Probability And Investment!

If I want to be good as an investor, then I need to be good at arithmetic to analyze the odds of an investment. Also, I need to be able to read and write. There is where scholastic education plays an important role. Scholastic education teaches me how to read, write and do arithmetic. It is one of the three vital educations as highlighted by the Rich Dad’s series by Robert Kiyosaki. The other two vital educations are professional education and financial education.

How does arithmetic play a part in investment? To answer this question, I need to explain a little on the probability using the example of a coin.

What happen when I throw a coin and let it lands onto the table? It is obvious that the coin is either going to show head or tail. What if I throw 2 times, what are the chances of the coin showing head?

I cannot really be sure what are the chances. I may get 2 heads in a row. I may get 1 head and 1 tail. I may get 2 tails.

What if I throw a 100 times? How many times is the coin showing head? I will find that the number will be somewhere near 50. In other words, I will find that there is a 50 percent chance of getting a head if the number of throws is large enough. The probability of getting a head is the chances of the coin showing head out of a large number of throws. That is the probability of getting a head is 0.5.

Similarly, if I have thrown a six-sided dice, the probability of getting a six in a 100 throws is about 1/6. But I can do something to increase my odds of getting a six. I can use a modified six-sided dice that has a higher probability of showing a six compared to a normal six-sided dice. In this way, the probability of getting a six is increased.

And this is what a professional investor does to make money from an investment. He increases the probability of winning by identifying and managing the risks involved. He does not invest for the sake of investment. He has a plan for investment that includes risk management. Yes, investment is a plan based on what I have understood from the Rich Dad’s series by Robert Kiyosaki.

A good example will be looking at how a professional trader makes use of probability to his advantage.

In a stock market, the price of a share can go up, go down or remain the same. That is the probability of the share price going up is 1/3. Remember, the probability only holds if there is a sufficient large amount of trades. Like in the case of throwing a coin, the probability of 0.5 is true only if there is a large number of throws.

Let imagine that I have an initial capital of ,000 to invest in shares. If I invest ,000 in a single trade, what is the probability of the share price going up? There is no way to predict or tell. This is like throwing a coin once and try to guess whether it will show head or tail upon landing.

If I invest 0 in each trade, then I can make at least 100 trades. That is the number of times that the share prices will go up in a 100 trades is near 33. This is like throwing a coin a hundred times and the number of times that I will get a head in a 100 throws is near to 50.

A professional trader understands the fact that probability is only true if there are a sufficient large number of trades. Thus, he only risks a small amount of this capital in each trade.

Another way to apply this probability is to limit the loss of each trade to 0. That is, I can invest all my capital in the share of a single company. If the share price goes down and my loss hit 0, I will sell off my position and exit the stock market. Of course if the share price drops too suddenly, I will end up losing much more money than I am willing to loss. Thus, this approach is not that advisable.

In addition, the professional trader makes use of technical analysis to increase the odds of winning. He analyses the chart for indication of to buy and sell. Also, he uses a few other techniques to increase his chance of winning. All these are included as part of his investment plan.

The above description is based on my understanding by reading a book. I have gathered from the Rich Dad series by Robert Kiyosaki that investment plan is different for each individual. If I read more books, I will definitely find more approaches and methods for trading. Different professional traders have different investment plans and thus they will do things differently.

* DISCLAIMER *

The author only provides the material and information as a layperson’s views about an important subject. The materials and information are from sources believed to be reliable and from his own personal experience, but he neither implies nor intends any guarantee of accuracy.

All the materials, information and procedure in this book are only the author’s personal opinion. You must consult your own professional advisor and other reputable sources on any matter that concerns you or others.

The author, publishers and distributors are not competent and do not profess to give legal, accounting, medical or any other type of professional advice. The reader must always seek those services from competent professionals who can review your own particular circumstances.

The author, publisher and distributors particularly disclaim any liability, loss, or risk taken by individuals who directly or indirectly act on the information contained herein. All readers must accept full responsibility for their use of this material.

Related Probably Articles

No matter which type of setting you are in, be it a professional or personal relationship, it would have started with small talk. If you would not take the initiative to talk with somebody, your social circle would not widen and your business opportunities will be limited to those who you already know. This is the reason why you need to learn how to make small talk so that you will be able to connect with other people in any social setting.

However, making small talk is not a skill that a lot of people have. Sometimes, engaging in even the most casual of conversations is enough to make someone nervous. The good news is that making small talk is an acquired skill – something that you can develop. You just need to know how to get started and here are some small talk topics that you can use to get things going:

1. Talk about the setting.

For example, if you are waiting in line for coffee, make a casual but pleasant comment about how long the line is. In a business setting, a simple comment about the decor or the ambiance of the place. Talking about the setting will give others the signal that you are willing to make small talk. If you get another comment in response, then a casual conversation will start. If you just get a polite smile in return, then the other person may not be as willing to start a conversation with you, which should be your signal to back off a little.

