Jane Doe Chronicles

News: North Dakota Drilling Job Boom Overshadows President's Green Energy

JDC Bullet News Forecasts - What's new on the horizon?

North Dakota ignites a historic job boom while President Obama's focus is on Green Energy technology, loans and bailouts of unstable companies. Green is good and so is conservation but compare:

The beautiful Dakotas has experienced a job boom, the likes of which has not been seen since the Gold Rush days.  Even Mc Donalds food chain is paying $18.95 an hour to attract help to serve the masses, many living in their trucks due to the inadequate availability of housing.

With employment levels at the lowest rate in the country, 3.2%, home construction is exploding in the No. 1 job creating state in the union.

According to the North Dakota Pipeline Authority, through financing, planning, development, acquisition, leasing, rental, joint ownership and other arrangements, a diversified expansion of North Dakota's economy is changing the landscape.   The American dream is alive. . .with streets paved with the gold of opportunity; with money hand-over-fist for those who don't mind inconvenience and a lot of long hard worked days.

Unlike President Obama's negative green energy ideas that have gone by the wayside along with taxpayer money given to companies on the verge of bankruptcy, the Industrial Commission of North Dakota article states: ". . . pipelines offer oil and gas producers the safest, most efficient, and most reliable method for transporting petroleum related products."  Though every job created counts. . . oil creates thousands of jobs versus green energy at hundreds.

Perhaps foreign to those in the Oval Office and other agencies, is the common sense of fiscal management in not spending more money than the government collects in any revenue year, a philosophy Jack Dalrymple, Governor of North Dakota expouses has helped to lower real estate taxes, individual income taxes, and corporate income taxes in the last three legislative sessions.

A friendly business climate is what turns the cogs in the wheels of progress and growth.  When government seeks to rule the roost, preventing businesses from doing what they do best, to hire and produce something, the end result is:  The Obama Economy. . .the gradual suffocation of the economic science of a free enterprise system and the downgrading of a nation, and the pocketbooks of its people.

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CeCe Day Hill, copyright (c) 2012 - Jane Doe Chronicles, All Rights Reserved - Office: 349 West Circle Dr., New Lenox, IL 60451 - (815) 485-4871

To view other articles: http://www.janedoechronicles.typepad.com

 

 

Politics: "Taxpayer's Bailout Goes to Employ 15% of Illegal Immigrants in Construction"

JDC Government Machinations:  A new deal sellout by the Democratic Congress is taking away American construction jobs by congressional refusal to include E-Verify in the 789 billion dollar stimulus bill to protect the American worker.

How patriotic is your Congressman?  Where is the loyalty to the American unemployed?  Perhaps the answers lie in the quest for the minority vote instead of concern for Americans in construction.

Reaping the harvest of a November 2008 vote, Americans will now find themselves without an opportunity to compete fully in the construction arena for jobs.  The Center for Immigration Studies estimates illegal aliens who are not authorized to work in the United States will end up taking 15% of all construction jobs.  That figure could become higher in the Southwestern States like California.

Columnist Pat Buchanan questions what we all should as taxpayers:  Why didn't Congress do their job?  "Congress could have, with one vote, guaranteed that virtually every job paid for by U.S. taxpayers would go to U.S. workers.  How?  By mandating that all beneficiaries of stimulus money use the E-Verify program. . .which lets employers check the validity of the Social Security number of all new hires."

The E-Verify program has been highly successful according to NumbersUSA with 3 million inquiries this year alone with an accuracy of 99 percent.  This is a system that is non-intrusive and an inexpensive way for businesses to assure hires are legal.

Unfortunately for American workers, the Democrats voted to kill the E-Verify protection program in six months ignoring Republicans and seven Democrats who wanted the program extended.  The Senate was not allowed to vote on the bill and all the finagling on this issue was done back in the House in the Pelosi-Reid conferenece.  Then, as if by magic, E-Verify disappeared.  Could this be a means to an end for the future Democratic minority vote?

