Seven Secrets To Choosing A Safe, Healthy Pet Food

December 12, 2012 By

Seven Secrets To Choosing A Safe, Healthy Pet Food

Do you choose canned food or dry food? What brand? There are so many different brands, all shapes and sizes of pet food to choose from and pet owners are provided with very little information to base your decisions on (other than advertising) – it can get so confusing! Well, buckle your seatbelt depending on how much you know of the pet food industry, this could be a bumpy ride! You are about to learn seven secrets – well kept secrets – of pet food. Sit back, brace yourself, and keep reading.

Beneful says it’s ‘Premium Dog Food for a Happy, Healthy Dog’ and sells for around $18.00 for a 31 lb. bag, Science Diet “promises” ‘precisely balanced nutrition through continuous research and the highest quality food backed by your Vets endorsement’ and sells for around $21.00 for only a 20 lb bag. Then there are numerous pet foods that make the very same statements – ‘Premium Dog Food, Highest Quality’ – that sell for $30.00 or more for a 20 lb bag. And the same holds true for cat owners…Do you choose Whiskas that states ‘Everything we do is about making cats happy!’ or do you choose one of those high end cat foods that make the very same claim of a happy, healthy cat but cost 3 times as much?

Now with the on-going pet food recall pet owners have questions such as ‘Has this food been recalled?’ or ‘Is this food the next one to be recalled?’…’Is my pet safe?’ Wow this is confusing! And scary too! What exactly is a pet owner to do? How about learning a few secrets! Equipped with the knowledge of a few secrets of pet food, it’s not nearly as confusing.

Secret #1…

All pet foods use descriptive words like choice and premium, though few of them actually use premium or choice ingredients in their food. The ‘secret’ is that per the rules of the pet food industry, no pet food can make any claims or references on their label or advertising as to the quality or grade of ingredients. You see, the word ‘premium’ when it’s related to pet food DOES NOT mean that the ingredients in the food are premium. With pet foods, premium does not (can not) describe the food nor does it (can it) describe the quality of the food. It is a marketing term and that is all. Per the pet food industries own rules and regulations, “There are no references to ingredient quality or grade” (regulation PF5 d 3). So, words like premium, or choice, or quality are just marketing or sales terms. They should not be interpreted as terms describing the quality of the food.

Now why wouldn’t a pet food label be allowed to tell a prospective customer the quality of their ingredients? Doesn’t a pet owner deserve to know what they are buying? This leads me to the next secret…

Secret#2…

If I can compare ‘people’ food to pet food for just a second, we all know there are different qualities of people food. There is White Castle (I’m guilty here, I love the little guys!) and there is Outback Steak House (another favorite). Both restaurants serve meat and potatoes. At White Castle for under $3.00 you can get a couple of hamburgers and an order of fries. While at Outback you can get a steak and baked potato for around $16.00. Both serve beef and potato – yet you already realize that there are huge nutritional differences between a fast food hamburger and a steak…right?

The problem in the pet food industry – is that most pet owners don’t think in the same terms when it comes to pet food. They don’t think in terms that there are fast food types of pet foods and there are sit down restaurant more nutritious types of pet foods. In fact, several years ago a young man tried this very experiment with his own diet – eating nothing but fast food for 30 days. In just one month of eating fast food three meals a day, he gained a great deal of weight, blood pressure and cholesterol levels sky-rocketed. Now, imagine your pet eating this type of food its’ entire lifetime.

OK, so back to our two meals…if a chemical analysis of your meal at White Castle was compared to a chemical analysis of your meal at Outback – both would analyze with a percentage of protein, carbohydrates, and fat. Regardless whether you consider a steak at Outback a higher quality of protein than the burger – it would still analyze as protein. The analysis doesn’t measure quality of protein.

So here is the secret…All pet foods come with a Guaranteed Analysis stating the percentage of protein, fat, fiber and moisture in the food. The REAL secret lies in the quality of the percentages of protein, fat, and so on.

In a chemical analysis of a pet food – chicken feet would analyze as protein, although granted it provides very little nutrition. And as well, a cow that was euthanized (put to sleep) because of a disease that made it unfit for human consumption – would analyze as protein although that could be considered dangerous for consumption. Both of those things – chicken feet and a euthanized cow – are allowable ingredients and commonly used in pet food. You see the secret within the pet food industry is manufacturers have a WIDE OPEN door to where they obtain their ingredients. The only strict rule they must follow is an adult dog food must analyze with 18% protein and an adult cat food must analyze with 26% protein. Sources to acquire those particular percentages range from a ‘human grade’ meat, to chicken feet, to euthanized animals, to grain proteins, to even man made chemical proteins and many variations in between.

Pet food labels do not have to tell – are not allowed to tell – the sources they use to obtain that required 18% or 26% protein. And to make matters worse…quality minded pet food manufacturers – the companies that use 100% human grade ingredients – are not allowed to tell customers or potential customers that their products are quality, human grade ingredients.

So how can you know if your pet’s food uses chicken feet or euthanized cows or if it contains human grade ingredients?

Secret #3…

If the words premium and choice mean basically nothing with regards to the quality of pet food, and if some pet foods use chicken feet and euthanized animals in their food – how can a pet owner know what they are getting in their pets’ food?

This big secret is found in ingredient definitions. Unlike ‘people’ food where you can pretty much look at the food to determine the quality, pet food is far different. All ‘people’ food must meet particular USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) and FDA (Food and Drug Administration) guidelines. The same is not true for pet food. Chicken feet and euthanized cows are NOT allowed in people food for obvious reasons – they have no nutritional value or they could be dangerous to consume. The same is NOT true for pet food. The only way to know if those chicken feet or euthanized cows are in your pet’s food is to know what ingredients they can be used in.

The common pet food ingredient ‘Meat and Bone Meal’ is basically a combination of many different discarded left-overs from the human food industry. Components of ‘meat and bone meal’ can be anything from cow heads, stomachs, and intestines, to (horrifying but true) euthanized animals including cows, horses and dogs and cats from veterinarian offices, animal shelters, and farms. And along with those euthanized animals the pet food also contains the drug pentabarbitol that was used to euthanize the animal. ‘Meat and bone meal’ can also contain left-over restaurant grease, and diseased (including cancerous) meat tissues cut away from slaughtered animals. In other words, this commonly used ingredient is a mix of highly inferior and potentially dangerous left-overs from the human food industry.

The pet food ingredient ‘Meat By-Product’ or ‘Meat By-Product Meal’ is pretty much the same thing as ‘meat and bone meal’. It is a highly inferior pet food ingredient containing literally who-knows-what.

Another similar ingredient to the above is ‘Animal Digest’.

As to the chicken feet I mentioned earlier – this item can be found in the ingredients ‘Chicken By-Product’ or ‘Poultry By-Product’ or ‘Chicken By-Product Meal’ or ‘Poultry By-Product Meal’. Any left-overs in the chicken or poultry division – including but not limited to chicken feet, skin including some feathers, chicken or poultry heads, and intestines are found in these ingredients. It does NOT matter as to the health of the bird – sick, healthy, dead, dying…all is included in these ingredients.

So here is what you need to do…BEFORE you purchase any pet food, flip the bag over and closely examine the list of ingredients. The above mentioned ingredients would be listed within the first five or ten ingredients. If you see ANY of those ingredients – it is my suggestion to NOT purchase that food. Remember – chicken feet and euthanized animals do analyze as protein. That is all that is required in pet food – just the correct analysis.

Another little trick some pet food manufacturers use in this category is using grains and chemical additives to grain products to boost the protein percentages. Which is exactly the cause of the pet food recall that began in March 2007 – chemical proteins. Two different chemical additives – that have NO nutritional value to pets, but that analyzed as protein – were added to a grain product (wheat gluten, corn gluten, or rice gluten) solely to provide a cheap protein. Thousands of pets died and countless others became ill because no one counted on the problem of the combination of these two chemicals would cause kidney and urinary blockage. Again, their secret is the product has to analyze as having a particular amount of protein – no one is required to provide a quality meat protein.

While you are looking at the ingredient listing – you should also take note of how many grains (corn, wheat, rice) and/or how many grain products (corn gluten, whole corn, ground corn, whole wheat, ground wheat, wheat gluten, rice, brown rice, brewers rice, soy, and on and on) are listed within the first five or so ingredients. If you find more than one grain listed in the first five ingredients – that is telling you this pet food is acquiring some of its protein from grains.

Why is protein obtained from grains important for you to know? Several reasons – first off science proves that cats and dogs alike require and thrive on a meat protein. If a pet food is obtaining protein from grain sources, the pet is not getting the meat that it needs to thrive. Second, if the grain products are a corn gluten, wheat gluten, or rice gluten you take the risk of chemicals such as melamime added to it used strictly to boost the protein analysis. By the way, melamime is one of the chemicals found to be the cause of the March 2007 pet food recall. And there is one more concern with grains – aflatoxin. Aflatoxin is a deadly mold that is common to corn, wheat, and soy and it’s responsible for several other pet food recalls you probably never heard about. In December 2005, Diamond Pet Food contained moldy grains that killed over 100 pets before the product was recalled – all due to aflatoxin.

