Interview with a Video Virgin

Shani Alexander is the founder of Relocations Made Easy (www.relocations-made-easy.com) which produces an interactive website and CDROM tool that advises people on how to make a stress free relocation to a new city.

To create her interactive product, Shani needed camera vision of herself explaining to viewers how the product worked in front of a cityscape backdrop.

We interviewed her to find out her experience of using a video production company for the first time.

1. Why did you decide that you needed a video component in your website tool?

I am selling a virtual personal service product and the video component was needed to introduce a real person from which my virtual product could springboard.

The video component showed a real person, a company owner. It gave the personal touch and introduced what the customer was going to receive from their purchase.

2. What were you looking for in a video production company?

I really needed a company that could understand what I was trying to achieve. I really needed them to get inside my head and make real what I was imagining, what I was dreaming up.

It had to be cost effective with no cost blowouts. It also needed to be applied to the media I was using - the internet and CDROM. I needed clear picture quality that could be viewed across those mediums without any picture quality loss.

3. How difficult was it to compare proposals between the four providers?

Everyone told me how it is difficult to compare. All the production houses said they could do the same thing, but the prices were extremely different.

When I spoke to Digicast they went to great lengths to explain the type of camera that they used. Whilst I would have liked to think that everyone could produce the same job, I realised that the big differences in prices reflected the different types of camera quality being used.

Digicast also took me on board as if I was a client already. They gave me suggestions about how to do the shoot the best way and started treating me like a client before I even made the decision to go with them. From there, we were able to develop a relationship and work together on the project.

4. As someone new to being filmed, how did you find your shoot?

I found it really long, really tiring and boring! I was really surprised at how dependent you are on the weather to be right ? you have to keep waiting for the right light and the sky. It can add hours to the shoot.

Andrew Ross from Digicast who filmed me was incredibly professional. He's passionate, technical and knows what he is doing and has to keep the poor person on the other end of the camera still interested. He did a good job managing that. I really thought he worked well with me as the presenter. Andrew got me to look at the vision on the shoot and gave me options as to how we could re-shoot it to make it better. He controlled everything but I didn't feel like a pawn. His suggestions were worthwhile.

5. What did you learn about the television production process?

I really learnt something from it and I can now look at all the different shows on television and see how good, and bad, those presenters are. I have a healthy respect for an industry I took for granted before. It was a fantastic experience at the end of it all.

6. What advice would you give to anyone looking at starring in their own video?

I advise anyone who wants to take this on to do lots of preparation.

Digicast gave me some suggestions before the shoot about how I could get myself ready and get the most out of the day. I took those to heart and I did put a lot of preparation into the script. I re-edited the script, timed it, practised it and rehearsed it in front of a lot of people beforehand.

I even hired a professional to give me a training session on hand gestures and facial expressions. My preparation even extended to my personal grooming and I had my hair coloured beforehand and bought a new suit.

I also went to a lot of trouble to get the right location. We had to let the City of Melbourne know beforehand about the shoot. The liaising with the council was a much bigger component than I imagined. I checked out the site with a council employee and took some digital shots which I then emailed to Digicast. It was a real team effort to work out the right place to shoot.

7. Would you do it again?

You bet. I'm hoping I don't need to, as I should get a few years of mileage out of it. After all, it was made to be timeless and dateless. But I'd do it again because I achieved what I set out to achieve. I'm very happy about the experience and I would do it again if I needed to.

About The Author

(c) Marie-Claire Ross 2004. All rights reserved.

Marie-Claire Ross is one of the partners of Digicast. Digicast works with organisations who are not satisfied that their marketing and training materials are helping their business grow. She can be contacted on 0500 800 234 (Australia wide) or at mc@digicast.com.au. The website is at www.digicast.com.au.

Forgiveness- The Path To Healing & Spiritual Growth

The dictionary defines the word forgive as: [to pardon, as to for-give an enemy;to cease to feel resentment for,as to forgive an offense].

I have heard people say this many times: "I will never forgive them for what they did!", as if by saying this they are causing harm to the person who hurt them. The reality is that they are doing the harm to themselves alone. As defined in the dictionary, when you forgive someone you "cease to feel resentment". Resentment, along with anger, hate, jealousy and other negative emotions, will eat you up inside and can cause actual physical ailments and disease.

Often times after we have been emotionally,physically or spiritually hurt, the pain quickly turns to anger and resentment. We go over the episodes of the past in our heads, re-living each painful moment again and again like a never-ending nightmare. Each time we do this the old feelings surface and we once again feel the gut-wrenching pain the person caused us. By doing this we are living in the past instead of the present, and it can be a dangerous thing for everyone involved but the majority of danger falls right into your lap.

Many people feel that forgiveness is a gift. I agree! It is a gift, but not to the one you are forgiving. The gift is to yourself and what a wonderous gift it can be. By forgiving the people who have hurt you in the past you set yourself free from the chains of resentment and other harmful emotions running rampant through your mind, body and spirit. By forgiving you are taking away the control the other person has over you....You are empowering yourself and growing by spiritual leaps and bounds. You will heal deep-rooted pain that perhaps you thought was gone a long time ago but has survived, living under all of the resentment that you have held onto for so long. By forgiving you are one step closer to your journey of self-growth and healing.

Some of you are on a journey of helping Creator to give healing to others who need it. The first step on your journey is to heal yourself. This can be very difficult as well as painful but the upside to the difficulties and pain is the end result, which is very rewarding indeed. It will be rewarding for both you as a healer and for those who you will help to heal.

I have heard of horrific and tragic stories relating to the suffering that people on this earth have gone through and like many of you, I have often asked how Creator could place anyone in such situations. The truth of the matter is... Many people who have lived such suffering and painful lives, or have survived horrific events... go on to become wonderful healers on this earth, doing Creator's work. They start foundations,organizations,become therapists,doctors,authors of self-help and spiritual books,host talk shows... the list goes on... So perhaps this was Creator's plan all along and we should be thankful for many of the sufferings that have taken place and that we have to endure. Without them many people would not be who they are today- stronger, healthier, more forgiving, more helpful to others,more loving...

