Categories:

A. Food

1. 1. Use expensive ingredients such as lobster and shrimp for hors d’oeuvres, rather than in the main course.
   2. How dinner is served affects the price. French service and regular plate service are the most expensive options. Offer family style dishes or a buffet style dinner to save on costs.
   3. Consider breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea or a cocktail party style reception. They are shorter in length and the fare is lighter and less expensive. With the exception of a cocktail reception, guests tend to drink less, earlier in the day.
   4. Ask your caterer for seasonal dishes. Ordering dishes that use ingredients which are in season not only will save you money, but also will be fresher and taste better too.
   5. Check with the caterer if there is a price guarantee. You want to make sure the price you sign today will not increase if the price of certain food items increases.
   6. Consider a signature drink or create a specialty drink(s) and serve that instead of having an open bar. The cost of having a full bar can be quite costly.
   7. Limit alcohol choices to wine and beer, both of which will satisfy most guests. Limit champagne to just the initial bride and groom toast.
   8. Instead of purchasing the wine through your reception hall or caterer, consider purchasing wine wholesale. Many companies will offer discounts when large quantities of cases are purchased. Some wines are available in magnum size, which lowers the cost of the wine per ounce. If you decide to purchase your own wine, discuss with the caterer how much their corkage fee is; but chances are even with the corkage fee, you’ll be paying much less than purchasing wine directly through your caterer.
   9. If your catering contract permits it, shop around for a local baker. Your caterer may charge a cake cutting charge this way, but you’re more likely to still spend less overall. If the caterer does not permit it, skip the extra desert option and only serve only coffee and cake for dessert.
   10. There are several options for saving on cake charges. You can order a small cake with an elaborate topper for the cake cutting and a second sheet cake that is cut in the kitchen for the guests. Or, only order enough cake for guests, with larger layers on bottom made of iced Styrofoam. (No one will know the difference, and you’ll have the tall cake for pictures!)

B. Flowers

1. 1. While most popular bridal flowers are available year round, some are seasonal. Talk with your florist on cost saving in-season options. It will be extremely expensive (and possibly quite difficult to find) if you require a flower arrangement that is not in season.
   2. Make your flowers do double duty. Design your ceremony pieces to also be used on the reception tables.
   3. Mix economical non-floral embellishments in with the flowers to fill out bouquets and centerpieces. Check with your florist as to what is available and will look best with your flowers.
   4. Think simple. If you want an elaborate bouquet, perhaps your bridesmaids can hold something simple – such as a single rose or a few Gerber daisies tied with a simple bow.
   5. Instead of floral arrangements on reception tables, group favors in a tower on the tables. With so many pretty favor packaging options available, you can surely design a centerpiece to remember.
   6. Single pillar candles or an arrangement of votives casts a calm, peaceful feeling on tables. Check with your reception hall first though – some ordinances do not allow burning candles for fire safety purposes.
   7. If you have a friend who has a flair for crafts and decorating, you can have them go to a local market the day of the wedding and hand select seasonal flowers and arrange them for you.
   8. If you are planning on using rose petals for your wedding, consider using freeze dried petals (they are the real thing) or high quality silk rose petals. Either of the two options will save you money – and will last longer than fresh rose petals. Both will save your from a possible slip and fall (real rose petals are slippery) and won’t stain.
   9. Don’t overlook floral standbys such as carnations and daises. They are available year round, are usually extremely affordable and when arranged in a group look beautiful.
   10. Flowering bulbs in a clear hurricane vase with stones in can provide for an elegant centerpiece. This is something you can do yourself with a bit of pre-planning

C. Ceremony

1. 1. Rather than hiring a band, harpist or string quartet to play at your ceremony, see if they allow pre-recorded music.
   2. Ceremony programs are not always needed, some couples do without.
   3. If you want to use a ceremony program, print your own or have a calligrapher just design the cover and print and attach the interior pages yourself.
   4. Check with the ceremony location as to what decorations (if any) they will have at the time of your wedding. Depending on the season and location – they may already have decorations in use (Such as a church during the Christmas season)
   5. Have your flower girl toss silk rose petals rather than the real thing. This will save on costs, be less slippery, and easier to clean up.
   6. Aisle or pew decorations aren’t necessary for the entire church or location - just use them to reserve seating for the most important guests in the front of the location.
   7. Ceremony location fee. If you’re not getting married in a traditional religious setting, shop around for prices. A backyard or park setting can be just as romantic and cost less.
   8. If you’re hiring an officiant, get several estimates. If you like one officiant in particular, see if you can negotiate prices.
   9. For your vows search around quotation and love poem sites to inspire you. Write your own vows rather than hiring someone to do so.
   10. See if your reception hall or area can accommodate a ceremony as well. You’ll save on transportation costs and decorations can be moved quickly and easily from the ceremony to reception site.