2. Talk about the things that you would like to know about someone that you just met.

If you remember that time when you first met the person who is now your best friend, do you remember what you first talked about? The getting-to-know each other phase should give you small talk topics. Where they work, where they live, what they do for a living, their family – these are just some of the neutral topics that can be your basis for making small talk. People naturally want to talk about themselves and these things should break the ice and keep the words flowing.

3. Talk about how their day has been so far.

If you do not normally strike up a conversation with a neighbor that you always run into in the hallway, or with the cashier in the supermarket that you always go to, asking them how their day has been so far is a great way to make small talk. Also, practice makes perfect and if you are not the outgoing type, there is no better way to start than now so you should go out of your way and give out the impression to casual acquaintances that you are easy to talk to. Some small talk would not hurt anybody, in fact it gives you an opportunity to broaden your social and personal relationships.

4. Talk about current events.

What is happening in the country and even around the world, news and current events are just some of the small talk topics that you can choose to strike up a casual conversation with someone. Talk about what you recently heard in the news, or a human interest item that caught your eye on TV, or an article in a magazine that you found interesting.

By knowing these small talk topics by heart, you will never run out of things to say. When making small talk, remember to keep the conversation just that – quick and casual, and do not try to drag it out into one of those long, drawn-out and awkward conversations. End the small talk gracefully and make a comment about how nice it is to have chatted with the person that you are speaking with. With these tips in mind, making small talk will be a piece of cake for you!

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409a Compliance on Written Plan

Edison and Upper Saddle River, NJ – February 21, 2008 – The Internal Revenue Service recently issued Notice 2007-78 that provides plan sponsors an extension to December 31, 2008 to maintain compliance with written documentation relative to deferred compensation plans. Written language of a deferred compensation plan must be in compliance with the regulation as of the end of this year. Plans, therefore, have extra time to be modified to comply in the written form, but must continue to be in compliance operationally with Section 409A. Where written plan provisions don’t comply with the regulation, plan sponsors will not violate 409A if:

• The plan operates in compliance with 409A;

• Is amended on or before the December 31, 2008 deadline; and

• Complies with 409A retroactive to January 1, 2007.

What does this mean? Although the IRS has extended the deadline for compliance relative to written plan documentation, the plan itself must already operate under the 409A regulations. Therefore, there is no relief in the manner in which deferrals are made. Some of the key deferral aspects that 409A stipulates and for which compliance should already be in effect are as follows:

• Timing of deferrals. Deferral elections must be made before December 31 for compensation that will be deferred during the following calendar year. For example, compensation that will be deferred during 2008 would have required that the election be made before December 31, 2007. The exception to this election rule includes any “performance-based compensation”.

• Deferral of “performance-based compensation”. Performance-based compensation is any compensation that is contingent on satisfying pre-established performance objectives that cover a period of at least 12 consecutive months. An election to defer performance-based compensation may be made up to 6 months before the end of the period; this does not include amounts that will be paid regardless of performance, or if the amount is based on performance objectives that are certain to be met at the time they were established. Performance objectives are considered “pre-established” if they are documented, in writing, no later than 90 days from the beginning of the period. For example, assuming a short-term incentive plan runs from January 1 through December 31, 2008, with awards based on performance, a participant may elect to defer this form of compensation until June 30, 2008, so long as the objectives were established, in writing, by March 31, 2008, and that the level of performance cannot be currently ascertained.

• Changes to deferral options. A participant may change the form or timing of deferral, so long as: a) the election will not be effective until 12 months after the election is made; b) payments affected by such change are delayed for at least 5 years from the original payment date; and c) elections relative to distributions as of a specified time or on a fixed schedule are made at least 12 months before the scheduled payment date. This provision excludes payments made as a result of the participant’s death or disability.

• Delay in Payments for “Key Employees”. 409A requires that payments under a deferred compensation plan must be delayed 6 months for key employees, as defined by IRC §416(i). A key employee is one that, at any time during the plan year, is:

* an officer having an annual compensation greater than 0,000;

* a 5% owner of the company; or

* a 1% owner of the company having an annual compensation of more than 0,000.

Given that the administrative changes are already underway relative to deferrals, the following questions relative to written documentation should be evaluated and action taken by December 31, 2008 to comply with the transition relief period:

• Are there any aspects of the plan that still conflict with 409A?

• Does the plan’s language comply with the requirements under the regulation?

• Are deferral elections made on a written vehicle that complies with the regulation?

• Are elections for performance-based compensation made appropriately? Are performance objectives pre-established and is the level of performance against these objectives substantially unknown at the time that deferrals can be elected?

• Are changes to deferral options properly documented within the plan?

• Does the plan document reflect the following:

* Is in the form of a written document;

* States a specific formula to calculate deferred compensation;

* Indicates the payment schedule or triggering events;

* Specifies a six-month payout delay for “key employees”;

* Provides specific language regarding acceleration of distributions; and

* Includes a clause regarding substantial risk of forfeiture on deferred amounts?