I once held on to a great amount of anger towards someone who had caused me pain for many years. One day a spiritual healer asked me to surround this person in light and send him love. I looked at the spiritual healer as if she were crazy! How DARE she ask me to do such a thing! How did she even think I would be capable of forgiving someone who had hurt me so bad?! I tried to remain open to what she was telling me, but honestly did not believe I could go through with it. Then she said something to me that grabbed my attention- "By forgiving him and sending him loving thoughts, you will free yourself and he will no longer have such a great hold on you". As I drove home after speaking with her, I thought of this sentence many times and just the idea of the freedom from the pain sounded so joyous and peaceful, yet far away at the same time.

About a week later I quietly sat down and asked Creator to help me do what needed to be done. I asked Creator to surround this man in his light, and then sent loving thoughts to him along with my forgiveness. Most importantly, I forgave myself for the choices I had made during those years, and took responsibility for them as well. The pain that I had been holding for so long in my heart slowly poured out as I wept tears of sadness and joy at the same time. That day I freed myself from the chains of resentment and anger... from the pain I had endured for so many years... and from the control of a man who would no longer control anything about me, or within me... I had healed myself with help from Creator, and from the spiritual healer who with one sentence... changed me, and healed me... I am thankful to her and to my experience, for it has made me who I am today.

The next time you think of the act of forgiveness, try not to only see the other person(s) as the only recipient... for you are the most important recipient involved... and you are well worth it.

Lisa Hoskins is a jewelry designer who owns Animal Spirit Jewelry. She has studied animals her whole life and is now blessed from Spirit to be able to create jewelry based upon the spiritual principles revolving around animal totems and guides, and spiritual principles.

You can find her website at http://www.animalspiritjewelry.com

*You may re-print this article as long as it remains as shown here with full bio and links attached.*

Book Yourself Solid

THE 7 KEYS TO GETTING MORE CLIENTS THAN YOU CAN HANDLE EVEN IF YOU HATE MARKETING AND SELLING

Clients often ask me how I built a six figure income working as an independent professional in less than 10 months. I narrowed it down to 7 simple steps. Seven simple internal and intuitive attitude shifts? and the exact action items that will kick your business up a notch.

These effective and powerful steps won't come as any mystery to you, but if you take them to heart, they will absolutely and emphatically build your business naturally and authentically.

My advice to you (from someone who has struggled and been exactly where you are now) is to love, embrace and believe in yourself. Because I know how easy and realistic it is for you to become a successful solo professional.

Combine these simple insights with the gifts you have within yourself to create an abundant, joyful and prosperous business and life.

SEVEN KEYS TO BOOKING YOURSELF SOLID

Key 1: Focus On Solutions no matter what you say, think or do. Take the attention off of yourself, your business and your services. Every second of every day stay focused on clear, specific and detailed solutions, benefits and advantages that appeal to your prospects.

Clearly define the root of your prospects' problems and needs. Then only focus on those solutions. There does seem to be some universal confusion on the definition of a solution these days? or a slip of the mind, perhaps? Solutions are not technical, scientific, mechanical or procedural. They are simple ideas? profound, deep and impactful.

If someone wants to lose weight, solutions are not?

• Dietary guidelines

• Exercises

• Nutritional supplements

The core need of losing weight is much deeper. They really want to?

• Feel more self confident

• Feel incredibly attractive

• Attract their perfect mate

Now you're talking their language. The more benefits you uncover, the quicker you will start to attract new clients. People buy good feelings, news ways of thinking and solutions to their problems.

Key 2: Seek Out Ideal Clients for maximum joy, prosperity and abundance. Think about the human you are when you are performing optimally at your peak?when you are with all the people who inspire and energize you.

Make a long list of the characteristics these people have because they are your ideal clients. (p.s. clients and friends are interchangeable expressions)

I used to work with anyone who had a pulse and a checkbook. Living the red velvet rope policy of ideal clients increases my productivity? happiness? and more clients than I can handle are being referred to me. I know it's hard to believe, but it's true!

Clients are like family to me. Don't get me wrong, I lived through a period of intense and painful negative energy worrying about those challenging client relationships. It exhausted me and took me away from accomplishing the highest good for my clients. It was impossible for me to be productive, effective or successful in this environment.

Now with your list of inspiring people, I give you permission to release any dead wood in your calendar. If it feels scary, trust the next five steps to energetically fill those spaces.

Key 3: Embrace Your Authentic Self and toss out the societally accepted version of you. Yes! I'm serious. No one likes the IBM stiff blue suit that follows every rule. We're attracted to that perky, authentic confident soul who says it like it is and filters nothing!

Think about how radiant and attractive you are when you are with your best friends. You are spontaneous, free and genuine because of the trust within these close relationships.

Our real liberated, confident empowered self is the true self that only a select few inner circle friends are exposed to. Let me tell you? if you let your quirky, silly side shine? you'll experience far greater self-assurance and an immediate client attraction. Sound easy? It is! Works every time like a charm. Test it for yourself.

Key 4: Branding is not just for Superbowl advertisers. If you haven't identified your natural skill, talent, interest or expertise? or if you're not clearly and consistently expressing and defining yourself? chances are your clients can't either.

Most people are afraid of niches or specifity because they think it may limit their success or potential. That couldn't be farther from the truth.

Ambiguity and uncertainty translates into insecurity. Personal branding is uniquely you. Own it? love it? express it!

(oh, and by the way? once you've mastered your niche? then you get to expand and do anything else you want!!!)

Key 5: Articulating What You Do is the key that connects your vibrant, branded and authentic self to the world. Most people are afraid to express themselves in a clear and powerful way.

Speak boldly, clearly and with purpose. This is the fastest way to eliminate suspicion, guesswork or speculation. Prospects want to know the exact benefits they will experience and action they should take. Articulate this you'll have paved the way for a "yes".

Remember you won't appeal to everyone. And, that's the beautiful thing!!! What you will do is powerfully impact your ideal clients in a compelling way every time you clearly communicate the vibrant you.

Key 6: The Simple Selling Process is a cinch once you embrace Key 1 (solutions baby!). If you remember this, you'll never have to sell again.

