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Category — Management

Real Estate Investing 101

When you think of virtual real estate investing, a number of things may come to mind. You may think of real estate investing as real estate portfolios and real estate retirement plans and hard money lenders, or you might focus on short sales, bulk reo investing and virtual real estate investing. You likely also are wondering how these things factor into real estate investors roles in the current economy.

There is a great deal to know about real estate investing. To get the most out of real estate investing education, be familiar with basic information ahead of time. Short sales, bulk reo sales, virtual real estate and general real estate investor abilities all are improved by knowing some basics of real estate investing. Here are three real estate investing basics that even some experts do not really know:

1. You always will get a positive result from investing in real estate investing education. Every good real estate deal represents thousands of dollars in potential wealth. The knowledge of how to get that wealth is the key to your success. Learning about real estate increases your chances of success when you do a real estate deal. Small investments yield big results when you invest in learning and then implement what you learn.

2. You can succeed in real estate investing in any economy. Many people think (wrongly) that you can only succeed in real estate when the economy booms. You should remember that a bad economic situation is not usually bad for real estate investors. You frequently can get properties at deep discounts. You could also locate deals that would not exist in a booming economy. Poor economies can turn based on active real estate investing. Short sales, bulk reo sales and virtual real estate all thrive when the economy is less than thriving. You can save yourself from financial difficulty along with others by knowing how to do these deals.

3. You do not need to have a great deal of money if you want to be a successful real estate investor. You can succeed in the real estate investing arena no matter how much money you are working with. Many types of deals enable you to use other people’s money to do them. Private lenders will let you use their money if they know that you are a good investment. An investor who is a good investment knows as much as they can when it comes to real estate investing. This will enable you to show people who have money for real estate investing but may not know how to use it that you are a good investment.

Real estate investing is a good way to generate a great deal of wealth. You can create a good income no matter what the state of the economy. Using knowledge of real estate investing, short sales, bulk reo sales and virtual real estate you will be able to create success for yourself. Knowing the basics of real estate investing will help you succeed as a real estate investor. Knowing some real estate investing basics (beyond what older gurus like Robert Allen teach) and applying them will help you succeed as a real estate investor.

Great real estate investing resources are available at RealEstate.BryanEllis.com.

March 8, 2010   No Comments

Employee Evaluations Using Idea Mapping

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Employee evaluations are an important part of any business. The process of giving feedback concerning employees’ work performance and behavior is instrumental for both employers and employees in creating a mutually successful working environment. Often times, employee evaluations involve the employer filing out a form containing a list of questions about the employee along a variety of evaluative criteria. This linear listing of criteria is not the most intuitive way to present information, for either the employer or employee. A more creative and intuitive way to complete this evaluation process is to use Idea Mapping. In contrast to the traditional form, an Idea Map allows the employer to summarize the employee’s strengths, weaknesses, and core competencies in one, visually stimulating, and creative document. Thus, the employer has the ability to “map out” his or her feedback regarding employees in a way that is easier for all parties to understand.

What is Idea Mapping?

Idea Mapping is a means of organizing information using an Idea Map, which is a “colorful, single-page visual that captures [a person’s] thinking in key words and images.” Idea Mapping is widely believed to be a much more effective means of conceptualizing information than traditional outlining, because it uses a spatial, rather than linear, approach to help define the information. When using an Idea Map, both hemispheres of the brain are engaged, allowing the brain to process information in a manner consistent with its natural functioning. The result is the ability to “plan, communicate, remember, organize, innovate, and learn” information quickly and efficiently.1

Using an Idea Map in Employee Evaluations

An employer has been asked to perform employee evaluations for each member of his work team. He wants to use Idea Mapping to organize each evaluation, so that his employees can view his feedback in a constructive way that is easy for them to process and understand. He begins each Idea Map by representing the employee’s evaluation with a central graphic located in the center of the map. He then divides the map into four sections, “Strengths”, “Weaknesses”, “Core Competencies”, and “Areas Needing Improvement”, by listing each of the sections on “branches” attached to the central topic. Next, he lists any specific feedback he has for the employee concerning each section on “child branches” attached to the “branches”. Lastly, he fills in the Idea Map using colors, key images, and pictures to make the map more associative. The attached Map diagram is an example of what an employee evaluation might look like if constructed in the manner described.

