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Six Tough Questions to ask Lenders before Committing to a Low Rate Personal Loan – Don’t Make Fatal Mistakes

Are you interested in how to get a low rate personal loan the right way by asking the right questions?

Banks, financial investors, and other lending institutions including those found on the internet are the available opportunities. To avoid confusion as regards who to do business with, it is important you need to ask potential lenders some questions before making any type of commitment.

It is your right as a customer to ask lenders questions and do not do business with any of them that is not ready to answer your questions in detail. Beware of lenders who avoid direct answers to questions in a bid to rush you through the loan application process. These are bad indicators that something is wrong. Quality lenders who have nothing to hide will be ready, willing and happy to answer to your requests.

Many times, a lot of customers are not willing to ask questions out of fear that the lender will look down on them. This should not be so. As a consumer, always prepare yourself with the right information that will help you make better decisions.

Firstly, know the total amount to be offered for low rate personal loan will help you know if the lender will be able to meet your needs or not based on the amount of money you are looking for. Secondly, ask about your personal loan terms so as to know if the payment is going to fit your monthly budget.

Thirdly, ask the lender about the required verifications you will need to provide and how soon the loan will be available once they can have a decision after you have provided all the necessary documentation. Though the documents for verification vary, you should include ID, income, tax returns, and a completed loan application.

Fourthly, try and know the rate to be paid on the loan. If the personal loan lender is offering a rate that is lower than the competition, he will push the rate at you. However, you need to ask exactly how much the loan is going to cost you. Try as much as possible to get an itemization of all fees of the loan from the lender so that you can compare the information with that of other lenders.

Also, ask if there is provision for prepayment or not as this can make it possible to pay the loan off early so as to save on interest to be paid over the life of the loan. If prepayment penalties are part of the low rate personal loan offer, then it is not advisable to work with a lender that requires prepayment penalties as part of the loan offer, if you plan to pay off the loan before it matures.

In conclusion, inquire from the lender about how he will be using and securing your personal information. Though most lenders will use encryption and a firewall for their computer storage of your personal information, ask about it anyway. Make sure you are guaranteed that your name and personal information will not be sold to other solicitors so as to avoid unwarranted telemarketing calls and e-mails.

Though asking questions from potential lenders before making a commitment to a personal loan takes time and effort, it is worth it in the long run.  It is important that consumers arm themselves with the best possible information as this is the only way to make important decisions on financial issues in order to avoid learning the hard way.

Tags: Before, Committing, Don't, Fatal, Lenders, Loan, Mistakes, Personal, Questions, Rate, Tough

9 Killer Mistakes That Destroy College Scholarship Applications

Are there mistakes that can disqualify a college

scholarship application? You bet. Generally speaking, most local scholarship committees may find a few minor mistakes acceptable, but the higher the level of competition, the less tolerance there is for a faux pas. And when you go for the gold at the national level of competition, no mistake is permissible. Even at the local level, if the competition is heavy, one error can result in the loss of money.

Even small spelling mistakes can cause an application to be thrown out. A judge reviewed a submission from a girl who was second in her class. She had a 3.95 GPA. The problem? She misspelled salutatorian. Believe it! How does that

happen? Surely, it should have been noticed. Was it a keyboarding error? Maybe.

Another application from a boy on the baseball team noted that he won the league batting title with a .259 average. Know anything about baseball? Most likely, the number 2 should have been a 3, 4, 5, or even 6.

Yet, another listed the applicant’s age as “88.” Do you suppose she was the oldest high school student in the country…in the world? But wait, she listed her birth date as eighteen years earlier. Those are the kinds of silly little miscues that can disqualify good candidates. Use the computer spell check and have someone read for context and spelling problems. Most people cannot do a good job of proof-reading themselves. Why take a chance?

Another blunder is leaving blank spaces. This is not a good thing. The committee may think that you are trying to hide something. If the question or statement is not applicable to you, write DNA on the line, which is the standard abbreviation or acronym for Does Not Apply.

Use a computer and keyboard whenever possible. Investigate the many inexpensive and free form-filling computer programs. No long hand here. Never write in pencil. And, NEVER, NEVER. EVER, EVER use whiteout.

Follow directions exactly. It is not unusual to see lists where paragraphs are required and vice versa. Sometimes a signature is needed with the name printed. A simple YES or NO may be necessary, Instead, an opinion is given.

Here’s a tricky one that trips many juniors and seniors with honor roll credentials. After ten years in school, they still have problems using to, too, two, and they’re, their,there.

Oops! I saw a sure regional and possible national winner disqualified, because her application missed the deadline date…by one day. Always beat the deadline. Mail early.

How could this happen? An app arrived without the parent permission slip signature.

Check, Check, Check.

This bears repeating: most mistakes can be eliminated when others proof the application. Then read it aloud while someone else listens.

What can you do, if the mistake cannot be corrected? Be sure to make a copy before you start. If it says “copies are not permitted,” go back for one or two more originals.

Planning produces positive outcomes when the scholarship effort is truly a family affair.

To learn more about planning to win scholarships, visit:

http://ScholarshipDoctor.com

My newsletter is full of tips and ideas. No cost.

MailTo:signup@ScholarshipDoctor.com

Tags: Applications, College, Destroy, Killer, Mistakes, Scholarship

Avoiding Common Business Loan Mistakes

Surveys show that 94.7% of small business owners feel their only lending resources are local banks or personal credit cards. This common sense advice will help you avoid these common business loan mistakes, regardless of your personal credit history… and avoid pledging your personal property as collateral.

