Category Archives: Business

May28

Second Life

Posted on by
Second Life

I was very happy with my Myspace page and my Facebook page when my bookbinder friend Beverly introduced me to the virtual world of Second Life. At first, I was fascinated with creating my own Avatar and getting to fly around from one region to another and actually talking to other Avatars that are from all over the world. I was only spending an hour a night watching my Avatar play around with her looks, by buying her new clothes or changing her ‘skin’ and shape. Finding the perfect hair and eyes. As the weeks continued, I found that I was now spending 4 to 5 hours a night on Second Life. Taking my Avatar, Fluffy, that’s her first name, taking her from one dance club to another. Attending real life lectures on art or spiritual teachings. Then go out on a virtual date with a male Avatar she just meet at one of those dance clubs. Or running into my ‘real-life’ friends Avatars and catching up, at a virtual coffee house, with each other about what we’ve been doing on Second Life.

One time, when I was on Second Life, I looked up and it was morning. I had spent the whole night and morning in this virtual world. As they say in Second Life, your imagination is your limit. Never a truer statement was said. What ever there is here in real life, one can find in Second Life and beyond. I’ve been to the Eiffel Tower in SL that someone built to exact specifications. I’ve been to Manhattan Business Hotels to attend a conference held by real life business but conducting them in the virtual world. I’ve attended a Shakespearean play, an Opera and a live concert done in the virtual world. I’ve also created a wonderful group of friends that live all around the world. Second Life offers what’s called a ‘hud attachment‘ that my Avatar can wear which will translate any language for me when I’m in the presence someone from a different country.

My family worries that I have become a Second Life addict, and they would be correct. They want me to spend less time in the virtual world and more time in the real world. But, when they voice their concerns, I turn to them and ask them how much time do they spend watching television or spend on line? And when was the last time they attended a lecture or gone to the Opera or been invited to an Art Gallery Opening? This, apparently, makes my point and they now leave me alone to play in my virtual never ending limitless world.

Link to me:
May12

B2B, B2C, B2G… huh?

Posted on by
B2B, B2C, B2G… huh?

Navigating the sales jobs boards can be like a little like reading hieroglyphics sometimes. If are looking for a career change and not exactly a seasoned sales professional it can be difficult to decipher just exactly what companies are requiring. So before you send an embarrassing cover letter know the terms in the job description.

Of course, any sales job is going to require sales training and business training, but what really are the ABC’s or G’s of sales careers?

B2B:

B2B sales means business-to-business sales. This describes transactions between businesses, for example, a manufacturer and a wholesaler or a wholesaler and retailer. B2B sales are the most popular because of the sheer volume of sales that can be done. The term was originally coined to describe electronic communications between businesses and enterprises. It was only coined to distinguish from B2C sales. It is now also a widely used marketing term.

B2C:

B2C sales means business- to-consumer or customer sales. Most retail is considered B2C sales. When you buy a pair of shoes from a retailer it is going directly from the business to the consumer.

B2G:

B2G means business-to-government sales. It is a child of B2B marketing and is often referred to as public sector marketing. It includes communication techniques such as: strategic public relations, branding, marcom, advertising, and web-based communication.

It is also good to note there are many others as well. B2B is the most common term job hunters are likely to see on the job boards. Sales is a viable way to make a career switch. All that really matter is that a sales person knows their product or service and knows it well, the rest of the alphabet will just fall into place and soon enough you will just become and expert. Anyone with drive and great leadership skills can succeed in sales!

Link to me:
Apr2

Editors Say Ads Have No Place On The Cover

Posted on by
Editors Say Ads Have No Place On The Cover

Tough economic times are causing publications to evaluate their viability with perhaps less optimism than any other time in recent history. Magazines have evolved into an artful publication; their glossy pages seem like an indulgence in this digital age. Advertisements found in the pages of magazines often have substantial flare to make readers stop and take a look. Magazine covers are traditionally the one place where you won’t find a paid ad, but the economy is prompting a change in that. Scholastic blatantly placed an advertisement for Smilebox, in the April issue of Scholastic’s Parent & Child magazine.