D. Music

1. 1. Rather than hiring separate musicians for the ceremony and reception, see if they can accommodate both.
   2. DJ’s can be less expensive than bands. You’ll be able to have different styles of music – something that some bands can’t duplicate quite like a DJ.
   3. Check out local cover bands. Although not your typical wedding band, cover bands usually do cover songs, and may perform just as well as a more expensive traditional wedding band.
   4. Look into local high school or college bands. You may be able to make a great find – both in price and in musical style.
   5. Look for DJs who are new to the market. Beginners usually are starting out with new equipment such as computers and digital music devices – which hold hundreds and thousands of songs. If they don’t have your songs, they can find them for you. Beginners will also offer better rates than more established DJ companies.
   6. Hold auditions – either pick from the lot, or have them bid on playing at your event.
   7. If your reception area has the capability – use their stereo. Many stereos these days will play through dozens of CD’s in a row so that the music lasts for hours. Make several CD’s of recorded music and just press “play”. An alternative is making play lists on a MP3 device and just plugging in the player to the sound device. However, this does require some maintenance during your reception, so make sure you designate someone to handle this task.
   8. Check local advertisements and back of bridal magazines. Some companies and bands offer discounts.
   9. Check with the reception location, some have DJs or bands that they work with and offer package deals.
   10. Referrals from friends and family. Perhaps you don’t personally know a band or DJ, but perhaps someone you know does. Ask around, you may get a referral and a friends and family price.

E. Transportation

1. 1. When hiring a Chicago limo company check local newspapers, and journals. Many companies offer discounts.
   2. Ask if they have any wedding packages. Many limo companies have standard packages that would include the limofor a set number of hours, red carpet service, champagne and/or beverages.
   3. Some companies may offer cheaper rates during off peak season and on Sundays. Chicago limo companies often can book all or most of their limos for Fridays and Saturday nights, and therefore may not offer discounted rates on those days.
   4. Skip the Bentley or Horse Drawn carriage. Sure they make be whimsical, but if you’re looking to cut costs, these are two things you can live without.
   5. If you’re looking to drink while being chauffeured to and from, see if you can bring your own liquor, champagne or wine. Purchasing through the limo company will more than likely be more expensive than bringing your own beverages.
   6. Use a personal car to get to and from the reception, and ask a friend to drive.
   7. Don’t purchase the limo for the entire day. Paying hourly rates to have a limo driver wait for hours not only is expensive – but also is a waste of your bridal budget. Hire them to take you to the ceremony, bring you to the photo shoot location, and drop you off at reception. If needed, you can hire them to pick you up after the reception in a plain black car.
   8. Before signing with a company, check the contract for their overtime rates. Make sure you stick within the time frame purchased; even 15 minutes of overtime can be costly.
   9. If you find a great price with a company who is a bit out of your area, before signing a contract with them make sure they will not charge extra for drive time to get to and from your event.
   10. Decide upon what type of limo will suit your wedding without going overboard. If you can go with a smaller limo rather than a larger stretch do so. Or it could be cheaper to fit everyone in a larger bus than renting several smaller limos.

F. Dress / Accessories / Attire

1. 1. Borrow accessories from friends and family. This can provide your “something borrowed”
   2. Look for your dress at designer sales, trunk shows and outlets. Checking out chain stores, vintage shops, consignment stores and sample sales may also provide you with an inexpensive solution.
   3. Consider wearing your mother’s gown. The costs of cleaning and alterations will be much cheaper than purchasing a new one.
   4. Accessory and comparison-shop online. Chances are you’ll snag a good deal.
   5. Consider tux rental centers which offer tuxes for free when you rent “x” number of tuxes.
   6. Unless you plan on showing your feet, consider a simple comfortable style under your dress. No one is going to take much notice to your heels when he slips the garter off.
   7. If your wedding isn’t too formal consider bridesmaid dresses or evening gowns.
   8. If you have a design in mind, a local dressmaker can often design something similar to fit your body perfectly without the expensive designer label.
   9. If your budget is for $2,000 then you will want to look at gowns in the price of $1,000 to $1,200. You’ll need the extra money for the rest of your ensemble and alterations, which can be quite costly.
   10. Replica jewelry can look authentic without the costly price tag.

