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Deadline Fast Approaching

Posted by Lenisa L. Cooper on October 10, 2009 at 11:56pm

FINAL TAX-FILING DEADLINE IS JUST ONE WEEK AWAY. BUT, WHAT IF YOU ARE STILL NOT READY TO FILE?If you filed for an extension to file your 2008 Tax Returns, your final deadline is one week from today, on Thursday Oct. 15.If you miss that deadline, but THEY owe YOU money, don't worry, they are happy to keep it a little longer - but don’t expect them to pay interest.But what if YOU OWE THEM?That is a WHOLE DIFFERENT MATTER!When you filed for an extension, that gave you more time to FILE, but it did NOT give more time to PAY. All underpaid taxes were due on April 15th.Even if you DO file on or before Oct, 15, you will owe interest dating back to Aril 15, but if you ALSO FAIL TO FILE by Oct. 15, that's when they hit you with serious penalties -- on top of the interest!Important questions you may have, are:What if I just CAN'T BE READY by Thursday?What if I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY I owe?Can I get another extension for a little longer?THOSE QUESTIONS ARE ANSWERED in a free one-page bullet-point summary. Just go to www.HomeBusinessTaxSavings.com to get it. You'll find the download link just TO THE LEFT of the box offering a free video that reveals:"#1 Secret to Slashing Your Taxes in Half."HAVE YOU COMPLETED YOUR 90-DAY VEHICLE-USE LOG? IF NOT, READ ON…Without at least a 90-day log, you risk losing ALL deductions for business use of personal vehicles. Guess what? There are exactly 85 days left in 2009.That's 5 days short of 90, but you can "recreate" your vehicle use for the past 5 days, and then keep accurate records for the next 85 days. Then, voila- you have a 90 day log, and thus get to claim vehicle deductions for the WHOLE YEAR. BUT if you wait a few more days to begin your log -- you will LOSE $3,000 to $5,000 or more in tax deductions.WHEN YOU TRAVEL FOR BUSINESS -- ARE YOU USING "PER DIEM RATES" TO DETERMINE MEAL DEDUCTION AMOUNTS?If so, could you stand some GOOD news?PER DIEM rates are based on the Government Fiscal Year -- October 1 through September 30 -- NOT on the Jan.1 to Dec. 31 calendar-year and Tax-Year.Technically, for travel between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31, 2009, you can choose whether you want to use the"old" FY 2009 rates or the "new" FY 2010 rates.I say "technically" because you COULD use the 2009 rates, but you'd be an idiot if you did, because they have INCREASED in the 2010 Per Diem schedule.The amounts allowed for breakfast and lunch have remained unchanged, but Dinner rates have increased by $5.00, no matter where you are traveling in the U.S., and the deduction for Incidentals has increased from $3.00 to $5.00 per day."Incidental Expenses" include fees and tips to porters, baggage carriers, bellhops, hotel maids, and shipboardstewards and stewardesses, according to examples the IRS provides.The deductible rates for Meals and Incidental Expenses (M&IE) depends on your business travel destination, andsometimes also on time-of-year.For high-cost locations, the total daily M&IE rate is $71 for FY10. The rate for the lowest-cost locations rate $46. And there are in-between rates.How do you know how much you can claim?FIRST go to www.gsa.gov/perdiem to see the M&IE rate for the location you are traveling to.THEN go to www.gsa.gov/mie to see the breakdowns of Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Incidentals deductions.Get those deductions!!! It is legal and it is YOUR’S…Lenisa CooperLenisasPersonalTouch.ning.com

How to Make Extra Money Online the FREE and EASY Way

Posted by LaShanda Henry on October 10, 2009 at 5:57pm

One of the members on BBWO, my social network for Black Business Women, recently asked me the question, “How can I make money with no money?” money-computer

If she was looking to start a business, the answer to that question would be pretty hard, because it’s almost impossible to start a business without spending any money. But it is actually possible to make money online without starting a business. I’ve got, what I like to call my 3 AM System for making extra cash online. I call it my 3 AM System because it’s all about:

Affiliate Marketing Make Money Promoting Affiliate Products
Article Marketing Make Money Writing Articles
Adsense Money Making Money Generating Google Adsense Revenue

I mainly make money online doing the three things I love; web design, web coaching, and selling eBooks. If you know me, it’s easy to see that I’m a worker bee at heart, but even I like the idea of making easy money by tapping into passive income streams. Passive income is basically that nice and quiet income that you get every single month, for doing very little and sometimes for doing nothing at all. Though it does take time and skill to get passive income opportunities off the ground, they work effortlessly for you over time. Here are a few examples of how I make extra money online.

