Friday, November 30, 2012

Payday Loan Myths Unraveled

For some people, the idea of getting a payday loan is still a strange prospect it might even be a little scary. With some of the news stories about instant loans circulating the media, warning consumers about the pitfalls of fast cash advances, applying for one may not seem like a good plan if you find yourself in a financial bind.

But in many instances, a payday loan can be an excellent way to obtain cash quickly, especially in an emergency situation. Not everything in life is planned you may suddenly have to pay a large car repair bill, or any other unexpected expense. If you don't own a credit card, or have already maxed it out, and don't want to burden friends or family with a request for money, the only option you really have left is an overnight cash advance.

A payday loan is a small short-term loan (usually in the amount of 0-00) that has a high interest rate. It allows you to access cash, usually overnight, before your next payday, which is much faster than a traditional loan from a bank. And it's easier to be approved for cash advance loans you can even apply for one online. You don't have to go through a credit check, the process is discreet, and the transaction is secure. And if you have no credit, or bad credit, this won't affect your ability to obtain a payday loan. It's no wonder payday loans are growing in popularity.

Although you have to pay a fee to take out a cash advance, in some circumstances getting your hands on much needed funds, almost instantly, is worthwhile, as long as you know your next paycheck will be able to cover the loan right away.

Of course, just like with any other loan, it's important to realize that you should only apply for a payday loan if you plan to pay it back with your next paycheck. That is the purpose of a payday loan to advance you the money you need before you get paid. Don't go into the process with the intention of renewing the loan.

Most of the controversy surrounding payday loans is entirely unwarranted. Ultimately, a payday loan company provides a service that is needed in the community, and when used responsibly for its intended purposes, it can really help people get out of sticky situations.

If you plan on getting a cash advance, just follow a simple rule to avoid running into unwanted problems: apply for one from a reputable company that won't gouge you for all you have (or don't have). If you take advantage of a cash advance loan, pay the loan back by your next payday, so more interest charges won't accumulate.

Payday loans can be an effective way to access cash quickly, at times when you need it most. As long as you plan to use the service the way it's meant to be, and avoid companies that don't cater well to their customer's needs, it might just be the best thing for you.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Importance Of Moving Company In Every Aspect Of Our Life

Every year hundreds and thousands of men and women relocate from one place to another, more specifically from one state to other. The moving reason starts form the family to finance to weather and health. But for each of the above case, the potential movers have to employ moving companies. If it is in Maryland they would hire local movers Maryland and if the residents are from Virginia, Alexandria movers come in to the play.

So the residents are likely to select a local moving companies and it is more likely that they would take references from their near friends and the relatives. Choosing nearby Alexandria movers is too challenging job, but when you find that in a quick time, nearly all of your issues will be solved. As local movers Maryland movers are contacted, a salesman from that business visits your premises to create a moving estimate. This estimate that is made, takes into account numerous aspects that is made up of separate amount for your packaging vans for your moving needs and in addition an insurance coverage with that of the moving purpose. The consultant can also make an inquiry concerning the moving location on the basis of which she can make the estimate. In addition to the distance another essential component to consider is the quantity of stairs and the distance from the house to the van. The price estimation is also depends on that. In case of mobility of items locally, an important aspect that is considered will be the quantity of time which is spent in moving. The driving force should be offered the shortest route, so that this expense is reduced.

When all the aspects are taken good care of, packaging is initiated. Local movers Maryland are hired on the basis of contract, and packaging companies generally an important part of the deal. They acquire proper care of all your belongings, and also the finest care is implemented in order that no or minimal damage is induced to the home objects. You'll find so many local relocating companies, who carry good care of the insurance coverage plan facilities, to ensure that in situation of any harm, a specific quantity can be recovered.

One more important thing to check is that the storage system of the moving companies. After having packed all the belongings, you must check the safety and security status where your belongings are kept. Why this is advisable? Storage is the place where your household chores can get damaged despite solid packing. In case of interstate moving say from MD to VA, storage is essential for the Alexandria and Maryland local movers as they try to shift many residents and households at a time. This in fact reduces their costs.