First of all, getting approved for a commercial loan is definitely easier than getting personal loans… regardless of your personal credit scores. Additionally, getting the right types of corporate credit is absolutely critical: if you want to protect your personal assets, minimize the risk of a personal lawsuit affecting your business, and to your ability to weather the economic changes that happen overnight.

All business owners must be much more proactive about developing relationships with the right types of lending institutions. You usually want to start your application process with out-of-state, national lenders… not your local or regional banking institutions. National lenders typically won’t require a personal guarantee or your social security number.

Follow this simple roadmap to obtain a small business startup loan, a business debt consolidation loan, a bad credit business loan, or a government business loan… although I strongly recommend that you find a commercial loan expert who can help you through the process of building a strong corporate credit rating.

Finding a competent business loan expert will give you a head start on your competition & also let you focus on running your day-to-day activities… instead of dealing with the hassles of establishing a strong business credit rating. An excellent business credit score can help your company’s image, overnight. And, finding a small business loan expert isn’t that difficult. You just need to know where to look.

Now… let’s get started… before you start applying for any business loans!

1. How is your business structured? Is it a sole proprietorship, C-corporation, S-Corporation, Limited-Liability Corporation (LLC), Partnership, or Trust?

2. How long has your business been recognized by your State & Local government?

3. Has your company ever had derogatory information reported against it to either of the two (2) most popular business credit reporting agencies, Dun & Bradstreet or Experian?

4. Are your commercial permits, licenses and registrations current?

5. Does your business have a physical address, or are you trying to use a U.S. Post Office Box instead?

6. Is your business telephone number recognized by directory assistance?

7. Are your incoming telephone calls professionally answered in your business name?

8. Have you established a business checking account?

9. Have you registered & asked for an Employer Identification Number (also known as an EIN) from the IRS?

If your answer to the first question was a sole proprietorship, partnership or trust; I urge you to re-establish your company as a corporation or LLC. I’m not going to provide you with legal advice, but many CPAs and attorneys highly recommend

LLCs (Limited Liability Corporations) as a way of protecting your personal assets & estate… in the event of any lawsuits being filed against your company.

As a sole proprietor, your personal assets are at direct risk of seizure or forfeiture when faced with most types of legal action. Additionally, if you are applying for business loans in a corporation’s name… most lending institutions will not require you to provide any personal guarantee!

A corporation can still face difficulties applying for business credit, if it has been in business less than two (2) years or had previous credit problems reported against it. Here are some ways to fix these problems.

- Purchasing a “shelf corporation” or “aged corporation” that’s been in good standing with your State government (for longer than 2 years) can drastically improve your chances for small business loan approval.

- You can attempt to repair your business credit rating by writing dispute letters to Experian or Dun & Bradstreet, which isn’t always possible.

- Some corporate credit experts will help you find, select & purchase an established “shelf” or “aged” corporation, some of which already have strong credit ratings established… saving you alot of hassles!

I cannot stress this enough… you MUST have a physical address (not a PO Box) if you want to establish a solid business credit rating. The same thing is said for telephone numbers & the way incoming phone calls are handled. Would you lend

money to a company that does not appear to have a physical address or documented telephone number?

And, don’t forget to always keep your commercial permits, licenses & registrations current… and always keep copies of these documents in case a potential lender asks for this information.

Business checking accounts are a must. Again, this proves stability to your potential lenders. Here are a couple of tips for you, in case you’ve had any checking accounts closed by a financial institution. Pay off the outstanding balance (if any) that’s being reported by the bank, or open a checking account at a bank or credit union that doesn’t use the ChexSystems credit reporting system. Most credit unions don’t use ChexSystems, and you can always find a list of banking institutions in your area that don’t use ChexSystems… by simply doing a search on Google, Yahoo or MSN.

Small business credit ratings are tracked using your business name, business address and employer identification number (EIN). You can apply for & receive an EIN at the IRS’s website (irs.gov). You can also call the IRS, but be prepared for long waits.

Then you’ll want to obtain a D-U-N-S number from Dun & Bradstreet, the largest business credit reporting agency. You can apply for this without any fees at Dun & Bradstreet’s website (dnb.com), and you’ll usually receive this number within

thirty (30) days. Do not apply for this number until you’ve prepared your self thoroughly, because any information you give to them… goes into your credit file… permanently.

After you’ve obtained your D-U-N-S number, you’re probably ready to start establishing some vendor credit. Vendor credit is where many business owners start establishing business credit ratings. Simply go to staples.com, officemax.com or officedepot.com to get started. Then, you’ll also need to fax your business telephone bill & the credit application to them… on your business letterhead (which you can create using your favorite word processing software if you don’t have expensive stationery). They usually don’t require any personal guarantees (if you’ve followed the outline above), and you’ll usually receive a starting credit line of 0.

This is critical & I repeat… critical! Always pay your invoices before the grace periods begin… especially on unsecured credit cards or vendor credit lines. Dun & Bradstreet will lower your credit score for every day a creditor reports your bill as unpaid while you’re within your grace period. Whereas, personal credit scores are not lowered unless you are 30+ days past your due date.

Dun & Bradstreet reports what’s known as a Paydex score (your corporate credit score), and a score of 80 is very good… with 100 being the highest score you can achieve. Your Paydex score is issued once you’ve established a known

vendor/credit relationship with at least five (5) creditors.

