I feel sorry for IT professionals who compete on price. I hope you are not one of them, because this is what you will face:

- A reputation as a cut-rate consultant or, if you own a firm, a reputation as a “body shop.” Clients assume they get what they pay for, and will therefore assume that you must not be very good.

- Projects that are of marginal importance to your clients. If they were important, they would pay more for the right consulting professional.

- Clients that care about price, and not relationships. Every time I have cut my fees for a new client, I have regretted it. Clients that focus on price end up being more demanding, less grateful, and much less loyal than clients that understand the value of the services I offer.

- Difficulty attracting enough clients to generate the revenue you want to make. Attracting a few clients at higher fees saves you time and hassle compared to chasing many price-sensitive clients at lower fees.

- Employees (if you have or want any) that are dissatisfied and look for opportunities at firms where clients value the quality of their work. The psychology of pricing consulting services is not so different from the psychology of pricing Vodka: The higher the price, the better quality people think they are getting. In the case of consulting services, the price-quality relationship is often true.

Here is a strategy to raise your fees while attracting better clients:

1. Become the authority in your target market in order to establish your credibility and value. Do this through a variety of strategies:

- Develop valuable educational and informational messages that help your prospects associate you with solutions.

- Compile a mailing list of prospects in your target market, and follow up in ways that are valuable and important to them.

- Be visible to your target market through a variety of media: speaking, articles, audio CD’s, videos, fact kits, your web site, etc.

- Collect and post testimonials, case studies, and articles about you and collect references.

2. Talk less about what you do and what you know, and more about the specific business and personal results you get for your clients. How much money or time do you save them? How much do you increase profit? How do you help improve quality, reduce employee turnover, and provide peace of mind? Where have you done this before? The more results you can show, the more you can demonstrate that your high fees are still very inexpensive compared to what their problem is costing. You should still provide excellent information about your service offerings, but focus first on solving your prospect’s pressing problems.

3. Demonstrate that you have a consistent, proprietary, unique approach to get results, and that this approach goes far beyond what the competition does. Describe your methodology. Tell them about the services you offer that competitors do not.

4. Explain why your experience and qualifications set you above others. Talk about your education, years in the field, certifications, and past clients and employers.

5. Let them know that you do not accept all assignments or clients, only those that fit your specific target market and capabilities. Let prospects know that you choose a relatively small, select roster of clients. That way, you are accessible to them, and can provide services that your busier competitors cannot. Promise them (and mean it) that you will return phone calls and emails instantly. Give examples of assignments you have turned down.

6. Be willing to say “no.” If an engagement appears to be outside your capabilities, a high risk, with a client that will not want a long-term relationship, or that is undesirable to you, say no. Even if you need the revenue, it is better to spend your time establishing trust and credibility with a more desirable set of prospects.

7. Stop selling and hawking your services. Instead, become skilled at educating prospects and letting them make the decision to hire you on their own. If you use salesmanship, you will put prospects on the defensive and they will be more likely to negotiate price with you.

8. Prepare a set of responses to objections about your fees. These include:

- You get what you pay for, or less. For instance, inexperienced professionals looking to get a foot in the door often charge low fees. So do consultants who don’t have many clients and need the work; they don’t have many clients for a reason. Why would a consultant with true expertise and credentials charge fees that low?

- Tell stories about clients who have hired low-priced consultants, and ended up paying much more in the long run to correct their mistakes. If you can, talk about clients that called you in to fix this sort of situation after hiring another consultant first.

- Talk about the rules of “scope.” Scope include cost, time, and quality. If a consultant is reducing cost, something else in the scope has to go, too.

- Remind them that, with your limited roster of clients, you can be much more accessible than consultants who need to fill their pipeline with many lower-paying clients.

- Remind the client about the stakes involved in his or her project, and what it might cost if it goes awry.

- Show that you are completely committed to the prospect’s personal success and satisfaction.

- Offer other terms besides price: payment terms, additional services, a guarantee, reduced scope, or free support or training.

