– Internet Marketing Determines Web Success –

Internet marketing is essential to the success of web sites. You can have a professional looking website but what good can it do if internet users are not able to find it when they need your products and services? That is where an internet marketing campaign comes into play.

“Your website has to magically appear before buyers when they need products and services.”

Internet marketing is similar to designing websites- it does not require much experience to do a good job, just good knowledge and a keen eye for details. It is fundamentally important for a good internet marketer to constantly update himself weekly, if not monthly, of online markets. There are many ways to market your website .

– Find A Competent and Reliable Internet Marketer –

Justify the costs of hiring an Internet Marketer – First of all, getting an internet marketer is not essential for every website. If your website is a business website or a website which you want to generate revenue from, it is good to seek a competent internet marketer to work on your website. The costs spent on your website for internet marketing has to be justified and often, they are justified by having more revenue and traffic to your web site.

Potential customers have to know that there are no guarrantees in SEO. Since everything is fundamentally based on search engines, SEO work is at the mercy of major search engines like Google. Many SEO companies tried to secure customers with guarrantees that they cannot fulfil, resulting in lawsuits or customers getting burned for hiring their SEO services.

– What an Internet Marketer can offer –

In short, an Internet Marketer oversees that your website is built properly for visibility and promoted with the best dollar spent on your internet marketing campaign. It is no good having a website and not appearing in internet searches. Your website has to magically appear before buyers when they need products and services. Internet Marketers deploy search engine optimisation techniques to make your website visible and targeted to internet users.

Internet marketing requires research and analysis effort for individual website, followed by optimisation of website. Hundreds of hours may be spent on each website, depending on the size of your targeted market. You are essentially paying for the amount of effort involved, effectiveness of your internet marketer and daily sales tracking of your website.

How to choose an Internet Marketer- Internet marketing requires constant updating of skills and knowledge. One crude way to test if your internet marketer is a genuine or fake- Ask your internet marketer about recent events that happened in his field. If he cannot answer that, he must have a genuinely good reason to back himself as a good internet marketer! At times, it is easy to fall prey into the hands of bad internet marketing companies as happened in US and other parts of the world.

It is also important for you to feel comfortable with the amount of money you are spending on getting your site popular before committing yourself to a internet marketing campaign. Internet marketing campaigns typically last a few months and requires monthly tune-ups to your website. Include the costs of an internet marketing campaign when doing your company’s advertising budget.

Lester Boey works in an Australian SEO and Web Design company (Australian Seo and Web Designs Services). His life revolves around SEO; providing full-time and freelance seo services to US and Australian businesses. Email: projects@definiteweb.com

This article goes into the basics of tennis for beginners. What are the first things you have to do when starting to play tennis? At what age should you begin? And what’s the best tennis racquet to begin with?

To start, one of the best ways of learning to play tennis is to use your body’s natural abilities. If you do this the right way, you will build up thousands of natural muscle connections. It will ensure that you can keep on developing and never run into a dead end along the way.

First Steps to Take

Three things are crucial to me when it comes to tennis for beginners:

Step 1 – In case you have never had previous tennis coaching, then find yourself a tennis coach who can teach you the fundamentals. Only when you have learned the basics of tennis, you can move on to more advanced stuff.

Step 2 – This is about really delving into tennis through reading, watching tennis games, and practicing tennis as much as you possibly can. My favorite motto is “sleep, drink, eat tennis”.

Step 3 – Now it’s time to learn specific baseline tactics and other tennis drills for beginners. The goal should be to develop as quickly as you possibly can. Your focus should be to win – playing tennis is not the same as hitting balls!

When to Start?

What is the best age to start playing tennis? The answer to this question really depends on your goals. If you really want to become part of the top 100 tennis players in the world, then you should start as young as possible. Remember that a famous tennis player like Andre Agassi picked up a tennis racquet before he could even walk. Boris Becker won Wimbledon at the age of 17, and Rafael Nadal was winning professional tournaments at age 16. One exception is Vince Spadea, but even he started playing tennis at the grand old age of 14.

The reason for this, is that young children can effortlessly develop their coordination just like young children can learn any language without effort.

However, don’t let these sobering facts stop you from starting to play tennis. Even if you don’t become a top 100 tennis player, tennis is still an excellent way to develop mental strength and fitness. And don’t forget that for talented amateurs, Europe has leagues that pay you to represent their club. Also, many tennis players who don’t make it to the top, still get good paying jobs as tennis coaches.

Your First Tennis Racquet

When you buy your first tennis racquet, it doesn’t have to be a professional racquet. But unless you are particularly light or young, it should be an adult racquet. If you weigh under 80 pounds, you should go for a junior racquet, meaning any racquet under 27 inches.

Particularly, you should try to avoid the following:

Racquets with a head size under 100 square inches. Racquets with a larger head size make it easier to hit the ball and such racquets also give the player more power as they have a larger sweet spot.

“Head light racquets” that have their weight based in the handle, as they are particularly meant for advanced players and not for beginners.

Racquets that start to weigh in at under 280 pounds. Very light racquets are meant for players who are very light themselves. However, once you start off with a very light racquet, it is typically hard to change to a proper one later. So it’s better never to start with a light racquet in the first place.

Aluminium racquets for beginners are the cheapest and can already be bought for $30 to $70. As you advance, you can switch to a graphite racquet which are available in the $80 to $330 price range.

Max Gregor is the editor of How-2-Tennis.com, a complete information resource for beginning and advanced tennis players. Find more about tennis terminology at his site.

How much does childcare cost and what’s the difference?

The cost of childcare is an important consideration for families in the UK. Childcare costs vary significantly depending on the type of childcare you choose.

Prices vary according to the type of childcare that you need, the hours that you need childcare for and the experience and qualifications that you’re chosen candidate has. Location also affects the price of childcare, for example Nanny’s in London cost considerably more than Nannies in Birmingham or Nannies in Manchester.

Typically babysitters and au pairs are the least expensive type of child care with the least experience and qualifications but that’s not to say they won’t provide excellent care and be perfect solution to your childcare needs. Live in Nannies in London are highly sought after and provide the most expensive childcare. They provide round the clock care for families, with high levels of experience, up to date CRB check and childcare training.

Each childcare candidate on FAB has the option of displaying their regular hourly, weekly, or monthly charges on their profile page and each candidate includes the type of childcare or domestic service that they can provide.

For example, Jodie is a childcarer based in Harpenden. She is available for a number of child care jobs in the Harpenden area including Nanny live out, Nanny part time, Babysitter, Afterschool Nanny, Nanny Housekeeper, and Housekeeper. She has ten years experience and charges £7 per hour.

If you are returning to work or just need extra help with your little ones, the following should be considered before beginning your childcare search as it will greatly affect the cost of your childcare:

How much can I afford to spend on childcare?

How often do I need childcare?

Do I want childcare in my own home or away from my home?

Do I want someone with many years of experience or am I happy with an inexperienced au pair?

Am I willing to have my childcare live in my home or do I prefer my families privacy?

The age of your children, a baby requires much more specialised care than a teenager.

Where do you live? Childcare costs in London are higher than say Birmingham simply because the cost of living is higher.

Am I eligible for Working Tax Credits or Childcare Vouchers?

Whatever type of child care you need and wherever you are, it’s important to discuss and agree your requirements and the costs with your childcare candidate in advance.

www.findababysitter.com connects parents and agencies with childcare by postcode and by the type of care, experience or qualifications that they require, or can provide, either in their own home or just up their street.
Findababysitter is a community service, a place where people living close by can find each other and the childcare they need, safely, easily and affordably.

Congratulations!

By deciding to investigate the benefits of television advertising, you are taking the first step to more sales and faster profits. More businesses owners than ever are turning to television as a powerful tool to grow their profits. And it’s not the traditional “deep pockets” crowd either. Small and medium sized businesses are flocking to television advertising like never before. Some are coming away battered and bruised. But many are smiling ear to ear because they have unlocked the secrets to television advertising success – on a print or radio budget.

The Golden Rule?

Don’t let the tail wag the dog. You need to take control of your journey into television advertising so that it pays off.

Does that mean you have to be an expert?

No. But you do need to know how the industry and the medium work in order to end up with a cost-effective television advertising campaign.

Which is exactly why we prepared “An Insider Guide To Crossing Over To TV Advertising… On A Print Or Radio Budget..And Making Plenty Of Profit!”

It’s your GPS to an affordable and profitable TV Advertising experience.

Now is the best time in history for small business owners to use television advertising to explode their sales! Airtime and commercial and television production rates are the most affordable they’ve ever been! Specialty channels let you laser target your ideal sales prospect.

Television adds a level of credibility to you and your business like no other medium can do.

There’s a reason you’re seeing video pop up just about everywhere as more and more business owners come to the realization that the more senses you can appeal to, the more likely it is that you can gain a foothold in the most crowded place anywhere – your prospect’s mind.

Need any proof? Just look at the absolute astounding success of You Tube. People are attracted to watching video.

Isn’t it time you jumped on board and gave it a try?

The 5 secrets revealed below will help you leverage the power of television advertising in your business.

Secret #1 Have A Clear Unique Selling Message

This applies to all your marketing but is especially true when it comes to TV advertising.

You need to provide your prospects with a compelling reason to want to learn more about your product or service.

And, if you’re using a 30 or 60 second commercial to achieve this objective, you need to make sure your message is equipped to get your prospect to take the next step in your sales process.

That’s why you must have a very clear message.

What is the main benefit, promise or solution you want your prospect to walk away with?

Or, put another way, what is your unique selling proposition (USP)?

It’s important to have one otherwise you will have trouble differentiating your offer from those of your competitors.

Not sure how to boil it down to a simple clear message?

You can start by asking and answering the following questions:

• Why do people buy from you? Why do people NOT buy from you? Really give this some thought and make a list.
• What benefits do clients gain from doing business with you? People buy to gain benefits. What does your product or services DO for them
• What emotional appeal does your product or service have? Does it provide a sense of relief? Make your clients feel a sense of pride? Television provides the perfect forum for hitting your prospect’s emotional hot buttons.
• What problem do you solve or what need do you fulfill?

Another way to gather ideas for your USP is to survey your current clients.

Ask them WHY they bought from you. Find out what problem you solved for them why did they pick you over the competition? You may be surprised by the answers. People buy for different reasons.

In developing your USP, what you want to do is figure out the most common reason people decided to buy your product or service and then use that insight to create a powerful selling message that makes you stand out.

Don’t forget to check out your competitors. Many times what is obvious to you and your competitors, isn’t obvious to your potential clients. And you can use that differentiate yourself from the rest of the pack. Here’s an example… Years ago, Folgers coffee decided they needed to increase sales. Competition was everywhere. So what did they do? They started promoting the fact that Folger’s was mountain grown and stamped “Mountain Grown” on their coffee cans. Sales exploded. After all, coffee grown on a mountain simply had to be special. Right? What the average coffee drinker was unaware of is that fact that MOST coffee is mountain grown. Folger’s simply used this little known fact to make itself stand out. The more finely tuned your USP is, the more effective your television campaign will be – and all of your marketing for that matter.

Secret #2 Know Your Ideal Client

Your ability to generate sales leads from your television ad campaign will be greatly enhanced if you have a clear understanding of who your best prospects are and why they buy from you.

Otherwise it’s virtually impossible to create an effective television commercial.

This vital knowledge allows you to create a script that speaks to the specific needs of the people most likely to buy your offering and present your unique selling proposition in a compelling way.

