Digital Marketing

Pens can teach product managers to write

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Imagine if you were the product manager in charge of one of the simplest products in the world: a pen. How successful could you be in this age of fancy high-tech smartphones and tablets? He would have been willing to say that his pen product had reached the end of its useful life; however, Parker Pen product managers have proven me wrong…

say hello to china

Yes, I just did, did you think that the days of selling pens were about to endTurns out you were only half right. In North America and Europe, pen product managers had made the decision to make money by increasing volume and lowering prices. That’s why you see lots, lots of cheap pens everywhere.

According to Cameron McWhirter, Parker and another brand called Waterman, owned by its parent company, own about 25% of the global market for fine writing instruments. When sales began to decline in the US and Europe, Parker looked back at China..

China is a different story. The reason for this is that the pens look like a status symbol for those middle-class Chinese who are busy climbing the social ladders. Not only are they seen as a status symbol, but they’re also within easy reach: middle-class Chinese might buy one or more fine pens.

When Parker’s product managers realized that China represented a great opportunity for them, Feel your design teams to China. They realized that in order to be successful in China, they needed to customize their pens for the Chinese market.

They did this by making two key changes. The first is that they added the Chinese character for “good luck” on the head of the pen. They also darkened the ink the pen used to make the Chinese characters they were using to create look more appealing. These are exactly the kinds of stocks every product manager should be able to add to their product manager resume.

Why do the Chinese buy Parker pens?

So why do the Chinese buy high-end Parker pens? There are two main reasons. The first is that they are an affordable accessory. Yes, they do cost a lot, but not so much that they are out of your reach. Second, in China’s business culture, the concept of giving gifts is very important. Pens make great gifts to give – they’re practical and can clearly show how much value you place on the relationship.

So how much do Parker product managers sell their thoughts for? High-end Parker pens can work as well as US$7,500 (for “the golden dragon”) and typically run in the $200 – $500 range.

Clearly the strategy of design high end custom pens for the Chinese market it has been worth it. The office products division of Parker Pen’s parent company has accounted for 40% of its sales and 30% of its revenue.

What all this means to you

There are some very clear lessons to all of us of what the Parker Pen product managers have been able to achieve. We need to take a close look and add them to our product manager job description.

First, just because your product has a pre-existing image in a market doesn’t mean you can’t create a new one for it in a new market. Maybe all product managers should add this to our definition of product development. Parker pens are a low-end staple in the US and a high-end item in China. Then customizing your basic product to meet the needs of a specific market can pay off. Ultimately, we need to understand how our product is going to be used and use that information to set the price accordingly.

I’m not saying we all should start selling our products in China (but maybe we should!). However, Parker Pen’s product managers have shown us that it is always possible to reinvent our products in new markets. That should give hope to product managers everywhere…!

Relationship

How to teach children to take care of their belongings

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Children are prone to spreading things around the house. Wherever you go, if you have kids at home, you’re bound to see something scattered about where they’ve been for just two minutes. This is actually a very normal behavior for children, since they still do not have the notion of what is well ordered and what is not. However, by teaching children to take care of their belongings at an early age, they may be able to integrate this behavior until they are older, and they will surely appreciate it.

When children start going to preschool, such as day care, it is the best time to start teaching them to take care of their belongings.

Try to designate a place for your child to store things at school, such as books, notebooks, pencils, crayons, and paper. It can be a small desk with a compartment under it, or a box that you can call your own. Explain to your child that he must put all of her things in this specific place. Don’t expect your child to learn it the first time, it may take several days for your child to get used to this type of routine. Remember that patience is always the key.

Every time your child comes home from school, discipline him to go to this place in your house and put his things there. Stack their things neatly, and as you do so, make sure your child is watching closely what you are doing. By doing this consistently, you will notice that your child does everything on his own after a while. This is one way to teach your child to take care of her belongings.

You can also teach your child to organize his things in his bag. Doing this would instill the value of taking proper care of her belongings. Whenever you see her things in disarray, try to get her attention and explain to her that whatever she owns she should take care of so that it lasts a long time. She must handle things carefully all the time.

Proper care should also be given to their toys. Often a child will simply throw away or destroy his toy if he feels that it is already old and doesn’t look good. He should make sure that even if his toy is a bit faded and old, he should still put it back and not deliberately break it. Thus he will learn to take care of the things that belong to him.

