Pros and Cons of the Different Options for Your Next Event.

Planning a wedding, business function or other catered event often involves making a decision: sit down or have a buffet? Are other alternatives, such as a cocktail reception with canapés and food stations, or family-style service, great options? There are advantages and disadvantages to each option, so determining your goals and priorities will help you find the best option for your event. Is your event formal or informal? Is the quality of the food the most important thing or is your main concern to have a large quantity and variety? Do you want guests to get up and mingle while eating or sit for an hour or so for dinner?

In a sit-down format, food should be as fresh as possible and plated as the dishes are served. It’s true that many budget hotels and caterers can pre-prepare entrees and keep them in a warming box before dipping and shipping. This practice is often the reason why food dries out or becomes rubbery at larger events. Be sure to ask your vendor how they prepare hot food or go to the kitchen of the hotel you are considering during service and see how they work.

At a sit-down event, guests are more likely to eat the dish as it was designed to be eaten, with the right amount of sauce and the right ratio of garnish and protein. The presentation of the food can be very refined or rustic depending on the particular event. Either way, the food maintains its integrity and can be more easily presented at the proper temperature and with attention to detail. Ideally, it goes directly from the pan to the guest’s plate and is served immediately.

Family style is a dinner where dishes are served on trays that guests pass around the table. Each diner serves himself from platters or is assisted by a serving staff member. This style of service can evoke the feeling of a Tuscan villa where everyone is dining at long farmhouse tables or “kings tables,” the setup where several eight-foot tables are arranged close together to form one long, narrow table. Some precision in presentation and temperature is lost as food is passed around on plates, but family style can be an attractive, less formal format with a well-designed menu. One drawback is that the last guests to be served from a particular dish may not appreciate the same presentation as the first to be served.

Buffets have become less popular recently because many hosts don’t want their guests to have to spend time in line. As guests fill the plates, it can sometimes become a jumble, with different flavors and sauces thrown together. Keeping food at the right temperature can also be a challenge in the buffet format. Chafing dishes, a common solution, tend to dry out or overcook food when it sits in them and have fallen out of favor with upscale caterers who often prefer to present buffet food on regularly rotated hot plates. On warmer days, it can also be a challenge to keep food cold on the buffet, such as salads or sushi, but caterers often come up with creative solutions. Waste is a big factor at buffets because guests often take more than they can eat.

The main advantage of buffet-style service is that it is easier to offer a wide range of food options, which can be a good option for a diverse group with very different tastes. Buffet service often uses fewer wait staff and can sometimes be less expensive than a sit-down event. Buffets can also encourage interaction among guests because they are forced to get up from their chairs and mingle in line.

A better option to encourage guest interaction and provide variety is the reception cocktail or food station menu. Usually hors d’oeuvres are passed around and individual food stations open. It has surpassed standard buffets in popularity. The food stations are located in different areas of the room and each can have a different theme or they can all have a cohesive theme. “Action stations” are popular, where chefs prepare food to order in front of guests, also resulting in fresher, hotter product than at a typical buffet. The meat can be sliced, mixed with pasta, oysters removed, and sushi rolled to order and then put directly on the plate. Guests are constantly interacting with each other as they go from station to station and get smaller individual plates from each other.

Many of the most successful events are combinations of formats, such as seating first and an entrée followed by a dessert buffet or first served followed by a family-style entrée.

DUNN’S RIVER FALLS AND PARK

Its settlers gave it many names, but most commonly known as “xayamaca” (land of rivers and springs) given to it by the Arawak, the impressive waterfall is approximately 180 feet (55 m) high and 55 feet (180 m) long. , consists of lush green vegetation, huge and magnificent man-made stairs and numerous lagoons that filter the nearby Caribbean Sea. Various activities are available for every adventurous person, such as chain climbing, where climbers ascend hand in hand to the top of the falls, guided by professional staff members. The facility is suitable for the whole family where they can have fun and relax. Some of the activities at Dunn’s River Falls include tennis, golf, zip lines, horseback riding, and much more.

