Tag Archives: #business

5 Little-Known iPhone and iPad Apps for Startups

13 Nov

5 Little-Known iPhone and iPad Apps for Startups

Being a small business owner can be trying.  Times are tight, the economy is dreary, and you have to make every dollar stretch.  To add to the general mayhem you have all the day to day tasks of accounting, management, sales tracking and administrative needs on your shoulders.  Find this daunting?  Well I’ve got 5 iOS apps to make you more efficient.

Invoice2Go: This app lets you create invoices and estimates on your iPad and even your iPhone. You can make one complete list of all billable items and store them cohesively. Perhaps you might prefer the Receipts2go plugin to bill for items that are specific only to certain jobs or accounts. To top it all off your completed invoices can be printed right from the app or emailed if you are so inclined.

You can get three free invoices and after that its about 25.00 bucks a year for a 100 invoices.  By the way, you can even see your financials at a glance with this app.

 

Docusign Ink: No more printing and scanning with this app. Sign all sorts of documents electronically and save time you can use your phone or devices camera to take a picture of relevant documents or upload from a cloud drive- cool right?  Docusign Ink even converts documents easily so you drag and drop your signature. Simply save and send to complete the process.

Client forgot to sign? No problem, simply have them sign vial email. The catch is simple: unlimited documents can be signed for free.  However there is a limit of five additional signatories. After that they will ask you to purchase a plan starting at 15.00 bucks a month.

FYI- Doucsign Ink is also available on Android.

 Bento 4 for iPad: A recently redesigned personal database app that helps you present and organize data. What makes Bento 4 stand out from the crowd is that it allows you to combine tables and text fields with images by simply drag and dropping utilizing one of the 40 free templates.  Highly useful in multistep projects or sales meetings, Bento is quite versatile. With a price tag of 9.99 your wallet doesn’t get beat up either.

Concur: An organizational tool/app for frequent travelers. Manage your itinerary, book hotel rooms, check airline reservations. Concur is also great for tracking your expenses on the go.  Input information by hand, or use e-receipts. You can also scan receipts. Trips over? Concur will combine all the info into one cohesive expense report.  While the app is free on iPad and iPhone you will need to link it to a desktop Concur account.  This however is 8.00 bucks per person, per month.  A little more than some want to spend but a great report, and it’s a tax deduction I’d bet (See your CPA for that info though).  Concur is also available on Android for my so inclined cohorts.

Delivery Status Touch: Move a lot of merchandise? Delivery Status Touch can help keep track of them. 4.99, gets you an app that works directly with all of the major delivery companies/services and automatically gets information from Amazon, Apple and Google Checkout. As soon as a package is added it will appear on the the home screen. After that point you can track the progress of each and every package you have; coming or going.

 

 

#thriveorsurvive

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Questions? Think I’m wrong?
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Politics, Power, and Payroll Online Radio by Politics Power and Payroll | Blog Talk Radio

8 Nov

Politics, Power, and Payroll Online Radio by Politics Power and Payroll | Blog Talk Radio.

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Hurricane Sandy and Your Business

29 Oct

Hurricane Sandy and Your Business.

Here in New York and in a few other states we have had a tremendous issue named Sandy. Fema, National Guard- everyone is on alert. As I type this my lights are flickering repeatedly. However I’m not scared. Nervous, yeah a bit. But I’m ready. I’ve planned and prepared. So before I lose track, or lose electricity I’m going to bang this one out for my devoted readers. Thanks for the feedback and the belief in my body of work.

-Be Prepared.
As soon as I heard we were off from work Monday it hit home. This is real. I filled every plausible receptacle in my home with clean water. Then I text messaged everyone I knew that would be affected by schools closing in our borough. Always look out for others. After that I moved my car to a spot 80 feet from my main point of egress and away from trees simultaneously. This reduced risk and eases escape if necessary. I also bought much more water and food. I had a good stash but wanted extra. I even bought comfort food and M&Ms. Even my cats were prepared. Our Go-bag was packed with everything except paperwork. So we lost points there but were ready to see and fight and escape to high ground as needed. Heck I even cooked a lot of rice- not sure its durable quality, but it made me feel safe.
The lesson here is I made a few mistakes and should have had it all ready before hand. But I made up time in a rush and my family was ready for a few days of struggle. And in your business its the same as in life.
Are you ready? Are you prepared? Are you incorporated to shield yourself from loss?
Do you have business insurance as well?
Have you prepared for tragedy as well as competition? Do you know your odds and your methods to have sustainable income?
Do you have a mentor to walk you through these steps and others? Someone to pat you on your back or kick you in your rump.
Get prepared. If you are. Supplement what you have done.