G. Favors / Gifts

1. 1. Homemade favors can be just as appealing as store bought favors. Think candies, chocolates, soaps and candles.
   2. Comparison shop online. If you see a favor or gift in a store, browse online for the item – with so many retailers out there, you may find a better price.
   3. Ask a talented friend to make cookies or other edible favors and treats. Cookies should be baked within a week of serving, so if you choose this route, don’t make them yourself, chances are you won’t have the time to do so right before your big day.
   4. Purchase favors that came out the year before. Sure you may have seen that bottle stopper before, but last year’s designs may be only slightly different than the same favor in a different style package marketed as “new for the season”. Prices usually drop on older favors as newer styles are released.
   5. Skip the fancy packaging. Wrap your favors or gifts simply and elegantly with tulle, organza, or white on white gift-wrap.
   6. Choose wedding party gifts in bulk. Perhaps you can get the same engraved picture frames for the entire party with a bulk discount.
   7. Look for closeouts and or shop in outlets. If you’re thinking of giving an item such as Mikasa crystal, see if there is an outlet store in your area.
   8. Rather than giving one favor per guest, consider one favor per couple. However, if the favor you are considering is sold as a “set”, such as coasters, give one set per couple. Set items should never be split to save on costs; after all, you wouldn’t go into a store and buy just one salt shaker or one coaster for yourself.
   9. Limit the bridal party. The more attendants you have the more bridal party gifts you’ll need to buy.
   10. Scout out free shipping, low price guarantees, discounts and coupons.

H. Invitations / Stationary

1. 1. Although the invitations are the first thing your guests see, they are probably the last thing they remember. Although the invitations should look and feel nice, they need not cost a fortune.
   2. Look into print your own invitations. Many companies sell complete “do it yourself” invitation kits at a fraction of the cost.
   3. Go with Thermography style ink if you’re getting your invitations professionally printed – it is a cost effective and very popular alternative. Skip on the engraving.
   4. Some couples skip on the reply envelopes – saving both on postage and invitation costs. Rather request your guests to RSVP on line, by email or by phone.
   5. Skip the save the date cards. Although quite popular these days, it is just an added expense. Instead set up a free wedding website online and announce to your friends and relatives the date.
   6. Cut your guest list. This will save in many areas – from caterers, to favors to invitation costs. Instead of inviting all of your co-workers, neighbors and children – just invite those who mean the most to you.
   7. In this digital age, most people are online. Skip the invitations all together and create an e-card.
   8. Perhaps you or a friend are scrapbook enthusiasts – design and make your own invitations. You’re guests will receive a one-of-a-kind invite.
   9. Browse online – many stores work with the same printing vendors – and some are competitively priced – often saving you 25% or more off of retail pricing.
   10. Postcard invitations are a unique way to invite guests to a destination wedding. On the front, a beautiful beach photo, on the back, the wedding details. Have them RSVP online or email. You’ll save on printing and postage costs as postcards cost less than an envelope to mail.
   11. Colored ink and lined envelopes can add significantly to your invitation budget. Black ink on a simple white or cream invitation can look simple, elegant and classy.

I. Photography / Videography

1. 1. Hire a videographer to work just from the ceremony through the first dance rather than for the entire wedding.
   2. Place disposable wedding cameras on your reception tables rather than having the photographer take pictures at every table.
   3. Consider hiring a photographer who is in their last year in art school or has recently graduated.
   4. Some companies offer both photography and videography as a complete package. A package deal may save you money rather than hiring two separate companies.
   5. Lose the prints and go digital. Printing proofs costs money – having your photographer make your proofs available digitally, may save money
   6. Go to a portrait studio to have your engagement photos taken. Some major department stores offer photography service, and usually offer coupons or package deals.
   7. Reduce the number of hours you hire the photographer for. Instead of having them run after you while you get your hair and nails done, have one of your bridesmaids do it instead.
   8. Assemble your own wedding album. Depending on the photographer and number of pictures taken you can save hundreds by putting together your own albums.
   9. Choose a photography package rather than purchasing pictures separately. If something is included that you don’t necessarily want, see if you can trade it for something else.
   10. If you have a trusted friend or relative who is good at video editing software and knows how to use a camcorder, think about letting them take charge of the wedding video

