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By Kelly O’Brien Want to know what the highest-impact, lowest-cost tool is in your marketing toolkit? First, here are ten reasons to start using this tool right away: 1. It wont get tossed out with the rest of the junk mail. 2. It builds a genuine bond with the recipient. 3. Its personal, a 1:1 marketing touch, and customized. 4. It costs less than 40 cents. 5. It takes less than 10 minutes to do. 6. It requires no expensive investment. 7. Its low-tech, but high-touch. 8. Its a great way to turn downtime and waiting into productive marketing time. 9. Its rarely used and sets you apart from the crowd. 10. It gets a higher response than any other marketing tactic you could use. What is this amazing tool? A thank you note. Okay, waitbefore you roll your eyes and stop reading, take a quick look at happens when you use this one simple tool: Thank you for your note. Ive never been so impressed. It made me stop and send this email to you. When can we meet? Id like to say thank you for the note. Really nice touchyouve made an impression. Yeah, Id definitely like to talk more. Thank you for the personalized note. It is a very nice touch and will motivate me to think more about the marketing skills you taught me in your class. I will do my best to inform my management and colleagues about the value of your class and the services offered by TurningPointe Marketing. Thanks for the nice card! I pinned it up in my office as it made my day! I cant tell you the number of times Ive walked into a prospect or clients office and my note is propped on their desk or pinned to the bulletin board. Can you say the same of your marketing materials? Heres when I send a handwritten note. Im sure you can think of more opportunities, as well: 1. After a meeting to thank a prospect. 2. After a networking event, particularly to people with whom you had a genuinely good conversation. 3. When you earn new business. 4. When a client recommits to you by giving you more business. 5. When someone gives you a referral (whether it pans out or not). 6. When someone consistently gives you repeated referrals. Often, I send more than a note: anything from a $5 gift card to a high-end basket of their favorite goodies or tickets to an event should accompany a note when theyre been really good to you. 7. After you give a talk. I know its daunting, especially if your audience climbs above 30. But the payback is amazing. There are ways to systematize this, so that you dont have to hand-write every single note yourself. Send me an email, and Ill let you in on my secret process. Also, send a note to your sponsor, host, other speakers, and any co-panelists. 8. If youre new to a committee or board or welcoming someone new to yours send a note to each member. 9. After a kick-off meeting, retreat, or visit with a new client to everyone that was at the meeting, if possible. I also like to send thank-yous to key support staff that were involved (i.e., meeting planners, secretaries, A/V technicians, vendors, etc.). 10. When youve ended with a client. For tips on how to give thanks, keep reading 1. Above all, be genuine. If you dont feel grateful or dont mean what you write, dont bother. Youll resent it, wont make it a habit, and the recipient will know its hollow. 2. Do them immediately (i.e., the next day). Ive found that if I dont, chances are I wont later. This is more about discipline than it is about creativity or a big marketing budget. 3. Make them a habit. On average, I do three notes every morning before I turn to other priorities. In less than a half hour, I start every day off with a high-impact marketing action. 4. Use a professional note card I find that a 4 x 5 folded card is perfect. Mine are an exact replica of my business card, which creates a consistent identity after someone has received my business card at, say, a networking event. I slip them into sheer envelopes and include another business card, for a low-cost marketing piece. Before I had them, though, I used small note cards in my company colors dont let the lack of the perfect stationary keep you from starting now. 5. Hand-write them! This is about relationship building. A short note written by hand (even in sloppy hand writing) has a much more meaningful impact than a sterile letter with a (heaven forbid!) stamped signature. Nobody is too important or too busy to write a quick note. Many a U.S. President has hand-written-noted his way to the top. If they can do it, so can you. The real key to this strategy? Being grateful. I dont take any of my clients, prospects, and valued contacts for granted and want them to know it. By expressing my gratitude in writing, its a great mindset to start the day. TurningPointe Marketing, Inc. All rights reserved. Marketing educator, Kelly O’Brien, is creator of the Create a TurningPointe! Marketing BootCamp and Advanced Marketing Clinic. To learn more about these step-by-step programs, get her FREE 20-page Marketing Guide and more how-to articles, visit http://www.TurningPointeMarketing.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kelly_O’Brien http://EzineArticles.com/?How-Gratitude-Works&id=40354 sl 0 keywords cash advance payday loans online paycheck exemptions list of states 72 hour paycheck laws payday loans in minutes