DOLPHIN COVE

Jamaica has the world’s largest dolphin lagoon, where you can swim with dolphins, sharks, and rays in their natural water environment. Visitors also have access to interact with iguanas, snakes, and a variety of birds. This magnificent property is also surrounded by 5 acres of lush rainforest. Other activities available are glass bottom kayaking, shark show, hiking through jungle trails and also the opportunity for visitors to captain their own mini boat.

mystic mountains

Scenic 15-minute ride through Jamaica’s tropical canopy, where several electrifying adventures await. The track features a 3,280-foot gravity-driven drop with twists and turns. Giving every outdoor enthusiast the rush and trill. With excitement to last a lifetime, guests will drive their own sled down the side of the mountain, traversing the rainforest through a zip-line adventure, water slides and pool, and the incredible experience of the magnificent cosine. Other activities include water sports such as diving and snorkelling, fishing, and sailing.

COYABA GARDENS

The word coyaba is an Arawak word meaning paradise. This garden is perfect for nature lovers who fall head over heels in love with flora and fauna and the natural beauty of nature. The garden consists of a calm river, an amazing and rapid waterfalls from significant elevations. Visit the aquarium for koi carp, mullet, snapper and turtles in their natural habitat. The calm and relaxing atmosphere ensures a magnificent moment and the need to revisit the garden.

TURTLE RIVER FALLS AND GARDEN

Turtle River Falls consists of 15 acres of lush tropical gardens, fourteen breathtaking waterfalls, endangered and native plant varieties, exotic birds, a tropical island pool with swim-up bar and grill. All set in an enchanted design. Customize the service provided to suit each individual need.

Unlike other major tourist destinations in the world, the city of Dubai has very few cheap or affordable hotels. Accommodation prices in this city are relatively high compared to many popular tourist spots. Some hotels charge up to £2000 per night. Along with the high prices, the accommodations offer the highest quality standards of the world’s hotels. Most of the Dubai hotels are ranked as the best in the world. It can be assumed that the high prices in the city are a consequence of the high standards they maintain.

Dubai is home to the most luxurious hotels in the Middle East. However, Abu Dhabi is also a haven for the traveler in need of luxury. Luxury of Dubai hotels feature a wide variety of cafes, bars and restaurants. Virtually all of Dubai’s luxury hotels offer spa treatments with complementary steam rooms, saunas, indoor and outdoor pools, gyms, tennis and squash courts. The accommodations offer tourists almost every imaginable comfort for their enjoyment. In many cases, Dubai hotels border on quiet neighborhoods, yet are very close to Dubai’s city center, beaches and popular tourist attractions.

At the town accommodations guests can enjoy the spacious relaxation center featuring a golf putting green, pool tables, darts and a sun terrace. All rooms have private bathroom with shower, telephone, television and Internet connection. Most hotels offer a variety of room types; double, twin, single or family rooms. In addition, there are several conference facilities, all with Internet and video conferencing options. Conference events can be organized as a roundtable lunch, dinner or coffee. Most hotel rooms have 24 hour room service.

Dubai’s expensive hotels are elegant yet casual, serving rich and delicious international buffets for breakfast, dinner and lunch. The menus are very extensive and offer a combination of condiments and innovative cuisine with European, Asian and other international cuisines. Show cooking options are offered in many expensive hotels in Dubai.

A good number of the most expensive hotels in Dubai are located near the center of the city. Other hotels border beautiful beaches and yet are very close to Dubai’s city center. Visitors are guaranteed a personalized and friendly reception at Dubai’s leading hotels. These hotels boast helpful staff who can provide transportation directions and recommendations on the best places in the city to visit.

Expensive Dubai hotels pride themselves on always offering guests the highest standard of accommodation available. In some of the hotels, guests are driven in expensive chauffeured cars to any desired destination. The hotels’ location, bordering beautiful beaches and very close to Dubai’s city center, makes them suitable for visitors wishing to explore Dubai.

Just to name a few, here are some of the most expensive luxury hotels in Dubai: Armani Hotel Dubai, located in the world’s newest and even tallest skyscraper called “Burj Khalifa”. The skyscraper is 850 m high and leaves behind the Taipei 101 and Petronas towers. The Armani hotel has a total of 160 rooms and suites, decorated with Armani Casa furniture. For a standard room per night you pay at least €410 and a night in the Dubai Armani suite already costs you €8,300.

