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Showing posts with label real. Show all posts
Showing posts with label real. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

How Much $ Did Your Email Campaign Make You Today?


When you send out an email marketing campaign, you probably get a spike in sales, so you think it worked right? Right! BUT, wouldn't it be great to track the sale directly from those who clicked on your links in your email campaign?

We use our own feature for Click-to-Conversion tracking here and we love it, it can really be valuable.

If you've got a confirmation page, you can either use the VerticalResponse Click-to-Conversion tracker, OR you can use your free Google Analytics account.

RESPECT - Find Out What it Means to Me


Well, it's the end of the year and you're not only sending a ton of email but you're getting it too, right? Retailers are going nuts trying to get as much as they can out of the short season. I'm seeing an email every 30 seconds pop into my inbox and I'm sure many of you have it just the same. Bloomie's and Nieman Marcus are up to 2-3 mailings a DAY right now, but they mail every day anyway, so that's not completely out of the ordinary. On top of that, the businesses who market to businesses are feeling the end-of-year crunch so they're having fire sales for their goods and services too.

What really got me this year was the sheer number of retailers I've purchased from last year, that didn't send me one email until November. Now by inbox runneth over with emails from them.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Blogging – ten sites you need to know

Now that you are part of the blogging phenomenon that has spread all around the world, or you simply aspire to learn something about the online community, there is plenty of assistance you can find online to help you optimize your own blog the best way you want.

For instance, a host giant like www.xanga.com provides a great chance to start a blog on your own; it is a good opportunity for anyone interested in joining a world-wide community that shares pictures, videos, thoughts and points of view. Furthermore, you'll also get precious information from many domains.

Another such great host site is www.myspace.com where you may register your blog under a variety of categories depending on the theme and topic. There is a wide selection of users and definitely good quality traffic if you make the blog worth visiting.

For those who want to make some money with their blogs, by advertising, I strongly recommend www.adsense.com, a Google-joint program that enables bloggers to make a really good income. How come? On this site you closely follow all the necessary steps to choose the ads (both images and text) that best match your blog content.

It is the same business direction that triggers lots of queries in terms of Internet marketing: you may learn more about the bright or the dark sides of the web by having a look at http://www.marketingquickiesv2.com/ionut/first20.html.

Blogging takes time and effort, and you can definitely avoid some mistakes other pros warn against by permanently inquiring on new stratagems to use with Adsense; after all you have to make as much money as you can. Hence, http://www.marketingquickiesv2.com/adsense-adwords-marketing.html is a site that should teach you something.

You should also need to subscribe to one of the many sites that provide blog lists so that you may be more easily found by interested users. http://www.blogcatalog.com/ is a good choice to promote your blog and create traffic.

In the same listing categories we have to mention the giant http://dir.yahoo.com/news_and_media/blogs/ that is one comprehensive directory where you'll definitely want to have your blog subscribed. The same stays true for http://directory.google.com/Top/Computers/Internet/On_the_Web/Weblogs/ that functions according to the same working principles.

We should also point out to a “blog on blogs” that is definitely worth visiting given the large amount of information on the topic: http://www.problogger.net/. For someone who is just learning the rules of the game, there is much to find out here!

Last but not least, there are all sorts of professional sites that can help you with the tools you actually need for blogging. Here I refer to http://asymptomatic.net/blogbreakdown.htm and other similar pages that may guide and assist you in the attempt to find the software that best matches your blog. Good luck!

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Iomega eGo Portable Hard Drive


Who knew file storage could be so chic? The 160 GB eGo has enough room to hold up to 640,000 digital photos, 2,900 hours of music or 240 hours of video (depending, of course, on the compression rate). A new dual-interface version works over USB or FireWire and comes with both types of cords. If you accidentally knock the eGo off your desk, the shock-absorbing case will protect the important documents and precious media stored inside.

FlyTech Dragonfly


WowWee's flying insect soars, dive-bombs, hovers and glides using authentic flapping-wing action, which makes it the first commercially available toy ornithopter. It's lightweight (about 1 oz.) yet sturdy, and sports a 16-in. wingspan. The two-channel radio remote lets you control wing speed and tail rotor speed and doubles as a charging base (a 20-min. recharge gives you about 6 min. of flying time). The kids will love it — if you can bear to let them have it for a while.