Compliance with 409A is a key aspect of successful administration of deferred compensation plans, and obviously, avoidance of scrutiny and penalties. A thorough examination of administration of your deferred compensation plans and implementation of changes to maintain compliance of written documentation is essential before the December 31, 2008 deadline. Outside professional advice can provide an objective look at your deferred compensation arrangements, and provide the necessary guidance to move towards full compliance with 409A.

__________

The written advice was not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used by any taxpayer, for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer. The foregoing legend has been affixed pursuant to U.S. Treasury Regulations governing tax practice.

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Interview with Up and Coming Artist: Black Suede

Tuesday, April 21, 2009 GLOK Interview: BLACK SUEDE – Best Of Every World: The Under Side Of The Music

Current mood: inspired Category: Music BLACK SUEDE – Best Of Every World: The Under Side Of The Music

By: GLOK a.k.a Frank Black

Some people live for the music, some people live through the music.. This next blazin unsigned sensation GLOK & Mafioso brings to you is known to do it all.. Doing it major for SC. Black Suede a.k.a 6 Stakks in the hood has the gift of making/writing music for all genres. With the co-sign from super known names such as Jermaine Dupri and Clive Davis this free agent is not only the Realist R&B artist…. PERIOD, but he is destined for success in the industry with or without approval.. This is what an unbridled passion to succeed sounds like.. NOW LISTEN!!!

GLOK: Expanding beyond the normal (and shining light on the slept on state).. Time to do it South Cak -a-lac style once again.. Got the homie Black Suede in the studio with me.. How you feeling today fam?

BLACK SUEDE: I’m Chillin’… Chillin’… doing’ good.

GLOK: Who is Black Suede, and how would you describe what you do?

BLACK SUEDE: Black Suede is a way of life.. A brand (if you will). What some artists fail to understand while coming up in the game is that your name is just as much of a product as you are. Therefore, you should treat it as such.. You know.. I’m here to make good music and a difference in the lives of others and the world around us.

GLOK: You have a very timeless sound and style.. A mixture of smooth R&B, Pop, Hip-Hop, (and many other Top-40 genres)… When did you realize that real musicians don’t limit themselves?.. and is it possible for you to pick a favorite genre of music?

BLACK SUEDE: Well I want to start by saying’ that there’s no such thing as “White music” and “Black music”.. It’s all the same to me. I primarily focus on R&B, but at the same time, I am a Music producer, so, in order to be successful, I have to be able to make beats for many types of artists from all genres. In the process, I think, I’ve become one of the most marketable musicians out there. And As you would probably assume, I have no true favorite genre.. Good music is Good music.. Right now, I mainly listen to Hip-Hop and R&B.

GLOK: How did you get your name?

BLACK SUEDE: The name Black Suede was something that I came up with. Being that I am laid back and smooth.. Just like Suede..lol. Black because I’m a dark-skinned dude.. In case you can’t tell..lol. But I’ve always embraced that.. and That’s why all the shawties kick it with me on Saturdays (lol).. As far as my Hood name…(6 stakks).. lol.. Well, my homies used to always tease me on the fact that I drove a Pontiac 6000 LE…, so they just started calling’ me 6 stakks (and yea I still have that car to this date).

GLOK: Can you remember back to when you first discovered Hip-Hop?

BLACK SUEDE: I used to listen to a lot of Hip-Hop growing up, but I didn’t really know what it was until I got a little older. When I heard Pac, Biggie, and Jay I knew that this genre was here to stay.

GLOK: I always give artists the chance to reflect on what they have been through (the good, the bad, and the ugly) to get where they are today.. Let’s touch on Suede’s journey for a moment.. What was life like for you growing up in Rock Hill (shout out to Cran Neely) & Columbia , South Carolina ?

BLACK SUEDE: You know growing up in Columbia was pretty rough. My moms was a single mother, but she made sure that me and my brothas and sistas had what we needed. We didn’t have much, but I can honestly say that I’ve come from “Nothin’ to Somethin’” (Shots out to Loso).. I’m not ashamed of where I’ve come from, and the hardships that I’ve had to overcome.. That’ll just mean that my autobiographical movie will be that much more interesting (lol).

GLOK: So this Hustler’s Mentality that you’ve applied to moving your music and that you say you will “always have”.. Does that come from you being in the game (on the block gettin it in or whatever)?.. or is this just how you roll when it comes to achieving what you want?

BLACK SUEDE: A little of both. Those who hear me talk and interact wouldn’t know that I used to spend countless hours out there on the streets…They would have to ask me about it.. You know, when it comes down to it, I’m proud of where I’ve been, because without that background.. I wouldn’t have my thoroughness and Hustler’s instinct.. So yeah, I’m all of the above.

GLOK: What are your views on the South Carolina Hip-Hop/Music scene at the moment?