When you think in terms of solutions and problems solved, clients will beg to work with you. You are a consultant? a lifelong advisor. When you have fundamental solutions to help others? it's your moral imperative to show and tell as many people as possible. You are changing lives!

Inquire?

• What is your goal?

Show?

• What the benefits will be when they reach their goal

Ask?

• Would you like a partner to help you with that?

Gain a commitment. Ask yourself, would this person's life be fuller, happier and better-off with me in it? Now, let your light shine and give an action plan.

Key 7: Self Promotion Is Easy And Fun The internet and modern technology is a beautiful thing, but too many people get caught up in their "web site". Don't waste one more second on any marketing that is ineffective, inefficient or that you just can't measure.

Master the tried and true techniques that will book you instantly, Network, mastermind and get synergistic relationships working for you. There's nothing less effective than a solo pro? and a single mind. Colloborate for the benefit of all!

If this seems to vague, open the phone book, look up professionals with similar clients and prospective audiences, make one phone call today and introduce yourself and the benefits of your services. Now make one five minute phone call every day. If you're not comfortable calling a stranger, talk to every friend, family member and colleague you know and ask for names of professionals in the fields you are seeking. Soon you'll have a growing list of warm names to call.

The second easiest way to book yourself solid is to use client referrals. First, ask every client how happy they are with your services. If the answer is positive, then ask who else they know in a similar situation that could benefit from... (list those benefits!). If they aren't satisfied, you just bought yourself a second chance. Consider yourself lucky.

Time prevailing there are so many more ways to Book Yourself Solid, we could go on for weeks and weeks on end. My recommendation, start with the basics here and write me at Michael@michaelport.com with additional questions, concerns, clarifications, epiphanies or revelations you have.

Remember you have the ultimate solutions to build an abundant business. Express the brilliance of you and let out the silly one too. Anything less is criminal.

So let's get down to it and book yourself solid!

About The Author

To learn more about booking yourself solid and getting more clients than you can handle even if you hate marketing and selling ? go to www.MichaelPort.com.

michael@michaelport.com

The Increasing Power Of Publicity - And How It Can Benefit Your Business

The call came into my office and the voice on the other end was very energetic, almost giddy: "I have finalized my marketing budget and need your help launching an advertising campaign for my new product," he breathed. "Congratulations," I replied, "but before we implement an ad campaign, I want to make sure you have explored potential PUBLICITY opportunities that could generate some cost-efficient media exposure first." Then, silence. "I never thought about that," he sighed. "Frankly, I don't know much about it."

He is not alone. It's a common conversation. Although many entrepreneurs or business people know a bit about publicity or media exposure, the majority of them simply don't understand the full benefits of "publicity placements" or how to go about generating them successfully. Publicity placements have always been a cost-efficient way to market a product/business and generate clients or customers, but because of lack of knowledge or a misunderstanding of what publicity is and does, many entrepreneurs don't take full advantage of publicity opportunities -- and that can lead to missed marketing chances.

I recently surveyed a few dozen business owners and entrepreneurs in some newsgroups and business chat rooms about their knowledge of "publicity placements" in the media. I found out that only 37% knew that a simple "product profile" in a magazine was generated as a result of publicity efforts. Most thought the company had paid the media outlet to run the feature, much like an ad. And of that 37%, less than half of them knew HOW to generate a similar placement.

Another interesting fact, because of the recent slowdown in the economy, expensive advertising budgets have been slashed. As a result, many businesses, like your competitors, are turning to publicity/PR campaigns as a more affordable means of marketing to compete with other companies. Here are some ways to use publicity placements to help your business:

Editorial Placements/Media Notification: What some entrepreneurs might not realize is that we see editorial placements from publicity efforts everyday in the media: product profiles, feature articles and contributed by-lined articles in magazines, newspapers, trade industry newsletters or on TV/radio/cable newscasts & shows. This is not advertising, this is "EDITORIAL Placement" or "Media Notification" of a product, business or industry expert. Notify the appropriate media that your newsworthy product is on the market or your business is offering a unique new service and let them run a feature placement that will spread that message to your consumer market. These placements can detail your product or business very effectively, giving consumers some objective, pertinent information that may well entice them to become future customers.

These editorial placements are looked upon much more credibly than ad placements. That is not a slam on advertising. Paying for advertising placements is indeed an effective way to market your product. But the fact is, a positive editorial placement such as a product profile in a magazine or a newspaper can be much more persuasive than a glossy, over-hyped advertisement - and a fraction of the cost. My point is that editorial placements are an often time overlooked marketing vehicle for a business, and that entrepreneurs should understand the full benefits of these placements to make the most of their marketing efforts.

Editorial placements are a wonderfully reciprocal way for you and the media to work together for the betterment of your business. The media needs to fill its pages and airtime with interesting information -- and you need to get the word out to your market. Research the media market to find those media outlets and editorial contacts with which you can forge that mutually beneficial relationship. But you have to do your part and do it right - or the media will forge that relationship with your competitor. Make sure your media message is solid, contains newsworthy angles and isn't disguised as overly commercialized ad copy. Have high-quality photos and media samples available and do all you can to make the media's job of featuring your product as simple as possible. It also helps to have some sort of clipping service in place to track your placements and get you copies so you can use them in your secondary marketing programs.

Expert Branding: This type of publicity placement generating takes advantage of the expert knowledge within a particular business. It is an effective tool for entrepreneurs whose businesses are more service related, like consultants or specialists. Expert branding basically treats the expert like a product. Alert the media as to your expertise on a specific topic and avail yourself to serve as an expert interview resource for future articles or news feature segments. Additionally, the expert should write a few brief articles on a specialized topic and make them available to editors for review and possible publication. The challenge of this type of publicity placement is the tedious task of finding out which outlets accept "expert editorial contributions" or contributed by-lined articles in their publications. Again, it comes down to meticulously researching your media market to find those media outlets that may be in need of the editorial content that you can provide them.

