.:Mitra Nine Solution:.

More Benefits, Fewer Taxes

2009-10-05T19:54:00.002+08:00

Bonnie Lee: Tax Tips
More Benefits, Fewer Taxes
Save your employees and your business money by providing fringe benefits.

By Bonnie Lee October 02, 2009

You've no doubt been at pains to cut costs during this recession. Now is the perfect time to review your hiring strategies and pay scales. More important, it's time to look at the fringe benefits you could and should be offering. Your company might save a bundle by replacing dollars with benefits.

Have you ever heard someone say, "My job doesn't pay that well, but the benefits are great?" Usually this person smiles when she says it, and her employer is a smart entrepreneur.

The beauty of fringe benefits is that you are generally providing something the employee would otherwise have to purchase, and you're doing so without incurring a tax liability for your company or the employee. These benefits are paid for with "pre-tax dollars."

If, for example, you pay Tom $2,000 per month and let him get his own health insurance, he would have to pay for the health insurance with dollars shrunken by a tax bite. By the time you deduct federal income tax withholding, FICA, Medicare, and state income taxes, Tom's net pay would be about $1,500. (Approximately $500 or 25 percent of Tom's pay goes to taxes.) Then he pays $200 for a health insurance premium, and he's down to $1,300 net pay.

But let's say you structure a salary of $1,800 per month and the company pays Tom's health insurance at a cost of $200 per month. Deduct 25 percent payroll taxes from Tom's check ($450) and his take-home pay is $1350. Tom is ahead by $50. In fact, because Tom is now on a group medical insurance plan, his savings on premium costs might be considerably more than $50. Individual plans are usually more expensive than group plans. They also may not be available to individuals with pre-existing conditions.

As the boss, you save money as well. On Tom's base salary you have to cough up matching FICA and Medicare plus contributions into the federal and state unemployment funds. That's an additional cost of approximately 11 percent. Those taxes do not apply to the medical insurance you purchase for Tom. Using the numbers in the example given above, your company will save $22 in taxes. Multiply that by the number of employees you have, and you could save a tidy sum.

There are countless other fringe benefits you can offer, such as achievement awards, adoption assistance, dependent care assistance, educational assistance, health savings accounts, group-term life insurance, retirement plans and moving expense reimbursements. Check with your tax pro or your payroll provider, or visit irs.gov and read Publication 15-B to find out which benefits work for your company. Many fringe benefits are 100 percent excluded from taxation. Others are partially excluded or completely taxable.

Next time one of your employees is up for a raise, consider providing a mutually acceptable fringe benefit rather than cash. The tax savings will put a smile on both of your faces.

Bonnie Lee is an Enrolled Agent admitted to practice and representing taxpayers in all fifty states at all levels within the Internal Revenue Service. She is also the author of Taxpertise: The Complete Book of Dirty Little Secrets and Hidden Deductions for Small Business that the IRS Doesn't Want You to Know, from Entrepreneur Press. Follow Bonnie Lee on Twitter @BLTaxpertise or email her at bonnie@taxpertise.com. Live stream her radio show every Tuesday at 1:00 PST by going to KSVY.org and clicking on Listen Now.

Crank Up Your Customers' Confidence

2009-09-08T13:32:00.003+08:00

Use these 3 tips to show that your website--and your business--are trustworthy.
By Johnathon Williams | July 07, 2009

For small businesses that sell online, the importance of protecting customer data is a given. Unfortunately, the best security and privacy practices in the world are useless unless you first secure the customer's trust--no easy task in today's world. Increasing rates of identity theft and other types of online fraud have left many consumers gun shy when it comes time to pull the trigger on an online shopping cart, especially when a site lacks the reputation of industry giants such as Amazon. Here, several industry professionals explain how to present your small business site as safe and reputable.

http://www.entrepreneur.com/ebusiness/buildingawebsite/article202508.html

How to Research a Low-Cost Franchise

2009-09-08T13:14:00.003+08:00

Does that franchise concept really deliver? Here’s how to find out.
By Carol Tice | Entrepreneur's StartUps - June 2009

Markus Romero didn’t like crunching numbers or sitting behind a desk; he was busy managing nightclubs and operating mobile tanning salons in Las Vegas. But after he discovered Instant Tax Service, his attitude changed.

He was so intrigued by Instant Tax’s model of targeting low-income tax filers that he took a job as a trainer for a large Instant Tax franchisee. Romero, 36, also grilled other franchisees about their first-year expenses and profits. He found the calculations easy, and he liked helping people get quick refunds. He was impressed that the franchisor offered a first-year buyback program--a strong indication that Instant Tax was confident in its model.

http://www.entrepreneur.com/magazine/entrepreneursstartupsmagazine/2009/june/202004.html

Cash for Appliances Rebate Program

2009-09-02T23:35:00.003+08:00

Cash for Appliances Rebate Program

By Robert Longley, About.com

By the end of 2009, consumers nationwide will be able to take advantage of a federal "cash for appliances" program offering rebates on purchases of a wide array of home appliances certified as energy-efficient by the EPA's Energy Star program.

Backed by an initial $300 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the state-run rebate program is intended to help make American homes more energy-efficient while further stimulating the economy.