Monday, November 26, 2012

Senate Finance Committee Reworks Health Care Reform Bill

SUZANNE PRATT: One-sixth of the U.S. economy is getting a make-over today on Capitol Hill. The Senate Finance Committee has taken up an historic reform of the nation's health care system. And before the legislation was out of the starting gate, it was already being changed. Senator Max Baucus, the author of the bill has agreed to scale back the tax on so-called gold- plated health insurance policies. But as Darren Gersh reports, a key concern remains how much the average American will have to pay to buy coverage.

DARREN GERSH, NIGHTLY BUSINESS REPORT CORRESPONDENT: From the very beginning, the hard work of the Senate Finance Committee came down to balancing the cost of expanding health care coverage with affordability. Striking that balance is the job of committee Chairman Max Baucus.

SEN. MAX BAUCUS, FINANCE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN: No one should go bankrupt because they get sick. This bill would fix that.

GERSH: Today, Baucus added billion over the next decade to help low-to-moderate income Americans buy health insurance. They'd buy it from the new exchanges the bill would create to organize the insurance market. The move was a clear nod in the direction of Maine's Olympia Snowe, the only Republican still on board with the effort.

SEN. OLYMPIA SNOWE (R) MAINE: There remains major outstanding issues that must be resolved to ensure that everyone, whether they're in an exchange or getting employer-provided coverage is able to afford a plan.

GERSH: The subsidies in the Senate Finance bill would help families earning up to ,000 buy coverage. But health care analyst Rick Weissenstein says some lawmakers think the help isn't enough.

RICK WEISSENSTEIN, HEALTH CARE ANALYST, CONCEPT CAPITAL: I think the members are concerned that, for a family or four making ,000 in most places in the country, you're largely paycheck to paycheck and the idea that you might have however much insurance for a family of four would cost 0, 0, 0 a month, I think is really questionable.

GERSH: For Snowe's fellow Republicans, like Arizona's Jon Kyle, the Baucus bill is unaffordable because it raises taxes, putting at risk those who now have private insurance.

SEN. JON KYL (R) ARIZONA: At least 85 percent, maybe a little over 90 percent of Americans have good care and insurance and don't want Washington to mess with it.

GERSH: In another nod to affordability, Senator Baucus slashed the proposed penalty on families who don't buy health insurance from ,800 to ,900. Many more changes are ahead. The committee hopes to work through this pile of 564 amendments in the next week or two. Darren Gersh,

Friday, November 23, 2012

Semi Trucks,tractor Semi, Tractor Trailers For Sale, New And Used, With Canadian Financing

Semi trucks, tractor semi, tractor trailers for sale are located in both the Unites States and Canada, new and used, with Canadianleasing being offered to residents of Canada.

Semi Trucks are presented for sale by dealerships and auction houses through out the United States. and Canada. Some U.S dealerships have partnered with local and/or regional lending institutions to move these off lease and repossessed semi trucks with special dealer pricing being offered. U.S banks and all other lenders are holding repossessed property in their repo and off lease inventories, therefore they must move these repossessions due to the fact it is impairing their cash flow and working capital.

Cash buyers have the best opportunity to attain the repossessed tractor trailers for the lowest price.

These repossessed tractor semi listings below are spread out across the United States and Canada enabling all prospective Canadian buyers to partake in these acquistions. Also, U.S Corporate Capital Leasing has partnered with Canadianlending institutions to offer Canadians lending for semi truck acquisitions in both countries.

Canadian residents have the option either to find a semi truck in Canada or the United States. These semi trucks don't have to be a repossession. If the prospective purchaser finds a semi truck that hasn't been repossessed it wouldn't disqualify the Canadian from conventional lending. This gives the Canadian the best of all worlds, a possible semi truck repo or a conventional deal located in either U.S or Canada.

These off lease deals are listed with auction houses, liquidators, banks and participating brokers, additionally, these repossessed trucks are offered in truck paper and commercial trader.

Moreover, these tractor trailers are manufactured by Peterbilt, Kenworth, Volvo, Ford, Freightliner, Mack, Western Star and Sterling

Inquire about the special easy Canadian financing programs that are available to start ups and seasoned businesses. Credit scores start as low as 550. Furthermore, down payment monies may be as low as first and last payment.

Happy hunting for your semi truck and its related Canadian lending

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

ERP Systems Can Add Value To Your Organization

If you have any working knowledge of a large company or corporation, you should have a good idea of how many processes are involved in the day to day running of such a company.