J. General Planning Tips

1. 1. Fridays, Sundays and weeknights are the cheapest for most services. Plan your wedding on those days if possible. Winter weddings are cheaper than summer ones.
   2. Negotiate, negotiate, negotiate. When you find the service or vendor you want, negotiate the best possible price.
   3. Prioritize aspects of the wedding that are most important to you. By compromising in some areas, you can afford to splurge on others.
   4. Pay costs with a credit card that earns rewards or frequent flyer miles. Just be sure to pay off the bill in full each month it comes in. You may earn your honeymoon flight, and maybe even the hotel room, just by using your credit cards for your wedding expenses.
   5. Think out of the box. Perhaps your wedding can be held in a non-traditional setting. Try to think of places that are different but meaningful to you. Gardens, museums, parks, the zoo, the planetarium, aquariums, an amusement park, a 50’s style retro restaurant, even a friend’s large backyard could be a potential sites.
   6. In some states, for a small fee, a person can become a wedding officant. Look into your individual state rules.
   7. Be realistic when planning a budget. If you aren’t receiving financial assistance from your family for your wedding, look to the future as well. Is a down payment for a house more important? Is paying off a large wedding debt for several years ok with both you and your fiancé?
   8. Make a list of all the things you, family, or friends can do or make yourselves. Perhaps much of the wedding can be prepared without enlisting the help of a professional.
   9. If your wedding is a year or more ahead, start purchasing items as you have extra cash to splurge.
   10. If you’re planning on a winter wedding, purchase your accessories and other items the end of the winter season the year before your wedding. Wedding vendors will be looking to make way for the new season’s items, and you’ll save some cash.
   11. Plan early, make lists, and keep good records. By writing everything down, you’ll know exactly how much you have spent, and how much you still need.

Subject: Fwd: U.S. Rep. Mark Schauer sent a letter to Vice President Joe Biden

From: “Terry ” <nnnnnnnnnn@globalhardwarestore.net>
Date: July 1, 2010 8:27:04 PM EDT
To: <nnnnnnnnn@gmail.com>
Subject: FW: RE: U.S. Rep. Mark Schauer sent a letter to Vice President Joe Biden

From: Terry [mailto:nnnnnnnnnnnnnn@globalhardwarestore.net]
Sent: Wednesday, June 30, 2010 2:58 PM
To: ‘nnnnnnnnnnn@citpat.com
Subject: RE: U.S. Rep. Mark Schauer sent a letter to Vice President Joe Biden ‘

Hi Chris,

I came across your article about Rep Mark Schauer’s letter to Senator Biden (companies miss marking “Made in USA” on their products).  I wanted to write and give you a little more insight and clarification into this.  First of all, the company Full Spectrum Solutions is absolutely no different than any of the other companies listed in your article.  They are not a full vertically integrated US based manufacturer.  In fact there is not one in all of the USA.  All US based manufacturers purchase many different components overseas and then finish their assembly in the US.  I have included import records of Full Spectrum Solutions for your viewing (Which are public record).  All of the companies you listed (except Neptun Light), including Full Spectrum Solutions purchase their energy efficient induction components from the same supplier in China (FUJIAN JUAN KUANG YAMING ELECTRIC).   

Neptun Light is a US based company that operates their own factory in China and produces their own induction products.  They then assemble the finished product in the USA.  They are by far the leader in the induction component industry and hold many US patents (Available on the USPTO).

How do I know this?  Our company has been manufacturing complete lighting fixtures and components for many large US based OEM manufacturers such as General Electric, Philips, Hubbell as well as the Department of Defense, NASA and many other entities for 20 years.  We operate 3 US based production facilities in the USA including one in Tupelo MS.  We also operate 4 factories in Ningbo China to produce diecast and injection mold components which are then used to fully assemble lighting fixtures here in the USA.  “Made in America” has been “Marketed in America” for years, not only for lighting components but for every other major electrical industry as well.  There are still jobs being created and in reality there is miss perception for this industry that jobs have been lost to China.  Many of the component products for lighting coming from China are produced from high end automation not physical labor (at least in our facilities).  This is nothing new and has been this way for over 25 years for these products coming from China or Mexico.  There are few jobs being lost and if anyone in the US senate believes there would be opportunity for a fully vertically integrated lighting manufacturer in the USA then call me.  I have spent 26 out of my 44 years walking this planet in the lighting industry.  I tried in vain years ago to get federal and state government to purchase more of our products, using almost all US components.  The federal and state governments are clueless in their purchasing of energy efficient lighting products.  We have been a vendor of the federal government for years and solicited every branch about our products over and over to no avail.  We do not want stimulus money or any handouts from this, yet we can offer federal and state governments new technology at a fraction of what is available to them from any other source.  We have full scale operations with over 1800 different products, a multi-million dollar UL file, all other certifications and are ISO9002 compliant. 