The American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME) is completely against the decision, stating that “ASME believes that the cover makes magazines a unique and powerful medium, that it is most effectively used as a tool for editors and circulators to communicate directly with readers and that it is in the best interests of everyone concerned about the strength of the medium to keep it that way.” The separation between editorial content and advertising is a fine line, but by placing ads on the cover of a magazine it implies that editorial content can be bought. The cynical would argue that the separation is only necessary to maintain the façade that such a division exists, when it truly does not. As a punitive measure against this tactic, ASME removed the Scholastic publication from the nomination running in the Annual National Magazine Awards.

It’s important to note that at the same time, marketing budgets are shifting to online and digital marketing. Companies are getting more creative with online advertising. For example, Next Day Blinds has a website dedicated to sharing all of their ads, across multiple media platforms, with local consumers. Home Depot is also connecting with consumers by sharing do-it-yourself tips and videos using YouTube. Advertising dollars that would be spent with traditional print media are being put into these digital alternatives, making the sustainability of print publications uncertain. With many publications laying off employees, and others folding altogether, a front page ad may be the revenue generator the industry needs.

Link to me:
Mar29

The Real Estate Market in Majorca, Spain

Posted on by
The Real Estate Market in Majorca, Spain

Majorca, the Balearic Island off the mainland coast of Spain, has been the most popular of the islands, as far as tourism is concerned, for many years. Not only as a holiday-party-all-night type of destination, but as a place to set up permanent residency. The beautiful beaches and sun-filled landscapes, the clear ocean and the wickedly fun night life has attracted not only visitors from across Europe, the rest of the world as well. The famous and the rich travel to island, not only for the scenery but for the cultural aspects and the metropolitan feel of the capital city of Palma. And over the years, Majorca has relished in not only the tourism industry, but the real estate industry, as the sales of new houses was steadily increasing, until the last financial quarter of 2008. That last quarter has been the most difficult and trying financial quarters to date. Sales of new property fell forty percent. And the number of sales to the British, in the past the highest category of new home buyers, dropped by fifty percent. Currently the main buyers on the island are from Switzerland, Mainland Spain, Germany and Scandinavia. One exception to this decrease in sales is the region of Majorca, with the best beaches and the best hotels Majorca, which experienced the most profitable year to date. Ironically, it the area with the most inflated priced property of all the island. Not only have sales remained stable, they have actually increased.

There is fine balance between supply and demand. New developments are under strict supervision, in hopes of leveling out the current drop happening around the rest of the island. Other notable hot spots in the Balearic region, are the islands of Formentera, Ibiza and Minorca. And according to statics provided by the National Institute on Statics in Spain, tourism has risen by just about twenty percent. So has the immigration risen, bringing travelers and future residents from Italy, Morocco, and London. As it stands, of the current local population, foreigners make up thirty-five percent. With some planning and careful executed ideas, the decline in the real estate market on Majorca, and all of the islands will bounce back by the close of 2009

Link to me:
Mar21

Saving Singapore’s Economy

Posted on by
Saving Singapore’s Economy

Singapore has been enjoying a rapidly growing tourism sector for many years now. Rates of migration to the country and visitors desiring to become involved in the local businesses and markets alone have brought both millions visitors and vast amounts of income to the city-state. Last month, however, given the global economic downturn, travelers and big businesses alike began to tighten spending. In response the Board of Tourism for the state proposed an initiative that would ensure the continued growth, sustainability and strength of tourism for the city. All sectors of all businesses globally have been feeling the effects of the economic crunch and concern. In reaction to these developments businesses and individuals alike lowered overall spending on items and services over the past few years. In February the board met for a conference to discuss the fact that further downturns are on the horizon and that times are primed to remain difficult for the short-term future.

Wishing to preempt major economic losses and with a mandate to help the inhabitants of Singapore secure the jobs that they still hold, they proposed investing ninety million dollars into the tourist sector with the hope of securing the futures of the service industries such as restaurants, convention centers and the magnificent Singapore luxury hotels.

The convention drew a large and diverse number of participants, more than 450 members of the very diverse businesses that provide necessary services to the travelers frequenting Singapore for vacation or for business trips. Their goal for 2009 is to so ensure that the majority of jobs will be secured and that the tourism industry remains a viable and successful one. In part, this is to remain one of the world’s top entertainment cities and continue to draw international interest in the philosophy and the dedication to the Singaporean work ethic. The people of Singapore have one of the highest quality of life compared to other cities of their size and stature, for along with successful big business the inhabitants can enjoy some of the best educational systems, public health care and are living in a city that while the population is growing the crime rate is falling proportionally. For the people living and working there, this is good news as the hard times of the current global economic recession has not drastically affected that quality of life, however nobody is certain about what the future holds.