From the finance to the accounting departments to the production, sales and service sections (just to mention some), each section has various methods and procedures in position. But at the end of the day, in order for an organization or company to be successful, each of these separate departments/processes/procedures should integrate under one "global umbrella". It reminds me of the saying that the left hand must always know what the right hand does and vice versa.

Enterprise resource planning systems (or ERP systems as often referred to) is a program which basically integrates a company's external and internal management information. The main purpose behind ERP systems is to create a continuing flow of information between the different sections (or business functions if you wish) inside each organization.

Basically, if a procedure begins with in the production department and is completed in the sales section with a number of stops in-between, ERP systems enables you to facilitate a smooth process from start to finish.

Typically, this type of program will need various hardware and network configurations to function on, and all the different information from all the various management systems is kept in a database which can then be accessed by all the related people in the corporation or organization.

ERP systems operates in real time. Therefore if somebody in the accounting departments captures anything in the program, it would immediately be accessible by whoever has access to the system. The systems are generally set up with a similar feel and look throughout all the sections - uniformity is after all what these systems are all about. Without consistency, how is integration achievable?

Needless to say there are several types of ERP systems on the market and the complexity differs from supplier to supplier, but commonly such a system can be integrated without too much of an effort.

These systems go as far back from as early as 1990. That's right, as much as 2 decades ago business owners and administrators were faced with the same challenges and difficulties as experienced in present day organizations and even then a way to incorporate various processes was required. ERP systems can commonly be tailored to suit different client demands, but the overall aim of this kind of software programs are the same: To enable each business process to be performed in the most effective way possible.

If you're looking at obtaining an ERP system for your company, your first step would be a session with one of the software distributors. Thereafter the software will normally be tailor-made to meet your needs and requirements, where after it will be enforced. Most vend0rs will generally also provide a type of after-sales support and a bit of training if required.
With the amount of brilliant resources available, you have no excuse if your company is not operating like a well-oiled machine. perhaps an enterprise resource planning system is the answer to your prayers?

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Real Estate In Austin Texas

With its unique blend of affordability, home options and strong real estate value, Austin, Texas represents one of the top real estate opportunities in the United States. Home buyers will find a bevy of great choices, from comfortable single-family homes to duplexes to luxury condos and apartments. Home prices in Austin are well below the national average, making it an ideal option for prospective home buyers all across the country. The city's real estate market, which has boomed even amidst the housing crash, is testament to its broad appeal and strong value. Before starting an Austin real estate search, be sure to research the city extensively and get to know its housing market and options before committing to a purchase.

The Austin real estate market is highly affordable and noted for its strength and stability. Homes for sale Austin include single-family homes, townhouses and larger multifamily dwellings alike. Buyers conducting a home search Austin will find a wide array of options suitable for all price ranges and architectural styles. Home in every part of Austin enjoy great value and some of the best pricing in all of Texas. With so many choices and affordable prices, Austin real estate is perfect for families, young professionals, commuters, retirees and everyone else in between.

In addition to its affordable real estate market, Austin boasts a high quality of life with abundant amenities and attractions for its residents to enjoy. The city offers outstanding public and private schools, safe neighborhoods and a wealth of fantastic shops, cafes and restaurants. Austin also enjoys warm, mild weather year round and a modest cost of living. Public transportation is readily available throughout Austin and includes the Austin Metro rail, buses and the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. A number of major highways make commuting and traveling across the region a breeze. The city also sports a strong, vibrant economy with plentiful employment opportunities in sectors such as technology, media, education, real estate healthcare and energy.

Austin is renowned for its wealth of cultural, entertainment and leisure options as well. The city's live music scene is legendary and includes major events like the Austin City Limits Music Festival and South by Southwest Festival. Cultural attractions in Austin include the Paramount Theater and the Long Center for the Performing Arts as well as world-class museums and cultural institutions like the Texas Memorial Museum, the Austin Museum of Art and the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum. The city is also rich in college sports teams and offers a number of parks like Zilker Park and the beautiful Lake Travis.

With its affordable real estate prices, wide array of home choices and wealth of amenities and attractions, Austin is among the best real estate opportunities in Texas.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Enzyte

Considering enzyte natural male enhancement? Thinking about becoming friends with smiling bob? My website provides some frank and honest commentary on enzyte natural male enhancement that may surprise you. Enzyte definitely didn't work for me. I certainly didn't get better erections, and as a matter of fact, my erections seemed softer while taking enzyte. Seriously, you owe it to yourself to read about my experiences with enzyte before you make a decision to purchase enzyte.

