Tag: Advice

  • Why Customer Concentration Impacts a Business Sale Transaction

    Why Customer Concentration Impacts a Business Sale Transaction

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    Few owners recognize the major impact that customer concentration has on the sale of their business. Customer concentration represents a significant obstacle and will affect the salability, valuation, and deal structure of a business-for-sale transaction. Not only will it create problems in qualifying buyers but it will impact the ability for any prospective purchaser to obtain third party financing to complete the acquisition. Determining if customer concentration is present in an enterprise is a critical element of the succession planning process.

    Customer concentration is a situation when one customer represents a significant portion of revenues or when the business has a very small customer base. Based upon the expert one consults, the exact percentage for a concentration to exist varies. In most cases it is recognized when one customer represents more than 10% of sales or when the top five customers comprise greater than 25% of a company’s revenue. In either situation, a huge risk is created from the lack of diversification and steps to mitigate it should be taken years in advance of a planned business exit.

    When evaluating a business sale it is important for an owner to recognize that their client base has a significant impact on the enterprise value of the company. A broad and diverse base of customers where there are a large number of clients contributing to the business’ revenue will achieve a higher transaction value as it reduces the risk that a sizable decrease in earnings will occur if any one customer is lost or a particular industry segment that the business serves encounters economic distress.

    In addition to a lower sales price, businesses with customer concentration issues are more difficult to market for sale. For main street business transactions (those with adjusted earnings of less than $2mm) third party financing is used in the majority of cases. Businesses with high levels of customer concentration are very difficult to get financed. Lenders may provide only partial financing, offer sub-optimal terms, or decline the loan altogether. In situations where third party financing is not available, the pool of available buyers is significantly restricted and the terms of a deal could be heavily weighted on a contingent earn-out based on retaining the revenues derived by the largest customers. “Typically we want no customer concentration over a 10% level when considering financing an acquisition. Higher levels are possible with much more explanation and supporting documentation but remain a major concern” states Steve Mariani, President of Diamond Financial Services.

    Lastly, customer concentration will have a direct impact on the deal structure for the business sale transaction. Buyers will strive to bridge the customer concentration risk through a variety of delayed ‘performance based’ financing methods. For example: Assume both parties agree on a transaction price of $900,000 based upon $300,000 of adjusted earnings (a 3x multiple). If the key account in question represents $75,000 of the $300,000 this would represent $225,000 of the transaction price. A buyer will strive to isolate the $225,000 component to ensure that revenue is maintained post sale. After a period of 12 months, if the customer and income are still in place the seller would receive the funds. If the identified client and corresponding revenue was lost during this period, a pricing adjustment would be made.

    In situations where the buyer is unable to obtain transaction financing due to customer concentration issues, the seller might have to accept a “contingent earn-out” for the revenues derived from the largest customers, or worse, they may also have to finance a major portion of the “non-contingent purchase price” negotiated with buyers.

    Contingent payouts could be structured in a variety of methods:

    Earn-Out:

    Earmark part of the purchase price with payments made over a period of time contingent upon the retention of specific customers or achieving specific revenue targets.

    Escrow:

    A percentage of the acquisition price will be held in an escrow account for a specified time.

    Seller-Financing:

    The seller would be responsible for financing a major portion of the purchase price through a seller note. The seller note could be structured with contingencies for revenues derived from the largest customers.

    With any of these deal structuring techniques, the seller cannot be expected to guarantee the revenue in perpetuity and if the transaction price is based upon retaining one or more key customers, the seller may require more active involvement in maintaining the client relationship during the term of the agreement. Obviously, this brings an additional complexity to the transaction.

    In most cases, buyers will look to discount the amount they are willing to pay for a business (with high customer concentration) unless they receive assurances that the risk is low. While the obvious strategy to reduce customer concentration risk is to diversify and increase the business customer base, there are a number of situations where customer concentration either does not pose a significant risk or could be mitigated.

    Customer Contracts:

    Having a contract in place will not eliminate all of the risk of losing a key customer, but it will provide the buyer with security that the revenue and profits will continue after a change in ownership takes place. When customer contracts are involved, the ability to assign or transfer will be important to understand. In many cases, a stock sale vs. asset sale is elected to preserve these contracts.

    Barriers to Entry or Exit:

    Businesses could have intellectual property, product expertise, or patents that create competitive advantages barring competition. Others are located in geographically remote areas where the supply benefits discourage customers from changing the relationship. Lastly, there could be significant capital requirements for manufacturing and tooling or agency approvals (pharmaceutical or government contracting industry) that creates a barrier to entry from potential competitors.

    Providing a Variety of Products and/or Services:

    Having a broad relationship with a key customer where the relationship is not based solely on one product, one location, and one individual decreases the risk that a singular change will fundamentally impact the future revenue stream and continuity of the account.