So you said your “I do,” endured the endless reception, and finally led your guests out the door. Now it’s time for the fun part… the honeymoon. The question, of course, is, where will you go to spend those first few days of wedded bliss?

Of course, I hope you made that decision and those arrangements months in advance… and truth be told, there is no right or wrong way to have a honeymoon. You basically go where you want and spend time there. My own suggestion was to just go on a road trip with no pre-planned route or destination, but the wife didn’t take it and we ended up having a wonderful week on Kiawah Island SC (not bad at all).

So where will you go? Some of the most popular options for honeymoon getaways are:

NY. The city that never sleeps. The big Apple. You could spend months there and still never enjoy all it has to offer. From a stroll through Central Park to a Broadway show, some of the world’s best restaurants and hotels, as well as scenic and historic attractions like the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty. Keep in mind, though, that if you’re looking for a nice, quiet getaway, New York City may not be the best option.

It’s Better In The Bahamas. No Argument With quiet beaches surrounded by crystal clear waters in an inviting-sounding island setting, the Bahamas is the perfect place. You have 29 islands to choose from, with expeditions to caves, wildlife, windsurfing, swimming or just a relaxing moment in your hotel or bungalow.

The only drawback is that not all islands are the same, and some may provide a more peaceful and enjoyable experience than others. It is also recommended to avoid the Bahamas during the hurricane season, from June to November.

France, Mon Cheri. If you have the budget, a trip to France can be one of the most romantic and exciting getaways you could wish for. With historic inns and monuments like the Eiffel Tower, France is one of the perfect romantic destinations. Unfortunately, the trip can get expensive pretty quickly, so make sure you have an adequate budget for the excursion.

Florida. Stay in the good old USA with a trip to Florida; The Sunshine State is packed with tourist attractions from coast to coast, from the nightlife of Miami to the theme parks of Orlando and the white sand beaches of Pensacola. It will be very easy to pack a week or twelve of activities without having to do the same thing twice. Keep in mind, however, that spring draws millions of spring break revelers to Florida, and the summer months there can be extremely humid.

Vegas. Often associated with wedding ceremonies, Las Vegas is an ideal destination for the simple reason that it is Las Vegas. From casinos to shows to food to hotels, nothing in Las Vegas is done by halves. If you plan to elope, most hotels have their own wedding chapels. A word of warning, the game can get very addicting very quickly. You are strongly encouraged to set a gaming budget, how much you are willing to spend and how much you are willing to lose, and stick to it. Don’t let financial irresponsibility make you a permanent resident!

Bermuda Islands. A collection of 150 islands that are perfect for your honeymoon getaway, Bermuda offers secluded cottages on long stretches of white-sand beaches, and located only about a 2-hour plane ride from the US East Coast. there are plenty of activities or nightlife, but if you’re looking for a nice, quiet, and largely non-commercial destination, Bermuda may be the perfect choice.

Hawaii. Does this even need a reason? Hawaii is probably the number one honeymoon spot, no doubt due to the spectacular scenery, thriving nightlife, and other tourist attractions like Pearl Harbor or volcanoes like Kilauea in Volcanoes National Park. The main drawback is the number of people who will have the same idea as you… tourists outnumber Hawaiians 6 to 1 and native Hawaiians 30 to 1.

Of course, your idea of ​​the perfect honeymoon may include the Motel 6 down the street and all your meals at Dennys. Whatever destination you agree on, congratulations and may you enjoy many years together.

Definitely, adolescence is an age in which everything seems like an emotion. From your first crush to your first car, it feels like you’ve been born again. It can also be an age where children instantly feel that they can make better decisions individually. In fact, this notion is very mature, while in some it creates destruction. Whenever a child or even a woman reaches her teens, she wants to prove exactly what these people were prevented from doing when they weren’t that big, for example; nights out, visits to late-night performances, staying up late and, worst of all, trying alcohol. There will be something exclusive and strange about alcoholic beverages that men and women don’t get yet, men and women know it can be dangerous but they still drink it. Alcohol is one of the first things that children would like to try as soon as they become teenagers. Young teens are unaware of DUI data, and the United States, for a carefree culture, documents more teen drunk driving lawsuits than almost any nation in the world.