With some creativity, expert branding can be effective for product-based businesses as well. One client of mine runs a fresh wild salmon distribution business in the Pacific Northwest and was looking to increase consumer awareness of his products. Based on his more than 20 years of experience in the wild salmon harvesting business, we are expert branding him as a viable interview resource to health/food editors for features detailing the differences and benefits of wild salmon over farm-raised fish, as well as other related topics. In this case, my client (the expert) is identified and quoted in features and the name of the business and even a link to a website are often included for consumers to check out. This is great credibility building exposure at little or no cost.

Overall, when using the media to help market your product or business, take advantage of as many FREE media opportunities as you can. If you lack the expertise or time, a PR agency or publicist can generate the editorial placements for you. But the fee you pay them is a FRACTION of what it would cost you to buy similar sized ad placements. And those publicity placements typically lead to a much better consumer response right out of the gate - which is just what you need to boost your business to the next level.

-----

About The Author

Todd Brabender is the President of Spread The News Public Relations, Inc. His business specializes in generating media exposure and publicity for innovative products, businesses, experts and inventions. http://www.spreadthenewspr.com

todd@spreadthenewspr.com

(785) 842-8909

How to Silence Your Childs Inner Critic

Children do what feels good to them and follow their natural instincts. Well meaning parents teach children that it is not socially acceptable to behave in certain ways, thus going against a child's natural inclinations. Children internalize the voices from their parents, teachers and other adults in their lives and start to criticize themselves. Although parents are being helpful, this often contributes to the birth of the inner critic.

Who is the Inner Critic?

The inner critic is the voice inside everyone's head who periodically points out our failures, inadequacies, and our shortcomings. Although disguised as a friend, confidante, this inner critic sabotages our best interest. The inner critic undermines our belief in our abilities.

In children, the inner critic tells the child that they are not smart enough, good enough, or talented enough to accomplish their goals. Children start to use their inner dialog as a defense mechanism against the world. The inner critic criticizes the child before the world can. The inner critic gets the child to believe that it is helping the child by offering "constructive criticism". The truth is that criticism can never be constructive. According to Merriam -Webster dictionary, the definition of constructive is: promoting improvement or development, while the definition of criticize is: to find fault with: point out the faults of. Since the inner critic is so powerful and convincing, how can parents help their children deal with their inner critic?

Help children to identify when their inner critic is attacking. Since the inner critic attacks mentally, physically and emotionally, you can help your child to know when the inner critic is set in motion.

Signs of the inner critic are fear, feeling powerless, feeling disappointed or discouraged, feeling tired or sick (such as a belly ache or headache), self blame and lack of motivation. Once the child senses when the inner critic is at play, help them to observe the underlying situation. What is the inner critic telling your child that he/she can not or should not do? Tell you child to observe what he/she is feeling physically and emotionally when the inner critic attacks. It might be helpful to have your child write down whatever he/she is feeling. It could be just one sentence such as: I am not a good at math. My hands get sweaty and my stomach hurts when I have to take a math test. Have your child do this whenever he/she notices the inner critic. If your child is young, ask him/her to draw a picture about what it feels like.

Help your child to develop powerful self-talk. Helping your child to develop powerful self -talk takes time and practice. This is a tool that is useful for parents too! It is very easy for us to name our weaknesses or to recognize our limiting beliefs. However, it takes time for us to identify our strengths and potential. Try this exercise: Ask you child to tell you 5 things he/she believes is a weakness or something he/she is not good at. Time how long it take for them to respond. Next, ask 5 things he/she knows is strength or something he/she is good at. Time how long it takes for a response again. Most children who have a healthy self-esteem and practice powerful self talk are able to tell you their strengths much quicker than their weaknesses. You can help your child nurture his/her strengths by brainstorming on strengths and helping your child to use his/her strengths more often. Make a list of all the strengths and post it on the wall, where your child can see it on a daily basis. Start to focus less on your child's weaknesses and more on their strengths.

Use your relaxation techniques with your child. Have your child practice deep breathing or use any other method that calms him/her down. For breathing exercises, have your child concentrate on his/her breathing and to visualize the air going in and out. Massage your child's head, neck and shoulders and loosen tight muscles. Use this opportunity for your child to open up and talk. If your child starts talking, just listen without interrupting.

Offer positive feedback. Listen to how your child explains what failure means to them. How does your child react when he/she fails a test or scores lower than expected? Find out what position your child takes on his/her accomplishments or failures? Don't rush to solve the problem or tell your child why he/she failed. Let your child use critical thinking skills to identify what is going on. If you notice your child making excuses or talking down to him or self, make your child aware of it. Help your child to problem solve by letting them talk and you listen.

Be a role model. Do you have a grasp on your inner critic? Does your child notice how you behave when your inner critic attacks? When you are disappointed or have failed at something, talk to your child about it. Be honest with your child about your own inner critic. Notice how you behave when your inner critic attacks and set the example for your child. Let your child see you demonstrating healthy ways of dealing with disappointment.

One thing to remember is that the inner critic never goes away. As parents, we can offer support and encouragement to our children to let them know we are here to help them. Watch your language, let your child dream big, and focus on your child's strengths. By being aware of their inner critic, children can transform the inner voice from a critic to a useful guide.

Useful resources:

A Free Introduction to Taming Your Gremlin for Kids: A Road Map for Raising a Confident Child. http://www.tamingyourgremlin.com/tyg_teleclasses.cfm

PDT A Parent's Alphabet for Building Self Esteem- http://www.ops.org/reading/self_esteem_.html

50 Ways to Bring Out Your Child's Best- http://www.thomasarmstrong.com/articles/50_ways.htm

Marie Magdala Roker is an Academic and Personal Development Coach a who works with parents,teens and young adults to help them unlock and nurture the personal and academic potential and strengths.

The Telephone ? A Brief History

During the 1870's, two well known inventors both independently designed devices that could transmit sound along electrical cables. Those inventors were Alexander Graham Bell and Elisha Gray. Both devices were registered at the patent office within hours of each other. There followed a bitter legal battle over the invention of the telephone, which Bell subsequently won.

The telegraph and telephone are very similar in concept, and it was through Bell's attempts to improve the telegraph that he found success with the telephone.