Teaching a child to take proper care of their belongings is a very rewarding experience, especially when you see your child doing what you taught him. This is not an easy task, but if you are patient enough, you will surely see your child get better at taking care of his belongings.

Health Fitness

Basic Bodybuilding Tips for Women

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Despite what the constant media bombardment tells us, the ideal body shape for women is… well, there is no such thing as an ideal body shape. However, every woman has what she considers her ideal body. Hopefully, this image will be based on her own desires, and not ones that she is constantly foisting on her by a male-dominated industry. So before I get started on some bodybuilding tips for women, I just wanted to say that you need to be yourself and set fitness goals that mean something and forget what others say about it.

Speaking of goals, that’s where you really need to start. There are a few things to keep in mind to help you achieve them. Above all else, your goals must be realistic. They may still be great, but if they’re not realistic for you, you’ll have a hard time staying motivated because you won’t see the point. For example, if you are a size 14 and want to go down to a size 4 in two weeks, that is not realistic. However, if you say you want to drop a full size every couple of months until you’re down to a size 8, then that’s more realistic. Also, it is specific and structured in such a way that you will achieve several mini-goals on your way to your main goal.

The next thing to do is decide what fitness means to you. The women’s bodybuilding technique you choose will largely depend on what you’re trying to achieve. If you want to add muscle mass and bulk up, you should lift the heaviest (or almost) weights you can lift, but only for a few repetitions. If you want toned muscles, then you can use lighter weights, but then you have to do a lot of repetitions. And that is only an example.

Once you have your goals, you need to develop a plan that is best for you personally. This can be tricky as there is a lot of information available, and a lot if it is contradictory. The easiest solution is to hire a personal trainer. A coach will be able to assess where you are, where you want to be, and the best way to get there. If a trainer isn’t working for you, your next best option is your local gym. Ask to speak to someone about your fitness goals, then they will tell you which exercises are best for you, as well as which machines to use and how to use them.

Bodybuilding tips for women are about much more than exercise. You should also watch what you eat. A good rule of thumb is to eat foods that are as close to their natural state as possible. Make sure you get enough sleep so you’re ready to face the day and have enough energy for any exercise you’re going to do. Stay motivated and you will be happy with the results.

Lifestyle Fashion

Successful Parent Advocacy Series – Principle Two – Fostering Positive Relationships

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There are some very important principles that successful advocates practice. The first principle was to research, study and read to stay informed about new developments and support. The second principle, shared in this article, is one that can be used in many areas in all walks of life. By using this principle, you can become absolutely dynamic in the way you relate to others.

Principle Two: Foster Positive Relationships

I have worked with many parents and administrators. I see some interesting dynamics at times with the relationships between these two sets of people. Sometimes the two are seen as supportive: parents look to the director for the intensity of an advocate for their child to get all the necessary services, and the director, who sees the father as the key to support and reinforcement at home. to implement strategies that will help the student do better in school. Both sides may be selfish, but at least they both have a common concern deep down, and that’s the child.

Then there is the adversarial relationship. I have heard stories from parents at conferences and group sessions, where parents refer to the principal and therapists as insensitive, threatened, and unwilling to listen. Fortunately, I don’t work with any directors or staff like this, but these stories do happen.

When I hear stories like this, I think about what my reaction would be if I were a school administrator and had a father who knew but spoke to my face about what he was going to do with his son. I would say, “You are my new best friend! I need you to help me in the process of developing what is best for your son. You need to be an integral part of our team for him!” The view taken by assistive technology leaders of the team process is that parents should participate and be a part. Your participation is essential.

Positive should ALWAYS be the first line of defense

When you’re thinking about going to school to advocate for an issue, see how you can share your point, and at that point make sure there’s an invitation to collaborate. That means it’s not “my way or the highway.” I know that I am much more apt to collaborate and work with people who listen to my ideas, maintain a calm affect in conversation, and are supportive and have good things to say. On the other hand, I have a hard time listening to and contributing to discussions with people who are always on the defensive and looking for a comment or decision that “confirms” their belief that “No one really wanted to listen to me or do what needs to be done by everyone.” modes”. When people enter a dialogue with a predetermined notion that they’re going to have to fight, it adds an energy to the conversation that has the potential to create exactly what you expect.