BLACK SUEDE: Right now, I think that some individuals in South Carolina are too focused on the local level.. I mean.. We have some talent down here, but a lot of them don’t get discovered because they either, lack motivation or the know-how.. I, on the other hand, have made it my business to learn my business. That is.. I’ve read countless books and listened to many entertainment lawyers in order to get a grasp of how the industry really works.. It’s not enough anymore to only have a good creative side.. You have to also understand where your money’s going’.. ya know?!?

GLOK: Who would you say are your musical influences, and why?

BLACK SUEDE: Definitely I’d have to say Akon and T-Pain right now.. They’ve done so much for the industry in the little time that they’ve been here.. I think they’re musical geniuses.. For them to be able to combine R&B and Hip-Hop the way they do definitely excites me about my craft.. So when I make my music.. I compare it to theirs to see if it would hit in the market.

GLOK: You’re in college now (Business and Finance Major) correct?.. Do you promote higher learning (unlike most artists these days)?

BLACK SUEDE: I obviously think that a College education is recommended, but not required.. I mean, there are countless artists who have been very successful without a degree.. I’m in College because after my years as an artist, I still want to be wealthy, therefore I feel that College is right for me.

GLOK: Do you still ghostwrite for other artists?

BLACK SUEDE: Occasionally, I do.. (but) I wouldn’t be a ghostwriter if I told you who I’ve written for.. lol.. but real talk, I’m a serious songwriter.. I pride myself on being able to put words together so well.

GLOK: What do you love most about South Carolina ?

BLACK SUEDE: Let me see (hmmm).. We don’t have any professional teams, and our College teams suck.. lol.. We don’t have much excitement going’ on out here.. I will say that it’s good to see all of the historical monuments and artifacts from the war and stuff.. Overall, Yeah South Carolina is really laid back (it fits my personality).

GLOK: With the major label system going down quicker than a Vegas hooker a lot of people believe this is a great time for indie artists.. What do you think?

BLACK SUEDE: (lol).. I think so, however, I’m almost certain that the majors have something up their sleeves to continue operating in the music industry.. Example, they’re using the 360 deal to get a portion of their artist’s earnings outside of the music industry.. Eventually, bye and bye, the music industry (as we know it) WILL become obsolete.. But the MUSIC will still continue.

GLOK: You have been selling your own music/product out of your trunk since 2007.. How many units or CD’s have you personally moved as an unsigned artist?

BLACK SUEDE: Aww man.. That’s a good one.. ummm.. I don’t have an exact number, but I’d say around a couple thousand CD’s (give or take a few hundred).. I must say at a pop, that ain’t doing’ too bad ya feel me.

GLOK: The major label system will NEVER be the same and produce those major dollars and deals because the indie artists got tired of begging for a deal and getting rejected.. Indie artists are smarter now, and technology has provided the tools to create your OWN label, buzz, $, etc.

BLACK SUEDE: The Hip-Hop/music industry, as a whole, is moving away from the record sales, and into an iTunes era.. Fortunately though, there are avenues for indie artists to make a decent living without the major label backing.. Many artists are signing on with KOCH Records, which allows them to retain most of their album revenues. (They split 50/50).. The bottom line is that If you truly want success…you’ll stop at nothing to obtain it (str8 up).

GLOK: What’s your favorite Gangster Movie?

BLACK SUEDE: Aww man.. If I don’t say SCARFACE (what kind of G would I be?).. lol.. A modern day movie that I’m diggin’ is AMERICAN GANGSTER.. I’ve seen it like a hundred times, and I can recite all of Frank’s lines (verbatim).. So yea that’s another favorite.

GLOK: Obama will need the spirits of MLK, Kennedy, FDR and Lincoln, as well as a patient public to fulfill his vision of CHANGE.. Do you think people fully understand that if we don’t “unite as one” Obama’s win will somewhat be fruitless?

BLACK SUEDE: I don’t think that we truly understand that concept.. Obama winning the Presidency shows how far we’ve come as a nation, but we still have a lot of growing to do.. Discrimination still looms in the cities and a lot of things have been said, which lets me know that everyone isn’t on the same page.. If we all don’t set aside our differences and unite, we can’t truly progress as a nation.

GLOK Fight Cards: Who do you think would win in a 5 round UFC match between Pimpin Curly (a.k.a 50 Cent) and Officer Ross (a.k.a Rick Ross)?.. Lil Ike (a.k.a Chris Brown) -vs- Trey Songz?

BLACK SUEDE: Ha ha ha, aww man.. In the UFC, I’ma have to give it to 50.. But I’m willing to bet money that Ross gone have the Chopper waiting for 50 before he leaves the arena (lol).. As for Chris Brown and Trey Seezy?!?.. I think I’ma give it to Trey.. He seems like he got that hood in him.

GLOK: It always excites me to see new faces/voices get the approval from well known industry names.. You have been commended and acknowledged by music industry heavyweights such as: Keith Sweat, Clive Davis (J Records), Jermaine Dupri (So So Def), just to name a few.. What has been your greatest accomplishment so far?.. and have these industry all-stars presented you with any good deals or offers yet?