    Economies of Scale or Synergies:

    The acquisition may be pursued by a strategic buyer where they are bringing new products/services to the enterprise, a broader geographic distribution footprint, or economies of scale in production. Any of these elements would assist in reducing the concentration of revenue risk that an identified key client would represent to the future organization.

    Summary

    Businesses which have high levels of customer concentration are inherently risky and it is important for the owner to appreciate this concern from the perspective of a potential acquirer. Ultimately, the buyer seeks only to retain the customers which have contributed to the success of the business and are factored in the valuation and transaction price. From the position of a buyer a few logical questions and concerns would be:

    1. How does the value of the company change if a customer representing 10% or more of revenue and/or profits is lost in the first year?
    2. How easy would it be for the client representing the customer concentration concern to leave the business?
    3. What unique situations exist within the business to preserve the customer relationship in the years ahead?
    4. What are the logical steps and corresponding costs to mitigate the customer concentration risk?
    5. How do I achieve a win-win transaction? Protecting me, the buyer, against the risk of a near term revenue loss while providing the seller with the proper remuneration for the fair market value of their business?

    While the risk may not be able to be totally eliminated, there are a number of situations where customer concentration is more palatable and a proper explanation should be provided to the buyer at the earliest opportunity. Getting out in front of this potential challenge is critical to achieve a win-win deal. When good communication exists, and two fair and reasonable parties are at the table, there are a number of structuring options available, when necessary, to mitigate the risk and negotiate a fair and reasonable transaction price. Obviously, the best approach for a prospective business seller would be to develop and implement plans to reduce any customer concentration elements years in advance of a business exit. Eliminating this type of risk is just sound advice for any small business owner regardless of whether a sale is contemplated.

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    Source by Michael Fekkes

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  • Here Is Your Affiliate Marketing Check List

    Here Is Your Affiliate Marketing Check List

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    Affiliate marketing is a way for a merchant to partner with independent marketers and pay them commissions for promoting his/her products or services.

    When you sign up for an Affiliate Program, normally they cost nothing to join, you will be allocated

    a special link (That is your Affiliate Link) for that product or service. This is a link or code that will help you and the merchant track the number of clicks and purchases and of course it tells the merchant who should be paid commissions.

    To set up and start an affiliate marketing business you will have to decide what will be suitable for you as a way to promote.

    Is it via a website,a blog,social networks or perhaps You Tube?

    My recommendation is either a website or blog. On your blog or your site you can write permanent posts and pages that contain affiliate links.

    On your blog or website you will be describing,reviewing,recommending and making clear the advantages of buying the product or services that you are promoting. Whatever you write,somewhere within the text needs to be your affiliate link so that when anybody thinking of making a purchase clicks on that link and buys it is your affiliate details that are provided to the merchant thereby enabling your commission payment.

    You now need to get people to read what you have written on your website or blog, you get traffic to the site, attract visitors.

    A lot of people when they are first starting do not know what to say to secure an audience.

    If you write content in a way that gives useful information to your readers and that describes the products in an appealing way they are more likely to want to buy them. The more specific and reliable content that you are able to produce the more interest you are creating.

    Interest builds you a following and that often converts to buyers then before you know it, you’re earning money for every visitor that clicks on your affiliate link and buys a product or a service that you promote.

    You will be wise to build yourself an email list so that you use e-mail marketing to further connect with your audience and inform them of your new content and offers.

    Building your email list is yet another subject and there are many strategies that need to be explored in detail.

    Advice on this can be found all across the internet.

    Get started with your Affiliate marketing business today, good luck but remember, never give up!

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    Source by Brian Potter

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  • Cats Claw Supplements As Holistic Medicine

    Cats Claw Supplements As Holistic Medicine

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    Cats Claw is a medicinal Herb from the Forest of Peru. It has attracted a lot of interest in the quest for natural health care. The plant is vital in the treatment of arthritis, allergies, diabetes, bursitis, lupus, chronic fatigue, cancer, depression, herpes, menstrual irregularities and stomach and intestinal disorders.

    The Peruvian rain forest herb has been used to treat ulcers and cancer for over 20 years since its discovery.

    Things to look for in a Good Supplement Drug

    The ant-inflammatory drug compounds of cat’s claw have proven to be efficient in the treatment of arthritis and other joint ailments. The anti-cancer drug components explored in research on the mutagenic capacity to form bind in test smokers’ urine. The Unique cat’s claw alkaloids improve the immune system.

    The alkaloids have an effect on the ability of white blood cells to overwhelm and digest harmful micro-organisms. When isolated from the natural ingredient, Alkaloid has proven to be useful in stimulating the immune system. The most immune- active alkaloid is known as iso pteropodine.

    Cat’s claw is also known to increase the production of leukocytes in the body, particularly the T4 lymphocytes, therefore able to block many viral illnesses.

    The herb thwarts viral infections and helps chemically sensitive patients, to fight infections in AIDS and decrease the growth of some skin tumors and cysts. The pure herb is also known to increase stamina and energy in patients suffering from physical and mental exhaustion from leading a stressful lifestyle.