Take a minute and think about the nature of your conversations with the teachers, staff, and administrators around you. If you are a therapist or teacher, do the same but think in terms of your communication with parents. It works both ways. Keep these points in mind:

  • Are your conversations collaborative?
  • Do they leave space for others to share their input?
  • Do you strive to build bridges to understand others and work on solutions without stress and negative energy?

One thing therapists and specialists need to remember is that even when you don’t get along with someone, you still need to give each other a certain level of respect. There’s also a little thing called IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and a federal mandate! No matter what I think, in a situation, I have to bite the bullet, smile, and do what needs to be done to comply. I hope to see the same amount of determination from parents to work together so we can both get to a win-win situation. When we add the child to the picture, it becomes a win-win-win situation!

Being positive and working together on solutions allows for much more success. Being able to think this way in your relationships, problem solving, and conversations is one aspect of what I call the “Limitless Lifestyle.” I wish you the best in your efforts to build healthy collaborative relationships. When you take the time to build these positive relationships, you’re making advocacy much easier. I hope this provides you with further support as you work through potentially highly emotional situations.

Real Estate

Steps to buy cheap blinds

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Shutters add a touch of uniqueness and additional style to your home. However, these can be expensive. Interior decorators and specialty stores charge a hundred dollars or more for a custom blind.

You can achieve an almost similar look by searching for more cost-effective blinds to redecorate your room. You don’t have to pay a hundred or a thousand for a custom blind when you can find cheap blinds. These are the steps you can follow.

  1. Compare the stores. When searching for an ideal blind, be sure to look around and ask. Some stores may charge more for sizing and cutting your blinds, so ask how much the additional charge is. Custom blinds often cost more than the pre-made blinds offered at discount stores.
  2. Visit a discount store. Many online stores offer attractive blinds at a reduced price. Even department stores like Target and Wal-Mart offer cost-effective yet beautiful blinds in all colors, sizes, and styles. If the blind is unchanged, you can return it for a refund.
  3. Visit stores like Home Depot. Hardware stores also offer semi-custom blinds. These stores will cut the blind to the size you need without charging you an additional amount. This eventually gives you an almost custom look at a cheaper cost.
  4. Look out for foreclosures on condos or estate sales. Many sales involved in furniture removal, such as a foreclosure or property sale, may be the ideal place to have a low-cost blind. Make sure you get the correct size. However, even if you need to cut it, it will still cost less compared to going to a custom blind shop.
  5. Work with what you have. Once you buy a cheap blind, dress it up with fancy curtains or rods. Use neutral colors. If you select an off-white blind and a beautiful drapery set, people will look at the drapes, not the blinds.

When it comes to children, safety must be the first priority. Depending on your child’s age, make sure your blinds don’t have strings or cords that your child can pull on. Keep the blinds short if you are going to hang it in the nursery. Make sure the window near the crib has a cover that is free of long cords and dangling objects.

Choose a lightweight blind for your child’s room. The blind must allow a good circulation of fresh air. Choose a blind that is free or with strings, beads, and other items that can be thrown away and swallowed.

Shopping Product Reviews

The smallest Blackberry 8310 Curve mobile phone

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People always dream of mobile phones that need to be installed with features like media player, camera and internet etc. Here, Blackberry has launched a new mobile phone that can put a smile on people’s faces. The Blackberry 8310 Curve mobile phone has been featured with the above and other great features as well.

The first and foremost feature of this Blackberry 8310 Curve mobile is its unique exterior style. Instead of a pointy straight edge, the phone is shaped to curve from the edges. This curved design was first introduced in Blackberry phones. Second, it has a full QWERTY keyboard layout and a shiny trackball in the middle. These features allow the user to operate the phone with one fluid motion. Last but not least, the large 2.5-inch screen of this cool phone. This large rectangular screen increases people’s entertainment level. They can clearly see the video clips, images, wallpapers and other data on this large and clear screen.

The next amazing feature of this Blackberry 8310 Curve phone is its smaller size which is rarely found in other phones. The extreme design and appearance of this phone are enough to fascinate people.

The user can listen and view songs and video clips on a vivid color screen. If the user is bored with the existing files, he can download the data from the built-in Internet function. Keep the excitement level as the data can also be uploaded from other mobiles and computers. Bluetooth and USB cable technologies are useful for exchanging the data.