I get anywhere between $700 - $1200 in Google Adsense Revenue each month
I get multiple affiliate checks every month ranging from $100 to $500

In the last few years I’ve learned how to bring in thousands of dollars of extra income from these little, non-technical projects that add up and balance out my existing income as a web designer, author, and coach. Because my social network is SO BIG, I often get folks begging me to join MLM and Network Marketing opportunities but I don’t mainly because my 3 AM System allows me to generate income without having to spend money or buy into any business opportunity. Moreover, because I already have my main income streams, I view this stuff as extra income and everybody could use an extra couple of $100+ checks for whatever. Truth be told, you could really make thousands of dollars just doing one of these things, which really just requires picking one specific craft and perfecting it. Personally speaking, being a Jackie of many web trades, combining my smaller checks into nice bundles of extra money is perfect enough for me. If you want to make money online the easy way, these are your options and you can easily learn more about them. Do Google searches on “Affiliate Marketing”, “Article Marketing” and “Google Adsense Revenue”. There is a ton of information online. Not all of it is great (which sucks) but you can definitely learn this stuff for free. You also have the option of learning it from me. I enjoy teaching this stuff to others, which is why I created my private blog Easy Profit Projects (www.easyprofitprojects.com ). It’s a space online that’s strictly for ambitious beginners interested in making easy extra money online. The EPP blog is where:

I tell you specifically what affiliate products I promote For one of my affiliates I get $40 for every person that signs up to their offer

I tell you how to make money writing online I write for profit in so many ways and I’ll tell you the easiest ways to get started. I recently discovered a NEW WAY to make money writing online that I would love to share with you.

I also tell you the different types of Profit Projects You can Tap Into On EPP you can download and read my eBook, The easiest Way to Make Your First $1000 Online

Just so we are very clear on this, I can’t guarantee fast cash or big riches. I’m a work at home mom (work being the key word here - lol) who makes a nice living doing what I do and earning extra income on the side. I honestly don’t know if my 3 AM System will work for you, but I know it works for me and the other folks making good money online. SO... on EPP I’ll show you how I and many others make money by promoting other people’s stuff and sharing information. Official Website: Easy Profit Projects: www.easyprofitprojects.com

"Small Business, It's Time to Think BIG"

Posted by Michelle McBride on October 10, 2009 at 5:15pm

I'm amazed when I ask small business owners if they accept credit cards from their customers and some say “no”. These business owners tell me that they cannot afford to pay for a merchant account because they don’t make enough sales or simply that they are not ready. I ask them, ready for what? Many times, they just don’t have an answer. I believe it’s because they are trying to figure out if they are actually in business to do business. As any business owner knows, there can be risks in running a business. What is your underlying fear in taking a risk & propelling your business to the next level?In business, the goal is to make a profit. You can’t make a profit if you don’t make sales. One way to boost your sales is to offer your customers flexibility in paying for their purchases. Accepting credit cards from your customers offers you another avenue for generating sales and building your business. A merchant account should be a part of your basic business “toolkit”. And don’t forget that your merchant account fees are considered a business expense (the cost in doing business).Credit cards are a dominant form of payment, next to cash, for products & services even during slow economic times. Research shows that customers will spend an average of 30% more on purchases when using credit cards. What would a 30% increase in sales volume do for your business?It is time for the small business owner to think BIG! Think purposely and expansively about how you will effectively grow your business. Despite the current economic conditions, there are many opportunities for the small business owner to advance his/her business in the marketplace. But it will take action and enlarging your vision to see that you are able to afford a merchant account. By not having a merchant account, you are simply driving your customers to your competitors that do offer this service.There are many options in the marketplace for the business owner to select in setting up their new merchant account. You want to select the company that provides you with personalized service, attractive rates and knows your business needs and your budget.At Pay Bizness, we specialize in setting up merchant accounts for small businesses in all types of industries. We offer a variety of merchant solutions including Wireless Terminals, Secure WebPay, Virtual Terminal, Check Guarantee/Conversion, Gift/Loyalty Cards and ATM’s.We offer low, reasonable rates and have credit card and check solutions that will help your business to attract more customer sales and boost your revenue.Regardless of your past credit history or length of time in your business, we will work with you to set up the ideal merchant account.For more details, visit our website at www.paybizness.com or you can contact us at (888) 992-5551 or email us at info@paybizness.com.