    How to take Cat’s Claw Prescription

    When considering the use of herbal supplements, consult with your doctor before consuming any supplements. You may also consult wa physician who is trained in the knowledge of herbal/health medicines.

    If you choose to use cat’s claw range of herbs, use it as directed on the package, or as directed by a physician or a pharmacist, and other trained healthcare providers. Do not consume more than is suggested on the product label.

    Do not use different forms of the peruvian herb at the same time without medical advice. (Liquid, tablets, teas, tincture) consuming various formulations increases the risk of an overdose which may be fatal.

    If you have a scheduled surgery, discontinue taking the herbal medicine for two weeks before the main surgery date.

    If you have prescription medication; do not combine these with natural medicine.Confirm with your doctor the best possible method

    Consult with your doctor if the treatment with cat’s claws medication does not improve, or if the symptoms get worse while using this drug.

    Store all medicines at room temperature, and away from heat or moisture.( 60 words remaining)

    Products

    1. Pure Encapsulations Cat’s Claw is a traditional herb from the Peruvian rain forest.It is used as a supplementary to cure used joints problems, heart disease, the immune system and gastrointestinal complications. It also protects the gut from antioxidants. The capsule is extracted from hypoallergenic whole herbs.

    Contraindications:

    Not recommended for patients to sunflowers or daisy flower allergies.

    Discontinue use if any unpleasant reactions occur.

    Not recommended for persons under 18 years.

    Keep all medicines out of children’s reach

    Store your medication at standard room temperature.

    Contains 450 mg of cat’s claw extract/pack.

    Serving Size: 1 Capsule.

    Oxindole alkaloids per serving 3%

    2. Solaray Cat’s Claw

    Solaray is a supplementary herbal drug that provides nutritional support for the normal functioning of the immune system and healthy joints. Solaray Herbs includes an energy extract of 4% Oxindole Alkaloids

    The bark extracts contains the ingredient Uncaria tomentosa in 8 mg

    Supplement specs:

    Amount per Serving: 200 mg

    Portion Size: 1 Capsule

    Portion per bottle: 30

    Use as directed by a physician

    Swallow one tablet twice per day with a meal

    Not recommended for persons with sunflower allergies. Stop usage and consult your doctor if any reactions occur.

    Not proposed to patients less than 18 years.

    Keep out of reach of children.

    Store in a cool, dry place.

    3. Solgar Cat’s Claw

    Solgar is a herb made using traditional Peruvian herbs and enhanced using technology.To ensure reliable nutrient levels, the herb is isolated using active plant compounds. The standardized compounds are blended with all of the natural herbs.The resulting complete herbal extract contains all the synergistic natural medicinal benefits.

    Ingredients Include Herbal Cellulose and herbal Magnesium Stearate.

    The Solgar does not contain Yeast, soy, gluten, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives

    Used as an adult’s diet supplement

    Swallow 2 pills/ day, with a meal or as directed by a doctor.

    Ingredients:

    Echinacea Extract: 50mg

    Echinacea Powder: 200mg

    Goldenseal Powder: 200mg

    Extract inner bark Serving Size: 2 Vegetable Capsules

    Solgar:1000mg

    4. Nature’s Way Cat’s Claw Bark

    Nature’s Way herb is produced from the bark Uncaria tomentosa.

    The supplementary medicines are analyzed for complete oxindole and tetracyclic alkaloid content.

    Bark Extract:1.455g

    Serving: Take 3 pills, 2-3 times a day

    Dietary fibre:1g

    Not to be consumed by pregnant women or nursing mothers.

    Not to be consumed If you have a pre-existing medical condition, consult your private doctor before taking any herbal dietary supplements.

    If taking any prescribed medication, consult a qualified doctor before consuming your diet supplements.

    Nature’s Way Does not contain any artificial coloring, corn, preservatives, artificial flavoring, gluten, products

    Salt, soy, yeast sugar, dairy products, wheat or any other medicinal additives.

    5. Source Naturals

    Cat’s Claw Bark is a rain forest herb that Supports the Human Immune System. It has been Used for centuries by Indigenous Peruvians to cure the gut system and joint pains.

    The inner bark contains unique, energetic nutrients that support the human body’s immune system.

    The bark is extracted with care so as not to harm or disturb the Peruvian rain forest ecosystem.

    Ingredients: 500 mg Tablets

    Available in bottle pack capacity of 30 pills, 60pills, and 120pills

    Daily intake: 1 or 2 tablets as directed by physician

    Allergies: Suitable for vegetarians.

    Cats claw does not contain yeast, eggs, dairy, gluten, soy, corn, or wheat. No preservatives, artificial coloring, added flavors or fragrance.No sugar, salt, starch

    6. Pure Mountain Botanicals

    Pure Mountain is made with potent natural herbs from the Peruvian bark powder. Cat’s claw is formerly known as Una de Gato. The herb is known to cure many diseases including the improvement of AIDS immune system. It is combined with flaxseed to create nature’s Pure Mountain supplements.