Alcohol addiction to beverages is considered the abused drug among young adults. Almost seventy percent of adolescents at one time or another have consumed an alcoholic beverage, be it beer, glass of wine, or hard liquor. In addition, it is one of the easiest to acquire. Virtually any supermarket in the country includes a type of alcoholic beverage. Although it is not legal to offer alcoholic beverages to minors, in reality those who do so are indifferent.

Who might be the riskiest drivers? Obviously, 18-year-olds have the optimal accident rate in the nation. The young seem to be simply indestructible. Combine that with liquor and they also include ingredients for devastation. According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), the number one reason behind loss of life among 15- to 20-year-olds is car accidents. Twenty-eight percent of teens killed in car crashes consumed alcohol while driving a car or truck. It doesn’t take a great intellect to know that teen drinking and driving accidents are certainly serious and often lead to death.

Recently, driving under the influence has become a serious issue among young people in the United States. As a way to drive safely, one has to be generally alert, be able to make judgments determined by incidents that occur, and implement them. This coordination while driving becomes difficult, particularly when drinking alcohol. Alcoholic beverages cause loss of coordination, poor judgment, decreased reflexes, and frame distortions of vision, all of which necessarily result in a car accident. Not surprisingly, teen drunk driving statistics paint a gruesome picture of this phenomenon.

It can be difficult for parents to admit that their young children often have a drinking problem. Today’s young adults are under incredible pressure to conform to society’s standards, especially through their teens. Peer pressure causes teens to make difficult decisions every day, but providing definitive educational information about teen dui could help them reach adulthood, easily, alive, and without a criminal record.

Beautiful white sand beaches, a warm blue ocean and sunshine make Ft. Lauderdale an idyllic vacation spot any time of year. Located on the east coast of Florida, even the hottest days are tempered by gentle breezes off the Atlantic Ocean.

Recently, Ft. Lauderdale has grown in popularity as a GLBT vacation destination and is now recognized worldwide as a gay-friendly resort. There are several hundred gay-owned and operated businesses that offer a multitude of options for the gay traveler. With a plethora of bed and breakfasts, resorts, bars, clubs, restaurants, and shops, this ocean city has made its name as a separate gay mecca from its neighbors Miami, South Beach, and Key West. From the blue waves and white surf of the beaches to the Florida Everglades, Ft. Lauderdale offers sea, sun, shopping, arts and entertainment for the discerning gay tourist.

Just steps from the ocean is a vast network of canals and marinas that has earned Ft. Lauderdale the nickname of the Venice of America. Here you will find spectacular millionaire homes with extensive gardens right down to the waterfront and yachts that are houseboats waiting to venture out into the open sea. The water taxi is the means of transportation for the locals, which also offers a tour of the canal with a glimpse into the lifestyle of the rich and famous. For just five dollars, you can travel all day from one end of the canal system to the other, with plenty to see and visit along the way. There are no gondolas here, but it’s worth planning a full day to tour these canals. , or simply use the water taxi as a means to go to dinner at a beachfront restaurant.

Between the ocean and the canals is where you’ll find a community rich in gay guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, and resorts. Although bars, clubs and restaurants are close by, car hire is a must, they are very affordable and can be hired at the airport or through your hotel concierge and make it very easy to get around and visit the many attractions available to the gay traveller. .

Located three blocks from the ocean and a short walk from the gay beach is the Flamingo Inn Amongst the Flowers, a European-style boutique hotel with tropical island luxury. We highly recommend this affordable and upscale gay resort as a perfect base to enjoy all Ft. Lauderdale has to offer. All rooms and suites have been recently remodeled and renovated with comfortable four-poster beds and modern bathrooms. The patio includes fountains, a large swimming pool and comfortable sun loungers with umbrellas for the hottest moments of the day. Indulge in a relaxing poolside massage, simply soak up the sun, or enjoy a good book in this peaceful retreat. Perhaps the greatest amenity that the Flamingo has to offer is the friendly and helpful staff who will ensure you have everything you need for the perfect vacation and provide you with all the necessary knowledge about the local community. The Flamingo Inn strives and achieves perfection in gay accommodations.