- If the client promises future work in exchange for low fees up front, explain that you appreciate the offer, but have been burned by this approach before and promised not to accept it again. Agree only if the client agrees to a contract for that work up front.

- Be willing to turn down assignments in which the prospect will not budge on fees, or in which you see little chance of forming a profitable long-term relationship with the prospect.

Charging higher fees, and attracting better clients, is all about trust and credibility. As your trust and credibility rises, so will your fees and the quality of your clients.

Property Index sell a range of villas and apartments, take a look at their site if you are looking for overseas property investment, click here to view the properties.

Although the Property Index online service is actually a fairly young organization, they were incorporated only in March 2007, they have quick advanced to expert status. They’re a unbelievably hassle-free organization dedicated to advising any person determined to rent, buy, etc. real property across the globe. Their guarantee: to aid you spot precisely what’s needed quickly and, obviously, easily. Realty can easily be purchased in most popular areas of the world now, one of the most exclusive areas being properties on the market in Spain. It’s fairly easy to list the marvelous properties you can purchase in Spain, one motive for opting for property here being a combination of the houses and apartments available and the possibility of spending your life surrounded by this vibrant and sprightly people.

It is one of the truly popular markets now, and considering the beauty and agreeable sunshine that surrounds you round the clock, how could you go wrong…. Realty in Spain is very rich in history and culture, this region has a long tradition as a home to a good number of indigenous cultures. Around thirty years back there’d be a mere trickle of British people keen on properties in Spain. Ask any individual who has chosen to remove to Spain and they will confirm it. There are those who would insist on labeling it a fashion and others insist on labeling it a more or less a fixation. People who are keen on transferring over here will range from young well to do couples keen on a life perspective to the retired intending to put their feet up.

Do bear in mind, though, that there might well be catches when attempting to buy properties in a foreign country — there are normally dozens of steps to review whether scheduling, popping in or signing up. If you miss out on only a single procedure it is liable to easily bring about broad catches and, critically, loss of money. As you will probably have presumed with this well-liked place, properties could be extraordinarily pricey in this region which is, of course, basically a consequence of the broad market demand. Yet, homebuyers definitely are spoilt in a destination so rich in great environment and sun soaked panorama. Patently it can boast practically everything you might ever fall for and plenty more.

BLACKBERRY

Yesterday, it was the PDA. Tomorrow, well, who knows.

Today, though, it is the Blackberry.

More and more, blackberries are being used in the workplace. They are very clever little devices and have a host of applications.

So, what is a blackberry?

The Blackberry website defines the blackberry as a combination of “award winning devices, software and services to keep mobile professionals in touch with the people, data and resources that drive their day.” A better definition might be to define the blackberry as a hand-held device which serves as a personal organizer, wireless Internet browser, cellular phone, speakerphone, long-range digital walkie-talkie, and mini-laptop which can send and receive email correspondence from just about anywhere.

The features, of course, depend on the particular model.

Who is Using Blackberry?

The use of Blackberry has exploded in many industries from police departments to construction companies to Madison Avenue advertising agencies. Just last year, the http://www.NJLawman.com website covered a story where the Los Angeles Police Department put 200 units into operation for their senior commanders. The idea behind it was to free these officers from their computers allowing them to spend more time in the field.

DLP (Digital Light Processing) projectors can be attached with
computers, DVD players, VCR players, HDTV’s and video games. It
comes in various models and with enhanced features. DLP
Projectors are also called as Multimedia projectors. In mid
1990’s Texas Instruments developed Digital Light Processing. DLP
technology is based on DMD or Digital Micromirror Device. It is
a switch, which controls the intensity, and placement of
projected light via 4,80,000 mirrors. In a DLP-based display
there are unlimited colors. You can control the saturation and
clarity to make bright video as clear as you want. The DMD is
coordinated with a graphic signal, a light source and a
projection lens. The micromirrors of DLP are fixed on a panel of
small pivots, which enable them to slant either way. If it
slants towards (on) light source it creates bright pixels on the
screen and when it slants the other way (off) it creates darker
pixels. When the bit-stream image code enters the semiconductor,
the semi conductor directs the switch to on or off. If the
switch remains on more times than off, it reflects a light gray
pixel. Otherwise it reflects darker gray pixel. In DLP systems
white light is passed through a color wheel and it runs to the
surface of the DMD panel. The color wheel converts the white
light into red, green and blue. From these three colors a DMD
chip can create 16.7 million colors. So a 3-DMD chip DLP system
can create a mammoth 35 trillion colors. Then our eyes
understand these colors and see an image.