Where is the change?  The Obama administration is an explosion of business as usual by a leader who appears to not be able to stand up to his party on behalf of the American voter.  His heart may be in the right place, but his actions take him from his near center attempt to govern to the far radical left.  The president's party is out of control.  He is unable to crack the whip or chooses not too.  It appears he is giving the Pelosi-Reid coalition a free hand in the game of: "Good Cop Bad Cop"  in order to appease that he is attempting to keep his promises, while letting his party do the dirty work.

Americans are hurting.  Why don't the Democrats have a problem with illegal aliens taking jobs from you?  The following is American commentary from Human Events.com, which may be an indication of the voter mindset for the 2010 elections:

"I feel bad for the poor who come here with nothing and all they want is to work and build a life but Pat is right.  These construction jobs should first be offered to tax paying Americans.  I am not a portectionist like Pat but in this case it only makes sense.  We can't have those dollars leaving the country." -- Christoper Weehawken, NJ

"I think its time to put the "Go Away" sign on the statue of Liberty, or give the entire damn thing back to the French.  We are no longer getting rugged individualists wanting freedom, but third world goat herders looking for a Government subsidy."  -- Smack 

"All the Obama lovers in South Central LA to the slums of Englewood in Chicago should be happy their "Black" president gives illegals priority over the "brothers" who sit on Porch stoops!

Hapless fools they all seem to be!"  -- Jack  IL 

"I am so sick to my stomach by the outright treason from these jackals.  For the life of me i can't see why Americans put up with this situtation, i have an awful feeling about the future of our beloved country."  -- Jasper Edward

"During one of the last outrages, I called the office of my senator (Kerry), and the condescension was palpable.  These types just assume you're a racist.  Afterall, they went to Harvard don't cha know.  And you can always tell a Harvard guy ... you just can't tell him much.

When the formerly middle-class Americans take to the streets in job marches, which will be coming soon, congress will rediscover the concept of citizenship.  By then, the military may be defending the Capital building, as well as the southern border."  -- X2 Boston MA

So the grumbling begins, sharp rhetoric flows, demonstrations are organized, emails flood the airways, in this the first "100 days" of the Obama administration.  The critical fact remains . . . the only place to settle this is at the ballot box, and isn't that what you the American people did?  Or was that a mistake of emotional euphoria of hopes and dreams, instead of hard cold facts?  Could this be the reason our forefathers fought bitterly amongst themselves to institute a two party system of checks and balances, so no one party could run amok, amok, amok?
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By:  CeCe Day Hill, Copyright (c) 2009 - Jane Doe Chronicles - All Rights Reserved, 349 West Circle Dr., New Lenox, IL 60451 - (815) 485-4871 - Email:  janedoechronicles@comcast.net

To view other articles and author profile visit: http://www.janedoechronicles.typepad.com

Small Business: "Why Obama's Tax Plan Economics Will Put Many Owners Out of Business"

JDC BUSINESS POLITICS: The Wall Street Journal Economist Writer Steven Moore researched the fuzzy math facts on Obama's tax application for small business owners and found 50% will be affected.

In Moore's investigation not only will 50% of small business owners be affected, but the actual dollar level at which taxes will be increased is $200,000 not the $250,000 quoted by Obama. The Wall Street Journal is known to have its finger on the pulse of American business and economics.

Look at your business tax returns and decide if Obama's heart of wealth distribution ideology, its origins infused after 1899 by the Social Democratic Party and the Socialist Labor Party will affect your bottom line and your ability to stay in business.

Is Obama good for small business? How do you create more jobs if you increase taxes in an economic turn-down? You don't, ask any small business owner and they will tell you why.

It is an outrage when a citizen sought out by a candidate is ostracized in the media by the liberal press because they don't like the idea that the man they deem their "messiah" should have to answer a negative issue. . .or should I say a negative truth.

There is more at stake than the thrashing of Joe the Plumber. Overnight he has become
a symbol of main-street along with millions of small business owners who employ most of the working people. The bias liberal media has pounced on a man wanting to become part of the American dream: be the boss and run his own plumbing house.

A man not afraid of working hard - willing to take a risk for the opportunity of business independence - willing to track through the economic ups and downs - willing to conquer the pressures and make the sacrifices he will have to to insure success.

Obama was correct when he said: "He doesn't know of any plumber that earns $250,000." Though a single plumber may not rack-in that amount . . . he omitted to say that there are hundreds of thousands of individually owned plumbing companies that do, along with other small business owners of every ilk.