"Appliances consume a huge amount of our electricity, so there's enormous potential to both save energy and save families money every month," said Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu in a press release. "These rebates will help families make the transition to more efficient appliances, making purchases that will directly stimulate the economy and create jobs."

States will Run the Rebate Program
Each state will administer its own cash for appliances program. The states will be free to select which residential Energy Star qualified appliances to include in their programs and the individual rebate amount offered for each appliance.

What Can You Buy?
The Department of Energy (DOE) has recommended that the states focus their cash for appliances rebate efforts on heating and cooling equipment, appliances, and water heaters as these products offer the greatest energy savings potential. Energy Star qualified appliance categories eligible for rebates include: central air conditioners, heat pumps (air source and geothermal), boilers, furnaces (oil and gas), room air conditioners, clothes washers, dishwashers, freezers, refrigerators, and water heaters.

How Big Will the Rebates Be?
While the states will be free to set actual rebate amounts based on their share of the $300 million, the Department of Energy expects the rebates to range from $50 to $200 per appliance. But wait, there's more. Any rebates offered by state and local utility districts for purchases of energy-efficient appliances will be added to the federal cash for appliances rebate.

How do You Qualify?
All consumers will need to do to get the rebate is simply buy any qualifying Energy Star appliance. Unlike the "cash for clunkers" fuel-efficient vehicle rebate program, you don't even need an old trade-in appliance. In addition, consumers will not be required to haul their bulky old appliances to the dealer in exchange for a new one.

When Does it Start?
The states will have until October 15, 2009 to submit their applications for funding and plans for recycling old appliances to the Department of Energy (DOE). The DOE plans to have distributed funding to the states by November 30. As a result, the cash for appliances rebates could be available in stores just in time for Christmas shopping.

Nokia plans more phones, netbook

2009-09-02T22:12:00.004+08:00

The Associated Press September 2, 2009, 8:23AM ET
STUTTGART, Germany

By PETER ZSCHUNKE

Nokia Corp., the world's biggest maker of cell phones, on Wednesday unveiled new models that boast more music features and mesh better with Facebook and the Finnish company's upcoming netbook.

The announcements are part of Nokia's attempt to branch out into new markets, such as wireless online services.

"We are not on the defensive, we are on the offensive," Nokia executive vice president Anssi Vanjoki said at the two-day Nokia World event in Germany.

The Espoo, Finland-based company said it made a deal with Facebook, the wildly popular social networking site, that will let users of some its handsets update their location and status directly to the site through a Nokia Ovi account.

The feature will premier on the new N97 mini phone that was also introduced Wednesday and will retail for euro450 ($644.13) without a contract when it starts shipping in October.

"People want to bring their physical and online worlds together via the Internet. The Nokia N97 mini is designed for this new social Internet and to help navigate people and places," said Jonas Guest, vice president of Nokia Nseries.

Nokia has been the top handset maker since 1998 but has gradually expanded to include online services, such as downloads of music, games, maps and the fast transfer of photos and video, especially as markets have become saturated.

It has estimated that the global online market will reach euro100 billion by 2010.

Nevertheless, Nokia unveiled new devices at its exhibition here, including more details about its new laptop, dubbed the Nokia Booklet 3G, which will ship in the fourth quarter of 2009 with Windows 7 and retail for euro575.

Made of aluminum, it sports a 10-inch (25-centimeter) screen and weighs 2.8 pounds (1.3 kilograms). That puts it squarely in the "netbook" category pioneered by Taiwanese manufacturers like AsusTek Computer Inc.

Unlike most netbooks, Nokia's Booklet will have a built-in GPS navigation chip coupled to Nokia's Ovi Maps software, and an aluminum cover in contrast to the usual plastic.

Nokia has previously tried to expand its portfolio beyond cell phones, making a "tablet" computer that runs non-Windows software. It hasn't been a mainstream success.

Nokia also unveiled a pair of new music phones, the X6 and X3.

The X6 features 32 gigabytes of memory, can play up to 35 hours of music and has a 3.2-inch touch-screen. It will retail for euro450.

The X3 is a more compact version that features direct access to Nokia's music store and features a built-in FM radio and 3.2 megapixel camera. It has a suggested retail price of euro115. Both devices are set to ship during the fourth quarter of 2009.

------

On the Net:

Nokia World: http://events.nokia.com/nokiaworld

Turning a Green Business Into Gold

2009-09-02T19:01:00.003+08:00

Reward follows risk and innovation for these eco-friendly businesses.

By Lydia Dishman | August 13, 2009

The timing couldn't be better for those contemplating a leap into green business. The $787 billion federal stimulus bill will make funding available for everything from green construction to alternative fuels, and consumer demand for green products continues to rise. But keeping an eye on the (triple) bottom-line: people, the planet, and profits, is a necessary step to success.

Meet the Green Teams
It doesn’t get greener than algae--literally. So when Riggs Eckelberry launched OriginOil in 2007, he says he already had an investor group poised to provide seed funding. The company’s main challenge however, has been educating consumers and investors alike on this breakthrough green technology. In his case, transforming algae into a competitor of petroleum gained traction when Exxon Mobil announced their intent to invest billions of dollars in algae as an alternative fuel.