-Don’t Let Fear Dominate.
People said flooding and waves. Yikes.
They said 200 mph winds and trees through windows. Yikes. And while this may occur for some, we are doing well here. Mayor Bloomberg dropped the ball a few years ago in a major snow storm and this time he took no chances. And while I applaud his efforts- I wasn’t scared either time. I was ready.
People will let fear dominate them. It will consume their minds and hearts. First it will stop them by freezing their actions. And after awhile it becomes a known excuse and a regular one.
Don’t be that guy. Fear is an animal but fear can destroy you or build you up (search my blog for the term Fear). Be strong. Be ready and fear becomes an ally not a demon.

How you prepared for this storm is indicative of how well prepared you are for this business.
So let’s see how I racked up:
I had go-bags but not my paperwork.
I had food and upwards of 6 gallons of water for consumption and cleanliness. I think this was about 2 to 3 days not counting the juices and teas in my home. I had food canned and uncanned and cooked more. I also bought more food to supplement. However I lacked transport quality containers. My plan was based on my car. I did move that though. I had crank flashlights and survival knives and tools. A compass candles galore- the works. But I lacked a secondary power source. Get that folks. We all need a crank or generator.
A huge plus is that I had no fear and had many of these items ready to go weeks before Sandy was a threat.

So you be my judge. But remember that fear will cripple your business. It will cripple your mind and shatter your dreams.
Be prepared, use the fear and you will be invincible.

#thriveorsurvive.

“It does not do to leave a live dragon out of your calculations, if you live near him.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit

“Without leaps of imagination or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities. Dreaming, after all is a form of planning.”
― Gloria Steinem

Thoughts? Concerns?
Questions? Think I’m wrong?
Let’s chat.
Need ideas?
Want to learn how to invite?
Let’s chat.
Want a mentor or maybe the guy who will bounce ideas back and forth with you?
Let’s chat-
Tony@Changeinadvance.com
@changeinadvance
http://www.changeinadvance.com
Or simply reply to this article.

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Today’s word is: COMMITMENT

25 Oct

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The Most Powerful Training Tool | Arnold Schwarzenegger

14 Oct

A REPOST/GUEST POST. AMAZING. READ IT.

The Most Powerful Training Tool | Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The Most Powerful Training Tool


By Zach Even – Esh

I was a sophomore in high school, the year was 1990 & I found an opportunity to see what bodybuilding books were floating around. Arnold’s ‘Education of a Bodybuilder’ was 1 of very few bodybuilding books.

I noticed no one was taking the library books out. The last time the book had been signed out was over a year before. I quickly thumbed through the book and the black and white photos fired me up immediately.

I signed the book out and began reading the book during study hall. I took the book home and read at night. I read the book in 4 days and didn’t stop reading the book for 3 years straight. Every time I had to return the book I signed it out again…and again… and again.

I would lose myself and find myself at the same time while reading the book. I related to Arnold when he spoke about being the outcast amongst his friends and the community as they constantly questioned why I wanted to be at the gym every waking moment of every day.

I would begin doing my homework at the gym just so I could be amongst the weights. Hearing weights clanking, heavy barbells dropping to the floor and dumbbells being placed aggressively on the dumbbell rack made me feel like I was at home.

The earliest gym I trained at was a very basic gym, nothing but free weights and some heavy cable machines. The biggest, strongest, most muscular guys were those who stuck to the basics, remained consistent and didn’t complicate things.

Then, there were the “other guys”. These guys read the newspaper in between each set or spent time with endless gossip between sets. When they actually DID their set, I noticed they never had the mind to muscle connection. They were simply going through the motions.

Those guys seemed to NEVER gain an ounce of muscle OR strength. I was shocked by such a disconnection and questioned why these men weren’t as excited as I was to train. I couldn’t wait to wrap my hands around a barbell or set of dumbbells.

I quickly learned that the ticket to success was TWO key factors:

1)  Experiencing Joy / Having Fun when you train. This can ONLY happen when you are passionate about the type of exercise you do.

2)  Creating a DEEP connection between mind and body.

“The Body Is Very Important, But The Mind Is MORE Important Than The Body…”

~ Arnold ~

Although this story dates back to my days of training as an up and coming bodybuilder, these 2 key factors are not only applicable for bodybuilders. It goes for ANY form of exercise.

If you are having a difficult time finding motivation to train, then you must focus your time and attention on doing the things you LOVE. What activity is FUN for you? What physical activity gives you joy, excitement and passion?