Obama's plan is advocating a form of control over the means of your production-sweat equity, and your pocketbook with unequal distribution of those monies to others. Spreading the wealth around so someone can have the same opportunity through government intervention, as Joe the Plumber.

That intervention being administrated through the process of additional taxation. Also known in the annuals of our history books and lexicons as "socialism and welfare." Or as Obama has indicated repeatedly, you earn it and he will see that it is spread around, something our forefathers fought against, and the exact issue that gave rise to the Boston Tea Party.

If you're a sole proprietorship or husband and wife partnership or an S Corporation, you feel the pinch because your tax liability flows through to your personal tax return. If there is a second income your tax liability is hit harder because the combination of both incomes can easily push you into the real $200,000 category and higher tax bracket, irrespective of accounting deductions allowed in the running of your small business.

Depending on your business status, if you have employees you can be forced to provide insurance coverage even though you do not have the economic wherewithal to do so. Many of the Mom and Pop Shops, who are the cogs in the wheel of America's progress cannot afford to insure themselves let alone an employee.

Its bad enough they have to deal with runaway rates on unemployment compensation, matched social security taxes; keeping up with federal, state and local tax payments when business slow-downs occur and all the factors that eat away at profit margins on a daily basis . . . to increase taxes is insanity.

Interesting is the fact that of the so-called 95% of people who will not pay taxes under
the Obama plan - 40% already do not pay taxes. . . In his stump messages why is he not saying he will only benefit 55%, and exactly who is that 55%?

McCain and Obama may be good people, but their ideologies differ greatly. McCain's views are conservative on economics: the need for cutting government spending, lowering taxes and getting rid of the dead weight of self-interests in Washington. Obama has a proven liberal record in line with the likes of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Senator Harry Reid, and has demonstrated he will not challenge the establishment because he is part of it based on his political background at the State and Federal level.

Judge the truth for yourself. Look at the records of both men at: www.thomas.gov You just may find what you see is not what you get!

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Copyright (c) 2008 CeCe Day Hill - Jane Doe Chronicles - All Rights Reserved - 349 West Circle Dr., New Lenox, IL 60451 - 1.815.485.4871 - Email: janedoechronicles@comcast.net To view other thought provoking articles: visit: www.janedoechronicles.typepad.com

News: "How Sound is Your Bank, Check it Out!"

JDC Insight Today:  Follow the yellow brick road.  It is easy to check out how sound your bank is. . . and more importantly, if your accounts are properly insured?

The fever of concern runs rampant as the public searches for the names of failing banks on the FDIC list.  The bad news is: the FDIC list is not available to the public.  The good news is: with the click of a mouse you can have peace of mind and know how sound your bank is.

According to MSN Money, the list contains 90 names being monitored out of the 9,000 banks and thrifts.  Overall, the Banking industry appears sound with good capitalization and asset protections despite economic conditions.

Here is an option you can monitor yourself no matter what state you live in.  The source is (Bankrate) Bankrate.com's Safe & Sound service.  A proprietary system designed to provide info on the relative financial strength and stability of U.S. banks, savings institutions and credit unions; you don't have to pay for the information.

Bankrate applies a twenty-two test measure on capital adequacy, asset quality, profitability, and liquidity.  You can look at that information in an easy to understand memorandum format and/or an official asset statement report.

Start your search with: http://www.bankrate.com/brm/safesound/ss_home.asp   You will find a rating system from 1 to 5. . .with 5 being the lowest rating, in addition to new and closed banks.  This makes it easier to analyze the memorandum information on your current bank, or one you may be considering.

Start back at the top of the page, and you're on your way to "peace of mind."

In searching by options keep in mind a bank division in a small town may come up under its parent bank in a larger city - i.e., State Bank of Illinois, Mokena came up as State Bank of Illinois for overall evaluation.  Try all options if need be.

You will be able to monitor bank updates at any time and have a good idea if your bank's rating is slipping and why.