    Ingredients:

    500mg cats claw herbal extract

    Cat’s Claw pills – 90 Capsules

    The Pure Mountain cat’s claw supplement is a natural herb that is gluten and kosher-free,

    Big Mountain contains no additives, preservatives or chemicalized agents.

    Should be consumed under the doctor’s medical screening and supervision

    Should not be taken by lactating mothers or children under 18 years

    7. Now Foods

    This is a pure herb that is used to treat various ailments naturally with herbal extracts from the Peru Rainforest. The natural medicine is carefully manufactured with the popular Peruvian bark herb. Combined with other natural resources to create Now Food’s Cat’s Claw supplementary medicines

    Ingredients:

    Cat’s claw internal bark: 1000mg

    Stearic Acid

    Cellulose

    Packaging Capacity: 100 capsules

    Serving: 50 Tablets. Take 2 tablets twice per day

    Cats claw does not include yeast, gluten, soy, dairy products, preservatives, sugar, salt, color, and flavors or tree nut components.

    Precaution: For adults’ consumption only.

    Not suitable for pregnant women or nursing mothers.

    Consult a professional physician if you are under prescribed medication

    8. Planetary Herbals

    Cat’s claw Planetary Herbal is a wood extract that grows in the Peruvian Amazon. The Indigenous Peru people have utilized this plant for many years. Planetary Herbals uses the inner bark for medicinal purposes. The supplements are used to cure lifestyle diseases such as cancer, arthritis and intestinal complications.

    Serving Size: 1.0 ml

    45 twice or thrice per day with meals

    Medicinal Ingredients:

    70% grain alcohol

    Purified water

    Liquid form extract

    Warning: Not for pregnant or breastfeeding women

    Do not use if seal tampers, missing or broken

    Keep all supplements off from children

    Shake the medicine well before use and store away from sunlight.

    9. Peruvian Naturals 500mg

    This is a potent anti-inflammatory herb supplementary that supports the internal human immune system. The Peruvian Naturals is a herb found in the rain forests of Peru. The different medicinal bark is rich in antioxidants which make it an important supplement for supporting the immune system.

    It helps an anti-inflammatory system and reduces pain in the joints.

    Repairs sun damaged skin

    Repairs wore out DNA to restore the correct immunity in the body

    Ingredients:

    Maca: 800mg

    Bark Extract

    Chancapiedra

    Serving: 500mg

    Serving Size: 1 tablet per day

    Cat’s Claw sustained the bone marrow when low undersupplied

    Supports cardiovascular wellbeing, and detoxifies the colon

    10. Nature’s Herbs Cat’s Claw

    Cat’s Claw Nature’s Herbs is a medicinal plant which grows in the Peruvian highlands of the Amazon. The restricted plant includes natural antioxidants in each produced capsule, fitted with oxygen absorbent elements in every packed bottle for uncompromised supplement medicine quality.

    Ingredients:

    Herbs: 500mg

    Black Pepper Extract: 1.67 mg

    Gelatin, triglycerides, vitamin E, Oxindole Alkaloids, Bioperine, Uncaria Tomentosa

    And Rosemary oil.

    Warnings and Contraindications: Not to be taken by nursing mothers or pregnant women.

    Not recommended for patients with existing medical conditions or prescribed medication.

    Consult with your doctor before consuming the supplements.

    Cats claw has numerous therapeutic uses that surpass other known herbal medicines such as Echinacea, and Golden Seal. Cat’s claw also detoxifies the intestinal tract system and cures stomach and bowel infections.

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    Source by Gladys W Kimani

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  • Your Personal Healing Journey

    Your Personal Healing Journey

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    As you journey precious New Year Healing Moments are within your grasp.
    Can you believe another year has come and gone? After the busy Christmas and new year celebrations are over is a great time for personal contemplation and resolve. You have most probably, already indulged in retrospection and re-evaluating some of your life choices.

    Are you looking forward to beginning a year of opportunities and ground-breaking possibilities? Can you see today as if it were a new-born? Will you choose to dress your new born year, with zest and enthusiasm?

    "To every season there is season, and a time to every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, …" ~ Ecclesiastes

    Each bright day is given to you and I to live with renewed vigor – to daily grow and try to be your best and highest self. Don't wait to respond to your thoughts and impulses.
    May this year be full of love, laughter, happiness and good health!
    Can you react to your longings and dreams? Can this day, this year, be filled with precious moments? Don't wait!

    If you are looking for effective ways of changing your life for the better, then you'll be sure to find useful information in the following Fifteen Precious Moment Ideas:

    1.Get In Shape:

    It's easy enough to start an exercise and diet program, but the trick is to find one that will give you results and that you will stick to over the long run.
    2. Eat Healthier Food and Less Overall:

    With dedicated determination (Even though you are surrounded by cheap junk food) you can slowly develop healthier eating habits.