Every Woman Entrepreneur, WAHM should do this to accelerate their ultimate success.

Posted by Robin Tramble on October 10, 2009 at 9:11am

As woman entrepreneurs and a WAHM we are met with daily challengesthat if left to ourselves may take months and even years to overcome.There is one thing that if and when you commit to do will rendermaximized empowering success and that one thing is to have a mentor.You can have a mentor for your personal, spiritual and or business growth.This is what Oprah Winfrey says about a mentor:A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself…someone who allows you to know that no matter how dark the night, inthe morning joy will come… someone who allows you to see the higherpart of yourself when sometimes it becomes hidden to your own view.I think mentors are important and I don't think anybody makes it inthe world without some form of mentorship. Nobody makes it alone.Nobody has made it alone. And we are all mentors to people even whenwe don't know it."How many of you would rather reinvent the wheel or learn everythingby hard knocks?How many of you long for someone to just listen and at the appropriatetime offer value added feed back?Ever feel like you’re all alone and find it hard to stay motivated?You don’t have to reinvent the wheel, you don’t have to do it alone and there is someone who is ready and willing to listen to you and also offer key strategies and wisdom to help you move forward in life.A mentor should be:Someone who is going the way you want to go.Someone with integrity and who you respect.Someone who encourages you to get started and provide energy when you hear them or read their contentSomeone you trust will tell you what you need to hear and not just what you want to hearSomeone that genuinely cares about people and from what you know are authenticThe above should be the minimum that you find in your prospect for a mentor.Benefits of having a mentor include but are not limited to:Someone to listen and guide you in your endeavorsProvides motivationHelps build your self esteem and confidenceIncreases your levels of achievementA couple of things that could hinder your relationship with a mentor:A know it all attitudeWhining and complaining regardless of shared strategiesA lack of opennessLittle or no commitment to the relationshipWhen you invite a mentor into your life and add this valuable resource to your life I guarantee you will accelerate your ultimate success. I know because I have experienced this myself and have gained so much leverage from having mentors in my life at various seasons of my life.I invite you to explore the opportunities afforded you to utilize my mentoring services.My Inner Circle which is a mentoring/coaching group and Dream LaunchMentoring/Coaching program which is a 5 week program with follow up group calls,one on one private calls and more.Think Big. Dream Big. Play a bigger game.Discover the Power of Partnership with God!Robin’s Inner Circle Dream launch Mentoring and Coaching program"It's never too late to redeem your dreams. ~ Sharon Williams

SHEMAGURLS.ORG IS AN EXCITING ORGANIZATION . CHECK THESE LADIES OUT!!!!

Posted by Rickey on October 10, 2009 at 7:00am

Hello Community, WoW !Did I have an interesting, informative, and engaging conversation with these two beautiful. articulate, insightful, progressive, and action oriented ladies. Kat and Nita.I mean putting together positive business and social building activities from the west coast to the east coast and all states in between!!!They are even helping those who want to go to school.The SHEMA1000 is our Cash Awards program for our members starting or going back to college. Learn how you can qualify to receive $1000 towards your continued education.go check them out right now.

Tune into Blog Talk Radio Show, Sumatra, The Bold, Strong and Smooth...Every Friday 3:00 pm, PST...and We are always looking for guests