It is my recommendation to avoid any pet food that contains corn, wheat, or soy in ANY variation. The risk is simply too high.

Secret #4…

I’ve got more suggestions for you to look for in the ingredient listings…chemical preservatives. A very well kept secret of the pet food industry is their common use of chemical preservatives. BHA/BHT are very popular chemical preservatives used in pet food and science has linked them to tumors and cancer. Another common preservative is ethoxyquin which has known risks to cancer. Ethoxyquin is ONLY allowed in human food in some spices because of the very tiny proportions. However it is allowed in much higher proportions in pet food.

If you scan the ingredient listings, you will be looking for BHA/BHT and ethoxyquin listed anywhere. Commonly BHA/BHT is used to preserve the fat in the food which usually is found higher on the list. And also look for any of these chemicals towards the end of the ingredient listing. Personally, I wouldn’t touch a pet food that contained these chemical preservatives. You want a pet food that is preserved naturally – common natural preservatives are ‘natural mixed tocopherols’ or ‘vitamin E’.

Secret #5…

The very best food to provide to your pet is a well made food using human grade ingredients. That should be simple enough…How do you find that? You already know that pet food manufacturers are NOT allowed to make any statement as to quality or grade of ingredients, the only way you can find out the grade or quality of your pets’ food is to call the manufacturer and ask them.

Now, let’s say you call the ABC pet food company and ask the question “Is your Premium dog food and Premium cat food made using human grade ingredients?” It could be that you get the response yes, we use human grade ingredients – when actually only a couple of ingredients are human grade. Here’s the trick to asking…ask them if they are APHIS European certified.

Pet food manufacturers that are APHIS European certified assures you that ALL ingredients in their pet food are human grade. APHIS – Animal Plant Health Inspection Services – is a division of the USDA. APHIS European certification provides this pet food manufacturer with the opportunity to ship their foods/treats to Europe. When importing pet foods from the US, European countries demand that all ingredients are human grade and thus require this certification. Most pet food manufacturers that have APHIS European certification do not ship their products to Europe – they simply use this as a means to assure their customers to the higher quality of their ingredients.

Again, you WON’T see this listed on the label – it’s not allowed. You must call the manufacturer and ask. Often times the representative of the pet food won’t even know what you are talking about when you ask about APHIS certification – if that’s the case, you can assume they are not APHIS European certified. APHIS European certification is a bonus to pet owners – it is not required or even suggested that any pet food manufacturer go through the extra steps to obtain this. This is a special effort some pet foods go through to tell their customers they REALLY CARE about the quality of their products. Personally, I would NOT buy a pet food that doesn’t have it.

And by the way, if you can’t reach the pet food manufacturer, or they do not return your call within a short time frame, lose their number! Any company that does not place a priority on answering customers questions – doesn’t deserve your business!

Secret #6…

Minerals are a required ingredient in human diets as well as diets for our pets. Copper, Iron and Zinc are common minerals found in pet foods. Just as they are – copper, iron, and zinc are basically rocks, very difficult for anyone or any pet to utilize. Science has developed several ways to introduce minerals into the body (human and pet) for better absorption thus benefiting the individual far more. This scientific development is called chelating or proteinating and it’s been around for years. Through the chelating or proteinating process minerals are absorbed about 60% better than just the minerals alone.

This secret is spotting the minerals in your pet food to see if they are chelated or proteinated. Notice the minerals on your pet food label, way down on the list of ingredients. You are looking for minerals that read ‘copper proteinate’ or ‘chelated copper’. If you see just the mineral listed, your pet is sort of like Charlie Brown at Halloween saying ‘I got a rock’. If you want your pet to have the best, chelated or proteinated minerals are part of the best foods!

Secret #7…

This secret is called ‘friendly bacteria’. Although ‘friendly bacteria’ sounds a little scary, the reason for it lies in your pets’ intestinal system. A large portion of your pets’ immune system is found within the intestinal system. Keeping the immune system healthy helps to keep the animal itself healthy. This friendly bacteria is similar to what’s found in yogurt, however in pet food it is introduced in a fashion so that the cooking process doesn’t destroy it. Looking at the fine print on your pet food label, this time you are looking for lengthy, scientific words like Lactobacillus Acidophilus or Bifidobacterium Thermophilum. If you do NOT see these words or some very similar, that pet food is not addressing the care of your pets’ immune system. And again, if you want your pet to have the best, you want ‘friendly bacteria’ in their food.

There are your seven very secrets to help you find the absolute healthiest and best pet food for your four-legged friend. Armed with those secrets – you now have the knowledge to find your pet the best food possible! A pet food that can extend their life and prevent early aging and disease. If you don’t want to bother doing the homework involved, I urge you to subscribe to my monthly magazine Petsumer Report(TM). Through Petsumer Report(TM) I’ve done all the homework for you – each month I review and rate over 40 different pet foods, treats, toys, and various other pet supplies. It’s the ONLY publication of its’ kind providing pet owners with the information they need to know regarding their pet product purchases.

I want to share just a couple more things…

It’s best to feed an adult dog or adult cat two meals a day. The nutrition they consume with two meals is better utilized than with just one meal a day. If you are currently feeding your pet one meal a day, split that same amount into two meals and feed in the AM and PM.

You should know that all canned or moist pet foods are anywhere between 70% to 85% moisture. This means that 70% to 85% of that can or pouch of food is useless nutrition – its water. Granted our pets need water, cats especially tend not to drink enough water. But since all canned or moist foods are mostly water, they do not provide adequate nutrition to be fed strictly a canned or moist diet. Use a canned or moist product to supplement your pet’s diet – not as the only food.

The best pet foods are preserved naturally (secret #4) – but there is a concern with naturally preserved pet foods…freshness. Take notice of the expiration date on your pets food label – typically with naturally preserved dry pet foods (not as much of a concern with soft foods because of canning – very little need of preservatives) the expiration date is one year to 18 months from the date it was manufactured. Let’s say the pet food you are considering to purchase on July 1, 2007 has a ‘Best if Used by’ date of January 1, 2008. This would tell you that this particular bag of pet food is already 6 months old. While it is still ‘good’ a fresher food – a bag that is only 2 or 3 months old – is better. Naturally preserved pet foods lose nutritional potency with time. Always try to find a very fresh bag.

If you are considering changing your pets food, ALWAYS consult with your Veterinarian first. You should always keep your veterinarian advised of any changes you make with your pet. Don’t take chances. And if you do switch pet food, make the change over very slowly. I always recommend to pet owners ¼ new food to ¾ old food for 4 to 7 days, ½ to ½ for another 4 to 7 days, and so on. Switching food quickly can cause intestinal disorder! Its short term, but we don’t want intestinal disorder!!!

One last thing, as you are already aware dogs and cats have a far better sense of smell than humans. Their food bowl can be a wealth of smells – both good and bad. Some times a pet will refuse to eat simply because he or she smells a previous food in their bowl. Plastic food and water bowls retain odors the worst. And surprisingly so does stainless steel bowls. The best type of food and water bowl is a ceramic one. They retain odors the least.

“Animals are such agreeable friends – they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms.” George Eliot.

I completely agree!

Seven Secrets To Choosing A Safe, Healthy Pet Food

Seven Secrets To Choosing A Safe, Healthy Pet Food

Susan Thixton has worked in the pet industry for over 20 years helping thousands of pet owners to enjoy their pets. She’s produced an internationally distributed dog training video, authored the tell all book Truth About Pet Food, and recently has begun publication of a one-of-a-kind pet owning consumer report Petsumer Report. For more information please visit http://www.TruthAboutPetFood.com
Susan Thixton
Pet Behavior and Nutrition Consultant
Truth About Pet Food
Petsumer Report?
http://www.TruthAboutPetFood.com

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The Secrets of Starting Business Successfully

December 7, 2012 By

The Secrets of Starting Business Successfully

Starting Business Secrets will help you to start your own business successfully.

The American Dream is, and always will be, to come up with an idea, start a business and become rich from your own efforts. Based upon this motivation, thousands of businesses fail each year, due primarily to not being familiar with the basics involved in running a business.

This report will enlighten you, and give you a number of suggestions you can use to better guarantee your chances for success. This report is written with the warning that any and every business venture contains certain inherent risks, and any number of alternatives. We do not espouse that any one way is the right way or that our suggestions are the only way. On the contrary, we advise that before investing any money in a business venture, you seek counselling and help from a qualified accountant and/or attorney.

Just about the first thing you should consider before deciding to start or purchase a business is the legal form you’ll be operating under. There are basically four choices: sole proprietorship, partnership, limited partnership, and/or corporation.

Each has a number of advantages and disadvantages. We’ll try to enumerate some of them for you.