Your message resonates and creates a natural attraction. But let’s say you’re not exactly sure who your ideal client is? Or why they buy? How do you go about finding out?

Well, a quick effective way to do it is to take a look at your current clients. Especially those you really enjoy working with. What do they have in common? Do they share a number of similar characteristics? You may already have a target market and just don’t realize it.

Here are just a few “target market” criteria you can use to define your niche.

• Age – try to narrow the age group range of your best prospects
• Gender – who makes the decision to purchase your products or services? Who might influence it? This is important to know so you can make the right appeal.
• Marital status (single, married, divorced)
• Household Income. Do your best to estimate the income of your target customer.
• Occupation – are your best prospects white collar construction, sales people, entrepreneurs, retired • Geographical region. (ex: Toronto, warm climate, people who live near water)
• Lifestyle (professional, conservative, risk-takers)
• Company size (self-employed professionals, Fortune 500, companies with $10 Million + in sales)
• Industry specific (a marketing consultant who focuses on solo-professionals)
• Leisure Time Activities – what do your customers do to relax and have fun? Hobbies? Pastimes?? Once you complete your research – combining the information you have about your existing clients along with additional characteristics – you will be able to build your ideal target customer profile. This will give you will have a clearer understanding of the language and tone you should use in your script and what type of information your target market will be looking for.

And it will help pinpoint the type of audience your television commercial should be presented to in order to produce maximum sales results.

Secret #3 Be Involved In the Process

Many small and medium sized companies that shy away from television advertising quickly latch on to the “perceived” high cost (more about this in Secret #5) as a reason they have been reluctant to give it a try.

But there’s often another factor lurking in the background that keeps many businesses from enjoying the success a professionally created television commercial can create.

Simply put: for some, making the leap to the world of television advertising can be intimidating.

In print, you write your ad and the publication runs it. In radio, you record your commercial and the station plays it.

With television, there are a lot pieces that need to be pulled together to produce a successful advertising campaign and for those who haven’t been through the process before, it can be a real leap of faith.

You need to be a kind of project manager for your television advertising experience. Do you need to be an expert? No. But you do need a sense of what the process involves so you can add to the experience where applicable.

To help you understand the elements that provide the foundation for a successful TV advertising campaign, here is a checklist:

• Budget – Many small and medium sized businesses don’t realize that the money they are currently investing in radio or print ad campaigns could be used to create an effective television advertising campaign – provided you know the secret (we reveal it in Secret#5) to avoiding one of the major hidden costs TV advertising. Production costs and airtime will be the two main components of your budget.
• Script - The script is your ad in words. This is your core selling message. The script dictates who says what, the tone and expressions used, what is seen on screen, who moves when and where. A script will be necessary for your commercial.
• Talent – This includes on-camera talent and voiceover talent. The more well-known and in-demand the talent, the more you pay. For many advertisers, local and regional talent will produce a professional result.
• Production Elements – You need to decide what kind of graphics, audio, or music you want – along with any other special effects..
• Length – Typically, TV commercial spots run 30 seconds. You can also run in 15-second and 60-second increments. An “infomercial” often runs 30 – 60 minutes and costs more to produce and to run.

At the end of the process, your TV commercial should answer one very important question for the viewer:

‘What’s in it for me?’

The way to answer that question so that both you and your prospect end up with a positive outcome is to make sure your commercial is focused on how the viewer can benefit from your product or service.

No one can sell your offering better than you.

You must use every bit of selling information you can to gain favorable attention immediately with the viewer! Otherwise the viewer will click away and your investment will be wasted.

And last, but definitely not least…

Tell the viewer what you want him/her to do next!

It’s incredible how many new TV advertisers (and some longtime veterans) fail to ask the viewer to take the next step in their selling process make this mistake. Do you want them to visit your web site? Pick up a phone and call? Come into your store? You need to lead them to where you want them to go next. Now, let’s move on to one of the costliest mistakes television advertisers make along with tips on how you can avoid it.

Secret #4 Be “Marketing Ready” For Your Prospect

Most businesses today use advertising and marketing as a way of initiating a relationship with a prospect. The same is true of television advertising.

After all, a 30 second spot on TV isn’t going to answer every question.

If your commercial has done its job, the next step is to invite your prospect to learn more about you can benefit him/her.

This could involve an invitation to visit your web site, pick up a phone and call you or drop by your location.

It’s critical to make sure that whatever you ask your prospect to do that you’re equipped to keep your prospect moving toward a sale.

This is where many TV advertisers drop the ball and end up wasting their valuable marketing dollars..

Let’s use a visit to your web site as an example. We’ll assume your prospect has watched your commercial and is shown your web site URL on the screen as it finishes.

Your commercial piqued his curiosity and made him want to know more about you and your offering.

Congratulations. You’re past the first hurdle – getting the prospect to take the next step in your selling process.

But that’s all you’ve accomplished at this point.

Now you’re moving on to the all-important “conversion” part of the sales process. Tons of visitors to your site won’t feed your family, pay your mortgage or let you lie around on the beach in Cabo San Lucas.

For that, you need to convert your prospects initial interest into a sale.

And a web site that doesn’t clearly pick up where your television commercial left off by immediately reminding your visitor ‘what’s in it for him’ and presenting your sales story in a compelling way is going to bring a selling opportunity to a grinding halt.

What’s the point of tempting a bunch of hungry prospects only to have them arrive and you’ve nothing to feed them?

Same thing holds true if you want them to call you. Every member of your team who has public contact must be ready to keep the momentum going.

The job of your TV commercial is to attract the fish. The rest of the job – hooking the prospect (in an ethical way, of course) and getting him into the boat and converting him into a lifelong profitable client is the job of your marketing.

You need to make sure your marketing message is consistent throughout ALL your marketing. Otherwise you won’t get the ROI you should.

Secret #5 Don’t Let Tail Wag The Dog

Television advertising can be rewarding, but you need an experienced hand guiding you past the pitfalls so you can produce a profitable result. So far, we’ve armed you with the knowledge you need to make sure your television advertising efforts position you for a successful outcome. Now it’s time to introduce the key thread that ties it all together. Making sure you partner with an industry professional who knows the ropes. The first place many small and medium size businesses turn for assistance is an advertising agency. A very expensive mistake.

Here’s why: Many ad agencies focus on “institutional” type or branding type messaging. They are image builders. While having a professional image is important, most of the businesses flocking to TV advertising these days need sales. You’re probably the same. You want viewers to watch your commercial and take the next step in your selling process. Maybe a visit to your web site or a phone call. For that, you need direct response television advertising. And many advertising agencies simply aren’t equipped for that. Nor do they know how to “convert” an interested prospect into a profitable lifetime client.

But here’s the dirty little secret they hope you won’t find out about: Many don’t have in-house resources to write your script. Or television production facilities so they can shoot your commercial. Or an editing booth where they can edit your footage. Here’s what that means to you… If the ad agencies don’t have the resources themselves, they have to go outside, cobble together a team of industry professionals who can and pay them. Guess who gets stuck with all the middleman mark-ups? But this ‘don’t worry, the client will pay for it’ old school mentality doesn’t stop there. Once your commercial is ready to air, you need a TV program to run it on. For looking in a book and phoning up to schedule your spots, the ad agency will charge you 15% of your media budget. Is that how you want to spend your valuable media dollars? Having someone round up a bunch of people who can and charge you for doing it? Thought so. Here’s an alternative… Creative Bube Tube is a full-service, one source expert at producing direct response television advertising and corporate videos. We work with small and medium size business to help them generate profitable sales. Many of our clients are newbies. But we’ve opened the eyes of more than a few savvy veterans along the way.

Here are four pillars we’ve built our business model on:

• One Source – Every aspect of your television advertising is handled in-house by our team. This means you avoid the unnecessary added cost mark ups, delays and finger-pointing caused by too many fingers in the pie.
• Expertise – We are television advertising experts. Period. It’s all we do. And we know how to sell. To you, that means campaigns that not only look professional, they send you a steady stream of qualified prospects.
• Cost Efficient – Because we know our craft, we understand how and where to use your budget efficiently – without having to grease the palm of a number of disconnected middlemen. That way, every dollar you invest is working to increase your sales. The media relationships we have built through the years provide you with red carpet access to your target market – for a fraction of the cost you would pay otherwise – with no hidden fees.
• Process – The key to effective affordable television advertising is sales driven creative, efficient production, proper planning and organization. That requires precise communication. Everything we do is in-house. We don’t outsource your creative to a production company that has no marketing background. Then send the footage after filming to a post-production house. Then hire a media buyer who has likely never even seen any of the creative. Then sit back and watch the confusion, as your budget gets chewed up in a sea of disorganization and chaos. Everyone on our team intimately is involved in your project – from beginning to end.

Creative Bube Tube makes television advertising effective and efficient – for both newbies and long-time television advertisers who are tired of wasting valuable marketing dollars propping up old-school practices. If you’ve been thinking about trying television advertising but have been holding off because you were concerned it was very expensive, we’d behappy to show you not only how you can afford it, but also how you can use it to skyrocket your sales results. Please call us today at 1-855 BUBE TUBE or visit our web site at http://www.creativebubetube.com and learn more about how we can help you generate a stream of profitable lifetime clients.

2011 Creative Bube Tube

As the President of Creative Bube Tube, Jenny Munford has been directly involved in hundreds of television advertising campaigns and corporate video productions. She created Creative Bube Tube in response to a need she saw for someone in the industry to make television advertising affordable and effective for small and medium sized businesses who felt they were tied to print and radio to market their products and services. By creating a one-source shop that can handle all of a client’s needs, Jenny is able to provide clients with cost efficiency by eliminating one of the biggest costs of TV advertising – middleman markups. To learn more about how Creative Bube Tube can help you sell more of your product or service, please visit http://www.creativebubetube.com or call us at 1-855 BUBE TUBE.

India’s US$40b education market is experiencing a surge in investment. Capital, both local and international, and innovative legal structures are changing the face of this once-staid sector

The liberalization of India’s industrial policy in 1991 was the catalyst for a wave of investment in IT and infrastructure projects. Rapid economic growth followed, sparking a surge in demand for skilled and educated workers. This, combined with the failure of the public system to provide high quality education and the growing willingness of the burgeoning middle class to spend money on schooling, has transformed India’s education sector into an attractive and fast-emerging opportunity for foreign investment.

Despite being fraught with regulatory restrictions, private investors are flocking to play a part in the “education revolution”. A recent report by CLSA (Asia-Pacific Markets) estimated that the private education market is worth around US$40 billion. The K-12 segment alone, which includes students from kindergarten to the age of 17, is thought to be worth more than US$20 billion. The market for private colleges (engineering, medical, business, etc.) is valued at US$7 billion while tutoring accounts for a further US$5 billion.

Other areas such as test preparation, pre-schooling and vocational training are worth US$1-2 billion each. Textbooks and stationery, educational CD-ROMs, multimedia content, child skill enhancement, e-learning, teacher training and finishing schools for the IT and the BPO sectors are some of the other significant sectors for foreign investment in education.

Opportunity beckons

The Indian government allocated about US$8.6 billion to education for the current financial year. But considering the significant divide between the minority of students who graduate with a good education and the vast majority who struggle to receive basic elementary schooling, or are deprived of it altogether, private participation is seen as the only way of narrowing the gap. Indeed, it is estimated that the scope for private participation is almost five times the amount spent on education by the government.

CLSA estimates that the total size of India’s private education market could reach US$70 billion by 2012, with an 11% increase in the volume and penetration of education and training being offered.