Find it and DO it. Don’t discriminate against the type of exercise, just DO something. Now, when you engage in your training, get in there and go for it ALL the way with all your passion, energy and excitement.

Having trouble getting excited? Sign up for ANY up and coming challenge such as these adventure mud runs, races, etc. Create a group amongst a few friends and train together. Turn EACH & every workout into a competition.

– Who can run 1 mile faster?

– Who can do more reps on the heaviest set?

–  Who can lift heavier?

–  Who can lose more fat in the next 30 days?

“If You Think Along The Way That You’re Not Gonna Fail, Then You’re Blind….”

The road to improving yourself will NOT be easy. Yes, it is challenging and yes, there will be times when you just want to rest, take it easy, get a break. This is where the mind comes into play.

You MUST find a deeper reasoning for WHY you are exercising and why you are focused on improving your health. You will likely find that the goal of bigger biceps and a 6 pack set of abs might not motivate you enough.

It’s all about seeing what is important to you at this stage of your life. Do you have grandchildren? If so, the greater your health the greater your time will be with them to see them grow up, get married, experience success and more.

Do you have kids of your own? Your family needs you to be strong, confident, energetic and healthy.

When you can’t seem to find that WHY, do what a close friend of mine had me do. Get your cell phone and pull up a picture of the person(s) you love the most. Look at that picture and think deep down WHY they need you to be stronger & healthier, not just physically, but mentally as well.

“If You’re Afraid Of Failure, Then You Will Never Grow….”

No matter how hard you work.

No matter how perfect your eating habits are.

If your mind is not positive and deeply connected to each and every workout, your results will be “road blocked”. If you fear changing your body because you are used to being unhealthy, overweight or weak, then you will remain stuck in the same place you are currently at.

You will need to train your mind along with training the body. I learned this the hard way when I was younger and suffered through a bout of depression. No matter how hard I trained…. No matter how perfectly I ate…. not one ounce of muscle was gained, not one ounce of strength was gained.

I learned the hard way that the mind controls everything.

The day that I began changing my mind, my body immediately followed and I began gaining more muscle immediately.

How can you train the mind to become stronger? Training your mind will go beyond your workouts. Your mind needs exercise just like your muscles do. Read books, listen to audio inspiration, watch movies, ALL of which should inspire and motivate you to achieve greatness within. Oftentimes autobiographies and stories of other great men and women will inspire and motivate you. You’ll quickly learn that ALL great men and women have faced struggles while refusing to back down from them.

Go back and read Arnold’s ‘Education of a Bodybuilder’. Read the autobiography of Muhammad Ali, watch Rocky, etc. You will quickly learn that the common theme amongst successful people is their ability to face their fears, the willingness to do what others make excuses about doing, the discipline to climb upward while others quit.

If there are naysayers or people in your life holding you back you must refuse to listen to them & find ways to distance yourself from them. Learning to block out the negativity of others while focusing on the change you desire to have will be your first step in moving towards conquering your goals. Use this powerful mindset towards achieving your goals in health, fitness AND life to achieve success beyond your physical body.

“The People That Grow The Furthest, Are The People That Really Don’t Care…. ”

In closing, I’d like to remind you with something I’ve learned through the years. I’ve learned that everyone is capable of achieving success. That’s right, EVERYONE is capable, but not everyone is WILLING to do the work in the physical AND mental aspects to achieve the success beyond the norm.

A small few refuse to allow the tough times to hold them back. A small few refuse to allow their environment to dictate who they are and what they become. You MUST decide what your goal is and when you decide, draw a line in the sand and NEVER turn back, NEVER look back.

As Arnold said, “The body is very important, but the mind is MORE important than the body.”

Your success begins in the mind and MUST be coupled with daily actions. Do your 1% everyday. EVERY DAY. To ensure your 1% is even more powerful, do your 1% first thing every day. This will kick start your day. You’ll find you have more energy, more enthusiasm and more excitement for everything in your day.

Take action NOW. There is no need to wait until tomorrow if you truly want to create more success for yourself. I KNOW that as soon as you begin approaching your workouts and your life with this mind and body approach, you will have greater success in all areas of your life.

ALSO CHECK OUT: Arnold’s Epic Giveaway! Win a personalized voicemail message by Arnold!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Zach Even – Esh is the Founder of The Underground Strength Gym located in NJ. A loving husband & father, Zach is committed towards helping others achieve success in mind, body & life. Zach is the creator of numerous books, DVDs & training programs, all of which have been inspired from his 23 years of in the trenches experience.

Website: http://ZachEven-Esh.com

Facebook: http://facebook.com/zachevenesh

Twitter: http://twitter.com/zevenesh

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I’m too Busy Living my life to build my business

6 Oct

I’m too busy living my life to build my business.