There are shortcuts that will help you get much more than 0 alot faster. When using a business credit expert, most small business owners (even startups) can be approved for vendor credit lines of ,000-,000 and open credit lines of

,000, 0,000, 0,000 or more… in as little as 45-60 days… by using their knowledge of the application process & “shelf” corporations.

Now, it’s your choice. Are you going to go against the grain & try to establish business credit on your own (which could prove costly to your business health, growth & survival)? Or, will you choose to utilize a corporate credit expert… allowing you to remain focused on your daily business needs?

Most business owners make the mistake of trying to do this on their own… usually trying to find grants, investor “angel” money, or falling back onto the “personal credit card sword”. Don’t be a casualty like the rest. Learn more about how you can use the same tools that informed, educated millionaires have been using for decades.

Find More Government Business Loans Grants Articles

Tags: Avoiding, Business, Common, Loan, Mistakes

Mistakes to Avoid With Florida Refinance

Today, for the borrowers, one will find that the mortgage rates are favorable. If you have been thinking of purchasing a home in Florida, then you are going to have a lot of thinking to do. Florida refinance is offering some pretty good deals that you can take advantage of. However, despite it all, there are still some refinance traps that you need to avoid. In the paragraphs below, we are going to give you a helping hand by telling you some mistakes to avoid with Florida refinance.

One of the mistakes many individuals make involves comparing companies. Failing to compare companies can be a big mistake on your behalf. If you are not comfortable with the current lender, then you should look for others and compare the interest rates that they are offering.

Of course, your current lender will want to continue doing business with you, therefore, you may be able to negotiate on the rates. In order to know if your Florida refinance company is legit, you do not have to be an expert in the field. Their loan agents or consultants will know them.

Those individuals will be there to help you out. They will not talk you into a loan that you are not able to afford. If you have come to the conclusion that they are trying to rush you with your decision, then you should drop them and move on to somewhere else.

Another mistake would be negligence with deciding on the most responsive loan. There are many refinance loans that one will be able to pick from. The loan that is suited for you is going to depend on your financial and personal circumstances. Depending on your finances, you will be able to go for a fifteen year contract or a loan term for thirty years. It is important that you weigh those pros and cons of yours. Sure, a loan term for fifteen years may look expensive on paper, but when you compare it to the thirty year contract, it will not last as long.

Failing to look over the impact of one’s expenses is another mistake to avoid. When getting a refinance in the state of Florida, it is important that you figure out when you will be able to break even with the expenses that you have for the loan. In order to do this, you will need to add up all of those expenses.

Then, take the total amount of those expenses and subtract the new monthly payment from the first one. Multiply the difference with the amount of months before you will be coming up with the full amount you have spent for documentary requirements and loan processing. The ending result is going to show you the amount of months you will be able to break even with the refinance.

Not paying attention to the mortgage insurance and not paying attention to the mortgage rates are two other mistakes you will need to avoid when you are looking into Florida refinance.

Tags: Avoid, Florida, Mistakes, Refinance

Home Improvements – Three Mistakes To Avoid

Home improvements are made for a variety of reasons. Sometimes those reasons are confused in the mind of the homeowner. That explains the first of the common mistakes listed below.

1. Not Being Clear About Your Purpose

With any home improvement, you should be clear about why you are doing it, so you can be clear about whether it is worth the cost. People often confuse their motivations, saying that a given project is not only to make the home more livable for them, but is an “investment” as well. The problem is, it may not be an investment that yields any return.

In a report recently in Remodeling Magazine, the average cost and added value of various home improvements was shown for different areas of the country. The worst remodeling projects, including creating a home office, only returned about half of the cost in added value. With the best, including a basement remodel, you get back about 90% of what you spend.

Let me do the math for you: every single one of the improvements in every area of the country was a money losing proposition on average. Now, it is true that some are better than others. The average attic bedroom addition only cost $13,000 more than it adds in value to the home, while you lose $30,000 on the average master bedroom suite project. It is also true that if you are knowledgeable and creative, you can add more in resale value than you spend.

Be clear about this. If you spend $68,000 creating a master bedroom suite, and it only adds $38,000 to the value of your home, this is not an “investment.” The real cost in the long run is $30,000. That’s what you pay for your personal enjoyment of it.

With that in mind, you may want to consider how long you will live in the house, and divide that costs into those months to decide if it is really worth it. If you move five years later, that nicer bedroom cost you $6,000 per year to enjoy, or $500 per month. If that seems reasonable, do the improvement. If an extra vacation or two annually, or $500 per month going into a retirement account, or any other way you could spend that $30,000 sounds better, drop the project or scale it down.

2. Not Being Clear In The Contract

If you don’t know what you want, you are likely to pay a lot more than you think for home improvements. This is because whatever you agree with the contractor on, that’s what you get for the price. Every little change will be extra, so know what you are trying to do in advance, and make sure it is included in the bid and the contract.

You may be wise enough to have a deadline in the contract, rather than just an “estimated date of completion.” But a deadline alone may not be enough. You may also want to consider a clause that specifies penalties for not completing the job on time. A line saying that the price will be reduced by $100 for each day past the deadline is a “motivational clause.” Also, never pay in full until the job is done.

3. Not Being Prepared For The Process

Large home improvements involve large messes. You may have to deal with dust and piles of construction materials for weeks or longer. Consider this when planning when to do the remodeling. Ask the contractor (before you sign the contract) if he will be completely cleaning up the mess in the end, and what you can expect during the process. Will they be providing a bathroom, or will the worker need access to yours? Will there be security issues, like walls that are open to the outside for days? Will you have to chain up your dog or warn the children about dangers?