    3. Become More Active:

    You may or may not have a big weight problem. Nonetheless, you need is to find ways of moving around more throughout the day instead of simply setting around or staying hunched over the computer or in a soft chair using your mobile phone.

    4. Quit Procrastinating:

    The biggest barrier that keeps most people from reaching their goals is relaxing and doing fun things and not work on their goal. Once you get used to procrastinating it's difficult to snap yourself out of it and change your bad habits.

    5. Improve Your Concentration:

    Finding ways to focus and stay focused is a constant challenge. It isn't easy and requires a daily effort to the task you have assigned yourself. This is one of those – if it is to be it is up to you.

    6. Be Sociable And Outgoing:

    Don't get stuck in a rut of staying at home most of the time. Or if your condition doesn't allow you mobility seek the companionship and sociability of others. Meeting with old friends or new people can be beneficial to your mental well-being.

    7. Reduce Stress:

    Stress is one of the biggest people killers causing strokes, heart attacks and death. It can have very destructive on your health. Some stress may be an unavoidable side effect of our hectic modern lifestyles. However, it can be effectively managed. Seek all sources for effective stress control and then introduce effective stress management into your daily action plan.

    8. Learn To Be Happier With Your Life:

    Attitude is such a powerful empowerment. Is your glass usually full or are you regularly on a petty party? You can control your happiness. It takes time and patience to learn how to find joy in the little things and not to let problems bring you down. Try counting your blessings naming them one by one.

    9. Spend More Time With People That Matter:

    One of the most difficult challenge you may face is to disavow your association with the wrong people. There is just too little time in this life for us to waste it on insincere, duplicitous and toxic people. You should focus on the people who care about you deeply, as this is the best way to stay happy.

    11. Reinvent Yourself:

    In Life it is often essential to re-boot your life. If you don't feel quite happy no matter what you do, it is perhaps time to make some serious changes in your life. Reinventing yourself can give you a whole new perspective on life and take you in directions you may never have dreamed were possible.

    12. Learn How To Be More Self-reliant:

    Technology, government programs and handouts offering cheap ready-to-eat food and all manner of useful tools have made us somewhat spoiled. We often get well into adulthood without having what it takes to be independent. You can learn from the disabled a great lesson on how to fend for yourself. Do what you can without the assistance from others and you will learn to enjoy self-sufficient and self-reliant.

    13. Face your fears And insecurities:

    You will find this particular point masked beneath other resolutions, but fear and insecurity are often the cause of several problems that we want to address. You need to think of it as surviving and controlling your fear rather than overcoming it, and it will enable you to shed off a lot of the insecurities that you have.

    14. Stick To Healthy Unique Personal Habits Developed:

    The most important point to mention is that all the positive changes you make have to be permanent. Work on sticking with the good habits you have adopted, until they are a natural part of who you are. There is no other way to achieve true self-improvement.
    Well, there you have it – a key list of precious moment advice, tips and tricks to help you see your New Year's resolution through and make some long-term changes in your life.

    Please accept my hope for happiness and healing for the beginning of your new year … (And as a grieving person I hope your year begins as you desire to understand and move through your grief).

    It is my prayer for you, each day this year, will be filled with a deep sense of belonging whether or not you have the blessing of being with all those you love.

    15. May You Be Granted Serenity And Wisdom:

    "God grant me the serenity; To accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference."
    ~ Reinhold Niebuhr (Serenity Prayer)

    It is my sincere wish your life will be filled with fulfillment, meaning, and connection to what matters most. Most of all, may your connection to the source of all things be strong and clear so that you can be an embodiment of happiness and healing. May you experience many precious healing moments this year.

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    Source by Duane Marchant

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  • Marriage Advice: Eight Steps to Marital Harmony

    Marriage Advice: Eight Steps to Marital Harmony

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    The formula for marital harmony and success is not a mysterious secret. It’s actually very straightforward.

    The “behind the scenes” part is the constant work that’s required to keep the channels of love and communication clear from obstruction. Diligent spouses consistently spend time and energy addressing issues as they come up so that anger and hurt feelings don’t accumulate.

    Spouses who want satisfying marriages also look for ways to keep their love strong, such as remembering to show affection and appreciation frequently. They know that the more they feel connected and bonded, the more motivated they will be to resolve problems and hang in there when things are difficult.

    The following eight steps will guide you in looking at what you can do to increase your chances for creating a happy, harmonious marriage:

    1. Work on yourself and your own issues that you brought with you into the marriage.

    Many responses that you have to your spouse’s actions are triggered by past events going back to your childhood. If one of your emotional wounds is feeling disrespected, then when your partner inadvertently does something that triggers those feelings, you’ll experience an intense reaction. Individual counseling can help you to be more self-aware of what’s behind your intense reactions and what you can do so that you don’t over-react to issues in your marriage.