Although OriginOil is the new kid on the block, using his brother’s unique technology for microbubbles has helped Eckelberry to position OriginOil against such big players as Exxon Mobil. Additionally he believes the algae fuel industry is so wide open, no one producer will ever dominate. “It calls for a network approach, where we help bring about an industry with OEMs, producers, channel partners, third party application developers, and the full gamut of design-build-manage services,” he says.

Patented technology aimed at cleaning up the planet helped launch BlueFire Ethanol in 2007. The concept was originally inspired by a World War II era textbook, though the company likens its acid hydrolysis process to the one used by Doctor Emmett Brown in the film “Back to the Future 2.”

The idea to transform bags of garbage into an alternative fuel--let alone a company to do it--didn’t happen overnight. BlueFire’s CEO, Arnold Klann, had 30 years experience in the traditional energy industry -specifically in petroleum coke and coal-fired power plants, launched three companies and spearheaded research and development before commercializing the Arkenol technology, licensed exclusively with BlueFire Ethanol in North America.

For Barrett Taylor, triathlete and CEO of ECOwatercraft, a zero emission jet ski was as necessary as breathing. “Heavy fumes were disturbing many of the athletes during the swim portion of the race and I was curious whether electric technology could be implemented into watercraft,” he explains.

Taylor did extensive research on electric vehicles while in medical school, but a collaboration with Electric Motorsport Inc., producers of the first freeway legal electric motorcycle in the world, got the idea to market.

Like OriginOil, ECOwatercraft still has to work to educate consumers. To those concerned about mixing electricity and water he says “electric boats have been around before gasoline powered boats.” To others who fear getting stranded he responds, “gas jet skis run out of fuel all the time. ECOwatercraft is developing a solar lily pad to recharge.”

Pioneers of a different sort are at work at TS Designs. Founded in 1977, the T-shirt manufacturing and screen printing business turned green when NAFTA passed. “While that may not seem as sexy as a tracking solar array or biodiesel, we have a passion for making the best damn shirt you’ve ever worn,” says Eric Henry, president. TS Designs has focused on the triple bottom line since 1993; from using water-based inks on their shirts to employing an array of alternative energies to light and heat their facility. What’s more, the company landscapes with native plants and produces biodiesel on site to fuel the truck that carries shirts from the main plant to the dye house.

John Ivanko, who with Lisa Kivirist co-authored the award-winning book, ECOpreneuring believes it’s possible for green business owners to prosper despite the challenging economic environment because “triple bottom line enterprises have operations that are both conservation-minded and efficient.”

If the business grows quickly, there is the temptation “to turn a buck quicker,” Ivanko says and he reminds ‘ecopreneurs,’ “Green is not to be confused with greed.”

How They Snagged the Green
Funding is necessary for any new enterprise, sustainable or not. Ivanko and Kivirist have seen people start companies on next to nothing; then grow by reinvesting profits into their business.

ECOwatercraft started on a shoestring. Though he continues to search for major funding, Taylor says, “For the initial startup, my wife and I sold all of our possessions including her car and jewelry, and put the entire project on our backs financially through credit cards, loans, and whatever we had in our bank account.”

Ivanko cautions, “Launching a business without encumbering the enterprise with thousands (or millions) of dollars of interest payments can go a long way towards thriving without excessive debt.”

He also encourages creative leveraging of resources, much like community supported agriculture (CSA). “Thanks to the Internet, sophisticated software programs, and the ability to create private label products, it's possible to operate without owning a factory or storefront, or any physical inventory by using drop-ship terms with various manufacturers eager to develop an unpaid marketing team,” Ivanko says.

Having creative solutions can also give an edge when it comes to funding. Greg Hilton, senior project manager with Sagacious Partners in South Carolina who also works with EngenuitySC and the USC-Columbia Fuel Cell Collaborative says channels are currently cluttered with many new players. “Firms, organizations, and governments will gravitate to those providers who show a clear understanding of the issues and how their products and services will provide solutions,” he says.

Standing out from the crowd may be as simple as obtaining a patent for your technology. Tim Williams, shareholder with Dority & Manning, a law firm that specializes in patents, trademarks and copyrights, says entrepreneurs would do well to investigate the playing field before making the investment to apply for one. With applications starting at $6,000 for a simple mechanical case (not including attorney’s or government fees) Williams recommends checking the patent and trademark office website first.

Startups may soon be able to tap into e3bank, a newly-established financial institution that promises to be a sustainable lender. Other finance options include a focused investor such as Cleantech Group, LLC or Green Solar Finance.

“One of the only investors that still has the availability of capital and is willing to put it to work is Uncle Sam. Depending on what problem you are solving, look for funding opportunities from the Department of Energy, Department of Defense, or perhaps the USDA,” says Christopher Scott, CFO of BlueFire Ethanol. BlueFire was recently awarded funds from the DOE for a second planned ethanol production facility.

When applying for government funding, Scott believes now more than ever, startups need a bulletproof execution plan. “If there are any holes, they will be discovered more quickly than in other times, and instead of getting terms that may be less beneficial, you may not get funded,” he says.