BLACK SUEDE: I’ve been recognized by numerous individuals (in and outside the music industry), but I have to say that my greatest accomplishments so far have to be random people walking up to me and asking, “I know you.. You’re Black Suede!”.. That means more to me than anything else. I’ve gotten a lot of looks from a number of labels (majors and Indies ), but I haven’t seen the right package yet. I’m not looking for a huge advance, I just want an opportunity for longevity in the long run.

GLOK: You have produced for some high level artists also.. Can you do a little name dropping for us?

BLACK SUEDE: Well I’ve produced for Nova Soprano’s mix tape.. He’s represented by G-Unit West (you know.. Spider Loc and the boys).. Another off the top of my head Is Urban Heat/Universal. They have an up and coming teenage pop artist that they needed songs for, so you know I was all in. These are just a couple, but I produced so many beats for so many people (signed and unsigned) that I literally lose track of them.. I guess pretty soon, I’ll need a discography huh (lol)?

GLOK: Black Suede aka 6 Stakks aka The Legitimate Superstar (nuff said).. For those that don’t already know check him out at www.myspace.com/6stacksblacksuede to have a private listening session and purchase some GOOD MUSIC.. Keep making major moves brother and Thanks for the cigar.

BLACK SUEDE: You already know.. Thanks for having me.

real estate agent marketing

Real Estate Agent Marketing: Real Estate Agent Marketing Suggestions That Rock!

The real estate industry is turning ferocious. There are innumerable real estate agents in the United States, making excelling an actual challenge. Every real estate agent is different, therefore, every real estate agent marketing campaign must match its subject. It is fundamental to utilize the trial and error rule with a number of ideas until you find the right plan for you, one that serves your style, finances and aims.

Marketing can be intimidating; we show here several suggestions we hope can turn the path easier for you and are useful for attracting the correct users. We promise that one, two or all of these will be good for you once you are set to begin your real estate agent marketing adventure.

First idea. Start a blog. A blog will serve you in expanding your real estate company in many manners and is simple to manage, making it effortless to share interesting and pertinent real estate articles. A bigger amount of superior content equals stronger Internet presence that equals being found on the Internet more easily and inspiring a positive response out of users. A blog gives you the chance to talk with your customers and meet them intimately, which is an important characteristic of any real estate agent marketing campaign trying to to convey to your customers that you care for them and their wishes.

Idea number two. Increment on line presence. Your real estate agent marketing strategy wants you to gain as many future customers as you can. The web is an amazing instrument to touch persons in any corner of the globe, and once you unite a site, a blog, Internet news and writings, you can be positive users will reach you, as you are everywhere. You will pass as an authority as your business is widely covered.

Third idea. Increase your direct marketing plans. The web is a significant real estate agent marketing means, however, there are others of the same worth. Direct marketing is highly effective to fortify and establish your real estate company too. Test several direct marketing instruments and research what is efficient; offer extra value to your communications so that people are prompted to act.

Idea number four. Do public relations. Use it to boost your real estate agent marketing plan and strengthen your image. A piece in the town’s paper, a relevant press release or a free seminar in your community regarding hints to get a home, go a long way when aiming to imprint a solid image among customers.

Fifth idea. Give people something to tattle about. Your venture counts almost completely on word of mouth, thus, help people to want to talk about you and your services continuously. Give distinctiveness which will turn you irresistible and that everybody will desire to communicate to others. Nothing is invalid, simply visualize what would impress your customers and find a way to offer it to them: free interior design tips, free landscape tips or a tour around their new city. Options are infinite.

A real estate agent marketing plan is about imagination and, as any other business, about placing yourself in the customers’ place and surpassing their expectations. Go for it!

Marketing Concept – How It All Began

The Marketing concept became predominant around the 1970′s. Till then there were basically other philosophies such as the production concept, product concept and the sales concept that were in practise throughout the historic time frames. However, as the time passed by each of the philosophies that were predominant during each time frame gradually under went changes, because of the changes that took place in the consumer market. As a result, the marketing concept emerged and was the focus of all the manufacturing organisations. eventhough some firms may still practise  other philosophies. having said that, in order to understand the marketing concept better, it is vital to have a look at each of the other philosophies that existed.

Production Concept

The production concept is considered to be one of the earliest concepts that prevailed from the time of the industrial revolution upto the late 1920′s. The main focus of this concept was to encourage the firms to produce products, that they were capable of producing, rather than trying to concentrate on goods that gave customer satisfaction.

The manufacturing firms basically assumed that the people were willing to buy the products that the firms could produce. On this assumption, the firms began to come up with basic goods that were necessary for the day to day living. The firms harly took any interest in concentrating on the choices and tastes of the consumers. They started producing goods on a large scale, which eventually dropped the cost of production. As a result, the goods produced were relatively cheap.  The consumers had no other choice but to buy the products that were on the market. Hence these goods were necessary for the day to day living  and was even cheaper, the products sold quite well in the beginning. As a result, the mass production consept became widely spread during that time.