The K-12 segment is the most attractive for private investors. Delhi Public School operates approximately 107 schools, DAV has around 667, Amity University runs several more and Educomp Solutions plans to open 150 K-12 institutions over the next four years. Coaching and tutoring K-12 students outside school is also big business with around 40% of urban children in grades 9-12 using external tuition facilities.

Opening the doors

Private initiatives in the education sector started in the mid-90s with public-private partnerships set up to provide information and communications technology (ICT) in schools. Under this scheme, various state governments outsourced the supply, installation and maintenance of IT hardware and software, as well as teacher training and IT education, in government or government-aided schools. The central government has been funding this initiative, which follows the build-own-operate-transfer (BOOT) model, under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan and ICT Schools programmes. Private companies such as Educomp Solutions, Everonn Systems, and NIIT were among the first to enter the ICT market, which is expected to be worth around US$1 billion by 2012.

Recently, the central government invited private participation in over 1,000 of its industrial training institutes and offered academic and financial autonomy to private players. Companies such as Tata, Larsen & Toubro, Educomp and Wipro have shown keen interest in participating in this initiative.

Regulatory roadblocks

Education in India is regulated at both central and state government levels. As a result, regulations often differ from state to state. K-12 education is governed by the respective State School Education Act and the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Rules and Regulations concerning affiliation and/or the rules of any other affiliating body. Under current regulations, only not-for-profit trusts and societies registered under Societies Registration Act, 1860, and companies registered under section 25 of the Companies Act, 1956, qualify to be affiliated with the CBSE and to operate private schools.

While the K-12 segment accounts for the lion’s share of India’s educational market, weaving through the complex regulatory roadmap to qualify for affiliation poses serious difficulties for investors. The CBSE requires privately-funded schools to be non-proprietary entities without any vested control held by an individual or members of a family. In addition, a school seeking affiliation is expected to have a managing committee controlled by a trust, which should approve budgets, tuition fees and annual charges. Any income accrued cannot be transferred to the trust or school management committee and voluntary donations for gaining school admission are not permitted.

Schools and higher education institutions set up by the trust are entitled to exemptions from income tax, subject to compliance with section 11 of the Income Tax Act, 1961. In order to qualify for tax exemptions, the trust needs to ensure that its predominant activity is to serve the charitable purpose of promoting education as opposed to the pursuit of profit.

Alternative paths

Alternative routes do exist for investors seeking to avoid the web of regulatory barriers that constrain their involvement. Sectors such as pre-schools, private coaching and tutoring, teacher training, the development and provision of multimedia content, educational software development, skill enhancement, IT training and e-learning are prime sectors in which investors can allocate their funds. These areas are attractive because while they relate closely to the profitable K-12 segment, they are largely unregulated. As such, they make attractive propositions for private investors interested in taking advantage of the burgeoning demand for quality education. Companies such as Educomp Solutions, Career Launcher, NIIT, Aptech, and Magic Software, are market leaders in these fields. Educomp recently acquired a large number of educational institutes and service providers across India. It has also formed joint ventures with leading higher education groups, including Raffles Education Singapore, for the establishment of higher education institutions and universities in India and China. Furthermore, it has entered into a multi-million dollar collaboration with Ansal Properties and Infrastructure to set up educational institutions and schools across the country and closed an US$8.5 million deal to acquire Eurokids International, a private provider of pre-school educational services in India. Gaja Capital India, an education-centric fund, has completed the funding of three education services companies in India. NIIT and Aptech, meanwhile, are engaged in the IT training business.

Core Projects and Technology is also focusing heavily on India and is likely to bid to takeover, upgrade and run public schools for specified periods on a public-private partnership basis.

Higher hurdles

While state governments are largely responsible for providing K-12 education in India, the central government is accountable for major policy decisions relating to higher education. It provides grants to the University Grants Commission (UGC) and establishes central universities in the country. The UGC coordinates, determines and maintains standards and the release of grants. Upon the UGC’s recommendation, the central government declares the status of an educational institution, which once authorized, is entitled to award degrees.

State governments are responsible for the establishment of state universities and colleges and has the power to approve the establishment of private universities through State Acts. All private universities are expected to conform to the UGC guidelines to ensure that certain minimum standards are maintained.

Amity University in Uttar Pradesh is one of the private universities to open its doors. It was approved by the Uttar Pradesh state legislature on 12 January 2005 under section 2(f) of the University Grants Commission Act.

Not-for-profit and anti-commercialization concepts dominate higher education fee structures. To prevent commercialization and profit-making, institutions are prohibited from claiming returns on investments. This, however, does not pose a hurdle for universities interested in mobilizing resources to replace and upgrade their assets and services. A fixation of fees is required in accordance with the guidelines prescribed by the UGC and other concerned statutory bodies. For this purpose, the UGC may request the relevant information from the private university concerned, as prescribed in the UGC (Returns of Information by Universities) Rules, 1979.

In line with the policy on Fee Fixation in Private Unaided Educational Institutions Imparting Higher and Technical Education, two types of fees are required: tuition fees and development fees. Tuition fees are intended to recover the actual cost of imparting education without becoming a source of profit for the owner of the institution. While earning returns on investment would not be permissible, development fees may provide an element of partial capital cost recovery to the management, serving as a resource for upkeep and replacement.

Legal precedents

In order to be awarded university status by the UGC, institutions must comply with the objectives set forth in the Model Constitution of the Memorandum of Association/Rules, and ensure that no portion of the income accrued is transferred as profit to previous or existing members of the institution. Payments to individuals or service providers in return for any service rendered to the institute are, however, not regulated.

In this context recent court judgments on private universities are relevant. The Supreme Court, in Unnikrishnan JP v State of Andhra Pradesh, introduced a scheme regulating the admission and levy of fees in private unaided educational institutions, particularly those offering professional education. The ruling was later notified in the fee policy.

Subsequently, in the case of Prof Yashpal and Anr v State of Chattisgarh and Ors in 2005, the Supreme Court assailed the Chattisgarh government’s legislation and amendments which had been abused by many private universities. It was contended that the state government, simply by issuing notifications in the Gazette, had been establishing universities in an indiscriminate and mechanical manner without taking into account the availability of any infrastructure, teaching facilities or financial resources. Further, it was found that the legislation (Chhattisgarh Niji Kshetra Vishwavidyalaya (Sthapana Aur Viniyaman) Adhiniyam, 2002) had been enacted in a manner which had completely abolished any kind of UGC control over private universities.

The Supreme Court concluded that parliament was responsible for ensuring the maintenance and uniformity of higher education institutions in order to uphold the UGC’s authority. Following the judgment, only those private universities that satisfied the UGC’s norms were able to continue operating in Chattisgarh.

Professional institutions

Professional and technical education in India is regulated by professional councils such as the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). Established under the AICTE Act, 1987, AICTE gives recognition to courses, promotes professional institutions, provides grants to undergraduate programmes, and ensures the coordinated and integrated development of technical education and the maintenance of standards. The AICTE has recently exerted pressure on unrecognized private technical and management institutes to seek its approval or face closure.

A single bench decision of the Delhi High Court in Chartered Financial Analysis Institute and Anr v AICTE illustrates the far-reaching implications this kind of pressure can have on all institutions operating independently of the AICTE. The court found that the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute, a US-based organization, was engaged in imparting technical education and that its charter, though not described as a degree or diploma, was nevertheless descriptive of the candidate attaining an academic standard, entitling him to pursue further courses, and achieve better prospects of employment in the investment banking profession. The AICTE argued that the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute fell within the ambit of its regulation and was therefore obliged to submit to the jurisdiction of the regulatory body. The Delhi High Court upheld the AICTE’s view that the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute did qualify as an institution imparting technical education..

This judgment may have emboldened the AICTE to proceed against a number of other establishments that are on its list of unapproved institutions. It holds particular significance since despite not granting degrees and diplomas, the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute was still deemed by the court to be covered under the description of a “technical institute”.

Enthusiasm grows for foreign participation

While regulators such as the AICTE continue to exercise influence in the Indian education system, the sector is expected to witness a surge in foreign investment and perhaps a reduction in the number of regulatory roadblocks as a result of the central government’s enthusiasm for overseas investors. Foreign direct investment in higher education could help reduce government expenditure and there is a general consensus that education as a whole should be opened for domestic and foreign private participation.

The entry of foreign educational institutions into India will be covered by the new Foreign Education Providers (Regulation for Entry and Operation) Bill. The bill seeks to regulate the entry and operation of foreign education providers, as well as limit the commercialization of higher education. Foreign education providers would be given the status of “deemed universities” allowing them to grant admissions and award degrees, diplomas or certificates.

Operationally, the bill proposes to bring foreign education providers under the administrative umbrella of the UGC, which would eventually regulate the admissions process and fee structures. Since these foreign institutions will have to be incorporated under central or state laws, they will also be subject to the government’s policies of reservations. The bill is pending approval from the Indian Parliament but it is unclear if it will be taken by the present government for a vote prior to the general elections in 2009.

Innovative structures unlock profitability

The regulatory restraints on running profitable businesses in the K-12 and higher education sectors have driven Indian lawyers to devise innovative structures that enable private investors to earn returns on their investments. These typically involve the establishment of separate companies to provide a range of services (operations, technology, catering, security, transport, etc.) to the educational institution. The service companies enter into long term contracts with the trust operating the institution. Payments made by the trust to the service companies must be comparative and proportionate to the services rendered by such companies. Furthermore, in order to qualify for tax exemptions, the expenses paid by the trust to the service companies must not exceed what may reasonably be paid for such services under arm’s length relationships.

Despite the regulatory constraints, the Indian education sector is on a path of exponential growth. A growing number of private companies are undertaking creatively structured projects in the education business and the level of investor confidence is demonstrated by the recent spate of M&A activity that has taken place.

With more domestic players emerging, the education sector is likely to witness consolidation, but at the same time, increasing foreign participation will drive competition and raise standards. Liberalization will continue to intensify as the government struggles to remedy its poor public education system and provide quality institutions to educate India’s masses.

Seema Jhingan and Dimpy Mohanty are partners at LexCounsel Law Offices. The firm is headquartered in Delhi and advises on areas including mergers and acquisitions, private equity and venture capital, projects, telecommunications, software/information technology, education, media and entertainment, taxation, retail, licensing and franchising, insurance, general corporate and commercial work and international arbitration. Seema can be reached at sjhingan@lexcounsel.in

Areas of Practice:

Infrastructure, Telecommunications, Power, Mergers/Acquisition, Software/Information Technology, Business Process Outsourcing, Media & Entertainment, Private Equity and Venture Capital, General Corporate and Commercial, International Arbitration.

Professional Summary:

Seema Jhingan’s practice spans over fourteen years during which she has acquired substantial expertise in representing developers, sponsors/lenders, venture capital investors, international corporations, financial institutions, and other strategic investors involved in the establishment, development and financing of major infrastructure and IT projects in India.

Seema Jhingan is a Partner with a Delhi Based Law Firm LexCounsel, Law Offices and regularly contributes to journals and publications and often takes up speaking engagements.

The most common question I hear from people looking to buy their first tractor always concerns comparing John Deere tractors and Kubota tractors. I hear the same questions from people looking to buy large tractors, small tractors, new tractors and used tractors.

When it comes to buying a John Deere tractor or a Kubota tractor, there are several factors you need to consider.

A lot of the “facts” you will hear are based more on emotions than on any real facts. It’s a lot like trying to decide whether to buy a Ford or a Chevrolet — or trying to decide whether to buy a Mercedes or a BMW — everyone has their favorites.