For example, right in our own backyard is the Fort Lewis Army base whom we have solicited many times.   Recently we sold an abundance of LED lighting fixtures to another lighting manufacture in California (Private label).  They sold the product to a distributor in Seattle who sold it to a contractor who sold it to the government.  The government paid 50% more than what they should have if they had bought from us.

The real scams sucking federal funds are coming from companies such as the one below (NCS Power) claiming they have new technologies.  Washington State governor Christina Gregoire received 20 million dollars in Fiscal 2009 for green projects and allotted 3 million to a Vancouver Washington based company NCS Power.  They claimed that they would be creating 240 new jobs in Clark County Washington to research and produce LED roadway fixtures.  We currently produce the best one on the market and private label it for the largest publically held lighting company in the world.  NCS Power has a handful of employees working in a small business park .  There is nothing wrong with that, just do not solicit federal funds with false pretenses.  It would take a company approximately 75 million dollars to setup a full scale operation to produce what they claim they can on their application.  UL testing, tooling and engineering alone would eclipse the 3 million dollars they were awarded.  They also have no revenue stream as approvals from the Department of Transportation would take moths if not years.  Do you think the DOT would buy from Philips, GE or a startup that might not be around in a few short years?  Of course here it is a year later and this company has yet to produce a job in Clark County Washington and then they went to middle TN and claimed to a local senator that they would be bringing 2000 jobs there as well.  Please view the news clip below.  Tennessee is so clueless that they even though NCS Power was based in Vancouver Canada.

Hundreds Of New Jobs Coming To Mid-State

Sorry to be long winded but the company Full Spectrum Solutions is not losing money to the companies listed in your article other than from fair business practices.  They are barking up the wrong tree. 

If you need or want import records on any US based company, let me know.  There is not a major component for lighting made in the USA.  Just because it says GE, Philips, Osram or whomever, does not mean it is “Made in America”.

 or white

Many people often worry about the service they get when hiring a Chicago wedding limousine and you will find that unlike other limo companies you can get your car fast and easy by calling the local Chicago wedding limousine company and often they will provide full transportation to and from wedding events of all types prior to dinner and even are receptions.

IF you or someone you know is considering all the benefits of a Chicago wedding limousine why not get yourself as many as you can today and you will get to your destination even faster because its all about you and your guests getting to the church on time!

The woman in this video was given the job because she is a kiss up. Of course she has no idea.

We can only hope that when things get bad enough, good people will finally run for national office and win.

When the only choice we have is between people like Obama and McCain, there is no way to do other than lose.

If people think the economy is coming back, somebody should tell the railroads who continue to report poor traffic. Store sales also continue to fall.

I hope you people are surely happy with what you are doing to me and my customers who cannot reach me.

I would like to thank you all for blocking my account - I lost my first customer today. he had a problem yesterday, could not reach me and hey, what do you know - he went elsewhere.

I will surely describe this in my blog and I hope you people are happy with your f… protection of YOUR business from “Fraudulent” people like me.

The best thing is that I paid for your services in full, I have a subscription, that was paid, I have a phone number, that I rely upon, that I paid and still have 2 days that you, people are stealing from me. All pre-paid, and all of a sudden you call me “Fraud” and block me from using my pre-paid services.

I thank you all for your hard work in driving me mad and I wish you all a successful and fruitful day in blocking other’s accounts.

But if you think your mistake can be corrected - Please DO THAT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE until you did more damage to my business and reputation.

Please be advised that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has
instituted new rules and procedures that require airlines to present to the TSA
certain specific identity information for all passengers. The TSA has branded
these new requirements TSA SECURE FLIGHT, which goes into effect on May 15,
2009. The purpose of this program is for the US government to pre-screen airline
passengers against its No Fly list 72 hours prior to boarding.

