How To Save a Rabbit...And Other Helpful Things

Writing Short Articles Can Save Your Website

Author: Joseph McCumber
Is your website dying? Is it just sitting there in an internet desert, shriveling up because of a lack of traffic? Can you hear the wind whistling over the emptiness? Yikes! Don't jump off a bridge just yet. Find out how writing short articles and submitting them to directories can save you from ruin.

This is the way article writing works. You have a website devoted to, well, let's say rabbits. You write a short article of about 400 to 500 words that explains how to treat a sick rabbit. You submit your article to free article directories.

Next, somebody comes along looking for information about their sick pet rabbit. Presto! Your article shows up in the search results, and the information it contains saves the rabbit's life. Now you have a happy person who is eager to purchase whatever you recommend.

Okay, so it doesn't work quite like that. But, if done properly, article writing and marketing will bring a flood of free, targeted traffic to your website. Follow these simple steps to get started:

1. Write a title with keywords related to your website. Try to put your keywords in the first part of your title.

2. Write an interest grabbing introductory paragraph that gives a general idea of the information being covered by the article. If you can make it seem natural, use your keywords in the introduction.

3. Use the next 300 or so words in the article body to give the information promised by the title and the introduction. Use your keywords once or twice, but try to use them without breaking up the flow of the article. Keep your paragraphs short and to the point.

4. Use your last paragraph as the article conclusion. Explain how using the information you've just written about will benefit the reader in some way. Try to find a way to include your keywords one more time.

5. Put a link back to your website in the resource box. Try to add a little zip. Rather than writing "for more information, visit my website," try offering a more urgent reason for the reader to click on your website link. Something like, "My site can save your rabbit's life!" You get the idea.

There you have it. Have I done what I set out to do? Have I shown you how writing short articles can save your website? If you think so, then I've just given you an article template to follow. I hope it helps.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/writing-articles/writing-short-articles-can-save-your-website-551593.html

About the Author
Websites fail without traffic. Article Writing brings people to your site for Free. Find out how by visiting: Article Writing and Marketing
http://www.articlesbase.com/writing-articles/writing-short-articles-can-save-your-website-551593.html

Credit Restoration - A Game Changer

Submitted By:

Credit Restoration is perhaps the single most powerful method of increasing a person’s credit score.  Achieving the highest score possible can drastically affect the house we live in, the car we drive, and the cost of interest and insurance rates we pay.   Credit scores are critical to our quality of life… and for many, credit restoration is the key to obtaining the highest score possible.

What is Credit Restoration?  Simply put, it is the removal of derogatory information from your credit report.  Your credit score is a calculation of the data in your credit report, including positive things such as payments made on time, as well as derogatory items such as late payments, collections, judgments, tax liens, etc.   Obviously, the more positive information and less derogatory information – the higher your credit score. 

Most people don’t realize that information stays in their credit report for 7 years or longer, even if the item is paid.  So by removing some of the derogatory information from your credit report now, instead of waiting 7 years, credit restoration can dramatically increase your credit score now. 

How does it Work?  Studies have shown that nearly 30% of all credit reports contain serious errors resulting in the denial of credit.  Because of this, the Fair Credit Reporting Act includes provisions that allow consumers to dispute information in their credit reports with the credit reporting agencies (CRAs).  Upon receiving a dispute, the CRAs have 30 days to verify the information reported by the original creditor.  If the information is deemed inaccurate or unverified, then it must be deleted entirely from the credit report.  As derogatory items are deleted from the credit report, credit scores increase.

In addition to disputes made with CRAs, other dispute strategies can be used directly with creditors using the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and Fair Billing Act.  Using dispute strategies to challenge information in our credit reports often can result in half or more of the derogatory items being deleted from a credit report.  This can make a profound difference on the credit score, often increasing it by 100+ points!

Renee’ Backus is the co-owner of Credit Matters, Inc., a registered Credit Service Organization with the State of Wisconsin. Since 2003 Credit Matters has assisted over 3000 consumers and small business owners with credit restoration and consultation services.  For assistance with your credit management or score improvement needs, call me at: 866-895-4490.

Carbon Offsetting: The way out, or on its way out?

Author: ELCAMEDIA

It's been ridiculed since it was developed as a concept. In 2006, George Monbiot wrote an article for the Guardian comparing it to the Church's selling of pardons for sins in the Middle Ages. There are few objective standards of measurement, and no globally accepted certifications for it.