With cars there are lots of data available about the reliability, frequency of repair, etc. But even with all of this available information, most people don’t rely on this information when deciding which car to buy.

They make their decision based almost entirely on emotion. Emotions plays a big part in selecting a tractor also, but hopefully not as much so.

John Deere or Kubota — Which Tractor is Best for You?

Bottom line when you’re considering buying a new tractor: If you’re looking for a small tractor or compact tractor for yard work, landscaping work or to use on a small farm, you will probably be happier with a new Kubota tractor. Kubota makes a great and reliable small diesel tractor.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a farm tractor to do heavy work, you can’t go wrong with a John Deere tractor. John Deere tractors hold their value and last forever. As their motto says, “Nothing runs like a Deere.” John Deere tractors are made to do heavy duty work — whether on a farm or on commercial work.

What about when you’re looking at used tractors? if you’re considering a used tractor, you need to consider the condition of the tractor, what equipment comes with it and what price you can get each of the tractors for. All of these factors could be more important than whether you buy a Kubota or a John Deere tractor.

When buying a used tractor for farm work, you should also consider New Holland, Case and Massy Fergusen tractors.

Jerry Minchey is an engineer, author and researcher. He cuts through the hype and gets down to the bare facts to reveal secrets that are easy to understand using non-technical terms. He has written several books and produced DVDs as a results of his research.

See the latest Kubota Tractor Reviews and also see the latest used Kubota tractor prices.

At the John Deere Reviews site see the latest John Deere Reviews and also find information about all models of used John Deere Tractors including information about where to get the lowest prices and best deals on John Deere tractors.

Online holiday shopping is more popular than ever. Online shoppers know that shopping on the internet for great holiday gifts is convenient, time-saving and safe. Not to mention the huge selection of unique gifts not always available in stores. Not surprisingly, shopping for children’s furniture online has become the preferred method of selecting wonderful bedroom décor products. Parents can visit dozens of childrens’ bedroom showrooms and browse hundreds of wonderful kids room artwork all from the comfort of home. Listed here are 5 essential tips for shopping online for childrens’ furniture this holiday season:

• User Friendly Site Organization including Lists by Price, Age or Theme - Choose to shop at a childrens’ furniture webstore that offers easy site navigation, a search function and special categories with products arranged by price, child’s age or theme.
• Detailed Pictures & Product Descriptions - When purchasing childrens’ bedroom furniture by catalog or online, you are making your buying decision from photos and product descriptions. Make sure the webstore you choose to shop at has clear, detailed pictures of the items, including close-up and alternate views. It is also helpful if the webstore offers a picture of the items displayed in a complete bedroom ensemble so that you can visualize how the items might look in your child’s bedroom. Read the product descriptions carefully for aspects not readily visible in photos.
• Return Policy – Always check the webstore policies for the company’s return and exchange policy. A 14 day or longer return or exchange period is reasonable for childrens’ bedroom furniture. Note that it is typical business practice for shipping costs to be non-refundable, personalized and customized items to be non-refundable and for items purchased on sale to be considered final sale and not subject to return or refund.
• Contact Info – Always make sure the webstore you shop at has some way to contact a real person. A great webstore will offer several ways of contact including by email, phone and a physical address. You should feel welcome and encouraged to call the company with questions concerning their products or policies. If you cannot easily reach someone to answer a question, beware before purchasing.
• Press or Media Exposure - Companies spend time and resources to get their products into the media and press. This shows a commitment to their business and their products. Companies that have been featured in the media are chosen because they offer something unique or special. Press often require product samples or meet with company representatives prior to the feature, giving credibility to the webstore and products. Feel free to check the company’s press page for a listing of recent media features.

http://www.RosenberryRooms.com is the leading online shop for childrens’ furniture, kids art and bedroom décor, offering the largest selection of high-quality childrens’ bedroom products. Find all the essential features to shopping online noted above and everything you need to create a beautiful bedroom for your child at http://www.RosenberryRooms.com

Many people find writing their resume to be a time consuming task that is often confusing and stressful. There are many methods you can use to ease this frustrating task. One of the easiest and most efficient ways of creating the perfect resume is by using resume software. Using a resume software package can help you to generate a resume that help you to rise to the top of the list and outshine your competitors. With resume software you are free to focus on the content of your resume since the resume software will take care of the presentation for you. Trying to uncover the perfect job is already an uphill battle, whether you are experienced in your field and looking to change careers, a recent college graduate looking for your first big break, or unemployed and seeking to find much needed work. Your time is in short supply and is a resource you can’t afford to waste. Using resume software will allow you to get the best results, in the fastest time-frame, with the least amount of effort.

There are many different options to consider when looking at resume software packages. Your first option is to purchase a resume template and input your own information using a regular word document. While templates can be a cheaper avenue to take, your options will be severely limited due to lack of features that will prevent you from being able to check for errors and properly edit your information. You will be confined to only adding your information into a specific format. Your second option is to go with a software package that is specifically designed to edit your resume, check for errors, provide you with various formatting options, and recommend eye-catching phrases for you to use. Many resume programs have enhanced features that include online job resources, interview tips and salary advice. If you are serious about finding the perfect job then it is worth the effort to utilize a resume software package to give you the competitive advantage that is critical in today’s job market.

MyResumes

MyResumes is the first software package in our line-up. This resume software has limited capabilities. It includes a spell checker, graphics feature and has the ability to create a PDF version of your resume. Most of these features are already present in your typical word processor. The lack of enhanced features prevent MyResumes from being a very useful tool. It is financially advisable to stick with your current word processor rather than use this software package.

The Resume Maker Pro

The Resume Maker Pro is the next resume program in our software line-up. It consists of basic resume formatting features, minus all the extra bells and whistles you may find in other programs. Resume Maker Pro allows you to import previously written resumes into the software where you can edit and format your resume, which can save you some typing time if you have already prepared a resume. The have an online support system, FAQ feature, a user’s manual for installation and questions about using the software. If you run into problems you will have a great chance of finding the answer you need. The down-side to the Resume Maker Pro software program is that it doesn’t offer much in the way of job interviewing tips and job resources. It doesn’t have the capability of creating a PDF version of your resume, which may not be an issue for many users. It also will not run on NT systems, which may be an issue for some users. This program is recommended if you are looking for a basic, cost-effective program for formatting your resume in a timely manner.

WinWay Resume Deluxe 12

The third program in our resume software review line-up is WinWay Resume Deluxe 12. This program offers many advanced options and features that you will not find in competing programs. WinWay is simple to install, has great, reliable customer service, enhanced editing tools and offers an abundance of job resource information. With WinWay you have the ability to format your resume to fit on one page, you can create a PDF version of your resume, and it also takes advantage of the new video trend by allowing you to simulate video interviews. WinWay is not compatible with NT or Macintosh systems. It also does not have the ability to import your current resume, but with so many enhanced features you will want to start out fresh and create a winning resume using all the enhanced features offered in the WinWay resume software program. If you are looking for a competitive edge in the market place then this program is a must in your arsenal of tools!

Christin Cunfer and Brenda Mohney are founders of College Concerns, a site dedicated to providing advice to college students to help them have a successful college experience. Advice offered includes grants for education, resumes and resume formats, and free student stuff.

Ever imagined owning your own clothing line? Who hasn’t been to a store to find the ugliest design you’ve ever seen charge $50 and up? Or walked down the street and wondered how any human could allow them self to be seen in such an ugly clothing article? Have you ever thought to yourself, if they could design that and someone bought it, why couldn’t I?

Learn from my mistakes how you could start selling clothing with an upfront cost less than that of a PS3 game!! No hype, just the facts. Before I get to how that’s possible, let me walk you through having your own full fledge clothing line. I am by no means an expert, but I do know that what I’ve learned through blood, sweat, and tears can benefit any one interested in the same dream I had. I’m not selling anything, so the information I present is yours to use and assimilate as you wish.

1. Know your Market- Any business book or self-help guru will tell you this, but in the fashion industry this is especially important. Your market determines how much you can sell your clothing for, what style of clothing, what colors, even your clothing line name. It’s important to do research, which doesn’t always have to be in the form of sitting behind a computer looking up boring statistical data. Get out into the market, check out malls, movie theaters, and anywhere else your ideal market goes. Look at magazines that focus on your demographics, TV shows, even your own closet. Ask yourself why you spent the money you did on your clothing items.

2. Meet your Peers- This step has personally saved me countless hours of agony by allowing me to learn from others mistakes. A simple search engine query of Fashion Forums will pull up some indispensable information on websites where other clothing line owners, both successful and not, meet to discuss the fashion industry, techniques to use on clothing, even vendors to use for printing and apparel.

3. Name It- This is one of the most time consuming yet rewarding parts. Name your clothing. Come up with a catchy clothing line name that really displays what your line is about. Ask yourself what perception you want your market to have about your clothing line, and name it accordingly. This is the most important step, you have to have a name worth mentioning, if not why would a store take a chance on your line, and why would a consumer want to wear your clothing if you name doesn’t fit the market?

4. Inc it- You know your market, you have peers in forums who are willing to answer any questions, you have a catchy name, now it’s time to put it in the record books. Incorporating can be an entire article by itself, but let me forewarn you, it’s not as difficult as it may seem. You could always pay a lawyer a couple hundred bucks to do it for you, or you can do a little research and save a lot of money. The government wants small business, they love us!! So it only makes sense that they would help us form, which they do. Go to your local state government homepage, do a search for starting a business in the state, and you’ll have all you need. Period!

5. Designs- If you’re a graphic designer you’re ahead of the game, however for the average person including myself, you’ll need someone to design your shirts. Since the invent of the internet this step is easy! Write an ad on any of the countless classified ads advertising a graphic designer for a clothing line project, then watch your inbox blow up. Graphic artist can charge by the hour or project, although I suggest only going with those who charge by the project. The basic prices can be anywhere from $30 – $1,000.00, it just depends on what you want done and who you talk to. Shop around and you’ll be glad you did. Added in this step, if you want a full blown clothing line, as opposed to just a shirt with a design, you would want to also look into getting a graphic designer to do a logo for you. Again the cost can be nominal $50 up to $800.

6. Wear 2?- You have your design but no clothes, now what? Well again doing a simple search online of wholesale dealers can pull up some great sources of blank T-shirts, Jackets and Jeans. Here is where your incorporating comes in handy. One of the forms you are going to want to fill out is the Sales & Use Tax License Number (Form names may differ from state to state). This number will allow you to purchase goods at wholesale prices instead of retail. If you don’t want to go this route, another great source is your local flea markets. They can sell at bulk rates and have some excellent quality clothing.

7. Print It- Once you have your design together and your clothing, next is the printer. This is typically the most costly part of your clothing line, and for a good reason. If you just go for the cheapest, that’s what you’ll get. Research printers in your area, ask to see their work and ask for references. This is where the forum mentioned in Step 2 is helpful. Talk to the forum about printers in your area and see if anyone has had experience with them. Word of mouth is important. The more clothing you are printing, the cheaper the cost will be per clothing.

8. Now the Fun Begins- Here is where it gets the most exciting and scary! You have your clothing, it looks good, well not that good since it’s just sitting in your living room collecting dust. Market your clothing. There are so many ways and avenues that this could be it’s own article. But keep in mind, this has to be treated like your baby, and if you put due diligence and work into your clothing, show it! Go to trade shows, open up a table at the flea market, sell out of your trunk, go to retail stores and offer wholesale prices, rent a kiosk at the local mall, give away a lot of clothes for free to create a buzz, pester your family to buy your clothing and show to all of their friends. There are enough books and resources on how to market that you should be fine by this point. Just do whatever it takes to get your clothing in front of consumers.

