Archive for January, 2008

SBA Loan: Options, Benefits, and Lenders Part 2 of 2

Tuesday, January 22nd, 2008

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Cameron_Brown]Cameron Brown In this second installment, we will further examine what kinds of SBA loan options are available, and for what kinds of businesses they are most advantageous. We will also discuss the different types of SBA lenders. There are several different lending programs for those who qualify for an SBA loan. However, it should be noted that not every SBA approved lender offers every loan option; some lenders may be flexible than others. SBA loan programs are generally intended to encourage long term small business financing, however, actual loan maturities are based on several different factors. 1) the ability to repay, 2) the purpose of the loan proceeds, and 3) the useful life of the assets financed. However, maximum loan maturities have been established: twenty-five years for real estate and equipment and seven years for working capital. Basic 7(a) loan Guaranty: The 7(a) is an SBA guaranteed loan provided through SBA certified commercial lending institutions. The maximum loan amount for a 7(a) is $2 million, with the SBA guaranteeing up to 75% or $1.5 million. Interest rates for 7(a) SBA loans are usually negotiated between the borrower and the lending institution. However, the SBA itself has set maximum interest rates depending on the loan amount, the highest rate being 4.75 percent on a loan of $25,000 or less with a maturity of seven years or more. Because of it’s flexibility, the 7(a) is ideally suited for start-up or small growing businesses who are denied financing through other sources. The loan funds can also be used for a wide variety of purposes: renovation, real estate, equipment, payment of prior debts, etc. Certified Development Company (CDC), a 504 Loan Program: The 504 SBA loan is designed to not only benefit the small business that receives the loan funds, but also the community in which the business resides. Each 504 loan is administered through a CDC, a private, nonprofit corporations set up to contribute to the economic development of their specific community or region. The CDC will make small business loans up to a maximum of $2 million with the understanding that the business will use the funds in a manner that will further community or regional public policy goals. Typical goals may include: business district revitalization, export expansion, rural development, expansion of minority business development, etc. In total, there are about 270 CDCs nationwide, each covering a specific geographical area. Interest rates on 504 loans are pegged to an increment above the current market rate for five-year and 10-year U.S. Treasury issues. Maturities of either 10 or 20 years are available. The 504 loan program is ideal for businesses in need of “brick and mortar” financing such as equipment or building acquisition. MicroLoan, a 7(m) Loan Program: The MicroLoan Program provides very small loans to start-up or growing small business concerns. Under this program, the SBA makes funds available to nonprofit community based lenders who act as intermediaries. These lenders in turn make loans to eligible borrowers in amounts up to a maximum of $35,000. The average loan size is about $10,500. Applications are submitted to the local intermediary and all credit decisions are made on the local level. In addition, each intermediary is required to provide business based training and technical assistance to its borrowers. Individuals and small businesses applying for microloan financing may be required to fulfill training and/or planning requirements before a loan application is considered. This type of SBA loan is ideal for small businesses that need extra money for working capital or the purchase of inventory, supplies, furniture, fixtures, machinery or equipment. However, the loan funds may not be used for the purchase of real estate or to pay existing debts. If you qualify for and receive an SBA loan, you can look forward to several benefits. SBA loans typically have longer maturities than comparable bank loans. Because you will be paying the loan back over a longer period of time, down payments and interest rates are usually lower which means you’re monthly payment will also be significantly lower than it would be under the terms of a conventional loan. Cameron Brown is an internet marketer specializing in [http://www.10xmarketing.com/res/ranking-automation.asp]ranking automation. For information on how an [http://www.sncloans.com/SBALnsLndPg.html]SBA Loan can help you, visit [http://www.sncloans.com]Security National Capital. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cameron_Brown http://EzineArticles.com/?SBA-Loan:-Options,-Benefits,-and-Lenders-Part-2-of-2&id=25857 order xanax paying cod prescription drug comparison chart xanax xanax online without a prescription online pharmacy xanax