I’m too busy living my life to build my business.
Sadly this statement comes to mean
I’m too busy living my life to live my DREAM. Ouch. What madness- or is it fact?
A lot of people have a million reasons to fail. And a million and ten to thrive. It is simply a matter of choice and will power.

-Choose.
We make choices all the time. From second to second, hour to hour, day to day, year to year. We make more choices than smiles.
And therein lies the first issue.
Are your choices making you smile. If you work a job you hate to have things you are not sure you need. Time to start over. You made the wrong choice buddy. A lot of times life boxes us in and the fastest way out is what we take. However it never quite yields the results we hope for. It may get you second place, but it doesn’t get you where you need to be. I’ve made this mistake. Heck I’ve made it at least once this year, and that’s what’s moved me to grow this blog. Its motivated me to make a choice. One choice.
To blog to my best ability. To blog quite often with the goal being a daily output to this blog of written word. I post pics and other goodies of course, things to motivate the mind and soul. However I want to blog daily in this format. Written word or spoken/filmed word. And I encourage your feedback to get me there. Comments support, criticism, heck curse me. You see I expect this. And if you see my comments received. I have been blessed! Now this relates simply in that I made a Choice.
One choice to navigate through everything else. And I’m hitting speed bumps regularly. I won’t quit though my friends. My choice has been made and my price has been paid. Choose wisely and run the gauntlet.

-Will Power.
Will Power moves us through our choices and beyond them.
Once a choice has been made we must move forward. Fast and clear. With fluid controlled motion and decisions that lead us to success in every motion. Will Power is the force that wakes you to see the next step through on your journey to the top.
Will Power will make you a Giant amongst men. It will get you to heights you could never imagine. The smartest man and the strongest man don’t win- The man with the greatest Will Power wins.
Will Power will take you through struggles and failures.
Will Power makes you walk through the mine field to get to the gold. The man with Will Power will not stop. A lot of us meet adversity and quit within inches of our goal. Not miles, not feet- inches. Will Power when applied moves mountains. Do it my friends.

#thriveorsurvive.

Life is a grindstone. Whether it grinds us down or polishes us up depends on us. -Thomas L. Holdcroft

Thoughts? Concerns?
Questions? Think I’m wrong?
Let’s chat.
Need ideas?
Want to learn how to invite?
Let’s chat.
Want a mentor or maybe the guy who will bounce ideas back and forth with you?
Let’s chat-
Tony@Changeinadvance.com
@changeinadvance
http://www.changeinadvance.com
Or simply reply to this article.

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SIMPLY SAID…

3 Oct

SIMPLY SAID….

Again, thanks to Badcopnodonuts.com

they post consistently, and inspire always.

#thriveorsurvive.

 

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PITCH ANYTHING IN 15 SECS OR LESS – Heavy Hitters Magazine

24 Sep

PITCH ANYTHING IN 15 SECS OR LESS

– Heavy Hitters Magazine.

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Job, Career, Your Own Business- You Decide.

11 Sep

Job,
Career,
Your Own Business-
You Decide.

I think the concept here eludes many people and I intend to divulge the facts! Lol okay I’m having fun but its real talk my friends. Let’s unpack this to see where we all fit.

-Job.
A job is what it sounds like- it’s just work. It might pay bills. It might be fun. Its not much else. A paper boy has a job. I had that job and it was great for a time. Cool, new and cash paid weekly. However it had no future, benefits and was not fun in the rain. Many adults live that reality and simply trudge back to it day after day. Really going to accept that?

-Career.
So u want more. You want a career. Nice. Smart choice. You have realized that there is more to working. Work is okay, and it may even get some good coin in your pocket.
Problem is what career?
What do you love?
What is your passion?
So you love that ’52 chevy your dad had. And you bought one and got it going pretty well. Paint is eh, but it runs like a dream. So you have your passion and you figure why not work for Unique Autosports. A lifetime restoring the things you love is time well spent.
Perhaps you love carpentry and you here the local 403 is hiring. Great benefits, overtime, retirement package that is guaranteed. This is really cool! You have 35 years to do what you love, get paid for it, and retire with mula, dinero, cash to boot!
Loving what you do rocks.