Progressive Systems is an industrial robot integrator of Panasonic, Motoman, and Fanuc robots for robotic arc welding systems, resistance welding and a wide array of material handling robot solutions. Progressive supplies robotic automation systems and services to customers throughout North America in industries such as automotive & truck manufacturing, construction, agricultural, fabricated metals, consumer products, electronic & telecommunications products, and furniture. Located in Berea, Kentucky, Progressive Systems has aggressive growth plans. It became clear that running a company on Quickbooks and spreadsheets would not support their growth objectives. Progressive needed an integrated system to support their ETO business and selected Encompix ERP software.

According to Thomas R. Cutler, spokesperson for the ETO Institute (www.etoinstitute.org), “Encompix continues to capture significant marketshare in the ETO environment because few other ERP vendors truly understand the nuances and significant distinctions of the ETO process versus the repetitive manufacturing process. Encompix now has more than 200 of the leading ETO manufacturing firms in North America using their ERP Software solution.”

Encompix (www.encompix.com) has filled the manufacturing software requirements of Engineer-to-Order companies since 1992. The company name reflects the commitment to developing business application solutions that encompass the complex areas of project-based and job-based manufacturing. Encompix provides ETO manufacturers with a competitive advantage by improving bottom line results.

Encompix www.encompix.com Roger Meloy rmeloy@encompix.com 513-733-0066

Whip up delicious food this Christmas. Below you’ll find an easy and tasty fudge recipe. In you’re looking for a special treat to bring to a holiday party or Christmas party this holiday season, Christmas candy is ideal because it’s much easier to transport than cookies or cake, which isn’t always the easiest thing to travel with and can present some challenges. Candy can easily be cut and arranged on a serving dish and covered with saran wrap to transport.

Ingredients

• 1 7oz jar marshmallow cream
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 2/3 cup evaporated milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups milk chocolate chips
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

• Line a small 88 inch pan with aluminum foil.
• In a large saucepan over a medium heat, combine marshmallow fluff, sugar, evaporated milk, butter and salt. Bring the mixture to a full boil, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
• Remove from heat and mix with both the semisweet and milk chocolate chips. Stir until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth. Stir in the vanilla and nuts (if you’re using them). Pour into the lined pan.
• Chill in fridge for 2 hours or until completely solidified.

Roman shades will give any windows the stylist, elegant and attractive look. This is one shade which is simple yet classic. They will give your room or window a total makeover. The shades are unobtrusive which can act as a shield from the heat of the sun and from the people outside. They can make a big difference in your room décor with its graceful look.

If you are trying to buy the roman shades then, there are certain factors that you might need to know. They are made up from a single fabric or woven wood which is pleated. The shade folds up in a uniform pattern when they are raised up. It comes in different styles. The folded roman shades are the most traditional one. There are also soft and flat roman shades. They also come with many features such as the light filtering shades which will not entirely block the sunlight. It will allow the light to come in but not entirely. The room darkening shade is another type of roman shade which will block a greater amount of sunlight.

There are lots of options you can choose with the roman shades. When you buy the roman shades the most convenient and stylist will be the one which lay flat. They will look well uniform with the window and blend with your room décor. It will create a sleek and classy look. You can also try the hobbled one which will create a timeless luxury and a traditional sense in the room decoration. What ever style, type or color you choose the roman shades will fit smoothly, gracefully and evenly in your window. This window shade is perfect for your kitchen, bedroom or the drawing room. It can be made to fit any window style or shapes so you don’t have to worry about that.