The telegraph had been a highly successful communication system for about 30 years before Bell began experimenting. The main problem with the telegraph was that it used Morse code, and was limited to sending and receiving one message at a time. Bell had a good understanding about the nature of sound and music. This enabled him to perceive the possibility of transmitting more than one message along the same wire at one time. Bell's idea was not new, others before him had envisaged a multiple telegraph. Bell offered his own solution, the "Harmonic Telegraph". This was based on the principal that musical notes could be sent simultaneously down the same wire, if those notes differed in pitch.

By the latter part of 1874 Bell's experiment had progressed enough for him to inform close family members about the possibility of a multiple telegraph. Bell's future father in law, attorney Gardiner Green Hubbard saw the opportunity to break the monopoly exerted by the Western Union Telegraph Company. He gave Bell the financial backing required for him to carry on his work developing the multiple telegraph. However Bell failed to mention that he and his accomplice, another brilliant young electrician Thomas Watson, were developing an idea which occurred to him during the summer. This idea was to create a device that could transmit the human voice electrically.

Bell and Watson continued to work on the harmonic telegraph at the insistence of Hubbard and a few other financial backers. During March 1875 Bell met with a man called Joseph Henry without the knowledge of Hubbard. Joseph Henry was the respected director of the Smithsonian Institution. He listened closely to Bell's ideas and offered words of encouragement. Both Bell and Watson were spurred on by Henry's opinions and continued their work with even greater enthusiasm and determination. By June 1875 they realised their goal of creating a device that could transmit speech electrically would soon be realised. Their experiments had proven different tones would vary the strength of an electric current in a wire.

Now all they had to do was build a device with a suitable membrane capable of turning those tones into varying electronic currents and a receiver to reproduce the variations and turn them back into audible format at the other end. In early June, Bell discovered that while working on his harmonic telegraph, he could hear a sound over the wire. It was the sound of a twanging clock spring. It was on March 10th 1876 that Bell was to finally realise the success and communications potential of his new device. The possibilities of being able to talk down an electrical wire far outweighed those of a modified telegraph system, which was essentially based on just dots and dashes.

According to Bell's notebook entry for that date, he describes his most successful experiment using his new piece of equipment, the telephone. Bell spoke to his assistant Watson, who was in the next room, through the instrument and said "Mr Watson, come here, I want to speak to you".

Alexander Graham Bell was born on 3rd March 1847 in Edinburgh, Scotland. His family were leading authorities in elocution and speech correction. He was groomed and educated to follow a career in the same speciality. By the age of just 29 in 1876 he had invented and patented the telephone. His thorough knowledge of sound and acoustics helped immensely during the development of his telephone, and gave him the edge over others working on similar projects at that time. Bell was an intellectual of quality rarely found since his death. He was a man always striving for success and searching for new ideas to nurture and develop.

The telephone ? important dates

1. 1874 ? Principal of the telephone was uncovered.

2. 1876 ? Alexander Graham Bell invents the telephone, beating Elisha Gray by a matter of hours.

3. 1877 ? The very first permanent outdoor telephone wire was completed. It stretched a distance of just three miles. This was closely followed in the U.S. by the worlds first commercial telephone service.

4. 1878 ? The workable exchange was developed, which enabled calls to be switched between subscribers rather than having direct lines.

5. 1879 ? Subscribers began to be designated by numbers and not their names.

6. 1880's ? Long distance service expanded throughout this period using metallic circuits.

7. 1888 ? Common battery system developed by Hammond V. Hayes, allows one central battery to power all telephones on an exchange, rather than relying on each units own battery.

8. 1891 ? First automatic dialling system invented by a Kansas City undertaker. He believed that crooked operators were sending his potential customers elsewhere. It was his aim to get rid of the operators altogether.

9. 1900 ? First coin operated telephone installed in Hartford, Connecticut.

10. 1904 ? "French Phone" developed by the Bell Company. This had the transmitter and receiver in a simple handset.

11. 1911 ? American Telephone and Telegraph (AT & T) acquire the Western Union Telegraph Company in a hostile takeover. They purchased stocks in the company covertly and the two eventually merged.

12. 1918 ? It was estimated that approximately ten million Bell system telephones were in service throughout the U.S.

13. 1921 ? The switching of large numbers of calls was made possible through the use of phantom circuits. This allowed three conversations to take place on two pairs of wires.

14. 1927 ? First transatlantic service from New York to London became operational. The signal was transmitted by radio waves.

15. 1936 ? Research into electronic telephone exchanges began and was eventually perfected in the 1960's with the electronic switching system (SES).

16. 1946 ? Worlds first commercial mobile phone service put into operation. It could link moving vehicles to a telephone network via radio waves.

17. 1947 ? Microwave radio technology used for the first time for long distance phone calls.

18. 1947 ? The transistor was invented at Bell laboratories.

19. 1955 ? Saw the beginning of the laying of transatlantic telephone cables.

20. 1962 ? The worlds first international communications satellite, Telstar was launched.

21. 1980's ? The development of fibre optic cables during this decade, offered the potential to carry much larger volumes of calls than satellite or microwaves.

22. 1980's, 1990's, to present ? Huge advances in micro electronic technology over the last two decades have enabled the development of cellular (mobile) phones to advance at a truly astonishing rate. A cellular (mobile) phone has its own central transmitter allowing it to receive seamless transmissions as it enters and exits a cell.

Some people believe the impact of the telephone has had on our lives is negative. Whatever your beliefs, it is un-doubtable that the invention and development of the telephone has had a massive impact on the way we live our lives and go about our every day business.

Thanks for reading. Please take the time to rate the above article at the bottom of this page.

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Jason Morris is co-author, search engine optimization and marketing consultant of Business Phone Systems Direct. An established communications company, offering advice and implementation of high quality business phone systems.
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A Guide to Getting a Debt Consolidation Loan UK

If you're getting in over your head with credit, you might consider getting a debt consolidation loan UK . This loan is designed to pay off at least a portion if not all of your outstanding debts, allowing you to have either reduced payments or in some cases only the single payment of the loan itself to repay.

If you're looking for a debt consolidation loan UK , there are several factors that you might want to consider to find the loan that's right for you. Different banks and lenders may offer different terms for a debt consolidation loan UK , and you want to make sure that you get the best deal for the money that you can. Some of the factors that can affect your chances are your credit rating, the value and type of collateral that you're putting up to secure the loan, and of course the total amount that you need to borrow.