The bottom line? Avoid these common mistakes and you will probably be happier than most with your home improvements.

To see a photo of the house we bought for $17,500, get a free ebook on how to buy Cheap Homes.

Tags: Avoid, Home, Improvements, Mistakes, Three

Avoiding Common Business Loan Mistakes

Surveys show that 94.7% of small business owners feel their only lending resources are local banks or personal credit cards. This common sense advice will help you avoid these common business loan mistakes, regardless of your personal credit history… and avoid pledging your personal property as collateral.

First of all, getting approved for a commercial loan is definitely easier than getting personal loans… regardless of your personal credit scores. Additionally, getting the right types of corporate credit is absolutely critical: if you want to protect your personal assets, minimize the risk of a personal lawsuit affecting your business, and to your ability to weather the economic changes that happen overnight.

All business owners must be much more proactive about developing relationships with the right types of lending institutions. You usually want to start your application process with out-of-state, national lenders… not your local or regional banking institutions. National lenders typically won’t require a personal guarantee or your social security number.

Follow this simple roadmap to obtain a small business startup loan, a business debt consolidation loan, a bad credit business loan, or a government business loan… although I strongly recommend that you find a commercial loan expert who can help you through the process of building a strong corporate credit rating.

Finding a competent business loan expert will give you a head start on your competition & also let you focus on running your day-to-day activities… instead of dealing with the hassles of establishing a strong business credit rating. An excellent business credit score can help your company’s image, overnight. And, finding a small business loan expert isn’t that difficult. You just need to know where to look.

Now… let’s get started… before you start applying for any business loans!

1. How is your business structured? Is it a sole proprietorship, C-corporation, S-Corporation, Limited-Liability Corporation (LLC), Partnership, or Trust?

2. How long has your business been recognized by your State & Local government?

3. Has your company ever had derogatory information reported against it to either of the two (2) most popular business credit reporting agencies, Dun & Bradstreet or Experian?

4. Are your commercial permits, licenses and registrations current?

5. Does your business have a physical address, or are you trying to use a U.S. Post Office Box instead?

6. Is your business telephone number recognized by directory assistance?

7. Are your incoming telephone calls professionally answered in your business name?

8. Have you established a business checking account?

9. Have you registered & asked for an Employer Identification Number (also known as an EIN) from the IRS?

If your answer to the first question was a sole proprietorship, partnership or trust; I urge you to re-establish your company as a corporation or LLC. I’m not going to provide you with legal advice, but many CPAs and attorneys highly recommend
LLCs (Limited Liability Corporations) as a way of protecting your personal assets & estate… in the event of any lawsuits being filed against your company.

As a sole proprietor, your personal assets are at direct risk of seizure or forfeiture when faced with most types of legal action. Additionally, if you are applying for business loans in a corporation’s name… most lending institutions will not require you to provide any personal guarantee!

A corporation can still face difficulties applying for business credit, if it has been in business less than two (2) years or had previous credit problems reported against it. Here are some ways to fix these problems.

- Purchasing a “shelf corporation” or “aged corporation” that’s been in good standing with your State government (for longer than 2 years) can drastically improve your chances for small business loan approval.

- You can attempt to repair your business credit rating by writing dispute letters to Experian or Dun & Bradstreet, which isn’t always possible.

- Some corporate credit experts will help you find, select & purchase an established “shelf” or “aged” corporation, some of which already have strong credit ratings established… saving you alot of hassles!

I cannot stress this enough… you MUST have a physical address (not a PO Box) if you want to establish a solid business credit rating. The same thing is said for telephone numbers & the way incoming phone calls are handled. Would you lend
money to a company that does not appear to have a physical address or documented telephone number?

And, don’t forget to always keep your commercial permits, licenses & registrations current… and always keep copies of these documents in case a potential lender asks for this information.

Business checking accounts are a must. Again, this proves stability to your potential lenders. Here are a couple of tips for you, in case you’ve had any checking accounts closed by a financial institution. Pay off the outstanding balance (if any) that’s being reported by the bank, or open a checking account at a bank or credit union that doesn’t use the ChexSystems credit reporting system. Most credit unions don’t use ChexSystems, and you can always find a list of banking institutions in your area that don’t use ChexSystems… by simply doing a search on Google, Yahoo or MSN.

Small business credit ratings are tracked using your business name, business address and employer identification number (EIN). You can apply for & receive an EIN at the IRS’s website (irs.gov). You can also call the IRS, but be prepared for long waits.

Then you’ll want to obtain a D-U-N-S number from Dun & Bradstreet, the largest business credit reporting agency. You can apply for this without any fees at Dun & Bradstreet’s website (dnb.com), and you’ll usually receive this number within
thirty (30) days. Do not apply for this number until you’ve prepared your self thoroughly, because any information you give to them… goes into your credit file… permanently.

After you’ve obtained your D-U-N-S number, you’re probably ready to start establishing some vendor credit. Vendor credit is where many business owners start establishing business credit ratings. Simply go to staples.com, officemax.com or officedepot.com to get started. Then, you’ll also need to fax your business telephone bill & the credit application to them… on your business letterhead (which you can create using your favorite word processing software if you don’t have expensive stationery). They usually don’t require any personal guarantees (if you’ve followed the outline above), and you’ll usually receive a starting credit line of $750.

This is critical & I repeat… critical! Always pay your invoices before the grace periods begin… especially on unsecured credit cards or vendor credit lines. Dun & Bradstreet will lower your credit score for every day a creditor reports your bill as unpaid while you’re within your grace period. Whereas, personal credit scores are not lowered unless you are 30+ days past your due date.