Advantages of Idea Mapping for Increasing Employee Performance

The attached described Idea Map has a couple of distinct advantages over traditional employee evaluations for increasing employee performance. Firstly, the map is laid out in a creative and intuitive manner, making it easier for the employee to internalize the employer’s feedback. The employee can clearly see how well he or she is doing in each area of evaluation in one graphic snapshot, rather than having to skim through a page or pages of words describing his or her performance. Secondly, the Idea Map provides employees with several points of visual association, making the evaluation incredibly easy to internalize and recall. The employee can, thus, refer back to the map during his or her workday as a way of judging how well he or she is performing the job. Both the clarity with which the evaluation is presented, and the inherent facilitation of easy recall contained in the map, lets employees know what is required in order to perform effectively within the company. Idea Mapping, therefore, gives both employer and employees the tools to give and receive constructive feedback, and increase employee functioning within the organization.

March 6, 2010   No Comments

Personal Injury Solicitors And Why We Need Them When We Have Had An Accident At Work

META: People who do suffer an accident at work are often fearful of approaching a personal injury solicitor in order to make a claim. Claiming what you are entitled to is a must if you have suffered from an accident that actually occurred through no fault of your own.

First and foremost, as an employee, please bear in mind that most companies do not usually care less about you. Most are only ever concerned about protecting their company’s reputation and revenue. Alas, absolute loyalty and commitment to employees is very rarely found by any company. If you do feel total loyalty towards your company and are scared of the repercussions of having to make a claim through a personal injury solicitor, there is a definite reason why you are feeling so anxious in the first place and your employer would have made you feel that way.

Thinking about you is now what we need to look at! Completely place your loyalty towards your employer to one side for a moment and consider the following:

? Have you suffered an accident that was not your fault?
As a result of this accident as an injury been suffered?
Have you suffered pain, suffering or financial loss?
Employer’s negligence - was the accident a result of this?

If you are able to answer affirmatively to the above questions, you have a definite cause to approach a personal injury solicitor.

You must bear in mind that all employers have a duty of care towards their employees and when this duty has been breached, it is only fitting that this company accepts responsibility accordingly. Employees, all too often, lose out due to the negligence and breach of duty of care by their employer; this can be in terms of the level of pain and discomfort they suffer as well as financial. Why on earth should these employees carry the can for this? Protecting their best interests is obviously what any employer will do, but this simply is not good enough. They need to act accordingly and reward their employees appropriately.

Specific liability insurance should be be taken out by any employer in case of events like this. Since the money is covered through the relevant insurance company, I’m not sure what the fuss is about; anyone would think the money was coming out of their own pocket.

There are some very good reasons why employment laws exist. Employees have been protected in the workplace to try and ensure that the Dickensian levels of care and negligence do not return. Abiding by these crucial laws, whether they like it or not, is something that employers do not have a choice over. If you have suffered through their negligence, and the laws have been broken, then YOU have every right to seek compensation.

Taking on your employer can be a very frightening prospect, but the very best ones will fully understand your need to recover money through personal injury solicitors. If they don’t, which is probably the most likely, tough! These laws have been legislated in the first instance to protect you from such tyrannical employers and it is your fundamental right to pursue the remedies that are available.

 

 

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March 4, 2010   No Comments

Buying Brand Name Ink Printer Cartridges

Because of the abundance of low-cost remanufactured printers cartridges, several laser printer users have resorted to them as an option to purchasing original cartridges. Yet, producers are warning against the lures of low-cost ink printer cartridges.

Laser printer organizations such as Brother have released new studies that demonstrate the disadvantages of remanufactured printer cartridges. A quality analysis called QualityLogic proved that 35% of used cartridge for printer break down immediately after setting up. This proportion in addition includes those that are found to be on the blink following meticulous assessment. With original inkjet printer ink cartridges, the tests resulted in 0% cartridge malfunction frequency. Outside inquiries also supports the superior superiority and acceptability of printouts produced by original cartridges. Where a stunning 25% of copies from rebuilt cartridges was determined unacceptable, a measly 2% of HP’s copies were measured in the identical category. 98% of the occasion, you acquire the print quality you deserve by utilizing original cartridges. This furthermore spares you with reprinting mediocre pages, thus saving you a sizeable amount of time, paper and funds. The original printers cartridges also employ inventive ink systems and print head technologies that might not be present in generic kinds of cartridge.