    2. Avoid blaming your partner for problems in the marriage.

    Blame only causes the other person to become defensive and angry, and it decreases the probability that the two of you can find a win-win solution to your problems. When you focus on blaming your spouse for what’s happening in the marriage, you are planting seeds of resentment that can hurt the relationship. A marriage is composed of two people, and each contributes to the quality of the relationship and shares responsibility for it.

    3. Be empathetic and put yourself in your partner’s place when issues come up.

    Really try to understand where your partner is coming from when you disagree or when your partner does something that you can’t make sense of. Ask your spouse to talk about his or her feelings. Listen respectfully and ask your spouse to clarify points that you don’t understand. Develop a curiosity for learning more about your spouse’s feelings and take special care to create an emotionally safe environment for the discussions with your spouse.

    4. Look for ways to make your partner’s life easier and to show your love.

    Many of the irritants and stressors in modern day life are the little things—the extra time it takes to pick up the cleaning on the way home from work or to put the clean dishes in the dishwasher away. When you see some errand or task that you can do to save your partner time, offer to do it.

    Look for opportunities to give your spouse a few minutes to relax or have downtime. Watch for things you can do to pamper your partner when you can. It’s often the little things that can make a big difference in marital happiness and satisfaction.

    5. Express appreciation often and say form the habit of saying “thank you.”

    As months and years go by, many spouses take each other for granted and neglect to express appreciation or say “thank you” to each other. Numerous spouses complain that their partners only focus on what they do wrong and never compliment them.

    It’s sad to think that the one person who means the most to you might have to wonder whether or not you appreciate them. Let your spouse know how much he or she means to you on a frequent basis. Give compliments and praise freely, and express thanks for all that your partner does to enrich your life and marriage.

    6. Apologize quickly and sincerely, taking responsibility for your part in whatever happens in the marriage.

    The truth is that sometimes it’s hard to say “I’m sorry.” That’s when it’s time to remember the question, “Would you rather be right or would you rather be happy?”

    Accept that things don’t always make sense in a relationship and that confusion and misunderstandings can happen easily. It’s a mark of maturity when you can say, “I’m so sorry for my part in what has happened between us.”

    7. Have interests, hobbies and activities in your life that you enjoy so you’re not thrown off center so easily if you have a tiff or quarrel with your spouse.

    It’s important to have interests and activities of your own that are satisfying to you that can help to keep you balanced and anchored if other areas of your life are upsetting. That way, you can more easily regain a sense of perspective and be able to withstand the on-going stress.

    For example, if you and your spouse are encountering some rocks along the relationship path, you could go on a long bike ride, go fishing with a friend, visit a museum, or read an interesting book. Those activities and interests can add pleasure to your life to help balance out the temporary problems in your marriage. You’re always ahead of the game when you know some ways to lift your spirits.

    8. Look for fun activities and bonding experiences to share with your mate.

    Be on the lookout for activities that could be fun for you and your spouse to do together. Search the local newspaper for plays, concerts, new movies, museum exhibits, neighborhood fairs and festivals, and new restaurants that are advertised. Laughter and having fun is bonding and can help to create those “Kodak moments” that are so delightful.

    Also look for activities that represent causes you and your spouse believe in, such as spending a Saturday helping a local charity with a garage sale or volunteering together at a local soup kitchen. These experiences can serve to remind you of what you have in common with your spouse and of how good it feels to be working in unison with a shared purpose.

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    Source by Nancy Wasson

    Views: 0

  • Five Myths Of Internet Marketing For Independent Professionals

    So what does that mean for the independent professional whose web presence is primarily aimed at selling his or her own personal services? You know, services delivered the old-fashioned way, by humans interacting face-to-face or at least voice-to-voice. At best, the average professional is likely to be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of Internet marketing advice available. At worst, he or she is being seriously misled by it.
    The problem is that marketing your own professional services is simply not the same as marketing a retail product or an anonymous business service. You can’t sell corporate consulting like you do web hosting; nor can you sell life coaching the same way you do an e-book. If you try to market yourself by following advice designed for marketing Internet products and services, you’re likely to make some serious mistakes.

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    http://www.associationofmarketing.org/whitepapers/view.php?whitepaper_id=130

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  • The Definitive Guide to Lead Scoring

    Discover how to create success across your marketing and sales organizations with lead scoring. This definitive guide, designed for both novice and experienced practitioners, offers advice, best practices and techniques to help you get the most out of every lead that enters your database.