I said at the onset that you could start selling clothing for cost a less than the price of a PS3 game. Obviously that would be lies if you included the cost of incorporating, purchasing t-shirts, graphic designers and printing, but let me show you how. If you do a search for Opening up a free online shop, it will display companies who will allow you to open up a clothing store for free. Yes free, you don’t have to ever pay anything. So the PS3 game cost would just be the price you pay for your design. Keep in mind you can get a design for $30 depending on which artist you use.

So there you have it, by no means exhaustive, but hopefully helpful. You can start selling your own clothing on just about any budget. If you don’t have money saved for a starting a company, try opening up the online store, and use the profit from that to incorporate and start printing your clothing, or if you prefer to not have to deal with that hassle, just market your website and get paid while not having any of the overhead associated with a clothing line. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Travis L. is a young entrepreneur. He incorporated his first company at the age of 17 and has not looked back. He is also an actor, and is actively pursuing a career in theater and music. His newest venture is an urban themed clothing line with a positive message of paying homage to the past, present, and future.

My Blog

My Clothing Line [http://www.payourespect.com]

When you go car shopping you are probably dazzled by the sports cars or even the

big burly SUVs as well as the shiny colors and whether or not the vehicle is fully

loaded. Frequently, you will hear people talking about what car they want to buy and

will hear them mention things like leather seats, a great sound system, DVD players

and mini TV screens, great rims and other similar features. However, unfortunately,

you do not frequently hear people talking about the safety rating of the vehicle and

how well it performed in crash tests or if it has recently been recalled. For some

reason Americans are more consumed with how comfortable and cool their car is

and makes them rather than how safe it can keep them. However, even if consumers

are not overly interested in safe cars insurance companies are.

Insurance companies focus on keeping people safe, reducing accidents, and

ultimately the amount of money they have to pay out for coverage. So, safe cars are

the pick of the litter so to speak for insurance companies. They are so favored, in

fact, that insurance companies frequently offer discounts to individuals who buy

safe cars resulting in hundreds of dollars in savings each year on premiums. Safe

does not mean the car is unattractive or without all the extras you want, so get it

out of your head that safe does not equal cool.

And while the trend may not change and people will continue to look for cool cars,

they should keep in mind that there are indeed cool cars that are also safe cars.

Each year a rating list of the top 25 safest cars is produced and if you are in the car

buying market you should definitely take a peak and see if the car you are

interested in buying is on that list. If not, check out the other safe cars that did

make the list and see if you can find something that is equally cool and considerably

safer. The following cars made it on the safe car list and also have some amazing

features that will please even the pickiest car connoisseur.

Upscale Cars

If you are interested in and can afford an upscale car and are also concerned about

safety, then you should consider the Audi A4 or perhaps the BMW 330i. The Lexus

ES300 also ranked high in the crash tests and overall safety in the upscale sedan

category.

Small Cars

Small cars that rank high on the top 25 safety car list include the Volkswagen golf

and Honda Civic which received the top honors. Another safe car in this category

includes the Volkswagen Jetta.

Midsize Cars

Volkswagen also took the top prize in the midsize category with the Volkswagen

Passat GLX 6.0. The Nissan Altima and Subaru Legacy also ranked high in the mid

size family sedan category.

Pickups

Everyone thinks pickup trucks are safe, however some are safer than others and

generally pick up trucks are not as safe as cars. In the top 25 safest cars the Toyota

Tundra SR5 4.7, Ford F150 XLT 5.4, and the Dodge Ram SLT 4.7 ranked higher and

safer than the rest.

Minivans and SUVs

The minivan and SUV category have an interesting array of really safe vehicles and

then some that are hazards to drivers and passengers. Minivans that responded well

in the tests include the Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey EX, and the Mazda MPV. The

safest SUVs include the Lexus RX300, Toyota Highlander, and the Saturn VUE as well

as others.

Of course, you could choose to buy a safe vehicle and still be injured in an accident.

This is because there is no perfect car that is constructed in a way that it can protect

you 100%. However, there are plenty of cars that are significantly safer than others

and as a result consumers should pay attention to these cars. Fortunately, some of

the safer models are actually very stylish and come with the latest gadgets and

features so many people are looking for in a new car. So, no matter if you want the

coolest car on the market you can still find one that is rated high in the safety

category. Honda, Lexus, BMW, Saturn, Volkswagen, and others all ranked high in

their respective categories and are all very popular car models. Also, cars today are

significantly safer than they were even 15 years ago and tires are safer as well.

If you buy a used vehicle that is 10-15 years old you can rest assured it will not

have the same safety qualities as new cars made today. The reason for this is safety

standards were different as well as the technology used to build the cars. As a

result, older cars simply are not as safe. The best option for your safety and that of

your family and other passengers is to buy a car that is ranked high on the safety

list and rest assured that if you are in an accident your car will protect you as much

as possible because it was designed with safety in mind. By making safety one of

the qualities you look for in a vehicle, even above price or design, you are choosing

to protect yourself and your family, which is the best decision you can possibly

make. Remember to take a look at the top 25 list before you start car shopping. Not

only are the top 25 cars in all categories listed, but some of the worst cars are listed

as well so you will know what to avoid. Happy car shopping!

Steven Anderson is the Marketing Director for Hawaiian Discount Car Rentals (http://www.hawaiidrive-o.com). He has personally researched and experienced many of the Hawaiian activities and as described above.

A blog is a type of website maintained by means of regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, graphics and or video. A blog is a very simple method for promoting your individual internet business opportunity with practical and valuable content; content that can be applied to any business whether online or offline.

The written content you post on your blog is referred to as a “blog post.” Your blog posts can show up in the search engine results of Google for specific keywords that are in your posts. For example, if you wrote a blog post about “the difference between top tier direct sales and MLM,” your blog could show up in Google’s results when someone searches for “top tier direct sales”. Blog post entries are generally displayed in reverse-chronological order.

Blogs provide commentary on a particular subject or can function as more personal online diary. A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, web pages, and other media related to its topic. The ability for readers to leave comments.is an important element of many blogs. Most blogs are generally text, although most will also include photographs and videos. Micro blogging is another type of blogging, featuring very short posts.

The following list provides some incredible statistics and the significance of a blog for today’s internet marketer.

Blogosphere Stats
133,000,000 – Number of blogs indexed by Technorati since 2002
346,000,000 – number of people globally who read blogs (COM Score March 2008)
900,000 – Average number of blog posts in a 24 hour period
There are many different types of blogs, differing not only in the type of content, but also in the way that content is delivered or written. The following are only a few examples:

Personal Blogs
The personal, traditional blog is the most common form of blog. It is an ongoing diary or commentary by an individual. Few personal blogs rise to fame but some personal blogs quickly acquire a widespread following. Microblogging is form of a personal blog which is extremely detailed and seeks to capture a moment in time. Sites such as Twitter and Facebook allow bloggers to share thoughts instantaneously with friends and family and are much faster than e-mailing or writing.

Corporate and Organizational Blogs
A blog can be private or it can be for utilized for business purposes. Blogs used for marketing, branding or public relations purposes are called corporate blogs. Similar blogs for clubs and societies are called club blogs, group blogs, etc.; typically used to inform members and interested parties of club and member activities.

By Interest
Some blogs focus on a specific subject, such as political blogs, travel blogs, house blogs, fashion blogs, education blogs, music blogs, legal blogs, etc. Two common types of genre blogs are art blogs and music blogs.

By Media Type
A blog comprising videos is called a vlog, one comprising links is called a linklog, a site containing a portfolio of sketches is called a sketchblog or one comprising photos is called a photoblog. Blogs with shorter posts and mixed media types are called tumblelogs.

A blog is primarily a website that allows you to quickly and easily add fresh content whenever you wish. Blogs are easy to publish (you only need to know how to type, easy to find (your audience can easily find your content), social (a great way to build a presence in the online community), viral (your blog posts can be virally distributed), and easy to link to and from. Blogs do require frequent and ongoing maintenance as the addition of fresh content – writing, photos, video, etc. – is necessary in order for a blog to remain effective. The content should be relevant, informative, thought provoking, etc…

There are many different blogging platforms. If you are new to blogging WordPress.com is a very simple platform for ease of setup. WordPress provides flexibility, tutorials and support and you can easily migrate your content from one blogging platform to another should you choose to switch platforms in the future. Do be aware WordPress.com can place ads on your website. However, this can be avoided if you choose to use WordPress.org By paying for you hosting, which is very minimal in cost, you gain total control of all your content without unsolicited advertisements. And most importantly you avoid the risk of never being suspended.

Now the following are a few basic action steps to start you blogging experience:

1. Sign up for a WordPress Account
2. Select a theme
3. Select a hosting account (this can be done at a late time)
4. Write Your First Blog Post

Easy Ways to Get Blog Post Ideas:
• Write down 5 things you learned today, and post it on your blog.
• When you learn something new, post it on your blog.
• When you do something fun, post it on your blog.
• When you make a video, post it on your blog.
• When you take new pictures, post them on your blog along with a description of what you did.
• When you have a strong opinion about something, post it on your blog.
• When you submit a new article or press release, post the link with a brief summary on your blog.
• If you have the solution to a common problem in the industry, make a blog post.

5. “Ping” It
When you “ping” your blog you are notifying the search engines that you have new content on your blog.
• Step One: Go to Pingomatic.com
• Step Two: Enter the name and the URL of your blog.
• Step Three: Click all blog services to Ping.
• Step Four: Make sure you ping every time you update your blog with new content.

6. Manage Comments
Comments are good; it means you have active readers. Make a point to respond to your readers who take the time to leave a comment. If someone makes a general comment you can always respond with “Thanks for your comments. They are valued.” If you disagree with a comment one of your readers let them know WHY you disagree. Don’t be defensive or confrontational. Be open to joining the conversation and supporting your opinion in a rational effective manner. Remember, you want to give your readers a reason to regularly return to your blog.

You are now on your way to becoming a professional blogger. Here are several basic tips and tricks.

• Don’t ever plagiarize. If you are quoting content from another source be sure to cite your references and include any appropriate links.
• Always be yourself and be original.
• Share your opinions.
• Avoid clichés.
• Provide Fresh Content
• Provide real content, not just sales’ pitches. Your blog posts should not sound like sales’ pitches. You should be sharing valuable thoughts, ideas, and opinions with your readers. As a general rule in blogging and in marketing in general, you want to provide 80% content for every 20% sales pitches.
• Engage in meaningful dialogue with your readers through comments. Your audience will increase as your readers share your blog with their circle of influence and they’ll be more likely to do this if you take the time to acknowledge their interest in your blog.
• When sharing your opinions, consider framing your thoughts in such a way where you acknowledge that you could be wrong. If you come across as being close-minded to new ideas or other viewpoints you run the risk of turning your readers off. However, if you pose your opinions from a “here’s what I’m thinking right now” perspective, you could encourage some healthy debate in your comments. With that said, some of the most successful blogs are highly controversial and unapologetically opinionated.
• Check out other blogs. Examine other blogger’s styles and discover what you like and what you don’t like.

The following are several more advanced suggestions:

1. Blogging Etiquette
When you include a link to another site in your blog post WordPress will automatically “ping” that site letting them know you just linked to them. If both blogs are on the same platform you should see a reference to your trackback link in their comments section. When someone links to your blog you should always go check out their blog and then leave a thoughtful, intelligent comment on their blog. Include your blog’s URL with your name in the comment and this will not only foster two-way communication between you and the other blogger, but will also encourage their readers to also check out your blog.