Dun & Bradstreet reports what’s known as a Paydex score (your corporate credit score), and a score of 80 is very good… with 100 being the highest score you can achieve. Your Paydex score is issued once you’ve established a known
vendor/credit relationship with at least five (5) creditors.

There are shortcuts that will help you get much more than $750 alot faster. When using a business credit expert, most small business owners (even startups) can be approved for vendor credit lines of $25,000-$50,000 and open credit lines of
$50,000, $250,000, $500,000 or more… in as little as 45-60 days… by using their knowledge of the application process & “shelf” corporations.

Now, it’s your choice. Are you going to go against the grain & try to establish business credit on your own (which could prove costly to your business health, growth & survival)? Or, will you choose to utilize a corporate credit expert… allowing you to remain focused on your daily business needs?

Most business owners make the mistake of trying to do this on their own… usually trying to find grants, investor “angel” money, or falling back onto the “personal credit card sword”. Don’t be a casualty like the rest. Learn more about how you can use the same tools that informed, educated millionaires have been using for decades.

Lee Kendrick has been featured by several national magazines as a credit expert, finance professional & public speaker.

Register for his newsletter at http://leekendrick.net/credit-expert/ & discover how you can be approved for $250,000 or more… in as little as 45-60 days… regardless of your personal credit.

Tags: Avoiding, Business, Common, Loan, Mistakes

The Top 12 Technology Mistakes Small Business Make And How To Avoid Them

Have you ever had that ominous hunch that something bad is going to happen – and then it does? Unfortunately, this gut-wrenching feeling is far-too-familiar for small businesses facing the complexity of information technology.

By its nature, IT is a confusing, expensive and forever-changing animal. Hardware and software sometimes becomes obsolete within months, let alone a few years. And thanks to budget restraints, many small businesses fall into lethal traps like hiring inexperienced personnel to handle their IT. But it only takes a single mistake to lead to a catastrophic loss of company data, and starting over can be heartbreaking.

Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be this way. There are many ways small business owners can learn from the mistakes of others. As a veteran IT professional on the front lines each day, I’ve listed the top twelve most common errors that small businesses make with IT.

Mistake #1: Using non-functional back-up software

Many small business owners assume that just because hardware or software is present, data itself is protected. This is a terrible assumption. Just because a server has an appendage that looks like a tape spooler attached doesn’t mean that tape spooler is actually working. At a bare minimum, small businesses should perform regular testing on backup software every two months. It is far more costly to recover lost data than perform the proper testing of backup systems.

Mistake #2: Using mass-market equipment to run business-class tasks

Using mass market equipment to run business operations is a fatal error in judgment. That $49 router from Best Buy will simply not perform like a commercial-level one will. The products created for business are expensive because they’re designed to keep a company up and running at all times. Many small business owners cut corners just to keep their budgets down, but using inappropriate equipment can cause an extraordinary loss of manpower and resources.

Mistake #3: Overextending the technology lifecycle

That five-year-old PC your receptionist is using probably won’t hurt your business when it dies. But if the 10-year-old server under her desk does, it can cripple your entire company. All technology has a set lifecycle. Manufacturers call this life cycle MTBF, or mean time between failures. Any IT person worth their salt can see how many errors hardware or a server is making and judge when it needs to be replaced. Servers and PC hardware, in general, have a lifespan of about 3-5 years. This lifespan depends on how much this equipment is used, but if you’re not backing up your IT elements or replacing them often enough, you should start by doing it now.

Mistake #4: Having a “set it and forget it” mentality

This is perhaps the most common error small businesses make when building their technology infrastructure. Make no mistake: IT hardware and software requires routine regular maintenance and adjustment. Think of your IT infrastructure as you would an automobile. If you forget to put oil in your car, your engine will die. Servers and software need continual care so they can perform at optimal levels. As a small business, you should hire someone who can see the Big Picture. If you don’t, the question becomes not if you’ll have a problem, but when.

Mistake #5: Buying new software while skipping hardware upgrades

This problem stems from the over-marketing of new upgrades from software manufactures. Each company wants you to upgrade to the latest version of software — some even make it impossible for you to function without these upgrades. But many of the newer software platforms require you to upgrade your hardware simultaneously. Many small business owners upgrade their software without even thinking about the hardware, which may not only impact other systems, but cause catastrophic performance problems for your overall IT ecosystem.

Mistake #6: Going cheap, regardless of the consequences

Everyone knows that IT — from new software to hardware implementation — is expensive. But not too many small business owners know why. IT elements often cost more because they require a migration from another system or the completion of complex tasks to work optimally. Unfortunately, this is why small businesses, time and again, find themselves in an untenable situation: they choose the cheapest software only to find that some extraordinarily important piece is not included in the purchase. So conduct your due diligence. Buying IT equipment is just like buying a house – and you should only be comfortable when quality workmanship is involved.

Mistake #7: Forgoing user training

This is a problem that’s less about equipment and more about human nature. Training is an absolute must for small businesses. Without the proper training on software or hardware, well-intentioned equipment purchases are useless. Small business owners should train their employees on all IT elements whenever possible. A well-trained staff and a solid set of IT equipment will save your company time, money and plenty of headaches. Preserve your investment by keeping staffers up to speed.