But above all, Ivanko reminds would-be green businesses, “Operate in every way possible like a healthy, diversified ecological system. Use nature as the model, both for the enterprise as well as the product or service. In nature, there is no waste.”

5 Ways to Grow Your Profits

2009-08-30T17:39:00.003+08:00

For years I’ve taught a simple, “secret” formula to massively grow profits in any business.
Interestingly, those starting businesses seem to embrace this formula far more easily than owners who have been in business for a long time.

I’m sure there are a number of reasons for this. But the ignorance and stubbornness of other business owners can prove to be very profitable for you--especially as many of those “experienced” business owners continue to focus solely on revenues and expenses, which in turn drive profits.

When you are comfortable with the numbers and can readily work with all the factors in the formula, you’ll start seeing more bottom-line growth than your competitors.

How?

You’ll have more factors to work with than “expert” owners who love cut expenses to boost their profits.

So what is this simple growth and profit-focused formula? The “5 Ways,” and it is a strategy that pinpoints the five key factors that exist in every business--factors that can be multiplied to deliver stellar bottom-line profits.

Who Says You Can’t Mix Business with Pleasure? Business Opportunities for the True Sports Enthusiast

2009-08-30T14:26:00.004+08:00

What if you could combine your love of the game with a full- or part-time job that you really enjoy? Check out these business opportunities that offer the most avid sports fan their dream job...

You’re a jock. You played. You still play whenever and wherever you can. No, you’re just a rabid fan. If your team’s having a great season, you’re in a good mood. They lose? Everybody knows to steer clear, at least until your wounds heal. Whether you’re a player or a spectator, the world of sports is your greatest passion, or at least one of them. You could be around ball fields, the golf course or even the local pool and racquet club all day long, shooting the breeze about the latest scores and odds with people just like you. Admit it, just talking about “jock stuff” gives you a rush. You’re not a Little League coach for nothing! But, hey, we all have to work for a living, right?

Well, what if you could do both? What if you could merge your enthusiasm for all things athletic with your desire to own and operate your own business, or even just make a little extra money each month? And, what if you could try your hand at it from home, part-time, for relatively little up-front investment in some cases…just to see how you like it?

There are many who say that if you own a business, choosing what you do dictates how well you will do. And, any good shrink will tell you that doing what you love or have an interest in is good for the psyche, not to mention the pocketbook. So, if sports are your thing, keep reading. There are a number of business opportunities out there that you might find are worth a closer look.

BusinessWeek 50 Forum Pursuing High Performance in assocation with Accenture

2009-08-30T10:57:00.007+08:00

This November, the sixth annual BusinessWeek 50 Forum brings together a select group of senior executives from the world's largest and most influential corporations to exchange ideas on staying competitive and maintaining high performance.
Secure the exclusive opportunity to join your peers on November 4 for an engaging workshop with Don Tapscott, best-selling author and Chairman of nGenera Insight. The Forum continues on November 5 with a full day of CEO panel discussions, concluding with new insights from renowned management thinker Jim Collins.

Start Your Own Computer Reseller Business Online

2009-08-30T09:42:00.003+08:00

START YOUR OWN COMPUTER RESELLER BUSINESS
Learn how to start, build and run a profitable computer reseller business online. Sell from over 250,000 brand new computer hardware and software products.
NO INVENTORY! All products are drop-shipped directly to your customers' location with your business name on the box. Drop-shipping businesses have become one of the best choices for home-based and internet business opportunities.
EARN A SUBSTANTIAL INCOME ONLINE
"The average home-based computer reseller earns anywhere from $40,000 to $55,000 yearly from their home business, while dedicated resellers earn anywhere from $70,000 to over $100,000 per year while in their first year in the computer reseller business; a very lucrative business opportunity." PC Mag

CONVENIENCE
How to Start a computer reseller business. Sell computer hardware and software products onlineBecoming an online computer reseller allows you to conduct your daily business transactions online which brings you the added benefits and advantages of working from the privacy of your own home or small office.

PC Connection started off as a "home based business" in a basement and now has over 1500 employees. Gateway started out as a home business from an Iowa farmhouse and has quickly become a multi-billion-dollar computer reseller giant.

How to Prepare for Higher Taxes

2009-08-29T15:54:00.003+08:00

No one knows which taxes are going up and by how much. But there are ways to cushion yourself

By Ben Steverman

Financial advisers for wealthy Americans assume that their clients' tax bills are going up. But that's about all they know for sure.

President Barack Obama campaigned on proposals to raise taxes—on income, capital gains, and dividends—on Americans who earn more than $250,000 per year. And in the year since he formulated that platform, the federal government's fiscal situation has gotten more dire, as a result of the recession, stimulus spending, and preexisting debt. On Aug. 25, the Congressional Budget Office raised its estimate of the total deficit from 2010-19 by $2.7 trillion, bringing it to $7.137 trillion. The White House's estimate for the deficit over the next 10 years is $9 trillion.