Managing Your Career Change

Monday, January 21st, 2008

By Tony Jacowski What really does not change in the world is the need for change. It is this bug in you or the environment around you which is constantly after you for a change. If one changes her career 3-4 times in her life time, that much she needs to carefully manage her career change. Mind you, career change is synonymous to changing boats in the middle of a storm. Managing Your Career Change You have to evaluate your need for a change pragmatically. This way, you can stop yourself from falling prey to impulsive actions. Being pragmatic or practical means thinking in the way that both you and your detractor think about you. This gives you the advantage of multidirectional thinking. 1. Develop Career Goals Early In Life: Broadly speaking, this is deciding where you want to be at each key stage in your life (making goals measurable). Your first step more or less decides most of your career path. You must also commit yourself to your goals. 2. Prepare The Ground: You have to acquire new skills and education. Knowing exactly what the employer is looking for should guide you here. Make the right connections. What organizations you belong to tells a new employer a lot about who you are and what your future potential is. Keep your network and resume updated. 3. Assess Where You Stand: At this stage you will understand where you stand with respect to your career goals. How do you know that you are lagging behind, if you are? Most career goals are a combination of having dreams and being realistic. Lack of either or both of these often shows up as frustrations in both work and at home. It is this that paves way for readjusting your pace with respect to your career change. 4. Readjusting The Pace Of Your Career: This is the most important step. It is this middle phase of your career change that decides whether you can change jobs easily and whether you succeed at the new one. As a career change is a well-defined goal, identify the next 2-3 job prospects at this stage. For this, you need to ask yourself a few questions: a. Can you grow in your present job or industry as a whole? If you are in the middle of your career, you should continue in your chosen profession. If you are in a small organization you probably have reached the top very early but that may be the highest that you can go. b. Am I going to stick to this salary, if this is the top? If your salary is not at least comparable with your peer group, this is a red flag. These two facts are proof that there is opportunity beckoning outside your organization. c. Is it easy to find another job for a higher salary now? This is the essence of career change for most people. d. Will the change take you closer to your personal goals? Does it increase your stature or help buy a new home or a car. The same logic also holds true for reducing any debt you may have. Managing your career change also involves making a smooth exit from your present job and entry into the new one. It ends with getting acclimatized to the new environment. Tony Jacowski is a certified Master Black Belt for Aveta Solutions Six Sigma Online ( http://www.sixsigmaonline.org ). Six Sigma Online offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tony_Jacowski http://EzineArticles.com/?Managing-Your-Career-Change&id=203737 xanax prescription without cleveland list for cheap prescription xanax buy-xanax-online-without-prescription buy xanax cash on delivery

Nokia N93 vs Nokia N76 - Power Machines Collide

Sunday, January 20th, 2008

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Amanda_Dorthy]Amanda Dorthy If someone asks you what your favourite mobile brand is, what would your reply be? Nokia? Probably ‘yes’! In the ever expanding mobile market Nokia has carved a niche for itself sheer because of its quality and precision to technological detail. No doubt, there are several mobile brands available in the market, but Nokia is still ruling the mobile world. The launch of N-Series mobile phones have revamped the company’s image in a befitting manner. Constant addition of new handsets to the N-Series list is proving to be a fertile ground for both the consumers and the sellers. The Nokia N93 and the Nokia N76 are two great handsets from the renowned Nokia stable. Here is a analysis of their features. The Nokia N93 is a 3G smartphone with a twist and rotating screen action allowing users to view the screen in 4 different modes-imaging mode, viewing mode, fold open mode and fold closed mode. While the internal screen is a 262k QVGA 262k colour screen with a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels, the external screen is a 65k colour screen with 128 x 36 pixels of resolution. Camera feature is simply brilliant-take mesmerizing pictures and videos with the integrated 3.2 megapixel camera which comes complete with autofocus, flash, 20 x digital zoom. The camera lens is a Carl Zeiss Optics Tessar lens giving you the optimum in imaging. The second camera (CIF with 8 x digital zoom) is meant for video calling. On the other hand, the Nokia N76 is a clamshell phone with a 2 megapixel camera. It has also got a Carl Zeiss Optics Tessar lens with LED flash and 20 x digital zoom. Dedicated camera key is there to give you quick and direct access to the imaging feature. Picture and video quality is superb. The second VGA camera is a perfect tool for making face-to-face video calls. The Nokia N93 and Nokia N76 share some common features like Real Player Media Player, integrated music player, FM radio, voice dialing, voice recording, handsfree speaker, Bluetooth, EDGE, Nokia Web Browser with Mini Map, MiniSD memory card support and so on. For more information on latest [http://www.bestcontractmobilephone.co.uk/Phone_Deal.asp?Ph=Nokia--N93]Nokia N93 and [http://www.bestcontractmobilephone.co.uk/Phone_Deal.asp?Ph=Nokia--N76]Nokia N76 on 3 mobile, t mobile, orange, O2, Vodafone network, please visit our online [http://www.bestcontractmobilephone.co.uk/]Mobile Phones Shop. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amanda_Dorthy http://EzineArticles.com/?Nokia-N93-vs-Nokia-N76—Power-Machines-Collide&id=543252 prescription free xanax xanax overnight no prescription safe online purchase of xanax xanax prescription