However, as time passed by the competition began to increase. More and more competitors that produced the same or similar products came into the market. The supply of goods gradually increased. In other words, to say the supply exceeded the demand of the consumers. Now that the consumers had a lot to choice from the many suppliers, the goods that were produced by the firms began to pile up on the shelves, and it  was obviuosly time for the firms to find new strategies to move all their products off the shelves. In other means, the production concept was no longer working and the firms had to come up with another way to sell their products.

Product Concept

In order to create demand for the goods that were already piling up on the shelves, the firms began to focus on what was known as the product concept. Likewise the production concept this concept too ignored the consumer preferences. Instead, it focussed mainly on the product itself, thus concentrating on improving the quality of the products and adding different features to it, in order to make it look attractive and superior to the other competitor products. What they really wanted to do was to differentiate their products form the rest of the competitors , rather than concentrating on the large scale low cost prodcution By improving the products, the firm believed that the consumers will be attracted to their products, which will eventually get the products off the shelves.

 As predicted, the products that were piled up on the shelves and warehouses began to move slightly as the demand for the goods increased. But it was not for long before, when the other competitors too crept in with better quality products. This once again, paved the way to reduce the demand. As the demand fell, the firms basically had to look for other ways in which to increase their sales if they were to keep up with the competitors. What they basically did was come up with a new concept that concentrated on the sales aspect of production, and was the beginning of the sales concept.

Sales concept

The sales concept mainly focused on selling the pordcuts manufactured by the firms in order to increase the sales volume. In other words, the main aim of firms practising this concept was to some how try and sell their products to the consumers better than their competitors. They hardly took into consideration what the consumers thought was important, but instead what they really wanted to do was to sell the products that have already been produced, by way of convincing the consumers to buy it. In order to convince the consumers to buy what they have produced, they used techniques such as advertising and personal selling etc. The main intention was to make the consumers aware of their products and make it available to them with the hope that they will buy. At first, this really worked because the consumers bought products that they were well aware of.

But later, as the income of the people began to increase and the amount of different products that were introduced to the market went up, the consumers were no longer willing to buy what the firms produced. In stead, they basically looked for goods and services that were up to their expectations. The hard selling concept was no longer effective. The firms basically had to look for better strategies in order to keep up with the ever increasing competition, if they were to survive . As a result, they began to focus their attention to another direction which was know as the marketing concept. 

Marketing Concept

Unlike the other philosophies that existed at different time frames, market concept was a philosophy that mainly focussed on the needs and wants of the consumers. This concept belived that if the organizations are to increase their sales and obtain profitable sales, then they basically have to concentrate on the tastes of the consumers. In other means, the firms should find out what the consumers need, in order to produce goods that will keep up to their expectations. It is rather vital to first understand what exactely do the concumers want, and then produce those goods and services.

To say, the focal point of the marketing concept is to identify and satisfy the needs of the customers. As a result,  in order to produce exactely what the consumers demand for, it is important to look into areas such as what the consumers want, how to improve the products while meeteing their needs and also how to keep the customers satisfied throughout. To do so, market concept basically relies on market research. What actually means by this is that, as marketing concept is a customer focus concept , it is market research that helps to find out exactely the consumers wants thus helping to develop the marketing plan, and also deciding on the marketing mix in order to achieve profitable returns while meeting customer satisfaction.

To conclude, it should be said that marketing concept came into practise as a result of the need to satisfy customer needs. The philosophies that existed were no longer helpful in facing the competition and producing products that the consumers demanded for. In this ever changing competitive environment, the customers were considered the most important. If the  firms were to survive, then they obviously have to satisfy the needs of the customers. The tastes of the consumers kept changing with the development of new technologies and communication facilities, and the firms have to walk hand in hand with the ever changing demands of the consumers. However, if the firms fail to keep up with the ever changing needs of the consumers, then obviously there is arisk of facing the competition.

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Mountain Biking Accessories

When you first start out with mountain biking, it can be a bit overwhelming when you walk into a bike store to buy your first mountain bike and see all of the available accessories you’ll need when you first start riding.

There are several mountain biking accessories and related products that you can purchase. Although the sales staff will try to sell you anything they can, the real question for those on a budget isn’t what’s cool, but what accessories you need to make your rides more safe and enjoyable. By starting with these accessories, you’ll be just fine when you hit the trails.

Bike helmet
The bike helmet is the most important mountain biking accessory that you can buy. No one should ever be on a bike without a helmet. There have been many people who have experienced serious head injury, when it could have prevented by wearing a helmet. All mountain bike helmets are comfortable and stylish and everyone who rides on the trails wears one.

Mountain bike gloves
No matter what season you ride in, your hands can take a beating. Beginners will normally keep a death grip on the handle bars, which can be very brutal for their hands. When you crash, your hands will be the first thing to hit the ground – and everyone crashes at some point. Mountain bike gloves are a must have accessory, as they will take the beating for you. 