Of greater concern is how your accounts are setup.  The aggregate FDIC amount for an individual in any bank is $100,000, not $100,000 per each account.   That aggregate amount is the combined total of funds in any banking form, as checking, savings, CDs and money markets. . . from single accounts in your name and any combined account with someone else ($100,000) is the max. 

The two exceptions to the FDIC rule is: IRA's which are insured up to $250,000 and, what is termed a "beneficiary" account (where more insurance protection is provided according to the number of beneficiaries).

If your aggregate individual totals are over $100,000 you might want to have assets in more than one bank.  Before taking any action, your banker may be of assistance, though many are lax in their knowledge of FDIC coverage.

I would recommend getting the information you need direct from the horses mouth!  Contact the FDIC direct at 1-877-ASK-FDIC (1-877-275-3342).  Their staff can tell you exactly how much insurance coverage you have on everything at your bank.

Another FDIC Consumer Resource: the Electronic Deposit Insurance Estimator (EDIE) at http://www.fdic.gov  -  You can securely input your account information and the program will give you an estimate on the insurance coverage for all your assets in a bank.

Using both areas as a tool should keep your investments safe, because you will have more control from easily updated information - information worth its weight in gold.

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About the Author:  CeCe Day Hill has writing experience spanning 18 years, and a diversified Banking background.  To review detailed Author profile - creative article writing visit: www.janedoechronicles.typepad.com
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                                          CeCe Day Hill - Copyright (c) 2005-2008
                                        Jane Doe Chronicles - All Rights Reserved
                              349 West Circle Dr., New Lenox, IL 60451 - 1.815.485.4871 
                                         Email:  janedoechronicles@comcast.net

 

Business: "Simple Strategies Can Put a Feather in Your Cap!"

JDC Office Politics:  Be in control.  Use simple techniques that can provide big business dividends.

Travel Preparation:  "Book me a flight," says the boss.  Seems easy enough, but what happens if the day's scheduling unexpectedly changes?  Oh man, a time-sensitive panic.  A feeling of loss of control - anger - a disgruntled ending to the business day that preparation may have eliminated.

One simple option to keep the nerves calm is to include along with the basic flight information time frames for earlier and later departures, in case one needs it.  It's the wonder of thinking out-of-the-box, the little stuff that makes the cogs in the business wheel moving smoothly and the boss happy.

Who Did You Say Was Calling?  What a day - is it wonderful or a day from "hell"?  The phone rings and the voice on the other end is not familiar, nor do you remember the "name," at that hectic moment.

Unfortunately any returned call may become an embarrassment breaking one's train-of-thought as well as putting a dent into your intangible professional persona.  Not too good, if a contract is in the offing, or your looking for money from your favorite commercial banker or the call gets fumbled by the gate-keeper, who is suppose to cover your tail.

Whether your management or not, piece of mind is a list away.  The computer is not a good avenue for this, because one is dealing with split seconds in time on a major issue of: making an impression.

Create a simple system:  Using your own abbreviated shorthand jot down the name, purpose of the call and the time.  Keeping this next to the phone will also allow you to know who has not returned your call at day's end.

Don't let yourself become a victim of corporate theft.  With today's climate of cut-throat competition, fraud and stolen ideas. . .make sure your daily lists are shredded.  This is critical for anyone in the negotiation process - a buy-out - and any field there are secrets - product deadlines - head-hunting - in other words, basic information that could be leaked to a source and kill a deal.

As mysterious as the missing sock eaten by the modern day technology the dryer . . . One never knows where a competitor's spy can infiltrate, especially when that information is tossed into "file 13."

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About the Author:  CeCe Day Hill is a writer and Entrepreneur with experience in customer relations,  design, R&D, marketing and sales.  To review detailed Author profile - creative article writing visit: www.janedoechronicles.typepad.com
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                                          CeCe Day Hill  Copyright (c) 2005-2008
                                         Jane Doe Chronicles - All Rights Reserved
                             349 West Circle Dr., New Lenox, IL 60451 - 1.815.485.4871 
                                           Email: janedoechronicles@comcast.net



 
 

Marketing: A Strategy That Works in Cyberspace and the World of Brick and Mortar

JDC Insite - Marketing trends drive the market, but creating a pleasurable buying experience brings in the profits.

