin to increase, raising airline stocks
- home improvement industry stocks to begin to rise with the recent surge in foreclosure purchases
- consolidation and/or M&A of many firms in troubled industries in order to stay alive
- credit cards and banks to have mediocre (at best) profits as consumers pay off debt in mass quantity
http://community.tradeking.com/members/bigdog/blogs/44139-earnings-up-or-down