By Joanne Reid Once upon a time, I fretted about going to a family wedding because I was gasp 142 pounds. I am five foot three. The ideal weight for me was 115 pounds using that old rule of thumb for women 100 pounds for the first five feet and then five pounds per inch after that. I think I was a size 11. I still remember the dress I wore. Red and white squares in a very 70s pattern. Just past the flower child stage and slightly reminiscent of the art deco style. I was almost sick at the thought of going to the wedding looking like a whale. Ha ha ha ha. If I knew then what I know now, it would have been sheer joy. Today, my goal is to get down to 150 pounds. I really chunked up in my thirties and decried the paternalistic pressures to be thin. I embraced my voluptuousness. I was healthy. What more did I want? Well, I can tell you now what more I could have wanted? I could have wanted the kind of sense of self that would allow me to say to the men I met, hey, just because I am fat does not mean I am willing to settle for second best. I could have wanted to believe my own b.s. about my size. I could have wanted my blood pressure to remain low. I could have wanted to be taken seriously when I went into the bosss office to say I had a problem with a co-worker. (It was really bad and I had to say something. She was and is a very slender and attractive woman and that was the issue as far as the boss was concerned. The real issue was something else entirely but as I stood there, I saw myself as my boss saw me. Wake up call!! Woo hoo. Reality calling Joanne. A long time ago, ironically, I studied nutrition at university. Right up to the point of taking chemistry courses to understand it. I should have studied psychology as well. I know the facts of life. Garbage in big fat bum. The one thing I did do right is know that just because I am plus size, I need to wear pretty things. Still I have trouble finding pants that fit. Short legs, wide hips. Ha. Wide, did I say? Well. I was visiting this buddy of mine who is a creative genius with the sewing machine and asked him to measure me up for pants. Hips? Fifty-four inches. And I was mortified at the size 11 dress I wore to that wedding so long ago. Where did I go wrong? I intellectualized myself into all kinds of nonsense so I have begun to intellectualize myself out of the same nonsense. I have tried so many diets over the years, I consider myself just about an expert in what works and why. Over at my Chaos Queen site, http://chaosqueen.biz, I share my best research with you, along with some ways to look gorgeous while you work your way into fine shape. Joanne Reids reviews of the best and worst diets can be read at http://chaosqueen.biz. Its her opinion that as the Chaos Queen, everything is her business. Her sisters are too grown up now for her to boss around and for some reason, her friends have all taken assertiveness training and smile nicely when she offers advice on how they should run their lives. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joanne_Reid http://EzineArticles.com/?Tell-Me—Do-You-Really-Like-Being-Fat?&id=67440 tax limplications on hard money loan interest think cash loans convert microsoft money loan accouns to quicken direct lender payday loans

By Andrew Gee The following article is one of a series of articles which focus on Self Improvement, Motivation and Empowerment. It is based on research done over twenty years as a personal and business coach. This self improvement article was written in response to questions which have been asked on losing weight and long term weight loss as well as address common challenges that people have with this subject. I sincerely hope that you find the following information of value. 