Located about a ten minute drive from the beaches is the township of Wilton Manors, which is the gay community of Ft. Lauderdale similar to Greenwich Village in New York. Home to over forty gay businesses and powered by the successful George’s Alibi video bar and cafe, Wilton Manors has everything to offer in shopping and entertainment. After your first visit, you’ll probably return to try the different restaurants and bars as part of your evening delight. Dorothy’s Cafe, Hamburger Mary’s, Chardees, Tropics, and Simply Delish are just a few of the dining options sure to please this quaint and charming gay-friendly South Florida community. Shopping at Wilton Manors also offers plenty of variety at Bottoms and Tops, Gay Mart, Miguel’s, Zoo Two 4 Shoes, and Zoo Two Clothing Company, just to name a few of the fun boutiques. A trip to Ft. Lauderdale is not complete without spending some time enjoying the town of Wilton Manors for a gay community experience.

Without a doubt, Ft. Lauderdale is best known for its beautiful white sand beach with the calm clear blue ocean that stretches for miles. Not surprisingly, with a large resident and tourist gay population, there are three recognized gay beaches. These can be found in the north, on 18th Street, centrally located on Sebastion Street, and in the south at Dania Beach, with the central beach probably being the most popular and closest to most gay accommodation. These gay areas are easily identified. by the parasols of the rainbow umbrellas and the bathers they attract. With beach volleyball and other ball games, people watching in these areas can be a very enjoyable way to spend a hot sunny afternoon with cool dips in the ocean when it gets too hot. There are also plenty of beachfront cafes with spectacular views to enjoy when food becomes a priority.

Florida’s weather offers vacations year-round, but spring is probably the mildest and most popular time of year to visit. The Ft. Lauderdale Pridefest takes place in March and claims to be the largest Pride celebration in Florida. With entertainers and events, this weekend is planned for both residents and tourists to show their pride. The Gay Rodeo is also a great attraction. In addition to the rodeo events at the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds in Davie (just outside of Ft. Lauderdale), there will be a country and western dance, a pool party, a nightlife tour at Wilton Manors, and a southernmost event in Ft. .lauderdale. For anyone who has experienced a gay rodeo, this is sure to be a popular gathering on the IGRA circuit.

Finding your way is easy with a fun Columbia map or the local Hotspots publication. Both are easily accessible, handy-sized reference guides to all things gay in this Florida beach paradise. There is also a comprehensive service called The Naked Concierge that uncovers the truth about Ft. Lauderdale’s gay community and is the go-to source for travel information to plan the perfect getaway in the sun and surf before you leave home.

Getting there is easy with airlines offering direct flights from Canada’s major cities and connecting flights from smaller airports. Rest assured, your flight from the north will be rewarded with a South Florida gay welcome that is second to none.

We have been starting small businesses since we were first married over 26 years ago… this is a list of all the things that were successful and not so successful.

We started selling a book I had written as a thesis project called “Mother Natures Remedies: The First Season” it got into niche magazines like “Mother Earth News” and “Organic Gardener”…it didn’t sell one and it was expensive advertising of dollars with no return.

The Savings and Loan scandal had hit Houston, where we lived at the time, and we started a landscaping business… first with the idea of ​​doing “Landscaping.” We had a partner with a Botany degree and experience, but since people were going to foreclose and commercial property was a bust, we decided to do Lawn Maintenance instead. We put together flyers and took them to all the real estate agents. Because there were so many FHA and VA foreclosures and they were built in subdivisions with homeowners associations…the FHA and VA had to “maintain” the yards or the homeowners associations would place liens on the homes for violation of homeowners laws. Association Agreements. Our small business obtained contracts to maintain yards of foreclosed homes to the tune of 80 homes per day and 25.00 per yard. We started doing the work ourselves, but it became too much, so we had to hire “Subcontractors” to do patios that we couldn’t. Why “Subcontractors”? Because we didn’t want to pay workers’ compensation. They used their own trucks, but our team…sometimes they used our trucks…they charged us by the yard and we charged the realtors who listed the houses. It was a lucrative undertaking and a lucrative business.

