Cleaning Up The Clutter With Help From The TV

It is no wonder with the busy, hectic lives we are living today that many times our homes interior and exterior suffer the consequences.

It does not take very long for messes to accumulate and suddenly we can find ourselves overwhelmed by all the clutter in our house. There is a new booming business that has developed recently and it is called professional organizers. Evidently we are in terrible need of them!

If you and your spouse work full time jobs, or if you are a single parent and either case involving children, it can be extremely challenging to keep up with all the housework that has to be done. Some families will make up cleaning schedules, but they never seem to work very long.

These new professional organizers have become so popular because they can go into a home and put things in order quickly. The most important thing after the initial cleaning out is that they provide workable solutions that will help keep your home clean and organized if the changes necessary are made.

On satellite and cable television channels there are several reality type programs that deal with the home organizing issues of real people. One of the most popular shows is simply titled, Clean House. One of the hosts of this show, Niecy Nash, has a personality that is so unique, that everyone loves her.

She is an actress who has played on many television shows and a few movies. She is very flashy in appearance, very funny, but also very outspoken with the people that she is helping.

The Home and Garden television network, HGTV, also has a great home cleaning show called, Mission Organization. It is hosted by Gail O'neill who is well known for her professional organization skills. This program is entertaining as well as beneficial.

Just by watching these shows you will find yourself inspired by the results that can be had by following the advice of these professionals.

One of the most fun parts of watching these shows are the before and after results. The transformations that take place in the people's homes are absolutely real and amazing.

They can be life changing for some of them. It just goes to show what a little effort and a little routine can do for the way your home can work. Deep down we all want to be organized in our home life because it is defiantly no fun living in a cluttered space.

Ignore PR at Your Peril!

If you do, it means:

you don't value tracking the perceptions of important outside audiences whose behaviors could sink your ship: you don't care about setting a public relations goal designed to correct misconceptions, inaccuracies or rumors that can hurt you; you care even less about strategies to get you from here to that PR goal you already don't care about; and you certainly don't value the persuasive messages you need to convince your key outside audiences that their damaging perceptions of your enterprise are dead wrong.

Man, that's risky and an awful lot not to care about!

Actually, I don't believe you don't care, and I don't believe you're really ignoring public relations. If you were, by now your organization would be on its last legs, Kaput!, Morto!

In fact, you may be a closet PR person who knows better. Why you may even buy the fundamental premise of public relations:

"People act on their own perception of the facts before them, which leads to predictable behaviors about which something can be done. When we create, change or reinforce that opinion by reaching, persuading and moving-to-desired-action those people whose behaviors affect the organization, the public relations mission is accomplished."

I'll bet you're also pretty darn good at monitoring what that #1 external audience thinks about you and your organization. And that you regularly interact with them asking questions like What do you think of us? Why? while watching for negative undertones, wrong-headed beliefs or misconceptions.

And that means you'll be anxious to create a public relations goal that corrects such misconceptions because they can lead directly to negative behaviors that will hurt you.

In practice, your goal may be focused on pacifying an activist group, reinforcing prospect interest in your product or service, or even countering a painful rumor.

You're probably ahead of me in forming the strategy you need to reach that goal. For better or worse, there are only three ways to deal with opinion or perception problems. Create some all-new opinion where none exists, change existing opinion, or reinforce it.

With goal and strategy both in hand, you now have some real work to do. What will you need to say to your key audience members to persuade them to your way of thinking? You must be clear about what should be corrected or clarified. You must also be persuasive, and your facts and figures believable. And if appropriate, try to be compelling, perhaps with a certain sense of urgency.

Your "foot soldiers" - communications tactics - can now carry that hard-won message to the attention of your #1 target audience, and there are scads of them just waiting for you to send them into action. For example, speeches, news releases, brochures, special events, radio interviews and one-on-one meetings.

One question remains. How do you tell whether or not you are making any headway with your public relations effort?

You again interact with members of that key audience of yours. And yes, with questions very similar to those you asked during your original information gathering exercise at the start of the program. Only this time, you are more interested in whether your communications tactics have moved perceptions in your direction.

Do the new responses show signs that your were successful in changing that inaccurate belief? Or correcting that misconception? Or killing that dangerous rumor for good?

Not enough movement? Take another look at your message to see if it is really compelling. Is it honestly persuasive? Are your facts supportive of your goal and strategy? Is it written clearly enough?

I want to reemphasize that what you are looking for at this stage is a strong indication that your efforts have clearly moved perceptions and target audience behaviors in the desired direction.

When this second monitoring drill allows that conclusion, you will have good reason to value highly your public relations goal, strategy, message and communications tactics.

Together, they will have made it possible for you to say, as promised in the fundamental premise,"My public relations mission is accomplished."

Please feel free to publish this article and resource box in your ezine, newsletter, offline publication or website. A copy would be appreciated at bobkelly@TNI.net.