We propose single man underwater vehicles (attack submarines), which have inflatable Airbags using CO2 cartridges for rapid ascent. The design of these vehicles will encompass bended material, which makes rings underneath resembling typical designs of small hydrofoils. These rings will be attached at the body and extend down ward and be attached in the center to themselves. The vehicle will be propelled by an onboard that will distribute the energy to two propellers on above the vehicle and one below. The bottom propeller will be at the lower level of the connected rings. The motor will be at the feet of the laying down facing forward operator. The underwater vehicle will be shaped similar to a short winged manta ray. Once the mini submarine surfaces it will accelerate up onto the step. Like a single hulled floatplane as the speed increases it will raise up on the rings. The rings will have strakes as part of their structure throughout.

When the mini sub is ready to rise it will deploy the CO2 lever, which will expand the leading edge of the front of the manta ray mini wings, thus thrusting it up to the surface. Once the sub is above water and up on the rings it will fly and use the ground cushion to accelerate and pick up speed. The rings will release the attachment at the bottom and become thin airfoils, the front will become a canard which will be facing slightly forward ahead of where the wings become one with the fuselage allowing airflow to meet the wing, think of what we had learned with NASA and the X-29. The rear ring will become a horizontal stabilizer and use laminar flow to guide the air to the propellers, which will be automatically spun from vertical alignment to a horizontal alignment.

For a shape picture the Testor’s Model of the much-mystified Roswell, NM UFO crashed ship.

http://www.ehobbies.com/tes555.html

http://www.alienufoart.com/RoswellUFO.htm

We propose this shape for it’s obvious design which will work well underwater like a Manta Ray, but also perform well during the critical transition period from hydrofoil to ground cushion flight. Plus it just looks so cool? We believe that by adding controllable forward facing canard we can add accelerated airflow and controllability a low speed and high speed. We are also intrigued by the possibilities of stealth.

Once the vehicle becomes airborne and up to speed the leading edge ballooned shape can retreat and the leading edge fall back into it’s seam. We conceive this unit at flying near or faster than supersonic speeds. Once at it’s destination the pilot soldier, can again slow the craft down and re-deploy the inflated leading edge for aerial surveying, loitering or to parachute into the area.

The cargo, the human will be able to drop out the bottom, picture the B-2 bomb bay doors. The human will fall out the bottom, his gear below his feet and the pod and the parachute will deploy behind his neck, thus he will descend feet first to the ground. The Aircraft will become a UAV and from there be flown entirely by satellite back to the water to be picked up by ship or remain loitering until fuel is exhausted and then return.

“Lance Winslow” – Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/

Understanding temperament styles will not only have a positive impact on the way you see yourself but it will also enhance your relationship with others. If you are a parent, it can dramatically improve the way you raise your children. If you are single, it can give you insight into selecting a compatible mate. If you are a salesperson, this information will significantly enhance your sales effectiveness by enabling you to build trust and rapport quickly with your prospects and customers. If you are a manager or business owner, you will find this knowledge incredibly beneficial. It will enhance your leadership style, improve the way you supervise your employees and allow you to recruit more effectively.

Hippocrates, the father of medicine, is credited with originating the basic theory of temperament styles twenty-four hundred years ago. He theorized that our behavior style was determined genetically at birth rather than from external influences such as astrology or birth order. Hippocrates believed that we are born with a combination of four genetic influences he called humors; Choleric (Worker), Sanguine (Talker), Phlegmatic (Watcher) and Melancholy (Thinker). He observed that these four styles have a direct influence on our physiology, character traits and outlook on life. In fact the word temperament, which is commonly used to describe personality types, is a Latin term which means, “a mixing in due portion.” This blend or “mixing in due portion” of the four basic styles determines your individual temperament profile. By combining these four basic styles, there are twenty-four possible profiles. While you are born with a primary temperament, the other three temperaments, based on their relative position within your profile, each have a diminishing but measurable effect on your temperament. Intuitively you probably sense these different aspects of your temperament. While these four styles are inherently different, they are equally valuable in their own way. There is no temperament profile that is superior. However, each style is better suited relative to the other styles for certain occupations. While you are not able to change the temperament style you were born into, you can maximize your natural strengths and minimize your weaknesses.