Let's look at each of these factors individually and how to maximize your deal on a debt consolidation loan UK .

Credit Rating

Your credit rating is the score by which lenders and potential creditors determine how much of a risk you are to extend credit to. The lower your credit rating score, the more of a credit risk you are; the higher the score, the less of a risk. Obviously, if you're trying to get a debt consolidation loan UK then you're probably closer to the low end of the scale? but trying to get help before you get too low is a good way to lessen the negative impact of your credit rating on the loan interest you'll have to pay. When things begin to get out of control and you find yourself in debt beyond your means to pay it back in a reasonable amount of time, that's the time to try to get a help? if you wait, your credit rating may drop lower and you'll have to pay more in the end.

Collateral

In most cases, you'll have to put up some type of collateral in order to secure your debt consolidation loan UK . This can allow you to get a larger loan while paying lower interest rates, since the lender has some form of property that they can possess and sell if you fail to repay what you've borrowed. The most common forms of collateral are automotive titles and real estate deeds, and both are very effective? after all, they're larger-value items, and they give you a good incentive to repay your debt. Just make sure that you have insurance? if not, the lender may either require it or drop the value of the collateral considerably.

Total Amount

The amount that you want to borrow is obviously a big consideration in getting a debt consolidation loan UK . Borrow the lowest amount that you can while still taking care of all of your debts (or at least the largest debts.) You also need to make sure that the amount you borrow is much lower than the value of your collateral? this usually entitles you to a much lower interest rate.

You may freely reprint this article provided the following author's biography (including the live URL link) remains intact:

About The Author

John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help homeowners find the best available loans via the http://www.directonlineloans.co.uk website.

How To Be Secure In An Insecure World

Most of us believe that our happiness and security are dependent upon our relationships, work, income and the external events that take place in our lives. When things are going well there is a sense of well-being and safety. We sleep well at night, wake up feeling refreshed and have the sense that the world can be managed - that we are in control. However, this kind of security is fleeting. As people and events are constantly changing, we are often edgy about what's coming down the road.

We then spend our time and energy trying to manage and control ourselves and others. This craze to control takes many forms. It produces anxiety that never seems to dissolve and turns into addictions, compulsions, catastrophic thinking. It leads to difficult, unhappy relationships based upon power struggles.

No matter how much we attempt to strategize and organize, life itself often has its own plans and ideas. When we cannot accept this, our life then soon becomes an endless struggle, rather than a source of joy. We become unable to go with the turn of the tide that life's changes brings and discover the new momentum that may be coming our way.

Most of the time it is fear that stops us. We long to live in the known, predict what will happen, to be able to respond in familiar ways. What we seek what is actually a false security, based upon keeping everything the same. But as the very nature of life is change, sooner or later our efforts must always fail.

The more we cling to what has been, the more real security eludes us. True security, the ability to live without fear, comes from being in touch with and trusting the one within who

The One Who Knows

Deep within each of us, there is a knowing and resilient part of ourselves who is able to respond full, know what to do when the moment arises and is at ease and filled with good will. This part of ourselves is filled with balance and creativity. As we contact this aspect of ourselves, bring it to light, give it time and attention, we become less affected by external circumstances and our life takes a completely different turn.

There is a process involved in connecting with and nurturing this part of ourselves, steps to take. These steps are directed to letting of that which is in the way. We start by un-learning some of what we've based our lives upon. Different individuals will resonate to different parts of the process. That is fine. Each step when done completely will take a person where they need to be.

Here are some basic, initial steps and principles in this wonderful journey to the center of a life of balance and trust.

A) Returning Home ?

To begin, rather than racing forward, we stop and turn around. Some call this returning to our original nature. We describe this step as Returning Home.

Rather than continue our frantic search for pleasure, wealth, love, well being in the external world, we return home to ourselves. We take back our attention and return it to who, what and where we are at this very moment. As we do this a centeredness, balance and simplicity takes the place of the upheaval we live with most of the time.

This step is based upon the principle that difficulties we encounter do not arise from that which is going on outside of us, but from the way we react and respond. As we return home and become aware, our reactivity lessens and natural balance and wisdom takes its place.

Returning home can include times of walking, meditation, centering, focussing, journalling. All of these have the common denominator of placing our attention within. This not only restores our energy, but significantly reduces the endless spin of catastrophic thinking most of us engage in. As we do this we notice it is the catastrophic thinking itself that makes us uneasy, not the actual events right before us now.

B)Letting Go Of False Expectations

Our fear of life and need to control is often fuelled by the disappointments we have suffered. Over and over we try to make things work out according to our desires. We may not see that many of these dashed expectations and desires, are simply fantasies, dreams, hopes and demands we've placed upon others. When our personal wishes are not fulfilled, resentment and fear develop. Often we do not see that our wishes may have little to do with what is real ? or what is beneficial for ourselves or others.

As we release our expectations, we become able to see and accept the world as it is and find a new way of living in it. We find who we are, where we belong and where our true security lay. Many then become amazed at how light, joyous and at ease they feel - and at the abundance of beauty and goodness that has always been available to them, day by day. We also begin to see that -

"The world is a womb, not a tomb, a place where everything is engendered and brought to life." Henry Miller

cc/Dr Shoshanna/2005

Dr. Brenda Shoshanna, http://www.brendashoshanna.com, is author of LIVING BY ZEN, (Timeless Truths For Everyday Life), http://www.livingbyzen.com. A psychologist, long term Zen practitioner, speaker and workshop leader she offers talks and workshops on finding our inner security and fulfillment. Dr. Shoshanna also speaks on all aspects of relationships and living life to the brim. She is the author of ZEN MIRACLES (Finding Peace In An Insane World, Wiley, and ZEN AND THE ART OF FALLING IN LOVE, (Simon and Schuster). She is the relationship on i.village and can be reached at topspeaker@yahoo.com, (212) 288-0028.