Click and store photos from your 2-megapixel camera with 5x digital zoom. Also, instant messages like Yahoo Messenger and Google Talk are the great communication software that is installed on it. Just log into any of these programs and get in touch with faraway friends and family.

The other features of this versatile Blackberry 8310 Curve mobile include test messages, expandable memory slot, reminder, contact book, alarm clock and games.

What are you still thinking; Can this mobile phone satisfy your desires? Yes of course, this Blackberry 8310 Curve smart mobile phone has all the above features that can really satisfy your desires.

Sports

Planting seeds of greatness with the power of words

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Babies start life with a blank page of endless opportunities. We should all be selective about the words we write in a child’s book of life. Will we write words of encouragement, love and compassion? Or will we blanket the pages with hate, limitation, and resentment?

Have you ever heard someone announce out loud that my son is a terrible two-year-old?

Zig Ziglar, motivational speaker and author, says, “Instead of saying the ‘terrible two,’ say it’s the Awesome Two, Awesome Three, Fantastic Four, Fab Five, Super Six, Super Seven. And guess what? where is his or her self-image because we believe that? That’s right, he or she will have a healthy self-image because that information has been applied and reinforced.”

Words have power! Always start by saying something positive to yourself and others.

How can you do this?

1) Take a second to stop and think before you speak.

2) Say something positive and motivating.

3) Tell them that you care about them, believe in them, and love them.

Choose your words wisely.

If the president of the company you work for came up and congratulated you with a smile on his face and said, “If you keep working like this, you’ll be president of the company one day!”

Would you be encouraged and inspired to work harder for your boss, the president of your company?

Of course you would!

Positive words of recognition, inspiration, and encouragement make better employees!

Jim Sundberg played for the Texas Rangers and later for the world champion Kansas City Royals as a catcher. When he was growing up in Fresno, California, his father would watch him play baseball and tell him, “One of these days, you’ll grow up to be a Major League Baseball player.”

Jim said, “My dad planted in my mind what I would be in the future.” He planted words of belief, hope, and care!

His father planted the seed in his mind when he was a child!

Jim Sundberg and Bill Glass, all football players and NFL stars, ran a prison ministry at one of the prisons. During a break, Jim told Bill, “You know, I’m really glad I didn’t grow up and let my dad down.” Nearby, a prisoner was standing near them and said, “Well, you know what? I really didn’t grow up and let my dad down. I’m exactly where he said he was going to be.”

When Jim Sundberg was a boy, his father planted the seed in his mind that he would be a great baseball player.

The prisoner’s father when he was a child planted in his mind what he would become.

Your words have power. Choose them carefully!

How can you choose your words wisely?

1) Take a second and stop and think carefully before you speak!

2) Say something positive and motivating.

3) Tell them that you care about them and love them.

Plant good seeds of hope and positive words of encouragement.!

Thomas Edison at age 7 was a poor student in school and was called “confused” by the teacher. (Scrambled) his mother was a training teacher and she decided to take him out of school to teach him at home. Lady. Edison changed the image of how Thomas saw himself!

Many years later, Thomas Edison said: “My mother was the one who raised me. She was so faithful, so sure of me, and I felt that I had someone to live for, someone I must not disappoint.”

Plant positive words (seeds) of success in your children, your students, your family members and your employees and they will work harder and happier for you!

A positive word of encouragement can help change anyone’s destiny.

Choose your words “wisely”.

my favorite saying is “every student is a gem in the rough.” Start with that thought and work with your students. Believe that each of your students, on the first day of class, wants to learn your course and wants to learn.

As a teacher, my greatest joy is to see a student realize their potential and work towards their goal. One day, I received a call from the mother of a high school student. She said, “My husband’s employer recommended him as a violin teacher for my son. I would prefer a man teach him, but I’ll try.” My son is lazy and stupid..”

I replied, “Please don’t talk like that about your son in front of him or others.”

I agreed to teach her son, if she would say “only words of encouragement.”

At our first violin lesson, a young man with multicolored hair, an earring, and strange-looking clothes walked into the room. He had his head down and looked unhappy.

We started working on the scales, his solo piece, and the orchestra audition materials for the state orchestra auditions. He was an extraordinarily talented young violinist and I told him so during our first lesson and every lesson that followed. My honest and heartfelt words to him inspired and motivated him to do his best work.