2. Submit Your Blogs to Web 2.0 Sites
You can get ranks to specific keyword posts with the keyword by submitting your post to all the Web 2.0 sites with a service called Socialmarker.com. After you input your title, URL, descriptions and your username and password to each site, Socialmarker will submit your post to 20 to 30 Web 2.0 sites for you with one-button simplicity.

3. Optimize Your Blog for Search Engines
If you have a post that you want to push up in the search engine results you will want to have your keywords in the title of your post, in the first paragraph and in the closing or concluding paragraph.
A simple trick to include your keyword or keyword phrase in your title is to create a title such as “How to find/do (insert keyword)”.

As you become proficient with blogging you might want to consider advertising on your own blog. To accomplish this you will have to setup a self hosted blog i.e. WordPress.org. This will allow to place your own text or banner ads on your site or to take advantage of an advertising network such as Google AdSense. A self-hosted WordPress.org site will also provide you with much more flexibility with the layout, design and advertising options on your blog.

For additional information on blogging and internet marketing strategies to get your internet business opportunity off the ground please C1ick Today’s Internet Entrepreneur

There are many avid skiers who grew up skiing as young children that make those adults new to skiing feel quite inept. Everyone has to learn, even if it is as a child. When thinking about learning how to snow ski, it is important to seek lessons with a reputable ski resort or well known private company that gives skiing lessons for a reasonable fee. Learning how to ski takes effort and practice, but with perseverance, you will be swishing the bunny slopes and aiming for the intermediate slopes in short order.

When learning how to snow ski, the best lessons are the ones given at one of the many reputable ski resorts. Snow skiing is their business and often the best of the best in ski instructors are on staff as such places. At ski resorts, you can choose from group ski lessons or private ski lessons. If funds and circumstances permit, learning how to snow ski through private lessons gives you plenty of one on one time with the instructor at hand to help in the practicing. Here are a few things you should look for in private snow skiing instruction:

• Do you prefer the instructor to be male or female? It does not mean you are discriminatory if you prefer a male or female instructor. It is important that you will be comfortable learning how to snow ski with the private instructor, so pick one that will put you at ease.
• Do you want to learn quickly and hit the slopes with abandon or would you prefer to take it slowly? Some instructors will teach you quickly, getting you out on the slopes safely but quickly as they stand by ready to assist. Other instructors spend more time getting you ready and practicing moves with you before ever hitting the slopes. Both ways can be effective and safe; it is a matter of your personal preference and bravado.
• Lastly, be sure to check and double check your ski instructor’s qualifications. While trusting the ski resort to have done so in hiring the instructors, it is still a good idea to ask when you seek to sign up for learning how to snow ski lessons. Knowing your private instructor is well qualified will help ease your fears as a beginning skier.

Learning how to snow ski is something many aspire to do, to enjoy the crisp cold air outdoors during the snowy winter season. Those who love the outdoors will find ways to be out in the fresh air no matter the season. With so many avid skiers and great resorts, skiing is a fun pastime in which to spend time with friends and family-and meet new fellow skiers as well.

Jonathan loves winter sports. During the winter he sometimes picks up a second job driving snow plow trucks to earn him the extra cash he needs for his ski resort ticket.

Fun and kids bedroom furniture are two things that go hand in hand. The bedroom is a room that your children will need to be comfortable in. They also need to be able to have fun in them if they have to spend a prolonged period of time there. There are a number of ways that you can make your child’s bedroom fun.

Ideas for kids bedroom furniture

Kids bedroom furniture has changed over the years. Today you can get furniture that is made to be fun and exciting. Of course while you look at all the fun items you need to remember that they have to be functional as well. There is no point having a bed that is fun but cannot function properly as a bed. Getting furniture that has a good balance of fun and function is the best idea.

Some of the childrens furniture you can get

There are many different items of childrens furniture that you can get. One of these is bunk beds. This type of bed is both functional and fun. For generations children have had bunk beds and had fun with them. Mid-sleepers are another option that you can look at. These are ideal for single children who want to have a top bunk. Many of these items will come with either a study area or play area. The furniture does not online include items like beds, wardrobes and chests. Carpets and mats will also be included. It is possible to get fun mats and carpets for the bedroom. You can get a mat that has the image of your child’s favourite cartoon character.

Colours, shapes and materials of kids furniture

Some other aspects of kids furniture that can add to the fun are colour, shape and material. Having a range of different bright colours is best to add a little fun for your children. The shape of the furniture is also a way that fun can be added. Furniture that looks like normal furniture is not much fun for children. You can get chairs that look like animals, hands or different shapes. Using different materials can add something extra as well. The different materials can be shaped into different items making them fun an exciting for children.

How to arrange childrens furniture in a funny way

Just having the fun furniture.is not really enough to make a room fun. The way it is placed and the other furnishings place a role in how much fun a child can have with the items. The best way to ensure that you children can have fun without hurting themselves is to have open space in the room. Enough space for running around the bed is the best place to start. If you have bunk beds then placing it in the middle of a wall is a good idea as there are three sides to play with. One thing to keep in mind is that sharp corners should be avoided at all costs.

Making your child’s bedroom fun is very important. There are many ways that this can be done including buying fun furniture. How you arrange the furniture will also add to how much fun your children can have.

This article was submitted by Simona Rusnakova, SEO consultant of 3R, on behalf of HomeLineFurniture who sell kids bedroom furniture, and other types of furniture online in Dublin, Ireland.

The Pet Sitting business is booming internationally. In the

United States alone there are upwards of 63.2 million individuals who own a pet, or two. Reports tell us that in America there are roughly 64 million dogs and 76 million cats in households. These numbers support why the Pet Sitting Business is on an upward swing. It is fast becoming one of the best small business ventures that an individual can undertake. The Pet Sitting business has been ear marked by the U.S. Bureau of Labor as a small business industry that will thrive with the coming years, with Pet Sitting services located throughout the states.

Pet owners world wide are breathing a sigh of relief that they

have this option for their pet when they travel. In the past

when an individual would travel for business, or a family would

vacation, they would rely on grandparents or relatives to see to the needs of their pets. This is no longer an option for many people. Family’s don’t always remain in the same community. Statistics show that it is common for parents and siblings to live hundreds of miles apart. Once the family option for pet sitting evaporated, people turned to their neighbors. This was soon found to be a bad option for both the neighbor and pet owner. Neighbors felt used, and the traveller felt as if they were putting the neighbor out by asking the favor.

Some individuals tried to travel with their pets. They assumed

that it would be best for their pet to not be separated from

them. These good intentioned pet owners soon realized the folly of their ideals when they discovered that drinking water in some areas weren’t up to par, leash laws were different in each area, and the chances of finding a lost pet in a strange area were minimal. Extended car travel is not good for a pet, either. Animals can quickly become dehydrated and agitated when left in a locked car while the family is inside a restaurant, or mall. The chances that a pet could possibly get hit by an automobile rise every time a pet is taken into a public area, such as parking lots or the city. Pets do not like being kept in a crate in a hotel. They do not like being muzzled for barking or for snipping at strangers. Pets just generally do not like being away from home.

Air travel is not pleasant for a pet, either. The cargo holds on airplanes have erratic temperatures. There is no heat, and there is no air conditioning. The sounds in these cargo areas also frighten animals and make them skittish and nervous. Some pets even require medication prior to flight. Taking your pet on a plane should only be considered under extreme circumstances.

Pet owners soon realized that while they were comforted by the

presence of their pet on a trip, the pet was out of its comfort

zone and did not behave like its usual self. The route of kenneling a pet was soon taken and though it saved the day in a

tight pinch, pet owners tended to know from the start that this

was not a good option for their pet. Their pets were kept in

small quarters. They were only allowed out a couple of times a

day for a few minutes to do their business. Being crowded in an

area with other barking and whining animals would leave a pet out of sorts for days after their owner came home.

Options were limited for a traveling pet owner. Some people gave up and simply refused to have an animal if they were going to have to be away all the time. That was until the Pet Sitting business made its arrival into the small business industry.

True animal lovers were the first to recognize the need for the

Petting Sitting business. They were the ones who took it the

hardest when they were forced to see what their pets went through when they were forced to travel with their owners, or how they behaved after being picked up from a kennel after a week or more away from home. Truthfully, these individuals could not enjoy their trips for worry. These were individuals who hung a stocking for their pet at Christmas, and made them a birthday cake on the pets special day each year. These people saw the need and they stepped out on a limb. They started a Pet Sitting service. Word spread like wildfire and pet owners world wide started seeking these services in their own area.

The rapid growth and success of a Pet Sitting business come when the business owner realizes that it is a business. A love for animals is the foundation, but smart business sense is what will keep you operating. There is only a minimal amount of cost in starting up a Pet Sitting service. That is a major plus for anyone thinking seriously about going into this animal care

business. A budget should be laid out to meet the costs of the

outgoing business. Do not ever under estimate these expenses.

It is better to over estimate than to cut yourself short. Set

goals for six months, one year, three years and five years.

Try to stick to your plan to achieve these goals.

You should research other Pet Sitting services in your area.

Find out what their strengths and their weaknesses may be.

Learn what the going rate for Pet Sitting is in your area. Be

competitive in your rates. Just because you may be doing what

you love is no reason to do it for pennies. On the other hand,

no one is going to pay your Pet Sitting business a small fortune, either.

You have to be a people person. The reason you get into the Pet

Sitting business may stem from being an animal lover, but if you are not warm and friendly with people you can forget about your Pet Sitting business getting off the ground. Pet owners are particular about whom they let care for their pets. If they sense that you are uncomfortable around them, they will be wary of you. Try to develop your people skills if you lack self-confidence in that area. You don’t want your shyness to keep you from doing what you love. You don’t want to come off as a phoney, but maintaining eye contact and being able to carry a conversation with the pet owner without looking at your shoes will go a long way.

You should go out to the home and get acquainted with each pet

and design a list of duties that the client is wanting you to

perform while they are gone. The pet owner will familiarize you as to the habits, character and personality of each pet. You should know what they like to play with and what special

nicknames they have. You should also ask the pet owner for clues about their pet, or signs you should watch for in case of

illness. Some dogs may lay around and sleep all day. Others may not settle for a moment. You should know what to expect from each pet in the home. If they are not doing their usual

activities that should throw up a red flag to you. You should

make sure that the client gives you all the information on the

pets in the home. You will need history of illnesses,

vaccination records, veterinary information, as well as a place.

to contact the pet owner if needed. It is important that you are given a key by the client and that you are not expected to

retrieve it from a hiding place. A possible thief could be

watching the home and may see you getting it and replacing it.

That is a disaster waiting to happen.

Besides walking the dog, feeding the bird, tending to the cat,

and playing with the pets, a client sometimes will want a Pet

Sitting service to do other things. The Pet Sitting business can offer many services for the traveler, besides pet care. The first one being home security. You can pick up the mail,

newspaper, water the potted plants, and do a thorough walk

through of the home to make sure that everything is as it should be for your client. Simply opening the curtains on one visit and closing them on the next will give the home a lived in look. These services are in addition to pet sitting. The possibilities are endless as to what a Pet Sitting service can offer the

client.