As much as anything else, for many people starting a business is a form of ego-gratification, and they form a corporation for some sort of prestige gain – just to say, “I own a corporation.”

With just a little bit of observation, you’ll find that one of the major causes of business failures is due to the founder wasting start-up capital on frills, such as an impressive store- front office, expensive furnishings, and corporate legal costs.

One of the basic traits you must develop it you’re going to be successful in business, is a tight hold on your expenditures. In fact, a good rule of thumb is that anything that does not make money for yo or protect your investment, should not be purchased at this time. Very definitely, this applies to the expense of setting up your own corporation.

Unless you have a partnership and start your business as such, the only real advantage to forming a corporation would appear to be that a corporate structure will semi-protect the property you personally own.

As an example, you own a home and car. You form a corporation to protect these possessions from business losses. Yet, if you can be found guilty of misusing corporate funds, your business creditors can pierce the corporate shield and come after your possessions.

Basically, if you invest everything you have in your business, as most newcomers do, you don’t usually need a corporation because you have nothing to protect. Your household possessions, personal belongings, generally your car, and even a portion of the equity in your home is protected by the homestead provision of the Federal Bankruptcy Act, and cannot be taken away from you.

As a sole proprietor or partner of a business you’ll be paying taxes on your overall earnings, much the same as if you were holding down a salaried or hourly paid job. Whether you do or don’t take out money as a salary will have no bearing on the earnings of your business and tax return.

The often advertised advantage of incorporating, that you can manipulate your salary in order to save on tax dollars, is real because of corporation laws. However, the IRS frowns on this practice. When your business is successful and making a lot of money, definitely check with your accountant on the advantages of incorporating.

As a corporation, you’ll be subject to a number of other drawbacks as well: generally higher state taxes, stricter laws concerning the operation of your business, more elaborate accounting procedures, and legal papers that are required just about every time you make a major move or sign almost any contract. Thus, your legal and accounting fees will be much higher as a corporation than will those required for a sole proprietorship type of business.

As a sole proprietor or partnership, you’ll find many areas require the registration of your business name. The cost however, is minimal, ranging from $5 to $100. About the best way to find out what laws apply in your area, is to call your bank and ask if they need a fictitious name registration card or certificate in order for you to open a business account.

Selecting a name for your business is quite important to you and particularly relative to advertising. Your business name should describe the product or services you offer. Fancy names such as, Linda’s Clipping Service will lose potential “walk-in and passing” customers to the beauty shop across the street that calls itself, Patti’s Beauty Salon or Jane’s Hair Styling Shop.

The advantage of using your full name in the title of your business, such as Johnny Jones’ Meat Lockers, has the advantage of making credit somewhat easier to come by – provided you pay your bills on time – but it also includes the disadvantage of confining your services to a local or at most, a regional area.

Should you buy, lease, or rent a space for your business? think twice before you make any decision along these lines. Most businesses tend to grow quickly or they never get off the ground.

There are a few exceptions, but only a very few, that tend to grow at a modified rate.

So, buying a piece of property and setting up your business on or within that property, obligates you to ownership regardless of what happens to your business.

Leases are almost always very strong contracts written by attorneys to the advantage of the property-owner. When you sign an agreement to pay someone for the use of their space over any length of time, you’re “nailed in” to paying for that space regardless of what happens to your business.

In the beginning, it’s wise to either get the shortest-term lease possible, or arrange to rent with an option to lease at a later date. This does not apply to a retail business, unless your particular business happens to be an untried one.

Definitely, you should open a business bank account. In selecting a bank for your business, scout around and look for one that can, and will help you. Determine what your banking needs will be, and then via telephone, interview the managers of the banks in your area. The important convenient bank to your business location.

A point to remember: the closer you can make the relationship between you and the bank manager, the better your chances are going to be for approval on loans and/or special favors you may need at a later date.

Try to become acquainted with as many of the bank employees as possible. The better you know them, the more courtesies they’ll be extending especially to you in the course of your association.

Just as a doctor is a specialist in his field, and you go to him for medical problems, your banker is a specialist in his field and you should go to him for your money problems. In business, you’ll have to learn that everyone is an expert in his own line of work, and in your associations with other business people, refrain from acting like a “sharpie” and/or pretending that you know exactly how everything works in someone else’s specialty.

You’ll find that very often, different banks specialize in different types of businesses. As an example, you’re sure to find banks that specialize in real estate transactions, export- import businesses, and even manufacturing operations only.

What I’m saying here is that if you’re planning to sella fairly expensive item, your customers will probably need and/or want financing. It will behoove you to select a bank familiar with your type of product that will afford your customers, through you, contract financing.

Some of the questions you should ask of your banker include the following:

Is it necessary to maintain a certain balance in your account before the bank will approve a loan for you? What qualifications must you have in order to obtain a line of credit with the bank?

Does the bank limit the number of loans, or types of loans it will approve for small businesses?

What is the bank’s policy regarding the size of a check you might deposit that requires holding for collection?

And what about checks less than that amount – will they be immediately credited to your account?

In almost all types of businesses, it will be to your benefit to set up with your bank, a method of handling VISA, Master Charge, and regional credit cards. The important thing here is to ultimately set up your account in the bank that will service all of these credit transactions for you – one stop for all your banking needs. In most instances, you’ll find that having the capability to fill orders/make sales via credit card transactions, will increase your volume of sales appreciatively.

Once you’ve made the decision as to which bank is going to handle your account, you’ll need your Social Security Number or your Federal Employer’s Identification Number, your driver’s license, the fictitious name certificate, and if you’re requesting a VISA or Master Charge franchise, you’ll also need a financial statement.

For corporations, you’ll also need a corporate resolution approving of the opening of your business account.

There are different policies exercised in just about every state regarding installation/hook-up charges by the telephone and utility companies. Some require a deposit, and some don’t.

You’ll find that a great number of city business license departments are there solely for the purpose of collecting another tax. Depending on the type of business you’re asking a license for, the building and zoning people may inspect your premises for soundness of structure and safety. Generally, you won’t encounter any difficulties – you simply pay your fee to operate your business in that city, and the clerk types your name onto a city license certificate.

Relative to sales tax permits and licenses, each state’s rules and regulations very widely. The best thing to do is call your state offices and ask for information concerning registry and collection procedures. Many states require an advance deposit or bond, and you’ll find that some wholesalers or manufacturers will not sell to you at wholesale prices until you can show them your sales tax permit or number.

Should your business entail selling your products or services across state lines, in another state, you’re not required to collect taxes except in those where you have offices or stores.

You may find also that your particular business requires the collection of Federal Excise Taxes. For information along these lines, check in with your local office of the Internal Revenue Service.

Some states also require certain businesses to hold state licenses, such as those required in many states for TV Repairmen.

These are known as “occupational permits” and are most often required of barbers, hair stylists, real estate people and a number of other consumer oriented businesses. If you have any doubts, check with your state offices for a list of those occupations that require licensing.

Any business doing business in any type of interstate commerce is subject to federal regulations, usually through the Federal Trade Commission. This means that any business that shops, sells or advertises in more than one state is subject to such regulation, and this includes even the smallest of mail order operations.

Normally, very few business people ever have and contact with the federal regulatory agencies. The only exceptions being when there is a question of your operating your business unethically or illegally.

Any business that sells or distributes food in any manner almost always requires a county health department permit. If your business falls into this category, simply call the county health department and invite them out to your place of business for an inspection. The fees generally range from about $25, depending on the size of your business when they first inspect it for permit approval.

There are also a number of businesses that require inspection by a fire marshall, and fire department approval. Generally, these are those that handle flammable materials or attract large numbers of people, such as a theater. Overall, the local fire department has to be allowed to inspect your premises whenever they desire to do so.

You may also run into a requirement for an air and/or water pollution control permit. These specifically apply to any business that burns anything, discharges anything into the sewers or waterways, or use any gas-producing product, such as a paint sprayer.

Without a doubt, you’ll need to check on local regulations relating to advertising display signs. Each city or township makes its own rules and then enforces those rules according to its own thinking -check before you contract to have a sign made for your business.

The design and placement of your sign is very important to your business – specifically to retail establishments – but let me remind you that your business sign is usually the first thing a potential customer sees and as such, it should catch his eye and leave an impression that lasts. It would be a good idea to ride around your town and take a look at the signs that catch your eye, and try to determine the impression of the business that sign leaves on you. This is a basic learning formula for determining the design, size and placement of your business sign.

Some of the other things to consider before opening for business – If you intend to employ one or more employees, you’ll be required to deduct Federal Income Taxes, and Social Security payments from their checks. This will involve your filing for a Federal Tax Number and necessitates contact with your local IRS Office.

Most states have “unemployment taxes” which will have to be deducted from the paychecks of any employees you hire. And there are a number of states that have income taxes – disability insurance – and any number of other taxes. Again, the best thing to do is check with your local office of the IRS. And above all else, don’t forget to ask for the rules of the minimum wage law, and comply.