And yet, carbon offsetting remains a key focus of many industries' environmental efforts. There has even been a push in recent years to get individuals to think about and take action to reduce their own personal "carbon footprint". The big question that has been asked is, does this really do anything? Carbon emissions are only 2.5% of air pollutants, and only 1.7% is man-made. Even if every single person pays into a carbon offsetting program, will it have any effect on climate change?

However, one could argue, it's not whether the carbon offsetting is doing anything directly. It's about the awareness being raised that action needs to be taken. The marketing push that airlines are doing to promote their carbon offsetting schemes makes everyone who flies think about their effect on the world. Any awareness about pollution and its effect on climate change and the health of the planet results in an increased likelihood of positively modified behavior on the part of consumers. And if consumers are asking for, or expecting, these types of programs from the companies they patronize, those companies will be motivated to keep going with them.

The danger lies in getting stuck thinking that a carbon offsetting program is enough. It isn't. It should be seen as a first step in the direction of product and process modification. For example, instead of simply relying on unregulated third-  party carbon offsetting for commercial airlines, the industry is actively investing in alternatives to reduce carbon emissions at source, i.e., by changing the makeup of avation fuel. In 2008, Virgin Atlantic flew the very first biofuel test flight, using 20% biofuel. And biofuels were approved for use, for up to 50% of the fuel mix of a commercial airplane's fuel source, by the American Society for Testing and Materials in July 2011.

Carbon offsetting through external means might have been a way for industries to begin the process. But it should only be a beginning. We believe that in 20 years, carbon offsetting will be seen as having outlived its usefulness, because of process re-engineering.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ethics-articles/carbon-offsetting-the-way-out-or-on-its-way-out-6209649.html

About the Author
ELCAMEDIA has proven experience of achieving ROI from CSR: developing clear steps for action helping international companies identify, adopt and implement CSR strategies throughout their organisations for the greater benefit of all stakeholders.

These include the necessity for a sound operational CSR strategy, a specific environmental and social strategy for the identification and management of related issues, and best practice in the field of approach, reports and communication when it comes to presenting the business to the wider world.
www.elcamedia.com

And Now...Tom LaGalbo

You are invited to write an article you think our readers may be interested in. Submit it to  advertising@orcvirtual.com  We will submit one article for free - all future articles may incur a charge.  We also offer monthly ad spaces in our newsletter and website.  

It’s a pleasure to introduce to you Mr Tom LaGalbo.  We share his story with you now.  If you talk with him, please tell him that Office Remote Control sent you!

I wanted to introduce to your readers an amazingly easy to use tool that I have been using for over 5 years now.

It is called SendOutCards®.  I have been a mortgage broker for 11 years when I started to use it for my own clients over 5 years ago.  This online system gives you the ability to send out a physical greeting card in the mail for business or personal use.  You can send one or hundreds at a time with a click of a button.  You can even attach a gift or gift card to your card.  The system will also remind you of birthdays & anniversaries.  When you click send, SendOutCards® will print, stuff, stamp & mail your physical card for you.  You can even customize these cards for your business with logos, pictures & even QR Codes to turn your card into a video card.

When I started to use this system over 5 years ago I had a Mortgage customer that I called and left a message about refinancing his home into a lower rate and to give me a call back.  Well, I never heard back from him so I sent him a card through the SendOutCards® system and he called me back right away and left me a message saying “Hi Tom, I just received your card in the mail today, thanks that was very thoughtful of you.  Sorry I didn't call you back, I have been busy but would love to get together with you to get this refinance going."  I was amazed.  He thanked me for the card, apologized for not calling me back and I got his business. 

I recall another experience when I sent a card to one of my referral sources, a Bank, thanking her for prior referrals and mentioned that if she had any other customers that I can help out to please let me know.  I wrote in the card, “In the meantime, go out and enjoy a nice cup of coffee on me”, and I enclosed a gift card from Starbucks and SendOutCards® automatically put it in the card for me!  

When she got the card she called me back to thank me for the cards that I had sent her and she just got the card from me in the mail with the Starbucks card in it.  She thanked me very much for the card & gift card AND told me to call her back because she had another referral for me!

