If You Didn’t Measure It – You Didn’t Do It! Part 1

If you’re going to spend money doing something, the only way to know if you accomplished your goal is to measure it. Here is a tool that works well to both define the problem and provide a yardstick against which to measure results.

The analysis breaks down into three main components:

• Need – What is the problem, and what is the result we expect from the money we are about to invest?
• Content – How will we move people to the desired result?
• Measurement – Did you actually meet, or better, exceed, the goals?

Need drives the entire process. You are not going to spend the money to do something that doesn’t need to be done. You have a situation or a problem – and it usually has a measurable cost – and you need to solve that problem, to eliminate, or at least significantly reduce that cost.

We may have to invest time or money to solve the problem, but if the problem is well defined and quantified, not only can we reduce or eliminate the problem with appropriately targeted communications; we can measure how well we did it. It could be increased sales, increased signups for a new program, or broader support within a community for a new service or idea. Whatever it is, it must have the necessary yardstick for success.

Let’s use an example to illustrate how this process functions and how well it can work.

Several years ago, a company was planning to introduce a new product into a saturated marketplace. The new product represented major innovations, and would likely have been very successful by itself, but the company needed to ensure that success and overcome several other issues. We’ll start the story of the launch in this article, and follow it through two more articles.

The NEED – The situation or problem:

• Moderate existing market share for existing product, #2 in sales
• Lack of respect for the company because of “me too” parity products in the past
• Low company sales force morale from carrying unexciting products
• Lack of personal contact by company executives with dealers across the country
• An exciting new product to launch, including many firsts, under a new brand umbrella, based on a new and very unfamiliar technology

The GOALS – what were the desired measurable results?

• Capture #1 sales position in the marketplace, as measured by published industry data
• Establish the new brand with dealers and consumers
• Build new levels of respect for the company brand and their sales force in the market place
• Dealer owners pleased with personal contact with company executives
• Retail clerks educated and excited about the new product, and motivated to sell the product and the company
• A memorable event to keep the company “top of mind” for the foreseeable future.

The Obstacles:

• Low respect for company in the market place – would dealers even listen?
• Large number of outlets and clerks to be informed/trained/motivated across the market, preferably in as short a time as possible
• The introduction would be in January/February, the worst time to travel a show around the country.

You can see how all of these elements defined the measurement criteria. Sales can be plotted against the launch. Market share is a standard industry published statistic, and can be plotted against the time of the launch. Respect will be reflected in the attitudes of the retail clerks to the sales representatives calling on the stores and the how the products and the company are received after the launch. This, and how well the event was remembered, would show up in weekly sales call reporting.

Observable, accurate, and actionable. The hallmarks of good metrics.

This is the first of Three Parts of this story.

Part 2 is here: http://www.EzineArticles.com/?id=899065

Part 3 is here: http://www.EzineArticles.com/?id=886852

Copyright 2008 Dan Davenport

Dan Davenport is an award-winning business communications producer: Multimedia, video, print.

Goal: Bring excitement to business communications.

Look to http://blog.smallofficecommunicator.net to blog with us about small office communication ideas and answers – share your own experience with others and get answers to your questions.

Chart Numerology

It is becoming more and more popular to look for a personalised chart. Numerology can certainly offer you just that.

In fact you can easily find numerous sites on the Web today offering free Numerology charts.

But have you stopped to consider exactly what you’re probably getting?

The technological age has made much progress, computers being in the forefront but it has also quashed many freedoms.

Charts, whether they are based on Numerology or Astrology etc are after all metaphysical subjects.

Being Metaphysical means that these subjects are based on observation and experimentation rather than theory.

Surely for all their benefits computers cannot observe or experiment. Only a human being can do this.

I hear some of you saying that you agree with me, but that a computer program can be written by a human and therefore a chart can be still be relevant even though it originates from computer software.

I’m not saying that a Numerology chart created wholly from computer software will be completely wrong. I’m sure that it will pick up core elements and work out the correct numbers.

But when the whole chart is put together how can a computer give a correct overall picture from the sum of many pre-written component parts?

Only a human can interpret the sum of all the parts correctly.