At his next violin lesson, a completely different young man eagerly approached my classroom. He had his head up, wore a smile, and was well dressed. Because he was investing in him and his potential, he began to take pride in himself and his work. Every week I saw a transformation in him.

It was our fifth week of lessons, our last lesson before auditions for the state orchestra. I told him how beautiful his playing was and what a great job he would do at the audition. Preparation makes all the difference! “The honest and sincere words I spoke to him made him bloom like a flower.”

A few days after the audition, he called and said with great pride and a smile in his voice, “I’m the concertmaster of the orchestra. I won first place out of more than 40 people who applied.”

I congratulated him and told him how proud I was of him and that I knew he would win because of his “hard work and determination.” His Mother called and said: “Even though you are a woman, you did a good job with him!”

The image that this young man had of himself had changed. Due to the positive inspirational words of encouragement, I gave weekly, and his hard work he began to believe in his abilities! He graduated from high school at the top of his class and went to college.

The image of how you see yourself is so important!

Words have power.

Many years ago, I received a call from a mother with a 6-year-old boy who was failing first grade. She said that he is “lazy and stupid”. I immediately asked him not to tell him that anymore. She should tell him “positive and encouraging things”!

She brought him over with the violin she had rented and I smiled at her and taught her how to hold the violin and bow, how to read the musical notes on the sheet music and where to put her fingers on the violin to play her first piece. of music. Every step of the way I told her what a great job she was doing. I told him that he was a smart and intelligent young man.

I asked her mom what usually happens after school. She said, “she plays video games and watches TV.”

I said, “Tell her to practice her violin for twenty minutes after school and then do her homework with Mozart’s Symphonies played softly in the background.

After completing your work, you can play a video game or watch TV for 20 minutes.

Each week he gained self-confidence as he practiced his violin every day, took violin lessons, and got better at his school work. He started bringing his spelling words for his tests to his violin lesson to go over the most difficult words on his list. We would incorporate them into his violin lesson. Every week he would tell her how well he was playing and his smile would light up the room. After three months, his mom said that he is becoming a wonderful student! After a year, he was the most positive, motivated, handsome, and happy young man looking forward to second grade.

What 3 things can you do to say positive words to others?

1) Take a second to stop and think before you speak.

2) Say something positive and motivating.

3) Tell them that you care about them and love them.

The image of how you see yourself is so important!

Words have power. Think before you say something to another person. Make sure that the words you speak to others make them feel appreciated and valued.

Always say something positive and uplifting to others.

Words of praise last a lifetime and so do negative words.

What words would motivate you to work harder?

Positive words of encouragement!

Back off before you speak and choose your words carefully!

Choose words that are positive and uplifting! Show respect and love!

Tours Travel

Top 10 Holiday Destinations for 2009

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For those of you planning a holiday this year it’s not all doom and gloom, the places are still very much alive and kicking with many tour operators getting into price wars, there are still great holiday deals to be found this year. Below are some of our top picks for 2009.

northern thailand. One could spend a lifetime in Thailand and still find more things to do. The northern provinces, particularly remote Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son, here you can ride an elephant or raft through spectacular scenery. Get involved in one of the oldest civilizations and travel through 3,000 years of history.

Greek islands. The island waiting through the Greek islands is a unique experience that everyone should experience at some point in their lives. Cycle around the amazing island of Santorini, eat a Gyros in Paros, laze in the Ios sun, what better way to spend the summer in Europe.

Cape Town. For those looking for a little bit of everything, South Africa has something for everyone: wildlife, history, culture and active sports. The city of Cape Town is the perfect place to start. Not many cities can boast a 1 km high mountain overlooking the city, but Table Mountain with some of the most impressive views on the planet. Cape Point or Cape of Good Hope, located at the southwestern tip of Africa, is a place well known for the treacherous seas where the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean meet. Take a ferry to Robben Island and walk through nearly 400 years of banishment, exile, isolation, and imprisonment. For those seeking excitement, go skydiving or shark diving. Be sure to enjoy a drink on one of Cape Town’s many white sandy beaches.

Barcelona. Undoubtedly one of the most glorious and unique cities on the planet. A bustling cosmopolitan city, there is much to see and do. From the infamous Sagrada, this is a giant building designed by the architect Antonio Gaudí, along with many other treasures such as the incredible Park Güell. Be sure to take a stroll down La Rambus and drink sangria on the beachfront.