Robert A. Kelly © 2003

Backyard Chickens Part 1 - Warm and Cozy

Well, the chicks have arrived. I went down to the feed store because they had told me they were getting the chicks in this week. So, I went down there and picked out 2 nice Araucanas. They are a nice, mellow breed that lay blue and green eggs. We already have 2 of them, so I thought I would try and stick with the same breed. I had picked up 2 from a neighbor, 1 Barred Rock and 1 Rhode Island Red. We had some serious roommate issues and those 2 left us for another family.

So, I figured if I was going to do this again, I might as well share. Here goes. First off, chicks don't need much. They need to be warm and cozy, eat and drink, poo and sleep. To provide this, you will need some supplies.

This is what I used:

1. Good sized box 2. Clamp light (60w-150w) 3. Mason Jar Feeder 4. Waterer 5. Roosting Stick 6. Piece of wood to set feeder and waterer on. 7. Pine shavings 8. A little newspaper

You can use any kind of box. I have used plastic tubs, but this time I went with the cardboard. This one is probably overkill for only 2 chicks, but I like them to have plenty of room

It is a little tricky getting the feeder full and then putting a full Mason jar on the top, but any spilled food will be found by the chicks and it gives them something to scratch for

This is a simple watering system. Put fresh water in the top part, screw on the bottom part, turn right side up and put it in the box. It's a good idea to check it everyday for debris. You can get the feeder and waterer at any feed store/Pet store.

OK, let's get to the setup:

Step 1:

I put some newspaper on the bottom of the box to help keep it dry.

Step 2:

I put this piece of wood in here to keep the food and water up off the floor of the warming box. This will also help to stabilize the containers.

Step 3:

Now, I cover the floor of the box with Pine shavings. This gives the chicks something to scratch in and it keeps them dry. You should change it out when it gets dirty. I would say, change it in a week, or 4 days, but it all depends on the size of your warming box and how many chicks you have.

Step 4:

Now get your food and water containers full and placed where you want them. Make sure your light is clamped into position and on. You want to keep the box warm (like 90 degrees warm). Just like Mama. I keep a layer of chicken wire on top of the box, not because the chicks can get out, but to keep things from falling in (a cat for example).

Step 5 (my favorite step):

Add chicks. Here are our new additions. You can place the roost stick anywhere you want to as long as they have a place to get up and sit on they will love it.

Here are a couple of close ups of the girls.

That should get you started with backyard chickens. Part 2 will discuss the ways I use my chickens to help out in the garden and in the refrigerator. See y'all next time.

SSI Disability

Understanding everything that there is to know about SSI disability is something that a lot of people don't put nearly enough stock in. After all, the more that one can learn about anything, the better off they're going to be. SSI disability can be quite confusing if you don't put the right amount of effort into understanding it; regardless of the situation. So long as you do take the time to look into everything, however, you'll be well on your way towards keeping SSI disability top of mind. The following are just a few things that one should think of when they are trying to understand this and how it applies to them.

This is something that simply doesn't have to be anywhere near as confusing as a lot of people make it out to be. Confusion can surely be a problem when trying to navigate the world of SSI disability, although this is only because most people don't take the time to learn as much as possible about it.

If you're wondering if this is something that applies to you, then you'll definitely want to know that it truly doesn't apply to everyone. In fact, there are more people out there that it doesn't apply to than those which it does. Understanding this is paramount to being able to make it work for you, and should never be ignored.

You'll definitely want to talk to a professional about it if it is something that you're considering. In fact, the more you can learn about it, the better off you're going to be in the long run. Fortunately, talking to someone about this is typically no more difficult than making a single phone call.

If you're afraid that this might be something that is expensive to implement, you'll be quite happy to find out that it really is not. In fact, you can very easily save a great deal of money with this. As a result, this should not be a concern.

The area that you live in does not typically have any effect on whether or not you are eligible. This is something that a lot of people don't usually realize.

Finding a book on SSI disability is something that doesn't have to be difficult. That said, you can get a lot out of reading as many books as possible, which can help you to determine whether or not SSI disability is something that you could benefit from.

Consider everything above to determine if you are a candidate for SSI disability. After all, information is everywhere, and understanding whether or not you are eligible for SSI disability does not have to be difficult at all.

5 Key Advantages To Starting A Self Publishing Business

I'm sure you can come up with all sorts of reasons for not starting your own business, the first, of many, being lack of money and uncertainty of its success. But no matter what the reasons are against starting a business, there are just as many reasons for starting one.

Actually, for the right person, the advantages of business ownership far outweigh the disadvantages. And deciding to write a book means, inevitably, that you've decided to be in business.

If the very thought of it leaves you feeling a bit uneasy, the good news is that there are many differences (and advantages) in committing to the self publishing process as a business and starting a traditional small business.