When your business grows to the point of needing additional help, don’t be afraid to look for and hire the help you need. when you’re ready to hire someone, simply run an ad in your local paper and/or register your needs with the local office of your state’s employment service. Businesses either grow or die, and those that grow eventually need more people in order to continue growing.

When that time comes, hire the additional people you need, and your business will continue growing. If you don’t, for whatever reason, you’ll find yourself married to your business and your business growth stymied.

Regardless of how small your business is when you begin, never walk in with the thought in mind that it’s something to keep you busy. Anyone with an attitude of that kind is a fool. You begin and make a business successful in order to realize financial freedom. Establish your business. Put it on its feet, and then hire other people to do the work for you. And those businesses that require an operations manager, or someone to run a phase of the business you’re too busy to handle, hire the person needed or the business will surely suffer.

To protect the investment of your business, you need business insurance. If you’ve never had any experience with business insurance, simply look under the heading of “business insurance” in your phone directory. Ask for bids from several different companies or agents…Primarily, you should have a policy that gives you general liability, fire, workmen’s compensation, business interruption, and vehicle coverage. You amy also want coverage against possible losses related to burglary, robbery, Life & Accident, Key Man, and Fidelity Bonds.

As the sole proprietor of a business, you won’t be paid as an employee, so there will be no income tax deducted from whatever you withdraw from the company’s earnings. What you’ll have to do is a gain check with the IRS Office for a Tax Guide For Small Businesses Handbook, and probably end up filing an estimated tax return on a quarterly basis.

The minute you open your doors for business, you’ll have to spend some time engaged in the work of bookkeeping. Exactly how, and using what forms, you keep books, should be on the recommendations of a good tax counselor…The same holds true for your overall business and/or payroll accounting system. Look for an experienced CPA that knows the accounting problems to your particular kind of business, and solicit his advise/counseling.

If your business is going to involve the possible purchase or lease of operating equipment, again seek the help of your tax counselor for the most advantageous method of obtaining the needed equipment.

Basically, arranging for your suppliers to give you materials on credit will depend upon your honesty and personal financial statement. The best way is usually a personal visit to the person with the power to approve or disapprove of credit at the company where you want to set up a credit account. Show him your financial statement, and explain your prospects for success. Then assure him that you’ve always honored all of your obligations, and that if ever there’s a question or problem, you’d like for him to call you at home. And of course, give him your home phone number.

We won’t go into the exigencies of advertising your products, services or business here, but there is something along these lines you should always keep in mind. The best kind of advertising your business can receive is that you don’t really pay for – publicity.

When something unusual happens to you, your business, or your employees – that’s news, so be sure to tell the news media in your area about it.

The most important ingredient of your eventual success will be the soundness of the planning you did before you started your business. Any number of bad things can really throw your business into a tailspin, but it you’ve done your homework well – really set up a detailed business plan before starting – your losses or setbacks will be minimal. Success takes planning, and within this report, you’ve got a basic checklist…The rest is up to you…Good luck, and may your life overflow with success in all that you undertake from this moment forward.

The Secrets of Starting Business Successfully

The Secrets of Starting Business Successfully

———————————————————
Julia Tang publishes Smart Online Business Tips, a fresh
and informative newsletter dedicated to supporting people
like you! To find out the best online business opportunities,
and to discover hundreds more proven and practical internet
marketing secrets, plus FREE internet marketing products
worth over $200, visit: http://www.best-internet-businesses.com
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Crucial Advice for Parents: The Secrets to Recognizing Anxiety in Your Kids and Teens

November 21, 2012 By

Crucial Advice for Parents: The Secrets to Recognizing Anxiety in Your Kids and Teens

Some kids worry much more than their peers about their grades, boyfriends, their looks and their popularity. If you are an over- anxious parent, the chances that you have such a kid are increased.

If you, as a parent, communicate to them your own nervousness and preoccupation about their performance frequently then the odds are increased that, even if they were originally quite normal and sanguine, they will become nervous, short-fused and abnormally worried. Kids and teens raised in a functional, healthy family environment are much more likely to view their world in a much more normal, realistic way and not experience oppressive forms of anxiety.

However, abnormally anxious kids manifest perfectionist traits, including omnipresent self-doubt, that will require you to provide excessive amounts of reassurance to soothe them.
Of course, not all manifestations of anxiety are abnormal; most are in fact, normal and these children usually grow out of their anxiety.

However, it is important that you monitor their anxious symptoms and coping skills to determine whether or not they may need help.

For example, if your child appears excessively worried or painfully preoccupied about the degree of organization or neatness in his room, take note. Pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and obsessive-compulsive personality (OCP) are two maladies that afflict children and teens.

Hopefully, you just have an organized, fairly fastidious kid.
But it is important to be sufficiently observant to assess the degree to which he feels compelled to worry about organization or neatness.

If he is so compelled that it is irrational and impairs the quality of his life, then it could very well be a sign of an anxiety disorder. Obsessive thoughts are repetitive and are strong enough to cause your child to repetitively engage in irrational, anxiety-saturated, compulsive behaviors that are fueled by a particularly compelling form of anxiety.

For example, keeping those lines in a picture exactly straight and having to re-do them over and over until they are perfect, for no rational reason, are manifestations of desperate attempts to quash the feelings of irrational anxiety. Signs of anxiety In children can be easier to diagnose than in adults because kids have a spontaneity of spirit and honesty of expression usually lacking in adults.

For example, if they feel anxious about a bully at school, or about having to recite the multiplication tables, kids will often communicate it directly to their parents and not censor it out.
To help your anxiety-disposed child or adolescent, it is important to be supportive of his feelings without enabling the problem.

It is crucial that you treat the authentic anxiety that your kid is experiencing with genuine respect. Statements to the effect of “just get over it” or “don’t be silly” communicates a disrespect that will only make your anxious child more anxious.

Because of using such a flawed response, your kid is likely to become much more resistant to honestly talking to you if symptoms of his anxiety persist or worsen. IMPORTANT: Never dismiss or pooh-pooh your kid’s worries and, conversely, don’t enable their symptoms by over-protecting them.

Respect your kid’s emotional discomfort, but support their recovery by encouraging them to work-through it by fulfilling their responsibilities anyway. Maintaining a log of your child’s symptoms can be an important diagnostic tool.

Often you will be able to recognize symptoms of your child’s anxiety. However, some signs are so subtle, that a diagnosable form of anxiety may not be identified and, therefore, not treated.

In therapy, many people report being anxious at school and during their childhood. Of course, many kids express nervousness and anxiety about taking tests, being successful in sports and giving a speech in class; and the anxiety experienced in these areas are mostly normal.

However, abnormally anxious kids experience these types of worries as well. Therefore, it can be revealing for you, as a parent, to maintain a symptom log detailing how your child or teenager responds to other potentially problematic situations.

If you record a normal response to your kid’s fear of giving a speech in class, no problem. However, if you start recording exaggerated or alarmist responses, you’ll have an excellent record, should you decide to consult a therapist, in assisting him to make a complete assessment of the problem

Crucial Advice for Parents: The Secrets to Recognizing Anxiety in Your Kids and Teens

Crucial Advice for Parents: The Secrets to Recognizing Anxiety in Your Kids and Teens

Dr Shery earned his doctorate at the Univ. of Southern Calif and is a counselor in Cary,IL. He provides FREE phone consultations and cutting-edge digital programs to enable you to finally be respected and obeyed by your kids. They have helped thousands and are guaranteed to help you straighten-out your kids in just days! Get FREE info NOW about these New Self-Therapy Kits while the FREE consultations are available.

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Personal Growth in MLM and Business – Book Review: Secrets of the Millionaire Mind

October 5, 2012 By

Personal Growth in MLM and Business – Book Review: Secrets of the Millionaire Mind

Business, and network marketing in particular, are about profits and relationships. You’re in the MLM business to make money, and to make money you develop relationships. In your business, you learn about how to make a profit. To have the right mindset about making money, you must have a good relationship with yourself. Many of us don’t have that, so we are required to go through a period of personal growth in order to achieve that good self-relationship.

What do I mean by that? You have to be in the money making mindset. Your brain is set and points at a certain amount of money that it will allow you to make for your entire life. If your setting is $20,000, then that is what you make. If at some point you make more than that, your brain is programmed so that you spend that extra money. It brings you back down to $20,000. If you are programmed to make $1 million, then that is what you will make.

In order to change the amount of money you make, you must change this set point. In Secrets of the Millionaire Mind, T. Harv Eker shows you how to do that. The book contains exercises and thought processes to go through in order to achieve your money making goal, whatever that may be. The chapters are kept short. This helps to keep the information we need to learn in manageable bites.

This book contains many wealth principles that are fun to learn and informative.

Here are a few examples: “If your motivation for acquiring money or success comes from a non-supportive root such as fear, anger, or the need to “prove” yourself, your money will never bring you happiness.”