Toshiba Portégé R500-S5004


This ultra thin-and-light notebook is a dream machine for road warriors. It runs on an Intel Core 2 Duo processor and offers 2 GB of RAM, an integrated DVD burner and graphics card and built-in wireless capability (both wi-fi and Bluetooth). The 12.1-in. widescreen LED-backlit display is super slim and displays in high-definition (1280 x 820 pixels). With the S5004 model you get a solid-state hard drive, which means no fragile spinning parts, so the machine is less likely to suffer damage if dropped or bumped. Total weight: 2.4 lbs.

Samsung P2


The slim and sexy P2 sounds terrific and plays a variety of music file formats: MP3, WMA and songs from subscription services like Rhapsody and Yahoo Music. The pretty 3-in. screen has touch controls for viewing photos and watching videos, which are displayed at a DVD-quality rate of 30 frames per second. The device also works with BlueTooth headsets and speakers, and soon you will be able to receive forwarded calls from a BlueTooth cell phone. (You'll have to download what's called a firmware upgrade from the Samsung website, but don't worry, it's not as difficult as it sounds.) Comes with 4 GB of memory for $200, or 8 GB for $250.

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Sony Handycam HDR-CX7


The CX7 records rich high-definition footage straight to a flash memory card (Sony's Memory Stick PRO Duo), so it feels light and compact in your palm, and the 2.7-in. LCD screen features touch controls for set up and playback. Should you get the shakes while shooting, the CX7 has the ability to stabilize the image (using optics, which is more effective than a digital correction) and smooth out the action. A built-in HDMI port lets you connect the camera to an HDTV and watch your home movies in all their high-def glory.

Palm Centro


Do you secretly covet your friend's smart phone while dismissing it as way overpriced? The new Palm Centro provides an opportunity to get all the essential smart-phone features without breaking the bank. This light and bright device supports Web surfing, emailing, instant messaging and text messaging, and sports a 1.3-megapixel camera and a touch screen that works best with a stylus. A mobile version of Google Maps comes preloaded. The qwerty keypad is seriously small, but the bubble-like tactile design of the individual keys makes them easier targets.

Netgear SPH200W Wi-Fi Skype Phone

This cordless wi-fi phone comes with Skype software already built in, so you can log in to an existing account and start making cheap Internet calls immediately. If you've never used Skype before, do not fear: It takes a few moments to create a new account and you can do it right from the phone's keypad. (The first 10 minutes are free; after that, you'll want to visit Skype.com from your computer to sign up for a service plan with a credit card.) The phone will also work at most public hotspots (including T-Mobile's) so if you have lots of friends overseas, you may not want to leave home without it.

Top 10 Gadgets

1. Apple iPhone

The iPhone changed the way we think about how mobile media devices should look, feel and perform. The design is exceptional inside and out: It's got a slick glass-and-stainless steel case and an elegant touch screen loaded with eye candy. It's an iPod and a 2-megapixel camera. Images and video clips display vertically or horizontally — they reorient themselves depending on how you hold the thing. When the phone detects a wireless network within range — your own home wi-fi set up or somebody else's — it lets you tap once to connect, and then proceed with your Web surfing, Google mapping, emailing and other activities that can otherwise be painfully slow over AT&T's cellular network — the only one, unfortunately, that carries iPhone calls.


2. Nikon Coolpix S51c


Have you ever maxed out your digital camera's memory card midway through a vacation? The 8-megapixel Nikon Coolpix S51c point-and-shoot is tricked out with built-in wireless capability, so you can email your images or beam them directly from the camera to your Flickr account or to Nikon's own online photo bank. It's also got a 3x zoom and a roomy 3-in. LCD screen — and it comes in black.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Planning For Construction Cost Escalations



Since late 2003 construction costs nationwide have been rising faster than the rate of general inflation, especially in the arid West. Various indexes have put national construction cost increases at 4 to 10 percent over the past year. Moreover, material costs nationwide have increased more than 2 percent just this September alone. And, with the impact of the recent hurricanes now being felt, construction costs are expected to rise 5 to 10 percent nationwide in the future.