At the same time, I started working for an interior designer in Houston who had a very good reputation. I would teach his course at his office or my office or at Rice University. We would teach the average housewife how to showcase her house without hiring an interior designer. We also taught interior design students who were failing their courses how to pass and succeed in their field. The woman who designed the Course, Athalee Curry, was simply the most brilliant woman and taught principles that were more common sense than anything else. Because of her focus, that venture was successful. Together we did designs for model homes and also for other clients. This was also a lucrative and successful business and I was able to learn some business principles from Athalee that have paid off.

When we moved from Houston to Idaho, I applied those same principles to getting my companies into a different state, but the mindset just wasn’t there. Hiring a “lawn maintenance” company or “interior designer” was not something that was done here. These were “Do It Yourself” and “Homemade” type people who didn’t have the extra income to “hire” them to do it, nor did they have the inclination to be “taught”, so those businesses don’t work here. .

In 1984, I sang all over the South, I had a video on VH1, my songs were on the radio, and I was doing a lot of TV appearances. When I moved here to Idaho, there were a few people from the South who recognized me and asked if I would teach them or their children to sing and get into the industry. It was a new business, one that I have run since 1991 and in which I have been successful. I started in my living room and with little equipment. As my clientele began to grow, I would invest again in better equipment. Eventually, I was able to get equipment for a recording studio. Word of mouth and my reputation made my business grow, the shows and the success of my students kept my reputation strong and my business successful. Now, I only teach voice when I want to. I have taught others the same techniques that I developed in teaching the voice and was even successful enough to be able to work with Warren Barighan on the Vocal Bio-matrix and do therapy sessions on my own.

When I was in elementary school, I started making skin care and makeup products. I would sell them to my kindergarten friends and my parents thought it was cute. I was four years old when I read my first encyclopedia game, so I did research and study. My grandmother was a healer in Samoa…she taught me the ancient ways and as she grew I combined my traditional western upbringing with her ethnobotanical treatment methods. I worked for a medical company that was a subsidiary of Baylor College of Medicine and started working on nutritional oncology approaches. I developed a nutritional base that would prolong the life of a cancer patient by 18 months if she were using certain chemotherapy agents. The studies and trials presented by the FDA are extremely expensive and biased, so I decided that I did not want to release this formula with the FDA restrictions.

At about this time, Congress passed a Supplements bill that fit our business perfectly. We formed a corporation, put a board of directors together with doctors and pharmacists and proceeded on this venture… which turned out to be a total disaster. We followed all the SBA guidelines, we went to the Center for Economic Development and got help…and the doctors, pharmacists and vets were using our products and testing them and we had a 98% success rate on everything we put out. ..and it still failed. My husband was diagnosed with Insulin Resistance and couldn’t stand the restrictive diet. As a research scientist, I knew that sugar alcohols are still absorbed, I knew that aspartame was a glutamate and that it would spike your insulin causing further complications with your blood sugar… Splenda was no good as the chlorine would spike his blood pressure and it would cause some other problems… so he asked me to think of an alternative. I started another company in Functional Foods. I wanted the product I came up with to not only be a sweetener, but also add health benefits to the body. Sweeteners are a funny thing… the body can’t tell one sugar from another and the synthetic ones, well the body just doesn’t know what to do with them! Sugar transport systems, however, know the difference, which is why there is a transport system for glucose and another for fructose. I invented a sugar that can lower blood sugar and inhibit carbohydrate absorption.

We started our company and within a few months we were manufacturing, within a week after manufacturing a small quantity we had our first sale, within a few more weeks we had our first national sales, within a couple of months we were selling 100,000.00/month to a very large national company. already known as one of the main health care centers for the elderly in the country. Since August 2003, this company has been selling “SugarBlend” nationwide to our customers.

It has been a tough road and success did not come overnight. There were a lot of business partners along the way who wanted to steal everything, there were investors along the way who wanted to steal everything…we’ve been to court a few times because of this…a potential investor stole an 18,000.00 check from a desk and he cashed it… that almost sank us. We had people who wanted to give us license agreements, our friends, who told us…we will never hurt you! and then he would take all the money, never pay the fees and walk away with almost everything while we paid the price losing 780,000.00 in a year…lost to friends who “would never do us any harm” and forced us into personal bankruptcy. Our business remains strong and sales of our products continue to rise, growth is slow and methodical, which is conservative growth, but it is growth.