On May 15th, airlines will be required to provide the full name of each
passenger to the TSA. Your name, as it appears on your reservation, must match
EXACTLY the ID you will be presenting at time of check-in. If your ID contains
your middle initial or name, your reservation must also reflect that
information. This only applies to reservations made on or after May 15th.

As the name in your Frequent Flyer account must also match your reservation
name to get flight credit from the airlines, you may need to contact the airline
and have your account name changed to match the ID you will be using.

On August 15th, the airlines will be required to provide the TSA with your date
of birth and gender for all domestic flights. Your travel agencies will start
collecting this information as soon as possible so that there will be no rush
when this rule goes into effect.  Please be advised that you may decline to give
me this information, but such refusal will cause check-in delays, additional
airport screening by the TSA,  and even possible denied boarding.

On October 31st, the airlines will be required to provide the TSA with your
date of birth and gender for all international flights, entering or leaving the
US. Please be advised that you may decline to give me this information, but
again refusal will cause check-in delays, additional airport screening by the
TSA, and even possible denied boarding.

In an effort to avoid unnecessary delays at check-in, please submit the
required information to your travel agency in advance of these deadlines. You
should either submit a new traveler’s profile or send them an e-mail with
the following information:

- EXACTLY how your name appears on both your domestic and international form of
ID - driver’s license, passport, etc . (If your name appears differently on
each form of ID, it may be best to be consistent and use your passport for all
travel both to insure mileage credit for your frequent flyer accounts AND to
avoid potential mishaps.)

- your date of birth

- your gender

- your passport number, country of issuance, nationality and expiration date

If you have questions about the TSA Secure Flight Program, please click on the
following link to connect directly to the TSA website
http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/layers/secureflight/index.shtm

If you do your own bookings for flights, the rules will still apply; you’ll
be responsible for assuring your own complicance.

“Of the small businesses that fail, over 91 by following the right advice, from the right people, right from the very beginning.

My research in the “make money online” to Work at Home field I found the following facts:

Federal Trade Commission - Consumer Protection, Facts for Consumers. In digging around their site I found a very frightening statistic “over 83.8 “good ones”. Granted that is still a lot. The really good ones are out there but, you must be able to recognize the difference between the The Good, The Bad, and well,..The Really Ugly Scammers.

1. Don’t be an “opportunity seeker” avoid and resist all those “Make money on the Internet…blah, blah, blah” and “Work at home jobs” “MLM” and thousands more scams and gimmicks. Many are professionally written sales pages, and “sound” irresistible, they are only out to get your money. RESIST AND IGNORE.

Follow only quality proven advice from proven, Gurus’ professional Mentoring Programs.

1. Do a lot of keyword research before you jump in and start building a website. Find out if there is even enough interest/traffic to justify promoting your selected Niche. 3,000+ searches per month minimum to be profitable. If not, find another Niche.

2. Select a keyword rich 2-3-4 word domain name before you title/name your site, not the other way around. Match your Title to your domain name with high count keywords. Use a quality hosting company, not just the cheapest.

3. Build a detailed step by step, yet simple, Business Plan that will work for you and your niche, then follow it! Basic Plans are available for free, that you can modify to suit your own personal Business Plan.

4. Everything you are going to do in Internet Marketing to Work from Home; writing your page copy, articles, writing squeeze pages, writing e-mails, writing product copy, writing sales pages, ALL require mastering Copywriting Skills. Find a Copywriting Business Coach that has a proven track record in Internet Marketing and Direct Marketing. Develop your own style of writing, just like talking to your best friend face to face. Practice, practice, practice. Copywriting is a critical step you must learn.

5. You Don’t Need a Lot of Software, a few carefully selected, necessary software tools is all you will initially need. Keyword Software, Article Submission Software, Directory Software, Auto-Responder Software, is enough to get you off to a flying start.

6. Once your site is up and functioning, DON’T submit it to the Search Engines. This can take weeks to months to get your site crawled and indexed. Instead, submit your site to Site Directories as many as you can using a Directory Submitter. This will get you the Oh So valuable high PR one-way links to your site. Then…..

7. Write good quality article(s) (400-900) words about your niche. Not a sales pitch, but good quality useful information about your niche that people can use. Start with 2-3 articles. (A good way to practice your own copywriting style you are learning from your copywriting Mentor). Then write more articles, then more articles, then….get the idea? Article Marketing works!