Why is the West feeling the pinch? Increasing construction costs can be attributed to two major factors: an increase in new construction starts, and a shortage of materials. Current and planned construction starts alone are currently at $1.5 billion.

The effect is that architects, general contractors, engineers and sub-contractors have an abundance of work from which to chose, and therefore can now be more selective than in past years. Accordingly, competition is less price-sensitive. Since we have emerged from the "contractor surplus" seen in the early 2000's, there is now a relative "shortage" of qualified professionals to fulfill the demand of current and future projects.

Material shortages are another reason for construction cost escalations. Local material shortages are now being compounded by the nation-wide effect that the natural disasters in southeast United States have brought on. Material shortages not only add to the direct costs of materials, but can also add additional lead time to procurement. This can potentially extend the duration of project construction and additional costs in areas such as general conditions as well.

So what should owners do to put themselves in the best position for a smooth project? The following are the three most important concerns an owner should be aware of when beginning a new construction project:

1. Pick a sharp design firm. You want to ensure that the design firm you choose can give you the design aesthetics and functionality you desire, but is also looking for cost-effective solutions behind the scenes.

2. Pick a contractor with strong preconstruction services. Preconstruction is responsible for setting costs, scheduling, and determining alternative methods solutions. A reputable Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC) will identify long-lead times associated with certain materials and plan for them accordingly so that there are no interruptions in construction. Also, if there are materials that are about to rise in cost, your CM/GC can order early to lock in a lower price. Additionally, it is in the preconstruction phase where your schedule is reviewed to identify if a possible shortening or shifting will enable you to realize additional savings. As you can see, having expert Development Support is critical.

3. Involve your general contractor early in the process. Many projects are started with an under-funded budget. You need to have accurate, real-time costs and data to properly prepare a budget for a project. Too often, budgets rely on dated or inaccurate information. This is why it helps to bring in a contractor early on.

While owners, architects and contractors all work together as a team, architects naturally have more control over design, while contractors have more control over costs. The earlier you bring all parties together, the less budget problems you will have later down the line.

Construction cost escalation is an issue that is not going away soon. There is no way to completely negate the issue, but with proper planning and the right construction and design teams, budgetary issues can be identified early on, and alternative method solutions can be pursued to keep your project moving forward on time and on budget.

Rich Allison oversees the Colorado office of Adolfson & Peterson Construction. He directs all estimating, scheduling, and construction project management activities, and is responsible for the strategic planning, risk management and operational decisions of the Colorado Region. For more information, see A&P's construction management resources. Rich has been involved in all aspects of A&P's business development and construction management for more than 25 years. He can be reached at 303-363-7101.


Rich Allison oversees the Colorado office of Adolfson & Peterson Construction. He directs all estimating, scheduling, and construction project management activities, and is responsible for the strategic planning, risk management and operational decisions of the Colorado Region. For more information, see A&P's construction management resources. Rich has been involved in all aspects of A&P's business development and construction management for more than 25 years. He can be reached at 303-363-7101.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Allison

Safety Tips For Builders



By Nares Mahawar

Builders should always take the correct precautions to ensure their safety on building sites. This article includes a few guidelines which you should follow as a builder to ensure your safety on a construction site. Please note that this article provides some general guidelines only and are simply recommendations from the author. For more comprehensive safety guidelines you should consult your building company.

Ladders
Builders acquiring injuries from falling off ladders are not uncommon. As a builder don't be tempted to be macho. It is important that you anchor the top end of your ladder to something secure and avoid taking risks with old broken ladders.

Scaffolding

As a builder don't be afraid to request extra scaffolding or refuse to work on it if you think it is unsafe. Scaffolding is a relatively cheap process and a lack of it is not a risk worth taking. Also don't try to take shortcuts and rearrange the scaffolding if necessary.