Eventually, tax experts say, the government will need to fill those deficits with extra revenue. "Don't expect any good news on the tax front," says Marilyn Cohen, president of Envision Capital Management. "We've got a multitrillion-dollar bill to pay, and it's not going to pay itself."
Five Rules to Follow

But so far the details of those tax increases—which taxes, when, and how much—are highly uncertain. President Obama has proposals, while Democrats and Republicans in Congress have a myriad of other proposals. Even if Congress does nothing, many provisions of President Bush's tax cuts are set to expire in 2011.

"Until they get through Congress, there's no way of knowing what will really happen," says Tim Steffen, a financial planner and tax expert at Robert W. Baird.

At a time of such uncertainty, BusinessWeek asked tax experts and financial planners what individuals can do if they're worried about a higher tax burden. Here are five common themes:
1. Stay Flexible

"You plan with the tax laws as they are, recognizing that they can change at any time," says Matt Havens, a planner at Global Vision Advisors. Congress may come up with creative ways to boost revenue, he says—not just by raising rates but by limiting deductions or closing tax shelters.

For this reason, individuals trying to limit their tax bill should remain flexible. "Don't get yourself into a situation where you've locked yourself into something," Steffen says. "You need to be able to react to any changes that come."
2. Pay More in 2010?

Federal tax rates haven't increased in 2009, and many expect most tax rules to stay the same in 2010. However, says tax attorney Scott Estill, "In 2011, all bets are off."

The potential for tax increases in 2011 makes 2010 a "key year," says Estill, author of the book Tax This! An Insider's Guide to Standing Up to the IRS.

With taxes on income, capital gains, and dividends now at historical lows, the next 15 months may be the best time to be paying taxes—before rates are raised.

Of course, few employers are going to pay you in 2010 for work you've promised to do in 2011. But Holly Isdale, managing director at Bessemer Trust, says that if you are already planning on selling a business, it might make sense to get it sold before the end of 2010. You would probably pay a smaller capital-gains rate on that sale, she says.

The same is true for capital gains on stocks or real estate—assuming you have any gains after the brutal housing and equity markets of the past couple of years.

For workers who are expecting a lump sum at retirement, a 2010 retirement might make sense for the same reason, Steffen says. Stock options might also best be exercised before taxes go up.

Also, Estill says, next year might be the perfect time to convert traditional individual retirement accounts, or IRAs, into Roth IRAs. In 2010, income caps will be dropped on Roth conversions, which require tax payments.

Affiliate marketing

2009-08-29T12:42:00.006+08:00

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Affiliate Marketing is an Internet-based marketing practice in which a business rewards one or more affiliates for each visitor or customer brought about by the affiliate's marketing efforts. It is an application of crowdsourcing.

The Affiliate Marketing industry has four core players at its heart: the Merchant, the Network, the Publisher and the Consumer. The market has grown sufficiently in complexity to warrant a secondary tier of players, including Affiliate Management Agencies, Super-Affiliates and Specialized Third Parties vendors.

Affiliate marketing overlaps with other Internet marketing methods to some degree, because affiliates often use regular advertising methods. Those methods include organic search engine optimization, paid search engine marketing, e-mail marketing, and in some sense display advertising. On the other hand, affiliates sometimes use less orthodox techniques, such as publishing reviews of products or services offered by a partner.

Affiliate marketing—using one website to drive traffic to another—is a form of online marketing, which is frequently overlooked by advertisers.[citation needed] While search engines, e-mail, and website syndication capture much of the attention of online retailers, affiliate marketing carries a much lower profile. Still, affiliates continue to play a significant role in e-retailers' marketing strategies.[1]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Affiliate_marketing

Have you taken this CRITICAL first step to getting a cruise ship job yet?

2009-08-28T05:54:00.005+08:00

"Cruise Jobs Insider"

If you haven't had a chance to download it, then you can do
so here. If you are having any problems accessing the report
please do email me, I'll be delighted to help.

One question I regularly get asked about getting a job on a
cruise ship is...

"What exactly do I need to do to get started?"

"What exactly do I need to do to get started?"

The Cruise Jobs Insider report gives you the information
you need, however it can be broken down into a few simple
steps:

Step 1 - Decide on the type of job/s that you'd like to do onboard

Step 2 - Prepare a good cruise ship targeted cover letter and
CV / resume

Step 3 - Start applying to specific cruise line companies and
vacancies you see advertised

Step 4 - Follow up

Step 5 - Be consistent and persistent in your applications.

Many people I speak to can't believe that it can be as simple as
the steps above.

The report you have in your hands (you have printed it off
haven't you?) will guide you through the process as well as giving
you a ton of tips and tactics that will put you far ahead of your
competition.

Start at the beginning...

I've helped a lot of people get hired over the years and my advice
to you is the same I've given out to them; start with the first step
first and really think carefully about the types of jobs you would be
suitable for.

Think about your past experiences, skills, achievements,
qualifications and your personality - and then try to match those
to suitable positions.

On page 13 of the Cruise Jobs Insider report, you'll find a list of
215 positions on board that will help you do this.

You'd be surprised at how many people just rush out their
applications and cross their fingers in the hope that the cruise
line company will choose a position that's suitable for them!

This will approach will ensure that you never get hired, unless
you're very lucky.

So, use your report, make a DECISION to start... start at page
one and begin the process to landing a job on a cruise ship that
pays you to travel the world.