Posted by Loretta Green-Williams on October 9, 2009 at 7:30pm

Women of the African Diaspora (WAD) Website and Social Network 2nd Anniversary

Posted by database-xena on October 9, 2009 at 5:53pm

The Afro European Sisters Network and award winning Black Women in Europe™ Blog joined forces in November 2007 to form the Women of the African Diaspora website and social network. The Women of the African Diaspora website is a source of information, inspiration and more for black women around the world. We would like to celebrate our 2nd anniversary by giving gifts to our website visitors and social network members.Call for sponsorsAdrianne George and Sandra Rafaela, founders of the Women of the African Diaspora website and social network are requesting businesses and individuals who provide products or services of interest to black women to sponsor our 2nd anniversary.Benefits to sponsorsDuring the period 3 September 2008 to 3 October 2009 the WAD website had over 6,000 unique visitors from the United States, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Canada, Sweden, Belgium, Spain, Italy, South Africa, Ireland, Nigeria, India, Australia, Switzerland, Austria, the Philippines, Netherlands Antilles, Norway, China, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Portugal, Greece, Ghana, Brazil, Slovenia, Denmark, Japan, Poland, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, Kenya, Finland, Russia, Romania, Jamaica, Ivory Coast, Suriname, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Sudan, Thailand, Hong Kong, Israel, U.S. Virgin Islands, Malaysia, Lebanon, Senegal, Egypt, Bermuda, Barbados, Uganda, Hungary, New Zealand, Luxembourg, Zimbabwe, Pakistan, Mexico, Benin, Guadeloupe, Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Iran, Bahamas, Colombia, Morocco, the Czech Republic, Bahrain, Vietnam, Oman, French Guiana, Rwanda, Kuwait, Chile, Singapore, Cameroon, Saint Lucia, Ukraine, Mozambique, Venezuela, Argentina, Malta, Peru, Qatar, the British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Togo, Antigua and Barbuda, Nicaragua, Ethiopia, Croatia, Tunisia, Ecuador, Martinique, Algeria, Malawi, Guyana, Tanzania, Myanmar [Burma], Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Latvia, Nepal, Georgia, Bangladesh, Mayotte, Angola, Jordan, Serbia, Sri Lanka, São Tomé and Príncipe, Zambia, Aruba, Jersey, Cyprus, Cape Verde, Haiti, Sierra Leone, Réunion, Iceland, Uruguay, Gambia, Dominican Republic, Niger, Slovakia and Liberia.Your business will be advertised in the press release announcing our anniversary, on the WAD website and social network and listed on our partners’ page http://womenoftheafricandiaspora.com/partners/ with your logo linking to your website. As a WAD partner you are encouraged to periodically share information with us to be included on our website.Deadline and contact informationPlease contact us by 2 November 2009 to secure your sponsorship. Email Sandra with any questions and your offer on sandra@womenoftheafricandiaspora.com . Include your logo and website address.

Free eBook: Social Network Marketing, 12 Steps for Success

Posted by isabella morris on October 9, 2009 at 5:02pm

I got this one from a friend last night and read it cover to cover. This should help us all get to the next level in regards to marketing on social networks and social media.You can download it here:http://tinyurl.com/ybbbdo9

Create An Additional Source of Income From Home

Posted by Tamyka Washington on October 9, 2009 at 3:00pm

You've explored your options and decided you are ready to start your own business and work from home! Now your wondering, how do I start and where do I begin. There is an amazing wealth of information on the internet providing numerous ways to make money from home. Sometimes however, it can be quite overwhelming trying to decide which option would be right for you. Should you make money with Affiliate Marketing or start a Direct Sales business, can you really make money with your blog? To learn how you can earn an additional income from home, check out these helpful resources to get you started Earning From Home.

Internship Opportunities

Posted by Dominique on October 9, 2009 at 5:30am

From A Writer's POV is now offering Internship Opportunies across the magazine. We have about eight positions available. If you are interested, please check out the details here: http://fromawriterspov.webs.com/jobinterninquiries.htm

IT'S A PARTY & YOU'RE INVITED!!!!

Posted by Myrna Hicks on October 9, 2009 at 2:32am

You're invited to party with Under My Covers as we present an Adult Only Pre-Valentine's Day Scavenger Hunt! Come join us for our open bar, music, giveaways, & so much more!!! Click or copy & paste the link below for more information & take advantage of our early bird ticket prices. Tickets are limited & going quickly!http://undermycovers.eventbrite.com