Mistake #8: Working without a plan

Planning out IT initiatives or upgrades is a task that should be done, at the bare minimum, once a year. Many companies do this annually just to line up their equipment with pending corporate initiatives. This is a great practice. Mapping out your technology path can impact your entire business. Each small business should not only budget for new hardware, software upgrades or other technological elements, but for additional manpower and technical support. If you plan ahead, that software upgrade or mandatory hardware migration will no longer jump out from nowhere.

Mistake #9: Skimping on security

If you do one thing after reading this article, it should be this: take your security seriously. Many small businesses find it inconceivable that someone would target their business or try to steal their valuable data. Unfortunately, this is the furthest from the truth. Security has become the number one issue for IT environments in the past few years, thanks to online scams, vulnerability in software and networks using improper architecture. As an IT expert, I’ve come across small business systems that are so vulnerable, their accounting data is readily available on the Internet. Other systems have no anti-virus software or no malware protection, but plenty of insidious spy ware working overtime, capturing everything from login names to passwords. At some small businesses, I’ve seen criminals use open ports to hack into security camera footage — just to plan a robbery. Spam, malware and viruses pave the way for a devastating security breach. Don’t let it happen to you.

Mistake # 10: Using under-qualified people for IT support

On its face, leaving a friend, neighbor or relative in charge of your IT is not necessarily a bad move. But assuming they’re capable of such responsibility just because they can download and install software is. An under-qualified person can never give you good IT advice. Because they’ve fallen into this trap, many small businesses actually end up spending more money just to correct the mistakes of an under-qualified IT person. If you need outside support for your IT environment, always ask for certification and credentials. A good IT person is always trained and certified to work within the complexities of an IT environment.

Mistake #11: Not knowing what you have?

Ever wonder what’s in your IT room? Well, you should. Sometimes small business owners are so busy running their shops that they forget to count their software licenses or keep inventory of how many PCs they have. While countless businesses played it fast and loose years ago, one can’t afford to do that now. Strict asset management requirements – straight from the U.S. government – demand that you keep tabs of what you own. The companies of today that wave off asset management may find themselves unable to get a loan or other financing. Asset management is critical. Conducting your first inventory, especially if you’ve been in business for some time, may be an expensive task. But it will save you much heartache in the long run.

Mistake #12: Using pirated software

Software licensing rules can seem quite unfair. Many small business owners wonder why they should purchase more copies of software when they can simply use one for all their machines. With older software, you could probably get away with this. But with today’s ultra-sophisticated software, it’s simply a losing bet. Some software companies are cracking down so hard that when you download updates, it alerts them when the software has been used more than once. A company can disable your software completely at just the click of a mouse. Even worse, you could end up facing fines of upwards of $100,000 from the Business Software Alliance. Keep your software licenses up to date and you’ll never find yourself in this situation.

Many of the problems tackled here can easily be remedied by using a qualified IT professional. Many IT companies now provide flexible, affordable packages that cover maintenance, support and the overall health of your IT environment. So take your time and do your homework. Plan ahead, spend wisely and hire qualified personnel. The money you spend on IT in the short run may feel like an incredible investment at the time, but it most certainly will pay off in the end.

Tags: Avoid, Business, Mistakes, Small, Technology, Them.

The Top 12 Technology Mistakes Small Business Make And How To Avoid Them

Have you ever had that ominous hunch that something bad is going to happen – and then it does? Unfortunately, this gut-wrenching feeling is far-too-familiar for small businesses facing the complexity of information technology.

By its nature, IT is a confusing, expensive and forever-changing animal. Hardware and software sometimes becomes obsolete within months, let alone a few years. And thanks to budget restraints, many small businesses fall into lethal traps like hiring inexperienced personnel to handle their IT. But it only takes a single mistake to lead to a catastrophic loss of company data, and starting over can be heartbreaking.

Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be this way. There are many ways small business owners can learn from the mistakes of others. As a veteran IT professional on the front lines each day, I’ve listed the top twelve most common errors that small businesses make with IT.

Mistake #1: Using non-functional back-up software

Many small business owners assume that just because hardware or software is present, data itself is protected. This is a terrible assumption. Just because a server has an appendage that looks like a tape spooler attached doesn’t mean that tape spooler is actually working. At a bare minimum, small businesses should perform regular testing on backup software every two months. It is far more costly to recover lost data than perform the proper testing of backup systems.

Mistake #2: Using mass-market equipment to run business-class tasks

Using mass market equipment to run business operations is a fatal error in judgment. That $49 router from Best Buy will simply not perform like a commercial-level one will. The products created for business are expensive because they’re designed to keep a company up and running at all times. Many small business owners cut corners just to keep their budgets down, but using inappropriate equipment can cause an extraordinary loss of manpower and resources.

Mistake #3: Overextending the technology lifecycle

That five-year-old PC your receptionist is using probably won’t hurt your business when it dies. But if the 10-year-old server under her desk does, it can cripple your entire company. All technology has a set lifecycle. Manufacturers call this life cycle MTBF, or mean time between failures. Any IT person worth their salt can see how many errors hardware or a server is making and judge when it needs to be replaced. Servers and PC hardware, in general, have a lifespan of about 3-5 years. This lifespan depends on how much this equipment is used, but if you’re not backing up your IT elements or replacing them often enough, you should start by doing it now.

Mistake #4: Having a “set it and forget it” mentality

This is perhaps the most common error small businesses make when building their technology infrastructure. Make no mistake: IT hardware and software requires routine regular maintenance and adjustment. Think of your IT infrastructure as you would an automobile. If you forget to put oil in your car, your engine will die. Servers and software need continual care so they can perform at optimal levels. As a small business, you should hire someone who can see the Big Picture. If you don’t, the question becomes not if you’ll have a problem, but when.