6 Rapid Weight Loss Techniques Other than physical appearance weight affects a person in many ways. This could be the overall quality of life, self-esteem, depression, health risks, and physical incapabilities. There are a lot of positive changes once a person experience weight loss. It is for this reason why a lot of people are searching for a weight loss technique that will surely trim down those fats and get a super slim head turning body. The first thing that an over-weight person should do is seek a doctor to recommend the best weight loss regimen. This will be done after a full physical examination, which leads to the determination of proper weight loss technique. And to lose weight fast and effectively four aspects of life should be changed: what to eat, how to eat, behavior and activity level. ========SIDEBAR======== When it comes to the subject of self improvement, I fully understand (through my own experiences) that it is a lot easier said than done. However, you are here, right now, because you have a desire to improve your self or you are at least interested in this subject. Perhaps you are reading this to help a friend or colleague - great. If this article helps you or you help a friend, paying it forward is what lif’e all about so we all win. ======END SIDEBAR====== Here are fast tips that can change an over-weight’s life: First: Fast weight loss composes of a multi-faceted technique that consists mindset, exercise, and in other cases, diet supplements. Begin by learning a diet food plan that can easily be accustomed with. Incorporate an exercise plan that allows even at least fifteen minutes a day like brisk walking, running, swimming, and dancing. Second: Set realistic approaches. The ability to focus and have proper mindset enables someone on a diet to quickly lose those extra pounds. With discipline and proper mind set, a dieter will never be discouraged and lose focus. Third: Listen as the body speaks. Each and everyone’s body metabolism reacts differently to different fast weight loss programs and plans. Try substituting one program for another to compensate the body’s reaction. Exercise program must be suitable to one’s body, as others are not able to exercise as rigorously as others can. If walking is all that can be done, then walk for this is proven the best exercise. Muscles burn more calories than fats so it’s also best to put on a little muscle and looking good too. Fourth: Eat more fibers for it makes a person full sooner and stays in the tummy longer, slowing down the rate of digestion. A single serving of whole grain bread moves fat through the digestive system faster. Grains turn into blood sugar that spikes the body’s insulin level. Thus, making the body more energized and ready to tell the body when it should stop burning fats or start storing. Fifth: Keep away from fried foods especially deep-fried as this contains a great amount of fat. Although fish and chicken appear leaner than beef, this white meat can contain more fat than when a beef is fried. It is recommended for those on strict diet to opt for grilled food as this does not have or contain less amount of fat after the food is cooked. Sixth: Takes lots of fluid. Drinking at least six to eight glasses of water a day keeps the body refreshed. Since weight loss depends on how the body eliminates body wastes, the body must stay hydrated. All in all, discipline and consistency is still the best practice and the key to a rapid weight loss success. Light dieting, workout, and right amount of supplementation applied in a regular way everyday will result in faster weight loss than having a massive action only to be followed by a return to old habits as this would only lead to gaining more weight than when the weight loss plan has started. NOW is the time! O.K. you have read the article. Now is the time for action. Without action, this article adds no value whatsoever to your self improvement. But remember, without action, you cannot blame this self improvement article or any article for that matter. So, take action NOW. Even if only one piece of advice, one piece of information, one tip makes a difference, then the whole article has been worth it for all of us. NOW is the time! Be the person you want to be, you deserve it! Are you ready to drop those extra pounds you’ve been carrying around? You don’t need to jump on any current diet craze and you don’t need to start exercising for hours each day. Just use our 101 ‘Everyday’ Ways to Lose 10 Pounds or more and Keep it Off! Get Your 101 Weight Loss Tips Now Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Gee http://EzineArticles.com/?6-Rapid-Weight-Loss-Techniques&id=471569 blank paycheck department store paycheck payday loan bbb no credit check and sprint wireless