Benchmarking For Dollars

Saturday, January 19th, 2008

By Phillip Collinsworth Benchmarking for dollars is not just for Fortune 500 companies anymore, and it does not have to be a difficult or expensive process. A simple benchmark may be as straightforward as studying a competing website or auction to learn a few tricks you can apply to your own product or service offer. Benchmarking is a process any business or organization can use to compare itself with a competing firm. Ideally, the benchmarking process should focus on a specific area of your operations, such as customer service, pricing, marketing, etc. A limitation to this concept is of course your ability to access information about your competition. The first step in any benchmarking effort is to first assess where you are at today. For example, a company that wants to reduce shipping costs would start by reviewing its current shipping policies, developing costs per item shipped, and discussing product shipment options with various shippers, such as UPS, Fedex, and the USPS. Once you know exactly where you are at relevant to shipping costs, contact a benchmarking collaborative to assist you in collecting relevant data from other companies. Shipping is a fairly generic operation that most companies do, so it is possible to collect pertinent information from firms outside your industry. Search on Google for companies specializing in this service. A cursory search of the word “benchmark” retrieved over 24 million hits on Google. Benchmarking is all about closing the gaps between what you do and what your competitors do. In your analysis of shipping operations in other companies, if you find somebody shipping cheaper or better than you, implement a plan to adopt their procedures into your company. Benchmarking is a continuous process of observing what other companies are doing and tweaking there successful policies and procedures to fit your corporate culture, goals, and customer service policies. The benefits of deliberate benchmarking may help your company remain on the cutting edge regarding its company policy, processes, and procedures, and will create an atmosphere of continuous improvement essential to remaining competitive in today’s marketplace. Phillip Collinsworth is the author of several books available on Amazon. He hosts a website offering free information on wealth building, and finding income opportunties through Internet marketing. Visit: http://www.wealthsearch.org Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Phillip_Collinsworth http://EzineArticles.com/?Benchmarking-For-Dollars&id=574982 diazepam online pharmacy generic pharmacys that sell valium valium vicodin prescription viagra online shop anxiety buy diazepam to

Different Unity Wedding Ceremonies to Symbolize Your Lasting Love

Wednesday, January 16th, 2008

By Jennifer Hall Weddings are already beautiful events, but adding a unity ceremony can make it extra special. In these ceremonies, you can demonstrate symbolically what the day is all about. Whether you are looking for a traditional ceremony, or a modern, more alternative unity ceremony, there are several lovely ways to go about it. Irish Handfasting Ceremony Said to be the origin of the term tying the knot, in this tradition Celtic ceremony, the bride and grooms wrists are tied together with a ribbon or cord. The bride holds the grooms right hand with her right hand, and left with left. With their wrists crossed, the ribbon is wound around the wrists to create an infinity symbol. Historically, couples in Ireland would perform this ceremony before being handfasted meaning they would be married for a year and a day, and then decide whether they wanted to stay together or to part ways some couples today may even like that idea! Today, this ceremony is typically performed in neo-pagan weddings, but can be a meaningful part of any wedding. Rose Ceremony The red rose has been a symbol of romantic love for quite a long time, for centuries people have given roses to others to express the words I love you. That is why the rose ceremony at weddings is so appropriate. Its simple: at the end of the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom exchange red roses to express their love for each other. Also, if the bride and/or groom have children, they can give a rose to each of the children to show their love for them and to make them a part of the wedding as well. Garland Ceremony This ceremony is very similar to the rose ceremony; except the couple exchanges floral garlands or leis to express their love and that their union is blessed by nature. This is also a common part of Indian weddings called jaimala or varmala. Sand Ceremony This is a popular Hawaiian ceremony, in which couples on the beach get a vial of sand from underneath each of their feet, and then combine the sand into one vial to signify their union. Couples can have this ceremony indoors, too, simply taking two separate containers of sand and combining them together. Sometimes couples use colored sand and combine them to make an entirely new color. The sand also makes a lovely wedding keepsake Unity Candle Ceremony These days, this is probably the most popular wedding ceremony. It is simply a lovely way to signify the union of two hearts. In this ceremony, the couples light two individual tapers, and then take those two tapers and light the middle taper together. Some couples let the individual tapers burn during the wedding and then light the middle one at the end, whereas some do the entire ceremony at the end to avoid any waxy mess. You can also do variations on this, like letting children or other family members light the individual flames and then have the bride and groom light the center one. Jennifer Hall is editor and contributor for Candles 4U. Visit us for more on unity candles and how they can fit into your wedding. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Hall http://EzineArticles.com/?Different-Unity-Wedding-Ceremonies-to-Symbolize-Your-Lasting-Love&id=316278 soma diazepam online buy valium buy non prescription valium purchase of valium

The Pure Sporting Power of Polarized Sunglasses

Monday, January 14th, 2008

By Angie Stocklin Polarized sunglasses are taking the sporting world by storm! Although it may seem as though polarized sunglasses are new on the protective eyewear scene, they have actually been around for some time and used by fishermen and boaters alike. The main benefit of wearing polarized lenses is to take the glare off of water, and other wet objects. Polarized lenses are great for anyone sitting on a lake, river, or ocean all day. Imagine looking out across a lake with a blinding glare. Polarized lenses actually make it possible for fishermen to see into the water, and allow them to see what they are catching. People who like to boat and fish always appreciate polarized lenses and their extra special protection from the sun and bright reflection. It is just as easy to see why polarized lenses come in handy for folks who like to jog or ride a mountain bike. Polarized lenses cut the glare from the road so they can better see where they are going. Or take a golfer out on a bright morning in Florida, or a skier hitting the slopes on a crisp, clear afternoon at 10,000 feet. All of these sporting folks could use extra protection from the glare of the sun. Polarized lenses also help when driving by cutting the blinding reflection from other cars and shiny roads. Truck driver have also recently jumped on the polarized lens bandwagon and can appreciate their benefits everyday on the road. Polarized lenses work by rather complex scientific principles that can be explained rather simply. (At least well try to explain it rather simply!) As any physicist will tell you, light reflected off of water, snow, pavement, and other flat, smooth surfaces generally comes at your eyes at a horizontal polarization. However, polarized sunglass lenses are vertically polarized, meaning they block the horizontal light from coming through to your eyes. Of course, nothing is perfect. World-class skiers sometimes say the polarized lenses dont work as well in the snow as they do on the water. Skiers indicate polarized lenses make it harder for them to have good depth perception, which makes it hard for them to read the slope of the hill and the distance and size of moguls and other mounds of snow coming at them. Although polarized lenses are great for reducing dangerous road glare, the may make it difficult for people to correctly read LCD displays for speed, mileage, radio broadcasting, and other dashboard devices. They are also less helpful when the sun is very high or very low in the sky. So the next time you are spending a relaxing afternoon on the lake, or driving down the busy freeway during rush hour, grab a pair of polarized discount sunglasses to make your day a little more enjoyable. Angie Stocklin is the co-founder of Sunglass Warehouse. Sunglass Warehouse carries the hottest trends in discount polarized sunglasses . For more information about Sunglass Warehouse please visit www.sunglasswarehouse.com. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Angie_Stocklin http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Pure-Sporting-Power-of-Polarized-Sunglasses&id=383518 buying valium online online order valium order valium no prescription valium without prescription

Cellular Phone Plan

Monday, January 14th, 2008

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Rolf_Rasmusson]Rolf Rasmusson Choosing a cellular phone plan for all your needs. Cellular phone plans are offered by a variety of cellular phone companies like AT&T, Sprint PCS, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, Cingular Wireless, and many more. A cellular phone company of your choice can offer you a cellular phone plan that is right for your individual needs. Each buyer has access to many promotions offered by cellular phone companies when you sign up for one of their cellular phone plans. These promotions can include free cellular phone, best camera cell phone, free cellular phone services like text messaging, and many more. You can also receive free cellular phone accessories such as a free car charger. Characteristics of a cellular phone plan. Each cellular phone plans characteristics include price, included minutes, promotional offers, etc. Various cellular phone plans are available based on your cellular phone usage. Many low usage plans are priced as low as $29.99. If you use you cellular phone a lot, you can get a plan with unlimited minutes. If all your family uses cellular phones, you can sign up for a family wireless plan. Prepaid cellular phones are also available for purchase. Before choosing a cellular phone plan, list all the cellular phone services that you would like to have and specify the amount of minutes you will need each month, the price you are willing to pay, and the features you would like to have in your cellular phone. Based on that information select a cellular phone company that offers a plan that suits all your needs. If several cellular phone plans are available with the same features, select the one that offers better promotions. Selecting the best cellular phone when you sign up for a cellular phone plan is also very important. As technology advances, many new cellular phones with new features are offered. An example of a new technology advance would be a camera cell phone. Visit http://www.camera-cell-phones-2u.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rolf_Rasmusson http://EzineArticles.com/?Cellular-Phone-Plan&id=9109 order valium no prescription generic pharmacysthat sell valium world wide buy anax valium online florida cheap valium

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Thursday, January 10th, 2008

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Hibiscus - Tropical Beauty

Wednesday, January 9th, 2008

By William Berg The Hibiscus genus comprises more than 200 different species. Hibiscus species are found in tropical and subtropical regions, as well as in temperate climates. It is a broad genus that contains herbaceous plants, shrubs and even small trees. Hibiscus plants are popular in gardens and flower arrangements, since the plants produce astonishingly beautiful flowers on a tall stem. You can choose between wide range of different Hibiscus colours, including the popular red, pink, orange, violet, lavender, yellow and white variants. A Hibiscus flower can reach a size of 4-15 centimetres across and is equipped with five petals. Hibiscus leaves are toothed or lobed and have a deep green shade. Hibiscus plants will require quite a lot of light, and a majority of the Hibiscus species origins from warm regions of the world. Most Hibiscus species will prefer to be planted where the temperature ranges from 60 to 90 degrees F during most parts of the day. These plants are tougher than many other tropical and subtropical species and will usually survive quite low temperatures as long as they are not prolonged. A cold night can for instance make the plant shed its leaves and buds, but it will survive and eventually begin to form new leaves and buds. You can keep a Hibiscus plant in areas where the temperatures drop below 50 degrees F, but these Hibiscuses will rarely flower. When it does flower, the blossoms will typically be very small and sometimes look a little weird. In a cold climate, you should not give your Hibiscus too much water since this will increase the risk of fungal infections. Temperatures below the freezing point should always be avoided. If you take care of your Hibiscus, it will begin to produce buds. Hibiscus buds are typically big and tight. Unfortunately, Hibiscus buds are often attacked by worms and insects that can kill the entire bud. When the buds open up and begin to blossom, you can protect them from parasite attacks by regularly spraying them with water. You can make the Hibiscus flowers last longer by providing them with water and protect them from severe heat. Heavy downpour can harm Hibiscus flowers. If the Hibiscus plant is exposed to temperatures above 95 degrees F, it can begin to drop its buds. This can sometimes be prevented by giving your Hibiscus plant a lot of water and creating some type of shade for it. The plant itself will have no problem surviving temperatures above 100 degrees F as long as it does not become dehydrated. Pruning your Hibiscus is recommended since Hibiscus plants tend to produce flowers on their new shoots. You can cut off shoots and use in flower arrangements, but they will usually last no longer than 24 hours. If you cut off an almost opened bud you can protect it in the refrigerator until its time to use it. Hibiscus plants needs a lot of minerals to do well, including manganese, iron and copper. Giving them some form of flower nutrition or fertilizer is therefore a good idea. Ask your florist for more specified instructions regarding your particular soil and Hibiscus species. Read more about different types of Hibiscus flower such as the Hawaiian Hibiscus flowers Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=William_Berg http://EzineArticles.com/?Hibiscus—Tropical-Beauty&id=143033 order xanax no prescription no prescription xanax using paypal prescription free xanax buy xanax without prescription