Another wealth principle from Secrets of the Millionaire Mind: “The number one reason most people don’t get what they want is that they don’t know what they want.”

I’ve enjoyed this book. It is well written. I found it easy to read. There is a ton of information in it, so you might want to read it several times for it all to sink in. It certainly fits into the realm of books that provide support for people who want to think outside the box. And, it provides for personal growth and getting into the right mindset to attract money into your life.

Personal Growth in MLM and Business – Book Review: Secrets of the Millionaire Mind

Personal Growth in MLM and Business - Book Review: Secrets of the Millionaire Mind

The great thing is that you CAN do this! Anyone can put the Personal Growth principles in “Secrets of the Millionaire Mind” to work. Learn about MLM and Personal Growth Here!

Nancy Spencer has been in internet marketing for 3 years. She helps MLMers explode their businesses online.

On Twitter @NancyLinP2W

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24 Secrets to Coaching a Perfect Basketball Practice

October 3, 2012 By

24 Secrets to Coaching a Perfect Basketball Practice

This is a roadmap for coaching basketball and getting maximum practice results.

Principle#1

Have a Plan.

Organization is the key. A coach without a plan will invariably miss teaching points. It is important that the players know that their coach is invested in helping them maximize their individual and collective potential. A coach with a plan sends this message. Planning also insures that the coach teaches as effectively as possible. This applies to more than only daily practices; it is essential to plan for the entire year and a basketball program. This may include a broad yearly plan that includes broad seasonal goals, off-season player development programs, fundraisers, individual and/or team camps, and off-season conditioning programs. Within the context of a basketball season, monthly plans can be very beneficial in determining appropriate times to introduce new schemes. Weekly plans offer more specific information about introducing skills in specific drills, and there been very useful to me in maintaining an appropriate practice rhythm and presenting material in a logical manner.

Principle#2

Keep practices quick-paced.

There should be little to no lag time between drills. Players are expected to sprint from drill to drill and to keep practices in constant motion. Basketball is a game of quick transitions and changes. For example, players must make

quick changes from offense to defense, defense to offense, and pressing defenses to half-court defenses. All require a quick mental and physical change of gears. A fast moving practice can help condition a player for such game situations. Also, aside from the time that a coach uses to teach a skill or to walk through a new scheme, players should make every effort to play their hardest.

Principle #3

Include as many competitive situations as possible.

This gives players the feel of games and develops the competitors drive that is necessary to be a winner. We turn as many drills as possible into mini-games with consequences for the losers, such as running or push ups. We also try to include some one on one play in every practice to keep a competitive tone as well as to work on game moves. Ideally, the players will develop a high level of competitiveness amongst themselves that will carry over into every possible applicable situation in practice. By turning as many practice situations as possible into competitive situations, the hope is to foster this competitiveness, or to unleash it if it already exists. Natural competitiveness is a quality that defines teams and is often a highly accurate indicator of potential success.

Principle #4

Allow some 3 on 3 play daily.

! believe that 3 on 3 play is the best way to teach kids how to Think The Game. Almost all offensive play boils down to 2 or 3 man games. Examples of this are numerous and include UCLA cuts, Flex cuts, Shuffle cuts, and Pass and Screen Away action. All of these movements can occur in 3 on 3 play. Also, playing 3 on 3 allows the offense more room to operate. If, for instance, a teams offense features 2 low post players then the wings are rarely provided the opportunity to make back door cuts when being overplayed. In 3 on 3 play this option to back-cut is much more likely to be available. Also, 3 on 3 challenges the defense because there are 2 less help defenders on the court. This should force the defense to move more quickly and be more aware. In theory, 3 on 3 play helps improve both offensive and defensive play.

Principle #5

Hear, See, Do

Teach a skill by first explaining the skill, then demonstrating the drill, then having the player perform the skill. This is the most effective way to learn and retain knowledge from the players/students perspective. Teach by first explaining the skill, then demonstrating the skill, then having the players perform the skill – repetitively. Research indicates that we retain only 10% of what we hear; 20% of what we see; 65% of what we hear and see; but 90% of what we hear, see, and do. Developing understanding and communicating effectively (with impact) should be a coaches top priority. This multi-sensory approach promotes understanding far more effectively than less thorough methods.

Principle #6

Do not be afraid to critique.

Though there are certain times to -just let the kids play- I usually try to address every mistake I see. Though this may at times become tiresome to both coaches and players, it is absolutely necessary to the development of good habits. I try to keep criticism positive by using the Sandwich Technique. First I find a positive, then make my critique, then end on a positive. For example: John, you did a great job setting up your man, but next time makes sure to touch shoulders when you come off that screen. Keep up the hard work. This helps the player understand where he needs to improve without making him feel as though the coach is picking on him.

Principle #7

Teach using the Whole-Part-Whole technique.

This particularly useful when teaching team schemes, though it applies to aspects of individual play as well. When teaching an offense, for example, the offense should be shown to the players in its entirety so that they can gain a feel of its purpose. Then the offense should be broken down into parts so that the players can concentrate on perfecting different parts of the offense. Often this can be done through different series of 2 and 3 man games. Then, after different parts of the offense have been broken down, run the offense, again, in its entirety. This technique usually gives players and teams optimum results in understanding and execution. Teaching using the part method approach alone, on the other hand, often leaves the player without an understanding of how the skills he is working on fit into the big picture. Using the whole method alone is less effective too because it robs a player of the repetition required to master skills within the larger scheme.

Principle #8

Repetition is the mother of learning. Create Habits.

Basketball is a game of habits, and the only way to develop the correct habits is to practice them over and over again. Research indicates that it takes 21 days to create a habit; this translates into a need to spend practice time repetitively and correctly drill the skills we want to see at game time. If you teach a player a skill such as coming off a screen once, he might understand the concept in his mind. But the only way to get that player to consistently come off screens correctly is to have him practice the skill over and over again. Also, once the skill is taught, the repetitions must be done at game speed. Once that skill becomes a habit, a coach can expect to see real results at game time.

As a coach it is often tempting to get caught up in a coaching “chess match”, implementing more than is reasonable for a team at any given time in the season. However, I think this approach contradicts the tenet of the repetition and robs players and teams of success by over complicating things. Some would term this “over-coaching” This explains why the coach that adds a new play in the middle of a game rarely sees results; the players have not really seen or done what the coach has shown them.

Principle #9

Daily Dozen

Every year I make a short list of the things I feel we must do well to win. I make sure that we work on these things every day. The actual drills might differ but the skills being developed remain the same. These things are part of the “daily dozen” that are part of every practice. Most years include such things as: Defending the ball-handler full court, closing out on the shooter, off-ball defense, shooting and the primary fast break. I have a drill (or 2) for each that we run every day. This helps create the repetition needed for these skills to become habits.

Principle #10

Love your Players.

This does not mean that a coach should try to be buddies with the players. The coach is often the bad guy because he must be critical and insist on a level of discipline that players might want to resist. It is absolutely necessary that the coach be consistent and hold high expectations. However, players should also know that underneath everything the coach loves them. They learn this when the exhibits consistent, stays positive, supports a player who is going through a tough time or a player who is in the right, and being there for a player each and every day. In the end, players will respect the coach that sticks with it every day, even when times are tough. The wise coach never holds a grudge; each day is a new day and a fresh start.

Principle #11

Treat players as individuals.

Different players have different individual needs. Some players respond to a coachs stern warning for poor effort; some respond better to being pulled off to the side for a quiet reminder. Similarly, a poor effort in a drill by one player may indicate a lack of interest while for another it may be a sign that he is confused and needs the drill explained more clearly. It is important for the coach to tune into players needs and respond appropriately. Remember: being fair means giving each player what he or she needs, not treating every player in exactly the same way.

Principle #12

You will be successful at what you emphasize.

This concept relates closely to the Daily Dozen. A team can only be great at a few things. Teams are ultimately a reflection of the coach; in a way they become a reflection of his personality. The coach who allows sloppy play in practice will get exactly that in games, while the coach who demands effort and execution will eventually see results at game time. The tough coach who believes in grind it out defense will eventually get that from his players. Consistently emphasize the right things (a full effort at all times, unselfishness, quick and proper execution, etc.) and results will come naturally.

Principle #13

Start Well: Set the Tone.

I believe the first 15 minutes of practice are the most important. I think it is a big mistake for players or coaches to ease into the practice, moving slowly and without precision or being overly social. How a team begins practice usually sets the tone for the entire session. Teams should come in enthusiastic and focused on playing and learning basketball. They should be loose and confident, but businesslike and focus. It is beneficial for the coach to clearly communicate that he expects players to walk into the gym every day with the correct mindset. It can be very difficult to change the tone of an unfocused practice.

Principle #14

No practice is better than bad practice.

If a team is practicing with no interest or enthusiasm, the coach should respond progressively in an attempt to turn things around. I usually start by stating my expectations and changing drills. Sometimes, for reasons beyond my understanding, teams will struggle with certain drills, including ones that are commonly used and well-executed. Practice will sometimes improve after a simple change-of-gears such as this.