By Syed Waqar Ali Hi! (Salaam to You: Peace be Upon you) What a great greeting Muslims possess that whenever they meet one another, they greet peace and comfort to others. I am Syed Waqar from Pakistan. This is an article to open the eyes of unwise people (Christians, Jews or others) with the flashing and soothing light of Islam. You know, Christians are living with disillusions, and their faith is but wishful thinking. Judo-Christian claims are not supported by the reasonable arguments about their faiths. They talk like biased people who only know but to insist. Educated and broad-minded non-Muslims must go on thinking on the facts, which a practical life conveys. Just go through the facts what I am providing you with. First of all, I wish to draw your attention on the birth of Jesus Prophet (Which of course is a Prophet of Islam. (Read Jesus A Prophet of Islam), who was born without a father. You know very well (since you have at least a bit of common sense), what is called a son without father? I dont at all mean what is thought in this regard. We Muslims really love Jesus and respect him in a true manner what even Christians dont possess. But on the other hand, Muhammad Prophet came to the earth through the accurate natural order that no one can object His birth. So the atheists and seculars can object the birth of Jesus (PBUH) but they cant do it with Muhammad (PBUH) Secondly, would anyone tell me that did Jesus accomplish his goal of life (i. e. establishing the Kingdom of God)? No and not at all. He was crucified so cursedly according to Christian faith that He said to His Father Oh Father, why have You forsaken me? But our teachings tell us that a Prophet never complains since He is always a mercy for humanity. (Read Crucifixion or Crucifiction?) On the other hand, Muhammad (PBUH) completed the whole of His task within His life. It seems to be a pre-planned schedule of God Who took Him back after the last revelation i. e. Today, We have perfected Your religion and completed Our grace for You(in April 632 AD). Just three months later, Holy Prophet passed away to meet His Creator. In this regard, when we think, it seems quite clear that Christ (Yeshua or Massih) was in fact, Holy Prophet Muhammad. I dont claim it but Torah and Injeel claim this fact. So we can claim that our Holy Prophet set a Kingdom of God where no other than Allah was worshiped. But when Muslims left the teachings of Holy Prophet and followed the Western world, they met to their decline. Thirdly, Prophet of Christianity is not an historical personality, whereas Holy Prophet (Muhammad PBUH) has been approved as an historical personality even by Christian historians and authors. On the other hand, the Christians cant even prove it factually that there was a living Jesus in the world. I must add to make it clear that Im asking for historical presence and my readers very well know what does the word historical stand for? Christian apologists shouldnt try to prove Him a living Jesus who was crucified mythically. The charge of Jews also proves very sound-affecting when they say, if he were Christ, why had he been crucified in such a detestable manner? Lastly, we compare Bible and Quran (In the light of Science, Archaeology and Sociology). You know the language of Bible is Hebrew which is almost a dead language, whereas Qurans language is used by more than 1 billion people even today. The recitation of Quran is conducted daily by almost a billion people especially five times in a day while praying. What is Bible in contrast? Every Sunday, (which is a Pagan day Sun-Day, the birth day of Sun) Christians recite Bible. So, the bases of Christianity seem to be derived from Paganism. Historically, Bible is filled with blunders and archaeologically, it has been proved erred (Read Quran, Bible and Science by Morris Boscage) Further, I must approve my view from Torah: In Torah it is written about Amrafeel (A supposed king in the era of Ibrahim i. e. Prophet Abraham) that he fought a war with another contemporary king. But if we see archaeologically, we will find that Homoraby was the king ruling in the era of Abraham (21-20 century BC) and there is no such a person of the name of Amrafeel recorded throughout in the history. So the amendment of Torah has been proved (This is quoted from the Book of Genesis) . We Muslims dont ever say that Torah is a false book and it is not inspired from God, but we claim, which we derive from Quran that Torah along with Injeel has been amended. Quran on other hand is not so since it is unchanged even upto now. This fact of Quran being unchanged has been admitted by Mr.William Meur (An orientalist of 19th century.) who was famous for his anti-Islam activities. He said, I am amazed how a book could remain unchanged for 13 centuries? But this Quran has really no literal change. Quran even speaks about those people who were hidden to the writers of Bible. Naturally, due to their ignorance, the writers of Bible couldnt include such people whom they didnt know (And it is why that many of the writers of Bibles books were not messengers of God who could directly get inspiration from God). Quran says in one of its chapters i. e. Kaf, Our torment destroyed the nations of Noah And the People of Wells. You know