Mistake #5: Buying new software while skipping hardware upgrades

This problem stems from the over-marketing of new upgrades from software manufactures. Each company wants you to upgrade to the latest version of software — some even make it impossible for you to function without these upgrades. But many of the newer software platforms require you to upgrade your hardware simultaneously. Many small business owners upgrade their software without even thinking about the hardware, which may not only impact other systems, but cause catastrophic performance problems for your overall IT ecosystem.

Mistake #6: Going cheap, regardless of the consequences

Everyone knows that IT — from new software to hardware implementation — is expensive. But not too many small business owners know why. IT elements often cost more because they require a migration from another system or the completion of complex tasks to work optimally. Unfortunately, this is why small businesses, time and again, find themselves in an untenable situation: they choose the cheapest software only to find that some extraordinarily important piece is not included in the purchase. So conduct your due diligence. Buying IT equipment is just like buying a house – and you should only be comfortable when quality workmanship is involved.

Mistake #7: Forgoing user training

This is a problem that’s less about equipment and more about human nature. Training is an absolute must for small businesses. Without the proper training on software or hardware, well-intentioned equipment purchases are useless. Small business owners should train their employees on all IT elements whenever possible. A well-trained staff and a solid set of IT equipment will save your company time, money and plenty of headaches. Preserve your investment by keeping staffers up to speed.

Mistake #8: Working without a plan

Planning out IT initiatives or upgrades is a task that should be done, at the bare minimum, once a year. Many companies do this annually just to line up their equipment with pending corporate initiatives. This is a great practice. Mapping out your technology path can impact your entire business. Each small business should not only budget for new hardware, software upgrades or other technological elements, but for additional manpower and technical support. If you plan ahead, that software upgrade or mandatory hardware migration will no longer jump out from nowhere.

Mistake #9: Skimping on security

If you do one thing after reading this article, it should be this: take your security seriously. Many small businesses find it inconceivable that someone would target their business or try to steal their valuable data. Unfortunately, this is the furthest from the truth. Security has become the number one issue for IT environments in the past few years, thanks to online scams, vulnerability in software and networks using improper architecture. As an IT expert, I’ve come across small business systems that are so vulnerable, their accounting data is readily available on the Internet. Other systems have no anti-virus software or no malware protection, but plenty of insidious spy ware working overtime, capturing everything from login names to passwords. At some small businesses, I’ve seen criminals use open ports to hack into security camera footage — just to plan a robbery. Spam, malware and viruses pave the way for a devastating security breach. Don’t let it happen to you.

Mistake # 10: Using under-qualified people for IT support

On its face, leaving a friend, neighbor or relative in charge of your IT is not necessarily a bad move. But assuming they’re capable of such responsibility just because they can download and install software is. An under-qualified person can never give you good IT advice. Because they’ve fallen into this trap, many small businesses actually end up spending more money just to correct the mistakes of an under-qualified IT person. If you need outside support for your IT environment, always ask for certification and credentials. A good IT person is always trained and certified to work within the complexities of an IT environment.

Mistake #11: Not knowing what you have?

Ever wonder what’s in your IT room? Well, you should. Sometimes small business owners are so busy running their shops that they forget to count their software licenses or keep inventory of how many PCs they have. While countless businesses played it fast and loose years ago, one can’t afford to do that now. Strict asset management requirements – straight from the U.S. government – demand that you keep tabs of what you own. The companies of today that wave off asset management may find themselves unable to get a loan or other financing. Asset management is critical. Conducting your first inventory, especially if you’ve been in business for some time, may be an expensive task. But it will save you much heartache in the long run.

Mistake #12: Using pirated software

Software licensing rules can seem quite unfair. Many small business owners wonder why they should purchase more copies of software when they can simply use one for all their machines. With older software, you could probably get away with this. But with today’s ultra-sophisticated software, it’s simply a losing bet. Some software companies are cracking down so hard that when you download updates, it alerts them when the software has been used more than once. A company can disable your software completely at just the click of a mouse. Even worse, you could end up facing fines of upwards of $100,000 from the Business Software Alliance. Keep your software licenses up to date and you’ll never find yourself in this situation.

Many of the problems tackled here can easily be remedied by using a qualified IT professional. Many IT companies now provide flexible, affordable packages that cover maintenance, support and the overall health of your IT environment. So take your time and do your homework. Plan ahead, spend wisely and hire qualified personnel. The money you spend on IT in the short run may feel like an incredible investment at the time, but it most certainly will pay off in the end.

Tags: Avoid, Business, Mistakes, Small, Technology, Them.

Avoiding Common First Time Massage Mistakes

You can’t really make a mistake when you receive a massage. However, there are a few things that most first-timers do that can make it harder to relax and that create difficulty for the therapist. Knowing about these things in advance will help you avoid them and have a better experience.

Getting Frustrated: Receiving massage is a skill like any other. It takes time to allow yourself to fall into a comfortable rhythm with your therapist and focus on the massage. It’s easy to get frustrated with yourself for not being able to pay attention and simply relax. After you’ve received your first massage you’ll know what to expect. There are no “massage police” and no one is going to know if your mind wanders a few times or you fall asleep (unless you snore, of course!). Try focusing on your breath and on feeling the sensation of the therapist’s hands.

Helping: When the therapist is lifting or moving your head, arms, or legs, you don’t need to help unless asked. Pretend that you are a limp noodle and simply let him or her move you. Tensing up or trying to help and anticipate what they want will negate the therapeutic effects of the range of motion, stretching, or muscle positioning. Helping can even cause the therapist to work harder.