If you look online and search for enzyte complaints, you will find a wealth of unhappy customers. Enzyte is notorious for charging customer's credit cards with bogus unapproved charges. As a matter of fact, Enzyte's found was put away to jail for this fraudulent activity. I strongly urge you to consider this shadiness before you decide to purchase enzyte. I would hate for your credit card to get charged without an authorization. I bought enzyte at my local Wal-Mart, and consider it a huge waste of my money.

I experienced no results while taking enzyte, and was left very disappointed by its effectiveness. For , it is a terrible value. Enzyte seems to be nothing more than a heavy dose of ginseng and gingko, which I get from my multivitamin anyway. It certainly doesn't help with male enhancement. Enzyte was a disappointing supplement, and I hope you appreciate my honest and candid feedback. Enzyte just happens to sell because it has been around for so long. My extenze review is raw, uncut, and to the point. Be very cautious before buying enzyte. It can leave you wanting your money back.

Please treat this article as my personal review of enzyte, and obviously individual results may vary. I didn't get the results I expected from enzyte, and I'd be curious to see if anyone had the same problems I had. Many sites on the internet contain pretty rough reviews of their product, and mine is certainly no exception. Enzyte seems like it promises so much, and deliver so little. Smiling Bob shouldn't really be smiling if his experience was anything like mine with enzyte

Monday, November 12, 2012

Cover Letter Closing

A cover letter is a trick communication tool. One of the most difficult part is writing a cover letter closing that make a good impact. In the following article, some important points regarding such a letter have been discussed. To know more, read on

In your entire life time, once in a while, you will draft a very important document - cover letter. Closing of this kind of letters is absolutely difficult as this makes a last and lasting impression on the reader. The cover letter closing has been described in the following paragraphs. In case if you need to have a look at the other elements of the cover letter. Closing, the concluding aspect goes as follows. You may also refer to some letter writing guidelines and writing tips.

Cover Letter and its Closing
While writing a cover letter, you will always come to the concluding point of the letter, you will pause and think: 'how exactly can we say good bye to a person?'. Well the answer is that you should never say good bye. You should 'conclude'. This way the ball lands in the other person's court and the more better the closing, the more are the chances it will be shot back to you with a positive note.

Cover Letter: Before we get to some sample cover letter closing statements, let us get a closer look at the conception of cover letters and try to answer the impending question 'what is a cover letter'. A cover letter is basically a letter, which is a formal introduction to your response to an inquiry or advertisement. A cover letter is essentially a formal letter and is usually sent with other documents such as a CV, resume or even business documents such as quotations, business prospectus or inquiries. The cover letter principally bridges the 'approach' aspect of a said business deal, may it be an employment opportunity or a potential business deal. The contents of such letters are simple, straight forward and down to the point. In many cases the entire letter is rounded off in a few sentences, as there is no room for out of the context and irrelevant thoughts. Thus the best way to write a cover letter is to stick to facts in a very precise manner, yet the language should should sound positive and thoughtful.

Elements of the Cover Letter: The cover letter is broadly divided into three parts, namely, the introductory paragraph, where the reason or cause of letter is explained. Following the first paragraph, the main clause of the letter is explained and primary facts and figures that relate to the attachments of the letter are explained. The last paragraphs which is known as the cover letter closing paragraph is written. In some cases it can also be single, cover letter closing statement. This paragraph is followed by cover letter closing salutation. You can get all the elements from any cover letter format sample.

Cover Letter Closing Examples
The closing of the cover letter differ from situation to situation and the wording of the closing statement is also considerably differed accordingly. For example if you are writing a career change cover letter, you will need to keep the last statement hopeful, positive and sincere. For example, you can sound something like,

'though I am new to the field I really home that you will consider my application for an apprenticeship'

In cases where the cover letter is for a business deal or proposition, the statement can be a bit more, let's say arrogant, you may sound something like this,

'we hope that the proposition is considered by your company, as it is equally beneficial for every involved party, thanking you for your time'

Well apart from the fact that the language has to be universally polite, there should also be a hint of extra politeness or humbleness in cases where the person to whom you are writing to is of an exceptionally superior designation. Some people who want a reply as soon as possible, tend to include statements such as

'you may contact me at (O)_______________ or my (m)_____________. Alternately you may also consider, sending an email at ____________________.

Apart from the cover letter closing statement, addressing the person with a requisite salutation at the end of the letter is also necessary. Some salutations include:
1. Respectfully
2. Thank you for your consideration
3. Thank you
4. Yours truly
5. Respectfully yours
6. Kind regards
You can also go through writing a resume cover letter and writing a cover letter for an internship for some more information.

The statement and salutation should basically depend upon your tone of the letter and the over all flow of the letter. The better the cover letter closing is the better impression is going to be made on the reader, hence do not hesitate to make any innovate but appropriate cover letter closing statements and salutations. Good luck.

Friday, November 9, 2012

Equipment Lease Tips For Startup Businesses

For a new business, trying to get a bank loan can be a challenge especially without business credit history to back up your loan application. If you need equipment financing is an issue, perhaps you may consider business equipment leasing?

Who Can Lease

Both new and established businesses are eligible to apply for equipment lease financing. In fact, this financing technique has been employed by many small businesses and large corporations for a long time.

Why Lease Equipment

Rather than apply for a bank loan to buy the needed equipment, a new business owner can apply for a lease to avoid unnecessary delays with the business operations. Instead of waiting for months to get their business loan approved, leasing equipment involves a quicker and uncomplicated procedure.

Add to this, equipment lease financing is generally cheaper since it does not require a down payment. Many leasing companies offer flexible repayment terms (monthly, quarterly, bi-annual, annually) to complement the business's needs.

Indeed, equipment lease financing is recommended for smaller businesses. By leasing equipment, the business owner can use its working capital on other expenditures such as purchasing supplies, hiring workers, advertising your products and services, instead of spending the money on devices or special machines.

Preparing Paperwork

What kind of paperwork do you need to prepare? The specific requirements may vary from one leasing firm to the next. Still, most lessors generally require a written equipment lease proposal, the business's recent financial statements, and tax returns.

Your lease proposal must clearly present the type of business you run, your reason for getting a lease, the specific machines or devices you need, and other important information about your company that will help convince your lessor to approve your application.

Check Your Credit

Some business equipment lease providers have strict standards and may call for good to excellent credit history. Nonetheless, you can find lessors that offer leasing services even for customers with no credit history or with bad credit history.

In fact, even business owners who have a record of bankruptcy can get approved as long as the bankruptcy has been discharged. If you have bad credit, it is a good idea to include a letter explaining the details about your bankruptcy or poor credit.

Tips For Sure Approval

For new business owners, do not test the waters by submitting multiple lease applications to different companies. If a potential lessor sees too many inquiries in your report, it may raise doubt as to why other lessors are not willing to grant you a lease.

Keep in mind that not all leasing companies offer lease for new businesses. Some lessors may require applicants to be at least 2 years in operations. However, there are lease companies that do offer special lease arrangements for new businesses.

Find a leasing company that provides service to businesses in the market you belong. For example, some lessors specialize in transportation while others may specialize in medical equipment, printing equipment, baking equipment, etc. Check the prerequisites of a particular equipment lease provider so you can avoid unnecessary rejection.

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Fly Fishing Oregon's Fall River

You may not have seen an uglier imitation of a natural bug in your life, and hopefully you never will. In fact, the world's leading entomologist would've had a hard time determining what I was trying to duplicate with this fly. It was by far the sloppiest attempt at the traditional elk hair caddis pattern to date. Purely an exercise in beginning fly tying, and one of the first to come off of my assembly line known as a vice.

It was a combination of ego, sentimentality and hopeful romantic fantasy that allowed it into my fly box. Wouldn't it be something if it worked and I actually landed a fish with my first attempt at fly tying? A lost cause you would think while looking at it. But, it felt good just have it sit in my fly box next to those store-bought, apiece, professionally tied flies.

I knew the trout of Oregon's Fall River were smarter than to accept my fly. They've seen, and passed on, the most meticulous artificial creations (very professionally tied ones). No matter, in time there I am, fly fishing Oregon's Fall River, and the only one on the water.

Although some of the gin-clear river is lined with private property, there are plenty of entry points along its banks with easy wading. Fallen trees and grasses provide cover for `bows, brooks and browns. The river, at times only 20 feet across and at others 50, stretches for 8 miles along Route 42 through the Deschutes National Forest just South-west of Bend. It's fly fishing only and when you go be sure to visit the hatchery, which is open to the public.

Waste deep at a U-shaped section of water I open my fly box to see what I have to choose from. And there it was, my Frankenstein Fly. The image reminded me of those children's magazines you find in Doctor's offices. The ones that challenge you to find the hidden mistakes in the cartoon. Well in the case of my fly box, the mistake wasn't too well hidden or too hard to pick out.

You put the leader through the eye of the hook. That's the first step. I couldn't. The eye was blocked by cement. The clear, glue-like stuff that you use to hold all the thread, feathers and so forth in place. I poked at the loop with a sharp object. Eye clear, knot tied, and I'm castin'! A few false casts later and my elk-haired monster is sitting on prime trout real estate.

It naturally drifts the run I'm working, imitating nothing, but giving the trout in the area front row seats at the equivalent of amateur night at the Improv. Oh what a laugh I was giving those `bows. But no matter, I'm fly fishing Oregon's Fall River, and I'm the only one on the water.

Twenty minutes of working the same run, with the fly that even the most desperate of Mayflies would pass on at 2:00 in the morning at the local bug bar, and all I've done is practiced my casting technique. My Frankenstein Fly isn't fooling anything. Now I realize what a great idea it was to leave my camera back in the truck. I sure didn't need it to weigh down one side of my fishing vest for no reason.

It's getting late in the day, and this is the last stretch of water I thought I would try before heading home. I landed a nice 17 rainbow (on a real imitation fly) earlier this morning up-stream, counted 6 deer, and had a huge bald eagle fly over. So no matter what happens in this last section of water, I've already had a storybook day.

My state of mind has turned now from hopeful romantic to one of end-of-the-day game playing. Just how close could I get my bootleg caddis fly to that fallen tree laying over there, and still pull it off the water before it snags the log? One foot, not bad I thought for the amount of line I have out. A few drifts later and I have this fly jumping off the water within six inches of the fallen tree. Not casting champion material, but I'm fly fishing Oregon's Fall River, and I'm the only one on the water.

Turns out I couldn't get the fly any closer than six inches, I've snagged that damn tree! No worries I thought, it was an ugly fly anyway. But wait, the tree is moving with my redheaded stepchild caddis fly in its mouth. My 4-weight G. Loomis rod is bent and my orange colored floating line is zipping through the water as if ...FISH ON, and I fear no fish!

This couldn't be happening, this shouldn't be happening I thought to myself. As I see flashes of silver-lightening streaking through the water, I realize the fallen tree was providing cover for a monster rainbow. But what about my Frankenstein Fly? Do trout get glaucoma?

Run and rest, give and take, point and counterpoint. I'm engaged in an ageless dance with what must be the hungriest candidate for laser eye surgery in all of Central Oregon.

At the bank, I set the defeated 19 rainbow down on green summer grass with my Chernobyl-mutated elk hair caddis still very much in the corner of its mouth. A horribly tied fly, but a very sharp hook. Boy what a classic picture this would've made. I even have a spot on the wall in my office for such a picture. I sure am glad I didn't want that camera uncomfortably weighing down one side of my fishing vest. Better to release the 19' elder I thought, than to kidnap it all the way back to the truck against its will just for the sake of a picture.

I gently back-out my barbless masterpiece, and without much convincing the beautiful but embarrassed rainbow decides to head back to its hole. And with no fish, and not even picture to prove it, I decide to call it a day as well. But not before whispering to myself I'm fly fishing Oregon's Fall River, and I'm the only one on the water.

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Top 5 Fundraising Tips for Small Groups and Organizations

Anyone who has ever worked with a local group or organization knows that funding is king. Whether a group's budget is used to grant awards, sponsor events, raise awareness, or simply conduct day-to-day operations, raising money is an absolute necessity for the modern group or organization, regardless of its size.
Here, we highlight five fundraising ideas and tips that are designed to help small, resource-constrained groups raise money efficiently:


* Define your supporter set. Before you decide how to go about raising money, sit down and think about whose money you are most likely to be receiving. Whether you end up soliciting donations, selling products, or holding a more creative fundraiser, you will likely raise a lot of your money from a core, loyal supporter base. Ask yourself what your typical supporter does for a living, what they do for fun, and why they care about your cause. Remember, your supporter set probably extends far beyond your group members' friends and family. Once you have developed this "supporter profile," you can do a better job of picking a fundraiser that is appealing to as many potential supporters as possible.