Lifting

Back injuries are one of the most common types of injuries experienced by builders. Back injuries are easily avoidable by using the correct lifting techniques and by avoiding trying to lift heavy loads alone. Always ask somebody to help you if the load is too heavy as you don't have to be macho just because you are on a building site. It is better than ending up with a slipped disc.

Head Injury protection

It is a common criterion of building companies working on large sites to have all their builders wearing hard hats at all times. However on small sites it is rare to find even a single hard hat available, let alone a builder wearing one. The main reason for this is that most builders working on small sites feel that hard hats are for the 'big boys only' who work on larger developments on and hence shun them at all times. However smaller sites are no less dangerous than larger ones and therefore it is certainly worth making the effort. At very minimum they should be available on the site so that they can be utilized during works where there is a risk of obtaining a head injury.

Steel toe-cap boots

Broken or bruised toes can be easily avoided by wearing toes with steel caps. Most builder merchants offer a variety of steel cap shoes which should be an essential part of any builders working outfit.


First aid kit

All builders should have a first aid kit available on site. Most injuries received on a building site are thankfully minor and can usually be fixed with some TCP and a bandage.

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LEED - Impact on New Construction



We've all seen the signs indicating a new construction project is underway. In this day and age more and more are becoming environmentally conscientious. What does that mean for those who are in the Construction field? It means they need to be on the cutting edge of green technology.

What is LEED? Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is basically a third-party certification program. It is a nationally accepted organization for design, operation and construction of high performance green buildings. This ensures the buildings are environmentally compatible, provide a healthy work environment and are profitable.
LEED certified buildings are commanding higher rental rates and great occupancy than the non-green buildings. This trend cannot help but impact the Investment community. The supply while gradually increasing is not keeping up with the demand for green buildings. LEED buildings are awarded points for sustainability for things like energy-efficient lighting, low-flow plumbing fixtures and collection of water to name a few.
Recycled construction materials and energy efficient appliances also impact the point rating system. In the political climate of today's world, as the earth's natural resources are being depleted at an alarming rate the construction industry is being compelled to look at alternatives to traditional construction materials and styles.

More and more legislation is being passed that impacts not only zoning but environmental impact for new construction. LEED certification and Energy Star ratings seem to be the future of construction projects. It's important to not only build beautiful buildings but buildings that are energy efficient, healthy for their occupants to exist within and that they not harm the environment.
Those of us who populate those buildings can feel good about the part we are doing to help the environment and preserve what is left of the environment after years and years of taking natural resources for granted. Green technology as it continues to catch on will generate additional jobs and challenge conventional wisdoms. Look what happened in the auto industry with the electric cars. It didn't really catch on despite the fact that many who had the opportunity to test drive them wanted to keep them. Instead they were basically scrapped because of big business. Now we have hybrids and more and more companies are looking for ways to create cars that are more environmentally friendly.

Monday, May 19, 2008

Construction Company - Requirement For Everyone




Home Construction is a cumbersome task because it needs lot of time and dedicated efforts to produce desired results. Every people does not have that much experience of building construction. Its really a tough science, its does not matter you are building a new home from scratch or renovating your existing home, You need experts help, or advice every time you think of it.

Well, there are several construction consultants or construction companies with several years of relevant expertise to assist people in building their homes, shopping malls, or offices. They are not only helpful in construction, in fact they provide one stop solution of all tasks related to building or any type of civil constructions including planning, elaboration, construction, furnishing as well as interior and exterior decoration.
There are several things which only an expert can suggest better, like materials needed in making different portions, their ratio and proportion depending on the geographical location and other factors. Another problem is with the need of civil equipments needed in construction, a normal person cannot arrange every equipment for quick, efficient and perfect work. This is what you can achieve by hiring services of a construction expert only.
Construction Companies helps you determine the time required in construction as well as the budget required. There are other requirements too which needs to be finalized before shifting to your new home of office, that includes several licensing and permissions like electricity license, phone connection, cable connection, fire alarms and emergency facilities (in case of offices). Another important issue is insurance of home as well as mortgage loans installments fixation. Construction companies helps you with everything, making you relax from all worries of construction.