sir, who these people were? These people are the forgotten people of a mighty civilization called Indus Valley Civilization (Situated in Pakistan). Our team of archaeologist has proved that in throughout the history, such great number of wells never existed except in Indus Valley. The excavations in this area unveiled that all of the characteristics quite suite them what Quran tells us. You can easily imagine that how superior Quran is in its truth of archaeology in order to be a Literal Word of God. Further argument in this regard can be observed in the historical perspective that Muhammad (PBUH) had never been able to visit India. He even never listened about it since this civilization was discovered in 1826 by British Army personnel Charles Mason. Now, it is my question to you, how was such a hidden event disclosed to Muhammad? Truly, it was Allah who revealed Quran with all facts on Muhammad. Do you know the name of Copper Nachos? I hope you know who charged the Bible to be wrong since Bible says, earth is stationary whereas he claimed earth to be moving. He was imprisoned by the contractors of Christianity in Padua, Italy. About the beginning of this Universe, Bible says that there was a Chaos (Book of Genesis). Just ponder upon the word and ask yourself that what does the word Chaos stand for? It means Disorder, so according to the Bible, there was something already existed, which was in disorder form and then God ordered it in the form of universe. In this way, in fact, Bible falsifies the omnipotence and ability of God being Creator. He is only the manager of this universe in the light of above narrated view. But on the other hand, What does Quran say about all of this. Why cant these deniers see that the Earth and Heavens were merged together in a minute cosmic egg. Thus, we burst them separate to form a new universe. (21:30) Al-Anbiya (The Prophets) Im sure that you very well know about the Big Bang theory of physics. It tells us that in beginning, universe was united in the form of a little egg of energy. Later, the event of big bang (great explosion) occurred. How beautifully Quran has uncovered the truth that science could know after 1300 years. Who told such miraculous scientific facts in 7th century AD to Muhammad (PBUH), Who was an illiterate person? This thing proves Quran to be from God as a Literal Word of God. One thing I must add here, Quran is very strong in its views upon biology and anatomy. No one could challenge them till today except those who misunderstood or mis-interpreted it. A Canadian doctor Mr. Keith L. Moore has admitted the anatomical truths by accepting Quran to be the literal Word of God. He even mentioned the truthful theory of Quran about the development of embryo in the preface of his book. Qurans word ALLAQ (Leech-like embryo) was a cause of special attention for him. He said in 1981, at Dammam Saudi Arabia; It has been a great pleasure for me to help clarify the statements in Quran about human development. It is clear to me that these statements must have come to Muhammad (PBUH) from God, because almost all of this knowledge was not discovered util many centuries later. This proves to me that Muhammad (PBUH) must have been a messenger of God. (Proof of this statement is a video tape namely, It Is the Truth, which can be taken from www.islam-guide.com ) Furthermore, the concept of God in Islam is very strong as well as doubtless as compared to the other divine beliefs. The basis of Islam is accepting God to be one from heart and approving it from tongue. He has no partner, son, and he is completely alone in His all of characteristics. Islamic God is not personified and even not exemplified in a human way. He is beyond our power of thinking and perception. On the other hand, the concepts of Christians and Jews about god are mythical and personified. Their God is more like a man. We Muslim worship the same god what they worship but He unveiled Himself on Muhammad (PBUH) with His very own name ALLAH. He chose ISLAM to be the last prophethood and religion. Most of the people cant understand the wisdom and the light of Quran due to the lack of their own wisdom. Secondly, most of the Western people always wear an optical of prejudice while viewing Islam. It must be taken off for righteous understanding. Quran is Mount Everest and Bible is a thumb. Quran is sun and Bible is moon. Christianity is a lantern and Islam is bright Sun. Thanks my dear for reading it and accepting the truth. Syed Waqas Syed Waqas Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Syed_Waqar_Ali http://EzineArticles.com/?ISLAM-and-CHRISTIANITY,-A-View-Through-Arguments&id=69453 payday loan cash advance bad credit auto loan bay area bad credit car loan hermiston low rate personal loans australia