To make a long story short, when I signed up with SendOutCards® I signed up on their top package which gave me the ability to share this amazing system with others and earn an extra stream of income which more than paid for my package and my card use.  In the last three years of doing this as a side business, sharing it with others, it has given me the ability to quit my Mortgage business because it has been going that well.  Now I am in the business of sharing this with others to help them increase their bottom line by using this appreciation marketing tool to help them strengthen their relationships with their clients and referral sources.  This is also great to use on the personal end to appreciate the people in your life.

What you send out in SendOutCards® you get back tenfold.

If you would like to try this amazing system out I offer a free trial where you get a couple free cards on me to experience this system for yourself.  You can contact me, Tom LaGalbo, at 414-750-1925, tomlagalbo@wi.rr.com, or visit my website at www.SendOutCards®.com/vip

Remember, people do business with people they like and this is a great tool to help you build those long lasting relationships.

3-D's of Business Leadership

3-d Business

Author: Hugh Breland

Are you a business leader looking to take your business to new heights? Follow the "3-D Business" approach and you are guaranteed to see your business land in-line with your goals.

Dangers – In business, just as in life, it is imperative to keep discernment sharp and avoid unhealthy alliances. Whether it's an individual being considered for hire, a company that would like to cross-market a product or an enticing opportunity to let something "slide by", business leaders must beware of diving into dangerous dealings. Discernment, integrity, and being above reproach are the marks of a leader that will leave a legacy. On the flipside, "dull" decision-making has disseminating effects, all the way to the bottom line.

Delay – Patience and perseverance accompany success and significance. Business leaders looking to make a significant impact must progress with passion but prepare for delays. No one arrives at the airport hoping to wait, however most of the time delays are to be expected. The same is true in leadership and business, patience will be a requirement for success – and believe it or not – perseverance develops character that takes leaders and their businesses from good to great. What are you going to do while you wait?

Difficulties – Whether it's from the blindside or head-on, difficulties will track your business down. Like a great linebacker in football or a hungry bear looking for his next meal, difficult people, difficult situations, and/or difficult decisions will challenge businesses and their leaders that are making a difference. How businesses prepare and ultimately proceed to handle difficulty shapes many successes or failures. Planning for obstacles will pay off great dividends, writing down lessons learned during and following difficult scenarios will take your team to the next level.




About the Author
Currently CEO of GoLo Golf National, Hugh Breland is a former Baylor University Basketball Letterman and has become a nationally recognized speaker and consultant. His creative style and straightforward communication connects with leaders in various industries and positions. For more information go online to www.GoLoGolfPerformance.com.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/leadership-articles/3d-business-152542.html

Know Your WHY As An Entrepreneur

Author: Milissa

Have you ever let your personal health and wellness slide while you focus more on getting things on your "to do" list checked off?  Do you ever feel tired and exhausted from all that you have to do, and you wonder if you can keep up with this crazy pace?  Many busy entrepreneurs can easily answer "yes" to both of these questions.  Why?  Because as an entrepreneur, you're passionate and excited about the work you do, and you want to be a huge success, right?  I totally understand, because I work with clients just like yourself who struggle with the exact same issues as you:  trying to balance all of the parts of building a business, but neglecting their health in the process.

As a business owner, you've probably taken some time at some point to reflect on WHY you started your business.  Perhaps you want to become financially free, enjoy a flexible schedule and have more time with your family.  These are some common reasons why people just like you decide to become entrepreneurs.  Here's a question for you:  Have you ever asked yourself "Why is it important to me to become a healthy entrepreneur?".  This is a question that very few entrepreneurs ask themselves, but it's such an important question to give some thought to. 

I know that it is very easy to put our health and wellbeing on the back burner, and I think that this happens often with us busy entrepreneurs because we're very results-focussed.  We like seeing the results from the work that we do, and it's very rewarding when we make a sale, develop a new partnership or enroll a new client.  You don't often "see" the results from the health and wellness choices you make right away, however.  Sometimes it takes weeks or months for you to notice a difference in the way you look and feel (ex-having more energy, losing weight) and if you're honest with yourself, it's not always easy being patient for these kinds of results.  On the other hand, you know exactly how it feels when you're exhausted, stressed out and not eating as well as you should.  It's not a great feeling, and it definitely impacts your performance and energy as an entrepreneur.