However you describe it, marketing is the secret to getting and keeping customers happily returning to open their wallets and grease the palms of retailers.  Filling registers with their means of power and acknowledgment: that your product or store is the chosen one as the recipient of the "almighty dollar," or an identifiable credit card.

It is the human desire that has driven a Three Trillion Dollar Consumer Market in 2007, according to a study by Pam Danzinger of Unity Marketing.  During the five years spanning 2002-2007, home decorative purchases rose only 9.4%, while gifts and collectibles almost doubled 17.6%.

Consumers are hungry for the unusual, and a highly gratifying shopping experience in a hassle-free environment.  No travel and parking battles, no annoying long lines, no waning product inventory or lack of modern and trend selections.  They want to enjoy their shopping time; even to the point of being entertained.

Over the past five years, brick and mortar gift shops shared only 7% of the market, experiencing a 21% decline in shops.  It becomes evident more consumers are turning to the new "Gold Coast," the Internet, for a fun, colorful and stress-free spending spree for whatever their little hearts' desire.

Marketing is of equal value in the brick and mortar, and cyberspace venues.  Marketing doesn't mean just advertising or sales promotions or marketing mail.  The area of first impression on the Internet may be the only one a retailer gets before the click of the mouse wipes the site forever from a single consumer's mind or thousands.

The way a retail site is designed is "marketing" along with ease of use, lack of clutter, great copywriting to whet the appetite, an air of professionalism and a keen product presentation, can all make or break a potentially profitable enterprise.

For years Sears Roebuck became a company who took a long time to get on-board with market trends and outdated stores.  Perhaps management banked on the prestigious history both of their stores and catalog sales.  What happened was the gradual exit of consumers, complaining of lack of personnel and good customer servicing, outdated selections and antiquated and gloomy stores.  Shoppers back then were crying out for change and taking their dollars elsewhere, while the writing-on-the-wall was evident, falling on deaf ears of Sears executives.

Now consider the opposite:  Alsip Corp. in the state of Illinois.  A highly competitive and successful small chain of garden centers with department store shopping.  When one walks in . . . there are skylights of windows and a touch of warmth from the sun, directing shoppers to the inner sanctum of brightly lit displays, household, gift and collectible partitioned areas of intrigue along with other designated displays with wide aisles and roaming help, plus their distinctive doggy and pet village.

Alsip's strategy is not to remain stagnant, but to rotate throughout the year areas and product lines for freshness incorporating new trends, leaving the customer to linger and wonder: what great things do they have now? 

They have packaged their stores to provide an intriguing pleasant shopping hunt . . . like a child in a candy store consumers keep on with their search for the right pieces in a relaxed atmosphere of comfort.  Alsip has mastered repeat business through a different kind of marketing strategy - that works.

This same strategy is easily adapted to Internet retailing.  It's all in the physical look, layout, and written words of on-line marketing that differentiates one site from another and creates the desire to buy.  It's the creative ideas and the decisive execution of marketing that will attract and help sustain shoppers.  Without that marketing. . .an untraveled site just doesn't exist! 

Review Marketing Help:

Jay Abraham, Marketing Genius: His goal: "help you make money.  To provide you with actionable strategies."  Abraham has helped thousands to reach a high level of marketing success.  Visit: www.abraham.com

Jay Abraham: "Getting Everything You Can Out of All You've Got: - 21 Ways You Can Out-Think, Out-Perform, and Out-Earn the Competition

I thoroughly enjoyed this read.  With all that he offers, the greatest point is: YOU and YOU alone must make the decisive decision to put into action the content of his experience for success.  Subscribe to Abraham's newsletter and read the first chapter for free.  I believe you will find it more than interesting.

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The Internet Marketing Center:  "Tips and strategies on Internet marketing and promoting a business online  Created by the late marketing guru Corey Rudl - Visit: www.marketingtips.com

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Aurelius Tjin's Unstoppable Internet Marketig Newsletter: Visit: www.unstoppableinternetmarketing.com

For Marketing tips check: "110 Traffic Generation Tips to Market Your Website and, Aurelius' Top 33 Internet Marketing Tools and Resources."