Here are just a few of the reasons why starting your own self publishing company makes sense (even if you only have plans to write one book).

1. You'll be your own boss. Having the flexibility and power to make the best and most profitable business choices for yourself is a great benefit of owning and operating your own business.

Couple those benefits with the ability to make your own production schedule, set your own publication date and the ease of print-on-demand publishing, and you've got the perfect formula for self publishing success.

2. You can become a published author in 90 days or less. Believe it or not, it would take approximately 570 days to get your message out through a traditional publisher.

Self publishing allows you to bring your message to the masses much faster than any other form of publishing, and the faster you can bring it to market means the quicker you'll make a profit.

3. Your earning and growth potential are far greater. At 6% to 10% royalties, very few published authors make any real money. But as a self published author you will keep 100% of the profits.

4. Writing a book is exciting. You can make a long time dream a reality and that will just inspire you to write and publish more.

Besides when you begin to get recognized as the expert, readers and the media look to you to offer insight and opinions to support them in achieving their life's goals and that is very encouraging and exciting.

5. Publishing a book provides endless opportunities and exposure. Gaining media exposure and credibility because you "wrote the book" on a particular subject will allow you to showcase yourself, your business and your book to a larger audience than wouldn't have been possible without it.

If you are a speaker, coach, consultant or entrepreneur looking to get more clients and add more cash flow to your bottom line, you need to seriously consider becoming an author.

And if you're an author, you can expand your reach by becoming a speaker, coach or consultant.

Whether you're running a traditional small business or you're a self published author; being a business owner is a lot of work, there are often long hours and times of uncertainty.

But the rewards are great and having the flexibility and courage to call your own shot is exhilarating and potentially profitable too.

Five Steps For Expanding Your Customer Base With Guerrilla Networking

As a single company, it is impossible to provide your customers with all the services they desire for every aspect of their life; but with guerrilla marketing, you can come close. By partnering with companies that provide different, yet complimentary, services to your business, you can create a network of reliable resources for your customers. In turn, your company will gain credibility and strength from the size and stature of the group. The goal of the guerrilla network is to expand your customer base by being a part of a diverse web of companies that will appeal to a wide range of customers. Because your company will be the only one in this web to offer your unique product category, every customer who enters into the web will be referred to you for that specific service.

1. Brainstorm

To establish a guerrilla network, you must first consider what other resources could be provided for your customer outside of the products and services that you have available at your company. Get to know your customers to discover what other services they generally need when considering your products. Could they use a designer to help decorate a home gym for the new treadmill they just bought from you? Or how about pet supplies for the dog they walk when using their new pedometer? Whatever it is, think outside the box! More variety means more customers.

2. Make a list

After brainstorming potential additional services, it is time to narrow your search and prepare for the recruitment process. Make a list of the product and service categories that you think will be beneficial in the guerrilla network that you wish to create. Then, list specific companies that fall under these categories. Naturally, you should start with companies that you have referred customers to in the past, and who have, in turn, referred customers to you. Expand that list by thumbing through your local yellow pages or searching the internet. Choosing local companies will give you the flexibility of working with partners who are able to make marketing decisions at the local level, without the inconvenience of running it by their corporate office first. Add companies that you instinctively feel may be fitting for your network. Do not forget to continuously update this list, even after you have moved on to the next step. The longer your list, the better chance you have at building a large and powerful network.

3. Do your homework

Once you have a substantial list of companies in which you are interested, begin researching them. You will want to know if they are a high-end store and if you want their customers frequenting your business. Determine whether or not the company is one you would like to be associated with. Do they exemplify the values that are most important within your own company? Be selective and remember that you will be sending your best customers to their company. Their service will be a reflection of your company and its values. Look for companies that have taken the time to create and maintain an impressive website. This will give you the opportunity to learn more about their business and will provide countless opportunities for marketing within your network in the future. You should also try to recruit companies with strong brands, so that your brand will strengthen when you co-brand with them.

4. Establish contact

After you have learned about the companies on your list, you should begin establishing contact with them. Your means of presentation will vary depending on what you are comfortable with and how you feel you will best be received. A letter is obviously not the most effective means of initial contact. It can be impersonal and easily discarded. It does not demand their attention like a personal visit will. However, it is a simple way to cast a wide net and see what you catch. You should use this method if you simply do not have the time to visit these businesses individually, or if you have enough relationships already established in your community to recruit 3-5 companies into your guerrilla network right from the start.

I recommend that you simply ask the owner for a few minutes of his or her time. You can initiate this meeting through a letter, by phone or by just walking in. Because you are not selling anything, this meeting should be relatively easy to set up. These few minutes with the owner will allow you the chance to determine if they are the type of person with whom you can work. You will also explain who you are and what you will accomplish through this partnership with local companies. Impress the owner with a professionally designed and bound brief of your strategic plan. These professional packets include company logos on a few conceptual pieces that could be used in a guerrilla marketing program. It goes unsaid that this network will generate more traffic for your business, so focus their attention on the benefits THEY will receive from the network. Let them know that you have already noticed that some of your customers would be great referrals for their business. The promise of immediate results will be sure to catch their attention.