The Old Heddon Meadow Mouse

Have you ever fished with a Heddon Meadow Mouse? How did you do? The reason I ask is, I have fished with them until I lost my last one and did extremely well at catching big bass using them. I would throw the lure out and let it sit. Then twitch it once and watch it turn sideways, twitch it again and watch it turn the other way, then move it so slow it barely made a ripple and BANG. That's when the fish would hit it. I know I have caught at least a dozen bass on this lure over 5 pounds and hooked one of the biggest bass I ever had on but it got loose. Yeah, I know you hear that all the time. But I am telling you this bass was at least 10 pounds and since I have a 12 pound 14 ounce on my wall, I know what a ten pound bass looks like. I seen a 6 pound bass caught on one the first time I ever seen one about 30 years ago and also seen a 7 1/2 pound walleye caught on one.

The reason I brought this up is that I found two on ebay and bought them both. How much, well with shipping and insurance I paid $16.75 for them. That may sound like a lot for those two old lures but I am a believer in what they can do catching big bass.

Charles E. White has fished for almost 50 years for bass from California to Florida. In his lifetime, he has caught over 6,000 bass. His biggest bass is a 12 pound 14 ounce that hangs on his wall in his office.

Charles has fished with people who have never fished for bass before and taught them how to become successful anglers and also has fished with the Pros in Florida. His new website about fishing for bass is at: http://www.bassfishingweekly.com

How To Survive In A Plastic World, Qualifying For Credit Card

Let's face it, having credit is no longer a choice. "Don't leave home without it" is more like "can't buy a home without it." Your credit now determines the neighborhood you live in, the kind of car you drive and, sometimes, even whether or not you get a particular job.

Credit cards are great financial tools and the convenience they provide is beyond question

They are easier to carry than cash and offer valuable consumer protection under federal law.

Establishing A Good Credit History

Suppose you haven't financed a car loan, a computer or some other major purchase. How do you begin to establish credit?

First, consider applying for a credit card issued by a local store and use it responsibly. Ask if they report to a credit bureau, most major department stores do. If they do and if you pay your bills on time you'll establish a good credit history.

Second, consider a secured credit card. A secured credit card requires that you open and maintain a bank account or other asset account at a financial institution as security for your line of credit. Your line of credit will be a percentage of your deposit, typically from 50 to 100 percent. Credit card application and processing fees are not uncommon for secured credit cards. In addition, secured credit cards usually carry higher interest rates than traditional no secured credit cards.

What To Do When You Are Denied A Credit Card

If you're turned down for a credit card, it is important that you ask why. It may be that you haven't been at our current address or job long enough, or that your income doesn't meet the issuer's criteria. As you'll discover, different credit cards companies have different standards. But, if you are turned down by several companies, that may indicate that you are not ready for a credit card.

On the other hand, if you've been denied a credit card because of information supplied by a credit bureau, federal law requires the creditor to give you the name, address and telephone number of the bureau that supplied the information. If you contact that credit bureau within 60 days of receiving the denial, you are entitled to a free copy of your report.

It is extremely important that you dispute any inaccuracy with the credit bureau, but also with the company that furnished the information to the credit bureau. No one is going to make corrections on your behalf.

"Credi-quette" --The Miss Manners Guide To Proper Credit Card Handling

Once you get a card in the mail, sign it immediately so no one else can use it. Note that the accompanying papers have important information, such as customer service telephone numbers in case you have questions or your card is lost or stolen. File this information in a safe place ? one that is easy for you to access.

Call the card issuer to activate the card. Most cards come with stickers affixed that give you a telephone number to call. Many issuers require this step to minimize fraud and to give you additional information.

Keep your account information to yourself. Never give out a credit card number or expiration date over the phone unless you know who you're dealing with. A criminal can use this information to steal money from you, or even assume your credit identity.

Keep copies of sales slips and compare charges when your bill arrives. Promptly report in writing any questionable charges to the card issuer.

Don't lend your card to anyone, even a friend. Your credit privileges and history are too precious to risk.

Credit Card Land Mines ? Watch Your Step!

While a credit card makes it easy to buy something now and pay for it later, you can lose track of how much you've spent by the time the bill arrives if you're not careful. And if you don't pay your bill in full, you'll probably have to pay finance charges on the unpaid balance. What's more if you continue to charge while carrying an outstanding balance , your debt can snowball.

Before you know it, your minimum payment is only covering the interest. If you start having trouble repaying the debt, you could tarnish your credit report. And that can have a sizable impact on your life. When a negative report makes it more difficult to finance a car or home, get insurance or even get a job, it can be frustrating, embarrassing and downright painful.

Copyright ? Credit and You | All Rights Reserved |

To find out additional rights you have as a credit card user, how to get your first credit card, easy steps anyone can take to repair there credit report, the different types of credit cards accounts, and how to find out if your getting the best credit card deal visit http://www.creditandyou.com/creditcards.html it's a free information website!

Business Image

One of the most important things in a business is a clean image. I started a small business when I was twelve years old and built it up in a very large small business and then franchised the business. I retired at age 40 after setting up franchises in 23 states and four countries. It is an automotive and cleaning franchise. We always believed in image and cleanliness. How can you sell cleaning services when your equipment is ratty looking, it shows a complete disrespect for the customer.

Image and cleanliness were issues brought forth by some of the leaders of Franchising, such as Ray Kroc of McDonalds and Tom Monhan of Dominos Pizza. That tradition in franchising helps build brand loyalty and shows respect and pride in your work. When Fred Smith started Federal Express, now simply Fed Ex, re-named by the customers, he showed respect by insisting that all delivery vans be pressure washed nightly. If you look at the manual for a Starbucks, 1/2 of it is not how to make coffee, it is about customer service, cleanliness and image. Why? Respect for the customers, employees and Brand Name. Obviously many in business do not believe in image and few in Brand Name. You should in your business. So many of our competitors over the years did not, beating them in the market place was easy. Many times the independent mobile detailing outfits or mobile truck washing companies we competed against did not have a name on the vehicle or trailer the used in the business. Many had not even painted their rigs? Any color really. Heck, they could just paint it white with a blue stripe and put Plain Wrap-Pressure Washing. Anything is better than nothing, but image is important to your business too, any business really. Not only does it degrade the entire industry full of reputable practitioners but also it is degrading to the individual business and their customers when a practitioner fails to maintain a proper image.