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About the Author: CeCe Day Hill has writing experience spanning 18 years.  To review detailed Author profile - creative article writing - services available visit: www.janedoechronicles.typepad.com
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                                        CeCe Day Hill  Copyright (c) 2005-2008
                                      Jane Doe Chronicles - All Rights Reserved      
                        349 West Circle Dr., New Lenox, IL 60451 - 1.815.485.4871    
                                       Email:  janedoechronicles@comcast.net                                 

   

Business: How Can I Get an Internet Writing Job?

JDC Insite - As Neil Sedaka's song says: "Breaking Up is Hard to Do," - so too, breaking into the writing field is hard to do.  It is a test of character and endurance and the willingness to do what you have to bar none!

Don't let negatives get you down as you try to break into print or secure a paid writing gig.  It's only over if you give up.  The writing field is highly competitive.  It doesn't matter if you are a self-made writer or degreed.  The odds overall are the same in the beginning unless you prove to be an enigma or you have a contact that can open doors for you.

The Internet is "writing."  Everything is secondary to it.  It has grown exponentially and the need for writers to meet the needs of varied markets is wide open.  On the other side of the coin, competition is so fierce too many companies are expecting something for nothing. 

Those who do pay are averaging $5.00 to $20.00 an article.  Others may offer more $100 to $250.  Many will not take submissions from unpublished writers or those published anywhere in any form even those rewritten.  Experienced writers are making money by promoting their writing sites and products or offering copyrighting and consulting services. 

Those who are considered professionals are making heavy fees per hour or per job.  The industry standard for a page is 250 words.  Writing jobs of one to three manuscript pages is $40.00 to $125.00 per hour.  Book pages $50.00 to $110.00.  "These common rates are meant only as a guideline. . .you may be able to negotiate your rate."

Proceed with caution as you look for quality top paying jobs, which range from three to four digit figures depending on venue . . . generally given to the writer that knows his/her craft, is experienced, knows the ropes and is proficient in working any subject matter for attention getting style, impact and appeal, according to a specific ordered criteria.

The following information and places may be of interest, while you are searching out sources of income or just starting out.

Experience and Name Recognition:  The all-important experience that begets name recognition.  There is a plethora of sites, free and paid, that lets you take your writing knowledge and experiences and publish them into a community of other writers that is open to public view and companies looking for writers.

The experience allows you to test yourself against a highly competitive group of writers, hone your skills, and find out what your style is.  Do you have a style?  If not, find it. . .it is the red carpet walk to success.

Style:  Companies, publishers and editors are looking for exactly that. . .a colorful way of writing, and slant that separates your work from everyone else.  Style up a bit of your own literary property of flair - finesse - cunning strategy - intrigue, and play-on words.

Don't try to emulate another writer.  Take the fine things you see in their writing and use it to your advantage in finding your niche.  Though Copycats may be flattering to a writer, they never succeed.  Publishers and editors see right through them.

The college writing days and the reality of the open writing market differ.  Only time and experience will help one to evaluate the differences for the markets you may desire to work for.  The only area it seems to not affect is true Journalism; where the standard remains and the ability to tantalize and relate remains succinct.

Review:

For freelance jobs: Sunoasis Jobs
http://www.sunoasis.com

Writer's Resource Center
http://www.writingjobroll.com
Info by state plus advice

Career Overview
http://www.careeroverview.com
freelance temp jobs and employment resources by state

EFA Resources:  Editorial Freelancers Assoc.
http://www.the-efa.org
Job lists, resources, etc.

Newbie Tech Writer Job Search
www.cloudnet.com

Docsymmetry - Tech Jobs
www.docsymmetry.com

Experience for Writers
http://www.freelancewriting.com

Associated Content
www.associatedcontent.com

Blogit
www.blogit.com

Helium
www.helium.com

                                              ____________________________

About the Author:  CeCe Day Hill has writing experience spanning 18 years, and is an entrepreneur.  To review detailed Author profile - creative article writing - services available visit:  www.janedoechronicles.typepad.com
________________________________________________________________________________________

                                      Jane Doe Chronicles - All Rights Reserved
                                        CeCe Day Hill Copyright (c) 2005-2008
                         349 West Circle Dr., New Lenox, IL 60451 - 1.815.485.4871    
                                    Email:  janedoechronicles@comcast.net          

                              

Travel and Business Forecasts on the Horizon

JDC Bullet-News Forecasts:  What is on the horizon of change?