Where rebuilt cartridges may well give you quick-fix savings, they can prove to be a problem to you in the long run. Apart from producing low-quality copies, they may perhaps also trigger clogging and leaking troubles that can drastically lower your printer’s economic life. So consider twice before taking those low-cost, remanufactured ink printer cartridges home. Projecting the fee of reprints and upkeep that you would have to go through, you could truly be paying more than what you bargained for.

As always, the choice is for the end user to make themselves, nevertheless with those kinds of ink printer cartridges before you, you would beyond doubt make a perfect choice that can go with your finances and your printing needs. So next time you take a journey to the nearby shop, you don’t need to waste your time grappling your decision concerning quality and cost, since you already know that there are ready alternatives for a purchaser like you.

March 4, 2010   No Comments

Benefits Of Managing Your Home Based Workers

Do you work from home? If you are, you may enjoy the fact that you are able to work from the comfort of your own home. Although working from home is nice, there are some home based workers who find themselves in trouble with their supervisors, find themselves having difficultly meeting deadlines, and so forth.

When many individuals, especially home based workers, think of office management, traditional workplace settings are often the first thing that comes to mind. Yes, this is most often the case, but it is important to note that even home based workers can benefit from office management. Even if you are your only employee, it is advised that you develop an office management plan for yourself, as there are a number of benefits to doing so.

The first step in creating an office management plan for yourself is examining your workplace. Do you have a home office? Although you may not have a separate room to use for your office, you are still advised to have your own space. This space must at least include an office desk. If at all possible, you may want to try and create your own office. This can be made by examining all walk-in closets in your home or by setting up an office curtain, which can act as office doors and walls. Having your own space is the primary step in ensuring that your at-home operations are professionally operated.

Speaking of creating a real office feel, it is important to know that there are a number of benefits to doing so. Many home based workers are known to produce better results and be more productive when working in a professional setting. This does not mean that you cannot work from a convenient location inside or outside of your home; it just means that you should consider having an office space for you in your home, even if you use it only on occasion. This extra step is one that may prove beneficial and profitable to you.

Another step that you can take, to create an office management plan for yourself, is by using office management software. Office management software comes in a number of various formats, but it is designed to ease the running of a business. Many enable you to keep all important information, such as billing records, customer records, and so forth, in one location. If you are a contract worker for another company or if you created a business comprised of other home based workers, you may want to purchase office management software that is web based, as all can benefit from its use, namely the ability to easily communicate and share important information.

One simple step that you can take to bring more order to your home based office is by acting as if you have someone to answer to. You will desire to do this even if you are your own boss. This may help to enhance your productivity and your performance. It is no secret that many work harder and produce better results when they have someone to answer to.

The above mentioned points are all points that you will want to take into consideration, if you are a home based worker or if you are looking to become one. You may think that it is effortless working from home but most people work harder than when in the office.

This article was brought to you by affiliate marketing tool, your affiliate marketing help to web affiliate programs that work.

February 23, 2010   No Comments

Real Estate Investing Strategies For Today’s Market

When you think of virtual real estate investing, a number of things may come to mind. You may think of real estate investing as real estate portfolios and real estate retirement plans, or you might focus on short sales, bulk reo investing and virtual real estate investing. You may also consider what roles these things play in your life as a real estate investor in different economies.

There is a lot to learn about real estate investing. Knowing the basics of real estate investing education is a good way to get the most out of every lesson. Short sales, bulk reo sales, virtual real estate and general real estate investor abilities all are improved by knowing some basics of real estate investing. You should review these three real estate investing basics to learn things even some experts do not know:

1. You will always get a positive yield with real estate investing education. In any real estate deal, there will be thousands of dollars in potential wealth. Understanding how to get that wealth will be the key to your success. Learning about real estate increases your chances of success when you do a real estate deal. Small investments in education yield big results upon implementation.