* Know your information channels. How will information about your fundraiser get to your supporters? Does your group have a website? A mailing list? A physical sign somewhere in town? Think about the supporter set that we just defined and consider how your typical supporter learns about new events or activities. Sending information to your group's members is a good start, but how will this information get to new supporters or those who are not yet aware of your group? The dream scenario is to get some attention from the local media. Try contacting reporters at your local newspaper (you can usually find e-mail addresses at the bottom of feature articles) or tip lines of your local news stations. These outlets are often eager to learn more about local events and public interest stories, and your fundraiser might just fit the bill.



* Embrace the internet. These days, it is safe to assume that most of your supporters (and countless potential supporters) spend time online every day. Be sure that you are listed on websites that catalog specific causes, such as Idealist.org. Also, be sure to keep an active list of supporter e-mail addresses. To build your list, add a feature on your group's website for collecting the e-mail addresses of supporters. You can also collect e-mail addresses from everyone who makes a purchase or supports you during your regular fundraisers. With a large e-mail list, you will build a strong channel for getting information out whenever your group has new news (or a new fundraiser).



* Set realistic goals--and accept nothing less. No matter how small your organization is, fundraising is all about numbers. If you know exactly how much money you need to raise, you can determine how much money each group member should be responsible for generating. If your fundraiser is something as simple as a bake sale, simply do the math: how many items at 50 cents each does each person have to bake in order to hit their goal? This kind of logic can be used across any kind of fundraiser. Also, when setting member-specific goals, take a tip from the world of sales and secretly inflate everyone's quota by 10% to 20%. That way, even if 10% to 20% of your members fail to meet their quotas, you will still hit your overall fundraising goal.



* Consider the lifetime value of a supporter. When you ask a supporter to contribute to your group or cause, think about more than the immediate goal. Yes, they may contribute just a few dollars today, but if you add up how much they contribute in their lifetime, the numbers can be staggering. This idea of lifetime value teaches a valuable lesson: losing a supporter is more expensive than you think. When someone decides to stop supporting your cause, you are losing income for every future fundraiser you hold. As a result, you should take special care not to alienate, insult, or otherwise offend anyone in your supporter base. This can happen if your fundraiser sells low-quality products, overcharges for items, or pressures donors too highly. Talk to your supporters and see what kinds of fundraisers appeal to them the most. Usually, a fairly small sample size can be enough to get an idea of what fundraising strategy will be best received by your supporter base.

As these fundraising tips reveal, even a small organization can benefit from a high level of fundraising sophistication. Applying ideas like these across an entire campaign can lead to significantly improved performance. Happy fundraising!

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Real Estate Lebanon

When it comes to real estate in Lebanon the zoning laws are quite strict. But before knowing them it is good to know what zoning means. When we have to buy a property in Lebanon and want to know the zoning of the property that we are interested in buying, first thing to do is visit the Cadastre Department at the Moukarzel building situated in Tabaris. Here we can get a copy of the cadastral plan of the property that we are planning to buy. Here we can also ask for the document about the area of the property.

But here too we may come across different measurements that will contradict with the owner and the developer of the property. This might make us wonder about the zoning laws related with the real estate in Lebanon. Which figures can be considered as true? The municipalities of Beirut and Tripoli are responsible for recording the official area of the properties. The General Directorate of Urban Planning and all its branches also carry out the records about the actual area of various properties. The scale on which the area is measured by these two is different. The urban planning uses the scales 1/50 and hence it is the most accurate one. While the cadastre department uses scale 1/200.

Hence while dealing with real estate in Lebanon we might come across different recordings of the area of the same property. The cadastre department only measures the actual area of the property while the urban planning measures the area including the common areas like stairwell. Hence the area measured by the urban planning will be certainly more compared to that measured by the cadastral department. Hence the urban planning will consider the elevators, roof, column below a building, generator room while measuring the area.

But one question arises here which is can the common area be up for sell? The common areas will be used by all those who will reside in that property. This is the point on which most of the professionals disagree. There are two groups here one who thinks that common areas are used by the buyer and hence it should also be considered while counting the area of the property. Others think opposite to it. But not all the properties in Lebanon follow the zoning laws. We can find the details about whether a particular property is zoned or not by visiting the town planning office.