So what advice would you give to those who want to start a small business and succeed? First I would say, run… don’t walk away… this is not for the faint of heart! Check in your area if it’s a service and see if there really is a need and mindset for what you want to offer. Take a look at the competition and do your homework to make sure this company is viable. Then get your ducks in order, decide how you want your business to function, move and grow. Make plans and goals, if you don’t reach those goals, then it’s time to go back and redesign your plan of attack and your methods. Keep an eye out for business partners… do you need one?… can you do it yourself… are you strong-willed? Can you accept criticism and can they? Can you hire the experience? It might be easier if you can do that. Re-invest… Budget your earnings so you don’t need a bank or an investor… Banks are a horrible place to take a loan or something! If you don’t do it right, they’ll take your fillings out of your teeth to get their money back!…they’ll bankrupt you faster than an investor. Investors… if you plan well you won’t need their money, if you don’t plan well they will end up owning all your hard work and whatever else they can too… just like the banks. The saying…”Those who have the gold make the rules” is true, so you simply don’t need their gold. The last piece of advice I would give is this… If you are self-employed… this will be your life, your whole life, so make sure the sacrifices are worth it, some just aren’t.

Challenging economic conditions mean the housing market is great for buyers, but a graveyard for sellers hoping for a great deal. The housing market in the United States is at its lowest point in almost three decades. The Mortgage Bankers Association states that in 2011, 8 million Americans were at least one month behind on their mortgage payments with 5 million of these homeowners two months behind. With a large number of homes for sale, prices are falling rapidly and sellers are falling into a trap. Below are some tips for selling your home in a down economy at a reasonable price.

Find a great real estate agent

Although you can try to sell the property yourself, it’s a lot to ask to list your house and do all the legwork without any real knowledge of the industry. Even though a real estate agent will cost you 3-6% of the sales price, his experience could easily make up that difference. Find a local agency that is familiar with your neighborhood, including knowledge of comparable properties in the area, school systems, etc. Check the real estate agent’s sales history in recent years. You want a successful real estate agent who isn’t too busy to give your property his or her undivided attention.

Marketing plan

Your real estate agent is responsible for producing a marketing plan, but it is your duty to familiarize yourself with the plan, as it is an essential element in generating traffic and getting more people to see your home. Your property must be visible on major Internet sites, such as realtor.com. The best real estate agents have their own website, so make sure your property is listed there too.

Preparation

This is your chance to shine. Walk around the house with his agent and he should be able to point out things that might put off potential buyers. The good news is that home prep work can be done on a relatively tight budget. Take care of the exterior of the property first with neatly trimmed hedges and colorful flowers which are always a bonus. Repair any loose bricks or railings, and also make sure the roof is in perfect condition.

Make sure all walls are painted and carpets are professionally cleaned. Eliminate all odors to leave a fresh smell, and move furniture around to make the living space look as big as possible. If you can’t make your property look immaculate by the time the first visitors arrive, your house will still not sell.

Price

Look at active listings, pending listings, and recent statistics for homes sold that can reasonably be compared to yours. However, be careful when looking at sales prices, as those sales could have taken place a few months ago. Economic conditions can change very quickly, so you may need to adjust prices to fit the existing market. Pay special attention to list prices as this is your competition.

Once you’ve followed the steps above, you should be quick to follow up on queries. Your real estate agent typically handles the follow-up activity, including emails or phone calls from interested parties. Hopefully, you will receive a lot of interest, thus improving the chance of receiving a fair price for your home.

In a market full of ideas, it’s important for nonprofits to establish a well-defined niche. While most nonprofits don’t sell products, they do sell their organization’s mission, ideas, programs, and services. In a world where everyone is inundated with information, a strong image is the key to community awareness. Developing and maintaining a visible and credible identity through marketing will increase local support for your organization.

Many nonprofit organizations believe that their programs will sell themselves based on their inherent value. They operate on the assumption that support and recognition will automatically go to a good cause. Unfortunately, this is a false premise. Even the best of programs will fade into obscurity unless nonprofit management intentionally makes other groups, associations, businesses, and individuals aware of its mission and continually maintains that level of awareness.