5. Follow through

After you have established a relationship with the company, be sure to follow through with your arrangement. Everything you and your guerrilla partner agree to do needs to be thoroughly discussed and put into writing. You should set up parameters and expectations of the marketing program and agree on a specific date to begin and end each program. When the regulations of the agreement are clear, both parties will be more likely to follow through and benefit from the guerrilla network. The ideal partnership is one that remains balanced: each company putting in an equal amount of work and reaping an equal reward. By becoming a part of a strong guerrilla network, you will be a major resource for each customer's unique needs. Your company will gain ideas, support and loyal customers from partnering companies and your marketing audience will expand dramatically without the costly risk of traditional advertising.

Create A Killer Product by Writing Your Sales Letter First

You may not realize this, but when if you are in the early planning stages of developing a product, the best thing you can do is STOP and write the sales letter first!

"But wait a minute (you might be thinking)... this sounds totally 'Bass Ackwards' doesn't it?" It sure does but it REALLY works too...

And here's why ... When you envision a product, prewriting the sales letter first allows you to place no limitations on it. You can write more freely as the very things you describe are actually helping you design and create your product's features and benefits.

Now all of a sudden you have an extended blueprint that can add many bells & whistles some of which will actually end up being part of your final product.

You'll also find that much of your original inspiration will also give you many great sales copy components that will also end up in your sales letter too.

And, in this mode of no barrier mind-streaming, you'll undoubtedly come up with more creative ideas than the restrictive mind we use when analyzing possibilities...

Always use your higher logic to harness your creativity into a final workable solution. But don't inhibit your creative process when initially creating your products...

Instead try this...

Set out for a dream product state-of-mind that is full of features that can be turned into benefits... What you're doing in essence is conjuring up the most unlimited version of your product. One that defies all confines at this stage. Write it out as if this product was right there in front of you and can performed every detail that you promise...

You are in effect reverse-engineering your product which is a catalyst to making the product not only better, but also helps it live up to the high expectations you design into it.

What you bring into reality is an out growth from using unlimited creativity to logical harnessing of all ideas fused into a finalized product. Writing the sales letter first adds incredible inspiration into your product ideas. This technique helps dictate new avenues of creation and marketing that can add much leverage to a successful product launch.

(c) By Michael Nicholas, 2004

Great Halloween Activities Just For Teens

It's close to Halloween, and your teenager is looking for something to do. Halloween activities for teens can be tricky; they still like the idea of trick or treating, but don't want to appear 'immature'. But there are plenty of activities that teens can be involved in that will satisfy their urge for scary Halloween fun while still letting them feel grownup.

Pass out the candy - This is one of the easiest things for a teen to do. Your teenager can still dress up in a fun or scary costume to open the door and hand out Halloween treats to the younger kids who come knocking on the door. It's best not to be too scary, or the littlest kids may be too afraid to trick-or-treat!

Create a Haunted House - This is a great idea to combine with passing out the candy. You can create a haunted house for kids to pass through as they pick up their candy. It can be as simple as a decorated front porch or garage to a guided maze that covers the front lawn. Your teen can invite his friends to help decorate and come up with scary surprises. Instructions for creating a great haunted house are available on the internet.

Throw a Halloween Party - Teens are always happy to have a party, so why not let your teen and her friends throw a party at your home? The teens should be responsible for decorating and clean up, you can chip in for sodas and snacks. While they will probably be happier if you "disappear" for the night, you may want to have a few party activities like a costume contest or bobbing for apples ready to break the ice. Ice breakers will probably be more needed at a party for younger teens than for high school aged kids.

Halloween Movie Night - If you'd rather have a smaller group of teens in the house, why not have a movie night? Pick out a few of their favorite scary movies, cook up a few of their favorite treats and spend a spooky night at home with the lights turned down low. Remember though to check with other parents if the movies have adult themes.

Go to a Haunted House or Hay ride - If you aren't up to having a house full of teenagers in your home, you may want to consider sending the kids off to a local haunted house or hay ride. Many civic organizations plan these events and use the profits for local charities, so it's a great way to enjoy the holiday as well as help a good cause. Your teen may even like to get involved ahead of time and be one of the "actors" in the haunted house!

Go to a Theme Park Event - This is probably the most expensive of the options, but definitely great fun for teens (and the rest of the family too!). Many local theme parks and amusement parks have special Halloween events, with a variety of haunted houses and other scary activities. Theme parks are generally safe places to leave older teens for an evening of fun and they'll have plenty to do to keep them busy all night.