NY. Everything from shopping, museums, theaters, restaurants, skyscrapers, parks and did we mention more shopping? Be sure to see Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Grand Central Terminal, and Rockefeller Center, and the list goes on!

Turkey. Nestled between Asia and Europe, Turkey offers a cultural mix to satisfy even the most inveterate traveler. Walk on a magic carpet, relax in a Turkish bath, barter for almost anything in the Grand Bazaar, watch a traditional Turkish dance, see amazing Ephesus and of course Pamukkale, go ballooning in Goreme (Cappadocia) – oh , the options in Turkey are endless.

Paris. The city of Paris, perfect for good wine and romance. We don’t need to spend a lot of time talking about Paris, we all know the attractions; The Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre Museum and the Sacré-Coeur. Paris speaks for itself, now go see it!

Australia. Leave the cradle of the northern hemisphere and go to a place where time seems to have stopped. The cares of the world will leave you behind when you meet some of the friendliest people the world has to offer. Australia is like no other, from big cities like Sydney to the western hinterland and the marine life of the Great Barrier Reef.

dubai. A place that offers a preview of what the cities of the future will be like; a place where Western and Middle Eastern cultures come together almost seamlessly. Only in Dubai could a 5-star hotel be built in 2 months and only in Dubai could it be affordable for even the most discerning traveler! When it comes to buildings, the crazier the idea, the more likely it is to get built, which is why Dubai is full of amazing feats of engineering.

tokyo. Sitting on a pole opposite a beach in the Greek islands. One of the most dynamic and dynamic cities in the world (and probably the most expensive). The neon lights of central Tokyo will take your breath away, and at the other end of the spectrum, the Imperial Palace, several hundred square kilometers of parks and history, is an oasis in one of the most densely populated and congested areas on the planet. Tokyo has plenty of museums and temples to keep you busy for a week.

That’s our top 10 for 2009. Now that you’ve seen a sample of what’s on offer, you’re probably in need of hosting. There are many websites offering great deals on all types of hotels, be sure to check out the cheap hotels that have a great selection of 2, 3, 4 and 5 star accommodation.

Technology

Glass rinsers: essential gadgets even in home bars

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A few items are required to make cocktails and that should be your main concern when creating your own home bar. You’ll find some of these tools readily available in your kitchen, while others, like glass strainers, can be bought cheaply on the market.

Let’s consider these one by one:

shakers

A mix of good cocktail shakers includes classic and Boston shakers. The latter is a 16-ounce shaker glass and a large bar tin with a flat bottom. Professional bartenders use it a lot with the help of strainers.

jiggers

A jigger is a metal device with a cone at each end. The largest cone measures 60ml while the smallest 30ml or approximately one ounce. Skilled bartenders don’t use jiggers; instead, make use of your technique and years of experience. However, in a home bar, jiggers are a must.

colanders

Drinks that are shaken and stirred with a lot of ice need a strainer to separate the ice, herbs, and other ingredients from the liquid.

Two types are popular: Hawthorne strainer and Julep strainer. The first has a flat-top perforated device with a continuous coil wound along the perimeter that helps hold the filter in position. The latter is perforated and is usually made of stainless steel.

glass rinsers

This is an item that someone can say is a luxury. Frankly, it’s not. Glass rinsers are quite popular in Europe, but are catching on in the United States and Canada.

These gadgets work in a simple way. You turn a glass upside down before filling it; hold it over a rinser, glass rim down. Water automatically gushes out, rinsing the glass of any residue or soap scum that hasn’t been cleaned.

The main advantage of rinsing is that it pours better. Experts say that beer is best poured into a damp glass.

It’s no wonder bartenders do a final rinse before filling the beer.

As one customer noted, “Glass rinsers look great in a bar not too far behind the fancy beer towers.”

Building a home bar, however easy, requires foresight and food flair, as bars fill up with ever-changing inventory. Also, guzzlers have become a fashionable lot. They are up to date on the things you serve.

So you need to be up to the task of serving extravagantly. Even if he is not as good as an expert bartender, he should know the basics of what he is serving. Even a high-end beer needs a proper clean glass that has been washed with glass rinsers.

You may not have a wide variety of glassware styles, but any you do have should be used appropriately. Before serving, make sure there are no lipstick, oil and detergent marks.

Your guests naturally would not like to see a stained glass window with soap bubbles trapped inside the glass.