Communication builds understanding and initiates action. It is essential that nonprofit management define its intended audiences, target its messages to these groups, and outline strategic plans that will best utilize limited resources to meet the organization’s goals and objectives. Leaders must also take steps to ensure that marketing strategies are consistently and persistently carried out, consistently aligned with the organization’s mission.

How many people in your community are alert to the good work of your organization? Effective communication and a consistent image also improve a nonprofit organization’s ability to raise funds. If local community members aren’t aware of the good work a nonprofit is doing, they’re unlikely to contribute to a fundraising campaign. In turn, if private foundations do not see financial support at the local level, they may be less inclined to make grants. Foundations also review grant proposals to see how an organization plans to communicate the results of its program. Marketing is an ongoing and cumulative strategy that can create financial partnerships.

Regardless of the size or mission of an organization, here are some essential elements of successful marketing that will work to build community awareness and support:

1. Identify your target audience: Define the groups your organization wants to reach. A target audience is NOT everyone in your community! Begin to characterize the demographics of your donors, community leaders and other supporters, and your volunteer base. Focus on methods to reach these groups.

2. Maintain consistent communication: Plan your communication strategy for the coming year. Develop a timeline for press releases, newsletters, special events, and other marketing efforts. Develop tangible goals and assign responsibilities to staff, board members, and volunteers.

3. Create a visual identity: Communicate both visually and verbally. Always display your organization’s name and logo on newsletters, reports, signs, and brochures. A memorable and well-designed visual image will strengthen the awareness of your organization. Don’t be afraid to invest money to make your materials look professional. Your supporters want to see materials that show your organization is accountable, trustworthy, and credible.

4. Use repetition and variation of the message: an audience is more likely to remember a message if it is repeated in different types of communication. For example, print your mission statement in a brochure, write it in a public service announcement, and tell it to a news reporter. Taglines are a way to effectively capture the essence of a message in a short and memorable way.

5. Employ multiple communication tactics: Nonprofits often target multiple audiences, which may respond to different approaches. Various communication campaigns can help establish and maintain a more generally positive image.

6. Select and Use Appropriate Media – Plan to use a combination of approaches that will best reach your target audience and make the best use of your financial resources. Include a variety of methods including phone calls, letters, email, newsletters, public service announcements, press releases, and editorials.

7. Build a strong, well-known identity over time: Building visibility and awareness is a gradual process. Be patient, persistent and consistent. Reinforce your mission in a variety of ways.

8. Tell your mission story: In your communications, let your supporters, donors, and community members know about your good works. In newsletters, press releases, and on your website, tell who you’ve helped or what action you’ve accomplished. Explain the ways in which donations have directly supported your mission. This will reinforce your message and help forge a stronger relationship between your target audiences and your efforts.

Italy is a beautiful and captivating place, especially if you plan to spend your summer vacation there. One such enchanting place is located on the Sorrento Peninsula in Italy. This place is located close to the ancient sites, where you can discover ancient sites dating back 3000 years, such as the Roman excavations of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Stabia and also the Greek temples in Paestum. The entire region was colonized by the Greeks until early Roman times.

Sorrento, Campania, has some of the most beautiful holiday villas and apartments. Here you can enjoy the striking landscapes of the entire region. Most of these villas are located in strategic places between Sorrento and the Amalfi coast. They are located on the tops of the hills or near the coast. You can find shops and restaurants within a 5-minute walk. One of the famous restaurants is Don Alfonso.

Getting to Sorrento is an easy task. These places can be easily reached by car or by public transport from Naples International Airport.

These villas in Italy feature all modern conveniences, including well-equipped kitchens, living rooms with fireplaces, sofas, and terraces with barbecue facilities. They are usually surrounded by well-kept gardens. Pools are communal and relaxation areas with open kitchens add to the beauty and luxury of these villas in Italy. You can spend the whole evening sitting in the comfortable chairs on the terraces from where you can soak up and enjoy the splendid scenery of the Galli Islands that are located in the bay of Salemo. How about cooking pizza on the terrace? If you wish, Sorrento villa owners can send professional cooks to prepare delicious cuisine or you can do it yourself. Cleaning facilities are also provided.

In case you bring pets, it’s better to inform the management first because sometimes they don’t allow pets. Smoking is also prohibited in certain vacation villas.