2. Real estate investing success is possible in any economy. Many people think (wrongly) that you can only succeed in real estate when the economy booms. In fact a bad economy is not a bad economy for real estate investors. You will likely find properties that you can buy at deep discounts. Also, you might find deals that simply could not exist in a booming economy. Real estate investing often is what turns the tide for poor economies. Short sales, bulk reo sales and virtual real estate all thrive when the economy is less than thriving. You can save yourself and others from major financial woes if you know how to do these deals.

3. You will not need lots of money to be a successful real estate investor. You can be a success in real estate investing no matter how much money you have on your own. There are many deals that will let you use other people’s money to do them. Private lenders will let you use their money if they know that you are a good investment. The best way to look like a solid investment is to have an in-depth knowledge of real estate investing. This will enable you to show people who have money for real estate investing but may not know how to use it that you are a good investment.

A good deal of wealth can be generated with real estate investing. You will be able to create an income no matter what the economy. Using knowledge of real estate investing, short sales, bulk reo sales and virtual real estate you will be able to create success for yourself. Real estate investing basic knowledge will help you succeed as a real estate investor.

Great real estate investing resources are available at RealEstate.BryanEllis.com.

February 13, 2010   No Comments

Worried about credit card PCI security audit?

Restaurants to take into action the set of security rules from the credit card industry

Tens of thousands of restaurants have been burdening the credit card industry for not fully protecting their customers’ credit card info from potential theft, with Visa, MasterCard and financial institutions that process electronic payment over the months are sending warning letters and conducting seminars. This forces restaurants into taking actions on how to further safeguard their diners’ credit card information.

For the companies that process card transactions, there are many food service establishments that are not complying with the security rules set by the credit card industry.  For as long as a food service establishment takes plastic, they are required to follow a set of security regulations instituted by Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.

Data recorded by Visa indicates that since January 2005, restaurants made up around 40 percent of incidents in which criminals gained unauthorized access to credit card information — accounting for the largest percentage of incidents for a merchant category.

Separately, there are reports from a Chicago-based data security auditor, AmbironTrustWave, for merchants that with the 62% security violations it witnessed during the prior 18 months are with the restaurant industry.

The violations involved different kinds of security lapses such as poor guarding of wireless networks — which easily enable thieves to access sensitive information just outside of the parking lot using a laptop — and lax systems that make it possible for unethical employees to grab credit card information.

Oftentimes, consumers are unaware when their credit card information is in danger. Although, not all security breaches are successful, and mostly, merchants do not recognize these incidents unless there is a significant likelihood that a major fraud will take place or has already been identified. Also, companies that issues credit cards don’t usually close a customer’s account except if fraud has taken place.

Restaurateurs may have a rough time with credit card security rules, since its regulations can be very hard for small merchants. The National Restaurant Association trade group says that it hears from restaurant owners who thought they complied with rules, but found out their systems were not functioning properly and were penalized.

An amount of 0,000 or more in some cases have been fined to restaurants that violated the credit card industry rules by storing credit card information. In 2006, Visa fined merchants across all categories .6 million for security violations, an increase from the .4 million in fines the previous year.

After recently conducting special security briefings with several hundred restaurants, although they declined to provide a breakdown of merchant types, Visa believes a merchant group needs additional attention.

At the same time, the companies that process credit cards have also turned the heat on restaurants. These companies, as punishment, will end services to those who disregards the security regulations.

Credit card companies are especially worried about specialized software restaurants use, which combine such features as tabulating bills, delivering orders to the kitchen and tracking reservations. Since credit card companies cannot require software makers to abide by their security rules, they instead apply pressure to restaurants. Visa has a list of software programs that meet its requirements maintained on their web site.

But software programmers that even with the best software, restaurants could be in heaps of trouble if they have a weak password protection or firewalls. Software companies say it is not up to them to let restaurateurs know what they must do to be in compliance with credit card rules.

 


 

The author of this article writes for POS-For-Restaurants.com, a VP of Customer Relations with over 20 years experience in restaurant point of sale system, helping restaurant owners nationwide increase their efficiency and bottom-line profits.

You may visit POS-For-Restaurants.com for more information on how our national network of restaurant point of sale experts can help your business achieve greater success in these difficult economic times.

 

February 13, 2010   No Comments

With A “New Year Computer Checklist” Your Restaurant POS System Is In Good Health

Start out the year right for your restaurant POS systems. Let’s discuss some of the most common and crucial mistakes that retail business owners make in regard to some very basic configuration aspects of the computer system. Mistakes can heavily damage a restaurant or any other retail business, not to mention the waste of time and money on repairs. Even worse than that… it can frustrate your guests and staff.

Whether you’re the one who’s going to configure your restaurant’s computer system or not somebody else to do it for you] — it’s important for you to make sure everything is done properly.

Please don’t let me be guilty of giving you the wrong idea. I do not always recommend configuring your own computer system! I recommend letting a professional do the work. But I’m sure some of you will do it yourself no matter what I say. So this is for those of you that insist on doing your own system installations and for everyone else to double check and make sure everything was done properly. This could help you avoid some major problems and save hours of precious time.

So here are some simple retail computer system configuration checklist for a Windows network you could follow:

1) Install a Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)
The main cause of electronic component failure is from fluctuations in electricity (up and down). A good UPS can solve this problem by providing clean power. I would recommedn getting a good UPS for your server. And it’s a good idea to use them on every worstations too.

2) Plug All Your Cables Into the UPS
Make sure all cables that power your computer and network are plugged into your UPS. You also need to check if the cables that are plugged into a surge protector or UPS are carrying the right amount of power. For example, the phone line for your modem can easily heat up and fry your computer if it’s not plugged into a surge protector. So you better make sure that all cables are plugged properly. Your modem line, network cables, and power cords can cause severe damage if not plugged properly.

3) Passwords and Security
At the very least, I suggest locking down your server with a password on all Windows accounts so your employees and hackers have more difficulty messing with your server.

4) Install Anti-virus and Anti-Spyware Software and Configure For Automatic Updates
Make sure that all your secirity tools are configured to automatically update every day, so you don’t forget.

5) Limit Your Employees’ Internet Access

Employees that surf the internet can cause more problems than anything. Anti-virus and anti-spyware software does help but if an employee unwittingly downloads the wrong program or accepts the wrong message, it can cause some serious damage to your system. You can avoid this by disabling internet browsing on your computers. Or another option is to protect internet access with a password.

For restaurant owners, this is very important! In order to protect secured files from evil hands, limiting employee internet access is a must. A retail business owner has to enforce rules to protect his business as well as his profit. Otherwise, what good will a restaurant POS system do if it’s run by a misbahaved or ignorant personnel.

6) Configure Your Back Up To Run Every Night
In many situations, it’s still best to configure your back up to run after work hours automatically. But you still need to remember to change your back up device (like tapes) every day.

7) The Importance of Testing Your Back Up Regularly
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve talked with several people that have hard drive failure and think they have a good back up plan to restore. But when they try to restore they find it hasn’t been working for months or years. That’s why it is very important to test your back up at least once a month by restoring files so you would know that it your back up is working properly. By the way, you should restore to an alternate file location so you don’t mess up your existing software.

Avoid having regrest by forgetting to do these simple checklist. It’s not a waste of time and it’s not just for your business, employees and customers but for your own sake as well.

With over 20 years of restaruant experience, the author and Vice President of Customer Relations at POS-for-Restaurants.com, helps you use your technology to be more efficient and more profitable.

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February 3, 2010   No Comments

Are You Working Harder Than Your Employees? Move Your Employees Into The High Performance Zone!

WHAT IS PARTICIPATIVE MANAGEMENT?

Participative management is a method, which gives employees responsibility, accountability, and appropriate authority over their work. The method provides simple tools for employees to improve their work performance and positively impact the bottom line. The process provides an environment to make employee needs known and creates a vehicle for improved communication between all areas of the organization. What sets this strategic method apart is that subordinate’s suggestions are, in fact, employed. Employees resolve their own problems and feel powerful in the process of doing so.

BE PATIENT, THIS IS THEORETICAL TO BEGIN WITH 

Executives and employees learn to redesign their workplace to be participative and self-managing. This does not mean you do away with management.Employees are not solicited to execute tasks that they are not able to accomplish. There may be training involved to improve skill sets.  This does not resemble laissez-faire management in any way. Executives and subordinates study a section of work and pose the relevant questions relative to roles and responsibilities and their need to be located within work limitations essential to achieving individual and organization goals? The idea is to allow as much responsibility, accountability, and reasonable authority to people actually doing the work. Participative management addresses the criteria for superior performance. These proven points have been extensively studied, in the plant tested in every country with surprising results in many types of work environments. Participative management produces a labor force that is dedicated to attaining positive outcomes for their companies for example improved production and quality. People are enthusiastic, inspired and are prepared to give additional energy to advance job performance. Participative management works best when the organization has a clear and compelling mission and vision. Employees can then align their personal mission and vision to support the organization.

