Saturday, November 3, 2007

Why a Little Bit of Marketing Does You Good, Especially at Christmas

By Rachel Lane My grandpa, whos a Quaker, used to disapprove of the fact that I ventured into marketing, but hes coming round to my way of thinking, even at the grand age of 92. He is suspicious of marketing (in his mind - a term synonymous with extracting money from a gullible party, for the benefit of corporate greed) and doesnt believe in profit, even though profit itself is not a bad thing. I bring this issue up because in case you hadnt noticed, its going to be Christmas soon and as usual any company which can exploit Christmas as a commercial theme is doing so. But before we exchange our Christmas wreath for cynicism on our front door, sometimes marketing can be beneficial and the creativity in marketing campaigns can be enjoyed by the consumer. Take for instance (but not for instant) Starbucks Coffee Company, no longer is it just a coffee company! If youre still refusing to do your Christmas shopping online, marketing executives at Starbucks have come up with a few ideas so that you can break the shopping up with interludes of Gingerbread Latte, Eggnog Latte or Toffee Nut Latte http://starbucks.co.uk/en-GB/_Favorite+Beverages/Christmas+Beverages.htm You could even come back after the shopping and have a Chocolate Mint Bliss or Mint Chocolate Chip Frappuccino. If marketing brings Gingerbread Lattes, then its got to be a good thing. Its not just the high street shops which are getting festive. Online stores are getting into the Christmas spirit too, even finance companies; the traditional residences of Scrooge type characters. Moneynet, a personal finance information research specialist, has brought out a http://www.moneynet.co.uk/christmas-savings-guide/index.shtml, with a range of money-saving tips to help the innocent consumer navigate their way past loan sharks who feed on the financial difficulties of certain families, particularly at Christmas. But lets not dwell on the doom and gloom, lets think about the children, whats marketing doing for them? Well the Early Learning Centre has developed a special Christmas section (http://www.elc.co.uk/category-720) on its website to inspire parents, grandparents and relatives with ideas of suitable gifts for the children. If your daughter is more into Stevie Wonder than Golden Wonder, then she might be impressed with the Pink Keyboard And Stool; though remember, musical toys last for years not just for Christmas, its your sanity at stake. Marketing and commercial competition has also made a fantastic choice available on the internet and it gives us ideas, when weve run out of inspiration ourselves. So whilst we need to remain sceptical about advertising, there are some advantages to profit investment and Starbucks Chocolate Mint Bliss is one of them. But Christmas isnt just for the kids, its for the big kids too. Justtoys is a site which sells toys for parents, buying toys for their children. If my parents are reading this, or even my colleagues, I quite fancy the http://www.justtoys.com/toy.asp/Toy/33/buy/radio-control-dalek.htm which offers seven phrases triggered by buttons on the remote control, 360 degree on the spot rotational movement and the Dome and Eyestalk move from side to side as it moves. Beats slippers and writing paper any day. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rachel_Lane http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-a-Little-Bit-of-Marketing-Does-You-Good,-Especially-at-Christmas&id=97177 xanax usa online prescription online prescription xanax xanax forum online buy xanax without prescription
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Plant Sterols a Solution for Lowering LDL Cholesterol

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Valerian_D.] Valerian D. Plant sterols or stanols are synthesized only by the plants and they very similar in structure to human cholesterol. Stanols differ structurally from cholesterol by a methyl or ethyl group in their side chains that are not produced in the human body. These structural differences make them minimally absorbable by intestine. On the other hand, plant sterols generate an inhibition of cholesterol absorption. Because many specialist claim that stanols can help reduce LDL cholesterol, manufacturers now begin fortify certain foods with these substances found in plants. The necessary amount of daily plant sterols for getting results is at least 2 grams. Fortified foods such as margarines and orange juices don’t appear to affect levels of triglycerides or of “good” high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Nor do they interfere with the absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E and K) At the same time, studies concluded that the addition of plant sterols in foods helped further lower total cholesterol. Clinicians evaluated a nearly 10 percent reduction in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (LDL is called “bad” cholesterol). Until then, long-term studies conformed absence of adverse effects in all individuals ingesting plant sterol esters. Therefore these products should be used for adult conditions requiring lowering of total and LDL cholesterol levels. However their use as a dietary addition in moderate to severely hypercholesterolemic children can be considered if the fat-soluble vitamin status is close monitored. Recently, scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis made a pill containing plant sterols. They suggests that this pill might be effective. and more safety. Valerian D is a freelance writer interested issues that requires a social concern such as [http://www.mens-health-events.info/lifestyle.php] healthy lifestyle and nutrition Article Source: [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Valerian_D. ] http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Valerian_D. [http://ezinearticles.com/?Plant-Sterols-a-Solution-for-Lowering-LDL-Cholesterol&id=158814 ] http://EzineArticles.com/?Plant-Sterols-a-Solution-for-Lowering-LDL-Cholesterol&id=158814 order generic xanax online with no prescription buy 1 mg xanax buy xanax 2 mg without prescription xanax available without a prescription
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Friday, November 2, 2007