Women's Empowerment, Group Coaching and Mentorship

Posted by Robin Tramble on October 9, 2009 at 12:00am

You might be wondering what group coaching is and I'm happyto share a little with you.Life Coaching helps you get where you want to go. Many people findthemselves stuck unable to move forward. Coaches hold you accountableand responsible for taking steps while cheering you on.With group coaching you tap into the collective genius of others.Partner up with a coach and a group of individuals to co-create the GroupCoaching Conversation. Group Coaching combines the power of thecoaching conversation with the gift of group support to create life youwant and to live life intentionally.A synergy of energy,commitment,and excitement is created by what theparticipants bring to the group. One of the many bonuses to Group Coaching isthat the participants raise the standards by challenging each other tocreae and implement targets/dreams/goals.Not only will you gain tremendous insights, which can improve yourbusiness,personal and spiritual lives. Group Coaching is highly effectiveand an efficient use of time. You call from the convenience of your homeor office or any location. There is no need to drive anywhere,dress upor hire babysitters.Group coaching is another way to receive double the coaching at half the cost!Take this opportunity to learn more about my brand new program"Dream launch Mentoring and Coaching program."Click here to get started by listening to the preview call.Or... you can jump in now and secure your space while they're still available for mytransformational Dream Launch Mentoring and coaching program.. If you're tired of the same ol' same ol' are ready to take action and connectwith an accountability measure and realize the power of connecting with like-minded womenfor synergy energy don't wait Get started here"It's never too late to redeem your dreams." ~ Sharon WilliamsDon't let your fears sabotage your dreams.Here's to you.... An Extraordinary Woman leading an Extraordinary life!Here's to you.... An Extraordinary Woman leading an Extraordinary life!

P.E.A.S. Magazine 6th Edition

Posted by Denise Bethune on October 8, 2009 at 9:59pm

http://www.showcasemagdir.com

From Author to Business Owner-From A Writer's POV November Cover Story

Posted by Dominique on October 8, 2009 at 9:31pm

In November, From A Writer's POV cover story will be "From Authors to Business Owner's" We plan to speak to authors who are now business owners-those who have come to provide a literary service. I think this topic is great for any writer or author looking to get into a business that provides a literary service. So what we plan to do is ask a simple question "Why do you believe so many authors are going into business to provide a literary service?"We are looking for business owners who are providing a literary service to answer this question but will allow anyone to answer. We will pick a few people who have responded to this question and feature them and their answer on our magazine all of November for the cover story.If you are interested in responding and getting your voice heard and on the magazine next month, please answer these few questions:1. What is your name?2. What is the name of your businss and what literary service does it provide?3. Where can it be found?4. How long have you been in the business?5. If you are not a literary service provider but would like to answer the question anyway, please answer question number one only and then leave your response.6. "Why do you believe so many authors are going into business to provide a literary service"Look to see who was picked to be featured on November 1st at www.fromawriterspov.webs.com

Mind All Fuzzy? Not Sure About Your Goals? Read on to get clarity...

Posted by Denise R. McCoy on October 8, 2009 at 8:19pm

The Law of Clarity By: Brian TracyClarity accounts for probably 80% of success and happiness. Lack of clarity is probably more responsible for frustration and underachievement than any other single factor. That's why we say that "Success is goals, and all else is commentary." People with clear, written goals, accomplish far more in a shorter period of time than people without them could ever imagine. This is true everywhere and under all circumstances.The Three Keys to High AchievementYou could even say that the three keys to high achievement are, "Clarity, Clarity, Clarity," with regard to your goals. Your success in life will be largely determined by how clear you are about what it is you really, really want.Write and Rewrite Your GoalsThe more you write and rewrite your goals and the more you think about them, the clearer you will become about them. The clearer you are about what you want, the more likely you are to do more and more of the things that are consistent with achieving them. Meanwhile, you will do fewer and fewer of the things that don't help to get the things you really want.Care of www.BrianTracy.com

Are YOU or Someone YOU KNOW In Danger Of Foreclosure? Help is one click away...

Posted by Denise R. McCoy on October 8, 2009 at 8:18pm

Greetings!There have been questions about how Sacramento Mutual Housing Association provides our foreclosure intervention services. Therefore, I wanted to remind you that we continue to provide foreclosure counseling.We invite you to make referrals to 'HomeSave mutual housing' if you know a homeowner at risk of losing their home or defaulting on their mortgage payments.Homeowners in any stage of the process, including those who are afraid they may have trouble making future payments on their mortgages, are invited to call our HomeSave help line or email us. Currently, we provide these sessions in English, Russian and Spanish. At this time, for Southeast Asian language speakers, we will arrange translation or the homeowner can have someone else call for them.Referrals should be made to:homesave@mutualhousing.com(916) 453-8400 ext. 43 or Or (888) 453-8404 ext. 43Thank you, and have a great week!Denise R. McCoy, Board MemberSacramento Mutual Housing AssociationContact:Sacramento Mutual Housing Association3451 Fifth AvenueSacramento, CA 95817Ph: 916/ 453-8400 ext. 24Fax: 916/ 453-8401http://www.mutualhousing.com

What In The World Is A Short Sale? Check out Wikipedia's Definition...