According to Hippocrates, the extroverted Choleric (Worker) was short-tempered and ill natured, but had a dynamic desire for action! The extroverted Sanguine (Talker) was cheerful, outgoing and optimistic, but not very serious or organized. The introverted Phlegmatic (Watcher) was slow and sluggish, but could stay calm, cool and collected under pressure. The introverted Melancholy (Thinker) was deep, sad and depressive, but also a thoughtful, gifted and analytical genius. Which of the following primary temperament styles describes you best? It is common to have characteristics from all four types, but one type will capture your personality’s essence more accurately than the others.

The Choleric (Worker) is:

Extroverted – Determined – Demanding – Domineering – Controlling – Practical – Self-reliant – Decisive – Independent – Confident – Goal-oriented – Risk-taker – Aggressive – Insensitive – Impatient

The Sanguine (Talker) is:

Extroverted – Emotional – Social – Impulsive – Articulate – Optimistic – Persuasive – Self-absorbed – Generous – Egotistical – Charming – Unorganized – Playful – Personable

The Phlegmatic (Watcher) is:

Introverted – Accommodating – Harmonious – Agreeable – Indecisive – Uninvolved – Sympathetic – Undermining – Patient – Supportive – Stable – Possessive – Passive – Selfish – Tolerant

The Melancholy (Thinker) is:

Introverted – Analytical – Thoughtful – Organized – Critical – Detailed – Pessimistic – Sensitive – Diplomatic – Economical – Loyal – Introspective – Private – Conscientious – Moody

Each of the four primary temperament styles exhibits a body language preference and has distinctive physical characteristics that are neither gender, race nor age specific. By combining physical features and body language gestures, I have developed a system that allows me to identify a person’s primary temperament style through observation alone. This significant breakthrough allows temperament understanding to become a practical tool that doesn’t require a written evaluation and therefore can be used with everyone you meet. With a little training and effort your ability to visually recognize temperaments can become second nature and woven into all of your interactions. My system allows you to take this information out into your life and put it to practical use in your day-to-day encounters; in the boardroom, at the sales table, in the classroom, etc.

About the Author

John Boe, based in Monterey, CA, helps companies recruit, train and motivate top-quality people. To view his online Video Demo or to have John Boe speak at your next event, visit www.johnboe.com or call (831) 375-3668.

Lifestyle coaching is a term that has become increasingly familiar over the last 10 years. The term coaching first became likeable in the United States of America where, together with NLP aka Neuro Linguistic Programming, it became part of a revived astonishing wave of hugely proactive therapy techniques.

In many ways both Personal Coaching and Neuro Linguistic Programming are a reaction against certain factors of the Humanistic therapy movement, in particular Humanistic and Person Centred Counselling. A criticism of the human-centred therapy approach is that it is remarkably reactive and not extremely proactive. Although all this works fantastic with some clients, with other folk long periods of no exit in sight or low return for time and effort occur. Coaching and Neuro Linguistic Programming are both human-centred therapy in stance, focusing on improving a clients happiness rather than delving into the minefields of childhood, like traditional psychology. Life coachings emphasis is, however, deliberately proactive and used to make you happy.

Performance coaching is not about telling the coaching customer what to do. This is a common misconception. Some performance coaches are comparatively successful in their business careers and then make the cross over to success coaching, assuming that they will only be required to share their pearls of magnificent business wisdom with the lifestyle coaching customer. This is more like mentoring a person in a specific environment. Coaching is instead about life as a whole. Get help with stress management with a life coach.