The Pet Sitting business is booming. Everyone is happy. The

small business owner gets to do what he loves for a living . . . being around animals. The traveler can enjoy their trip knowing that all is well on the home front. The pets get to stay in their own home, around their own things, eating their own food, and they get to go out and play like they usually would on their regular routine.

Copyright © 2005, Ian White

Author Ian White is founder of a target=”_new” href=”http://www.pet-sitters.biz”>Pet-Sitters.biz. http://www.pet-sitters.biz specializes in helping pet sitters and pet owners connect to each other. Find and screen a sitter for your pet or advertise your pet care business. Matching Pet Sitters with Pet Owners worldwide

The irrational but basic appeal of the sports car has overwhelmed people’s reason ever since the first ones were introduced. In far-flung places round the world those with money soon indicated their love for these cars by buying one for their collection. Whatever the kind of celebrity – royalty, film-star or playboy – driving a fast car is a powerful way of showing your high status. Today the open top two-seater types may mean different things to different people. This article will provide examples of this.

It’s likely that the Mazda MX5 is more attractive to women than to men. The engines of the Honda CRX and the S2000 are impressively powerful and reliable. Both men and women are drawn to the sleek Honda S2000, a car that more than once has won engine of the year in its category. They are performance cars that give a person a certain satisfaction and pleasure when flying down the motorway. The dashing sporty appearance of these vehicles makes them readily distinguishable from the dull family cars that infest our roads.

Nearly all of the vehicles currently on the road have been designed to meet two criteria: usefulness and cheapness.. It is the experience of driving a fast car, though, that sports cars are designed for. Powerful acceleration, superb road-holding, and the feeling that you own the road are the objectives of those who design them.

The appearance of a car is the first thing that people are drawn to. Designs are built around aerodynamic efficiencies and curb appeal; they are always pleasing to the eye. The design is intended to encourage would-be drivers to buy so that they can abandon convention and be free. The beautiful sweeping lines are all designed to break even the most stubborn of wills… succumbing to a beautifully designed car is simply something many of us dream of doing.

Feelings of fun and excitement are aroused by driving a fast and sporty car. To drive this kind of car can be to enter a world of amazing experiences. Because these cars are designed to be driven they are engineered to very exacting standards. Once a car has left the dealer’s premises it will have lost much of its value. You can buy gap insurance to protect you against this loss of value. A sports car, though, will often appreciate in value as it gets older. Most sports cars are built to last and withstand being driven fast and hard. When a sports car becomes a classic -as is usual – it can still sell for a high price.

Desirability, speed, and high cost are the first thoughts that spring to mind when thinking about a sports car. There are few items made today that have such an emotional attraction. There are many clubs created by enthusiasts and they provide opportunities for owners to display their cherished cars. Club members may often receive pre-arranged discounts on insurance and car warranty products.

There is no one thing that can pinpoint exactly why we have an attraction to fast, sleek sports cars. The freedom of the open road is best experienced at the wheel of a fast car. The allure of a sports car is greatly increased when it is a convertible. The thought of flying down the roadway with the wind blowing through your hair has a certain appeal to some. The innovative technology is another reason why we seem to be drawn to these types of cars. Sleek styling coupled with a powerful yet compact engine is the norm. Performance and innovative technology give the sports car an iconic appeal.

A sports car is built to be driven and to respond to the driver. Making the driver feel in total control is why they have such a powerful fascination. We need to feel that the exercise and control of power enables us to reach and even exceed our limits. The one beautiful package expresses both power and strength.

Driving a sports car can give you a real feeling of freedom. Every generation of make and model performs better than previous ones as a result of advances in technology. If you wish to feel potent and to show your wild side, driving a sports car is the answer. Feelings of nostalgia can often be the cause of such emotions. The happy distant days of our youth are easily brought back by a classic sports car. They can be cherished symbols of past times. As a classic sports car gets older so it should get better as well as more valuable.

It doesn’t matter whether you have a classic muscle car or brand new example – they are both definitely attention grabbers. You will be noticed in your flashy vehicle because such cars exude power and masculinity. A sports car is something of a status symbol that allows you to be seen and admired for having a fine looking powerful performance car. If you are thinking of buying an new car, you should seriously think about purchasing a product called finance shortfall gap insurance to protect you in the event of an insurance write-off.

Everyone associates sports cars with speed and performance. Cars such as the Toyota MR2 are made particularly small and compact; add to this a powerful sedan engine and the power to weight ratio is excellent. Lady drivers especially like this car – as they do the Mazda MX5 – because of its compact design.

Supercars is the only fit description for the bigger sports cars such as the Ferrari Enzo, the Lamborghini Reventon Roadster and the Audi R8. There are several interesting ways in which those who build the bigger sports cars manage to reduce their weight. The weight of high performance production sports cars is usually kept down by using light materials for construction. Glass fibre or carbon fibre is used for the construction of the body panels of such cars. By dispensing with ‘luxury’ extras like air conditioning, electric windows, and thick pile carpets, a car’s weight can be significantly reduced. The most significant factor in reducing a car’s weight is the use of cutting edge materials in the manufacture of the wheels.

The reduction of body weight, powerful supercharged engines and state of the art technological advances make for blisteringly quick super cars like the Ferrari 40 and Lamborghini Gallardo. The engine does not have to work so hard to propel a lighter car. This enhances performance and makes the car easier to control.

A sports car is something that seems to appeal to almost everyone. Not many people will ignore a powerful and flashy sports car that’s parked in the street. They attract people and provide immense pleasure. Many people would love to own a sports car and why shouldn’t they do so if they have the money?

When buying a new car it’s wise to buy gap insurance to protect against the effect of new car depreciation. Future 45 Ltd. offer additional insurance products available for discerning UK motorists which can be bought online or by phone on 0844 357 8300

Stephanie Andrew writes and publishes articles for SEO consultants ePage Solutions whose clients include Future 45 Ltd. – helping UK motorists save money on their gap insurance by buying direct from the insurer.

SEO and Search Engine Optimization for Blogs

How Does Google Rank Blogs? A lot different that you think!

Google does not rank blogs anything like you think they do. What we think of as SEO does NOT work for blogs. For months I have been chasing Google with incoming links, social marketing and keyword SEO in my blog. Then I discovered how Google really ranks blogs and what it can mean to your blog traffic.

Let’s look deep into the Google patent and see how SEO really applies to blogs and Google.

In this article…

1. How Google Really Ranks Blogs and Blog SEO

2. By the number of blog readers you have in Google Reader and Technorati.

3. By how many blogrolls you are in and the quality of the linking blog.

4. By how many times your Google search engine listing is clicked.

5. By social bookmarking posts and the number of times you are Dugg etc.

6. The number of times your URL appears in conversations.

7. The quality of the links in a blog article and the quantity of links.

Google judges your blog by the number of blog readers you have in Google Reader and Technorati.

Yes, Google is reading your RSS reader.

From the Google Patent:

“The popularity of the blog document may be a positive indication of the quality of that blog document. A number of news aggregator sites (commonly called “news readers” or “feed readers”) exist where individuals can subscribe to a blog document (through its feed). Such aggregators store information describing how many individuals have subscribed to given blog documents. A blog document having a high number of subscriptions implies a higher quality for the blog document. Also, subscriptions can be validated against “subscriptions spam” (where spammers subscribe to their own blog documents in an attempt to make them “more popular”) by validating unique users who subscribed, or by filtering unique Internet Protocol (IP) addresses of the subscribers.”

I other words, Google is judging you by the number of subscribers you have in Google Reader. Google reader owns about 60% of feed reader use. To calculate the other 40% they just do the math. Definitely the number of subscribers you have in

Technorati is an indication of you blogs reach and popularity.

To see how many subscribers you have in Google reader, look on the left side of the page for “+ Add Subscription.” Click the button and a search box will open up. Enter the name of your blog, not the URL, and a list of blogs will appear in order of readership in descending order.

You may want to use “” around your blog name to slim down the results.

Blog SEO Solutions

Add a Google button to you site prominently on the top right of the page. I am currently testing adding the Google button to my email newsletter popup forms.

Here is the add to http://www.google.com/webmasters/add.html Google Reader button wizard.

The Technorati button is a little more hard to find so I am just going to post the code here.

Here is the Technorati image Just right click the image, select “save picture as” and save it to your images folder. Then upload it you your site. Adjust the img src= path in the code.

img src=”http://www.keywebdata.com/images/technorati.gif”

Here is the add to [http://publisher.yahoo.com/rss_guide/submit.php] MyYahoo button wizard.

Also a lot of skilled bloggers are adding a “if you found this post useful why not add my RSS feed” link at the bottom of posts.

Google ranks your blog by how many blogrolls you are in and the quality of the linking blog.

From the Google Patent:

“Similarly, the existence of the blog document in a blogroll of a well-known or trusted blogger may also be a positive indication of the quality of the blog document. In this situation, it is assumed that the well-known or trusted blogger would not link to a spamming blogger.”

So let’s talk blogrolls. Think of this as the friends list of blogs. Three factors come into play here.

The number of times your blog is listed in blog rolls. Quantity matters.

The quality of the other blogroll members in blogrolls you appear in.

The quality of the blog that adds you to their blogroll.

Do not trade recipricol links with other blogs in blogrolls. Google puts more weight on incoming one way links that do not return the favor and link back.

You want to appear in powerful authority laden blogrolls. You also want your blog roll to be nothing but #1 rated blogs about your blog topic.

Blog SEO Solutions

This is not reciprocal linking here. In fact there is some evidence that reciprocal blogroll linking can hurt your blog.

Google ranks your blog by how many times your Google search engine listing is clicked.

Punch up that title tag, it is really your search engine headline.

From the Google Patent:

“An implied popularity may be identified for the blog document. This implied popularity may be identified by, for example, examining the click stream of search results. For example, if a certain blog document is clicked more than other blog documents when the blog document appears in result sets, this may be an indication that the blog document is popular and, thus, a positive indicator of the quality of the blog document.”

Have you ever searched a term and gone back and searched it again and the top results were different?

That is Google testing the pulling power of the title tag of your post and the snippet that Google pulls from your body text.

Believe me Google watches everything we do.

Blog SEO Solution

Turn your title tag into a benefit laden headline. Either craft the title tag to include a benefit to the reader of use a little scare tactics by defining a problem that a searcher is looking to solve.

The latter is best. People are not proactive, they do not look to head off problems. They use search engines to solve a problem they already have.

I am writing this page because my blog did not rank well in Google. You are reading this because yours did not either.

Did either of us search Google to find out how what we could do to get our blog ranked well before we noticed that we were not doing well in SERPs?

That is why I used the title tag on my post “Why blogs don’t rank well in Google.” Because that is the phrase that I used to find the original content that I started blogging about.

Google ranks blog by the number of social bookmarking posts and the number of times you are Dugg etc. Social marketing definitely effects SEO.

From the Google Patent:

“Tagging of the blog document may be a positive indication of the quality of the blog document. Some existing sites allow users to add “tags” to (i.e., to “categorize”) a blog document. These custom categorizations are an indicator that an individual has evaluated the content of the blog document and determined that one or more categories appropriately describe its content, and as such are a positive indicator of the quality of the blog document.”

Google is definitely not just tracking the number of listings in social bookmarking sites like Digg, StumbleUpon, Delicious and Blinklist.

Google is tracking how many times we are dugg, the tags that are used in the original Digg and the quality of the user.

Have you ever noticed that Digg posts do not show up in a links check? They will when you have at least five to ten Diggs or the Digg page itself and will show up in a keyword search even sometimes above your original article.

Google ranks blogs by the number of times your URL appears in conversations.