Posted by Denise R. McCoy on October 8, 2009 at 8:02pm

Wikipedia's DefinitionA short sale is a sale of real estate in which the proceeds from the sale fall short of the balance owed on a loan secured by the property sold.In a short sale, the bank or mortgage lender agrees to discount a loan balance because of an economic or financial hardship on the part of the mortgagor. This negotiation is all done through communication with a bank's loss mitigation or workout department. The home owner/debtor sells the mortgaged property for less than the outstanding balance of the loan, and turns over the proceeds of the sale to the lender, sometimes (but not always) in full satisfaction of the debt. In such instances, the lender would have the right to approve or disapprove of a proposed sale. Extenuating circumstances influence whether or not banks will discount a loan balance. These circumstances are usually related to the current real estate market and the borrower's financial situation.A short sale typically is executed to prevent a home foreclosure, but the decision to proceed with a short sale is predicated on the most economic way for the bank to recover the amount owed on the property. Often a bank will allow a short sale if they believe that it will result in a smaller financial loss than foreclosing as there are carrying costs that are associated with a foreclosure. A bank will typically determine the amount of equity (or lack thereof), by determining the probable selling price from a Broker Price Opinion BPO (also known as a Broker Opinion of Value (BOV)) or through a valuation of an appraisal.For the home owner, advantages include avoidance of a foreclosure on their credit history and partial control of the monetary deficiency. A short sale is typically faster and less expensive than a foreclosure. In short, a short sale is nothing more than negotiating with lien holders a payoff for less than what they are owed, or rather a sale of a debt, generally on a piece of real estate, short of the full debt amount. It does not extinguish the remaining balance unless settlement is clearly indicated on the acceptance of offer.Short sales are common in standard business transactions in recognition that creditors are not doing debtors a favor but, rather, engaging in a business transaction when extending credit. When it makes no business sense or is economically not feasible to retain an asset, businesses default on their loans (called bonds). It is not uncommon for business bonds to trade on the after-market for a small fraction of their face value in realization of the likelihood of these future defaults.Got questions about short sales? denise.mccoytilson@rearealtors.com

To All You Coffee Lovers, Order coffee from yourself, be your on distributor!!!

Posted by Craig C Coleman Sr on October 8, 2009 at 8:00pm

Hello my name is Craig Coleman, I am a Independent Coffee Distributor with Boresha Coffee Company. I am interested in sharing this information with all that are looking for and opportunity. I would like to introduce our Skinny Coffee a FAT BURNING organic coffee and other coffee blends and tea's. We are also working on a FAT BURNING CHOCOLATE. We would like to give you the opportunity to become your on coffee distributor just by starting your very on online Caf'e. This way the savings, commissions and the residual income, comes back to your business. Also find out what this company can do for your church and all non profit organizations.View our video http://www.coffeesuccessnow.com/Visit my website www.Igetpaidtodrinkcoffee.com/Ez2loveTake a look and contact me at 937-545-8466Thank You and have a Blessed day.Show all items

Employers Are Now Offering Housing Benefits...Find out how and why they are doing it...