Participative Management provides goal clarity while management retains organizational control without appearing overly dominant. There is still a hierarchy but it is not a dominant hierarchy, which dictates everything to employees. A non-dominant hierarchy has as many levels as are necessary to do the work of the organization.  People have clear roles and responsibilities and manage themselves as much as possible. Leadership notifies their people what the strategies and expectations are relative to outcomes but permits the people to shape and figure out how deliver on management’s requirements. Top management still decides strategy and front line employees still focus on their primary tasks.

Management in most organizations is constantly attempting to get people more involved in improving the organization. People run up against a brick wall because of the bureaucratic structures that still exist in their organizations. This occurs even after many attempts at improvement. Management has not made it to people’s advantage to participate, communicate, and share what they know with teammates.

 

HERE THE THEORETICAL BECOMES PRACTICAL - PROFIT & SUCCESS!

Examples of participative management…

Results working with Participative management consultant-business at a Manufacturing Plant were dramatic.

Productivity: 2500 lbs per hour to 4000 lbs. More than 50% improvement

Waste: scrap and reject reduced 85% 

Safety: 6 incidents to once a year

People’s ability to participate has greatly improved the speed and quality of production.

 

Mental Health Clinic helped turn around the performance and increase productivity.

Increased face time with clients by 33%.

Freedom to choose preferred assignment

Greater fit between the individuals interests and skills improves both the quality of service and overall morale.

Long-term Results: created cross-functional teams, Improved communication, other clinics use the work to improve their own work processes. 

 

Oil Company in Canada

40% increase in productivity with minimal technical changes.

Costs were reduced 20%.

 

If organizations want to create an environment where people give their best and create positive results then Participative Management is a useful and practical tool. These are methods that honor people and the creative talent they have to offer. With Participative Management all stakeholders win- management, employees, clients and the community. 

February 3, 2010   No Comments

Controlling Your Inbox

Getting too many emails, especially unwanted ones can be an annoying business for someone leading an extremely busy work life. But emails are actually a medium of communication many organizations use to promote their product range. These emails can be sent in bulk form to the recipients. The sad thing to note is that some bulk emails are blocked by various email account providers.

 

Having good email management software can be beneficial for a company facing such problems. Let’s look at what more benefits bulk emailing has. Unlike trying to sell a product in a showroom, emailing provides the chance to communicate directly to the target market in a more efficient manner. Advertising and other promotional costs can be cut down through the use of email. Organizations who are in the process of trying to sell products and services can be sure of profiting with the lesser usage of print media, advertisements on the radio or the television.  Seattle Bellevue Renton HCG Diet & Weight Loss

 

When bulk emails are blocked as spam, email management software can unblock these and allow the recipient to view the mail from their inbox. Management of bulk emails and managing large volumes of emails received each day from the hundreds of customers is done by this email management software. As a result, inbound inquiries made by customers can be responded to in a quick and effective manner.   Seattle HCG Diet & Weight Loss.

 

Most companies that use email management software can be sure of being able to send auto-responses and also recommend responses to their agents. There are also software’s that help in tracking customer queries. If you like to send emails that are more customized and personalized, email management software could do it for you. Such emails could be sent to selected recipients or groups.  Seattle Bellevue Renton HCG Diet & Weight Loss.

 

With bulk emails, having a good bulk email management software could solve the problem of sending it to the target market. This type of software would usually have email templates, a tracking system and also a contact list of the management capabilities. Being able to handle both text and HTML messages would be a plus point in a bulk email management software program.

 

A good tracking system in the email management software will assist in measuring the response rate of a selected email campaign. Most of the email management software will give you the chance of checking if the email messages that were sent were delivered or read by the recipient. Having a multiple list on the address book will make it easier when dealing with customers for future dealings.

 

 

 

 

January 27, 2010   No Comments