One of the very best free sources of traffic to your site.

Now, submit your article(s) to dozens of Article Directories, they are free, using a good Article Submitter to save lots of time. Do not add a page to your site with your articles. The Article Directories have a higher PR than your new site and are crawled several times daily. They will publish your article to other authors and allow “reprint rights” for other sites. Google will pick up the link to your site from the resource box, crawl and index your site in hours or days, not weeks! Plus, you get the directories high PR rank as a one-way link into your site.

On a personal note: I have 4 articles I wrote 6 years ago that are still generating traffic in the Top 10 on the first page of Google!

This a powerful long term, long lasting trick!

8. One of the most overlooked or ignored elements of starting a successful Work at Home Business, yet one of the very most important, is selecting an Internet Marketing Mentor, to teach you ….well, how to sell your stuff!

There are a few dozen enormously successful Internet Marketers, Mentors,

or Business Coaches, Gurus that have Mentoring Programs that will show you how they became successful, and show you how to become a Guru in your selected Niche and become massively wealthy. If you have the motivation, desire, and willingness to follow their advice.

9. Marketing your site/business idea. This goes hand in hand with #9, your chosen Mentor. They have been there done it, and prove it, they know what works. They know how to market and make massive money in Internet Marketing. Selling products, affiliate marketing, creating products, launches, all the tricks of what works and what doesn’t.

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You hopefully have experienced times where a group was really clicking; it’s amazing the amount of progress that can be made. However, you’ve likely also experienced times when working together seemed hard and even counter-productive to getting any results.

Here are seven ways to improve collaboration and to make the work of a group more successful in any situation:

Have a common purpose. Too often we get the cart before the horse. We have a group of people assembled to do some work and since we are all busy we dive right into the task, often without a clear sense for why the work is being done or what the perfect end result would be. Without a clear and common purpose – the reason for being together that everyone shares – collaboration will never reach anywhere near the level that is possible.

Develop concrete goals. The common purpose unites the group, and the goals provide focus and energy. If you want the maximum results from any group, make sure you have concrete goals.

Communicate freely. Collaboration requires communication. Effective collaboration requires open and honest communication about ideas, experiences and opinions. In a group where hierarchy is present, realize that the hierarchy can be a barrier to the free flow of communication, and do what you can to counterbalance it.

Combine the best of each person. Each person brings great strengths in terms of perspective, experience, ideas, skills and much more. Collaboration (and results) will be enhanced when the strengths of each team member are recognized, valued and used.

Create open-mindedly. Collaboration is an act of creation. You bring people together to find synergy – the sum being greater than the contribution of each individual. Collaboration will be enhanced when people feel comfortable about sharing their ideas, and worry less about whose idea gets implemented. Not coincidentally, as you master the first four points, this step gets easier.

Circulate accountability. Someone may be the team leader, and that is fine. But greater collaboration will come when everyone feels responsible; when anyone is comfortable and “allowed” to take a leadership role or take the lead in making something happen. The most collaborative groups have a leader, but are filled with people ready to do what it takes to achieve results.

Compete externally. It is hard to collaborate when you feel competition within the group. Competition for power, position, ideas and more all get in the way of collaborative success. With a clear purpose and goals, people can be clear on what they are trying to accomplish and how to do that in service of the team’s success, not their personal (or departmental) success.

Consider these seven items like a checklist. While all are required for the best collaboration, look for the one that a group you are on is doing well (and support that at even greater levels), and recognize one that the group could improve on (and do what you can to help make that happen).
These “Seven C’s” will help you navigate the waters of working with others. The group might be a true working team, or it might be a group gathered for a one-time event to solve a problem or complete a task. In any case the more of these C’s that are working for you, the more enjoyable and successful working with others will be.

Potential Pointer: Being able to be collaborative and to create greater collaboration with a group are two of the most valuable skills you can possess. These Seven C’s will help you create better ideas and greater results, and have more fun doing it!

Kevin Eikenberry is a leadership expert and the Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group, a learning consulting company that helps Clients reach their potential through a variety of training, consulting and speaking services. You can learn more about him and a special offer on his newest book, Remarkable Leadership: Unleashing Your Leadership Potential One Skill at http://RemarkableLeadershipBook.com/bonuses.asp