Posted by Denise R. McCoy on October 8, 2009 at 7:30pm

Ezine Article by Denise R. McCoyEmployers have it tough these days. In the everchanging world of employee relations, how can you be sure that your employees are truly happy with you as an employer? Are you gauging their happiness by using the traditioanl checks and balances?Do they show up everyday?--check! Are they well groomed?--check! Do they report to work on time?--check! Have they told you how much they appreciate their job? During the last employee review, was it an improvement from the previous 6 to 12 months, or has there been a change in their performance?Well, let's hope this New Housing Employee Benefits: Building Moral, Retaining Employees & Recruiting Top Talent can help shed some light on a traditional subject with an innovative spin.Remember the game, Family Feud? During the 30 minute game show families from all over the United States would compete for a chance to win $10,000.00 by guessing what America thought about certain topics. The questions would go something like this...."Name something found in your mother's purse?" "This is something you might consume after you eat a spicy meal." "Name something a teenage girl looks forward to?" Truly, there was never a wrong or right answer. The only answer was YOUR answer.Imagine you invited me to visit with you this afternoon. Let's say, I stopped by during the lunch hour. The purpose of my visit is to help you gain a better understanding of how your employees see YOU as their employer. The core focus of my discussion is your current benefits package. I might ask your employees, "How would you rate your employers' benefits package? How do the benefits offered match up to the needs of your family? Are there any benefits not being offered that you would like to see offered?Again, this is a hypothetical scenario. By walking you through the exercise, I'm sure your wheels started to turn. You began to think like the employee for just a moment. Employee relations is just that--relating to your employees.Traditionally, 401(k), medical, dental and vision benefits were the norm for any job. However, alot has changed. Employees are looking for a benefits package that is tangible with the ability to build long term stability and growth. Although the same old benefits program is still widely received by most employees, offering an innovative alternative could change the landscape of your business model tremendously.The National Association of Realtors is the largest trade organization in the world. To date, they have over 1 million Realtor members. They are the "Voice of Real Estate". The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® was founded as the National Association of Real Estate Exchanges on May 12, 1908, at the YMCA Auditorium in Chicago, IL. Their code of ethics was adopted in 1913, as the "Golden Rule." Visit www.Realtor.org. After 101 years in existence, NAR remains the most trusted name in Real Estate.Recently, the National Association of Realtors made history during the launch of one of the most innovative employer assisted housing benefits program (EAH), known as Home from Work. The program encourages employers to help their valued employees realize their dream of home ownership by assisting them with the purchase process.To help get the word out about the program, Realtors are trained by Certified Trainer/Instructors in the benefits of the Home from Work program. They are shown how to introduce the concept to their local associations, non-profit housing agencies and employers. As you can imagine, Realtors are more than just agents. Many consumers see real estate professionals as housing advocates. The Home from Work program allows Realtors the opportunity to become leaders in their community with the power and ability to effect positive change.Employers may wonder how they may benefit by offering such a program. There are three key benefits of the Home from Work Employer Assisted Housing Benefits Program:*On-site home buyer education workshops conducted by Realtors and lenders*On-one-one counseling administered by a non-profit housing agency*Financial incentive (matched savings, grant, deferred loan.Traditionally, potential homeowners face 3 hurdles. Lack of information, lack of confidence and lack of funds are barriers to homeownership. It's only fitting that the 3 benefits of the HFW programs, cancel out these barriers.Employers like Kaiser, Agilent, National Bank of Redwoods, Novato Hospital and the North Main Water District have developed a successful EAH benefits campaign and so can you. Housing benefits help build moral, retain employees and adds a new flavor to your recruitment efforts. Not only that, employers that are proactive in building good employee/employer relations are seen as leaders on the cutting edge of what's new and what's next for their respective industries.Still not convinced your employees would respond favorably to such a program? I would encourage you to devote 5 minutes of your time by asking them. Not sure how to do that? Email a request for the "Employee Homeownership Survey", to Denise.McCoyTilson@ReaRealtors.com.com.The survey only takes 4 minutes to complete. You will be amazed at the responses and well on your way to becoming a better employer.Think your employer might like this idea? Share this article with them or connect with me directly:denise.mccoytilson@rearealtors.com.

My Word Is My Bond-Read My Promise To My Clients...."A Realtors' Promise."

Posted by Denise R. McCoy on October 8, 2009 at 7:30pm

Fulfilling The American Dream" (TM)Dr. Edward Kramer once said, "Eliminate the time between the idea and the act and your dreams will become realities." Napolean Hill, Motivational Writer, said-"Create a definite plan for carrying out your desire and begin at once, whether you are ready or not, to put this plan into action."For potential homeowners buying a home can be a very scary proposition. Oftentimes home buyers are fearful of the unknown. Can I afford to buy a home? Will my credit work for me or against me? Is it the right time in the market to purchase? Should I just continue to rent?As your Real Estate Professional it is my responsibility to ensure that you are "educated and empowered with the information you need to make an informed buying decision." Gone are the days when clients were simply told, "sign here, sign here and here." Consumers are more savvy these days and have grown to expect excellence at every level of the real estate transaction.My clients view me as a partner in their transaction. In other words, I operate as an advisor and guide. I help clients effectively navigate through unknown territory by gently placing them on the road of home ownership. Clients understand that they are in FULL control of the process. Because my focus is education, clients feel confident enough in themselves to make the right decision with just the right amount of assistance from me.Feel free to contact me if you or someone you know has any questions about the sale, purchase or refinance of real estate. I would be honored to assist you.Thank you for the opportunity to connect, collaborate and communicate.Denise R. McCoy-TilsonRealtor/Employer Housing Benefit SpecialistDirect: (916) 534-5239Office: (916) 852-5100www.ReaRealtors.com

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.