Business

Cost management is more important than cost reduction

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Cost containment and reduction tactics are common to many chiropractic practices. And, when they are tied to the budget, they are a necessity. Although there is some confusion about the first two terms, and “cost management” is another matter entirely.

Cost management is not cost reduction

Cost reduction and cost containment do not embody a strategy. Think of cost management as part of a long-term strategy and cost reduction as a short-term tactical approach.

In general, cost cutting happens because the costs seem greater than the budget, so you need to reduce them. Cost containment usually means that you don’t want costs to exceed budget, so you need to find ways to keep them under budget.

Cost containment may be part of cost management, but cost management involves a longer-term strategic approach, not a short-term tactical approach to cost control.

As a fundamental concept, strategic cost management means making the most of your resources as part of an overall strategy.

When developing a cost management strategy, it’s helpful to start by thinking about how you can get the most value from the resources you use to achieve your goals.

For example, if it’s important to provide an exceptional patient experience on each and every visit, don’t start with the idea that this means higher costs. Start with the idea that an exceptional experience is important and ask yourself how best to invest your resources to achieve the desired outcome, which will likely indicate that spending more resources early in the patient experience will save money in the long run…and a PVA improved.

Strategic cost management sounds like a great concept, but implementing it isn’t as difficult as you might think. Essentially, it’s about thinking about the long-term impact inherent in the cost of the practice and making it more manageable where possible.

You probably already employ several tactics, however, when taken together, they can represent a true strategic approach. Examples of techniques that could make up a cost management strategy could include:

*Buy in bulk – Warehouse clubs such as BJ’s, SAM’S Club, and Costco give you the opportunity to purchase key supplies: pens, paper, printer cartridges, cleaning supplies, and even toilet paper – buy in bulk at better prices than most office supply stores.

It means supplies last longer, your office supply budget is easier to stick to, and when it comes to tax write-offs, having just one receipt makes bookkeeping really simple.

You can also ask your suppliers for discounts if you buy in bulk or agree to longer terms of service than you currently have. Also, if you are someone who attends a lot of conferences and trade shows, prepare a shopping list before the next one you attend; discounts on the site are almost always available.

* Use your providers – Requesting discounts for bulk or quantity purchases is just one way you can help yourself with suppliers. Remember, they often have the same cash flow problems you do, so they may be willing to offer discounts for early or cash payments. You could offer a monthly warranty order in exchange for a better price.

* Go cooperative when you can – Join volume purchasing groups. They exist to buy everything from the common supplies you might need to equipment, electricity and gas. Often, trade groups in your industry and local chambers of commerce offer access to these groups, not to mention their own discounts.

* Buy your services every year – Whether it’s insurance, a phone, a merchant account, an Internet provider, or any other type of service, shopping around can always help you better manage those costs.

*Buy it with barter. You can trade chiropractic care with other providers for products or services, for example.

* Renegotiate your rent – If you’re ready to move, renew a lease, or just think you can do better, open up a dialogue with your landlord. If a short-term lease is nearing expiration, ask the landlord to redo the long-term lease at a lower rental rate. Yes they will. And you can do it with equipment leases, too. See if your bank will give you a better lease rate and pay the current landlord, for example.

Keep in mind that many costs are not measured by any accounting system. The cost of patient care is due to poor service or quality, for example. When you impact the patient experience and your charges go down, further cost reduction will not improve your bottom line.

This is a real cost that should be part of cost management, but is not explicitly measured by any accounting system.

Another example is the opportunity cost of people’s time. When assigning projects and tasks, it’s worth considering what will be given up if an employee completes the task or project. For example, I knew a chiropractor who asked his team at the last minute to provide him with a performance report. The employee had to resign from patient care to fill out the forms the chiropractor wanted.

Replacing your answering service with an answering machine can save money, but how will it affect the experience of the patient who calls your office after hours?

You may be able to downsize the team. to reduce overhead, but what is stretched to the limit or causes burnout for the rest of the staff?

When you’re thinking about cost management, remember that it’s as much about the value of the time you’re spending as it is about direct costs and expenses.

Spend as much time trying to lower your overhead to attract new patients, and you may find that it’s easier to increase your NPP (new patient production) than it is to keep your overhead to a minimum.

And remember, it is virtually impossible to reduce yourself to greatness!