I'll be back in a few days time with the next instalment and
show you how to get the most out of your report AND how to get
going as quickly as possible.

Best wishes,

How To Become More of an Optimist

2009-08-25T10:12:00.002+08:00

Optimism is measured by your explanatory style, or how you define events. If you can learn to define positive events as being a) because of something you did, b) a sign of more good things to come and c) evidence that good things will happen in other areas of your life, you’re halfway there. If you can also think of negative events as a) not your fault, and b) isolated occurrences that have no bearing on future events or other areas of your life, you’re the rest of the way there!

Time Required: Just a Few Extra Minutes
Here's How:

1. When something positive happens in your life, stop to analyze your thought process for a moment. Are you giving yourself due credit for making it happen? Think of all the strengths you possess and ways you contributed, both directly and indirectly, to make this event occur. For example, if you aced a test, don’t just think of how great it is that you were prepared, but also think of how your intelligence and dedication played a role.
2. Think of other areas of your life that could be affected by this good event. Also, think of how the strengths you possess that caused this good thing to happen can also cause other positive events in your life. For example, what other good things can come from your intelligence, dedication, and ability to effectively prepare for tasks?
3. Imagine what future possibilities could be in store. Because you hold the key to your success, shouldn’t you expect to do well on future tests? Isn’t a successful career a natural result?
4. When negative events occur, think of the extenuating circumstances that could have contributed to this happening. If you do poorly on an exam, for example, were you especially busy in the preceding week? Were you somewhat sleep deprived? What outside circumstances contributed to your failure? Keep in mind that this isn’t necessarily a reflection of personal weakness.
5. Also remember that you’ll have endless opportunities to do better in the future. Think of your next potential success, or other areas where you can excel.

Tips:

1. The key to optimism is to maximize your successes and minimize your failures.
2. It’s beneficial to look honestly at your shortcomings so you can work on them, but focusing on your strengths can never hurt.
3. Keep in mind that the more you practice challenging your thought patterns, the more automatic it'll become. Don't expect major changes in thinking right away, but do expect them to become ingrained over time.
4. Always remember that virtually any failure can be a learning experience, and an important step toward your next success!
5. Practice positive affirmations. They really work!

What You Need:

* A willingness to examine your thoughts.
* A few extra minutes to consistently reexamine your thought patterns.

Rumah hotel Bali

2009-08-24T05:33:00.006+08:00

The Rumah Hotel Bali is built around the concept of a traditional Balinese village, with a home away from home ambiance. The architectural style of the hotel is essentially Balinese with thatched-roof cottages spread on the edges of the large swimming pool. The tropical ambiance of the hotel is beautifully complemented by the sophisticated facilities which makes it an ideal choice for leisure travelers. This hotel is a great place to get soaked in the essence of Balinese culture.

Location of The Rumah Hotel Bali

The hotel is located at a distance of approximately 20 minutes from the Ngurah Rai International Airport and a short distance from the golden beaches of Bali. The tranquil setting of the hotel is quite an allure that attracts travelers from across the globe. The hotel is also close to the tourist attractions in the area and provides easy access to other areas in Bali. There's also a 18-hole golf course at a short distance from the hotel.

Room Facilities at The Rumah Hotel Bali

The unique hotel features Balinese-style cottages, complete with thatched roofs and matching interiors which display a blend of traditional and contemporary elements. The accommodation options at the hotel are equipped with a balcony or terrace. The guestrooms are spacious and come equipped with modern facilities like air-conditioning, Satellite TV, IDD telephone, in-room safe, fully-equipped kitchen, refrigerator, walk-in wardrobe, bath accessories, and spacious bathroom. Additionally, all the guestrooms feature a private plunge pool.

Amenities and Services at The Rumah Hotel Bali

The most attractive feature of the hotel is its 23-meter long swimming pool surrounded by lush greenery. There's also a children's plunge pool adjacent to the main swimming pool. The hotel also features a conference hall, equipped with audio-visual systems. The restaurant at the hotel features among the best in Bali and caters to the culinary demands of the guests in a purely traditional way, unique to Bali. Alternatively, if you wish to dip your taste buds in more of the local cuisine, there are plenty of dining options right across the street. There are several recreational activities the guests can indulge in. The hotel also provides butler service so that all your needs are taken care of in a personal way.

Facilities at the hotel include swimming pool, children's plunge pool, conference hall, butler service, restaurant, bar, room service, jogging track, tennis court, laundry service, tour assistance, and parking.

Work and Travel The World at the same time!

2009-08-23T23:18:00.006+08:00

Life Onboard
What is life working on a cruise ship REALLY like?
Before you embark on this adventure, it's important to understand about life onboard and know exactly what you're letting yourself in for.
Through the articles in this department we reveal the inside scoop about what it's like as a crewmember to live, work and socialize aboard a luxury cruise ship.

You'll also discover lot's of insider tips and behind-the-scenes information to help you get prepared and organized for your new adventure and get settled on board quickly and easily.
Follow our expert guidance and your new career at sea will be plain sailing!
Are you really cut out for living and working on cruise ships? Not everybody is! Here is a checklist we designed that asks 9 powerful but crucial questions that will determine whether or not you're suitable for life at sea. Go through these questions now and check yourself against them, but be warned, some of them may shock you . . .

http://www.workoncruiseships.com/public/main.cfm

What is Hepatitis B ?

2009-08-22T21:20:00.006+08:00

Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a virus that can lead to chronic liver disease. In the United States, hepatitis B virus is the cause of about one-third of all viral liver disease.

Nearly everyone who develops acute hepatitis B (95%-99% of healthy adults) will get better by themselves, so doctors do not recommend any specific treatment. This means that your body's immune system is able to work extra hard to quickly destroy the hepatitis B virus from the liver before any serious problems begin. For very severe cases of acute hepatitis B, some experts recommend treatment with a drug called lamivudine.

For people who progress to chronic hepatitis B, doctors can choose from five drugs which are interferon alpha, pegylated interferon, lamivudine, adefovir dipivoxil and entecavir. Sometimes doctors treat with just one drug by itself, but usually, treatment is a combination of two drugs, such as pegylated interferon and lamivudine. The goal of treatment is to get the levels of virus in the blood (specifically viral replication) to undetectable levels by blood tests.

Unfortunately, treatment is relatively expensive and is challenging. Furthermore, some people with chronic hepatitis B do not respond well to treatment at all. For these reasons, the best strategy is to prevent hepatitis B infection.
Prevention
Hepatitis B infection is easily prevented by immunization. Vaccination is both safe and relatively inexpensive and there are two vaccines available in the United States.

Certain people are at increased risk for being infected with the hepatitis B virus and should get vaccinated as soon as possible. These are all health care workers, injection drug users, people in jails or prisons and people who have more than one sex partners. Because of the increased risk of developing chronic infection, all children under the age of 18 should also receive hepatitis B vaccine.

http://hepatitis.about.com/od/hepatitisb/a/HBV_infection_2.htm

Proses Menghasilkan Dollar

2009-08-22T09:24:00.003+08:00

Kenapa “ Kapal Pesiar “ ? banyak orang saat ini ingin pergi ke kapal pesiar baik untuk bekerja, lancong ( holiday ) ataupun hanya ingin sekedar ingin tau saja.
Disini di Mitra, akan mengupas sedikit apa alasan dan kenapa orang ingin pergi ke “ Kapal Pesiar “ ( Cruise Ship ).
Di dunia ini, dengan penuh suasana iptek ( ilmu pengetahuan dan teknologi ), orang sudah bisa membangun sebuah hotel dari kelas bawah sampai yang namanya seven diamond yang mana tadinya hanya sampai bintang lima.
Seiring dengan pergerakan dan bertambahnya iptek sekarang, orang sudah bisa menciptakan yang namanya Cruise ship atau kapal pesiar, yang mana dulu kapal laut hanya di gunakan untuk trasportasi antar pulau atau alat menyeberang saja. Namun sekarang, kapal laut tersebut dapat di gunakan seperti halnya hotel. Bahasa kerennya hotel terapung. Dengan fasilitas setara hotel bintang lima, bisnis kapal pesiar sangat jauh pesat, sukses luar biasa. Sampai tenaga kerjanyapun di cari –cari waktu itu masih tahun 1992an… dan sekarang orang berjubel-jubel mendaftar untuk bisa bekerja di kapal pesiar.

Bekerja di kapal pesiar tentunya dengan banyak alasan….satu halnya ingin dapat uang tentunya uang dollar apalagi € ( euro ) mata uang eropa. Yang jelas penghasilannya mata uang asing sesuai kontrak kerjanya di kapal.
Sekarang banyak perusahaan besar kapal pesiar, mungkin lebih dari 500 perusahaan, dan tentunya juga lebih dari 500 agent perekrutan.

Nah…ngomong-ngomong tentang kapal pesiar, dollar, agent kapal pesiar….kami dari Mitra akan sharing tentang dan bagaimana procedure yang sebenarnya untuk mendapatkan dan bisa bekerja di kapal pesiar.
1. Di Dunia ini khususnya di Indonesia banyak sekali agent kapal pesiar, baik yang mengantongi ijin resmi dari depnaker, PJTKI, ataupun sub agent yang sifatnya merecrut. Jadi semua kandidat benar-benar pintar memilih.
2. Jadi seorang kandidat ( pelamar kapal pesiar ) harus juga mengantongi syarat-syarat yang harus dipenuhi seperti:
3.
a. Umur ( Age ), biasanya diminta minimal 20 dan maksimal 34 tahun untuk pria dan wanita antara 20 sampai 28 tahun.
b. Tanda pengenal / KTP ( Identification Card ), salah satu dokumen pelengkap yang nanti untuk pengurusan passport, seaman book,dll nya sebagai syarat berlaku.
c. Pendidikan Terakhir ( Educational Background ), dengan jaman sekarang sekolah pariwisata sudah merebak dimana-mana dengan iming-iming bisa memberangkatkan ke kapal pesiar atau bekerja di luar negeri. Jadi dimana-mana memberikan pendidikan khusus pariwisata ke hotel, kapal pesiar, sesuai departemennya masing-masing seperti Tata Hidangan ( FB service ), Tata Graha ( Housekeeping ), Kantor Depan ( Front office ), Tata Boga ( FB Product ) dan Hotel Management.
d. Pengalaman Kerja ( Job Experience ), nah yang satu ini seorang pelamar harus memiliki pengalaman kerja atau daily worker/training minimal 1 tahun.
e. Keahlian lainnya ( Other Qualification ), pelamar memiliki keahlian dibidang lain seperti kursus bahasa Inggris, baik tulisan atau lisan, dan skill lainnya yang membantu
f. Dokumen lainnya sesuai permintaan agent masing-masing.
3. Selain itu juga seorang pelamar tentunya mnyiapkan dokumen lainnya seperti Passport, Seaman Book ( buku pelaut ) dan BST, biasanya dokumen ini disiapkan setelah pelamar dinyatakan lulus final interview dengan user.