Mountain bike shorts
After the first few mountain bike rides you take, you’ll notice that your rear end will be quite uncomfortable. Even though your body will adjust, bike shorts are great to have as they will help keep it at a bare minimum. You can get shorts that are very comfortable, making them a great addition to your mountain bike ride.

Mountain bike shoes
Depending on the type of pedals you have and the type of riding you do, you’ll want to pick your mountain bike shoes accordingly. If your bike has clipless type pedals, you’ll want to get shoes to accept the special cleat for your pedals. Good mountain bike shoes are durable, comfortable, and also a stiff sole for better efficiency when pedaling. Also, you should make sure to get the right shoe for the terrain you’ll be riding in as well.

Eye protection
If you get something in your eye, you can run off the trail in a matter of seconds. Sunglasses or clear lensed glasses can help keep your eyes safe from debris, as well as protect them from the wind. When you buy your glasses, make sure they are non-breakable.

Hydration system
Bringing a water bottle or hydration backpack with you is always a great idea. It’s very easy to get dehydrated so you should always bring water with you and drink it on the trail to ensure that your body stays properly hydrated at all times.

Trail repair kit
It’s easy to get stuck in the woods or on the trail if you don’t bring the proper repair kit for your bike. To be on the safe side, bring a multi-tool designed for bike repair, tire levers, and a patch kit for fixing flat tires.

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Rich Shall not Allow Poor to Turn Rich

Rich shall not allow poor to turn rich

It is an accepted thing that some are rich because they had been snatching away something from the people who are poor now and this system is still on and it must be accepted that the rich would not allow the poor to turn rich. The rich people need a large number of people to serve upon them and only poor people can be engaged for service and the rich shall not be available to serve the rich. The rich can show to the world that they are rich and great only when there are a large number of poor people around them. Only the poor people are afraid of the rich and only the poor are the people who serve upon the rich and respect them.

The rich people are engaging the poor to serve them and they pay them wages which are always on the lower side and the poor are never allowed to bring their earnings at par with the rising prices. The rich are maintaining price level at such a stage where the poor shall not be able to purchase all the necessities of life with that income. We have seen that even in democracies where the principles given in the constitutions are telling the poor that they too are equal citizens, but all these entries are paper transactions and nothing more. No proper steps are taken so that the poor may also grow and become rich.

Even the states themselves are supporting the rich and the powerful and they are maintaining the poor people at the level where they are and at no stage these states are in a hurry to turn the poor rich. We have seen in India that the poor people who were having some hopes in the year 1947 are now frustrated because even in these six decades, they are still there where they were at the time of attaining independence. The people of India believe that one set of rulers had gone and another set of people have taken charge and they are behaving with the common people in the same way where the British had left them.

Time has come when the poor people shall have to come together and they shall have to decide their own fate. They shall get freedom from these sets of rich people and they shall see that they are having their share in the national economy. Even God has got no time to look after the poor. The poor shall have to take the reign in their own hands and they shall have to make it sure that none is allowed to take their share in the national economy. They shall have to catch all those who are enriching themselves through scams, scandals, muddles, bribes, corruption and taking commissions or by selling government offices. The properties and assets so collected shall have to be snatched away from these corrupt people and shall have to be confiscated to the state exchequer where those assets and money shall be utilized for the welfare of the people who had earned these assets and properties. The rich and powerful people are always short in number and the common people who are sufferers are always on the higher side and therefore, they must utilize their number power in elections and must win and must rule the country and see that our economic resources are utilized for the welfare of the people and the state should not be allowed to help only the rich and the powerful.

The present set of rich people shall not allow the poor to stand face to face with them and therefore, the poor shall have to take an initiative themselves and shall have to go ahead and shall have to see that their brothers are getting their proper share in the national income. The present distribution system is not good and it should be corrected. Why a rich is becoming more rich and why a poor person is being reduced to more poverty. This is a question which is written on the wall and we are just looking at this question. None of us is coming forward to answer this question in a right manner. In the present state of affairs all those who are ruling us are actually called public servants and servants should not be allowed to turn more rich and more powerful. Such a state of affairs is bankruptcy with the people and they are still slaves. In democracies, they should try to become masters and masters should not be poor and weak. Masters must have control over their servants and their work and conduct must be supervised properly.

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Types of Job Interview Questions

The list of possible interview questions can be quite large and overwhelming. Fortunately, there are only really five different types of interview questions. This structure helps put these questions into a manageable framework. The five different types of interview questions:

1. Resume-Related Questions (You Questions)

2. Qualifications for Job Questions

3. Behavioral Questions

4. Case Interview Questions

5. Personality Questions

Resume- Related Questions (You Questions)

This group of questions can be described as “You” questions because they tend to center around what “you” have done. Sample Interview questions could include:

• Tell me about yourself?

• What did you major in at college?

• What did you do in this position?

The main focus of these questions is to try to find out whether your resume information is accurate and whether you have exaggerated or been modest about your credentials. This is most often done by asking questions based on the information shown in your resume.