So what do you get from a Numerology Chart?

The most important number in anybody’s numerology Chart is their Destiny number.

This is worked out from your date of birth and represents the lessons that you have to learn during this lifetime.

It shows you your potential, strengths and limitations.

More can be discovered by using your name as it appears on your birth certificate and translating that into numerical form.

You can discover your Soul Urge (how you’d like to be), your Quiet Self (how you dream of being) and your Expression (your talents and abilities and how you present to the world at large!)

So we’re already working with a possible 4 different numbers in different positions in your chart. Numerologically what does this mean?

Software produced charts will correctly calculate the right numbers but can they then relate each number to each other?

Maybe some numbers are harmonious in those positions but maybe some are not and then how do you know how to act for the best, to ease that disharmony?

Only a personal Numerologist with experience of how the numbers interact can correctly portray an individualised chart.

A detailed chart will then go on to include events from your past.

I find this very important, because if the past isn’t presented at all, or is presented incorrectly, how can a client have any faith in anything written about times to come?

Aswell as Karmic lessons, any Arrows of Pythagoras, Sub-cycles and Peaks- a chart will also include a detailed look at the present year you are on.

To me, the mass produced charts are entertaining but don’t tell all and fundamentally do not help you understand yourself and your potential.

Neither can you email the software at a later date and ask questions about what is written in your chart!

Numerology is the sacred ancient art of numbers.

If you do ever require a personalised chart. Please choose Numerology, but treat yourself to a comprehensive chart written and interpreted by a real person.

‘To thine own self be true’

Let me be your personal Numerologist. All of my readings and insights are worked out by me. I don’t use software at all. I put my 14 years experience and psychic flashes into everything I do. It costs nothing to join my free newsletter which you can subscribe to at my site http://www.oceannumerology.com

Work From Home and Build Business Opportunities

Working at home has gained in popularity recently. There are many people that still have the “old school” views on working; work 40 hours a week earn your salary and after 20 years, retire. The pay is always the same no matter how hard you sell or how much time is spent working. Starting a business online is a no brainer; when one works smarter, not harder the money is practically poured into the bank account.

In order to get started, all that is needed to take advantage of the magnificent opportunities to make money online is a computer and a cable or DSL internet connection. There is no limit to the earning potential once those two items are in place. The first option to online money making is to set up a retail shop. When operating a retail shop, the highly guarded secret is to choose the most popular high valued items. However, if the need is to begin without a start-up fee, an affiliate program is a good basic start to make money without any stress.

Affiliate marketing is why you have loads of junk emails. Yes, once in a while you do look at the advertisements. Most of these affiliate programs have neither start-up costs nor investments. Just sign up for an affiliate program, select the products, and refer the products to consumers or refer them to a personal site housing many different affiliate products. Most of the programs test the referral skills, once passed a commission is earned; on a percentage basis.

If you like the affiliate program, but would like to be more of a network, there are sites that have built-in affiliate networks. This is nice also because this way one does not need to brows site to site looking for affiliate programs with a decent percentage rate. The site houses all of the programs and it is easy to find and choose. After choosing the products you wish to sell on your site, you begin to make money by referring people to your retail store. Having an online store is essential when working at home, thus giving you an identity online. By having an identity online provides a platform for the affiliate products to be marketed and sold. Leveraging a variety of referral systems provide more money making opportunities; such as article marketing, blogs, PPC campaigns, and banner adverts, just to name a few. Affiliate marketing relies on the numbers, the more referrals made, the more money is made and the better the online money making opportunity.

To Learn More about Matthew Gruenke Author and Top Internet Marketer go to http://www.infofrommatt.com and also to learn more about Home Businesses go to http://www.mymysterywealth.com

Custom Bathroom Vanities – Adding Beauty & Value to Your Home

Custom bathroom vanities are a great way to add value to your house or the house you are remodeling. These are not vanities that you will find in your neighbors homes nor will you find them at your local home improvement superstore. It used to be that custom vanities were exactly that… custom made for each situation. They were designed specifically for you and according to the requirements you set forth. With more and more products being made in China, they have even started importing Decorative or Custom Bathroom Cabinets that come completely assembled, with the vanity top, sink bowl, hardware, and matching mirror(s).

So Why Should you Consider a Custom Bathroom Vanity?

The are many reasons why they could be right for your project, but most importantly would be resale value. Buyers like the idea of getting a great bargain for their money and are often eager to buy a home that has custom cabinetry in the kitchen or bath that is unique to that house. With all of the mass produced neighborhoods popping up, homeowners are looking for ways to differentiate their homes from those of their neighbors. Because of this, it is very rare that you won’t recoup your investment when you go to sell your house.

There are many things that make custom cabinetry and vanities appealing to many different people but one of the most easy to identify is the quality of not only the workmanship involved but also the craftsmanship. It shows when you have custom cabinets and buyers will recognize that ‘pride of ownership’ and experience less apprehension when buying from you, particularly if you’ve taken great care of your woodwork. With higher quality materials, and more attention to detail, I decorative bathroom vanity will hold up much longer to the wear and tear of your family.

The best reason for making the investment in a custom bathroom vanity is for your personal enjoyment. The bathroom is where we usually start and end our day. With more and more people trying to turn their bathroom into a spa environment, it only makes sense to carry that feeling over to the vanity that you install.

A custom made vanity is not only about appearance but should also meet your requirements for functionality. Everything seems to work better when it has its own place and is put back into that place. A good custom vanity will have a spot for all your morning bathroom routine needs.

Where can you find a decorative bathroom furniture vanity?

Even with the increase in popularity, custom pieces are still hard to find. Since they are not mass produced, you won’t find custom vanities gracing the aisles of your local home improvement stores. As I mentioned before, you can find some manufacturers and importers online by searching for decorative bathroom vanities or custom bathroom vanities, but even the search engines have a hard time finding all of the companies that are available because of the lack of traffic they generate. Searching for local carpenters is another way to go, but be prepared to pay a lot for your custom project and be ready for a long lead time.

Most of us have a good idea of what we like when it comes to design features and looks but have very little knowledge of the actual physics involved in getting the look and functionality we desire. Searching on-line is a great way to find samples or pictures of what bathroom vanity you would like to have for your bathroom. It will also give you an idea of what styles each manufacturer or carpenter specialize in.

A custom bathroom vanity or a piece of decorative bathroom furniture can not only add value to your home, but also create a unique focal point for your oasis. By having a good idea of what you are looking for, doing some research on-line, and narrowing down the manufacturers and carpenters that specialize in what you are looking for, you will be able to build the custom bathroom of your dreams.

I have been remodeling houses for over 15 years, and I have found a way to save hundreds on each bathroom that I remodel. If you are looking for a High End Bathroom Vanity , Euro Vanity, or RTA Bathroom Vanity check out one of these links to find out my secret.

Top 10 Weirdest, Most Ridiculous Jobs

Think your job is dull? Check out some of the bizarre things people do for a living in this list of jobs you probably didn’t know existed. You’ll either wish you were doing one of these, or you’ll be thankful for the job you do have. And now, the top 10 weirdest, most ridiculous jobs out there:

Pet Food Taster Not only do these people eat dog food all the time, some actually enjoy it! It’s kind of like wine connoisseurs enjoying a new wine, except its stuff your dog or cat eats. To each their own…

Gross stunt producer If you’ve ever seen a show where people have to do disgusting things for money (like wade through rat-infested sewers or eat living bugs), rest assured it’s because someone’s job is to come up with such twisted concepts. A surprising amount of research is necessary to make sure that your ideas are not only gross, but also safe.

Bad Breath Smeller How else would you figure out if your company’s chewing gum is getting the job done? This also implies there are people whose job it is to chew gum and breathe in people’s faces.

Whiskey Ambassador Getting paid to drink whiskey- a job college kids everywhere can only dream of. These lucky people’s responsibilities include selecting the best whiskeys and teaching clients how to fully appreciate each whiskey’s nuances.

Ufologist As the name implies, ufologists are all about the study of UFO’s. History, recent reports, government conspiracies, it’s all included, so if the unknown is your passion this might not be a bad start.

Cryptozoologist These are the people you see on television explaining so convincingly why Big Foot or the Loch Ness monster are real. It’s all about using your science skills in less conventional ways.

Chicken Sexer The actual job responsibilities for these guys are relatively mundane- chicken sexers just have to figure out what gender baby chicks are and sort them accordingly. Still, nothing quite spices up your resume like a job with that title.

Pathoecologist You’d be surprised how much you can learn from…poop. Pathoecologists study feces from thousands of years ago, learning much about the lifestyles and diets of our ancestors.

Foley artist You probably hear their work all the time and don’t even realize it- foley artists are responsible for making those everyday environmental sounds in movies and shows on television. They often utilize whatever objects they please (from watermelons to flare guns) to accentuate sounds.

Queen Bee Producer If bees aren’t your thing this is probably the least desirable job out there, as these people work with bees everyday. But not just any bees- they specifically raise the most impressive of them all: the queens.

Andrew is a recent college graduate working on MyCareerRx http://www.MyCareerRx.com, a site devoted to making the job hunting process easier for college students everywhere, from free career personality tests to resume and interview help

The Main Reasons Why Boats Sink

Thousands of boats of all types and sizes sink every year. Believe it or not, most of them sink at the dock. There is no agency that keeps statistics on this, so the exact number is not known. However, if you were to ask any marine insurance company they would tell you that the number is quite high. If your boat sinks, you are bound to have a major problem whether it is insured or not. The loss of personal belongings and fuel or oil pollution fines are additional losses which are most likely not covered by your insurance policy.

What causes a boat to sink?

It is true that a large number of boats sink due to neglect. People often leave their boat at the marina for months without checking on it. But the primary reason boats sink is due to poor design and the use of inferior materials.

First, let’s deal with poor design. It is a fact that 64% of all builders nationwide, do not have a trained boat designer on staff. This means that many boats are poorly designed by people with less than professional expertise. Another factor to consider is that style has taken precedence over function and practicality. Unfortunately, this often results in boats that are doomed to sink themselves. The poor designing that results in boats sinking can be broken down into two categories which are basic hull design and internal system failure.

Hull Design

Hull design problems are most common in boats under 40 feet and more often in boats under 30 feet. Obviously, the smaller the boat, the more prone it is to sinking simply because it will sink more quickly. The most common reason power boats sink is due to improper design of the cockpit. For sailboats, the most common cause of sinking is improper head installation, inadequate bilge pumps and battery systems that don’t supply enough power to run the pumps.

Internal System Failure

Improper design or use of poor quality materials is the cause of a vast majority of boat sinkings. Internal system failures can be broken down into three main categories:

-Inadequate bilge pumping or battery capacity.
-Reverse siphoning due to errors in plumbing design.
-Failed through hull fittings or hoses.

Despite decades of design knowledge many builders continue to make these same mistakes every year by using inferior materials. It is hard to understand how a builder of a $100,000 boat can justify the use of twenty dollars worth of plastic through hull fittings, but it happens far too many times.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant about model boats, boat parts, and model submarines. You will find the best shopping at these sites for model boats, used boat parts.

The Basics of Tire Rotation

Most drivers neglect to rotate their vehicle’s tires. They know instinctively that treads wear down over time. They also realize that worn treads reduce fuel efficiency and can eventually present a safety risk. Despite knowing these things, millions of motorists only consider rotating at the behest of their mechanic. If you have some time on your hands and you’re handy with a torque wrench, you can actually do the job yourself. It’s relatively easy. Below, you’ll learn why rotating your tires is important, as well as the right and wrong ways to do it.

Why Rotation Is Necessary

Let’s quickly review. Treads wear down, but it may surprise you to know that those in the front wear more quickly than those in the rear. That’s especially true for front- wheel drive vehicles. The reason this happens is due to friction between the rubber and the pavement. Whenever you drive your car, the friction generates heat, which causes the treads to wear down. As a result, they become less responsive, create more resistance (which affects fuel efficiency), and need to be replaced more often.

When you rotate your tires, it relieves the pressure created by friction on those placed on the front axle. Remember, those in the front wear down more quickly than those in the rear. Swapping them lets you prolong the useful life of your tires as long as possible.

The Right (And Wrong) Way To Rotate

As noted above, you can perform the rotation yourself with a torque wrench, but it’s important to know how to rotate them properly. The rule of thumb for most makes and models is to swap front and rear tires without changing sides. That is, the passenger rear goes on the passenger front, not the driver’s front.

A lot of people make the mistake of rotating their tires in an “X” pattern. For example, they’ll swap the driver’s rear and passenger front, and passenger’s rear and driver’s front. They do this thinking that they’re spreading the tread wear more evenly. In fact, they’re probably doing more harm than good because treads wear down based upon the vehicle’s suspension system and alignment.

Getting Your Hands Dirty

Even though rotating your wheels is a relatively simple job, consider having a mechanic do it for you. Given that you only need to have it done approximately every 10,000 miles (check your owner’s manual to make sure), it’s a low-maintenance task that’s inexpensive and doesn’t take much time. If you’re absolutely invested in doing it yourself, buy a sturdy jack (a hydraulic model, if possible). It’s dirty work and there’s some heavy lifting involved. But, you’ll save a few dollars and have the pleasure of knowing you fixed it yourself. Personally, I prefer having my mechanic do the job.

When looking for used auto parts and used engines consider the leader in parts, http://www.everdrive.com

Incredible Hulk

“How do I know I won’t keep changing?” an anguished Dr. Bruce Banner asked himself in one issue of the Incredible Hulk comics. “Into that brutal, bestial mockery of a human – that creature which fears nothing – which soon despises reason and worships power! Soon, the sun will set again~ And here I sit helplessly, fearing I may again become the Hulk!”

Poor Dr. Banner’s anguish began when he was performing bomb tests. Seeing teenager Rick Jones driving towards the test site, Banner rushed to stop him and in the process was affected by gamma rays. While Rick Jones was unaffected, Banner began to transform into the Hulk.

Originally, Banner’s transformations were triggered by the rise and fall of the sun. Later, his transformation would be triggered by emotions, most notably anger.

Sometimes grey, sometimes green, the Hulk debuted in 1962, but soon faced cancellation. The character did not enjoy a successful solo run until the 1970s. During his solo series, Banner gave his cousin, Jennifer Walters, a transfusion, leading her to become the She-Hulk. This in turn added even more guilt to the Hulk’s already burdened conscience.

In the 1980s and 1990s, a major arc was introduced that explored the possibility that Dr. Banner had been mentally ill before getting hit with the gamma rays. In an effort to explain his Hulk persona (the one who offered such fun phrases as “Puny humans! Hulk smash!”) writers introduced the theory that Banner had been abused as a child. As a result, Banner had suffered from Dissociative Identity Disorder, his mind’s way to try to deal with the abuse. The gamma rays merely magnified those problems. During this time, Banner underwent hypnosis as a way to combine the Hulk parts of his personality with the calmer Banner part. The result was a Hulk that was more cunning, powerful, and intelligent than before.

In the 2006 story, “Planet Hulk,” the Illuminati, a group of covert superhero leaders, decided that the Hulk was a potential risk to Earth that needed to be eliminated. Thus, they sent him into space to live on a planet uninhabited by other sentient life. The ship malfunctioned, however, and landed on the planet Sakaar.

Sakaar was a violent planet, which seemed to fit Hulk’s personality. After being captured, Hulk became a leader of the rebels and eventually rose to emperor status. But his happiness was short lived, as his rocket exploded, killing his pregnant lover, Caiera and destroying the planet.

A vengeful Hulk returned to Earth, determined to make the Illuminati pay for what they had done. Tragically, however, Hulk found out that it was one of his own allies that destroyed his ship and he was taken into custody by S.H.I.E.L.D.

Essential storylines:

~ Planet Hulk
~ World War Hulk
~ Illuminati
~ Future Imperfect
~ Crossroads of Eternity

Follow the exploits of rockers DEMON TWEAK and the racing clan HARD DRIVING HEROES, as they battle the evil trickster Loki at http://www.classic-comic-books.com. Also read articles on your favorite classic comic book heroes written by our resident historian VIRGIL THE STORYTELLER.