How To Hire a Candidate On Contract Basis

By Tali Nizic Your search for a professional on contract/project is very different than your search for the full-time employee. Throughout the many years of my recruiting experience, I have collected feedback from employers and candidates alike. Fact: You will hire the candidate primarily because of their personality, chemistry and fit with the rest of the team and the organization. Hand the search over to a reputable staffing agency specializing in the placement of Accounting and Finance Professionals on contract and project basis. Once the agency presented you with the finalists, it is the interview that gives you the opportunity to watch the candidate present themselves at their best. It is the candidate’s opportunity to make a positive impression on you. You will be looking to hire the candidate, which is able to “hit the ground running, and handle the task at hand while you continue with your work. Some of the reasons to hire someone on a contract basis: Your controller resigned, and year-end is around the corner. Your accounting manager will be going off on a maternity leave. It has been decided that it is time to upgrade the accounting software. There is a special project to get done within a tight deadline. And other circumstances, which do not require hiring a candidate on a full time basis. This is when you will hand the search over to a reputable staffing agency. One, which will do the leg work for you while you continue with your busy daily schedule. The Process: Invest an hour of your time and meet with the Search Consultant. It is important to understand your environment the personalities, which the candidate will be working for and with, and the skill set required to accomplish the task at hand. This one-hour of your valuable time will ensure that you will end up with the right candidate. As you are looking for an individual that is able to “hit the ground running”, independent and does not require a lot of support, do not shy away from an over qualified candidate. The information was shared with the candidate and they are o.k. with the task at hand. Experience has taught us that the end result is a win/win situation. Unlike the search for a full time candidate where the emphasis in the final decision making rests with the longer term contributions of the candidate and how it fits with the organizational vision and structure. The candidate may not be 100% skill developed as of yet, however they have the potential to grow and develop within the organization. Hiring a candidate on a contract basis is of a totally different mind set. It is important that the candidate be able to “hit the ground running”, have the right chemistry for the team and be able to perform the task at hand to your fullest satisfaction. To attract the right candidate, know your specific needs. Write down the roles and responsibilities of the position, so that when the Placement Consultant speaks with the candidate they will be able to screen themselves in or out. Make sure you know how the position fits into the organization, what skills, education and personality requirements are of the successful candidate. Know what your budget is. Decide whether you would like a fully designated candidate or whether a candidate working toward a designation, or one which has reached a certain level and gained hands on experience will be able to do the job just as well. These factors will determine your budget as well. Ask yourself: Are you getting the most suitable candidate for the task at hand? Does the level of remuneration match the candidate’s previous work history? More importantly: Are you getting full value? We found that the candidate’s commitment to the duration of the contract is of outmost importance. You want to ensure that the candidate you are hiring through the agency is 100% committed to the assignment, will not leave in the middle for a better opportunity. At the same time the candidate seeks a commitment from you as well. It must be clear for both parties that there is a start date and an end date. Extension of the contract is an option. During the interview, ask the candidates: ” Are you looking for full time employment?” ” What would you do in the event that one of these positions comes through for you during the course of the contract”? When committing to a contract term, do not make it too short. The candidate will be planning for their next position well in advance. As soon as you know that you will need the candidate for a longer term than initially agreed upon, let them know and work out the extension details. A successful interview is one, which is planned and prepared for. Keep the interview itself to no more than an hour long. It is important to assess the candidate’s soft skills as well as potential fit within the organizational culture. Take notes during the interview. It will assist you in your final selection. Prior to making your final selection, discuss the business references obtained by the staffing agency you are working with. It is good practice to have obtained a minimum of 3 business references consisting of: direct supervisor, subordinate or external auditor. When working with a staffing agency, the candidate becomes an employee of the agency. As such, the hourly rate to you is an all-inclusive rate. It is the agency’s responsibility to withhold all statutory deductions, or any other wage related costs. Always believe in yourself and trust the process! We wish you best of luck in your search for qualified human resources! Copyright 2001 Controllers On Call. All Rights Reserved. Tali is the President & CEO of Controllers On Call, (http://www.controllersoncall.ca) niche staffing organization specializing in the placement of middle to executive level Accounting, Finance and Human Resources professionals either on contract or full time positions. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tali_Nizic http://EzineArticles.com/?How-To-Hire-a-Candidate-On-Contract-Basis&id=240473 mexico pharmacy xanax prescription xanax without us prescription buy cheap levitra xanax xenical xanax no prescription required
Posted by errol in 10:50:18 | Permalink | Comments Off