Job Qualification Questions

These questions will be generated mainly from the job description and may overlap somewhat with Resume-Related questions. They are designed to see if you have the experience or qualifications for the position at a general level. They will ask you sample interview questions like:

• Have you ever managed a team before?

• Do you have any experience with conflict resolution?

• Have you ever given a presentation to external customers?

Behavioral Questions

These questions try to specifically determine whether you have the appropriate level of experience or qualifications for the position. They tend to go deeper than Job Qualification Questions by having you provide answers based on your prior work experience. These questions provide you with a basic problem scenario and expect you to be able to answer it based on a prior work experience example. Sample Interview questions could include:

• Tell me about a time you used your conflict resolution skills?

• Tell me about a project where you implemented a process improvement idea?

• Give me an example of a time you failed to complete a project on time and how you went about correcting the issue?

These questions can take on the form of a positive or a negative and so it is a good idea to have thought out ahead of time examples that you will want to use. It is also a good idea to try to identify before hand what are likely to be the skills they will base their behavioral questions on. For example, a salesman might expect to get behavioral questions based presentation skills. One such question could be give me a time when you gave a successful presentation to a client or for customer service skills, tell me about a time when you used your customer service skills to help keep an upset customer with the company.

Case Interview Questions

These types of questions tend to be tailored toward client focused positions like consulting and sales. They essentially involve providing you with a list of facts surrounding a company problem and ask you how to address the issue. Depending on the position, this may include doing things like performing mathematical computations or creating presentation aids. Regardless of the position, you can expect to have to present your findings and answer follow-up questions.

The purpose of these types of interview questions is to see how you think, whether you can perform under a stressful situation and, determine whether your personality is a good fit for the team. These interview questions usually are conducted on a one on one basis; however, you can also answer these questions as part of a group as a way for some companies to judge your interpersonal skills.

Personality Questions

These types of questions usually take on two forms. One form is a formal standard test that asks you a lot of questions about what types of things you prefer or would choose to do based on a list of options. The second form of personality questions are the informal type that can occur anywhere in the interview process and are geared towards determining if you are a good personality fit for the position. Sample interview questions could include:

• What was the score of the Cowboys game last night?

• What did you think of the last episode of American Idol?

The purpose of these questions is to see if you are well rounded enough to be able to talk to a prospective client about a general topic like American Football or a popular television show.

By getting a basic familiarity of these types of sample interview questions, you will help reduce your overall learning curve. Although interview questions tend to get most of the attention in other interviewing guides and books, you should instead divide your focus between all aspects of the interview process. By having a more comprehensive outlook on the interview process, you will tend to have better results by appearing more well-rounded and professional to your interviewers throughout the entire interview process.

Starting a Home Based Business Can Be Fun and Also Very Rewarding Experience

The need to make a lot of money helps to motivate many of us into starting a home based business. Not having to be a faceless person that is part of the grind of the daily rat race is another reason why it might pay to become a home entrepreneur. Before getting into the habit of making a living out of your home business venture it is of course necessary that you learn just what does it take to succeed in such a venture. Therefore, before starting a home based business you need to strategize in a way that ensures that you have a realistic chance of achieving your goal.

Don’t Fail To Plan Ahead

Most businesses, home based and otherwise, generally fail because the entrepreneurs failed to plan their activities in advance and so it is necessary that you learn how not to repeat those mistakes when starting a home based business. You need to understand how you too can succeed with your home business and the first question that you need a good answer to is ‘just why you want to start a home based business’.

Unless you know the reason behind why you should be starting a home based business you will not be able to build a strong foundation for the future and so you need to answer a few more questions to get things clarified. For example, are you starting a home based business to work the hours that suit you the best; or, is it to be your own boss and if so, why? Furthermore, is the home business your passport to increased earnings and finally, just how well prepared are you to start the business.

The most important issue that requires a solid answer before starting a home based business is how well prepared are you for your new business venture. This of course means that you must already be confident in your abilities to face and overcome the many challenges that you will need to face including having to handle multiple tasks at the same time. That in turn means being prepared to put up with the stresses and strains of starting a home based business; so, you must be in good physical and mental shape.

Next, you have to be sure that you are indeed well prepared and determined to put in as many hours as are required in order to succeed in your home business. What’s more, you should also have some outside support including from family members and from friends and you also need to be prepared to make sacrifices including accepting a lower standard of living till such time as your home business takes off and flourishes.

To succeed in your home business you need to possess experience as well as have the necessary skills and these are important issues that you need to address before starting a home based business. That in turn means ensuring that you already have the experience in your chosen business field and you also need to be a person that can take correct and effective decisions and in double quick time as well. You have to learn to absorb new things so that you can improve your existing skills and also learn new ones as you go along.

Before starting a home based business you must also be aware about your exact financial position so that before you get your home business going your pockets are stuffer with enough money to become a home business person. In addition, it is also necessary to have sufficient cash to operate your home business.

As long as you address these issues properly and earnestly starting a home based business can prove to be a fun experience and one that will help you get off on the right foot and then achieve your goals.

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