Travel Notes:

*   We are a world of pleasure and business travelers.  ... Travel trends and benefits are changing.  One would think with the weak U.S. dollar it would help the tourism base.  -- The reality is: travelers from Canada and Mexico are not staying long, and  not spending as much.   Tourists from other countries tend to stay longer energizing the economy.

One possibility is: Visa hassles and tighter screening and security issues.  Congress is working on easing Visa regulation hassles.  ... Another issue is:  Unlike the U.S., other countries vigorously promote tourism...an issue that may soon be addressed by the public and private sector in the U.S.   But for now, it is up to individual states to promote U.S. tourism gleaning each states enticing aspects both for personal travel and business purposes and conventions.

Passports - destinations, Canada and Mexico:

*   If Canada or Mexico is your destination you will need a passport.   Apply early ... at least 60 days in advance until the present backlog is caught up.  With some flexibility, Congress has pushed back the deadline for border entry by vehicle to no later than June 2009, though it is speculated by insiders that the effective change will be in 2008.  Keep in mind:  no passport or proof you applied presently - bye bye vacation, and you can forget about that business venture.

What is happening to your frequent flyer's miles?

*   Dwindling is the word!  You may be traveling more, but you will see less point credits to your account in an effort made by the airlines, to shrink the time allowed to redeem miles.  Like any business the industry is looking to trim overhead in tracking  of miles and record keeping time frames.  When scheduling your next flight, check with the specific airlines as to what the current point miles are that will be credited to your account. ... All the airlines will no doubt follow suit with an 18-month cap instead of the two or three years previously allowed for redemption.

*  Another blow to your pocket-book or balance sheet.  Hotels are starting to charge more for a free nights stay.  Expect to be charged from 3,000 to 5,000 points more...

Entrepreneurs:

*  More money: Congress is considering restoring funding to the SBA 7(a) loan program, which was cut two-and-a-half years ago.  "With passage government contributions should start in 2008.  -- It should pass as part of the broader legislation providing loans to military veterans and women running small businesses.  Small businesses can borrow up to $2 million and pay it over 25 years with interest."  Be aware - paperwork at the SBA has always been considerable...but to help ensure success contact SCORE an organization of retired business counselors, at the local college for assistance.  It is cost-free and you'll be glad you did...

*   Less money:  If your looking to Venture Capitalists...it will be tougher as these individuals and companies appear to be investing in more-experienced businesses due to delaying payoffs on investments.  The time frame for recouping investments in going public, has doubled since the 90s to around eight years.   ... If you have the next hottest item you probably will be in the running.

Business is flourishing - but not everyone is making money:

*   Opportunity: Major department chains are considering new tactics to bring back customers lost to Internet sales, specialty merchandisers and others.  -- If you have products or services that would be a complement to such stores as Macy's or J C Penney and the like, you just may be able to sublease space directly in their stores at a lease price far less than directly in a shopping mall.

Advertising and increased leasing costs, and access to a volume of potential customers is becoming harder at the brick and mortar level...as individuals continue to migrate and enjoy the privacy of the shopping experience - easy access - and mammoth selections in merchandise on the Internet information and business highway.  Thinking out of the box may be the difference between closing your doors and making money.   

Internet Sales and the future:

*   "Internet Sales are booming with an estimated 10% share of the retail sales market for 2007 coming in around $260 billion by year-end."  Still a problem for too many entrepreneurs...more needs to be done by Internet businesses to get customers to come back and buy more than once, which is a good benchmark of potential success. 

Internet Entrepreneurs need to re-figure how to address the lack of the most credible aspect of dealing on the web, trust  - that translates into a no hassle return policy along with low-cost shipping.  Second: is the promotional aspect of a site or lack thereof - why should someone visit let alone stay?   Third: promotional products are making a comeback - items that help companies stand out in the minds of shoppers...an inexpensive way providing a silent voice - a constant reminder, both at the brick and mortar and Internet levels.

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                                          CeCe Day Hill Copyright (c) 2005-2007
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