Still, this is a city that is not waiting for disaster and massive job losses, they are finding solutions for these times before the problems actually arise.

Link to me:
Sep2

What To Buy For Your Truck

Posted on by
What To Buy For Your Truck

There are many great tools and gear available today to add to a truck. Some of them look like a good investment others look like they are just designed for additional aesthetic appeal. In any case, you do have options when it comes to truck accessories. When you take the time to invest in a high quality truck accessory, you want to be sure it is the right item for you. For example, if you have a Nissan Frontier, you want to choose accessories that will work well with that truck to complete the look and function of it.

A good place to start is with a truck rack, assuming you have a need for it. Choose a rack that works well with the type of truck that you have, specifically. You may also want to invest in truck bed covers. These fit nicely over the top of your bed, giving anything you put inside of it protection from the elements. It also provides you with a bit of privacy.

Look at how you will use the truck, what you would like to have and the long term value of adding that accessory to the vehicle. You have plenty of options to select from and each offers a different benefit to you.

Link to me:
Jul22

Dark Knight Brightens Box Office, Stock Prices

Posted on by
Dark Knight Brightens Box Office, Stock Prices

A stressed economy had no power to stop The Dark Knight from beating box office records over the weekend. Nationwide, theater showings were sold out, making ticket sales hot on eBay.

Among the most highly sought after tickets were those for IMAX screenings. The Hollywood movie directed by Christopher Nolan is the first of its kind to incorporate scenes shot with an actual IMAX camera, living up to its “IMAX Experience” publicity. Consumers bought into it and flocked to see the film in IMAX like never before, breaking the IMAX theater records, as well. Reuters reports that the Dark Knight lit up IMAX Corporation share prices by over 23 percent. It’s no surprise investors are feeling positive about the company’s contribution to the summer’s hottest movie weekend. According to the article, “The $158.4 million opening for the latest Batman sequel featured $6.2 million from just 94 Imax screens, or a mind-numbing $67,000 per venue.” Those are numbers even Bruce Wayne wouldn’t scoff at.

While success like this will be difficult to duplicate, all eyes will be on the box office and IMAX this November, as Warner Bros. unveils another box office breaker – the sixth Harry Potter movie.

Link to me:
May14

Son Tricks Mom about French Open Winner

Posted on by
Son Tricks Mom about French Open Winner

The coverage of the Grand Slam events is usually great. If I miss an important match, I end up catching the highlights on the evening news. But last year my son was home from college and he messed up the French Open highlights for me.

My Sooner son thought it would be funny to put in a tape of Roger Federer winning another tournament and make it look like he was winning on the French Open news.

I just about died because I really wanted Roger to win and the last I had heard, he wasn’t doing too well in that tournament. My son sure thought that it was funny to see me so excited that Roger was winning the French Open. In fact he videotaped it and is planning on putting it on the Internet.

Link to me:
Apr28

Arthur Trueger and the Japanese Culture

Posted on by
Arthur Trueger and the Japanese Culture

Often times, when people think about what "telecommunications" means, they think about those phone calls that interrupt them. However, when people in California think of that word, they think of Arthur Trueger.

Arthur Trueger is the chairman of Berkeley International. He is a venture capitalist who invests in the telecommunications field. This is why many people think of him.

He is also very much a part of the Japan Society of Northern California. He must love the Japanese culture because he is currently learning his fourth language, Japanese.

Link to me:
Apr8

Area Rugs Make Updating Inexpensive

Posted on by
Area Rugs Make Updating Inexpensive

 

I am updating my house but I don’t have a very large budget. One of the inexpensive things that I found can really make a dramatic change is a new rug. I bought three modern area rugs. They all have different patterns too.

I love, love, love my area rugs. They make me really enjoy my house. I also painted the walls and I painted my old icky looking end tables. They look new and the walls look great too.

I decided to work on my patio a little bit and I bought an outdoor rug. It seemed to pull my living room out the door and added another onto my house.

Link to me: