How Does Your Website Make Me Feel?

When people think about the Internet, they think about technology. When people hear that I am a Website strategy expert, they see me as a "techy type".

But for me, the most intriguing aspect of your online business isn't about the technology. It's about human connections, and how you can create these in a virtual environment.

It's commonly understood that "people buy emotionally, not intellectually." Even when people think they're making a rational decision, powerful subconscious factors come into play. To sell effectively, we're told to anticipate our customers' needs, to demonstrate that we "feel their pain", and to respond to clues in their body language and tone of voice.

In the "real world" we do this very well. And we know that i View the rest of this article

Used Trade Show Booths Can Look New

Used trade show booths are usually a wise investment, and if this is your first trade show as an exhibitor then it is greatly recommended that you invest in a used trade show booth over a new and far more expensive booth as setting up professionally for a trade show will usually run into the thousands and used trade show booths should cut your costs in half while you learn the ropes of trade show marketing.
Most used trade show displays are well cared for and are in excellent condition, this is because they are very expensive and thus better cared for, and also because they are so rarely actually used that a five year old used trade show booth may have only been setup half a dozen times, the visual differences in quality between a used trade show exhibit and a ne View the rest of this article

Natural Wonders In Ocho Rios, Jamaica

An island nation, Jamaica offers a wealth of natural beauty. Ocho Rios, Jamaica, is home to some of the most well-known of the island’s natural wonders, including a glistening waterfall that attracts visitors from all over and the opportunity to swim with dolphins.
Dunn’s River Falls offers a hiking experience that allows even the decidedly non-athletic to enjoy a beautiful view of the 600 foot high waterfalls. However, while the 900 foot climb to the top may seem like a cake walk to the experienced hiker, for those not accustomed to activities, caution should be taken and children should be monitored carefully to avoid injury.
With that being said, however, the experience is one not to be missed. The views alone are worth the walk. There are areas at the bot View the rest of this article

Lowering Your Auto Insurance Costs

Vehicle insurance - a cost we all must bear if we want to drive. But you might be surprised at how varied the rates for car insurance can be in your area. Definitely shop around for your car insurance. Don’t just go with the first agent you speak with.
Now, thanks to the internet, you can shop around right from the comfort of home. Go ahead and get at least three price quotes from different kinds of insurance companies.
If you’re in the market for a new car, call to see how much it will cost to insure in the first place. Having a car alarm and other anti-theft devices can help lower your costs.
Always ask about discounts. Don’t be shy. Companies expect this!
What’s my cost if I have a $500 deductible? (Increasing your deductible from $200 to $500 coul View the rest of this article

4 Things You Shouldn't Do When You're Buying A Home

1. Don't Make a Major Purchase
You've just found out your credit is A+. That's great news,
because a new car would look fantastic in the driveway of your
new home. But hang on--if you are depending on a mortgage to
move in, you'd best wait until after closing to buy the car.
An increase in your debt to income ratio reduces the amount of
monthly income available for your mortgage payment. If you tack
on a higher car payment, the bank might decide you cannot afford
the home.
Using cash to purchase the car could also create a problem,
since banks consider cash reserves when approving your
mortgage. If you make a major purchase before closing, talk to
your loan officer before you do it.
2. Don't Change Jobs Unless It's View the rest of this article

School Choice Will Destroy The Public Schools? - Maybe That's A Good Thing

Public-school defenders often argue that school choice would
destroy the public schools. Almost 90 percent of children in
this country attend public schools. If we had vouchers, no
compulsory attendance laws, and an unregulated education free
market, millions of parents might transfer their children to
private schools. This would drain hundreds of millions of tax
dollars from public schools. Those children left behind in the
shriveled public schools would then get an even worse education
than they do now. Therefore, the argument goes, we have to fight
school choice to protect the public schools.
School authorities use the same argument against charter
schools. Charter schools are public schools controlled by
parent-teac View the rest of this article

Business Is No Guarantee Of Riches

Q: I'm thinking about starting a business since that seems to


be how most rich people get rich. I don't have any business


experience or much money, but I'm a fast learner and have lots


of energy. Any free advice?


Peter J.





A: I 'm full of free advice, Pete, and here's your dose of


complimentary wisdom: don't quit your day job.





No offense my energetic friend, but to consider starting a


business with no experience and no money is a little like


playing football with no playbook or pads. Your various body


parts will be pounded into the ground by better-equipped


players and you will lose the game.





Now let's address View the rest of this article

Dining On Bahamas? Harbour Island

Bahamas vacation destination Harbour Island offers a wide variety of cuisines and quality dining experiences. International, Bahamian, and American cuisines are readily available throughout the island.
Angela?s Starfish Restaurant offers both classic and unique native dishes, Bahamian cuisine and some American foods. The native dishes truly have that authentic quality, and many of the customers seen in eating in the restaurant are local people enjoying the classic favorites. Many of these are based on seafood of various types and cracked conch. The setting is simple, small tables on the lawn with folding chairs, and the food is delicious. Credit cards are not accepted, so you?ll need to remember to come prepared to pay cash. The restaurant is open every day, from View the rest of this article

Debt Settlement -- Why The Critics Are Wrong

After October 17, 2005, a lot of people are going to become interested in debt settlement as an alternative to bankruptcy. That's the date the new bankruptcy law goes into effect, and it means a rude awakening for many consumers seeking a fresh start in bankruptcy court.
It used to be that 7 out of 10 people filing personal bankruptcy were granted Chapter 7 status, where the unsecured debts are totally wiped away. That will change under the new rules. If your income is above the median for your state, or you can pay back at least $100 per month toward your debts, then you'll be turned down for Chapter 7. Instead, you'll be shifted into Chapter 13, where you pay back a portion of the debt over 3-5 years.
It gets worse. When the court calculates your allowable View the rest of this article

Poor Credit Car Loan - Get Approved Online

Poor credit doesn’t have to stop you from getting a car loan. In fact, car loans are one way of rebuilding your credit history. Online car loan lenders make the application process quick and easy, so you can buy your automobile the next day.
Poor Credit Car Loan Lenders
Car loan lenders make it their job to find you a loan. Whether you are just out of bankruptcy or simply have poor credit, they can find you a financing package through one of their lending partners.
Car loans for people with poor credit will have higher interest rates. However, after rebuilding your credit history, you can refinance your car loan in as little as a year’s time. Just make sure that your car loan does not charge a penalty fee for paying your loan off early.
Tips For Car L View the rest of this article

Designer Shoes For Fall 2005

If there's one thing that can't be denied it's the relationship between a woman and her shoes. For me the highlight of any new season is the shoes. For Fall 2005 the designers are offering shoes that range from classic styles like flats, mules, sling backs and Mary Jane's, to outrageous wedges and peep toe pumps on four inch heels. If you dare, some of these styles are available in dazzling colors, opulent fabrics and fun animal prints. There is something to please every shoe maven this Fall season.
Manolo Blahnik favors the use of animal prints such as zebra, leopard, cheetah, and black and white pony for his offering of pumps, sling backs and flats. A black suede mule is made even more frou-frou with a rabbit fur pom-pom. His salute to the Moroccan influenced s View the rest of this article

Apostrophe Usage Made Simple

Apostrophe Usage Made Simple


Copyright 2005, Michael LaRocca





According to one of my previous articles, whenever a Southerner


says "Y'all watch this," get out of the way because those are


probably the last words he will ever say.





Well, I'm a Southerner. I used to live in the southeastern


United States, but I moved to the southeast of China. And, I'm


about to say the magic words:





Y'all watch this.





The word is "week." If I want to talk about more than one week,


like what I wrote a few weeks ago, I'll use weeks. No apostrophe.


If I want to talk about something belonging to a week, such as


"last week's newslett View the rest of this article

Introduction To Credit Cards

It's hard to imagine doing business today without credit cards. If you are among the relatively few who do not own a credit card, the chances are good that you have a great deal of difficulty rent a car or reserving a hotel room. So, just what are these little plastic cards and how do they work? Let's start by explaining the basics.
What is a Credit Card?
The dictionary defines a credit card as
'A card which can be used to obtain cash, goods or services up to a stipulated credit limit. The supplier is later paid by the credit card company which in due course is reimbursed by the credit card holder who will be charged interest at the end of the credit period if money is still owing.'
In other words, whatever you charge to your credit account has to be View the rest of this article

How Would You Like To Look Sexy During Pregnancy On Your Photos

What is the most unforgettable moment of your life? Is pregnancy one of the things you could not forget? Most people feel so, and to keep it memorized they made some kind of scrapping book photos of pregnancy. They just don’t want to spend their nine months pregnancy time without taking photos.
Memorize everything through pictures or photos during pregnancy time are really a wonderful moment. Once you deliver your baby, your body will be going back to its normal size, and you will miss your big belly. Therefore, make picture of yourself during pregnancy is so exciting. You will be surprised that you have so wonderful body when pregnant.
The easiest way is to start right from the beginning. Prepare your camera, either manual or digital. Currently digital camer View the rest of this article

Is there Kentucky Fried Fuel in your Future?

Thanks to a weird marriage between the National Renderers Association, the people who turn animal fat into useful products, and the Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards , there is a possibility that your car could be burning chicken or other animal fat in the next few years.
That’s because these two agencies have been working together to advance the development of petroleum-based fuel alternatives known as “biofuels”. According to a jointly issued report, yellow grease, lard, recycled cooking fat, and other animal-derived products have been shown in tests to perform as an acceptable alternative to fossil fuels.
So far the fatty fuels have been tested in boilers, trucks, busses, and some automobiles. The results have b View the rest of this article

Is it Time to Make a Withdrawal from the Gas Bank?

Wouldn’t it be great if you could have predicted the ridiculous prices that gasoline would hit, and bought a bunch of it before prices went through the roof?
Actually, many people did just that and, no, they didn’t have big underground storage tanks in their back yards. These people joined a Gas Bank. “Eh, what’s that?” you ask. Gas Bank, Gas Tank, what’s the difference? You don’t deposit gas into a gas bank, you deposit money. Here’s how it all works….
Joining a Gas Bank is a lot liking trading on the commodities market. When you join, you pre-purchase a supply of gas at the then current price. You receive a stored-value card, which is somewhat like a debit card, that you use to turn the gas pumps on at the bank’s filling station.
Regardless of which way View the rest of this article

RSS Ego Searches

Ego searches are free and simple searches designed
to monitor blogs and news portals for mentions of
your company, product, competitors or other specific
keywords. Conducting ego searches not only allows
you to stay informed, but also allows you to maintain
a strategic advantage over competing companies.
A number of new Internet services are freely available
that make these 'ego searches' painless and easy.




Dyna View the rest of this article

Has Your Child Been Bitten By The Acting Bug?

You're youngster has been in several school plays and says she really want's to be an actress. She's talked you into it. She's taken acting classes, she has had the head shot taken, and has a resume, albeit a short one. Now here you are, at your first real audition. You both have that "deer in the headlights" look. How can you help her, and what should you expect?
Generally a preliminary audition is a time when the director, associate directors and casting people can see and hear the actors. Just seeing and hearing your child is an important first impression. Help keep your child calm and focused. If a child is uncomfortable and disagreeable and obviously not happy it's a big no-no, and a no-brainer that this child won't be called back.
Your child should have View the rest of this article

Alternative Baby Clothing

Whoever coined the phrase that there is nothing new under the sun was clearly not expecting to see the latest trend in clothing for infants and toddlers. The members of the punk rock generation of the ?80s are the parents of today and it seems that a good number of them chose to go the way of Peter Pan and simply refused to grow up. That is the only viable explanation for the aforementioned baby clothing trend: ?alternative? baby wear. Parents are now able to dress their little Joeys and Siouxsies in all manner of punk-rock and biker inspired clothing designed to make even the most anti-social and anarchistic parents say, ?Isn?t he a cute little punk??
Available at various specialty shops and a number of online retailers, these clothing items intended for infants View the rest of this article

Simple Car Maintenance Tips

You drive your car everyday. Do you pay attention to it? Do you feel that slight shimmy in the front end? Is there a new knocking sound under the hood? Is there a rattle in the dashboard? No one knows your car better than you do. If you feel something different, or if it isn't handling correctly take it to your mechanic. It could be something as simple as a tire out of alignment, or perhaps a loose belt. It's always best to find any small problem before it becomes a large one.
Here are some simple maintenance tips that you can follow to help prolong the life of your car, and help save you money.
Notice where you park your car and get into the habit of looking to see if there are any leaks when you pull out. This can be very tricky in a public garage with lots View the rest of this article