I was always and still am today obsessed with image and this obsession in business has served me well, you need to think about this and constantly audit your image from the customer's perspective, look around stand out side your store and just stare, what do you see? Do the same for the competition, what are they lacking? Are you lacking the same, can you improve your image? Here is the first page of the first chapter of my company's Confidential Operations Manual. The entire set of manuals at my Company is over 1000 pages, I know because I was so concerned that it be right, I wrote the damn thing myself. It all starts with image:

IMAGE

The single easiest way to increase sales is to look professional. People believe what they see. If you look the part, you get the part. We at franchise headquarters have gone overboard with every detail. If you haven't noticed, everything is a bright shiny yellow. The trucks, flyers, shirts, hoses, vacuum - YELLOW!! The rest is either blue or silver. We are committed to keeping a positive image in the mind of every customer.

As you are probably aware, Wash Guys has never sacrificed its high public image for money. What you may not realize is that a high public image may not cost as much as you are led to believe.

In the service business, image is fifty percent (50%) of your business. The impact you have on your customers, whether it be your appearance, cleanliness of your equipment or style of your classy color brochure, is forever being re-audited. Even if your first impression is great, you can lose it just as fast if you fail to handle simple details.

Here are a few areas that are the cornerstone of your "new image".

?The clothes you wear

?The way you carry yourself

?The equipment you use

?The people you hire

?The advertising you choose

?Phone conversations

?Your work quality

?Cleanliness of your truck

?Your general appearance

?Literature and business cards

Image in Business are so important, especially in the service business or franchise, so when we see competitors in any market who disregard image and still are able to get business, we realize that our company in such a market is an absolute no-brainer. There are many problems in the Mobile Washing Business with the competition and we are cleaning it up, city by city, state by state; both figuratively and literally. Now ask yourself what is you image like? Can you blowout your competition thru superior image? Have you even thought about this recently? Just like Sam Walton, Ray Kroc, Tom Monhan, Michael Dell, Fred Smith and countless others have in their industries. You can seize the lions share of your market if your will continually focus on your company's image. It worked for us as we seized opportunity to bring quality, image, cleanliness and service back the customer who has clearly been forgotten in so many markets in the United States. It is not everyday that a business walks the talk. Are you giving lip service to the image of your business or do you take it seriously, either way and what ever you do; It shows. Think about it.

"Lance Winslow" - If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs

Media Savvy ? Media Skills For Rural Women

The ability to lead, persuade and influence are integral skills for effective leaders. The capability of telling a story that inspires, motivates and informs is an essential part of this process. In an age of convergence in the media and increased scepticism over traditional communication methods, a new breed of leader is emerging that sees the media as an opportunity and not a threat. They use the media in a pro-active way to build their community or organisation's image, reputation and identity.

Business Review Weekly's cover story "Future Leaders" editorial reported "new chief executives must have better presentation skills, for they will be required to perform in the electronic and printed media. Poor presentation will be perceived as a weakness in leadership, and arrogance or condescending attitudes will only be tolerated while the company is on top," (BRW December 14, 1998 P.14).

The WA Rural Women in Leadership program is designed for women 40 years and above to enhance their personal leadership skills through a range of learning modules.

I found the women I was working with in a half-day module on "Managing the Media" highly motivated, articulate and committed to community development in their respective regions.

My role with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, as both a broadcaster interviewing key decision makers and as a manager providing editorial leadership for program makers, allowed me to observe first hand how effective leaders use the media to get their message across.

I now share this knowledge and experience with a range of clients to add value, improve performance and build capabilities. Our company has built a reputation for excellence in media strategy, issues management, change management, marketing communications, media training, financial journalism and professional speaking. A practical approach is focused on helping people strategically manage real-life situations.

Getting positive exposure in the media can be more powerful than any advertising campaign. It is far-reaching, utterly credible and free. As an added bonus, you may well attract an audience you had never anticipated.

But talking to reporters can be risky and threatening for first timers. You can say too much and lose control of the interview. You can say the wrong thing and damage your reputation. Or you can say "no comment" and lose an opportunity.

The only way to build your reputation is by learning the secrets of how the media works.

The benefits for rural women on knowing and understanding how the media works are increased confidence and a greater opportunity to make their views, ideas and solutions heard.

In working with groups, I share with them what I believe are 10 tips for working with the media:

10 Tips

These are 10 success tips that will help leaders get the best from the media.

1. Know Your Strengths. What are you an expert at? What is your specialized area of expertise? What unique services or information can you offer? Position yourself as the expert.

2. Clarify your communication objectives? What do you want to achieve? To inform or entertain? To provide information? To build a profile? To influence public opinion? Personal marketing? Marketing or launching a new product or service?

3. Define your target audience? Who is your target audience? General public? Customers? Competitors? Suppliers? What age are they, what level of education, what beliefs and values, geographical location, how do they use the media?

4. Identify the best channels of communication. What is the best way to reach your target audience? TV, Radio, Internet, newspapers - local or Statewide, specialist or generalist, industry publications, community newsletters?

5. What is your key message? Distill what you want to say into three key points. Work out the best time to deliver this message and who will deliver it.

6. Build your case? What are the features, advantages and benefits of your message for your target audience? What evidence and proof do you have?

7. What is the hook? What will make your message or news release stand out from the rest? Be creative. Use a press release to control the information flow.

8. Develop long-term relationships with the media. Visit and meet them face to face. Network and get to know them.

9. Use the Three Golden Rules to Perform at your Best = Know Your Topic, Be Prepared, Relax.

10. Seek Professional Help. For maximum impact, effectiveness and value seek the advice of a media and communications professional.

Thomas Murrell MBA CSP is an international business speaker, consultant and award-winning broadcaster. Media Motivators is his regular electronic magazine read by 7,000 professionals in 15 different countries.

You can subscribe by visiting http://www.8mmedia.com. Thomas can be contacted directly at +6189388 6888 and is available to speak to your conference, seminar or event. Visit Tom's blog at http://www.8mmedia.blogspot.com.