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    http://www.associationofmarketing.org/whitepapers/view.php?whitepaper_id=150

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  • What we learned from the 2008 global financial crisis

    What we learned from the 2008 global financial crisis

    The global financial crisis of 2008 proved no one can predict the market. Tim Buckley’s advice to Vanguard Personal Advisor clients is applicable to all investors: It’s best to be invested.
    What we learned from the 2008 global financial crisis
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    https://investornews.vanguard/what-we-learned-from-the-2008-global-financial-crisis/

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  • Medical Product Alert N°5/2020 – 7 May 2020

    Medical Product Alert N°5/2020 – 7 May 2020

    Falsified and contaminated Defibrotide identified in WHO regions of Western Pacific, Europe and Eastern Mediterranean

    This alert relates to falsified DEFIBROTIDE 200MG VIALS OF 2.5ML (80MG/ML) CONCENTRATE FOR SOLUTION FOR INFUSION identified in Australia, Latvia and Saudi Arabia. This product is sold under the brand name Defitelio.

    On 13 March 2020, the WHO Global Surveillance and Monitoring System on Substandard and Falsified (SF) Medical Products was informed that falsified DEFIBROTIDE 200MG vials were identified at patient level in Australia, displaying batch number 0286 (see Table 1 below for full details).

    Following enquiries with stakeholders, on 8 April 2020, WHO was informed that falsified DEFIBROTIDE 200MG vials had also been supplied to Saudi Arabia, displaying batch number 0286 and 0126 (see Table 1 below for full details).

    Following enquiries with stakeholders, on 9 April 2020, WHO was informed that falsified DEFIBROTIDE 200MG vials, displaying batch number 0126, had also been identified in Australia and Latvia.

    DEFIBROTIDE is used to treat hepatic veno-occlusive disease, in which the blood vessels in the liver become damaged and obstructed by blood clots. This can be caused by treatments prior to a stem cell transplantation.

    Laboratory analyses, conducted by national medicines regulatory authorities and the manufacturer of the genuine product, established that these falsified products do not contain any of the expected active ingredient. The solution in the vials is also contaminated with mould (Cladosporium sp. and Aspergillus niger).

    Information available to WHO indicates that both batches of falsified DEFIBROTIDE 200MG vials were present within the regulated supply chain in Latvia as early as January 2020 and were also handled by medicine wholesalers in the United Kingdom in February 2020. It is important to note that widespread vigilance is required from all countries, regardless of where the product was originally identified.

    Table 1: falsified defibrotide subject of WHO Alert n°5/2020, identified in Australia, Latvia and Saudi Arabia

    Medical Product Alert N°5/2020 - 7 May 2020 1

    The two products listed in Table 1 are confirmed falsified, on the basis that there is deliberate misrepresentation of their identity, composition and source.

    The genuine manufacturer of Defibrotide, GENTIUM S.R.L has also confirmed to WHO that:

    • They did not manufacture the above products.
    • Authentic DEFIBROTIDE 200MG VIALS with batch number 0286 were supplied to Argentina, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore and Turkey.
    • Authentic DEFIBROTIDE 200MG VIALS with batch number 0126 were supplied to Australia, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, New Zealand, Qatar, Singapore, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. 

      For guidance and photographs, please refer to page 2 of this Alert n°5/2020.

    Photos of Falsified DEFIBROTIDE Batch number: 0286, with expiry date: 09/2021

    Medical Product Alert N°5/2020 - 7 May 2020 2         Medical Product Alert N°5/2020 - 7 May 2020 3
    Sample from Latvia       Sample from Latvia

    Photos of Falsified DEFIBROTIDE Batch number: 0126, with expiry date: 08/2021

    Medical Product Alert N°5/2020 - 7 May 2020 4           Medical Product Alert N°5/2020 - 7 May 2020 5
    Sample from Australia       Sample from Australia

    WHO requests increased vigilance within the supply chains of countries likely to be affected by these falsified products. Increased vigilance should include hospitals, clinics, health centres, wholesalers, distributors, pharmacies and any other suppliers of medical products.

    If you are in possession of the above products, please do not use them. If you have used these falsified products, or if you suffer an adverse reaction/event having used these products, you are advised to seek immediate medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional, and to report the incident to the National Regulatory Authorities/National Pharmacovigilance Centre.

    All medical products must be obtained from licensed, authorized and reliable sources. Their authenticity and condition should be carefully checked. Seek advice from a healthcare professional in case of doubt.

    National regulatory/health authorities are advised to immediately notify WHO if these falsified products are identified in their country(ies). If you have any information concerning the manufacture, distribution, or supply of these products, please contact rapidalert@who.int.