The next logical response is to stop practice and have the team run sprints. The purpose is not to punish; it is to teach the team the importance and value of practicing well. The coach should communicate this to the team; if he does not, he will lose a valuable opportunity to teach his players and he might run the risk of alienating them unnecessarily. Initially, I might only have the team sprint the length of the court and back in ten seconds or run a suicide in 28 or 30 seconds before returning to practice. If we have to stop practice again, the amount of running will usually increase substantially.

If nothing works, it is better to end practice. I would rather have my players go home than watch them watch them reverse any momentum they have been making by replacing good habits with bad ones. I try to communicate that they are only hurting themselves by forcing themselves to start from scratch in developing winning habits.

When a coach ends practice it does not need to be a personal attack on his players, and it should not generate any animosity off the court or the next day. It is simply a teaching tool and a message that effort is always expected and that teams change every day. It is the coaches responsibility that his team moves forward every day rather than slide backwards. If mistakes occur that requires discussion wait until scrimmaging is over.

Principle #15

Make your drills fit your system.

Some drills look great on paper but might not necessarily complement your teams style of play. When coaching basketball, try to avoid any situations in practice that wont occur in games. There are tons of drills out there. If you feel that a drill you use might not be the most beneficial for your team, do not be afraid to find, or even invent, one that fits better.

Principle #16

Condition with the ball!!

Basketball requires excellent conditioning. Put simply: if you are out of shape, you ca not be an effective player. It follows, then, that conditioning should play a prominent role in every practice. Many coaches accomplish this with sprint drills such as suicides. While such drills may build toughness, I have often felt them to be a waste of practice time. The game is played with the ball and the only way to make real improvement as a player is to play with the ball. There are innumerable drills that serve as excellent conditioners that simultaneously teach the skills of the game. These drills accomplish the dual role of conditioning the player and improving skills. Another plus is that players are typically much more enthusiastic about running these types of drills than sprints

Principle #17

Incorporate transition in to every possible facet of practice.

Basketball games are often won and lost in transition. This is especially true at the high school level and below. Transition usually yields lay-ups, whether from steals or from the fast break. The team that gets the most lay-ups will usually win the game. Conversely, the team that forces its opponent to play 5 on 5 every time down the floor puts itself in a great position to win. Therefore, it is imperative that teams condition themselves to convert quickly from offense to defense and vice verse. The only way to achieve this is to stress transition as often as possible. For example, when a team is working on its court offense the defense should be allowed one quick fast break after every offensive possession before returning to court play. This way the offense gets into the habit of converting quickly to defense every time the opponent gains possession and the defense is conditioned to quickly change ends of the floor every time it gains possession. Both offensive and defensive conversion occur so often in basketball, they must be given the same amount of attention as court situations

Principle #18

K.I.S.S. Keep It Simple, Stupid.

This acronym is an absolute MUST for all coaches to remember. A coaches job is to teach fundamentals and give the team what they need to play as well as they can. Love of the game seduces many coaches into viewing basketball as a chess match. They install numerous offenses and defenses and making numerous wholesale changes throughout seasons and game in an attempt at complete control. What this coach forgets is that if the players are at all confused or are fundamentally unsound they will not perform well. Give the players a few effective things and resist the urge to add more until they have the ability and confidence to consistently execute what they already know. More often than not, poor play is a result of fundamental errors within a system. Without mastering those fundamentals, no system will work well. The coach who focuses on correcting those errors will find that he has plenty of adjustments to make without changing offenses or defenses. A coaches job is to give the players what they need to know, not to show the players everything he knows. I like to compare over-coaching to pouring a gallon of water into a shot glass; the team will not retain most of it anyway.

Principle #19

Scrimmage!!

Some coaches and teams scrimmage very little, if at all, during practice. I think it is absolutely necessary to scrimmage. This is the best way to simulate game conditions. Many coaches are afraid that scrimmaging (especially early in the season) is too sloppy. That is at times true, but it is a barrier that teams must work through to succeed.

A coach can limit sloppiness by Scrimmaging with Conditions. Examples: 1. Focus on zone offense by scrimmaging, but do not allow any fast breaks. This will force the offense has to execute against the zone every time down court; 2. If players dribble every time they catch the ball instead of getting into triple threat position, make a rule that possession is lost every time a player fails to catch and read. 3. If there is no ball movement, a coach can require ball reversal on every possession unless there is a wide open lay-up. Including these types of parameters helps emphasize important facets of the game while keeping scrimmages under control early in the season.

Let them play. Do not stop every possession of a scrimmage if that was not your original intent. Make corrections in the flow of the scrimmage by using key words and short phrases that players can recognize and use without stopping. Use substitutes to pull players out when more focused communication is needed.

Principle #20

Utilize the teaching tools at your disposal.

Use stations to maximize the use of extra baskets. Use jump ropes to condition and enhance hand-eye-foot coordination. Use football blocking pads in stations to simulate the contact that occurs on shots in the paint. Use a Big ball or Shrunken Rim to increase Shooting accuracy, and a weighted basketball or a medicine ball to improve strength and speed up passing and ball movement. Use any tools you have at your disposal to improve or speed up team development. Keep in mind, however, that these types of aids are peripheral to repetition and conditioning in player development, and should only be incorporated into practice when using them does not disrupt tempo or conditioning.

Principle #21

Expect Mistakes.

It is very easy to become frustrated when several mistakes occur during practice. I have found this especially true at the beginning of the season, where I have at times felt that we would never be able to properly execute important fundamentals, much less a team offense or defense. Later in the season, I have experienced the same feeling when a team has an average or poor practice following a period of success that has caused my expectations to grow. I have found it beneficial to balance this by reminding myself that mistakes occur constantly in basketball. My role as the coach is to continue to correct the mistakes and to provide players with the repetitions needed to eliminate them permanently. Even then, players and teams will go through stagnant periods where old mistakes will pop up. My philosophy tends to be: as long as the players are giving consistent individual and collective efforts, I can accept mistakes as part of the growth process because I trust that we will continue to correct them and move forward as a whole. When mistakes are the result of poor effort or disinterest, my response is much more harsh and my communication much more critical.

I remind myself often that, quite often, the team that makes the most mistakes wins. This may seem counter-intuitive, yet it happens so often because many teams that make more mistakes are also teams that play faster and more aggressively. Often, the having the courage to play with all-out effort despite looking silly at times has far greater impact than playing with cautious reserve.

Principle #22

Stations

Utilizing Stations can be very beneficial simply because they optimize time and resources. Stations can be used to teach many different skills in a short time, teach different skills to players by position (i.e. guards and bigs), or provide the repetitions required to master one or two skills. The intensity and short duration of well-run stations provide excellent anaerobic conditioning, which is critical in basketball.

Principle #23

Define Discipline.

It is important to define what is meant by the term discipline early on with teams and players. In the context of team and individual performance, discipline describes a team that: sticks to its game plan; makes consistently good decisions; maintains a high level of play when fatigued; maintains excellent conditioning; and, very often, is a Winner.

Any suicides, push ups, or other activity that I hand out to my players and teams are given in order to teach them how to become the disciplined winner just described..

It is important hat the coach work very hard to approach kids with a Clean Slate every day. If the coach is able to do this, the idea of punishing players based on a grudge or a selfish need to exert control becomes one that the coach would never entertain. I try to make my expectations very clear to players and foster the belief that Discipline, despite the negative connotations attached to it by many people, is one of our primary objectives each year. Players that buy-in to this philosophy usually come to feel that playing on undisciplined teams is not enjoyable at all, because the people involved lack the common vision, shared growth, and level of respect from their peers that typify disciplined teams. These players will come to expect and sometimes even embrace the coaches chosen -Discipline- for breaking rules, for poor conditioning, and for poor effort. They realize that the coach who does not respond to these types of problems is short-changing the team, by failing to teach them to become winners

Principle #24

Be Yourself.

A high school coach typically spends around twenty hours per week with his players during the season. As many players begin to play basketball year-round as early as 4th or 5th grade, coaches at all levels maintain contact with players throughout the year as well. At the high school and middle school levels the coach has constant contact with his players He is around his players so often that they will see the real him. Players will know if a coach is projecting a fake personality. A coach that pretends to be something he is not, or who tries to emulate another coach will ultimately lose the respect of his players. Consistency is extremely important, and the only way for a coach to be truly consistent is to be himself. Emulating someone else might work for a day but over the course of time players will respect the coach who is true to himself.

24 Secrets to Coaching a Perfect Basketball Practice

24 Secrets to Coaching a Perfect Basketball Practice

Get more online resources for coaching basketball – starting at http://www.perfectpractice.net

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Creative Writing Secrets- 7 Ways To Be A Better Creative Writer Today

September 28, 2012 By

Creative Writing Secrets- 7 Ways To Be A Better Creative Writer Today

So you want to be a better creative writer?

Every one of us has the ability to improve our creative writing output, both in quantity and quality.

Here are 7 great ways you can use right away to be a better creative writer:

1. Become a sponge. Absorb all that’s around you, the tiny intricate details of the world that most people miss. A cobweb on a leaf, the rhythms of the city, the rise and fall of your partner’s chest as they sleep.

Creative writing that’s rewarding to write – and enjoyable to read – begins with noticing and appreciating the close up snapshots of everyday life.

2. Visit a variety of places and environments. Every time we visit somewhere we’ve never been before, there’s an abundance of new stimulation for our senses.

Become aware of how you feel in different places and environments and which make you feel more creative, and fill you with ideas.

3. Watch classic foreign movies. Without subtitles! By removing one powerful element of communication – speech and language – we can see more clearly how people communicate in other ways.

See how emotions are demonstrated in the subtleties of facial expressions and small gestures. Don’t mute the sound though. Listen to the changes in rhythms in the voices and see how much you can understand even without knowing the words they’re using.

4. Practice little and often. Have a daily ritual of writing creatively, even if it’s just 3 lines of poetry or a couple of paragraphs. Go to a place you can write without distraction and where you feel encouraged to write.

With these routines in place, you begin to “give yourself permission” to store up your creativity in between and let it flow freely in these special time periods.

5. Adjust your personal remote control. Imagine you have your own personal remote control handset, like a TV. Experiment with turning up the volume, increasing the brightness, or changing the colour saturation of the world around you.

Notice how when you focus on each element and increase or decrease the intensity of that element, you can have a more vivid experience of life around you.

6. Practice writing with different length sentences. Start with a medium length sentence, say 12 words, describing a scene. Then add a word at a time to make it more richly descriptive, until it’s double the original length.

Then go the other way, remove a word at a time while keeping the creative and descriptive essence of the sentence. See how few words you can use to still vividly describe the same scene.

7. Observe people’s conversations. Notice how people talk, their voices, the way their tone and volume changes, how they emphasise different words and syllables.

Notice too how people use their faces and hands to add impact to what they’re saying. By being more aware of these details, you can make your own creative writing more rich and realistic.

These are just 7 useful ideas you can put into action today to help you develop your creative writing.

Which are YOU going to put into action next?

Creative Writing Secrets- 7 Ways To Be A Better Creative Writer Today

Creative Writing Secrets- 7 Ways To Be A Better Creative Writer Today

Want to find out how more about how to unlock your creative writing potential? Get your FREE 5 part creative writing ecourse at www.YouAreACreativeWriter.Com.

Creativity Coach and keen creative writer Dan Goodwin helps people who are frustrated they’re not using their creative talents as well as they could be. See more at his website: http://www.CoachCreative.com

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Relationship Satisfaction Secrets – Emotion Or Devotion?

September 27, 2012 By

Relationship Satisfaction Secrets – Emotion Or Devotion?

Relationships tend to be dominated by emotionality or mutual devotion. One leads to problems and the other success.

Emotional Relationships

Examples of relationships characterized by emotion would include those where there is a great deal of conflict, an anger problem or a histrionic personality. These relationships tend to be controlled by emotion, and swing from one mood to another quite quickly, depending on changing circumstances and the emotions being expressed — emotions which tend to disfigure communication and cloud the relationship.

Devoted Relationships

In contrast, a relationship whose partners have a high degree of devotion tends to be more level and consistent. Both partners put the relationship first and are committed to each other, and know how to weather the storms calmly. Their emotions do not overpower or tilt the relationship off balance.

And their communication style reflects their devoted love for each other — a secret of a great relationship.

Devoted partners give freely of their time, attention and the self.

When great, abiding devotion is present in a relationship, although the relationship may be imperfect, as they all are, problems and upheavals tend not to knock the relationship into crisis. Plus, devotion tends to create a rock-hard foundation that confers countless benefits.

Which kind of relationship do you have, an emotion-laden or devoted relationship?

Tips For Increasing Devotion

In some relationships one partner is deeply devoted but the other isn’t. These can be challenging relationships in which the devoted partner may feel a sense of constant frustration. Things improve only when the less devoted partner becomes more committed to the relationship.

In other relationships, there may be a low sense of devotion on the part of both spouses. In either case, the sense of devotion can be enhanced.

Enhancing Devotion

1. Increase intimacy and friendship. One way is to start having more fun together and enjoying each other’s company, rather than finding stimulation outside the relationship.

2. Design the relationship so it is more interesting and attractive to both parties. It may be time to do something different together.

3. Talk about the relationship and identify areas for growth and development. If an imbalance in devotion or commitment is an issue for one spouse, that spouse can bring it up for discussion and make the other aware of it. He or she should communicate his or her feelings in a caring way.

4. Set goals and make plans to enhance the relationship based on your relationship’s potential . . . begin thinking about what can be, rather than what is. Imagine. Envision!

5. Make more time for relaxing, recreating and beating stress together . . . make sure the relationship is not all work and no play. And avoid allowing your play to become work.

6. Both partners should responsible for the relationship, and each should work to improve the quality of the relationship. Devotion follows effort.

And remember this little maxim, “One partner should not carry most of the load . . . or there will be problems down the road.”

Resentment has an adverse impact upon devotion!

7. Renew your marriage vows to create an enlivened sense of devotion and rekindle passion.

Remember to get control of your emotions, too. An emotional relationship will be high maintenance.

If you work on improving your relationship by instilling greater devotion, your relationship will become stronger and more resilient . . . and, soon, your relationship will give you greater happiness and satisfaction!

Devotion is a reflection of the quality of the love that fuels the relationship. When your love grows, you will automatically find the level of devotion growing, too. Devotion is a beautiful quality that warms the heart, and fills the soul with gladness.

It feels so good to have someone devoted to us, and it feels even better to be devoted to someone, to feel the fires of steadfast devotion burning within us. Devotion will separate your priceless relationship from the pack of emotion-laden relationships . . .and give you countless hours of heart-felt satisfaction.

Relationship Satisfaction Secrets – Emotion Or Devotion?

Relationship Satisfaction Secrets - Emotion Or Devotion?

Richard Hamon is a dynamic coach and therapist with 30 years of professional experience. Richard helps people to solve their relationship problems, enjoy truly extraordinary marriages and find exceptional success in all areas of their lives.

You’ll find all kinds of articles on how to spice up your relationships and lead a happier life at Richard’s website, Happy-Relationships.com. Find out about personal coaching programs to assist you in quickly reaching your loftiest goals. Discover eBooks, relaxation CDs and other informative products, such as a free relationship quiz to help you assess your relationship.

For more information on conducting state-of-the-art relationships, the latest research on true happiness, and Richard’s products and services, please go to: http://happy-relationships.com

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Insider Secrets For Parents To Evaluate Financial Aid Awards From Connecticut Colleges

September 18, 2012 By

Insider Secrets For Parents To Evaluate Financial Aid Awards From Connecticut Colleges

As a parent of a college bound student in Connecticut you do not have to feel helpless and forced to accept a financial aid awards letter. It probably shocked you when you first looked at the financial aid awards letter and realized that it was mostly student loans. If you are willing to put a little time and effort into evaluating financial aid award offers then here are some smart tips and strategies that can make a huge difference.

When you receive an awards letter the amounts should be compared to the percentage of need met, percentage of gift-aid, and percentage of self-help aid that the college advertises. If the amounts are different than what the college advertises, then you have grounds for an appeal. I tell all of my families that if the award letter does not meet your expectations you should appeal it to the financial aid officer.

Do not ignore the obvious because if your family has special circumstances that have not been considered by the financial aid officer, then you should absolutely appeal the award letter.

You need to know how “private scholarships” are handled. Do they reduce grants or loans in the award letter on a dollar for dollar basis? Additionally if the student has a “private scholarship,” find out how it will affect a 4-year scholarship offered by the college.

Make sure that you have a good understanding of the criteria that must be met to keep the grants or scholarships such as a minimum GPA in order to keep a 4-year scholarship.

Compute and verify the terms (interest, repayment policies) of the loans that are part of the financial aid awards package are. Ask the financial aid officer what are additional sources of funding that the school recommends to cover the difference between what the family can afford and what the financial aid package covers.

You also need to know the impact that outside scholarships the student receives after accepting the financial aid package would affect the financial aid package offer.

I realize that this is a lot of information to digest, but take your time or visit my website to get more great strategies to evaluate your financial aid award offers in Connecticut.

Insider Secrets For Parents To Evaluate Financial Aid Awards From Connecticut Colleges

Insider Secrets For Parents To Evaluate Financial Aid Awards From Connecticut Colleges

If you are the parent of a college bound high school senior that has received a financial aid award letter that is mostly comprised of student loans then click here to learn how you can use your financial aid awards letter to get more real free money.

Find out the single biggest mistake 9 out of 10 parents make when applying for aid to Connecticut Colleges that literally cost them thousands of dollars! More importantly, how to avoid this fatal error! Click Here

How to double, or in some cases triple, your eligibility for FREE grant money for Connecticut Colleges. even if you are dead broke or a millionaire making a good six figure income

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Public Speaking 101 – Speaking Secrets of the Superstars

September 16, 2012 By

Public Speaking 101 – Speaking Secrets of the Superstars

“With public speaking, your audience will know if you didn’t rehearse.” Colleen Kettenhofen

All of us recognize that public speaking ranks among one of the greatest fears for most people. Whether speaking at a meeting or before a group of 400, many people get nervous just anticipating giving a presentation. A comment I frequently hear in my public speaking seminars is, “What’s the best way to overcome nervousness and gain confidence with public speaking?” Here are some proven secrets many great public speakers practice:

1. Your audience will know if you’re not prepared. They’ll pick up on subtle clues in your body language. 95% of your success is determined before the presentation. Rehearsing minimizes 75% of your nervousness. No one likes to rehearse. Instead, see if you can have a friend or colleague videotape you. Yes, I realize no one likes seeing themselves on video either! Still, the camera will be your most objective ally.

2. Once you’ve fine-tuned your presentation, rehearse and practice in front of family members, colleagues, friends, or a public speaking coach. Ask for honest feedback. What did they like most? What did they think of your energy level, passion and commitment to what you’re saying? What do they think could be improved? Also practice in front of a mirror. This will help you rehearse standing up and let you see what needs to be improved. The more you rehearse standing up, and the more familiar you become with your material, the more comfortable you will be with your public speaking. This one tip alone can dramatically improve public speaking skills.

3. Put your presentation as a “rough draft” on a micro cassette recorder. Listen to it while you’re driving to and from work, picking up the kids, or driving to the supermarket. I know what you’re thinking. “I don’t like how I sound on audio tape!” I realize that. But this is a convenient way to learn material quickly. Again, where do you sound convincing, passionate and interesting? What parts of your presentation do you think need work? The audio cassette recorder is another objective ally.

4. Visualize yourself giving a successful presentation. Better yet, if you know the exact room you’ll be speaking in visualize that, too. Olympic athletes practice visualization. It works for public speaking as well.

5. To improve public speaking skills, do a dress rehearsal. Before I conduct a keynote speech or breakout session at a conference, I take a peek inside the ballroom. If the room’s empty, I’ll go in and practice a “dry run.” This is something I try to do in full dress rehearsal mode. If the ballroom is being used until morning, I go in that morning.

Rehearsing in the exact room will give you an edge in feeling more comfortable and conquering fear of public speaking. This is one of the biggest public speaking secrets of many great public speakers. Guaranteed! If you’re usually presenting in small meetings or groups these same techniques work.

6. Are your notes and visual aids large enough print that you can see them standing up? Your notes should be “fast food for the eyes.” Never read your presentation. You’re the presenter. Your audience expects you to be the expert. You want that connection with them. A secret to effective public speaking is bonding with your audience through stories, activities, appropriate humor and understanding their needs ahead of time.

7. Stand up when speaking in public. Even if only three people attend, it sends a signal that says, “You’re so important that I’m going to stand even for the three of you.” According to a University of Minnesota study, when you stand in presenting your ideas, you are more believable, credible and persuasive.

8. Stand “center stage” when presenting your most important point. It grabs the audience’s attention. The rest of the time you can move around as long as you aren’t nervously pacing like a lion. Again, that’s where the videotaping helps!

Visual Aids and Public Speaking: Less is More

9. With public speaking and visual aids, less is more. Don’t use more than three or four colors per slide. Otherwise, people start focusing more on color and less on content. Use graphs for sales figures or sets of numbers showing a trend over a period of time. Graphs are pictures that increase retention and comprehension. No more than two or three lines on a graph. Use pie charts for market share, budgets, expenses analysis, income sources and the like.

10. Avoid slides with yellow, pink or orange print. They don’t show up well. Dark blue, black or any other dark color is better. White is okay with a darker background. Red stands for negatives like “danger,” or “warning.” Only use red to indicate problems, your competition, stopping or something similar.

11. Public speaking and eye contact: Approximately three to five seconds of eye contact per person with a small or medium sized group. Many public speakers make the mistake of using their visual aids AS their presentation. A key point in persuading your audience is establishing connection and credibility.

12. What if someone in your audience doesn’t like what you have to say because they don’t like the product or service you’re selling? Or what if you fear public speaking because you often have to deliver bad news? Know and research your audience ahead of time. What will be their biggest objections? THINK AHEAD when planning your presentation how you’re going to handle those issues.

13. Never lose emotional control. Often, these difficult people are trying to rattle your cage. They want control. And they want it in front of others. What if they continuously discount what you’re saying? Tactfully respond to them at first. After a while, say something like, “You bring up a good point, and yet, due to time constraints see me at the break and we’ll discuss that privately.” Your audience will be looking to see how you handle the situation.

“When speaking in public, you are your own best visual aid.” Colleen Kettenhofen

Public Speaking 101 – Speaking Secrets of the Superstars

Public Speaking 101 - Speaking Secrets of the Superstars

Colleen Kettenhofen is a speaker, workplace expert, & co-author of “The Masters of Success,” as featured on the Today Show, along with Ken Blanchard and Jack Canfield. For free articles, e-newsletter, or to order the book visit http://www.ColleenSpeaks.com Topics: leadership, managing people, difficult people, public speaking. Colleen is available for keynotes, breakout sessions and seminars. 1(800)323-0683 http://www.ColleenSpeaks.com

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Know the Secrets to Abundance Prosperity? Read on to Attract Success

September 14, 2012 By

Know the Secrets to Abundance Prosperity? Read on to Attract Success

There are lots of ways to attract success and “abundance prosperity” by harnessing the amazing power of the law of attraction. But before you get started with any affirmations for success, etc, the first step is to take responsibility for your life, and that includes the mistakes, the failures and the things that have gone wrong. We’ve all been there, at a crossroads in our life, and taken the wrong road. We probably didn’t know it at the time, but over the years we’ve come to realize that it was a mistake.

Now, that’s totally okay – we’re all human, right? But it’s time to take full responsibility for your life, right now, as it stands.

Okay, what now? Asking yourself what you really want is key – if you don’t know, you can’t take steps to get It, and ultimately, attract success. Your mind might get in the way during this process – something along the lines of, “Hey, you can’t have that, that’s ridiculous!” When this happens, take a deep breath, let the thought go and focus straight back on the thing you do want. The mind loves to play games and to impede our progress to abundance prosperity- this might be how you thought about life for years and years, before you discovered the law of attraction. But it’s okay, you can change your previous perpetual thought process and now focus on affirmations for success – it’s a question of being aware of what you think and how you think, and catching those thoughts before they take over. So practise, practise, practise focusing your mind and your energy on what you want. You’ll see how easy it gets! This is a key step in the law of attraction, and a key step to achieving happiness and abundance prosperity.

This point is so important if you want to attract success that it deserves more attention. Many people ask: “Just how on earth do I get rid of the bad things that happen in my life?” The answer lies in identifying what you want, and then relentlessly focusing on getting that thing. Far too many people take the first step of deciding what they want, but then don’t focus on actually realizing this dream, as something concrete in their lives. Instead they get frustrated and angry when it doesn’t manifest itself, and so the negative cycle continues, with negative thoughts and bad energy, and it becomes harder to attract success. This happens so often all around us, and it’s become so ingrained in our thinking as a society, that it’s imperative we break out of that cycle.

It’s possible to harness the law of attraction at any stage of life, and to attract success – struggling college students, families who need a boost, people looking for love and friendship, or people who are just unsatisfied inwardly. Any circumstance can be turned around with the right thought process and continued commitment to affirmations for success. And there are hundreds of thousands of people who have done just that, and are now living different and extraordinary lives, bathed in that all-important abundance prosperity.

One final word: allowing our minds to develop positivity and grow in the direction of love and gratitude, through many means including affirmations for success, can make a huge difference to us, and everyone around us. Whenever we catch ourselves impeding our own progress, we stop, we breathe, we smile and we refocus. The more developed we become in the abundance prosperity mindset, the deeper the wells of happiness, wealth and love are, and the more accessible they become. Our transformation is huge, and we are able and willing to show compassion, forgiveness and love on a scale we never previously thought possible.

The law of attraction is a big deal, and it’s right on our doorstep. We just have to open the door and let it in.

Know the Secrets to Abundance Prosperity? Read on to Attract Success

Know the Secrets to Abundance Prosperity? Read on to Attract Success

Andy Ca is author of the blog The Forotten Laws, http://usetheforgottenlaws.blogspot.com/ which is packed with info, reviews and tips on The Law of Attraction and self growth. For the best resource on the web, Bob Proctor’s The 11 Forgotten Laws, visit http://www.the11forgottenlaws.com/?p=3691

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