Sony Ericsson W200i – Music for Your Ears

Sony Ericsson W200i is a versatile mobile phone from Sony Ericsson with specialized music playing capabilities. Simply put, one could use the W200i for quite a bit more than just making or receiving calls. As a matter of fact, this exceptional music phone from Sony Ericsson is turning out to be immensely popular among people who love their music.

The music options that are present in the W200i are very sophisticated and high-end. Features such as ‘Mega Bass’ and ’sound equalizer,’ for instance, add an altogether different dimension to the mobile music experience. Owners of the W200i can enjoy all their favorite programs as well as music from radio stations – thanks to the FM radio options that are a part of this innovative music phone.

Other multimedia features of the W200i include a video player and a VGA camera. The screen of the handset is intuitive, which makes using the W200i a highly pleasurable experience. Users could stream videos, edit videos, as well as add and remove picture effects depending on their personal preferences.

USB, GPRS, Infra-red connectivity ensures that users remain connected with family members and friends. Sharing of data is also made easy with the comprehensive suite of options that are a part of the W200i. A 27MB of in-built memory can be expanded through 128MB external memory cards.

Features such as Push email, hands-free speaker phone, and sound recorder, make the W200i a user’s delight. Other messaging options that are a part of this innovative handset include SMS, MMS, and text messaging.

To conclude, it can be stated that the Sony Ericsson W200i is a music phone par excellence. Music lovers in different parts of the globe are making a beeline for this innovative gadget and making the most of the handset’s sophisticate capabilities in different spheres.

Raina Kelsey is an expert author, and writes about latest gadgets.
Sony Ericsson W200i Sim Free
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The Various Benefits of Using Mobile Phones

How important is the mobile phones in human life nowadays?

Billions of people in the world today realize how essential mobile phones are their lives. Mobile phones have become a part of everyday life for many individuals and some could not even manage to last an hour without them. This is also the fashion trend nowadays. If you do not own a cellular phone, you are not in. They turned out to be the personal dairies of a lot of people. Mobile phones have even become the timepieces as people are more likely to check the time in their handsets. This device calculates, wakes people up, and reminds them of all occasions and appointments.

Many of mobile phone models feature FM receivers and the user can just turn on the music to be calmed while traveling or driving. (Just don’t make a call while driving!) And if you like videos and games, mobiles have them, too. They also feature cameras, making it easier to capture crucial moments. This technology enables mobile phone users to access the Internet.

In choosing the right mobile phone for you, needless to say you want something that can give you the best features, with easy and convenient attributes. The fantastic benefits of mobile phones are in store, yet they also have certain challenges. For instance, travelers aren’t so sure whether handsets will work when they are traveling from one place to another. However majority of mobile phones companies offer international roaming technology wherein one can get in touch with anyone from anywhere in the world. With roaming features, sending text messages and calls can be inexpensive and less stressful. The price per call is cheaper than when using landline phones for long distance calls.

One of the most remarkable values of mobile phones is during emergencies, may it big or small. We never know when we or our loved ones may need to make an emergency phone call. In situations when finding public phone is difficult, mobiles are the answer to your need. These devices are also very functional for businesspeople and trading companies because they can easily get in touch with their clients.

Both SMS and calls are exploited by business people to market and promote their products. Through mobiles, one can do finances updates and banking these days. They help find out the latest news through text messages sent by means of subscribing to certain services. There are mobile phones that provide you the information such as names, number, and even the exact map of who is calling you.

Mobiles are of use to the elderly and handicapped, as well. Like for example, the visually impaired have their “talking mobile phones” wherein they can read the text messages. These special talking mobile phones are feature phones installed with software to make it “talk”. Since the unit talks, the visually impaired can read his messages without having a sighted person read it for him.

Mobile phones also provide the user the confidence to get out and go places because they know they can avail assistance if needed. The cost of the mobile phones is similar to other models of communication. If you can have a family plan, your expense for monthly cell phone service can be much cheaper than the cost for using landline service. You can have the chance to call anytime, anywhere.

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