Are Tanning Beds Safe? What You Need to Know

Tuesday, January 8th, 2008

By Leanne Williams Tanning salons are a booming business in Western society, bringing in profits in excess of $5 billion a year in the States. Many people feel healthier and more attractive when they have a tan, but there are great concerns about the dangers of tanning beds. So what are the facts? It is a myth that you are only at risk of developing skin cancer if you burn and that therefore tanning beds are a safe alternative. Modern tanning beds emit greater levels of UVA than UVB. UVA rays are less likely than UVB to cause burns but the tanning bulbs multiply the radiation causing them to penetrate deeper, and they are still classified as a carcinogen. Frequent sun bed users are twice as likely to develop basal cell cancer as those who do not use tanning beds. They are also 55 percent more likely to develop the most deadly form of skin cancer, malignant melanoma, which can spread into the lymph system, bones and the organs. Your chances of successful treatment are much greater if it is caught early. The signs to look out for are moles which are asymmetrical, have a ragged appearance to their edges, changes in size or which have a range of different pigmentation within one mole. People who naturally have very little melanin in their skin those who are very fair skinned, freckled, burn easily or tan very little in the sun are at the greatest risk of developing skin problems from the use of tanning beds. Teens are also at greater risk of tanning bed side effects, which is believed by some scientists and dermatologists to be a result of an immature immune system and the fact that they are still growing at a cellular level. Anyone below the age of 18 should avoid tanning beds altogether and should look at alternatives such as sunless tanning lotions (fake tan). Both the UVA and UVB radiation from tanning beds is linked to a greater risk of developing eye disorders such cataracts and cancer of the retina, which can lead to blindness. The likelihood of developing eye problems can be reduced by always wearing protective goggles during your tanning bed sessions. The harmful ultraviolet rays can also damage the immune system. As well as posing risks to health, excessive use of tanning beds can cause dry, itchy skin. In the long term tanning beds are also responsible for premature ageing. This is particularly noticeable on the face where the skin is thinner and more prone to developing fine lines, but the skin of the body as a whole is likely to become saggy and wrinkled, and may also take on a leathery appearance. Despite the risks, many people still prefer to use tanning beds to options such as sunless tanners, and tanning bed enthusiasts can take measures to limit the risks to their health and lessen the effects of premature aging. For instance, it is important to invest in a good tanning lotion, always wear eye goggles and, most importantly, be sensible about how often you use a sun bed. If you are unsure about how often you should be frequenting the tanning salon and how long each session should last, ask the salon attendant for advice. Leanne has had several articles published on the subject of tanning, including tanning lotions. http://www.tanning.about-beauty.net/ Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Leanne_Williams http://EzineArticles.com/?Are-Tanning-Beds-Safe?-What-You-Need-to-Know&id=378387 no prescription xanax xanax online without prescription no prescription xanax using paypal prescription free xanax