Not Communicating: It’s very important that your therapist know what your goals for the session are as well as if the pressure is comfortable. Many people complain that the massage wasn’t deep enough or it was too deep and hurt. When asked if they said something, the answer is almost always no. Take responsibility for your experience so that you can get the most out of it. And by all means, please speak up if the room is too cold!

Tough Guy/Girl: So many people think that in order to have an hour of “me time”, there has to be something uncomfortable, tedious, or downright painful to justify it. If you don’t enjoy or need deep pressure, don’t say, “you can go deeper if you want.” We only want to go deeper if YOU want. It’s up to you. Don’t ever feel that we’re holding you up to some standard and that if the pressure isn’t as deep as it was for the last guy we’re going to ridicule you. Many of our clients want a light but firm massage, and there’s nothing wrong with that! Ask for what YOU want, not what you think you should want.

Canceling: As the first massage appointment creeps up on the calendar, many new clients get nervous or suddenly feel guilty for spending time or money on themselves. Being on a massage table and trusting someone with your physical being is a little stressful the first time. This is normal. Being nervous is normal. Therapists are used to it and sometimes sharing your feelings with them helps. A variation to this theme is only making an appointment if they can take you same day. A talented therapist likely already has a steady client base and may not be able to accommodate the last minute request. Please don’t decide not to get a massage if you can’t get in immediately.

One=All Syndrome: Each massage therapist is completely different. Personality, training, talent, compassion, listening skills, and many other aspects go into the experience that is created for their clients. Keep in mind that your own state of being will impact the massage as well. Should you have a bad experience, please recognize that every massage by every therapist will be different. If you have a great experience—and you likely will—reward that therapist by rebooking (making another appointment) and telling your friends and coworkers. Referrals are the lifeblood of our business.

Harboring Unrealistic Expectations: Massage should be a part of your wellness plan, however it is not to be taken in place of medical advice. Multiple sessions are usually needed to get maximum relief, depending on your injury or pain, and sometimes maintenance treatments will also be needed. In addition, you will need to be compliant with (actually do) any homework the therapist gives you such as stretching, drinking more water, and self-treatments.

Tags: Avoiding, Common, First, Massage, Mistakes, Time

Avoiding Common First Time Massage Mistakes

You can’t really make a mistake when you receive a massage. However, there are a few things that most first-timers do that can make it harder to relax and that create difficulty for the therapist. Knowing about these things in advance will help you avoid them and have a better experience.

Getting Frustrated: Receiving massage is a skill like any other. It takes time to allow yourself to fall into a comfortable rhythm with your therapist and focus on the massage. It’s easy to get frustrated with yourself for not being able to pay attention and simply relax. After you’ve received your first massage you’ll know what to expect. There are no “massage police” and no one is going to know if your mind wanders a few times or you fall asleep (unless you snore, of course!). Try focusing on your breath and on feeling the sensation of the therapist’s hands.

Helping: When the therapist is lifting or moving your head, arms, or legs, you don’t need to help unless asked. Pretend that you are a limp noodle and simply let him or her move you. Tensing up or trying to help and anticipate what they want will negate the therapeutic effects of the range of motion, stretching, or muscle positioning. Helping can even cause the therapist to work harder.

Not Communicating: It’s very important that your therapist know what your goals for the session are as well as if the pressure is comfortable. Many people complain that the massage wasn’t deep enough or it was too deep and hurt. When asked if they said something, the answer is almost always no. Take responsibility for your experience so that you can get the most out of it. And by all means, please speak up if the room is too cold!

Tough Guy/Girl: So many people think that in order to have an hour of “me time”, there has to be something uncomfortable, tedious, or downright painful to justify it. If you don’t enjoy or need deep pressure, don’t say, “you can go deeper if you want.” We only want to go deeper if YOU want. It’s up to you. Don’t ever feel that we’re holding you up to some standard and that if the pressure isn’t as deep as it was for the last guy we’re going to ridicule you. Many of our clients want a light but firm massage, and there’s nothing wrong with that! Ask for what YOU want, not what you think you should want.

Canceling: As the first massage appointment creeps up on the calendar, many new clients get nervous or suddenly feel guilty for spending time or money on themselves. Being on a massage table and trusting someone with your physical being is a little stressful the first time. This is normal. Being nervous is normal. Therapists are used to it and sometimes sharing your feelings with them helps. A variation to this theme is only making an appointment if they can take you same day. A talented therapist likely already has a steady client base and may not be able to accommodate the last minute request. Please don’t decide not to get a massage if you can’t get in immediately.

One=All Syndrome: Each massage therapist is completely different. Personality, training, talent, compassion, listening skills, and many other aspects go into the experience that is created for their clients. Keep in mind that your own state of being will impact the massage as well. Should you have a bad experience, please recognize that every massage by every therapist will be different. If you have a great experience—and you likely will—reward that therapist by rebooking (making another appointment) and telling your friends and coworkers. Referrals are the lifeblood of our business.

Harboring Unrealistic Expectations: Massage should be a part of your wellness plan, however it is not to be taken in place of medical advice. Multiple sessions are usually needed to get maximum relief, depending on your injury or pain, and sometimes maintenance treatments will also be needed. In addition, you will need to be compliant with (actually do) any homework the therapist gives you such as stretching, drinking more water, and self-treatments.

Tags: Avoiding, Common, First, Massage, Mistakes, Time