4. Pre-Medical dan General Medical Check Up. Nah yang satu ini sangat penting untuk diingat semua pelamar. Biasanya Pre-Medical juga bagian dari persyaratan, agar untuk mengetahui keadaan kesehatan pelama itu sendiri, Karena hasil dari pre medical itu mempengaruhi proses selanjutnya. Dan yang ke 2 adalah General MCU, yang mana pelamar diharuskan untuk mengurus Gen MCU, syarat ini juga dibenarkan oleh pihak perusahaan kapal pesiar. Dengan mengetahui keadaan kesehatan pelamar akan membantu proses keberangkatan nantinya untuk bekerja di kapal pesiar. Bagaimana keadaan kesehatan Anda? Sudahkan periksa kesehatan Anda?
5. Jadi proses generalnya seperti ini: Pra Interview, Final Interview, Proses Document, General MCU, Schedule / Sign on date Onboard.
6. Biaya. Nah…yang satu ini juga sangat penting. Setiap pelamar akan dikenakan biaya-biaya yang harus dibayar, baik itu biaya pendaftaran, biaya administrasi, VISA America khusus Pelaut VISA C1D, biaya Medical, passport, Seaman book, BST (Basic Safety Training ), dan biaya lainnya. Setiap agent beda biaya dan beda proses.
Jadi saran untuk pelamar atau calon kandidat, pintar-pintar cari informasi seputar biaya, dan memilih agent dan juga siapkan uang.

Nah itu tadi sedikit informasi, kenapa orang ingin kerja di kapal pesiar, selain nantinya bekerja, juga dapat jalan-jalan keliling dunia tanpa biaya apapun, dollar dapat lancong dapat.
Selain itu juga, Mitra telah mendengar dan melihat orang-orang pelaut yang sukses dalam karirnya bekerja di kapal juga membuka peluang kerja dan usaha.
Jadi calon pelamar yang nantinya sudah bekerja di kapal pesiar, gunakan waktu, usia selagi muda, tenaga kuat, kumpulkan modal sebanyaknya, pulang buat usaha atau bisnis yang mana juga membuka lowongan pekerjaan.
So….
“ together success, wealthy, healthy, and wisdom ” netter sekalian sukses untuk Anda semua!

buka link berikut ini:
http://www.cruiseshipjob.com/album.htm

About "Hepatitis" Health

2009-08-22T09:20:00.005+08:00

About Hepatitis A Food Poisoning

"It's Possible This Outbreak Is Not Over"--30 Now Confirmed With Hepatitis A

Another lawsuit on behalf of a customer sickened in the Milan McDonald’s outbreak was filed today in the Circuit Court of the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit of …Read more...
Milan, IL Hepatitis A Outbreak Broke One Month Ago Today At The McDonald's That Never Really Cleaned Up Its Act

One month ago today –before two of its employees exposed up to 10,000 people and infected at least 26 with Hepatitis A – the McDonald’s in …Read more...

Read more related blog entries

Hepatitis A is the only common vaccine-preventable foodborne disease in the United States (Fiore, 2004). It is one of five human hepatitis viruses that primarily infect the human liver and cause human illness. Unlike hepatitis B and C, hepatitis A doesn’t develop into chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis which are both potentially fatal conditions (Mayo Clinic, 2006); however, hepatitis A infection can still lead to acute liver failure and death.

Hepatitis A is relatively uncommon in nations with developed sanitation systems such as the United States. Nevertheless, it continues to occur here, and approximately one-third of the United States population has been previously infected with hepatitis A (Fiore, 2004).

Viral hepatitis is a major public health concern in the United States, and a source of significant morbidity and mortality. Each year, approximately 30 - 50,000 cases of hepatitis A occur in the United States. Direct and indirect costs of these illnesses exceed $300 million, including wage loss and medical expenses. Adults who become ill miss an average of 27 work days per illness. Eleven to 12 percent of persons infected are hospitalized, and 100 people die as a result of acute liver failure annually in the United States due to hepatitis A (CDC, 2007). The unfortunate aspect of these statistics is that with 21st Century medicine, hepatitis A is totally preventable and cases—especially outbreaks relegated to food consumption—need not occur.

The hepatitis A virus or “HAV” is relatively stable and will survive for up to a month at ambient temperatures in the environment, but can be inactivated by heating to 185°F (85°C) or higher, or exposure to formalin or chlorine.

http://www.about-hepatitis.com