Think Gmail….

From the Google Patent:

“References to the blog document by other sources may be a positive indication of the quality of the blog document. For example, content of emails or chat transcripts can contain URLs of blog documents. Email or chat discussions that include references to the blog document is a positive indicator of the quality of the blog document.”

Yeah, Google reads your Gmail. Google listens to your Google chat. All the time counting how many times your URL is present.

Blog SEO Solution

This is a good case for not using tracking links in emails to your list. By using click counting URLs to see how count click thrus to your site you may be removing a positive indicator that Google counts.

Google ranks blogs by the quality of the links in a blog aritcle and the quantitiy of links.

SEO also is effected by the link text in these body text links.Don’t be scared to link to other blogs.

I am also thinking that the quality of blogs that you link to in the body text has a lot to do with your blog and your posts’ ranking.

I feel that Google thinks if you are unwilling to link to blogs better than yours then you are not sure of your own content.

It is also possible that the number of links in a blog document (or lack of) says to Google that you are just building landing pages that are worthless rather than writing a well researched article using a number of authoritative sources as background.

While not mentioned in the Google patent there does seem to be evidence that using Feedburner helps your Google rankings.

Since Google aquired FeedBurner, just using Feedburner analytics seems to increase your SERPs position.

Obviously if the more subscribers you have in Google reader helps your rankings then the greater the number of subscribers that Feedburner tracks has an effect too.

Want to learn more about Google and how social marketing can take over the search engines for you? Of course you do!

Tips, tools and tricks for more traffic and better rankings!

Look to Chris Lang’s Social Marketing and Social Networking blog.

Buying cat furniture can.be a confusing and perhaps exhausting experience. Nothing is more frustrating than to set up a beautiful cat tree only to have your cats completely ignore it! I’ve owned cats all my life, and in this article I’ll try to share some of my expertise and insight with you to help make your decision a bit easier.

There are a number of factors to consider in choosing a cat tree, condo, tower, playground or gym. Here, in no particular order, are some things you’ll want to keep in mind:

• Your cat’s habits and preferences
• Placement and space requirements
• Materials and construction
• Expandability
• Price

What does your cat want?

As a general rule, most cats share certain traits and habits like curiosity, a desire to hide out in a dark, enclosed space and a love of heights – but as every cat owner knows, each kitty is different!

The first thing I’d suggest is to spend a few days paying close attention to your cat’s habits. Where does he usually sleep, hang out or play? What kinds of things does she play with? When you pick her up, does she want to climb up on your shoulders? What kinds of places are you always battling to keep him out of? The answers to these questions should help you decide what kinds of features your cat will appreciate the most.

Features and the kitties who love them:

Kitty Condo: A cat who tends to choose a dark, quiet corner to sleep in will probably want a model with a kitty condo. The same could be said for cats who love to explore shopping bags, boxes, cupboards and other dark, secret places. If your household is one of those busy or hectic ones with kids playing and lots of folks coming and going, kitty might just love the peace and quiet that an enclosed cat condo brings.

Height: Some cats just need to be up high. Some kitties just like to be able to see everything, and some feel more secure up above the reach of the family dog or small children. If your cat is always trying to climb up on your shoulders when you pick her up, or likes to jump up on counters, you might consider getting the tallest cat tree, kitty gym or playground you can. A floor to ceiling tower can be a good solution, and they come in a variety of configurations – some are very simple and take up very little floor space, others can be quite elaborate. There are also a lot of free standing models over 6 feet tall that will satisfy your cat’s need to look down on us poor humans!

Secure Sleeping Spot: Our cat Lucy always sleeps leaned up against something (me, a chair cushion, or the raised lip on her favorite cat perch) – she needs the security of feeling something against her back for her to truly relax. If your cat is like Lucy, you’ll want to be sure that the cat tree or playground you choose has a place to sleep where she’ll feel secure. You might want a sleep tray with raised sides, a curved half moon shaped shelf or a kitty hammock.

Not So Secure Sleeping Spot: Our other cat, George, just sprawls out anywhere – if your cat is like him, he’ll be happy with an open shelf to nap on.

Observation Post: Pretty much every cat likes to keep an eye on things – it’s simply a survival instinct. Make sure the model you choose has a place where your cat will want to spend many hours of the day, whether it’s a flat shelf, kitty hammock, curved shelf or tray. In addition to the style of the observation post, consider the height off the floor and ease of access – especially if your cat is elderly or doesn’t get around as well as he used to.

Kitty Hammocks: We’ve found that most cats love a hammock, although timid cats may need some reassurance at first due to the extra ‘give’ they feel at first when they step on it. Once they get used to it, it may become a favorite ‘hang out’ (sorry – I couldn’t resist!). If your cat is unsure about the hammock at first, put it close to the floor for added peace of mind. As your cat gets used to it you can move it higher if you like.

Play Tubes: Playful cats like tubes or tunnels because they can charge right through them or lie in wait and pounce at unsuspecting passersby – animal or human!

Placement

Even if the cat furniture you choose has all the things your cat loves, if you put it in the wrong place he may completely ignore it. Think about where your cat spends time now – is she a ‘people cat’ who wants to be in the same room as the rest of the family? Is she more of a loner who seeks out quiet spots in unused parts of the house? Does he like to look out the window? (check for nose prints on the glass!)

Years ago we had a fabulous floor to ceiling cat tower with multiple shelves, a kitty condo – the works! The only trouble was that the one place in the house where we had space for it was a room that was hardly ever used. Since our cats like to be with us, they never used the tree, and we ended up donating it to the local humane society. Now we have a smaller cat tree that we keep in the family room where we spend much of our time, and the cats use it every day.

If you can place the tree next to a window there is a much higher likelihood that your cats will use it. A window that opens is best, especially for indoor kitties. The smells and sounds from outdoors will keep them entertained and engaged in the world around them.

Space

Here’s where you start thinking about your needs. How much space are you willing and able to devote to cat furniture, whether it’s a playground, kitty gym or cat tree? Be sure to look at all the dimensions – baseplate size, overall dimensions and height – and actually measure the space you have in mind to make sure it will fit. Many models are modular in design, so you don’t have to put it together exactly as it is pictured. This can give you a bit of flexibility if space is an issue. Look for the phrase ‘modular design’ – not all cat trees have this feature!

Materials and Construction

One of the main considerations here should be how stable and sturdy the cat furniture is. Cats will not use a wobbly or unstable tree. Look for broad bases and bottom heavy designs that will keep it from tipping when your cat jumps up on it.

Wood: Some cat furniture manufacturers use plywood, others use particle board – and they will all swear that the wood they use is the absolute best! The truth is that each has advantages and disadvantages.

Plywood is quite strong because it is made from thin layers of wood and each layer has the grain running in a different direction from the layer above and below. Since the visible surfaces are covered, the manufacturer can use a lower grade of plywood that will have knots showing and may be a bit rough to the touch. So you may have rough exposed wood on the inside roof of a condo or the underside of the baseplate – not really an issue for most folks, but a good thing to know ahead of time.

Particle board is made of small wood chips bonded together by a kind of glue. It is heavier than plywood, so it adds stability to a cat tree, and the surface is much smoother than plywood. It is more likely than plywood to break – sometimes corners will chip off – but under normal use this shouldn’t be a problem.

Coverings: Carpet or fake fur? The debate rages! One thing everyone agrees on is that whatever covering you choose make sure it is not a closed loop carpet or other covering that can catch a claw. I’m sure you’ve seen a cat stretch out and get a claw caught in a bedspread or sofa cushion – in a relaxed setting the cat is usually able to extricate himself, although he may leave a snag in the fabric! Imagine your cat at top speed romping up and down his kitty playground – if the playground is covered in non cut pile carpet (like Berber) and he catches a claw it can cause a serious injury.

Carpet is soft and inviting, but since one of the purposes of cat furniture is to give your kitties a place to sharpen their claws, some folks think carpeted cat furniture just encourages or even trains your cat to sharpen his claws on the carpet on your floor. Personally, I’ve never had that problem, but I know some folks have. If you do choose carpet, make sure it is cut-pile carpet to prevent possible injury from a caught claw. Carpet is secured with staples, which have the potential to stick up and scratch fingers or paws, but well made cat furniture does not usually have this problem.

Fake fur isn’t quite as cushy as carpet, but as long as it is secured with non-toxic glue, there is no possibility of injury from an errant staple. Some manufacturers do staple the fake fur, however, and it is much harder to bury a staple in fake fur than in carpet – if you choose fake fur, make sure that it is glued, not stapled. Like the carpet vs fake fur debate, the staples vs nontoxic glue debate is a heated one. I am of the opinion that as long as the glue is nontoxic and the staples are applied properly glue is best for fake fur and staples are best for carpet. It’s a matter of personal preference as to whether you choose carpet or fur. One nice thing about fake fur is that it is washable – often times models with hammocks are covered in fake fur – check to make sure that the hammock covers zip off so you can throw them in the washing machine.

Sisal Rope: Most experts agree that sisal rope provides an ideal surface for your cat to sharpen her claws. It’s durable, yet it doesn’t ‘catch’ claws the way non cut pile carpet can. Most cats love the feel of it under their paws and will instinctively start scratching when they feel it under foot. All of our cat furniture features sisal rope, some on all poles, some in combination with carpet.

Curved Features: Any curved surface on a cat tree is made of thick cardboard tubes – they are used in construction as molds for making round concrete pillars among other things. They are quite sturdy and should last a long time, but be aware that they are cardboard and will be the weakest part of your kitty gym – especially if they ever get wet. Look for designs that offer extra support to a curved feature – two attachment points is better than one!

Expandability and Flexibility

If you’re anything like me, you get bored with your environment and need to rearrange the furniture now and then. Cats get bored too, and so many of the models we offer are of a modular design which allows you to put them together in more than one way and to add or swap out features later. If this is important to you, be sure to look for the phrase ‘modular design’ – not all models have this feature!

Price and Other Human Concerns

Cat furniture can seem expensive, but it truly is an investment in your cat’s health and happiness. A cat who has a place to burn off energy and take a safe nap is less likely to develop destructive habits like scratching your furniture or relieving himself outside the litterbox. Indoor cats especially need some extra stimulation to keep them from getting bored.

Of course, you are the one who has to decide how much to spend on your cats, but in cat furniture you really do get what you pay for. If your budget is small, you are better off getting a smaller model than a large cheap model. Cheap cat furniture is likely to suffer from poor quality materials and workmanship which will shorten its life. Also, it will probably be wobbly and therefore less appealing to your cats so they may not use it at all. You may get lucky, but in my experience cheap cat furniture is a waste of money.

Aesthetically speaking, your cat couldn’t care less what the cat tree looks like, cats are much more concerned with function, so please yourself in the aesthetics department! And as far as color is concerned, cats’ eyes are optimized for hunting in low light – they don’t really see color. So choose a color that works for you, one that matches your decor or a neutral color that will blend in even if you change your decorating scheme. Some cat owners choose colors to match their cat’s fur so the cat hair won’t show as much, others like a very different color to inspire them to keep the cat tree vacuumed – color is purely a personal decision and will not affect your cat’s enjoyment one way or the other!

I hope I’ve been able to help you sort out some of the maze of decisions that need to be made in choosing the right cat tree for your kitty and for you. Hopefully I haven’t just added to the confusion!

Laura Miller
Tick-n-Thistle Furniture and Fine Art Your one stop shop for cat trees, playgrounds and kitty condos, as well as furniture for kids, grown ups and pets. http://www.ticknthistle.com