I understand how important it is for your business to grow and succeed, and I want you to understand that your health and wellbeing is THE foundation to your success as an entrepreneur; not your website, not your business cards, not even how big your "list" is.  Without fueling your body from the inside out with what it needs, you simply can't be your best, and what a shame that would be.  I want to challenge you to start prioritizing your health, and see the difference it makes in how you show up in your business.  You can have all the energy you need to focus on all that you need to do each day, without sacrificing your health.  You'll accomplish more, make smarter decisions and feel amazing while doing it too!  So, how can you get started putting your health on the front burner, once and for all?

*Begin by asking yourself the question, "Why is it important for me to become a healthy entrepreneur?" Make a list of things that would change if your health and wellbeing were on the top of your priority list.

*Switch the question around and ask yourself, "What would happen if I was not a healthy entrepreneur?".  Consider how your business would be affected and how this would ultimately derail your long-term goals for your finances as well as time freedom for yourself and your family.

*What one thing can you begin doing TODAY to make your health and wellness a priority?  What difference would this make in your business each day?

Answering these questions honestly will allow you to see what you do as a business owner in a new light.  I want you to be a huge success.  I want you to have the time and financial freedom that you deserve.  Make your health an absolute priority, and I promise you that you'll have exactly what it takes to make your entrepreneurial dreams a reality!

About the Author
Milissa Harding is a Certified Holistic Health Coach who teaches new entrepreneurs how to maintain healthy energy levels needed to grow their business and create the lives they truly desire from the inside out. Visit http://www.healthystartcoaching.ca to receive your free copy of "6 Steps to Become a Healthy and Energized Entrepreneur".

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/entrepreneurship-articles/know-your-why-as-an-entrepreneur-6169256.html

The Coach's 20% Rule

The 20% Rule

The Key to Your Efficiency and Effectiveness
10 Easy Things You Can Do That Will Create Significant Results
Author: Chris Ruisi

In keeping with my own rule (see #5), let me get to the point: here are 10 simple steps that you need to take to improve your personal results as well as the results of your business (or department). Per rule #5 again - the next steps are for you to read each of the 20% rules and adopt them. 

1. 20% of your clients/customers should be fired. They are a pain in the butt and are costing you time and money (and happiness). Plus, for every one you dump, there is room to find a better one. Stop being a victim. 

2. 20% of the things on your desk represent clutter and are distracting you. Clean house and get rid of this useless stuff. 

3. 20% of the expenses in your business are "suspect" and should be reviewed for possible elimination. Don't tell me you run a "lean" operation. You don't! Bad spending habits find their way into every company. Police yourself every 6 months or so.

4. 20% of all of the correspondence you create (including e-mails, posts, and tweets) is useless and serves no purpose. A simple phone call is often better. 

5. 20% of the content within everything you write can be eliminated without any sacrifice to or dilution of your message. Make your point, outline the next steps, and move on. 

6. 20% of the prospects in your sales funnel can be eliminated. They are either price-conscious bottom-feeders, tire kickers, looking for free advice, or can't make a decision to buy. You made a mistake by thinking that they could be a client/customer. You allowed your enthusiasm to cloud your thinking. "Step Up" and clean house. 

7. 20% of the steps in every project you manage can be eliminated. Too many steps increase the chances of mistakes being made which will delay the successful completion of your project and cost you money (which will make you frustrated!). 

8. 20% of the people on your project team can be eliminated. Too many "touches" by different hands increases communication breakdowns, different interpretations, confusion, and mistakes (you know this costs you time and money, and also makes you frustrated). 

9. 20% of what you do is irrelevant and does nothing to improve your business. Work on only those things that you are best suited for and will make a difference to your business. Delegate, defer, or dump the other stuff. 

10. 20% of all of the meetings you attend are a waste of time and should never have been scheduled. A simple phone call or e-mail would have sufficed. If there is a need for a meeting, can you delegate someone else to attend for you and report back as needed. This way you can focus on a high-value issue. 

Next Steps: Start with any two of these ten tips (which happens to be 20%) and work on them until you have them down cold. Then pick two more and so on. Small steps executed well can produce significant results. Try it and let me know how it goes.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com

About the Author
Chris Ruisi is an experienced executive/business coach as well as accomplished leadership/business motivational speaker. Through this work, he has created a community of entrepreneurs, executives, and business leaders who understand the importance of being able to Step Up, and Play Big.  http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/chris-ruisi/1127290