    WHO Global Surveillance and Monitoring System for Substandard and Falsified Medical Products

    For further information, please visit our website: https://www.who.int/medicines/regulation/ssffc/en/ 

    Medical Product Alert N°5/2020 - 7 May 2020
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    https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/07-05-2020-medical-product-alert-n-5-2020

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  • WHO and European Investment Bank strengthen efforts to combat COVID-19 and build resilient health systems to face future pandemics

    • WHO and the European Investment Bank enhance cooperation to support countries in addressing the health impact of COVID-19
    • The first phase will address urgent needs and strengthen primary health care in ten African countries
    • Enhanced WHO-EIB partnership will scale up financing to assure the chain of essential supplies, including personal protective equipment, diagnostics and clinical management
    • New initiative will accelerate investment in health preparedness and primary health care with a focus on health work force, infrastructure, and water, sanitation and hygiene
    • The initiative involves measures to address the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance

    The World Health Organization and the European Investment Bank will boost cooperation to strengthen public health, supply of essential equipment, training and hygiene investment in countries most vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    The new partnership between the United Nations health agency and the world’s largest international public bank, announced at WHO headquarters in Geneva earlier today, will help increase resilience to reduce the health and social impact of future health emergencies. 

    “Combining the public health experience of the World Health Organization and the financial expertise of the European Investment Bank will contribute to a more effective response to COVID-19 and other pressing health challenges,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. 

    “WHO looks forward to strengthening cooperation with the EIB to improve access to essential supplies including medical equipment and training, and deliver better water, sanitation and hygiene where most needed. New initiatives to improve primary health care in Africa and support the EU Malaria Fund hint at the potential impact of our new partnership,” Dr Tedros concluded.

    “The world is facing unprecedented health, social and economic shocks from COVID-19. The European Investment Bank is pleased to join forces with the World Health Organization as a key part of Team Europe’s efforts to address the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The EU Bank’s new partnership with the WHO will help communities most at risk by scaling up local medical and public health efforts and better protect people around the world from future pandemics. This new cooperation will enable us to combat malaria, address anti-microbial resistance and enhance public health in Africa more effectively,” said Werner Hoyer, President of the European Investment Bank.

    Improving local public health efforts to tackle coronavirus

    The WHO and the EIB will increase cooperation to help governments in low- and middle-income countries to finance and secure access to essential medical supplies and protective equipment through central procurement.

    Building resilient health systems in vulnerable countries across Africa

    The WHO and the EIB will reinforce cooperation to support immediate COVID-19 needs and jointly develop targeted financing to enhance health investment and build resilient health systems and primary health care to address public health emergencies as well as accelerate progress towards Universal Health Coverage.

    The partnership will benefit from the EIB’s planned 1.4 billion EUR response to address the health, social and economic impact of COVID-19 in Africa.

    This will address immediate needs in the health sector and provide both technical assistance and support for medium-term investment in specialist health infrastructure.

    The collaboration envisages rapid identification and fast-track approval of financing for health care, medical equipment and supplies. 

    The first phase of the collaboration will see public health investment in ten African countries. 

    Long-term collaboration to overcome market failures in global health

    The agreement signed today establishes a close collaboration to overcome market failure and stimulate investments in global health, accelerating progress towards Universal Health Coverage. Increased cooperation between the WHO and the EIB will strengthen the resilience of national public health systems and enhance preparedness of vulnerable countries against future pandemics, thanks to investments in primary care infrastructure, health workers and improved water, sanitation and hygiene. 

    Future cooperation will strengthen the EIB’s 5.2 billion EUR global response to COVID-19 outside the European Union.

    Scaling up investment to tackle antimicrobial resistance

    The two organisations will also cooperate in an initiative to address investment barriers hindering development of new antimicrobial treatment and related diagnostics. Antimicrobial resistance is amongst the most significant global health threats.

    The WHO and the EIB are working on a new financing initiative to support development of novel antimicrobials and address the estimated 1 billion EUR needed to provide medium-term solutions to antimicrobial resistance. Other crucial partners have been invited to join this discussion. 

    Improving the effectiveness of malaria treatment

    Under the new agreement the EIB and WHO will support development of the EU Malaria Fund, a new 250 million EUR public-private initiative intended to address market failures holding back more effective malaria treatment. 

    Strengthening EIB support for healthcare, life science and COVID-19 investment

    In recent years the European Investment Bank has provided more than 2 billion EUR annually for health care and life science investment.

    In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the EIB is currently assessing over 20 projects in the field of vaccine development, diagnostic and treatment, leading to potential investments in the 700 million EUR range. The EIB will also take part in the EU’s rolling pledging effort for the coronavirus global response that is taking place on May 4th.

    Background information

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union owned by its Member States. It makes long-term finance available for sound investment in order to contribute towards EU policy goals.

    The World Health Organization provides global leadership in public health within the United Nations system. Founded in 1948, WHO works with 194 Member States, across six regions and from more than 150 offices, to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable. Our goal for 2019-2023 is to ensure that a billion more people have universal health coverage, to protect a billion more people from health emergencies, and provide a further billion people with better health and wellbeing. For updates on COVID-19 and public health advice to protect yourself from coronavirus, visit www.who.int and follow WHO on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Pinterest, Snapchat, YouTube

    WHO’s information site on the COVID-19 pandemic

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    https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/01-05-2020-who-and-european-investment-bank-strengthen-efforts-to-combat-covid-19-and-build-resilient-health-systems-to-face-future-pandemics

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