-Your Own Business.
Now for the heart of the matter.
So we know a job gets us coin.
A career may be more fulfilling.
And yet the best option is ahead.
In this humble mans opinion having my own business is a breath of fresh air. And while I’m not Warren Buffet or Ray Higdon I know I will be.
Having your own business puts you in the driver seat.
You make your hours.
You choose your clients.
You hire and fire staff instead of being staff. You can’t be fired from your business. You may put in no effort and lose at the game of life but that’s different.
But having your own business puts you in the driver seat.
And sorry folks but that is what built America.
Small business/large business owners, entrepreneurs breathe life into our economy. When you that is you, you rock!
Owning your own business also gives you awesome tax breaks. So that’s a super win. Make money and keep more of what you make.
Owning your own business will give you options you haven’t seen.
I also find it appealing to call my shots. I like my boss- he’s cool. However I want to take the risks, call the shots and reap greater rewards.
You can give back easier with your own business too. The pluses have added up huh?
Now I won’t kid you its a lot of work. And those who make it sacrificed. Yet wouldn’t you want to sacrifice to get ahead?
Furthermore, if you can create residual income you will be free. Let that business you love create income even when you don’t work. A carpenter can do it. A tech, a boss, a cook. And isn’t that the dream?
I like my job- its actually a good career too.
I want more though. I need to make it- on my terms. Its a strong desire I’ve had since 5 or 6 yrs old.

Feel the same?
Made a decision?
Need to step off the path?
Let’s talk.

#thriveorsurvive.

“We must all suffer one of two things: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret or disappointment.” – Jim Rohn

Thoughts? Concerns? Questions?
Think I’m wrong?
Let’s chat.
Need ideas?
Want to learn how to invite?
Let’s chat.
Want a mentor or maybe the guy who will bounce ideas back and forth with you?
Let’s chat-
Tony@Changeinadvance.com
@changeinadvance
http://www.changeinadvance.com
Or simply reply to this article.

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Three Things You Should NeveR Buy

8 Sep

Three Things You Should Never Buy.

A horse as an investment.
Advice from someone who’s broke.
Leads when you can’t sell.

Short list. Not too much to think about. And yet an still it speaks volumes. Let’s work this thing out cohesively and as a group.

-A horse as an investment.
So not too applicable but bear wit me.
A lot of people get into a good thing and get some cash, a whole lot of cash. And the next thing you know they want to diversify.
So they get an IRA. Good stuff in most peoples opinions. Useful too if you know what you’re doing. So. Now the idea comes to you to invest in gold. So u buy some rare dubloons. Not bad, not good, I like silver personally, especially numismatics. Now you decide that a horse is a fine idea. Stately regal creatures that they are you figure it will be a center piece of your collection of wealth. And what’s better it will win races garnering you press, victories and maybe some winnings at the track! Awesome right?
WRONG.
Never invest in what you don’t have knowledge of. If you aren’t an equestrian already its probably a good idea to stick with what you know.
Never invest in something that is so costly.
A Horse needs lodging, food, a veterinarian, training, and so forth. Do you want to outlay these items costs on the hopes you will beat the equestrian world and their experience?
Sounds nutty right? Exactly. You fight the wars you can win. This is one you skip though my friends. Simply invest in what you know.

-Advice from someone who’s broke.
This is a huge downfall for many people. When you take stock tips from the guy who works for a wage in a small cubicle- 99% of the time he is wrong. Now he may be a new broker but most times he’s your friend in the cubicle next to yours. What does this mean? Simple. Its a sign your a fiduciary fool. No offense folks but when you take cheap or free advice from someone who doesn’t make a living from the advice he or she gives loss is imminent. Move on. I don’t take tax advice from my doctor. I may listen and ask questions, but I pay my CPA to ‘school’ me on this subject. I didn’t invest my extra money into stocks prior to 2008 as I didn’t think my coworkers and payroll secretary were smarter than I am. And I didn’t take the loss as a result.
I admit this was half luck. Okay 80% but I didn’t follow suit. I listened to that nag in my head- the one I call intuition. So my friends ignore the fools, skeptics, and friends. Everyone means well but your fiduciary health is your fault and your gain or loss. Aka- Guard your $$$$$!

-Leads when you can’t sell.
Sorry folks but this is a hard core fact akin to working out but not eating right. You get nowhere.
Now we have all been online and seen the cold call killers who can make you better than them. And the no close, no call, no contact closing gurus. Or the lead generator networks that promise you will make money and close people on autopilot. And at that it will be a robot piloting the autopilot. Amazing, easy, perfect!
NOPE!!!
Remember my article about Zeek Rewards?
Ever heard of Maddoff? Ponzi sound familiar? Now some people will make you better. And some companies will hone your skills until you are an amazing closer. And they may show you how to get leads. Now that works. But leads from nowhere are bogus. Also why would you want vague, unknown leads? Or why buy leads that you didn’t cultivate. You build a better team when you actually know your team. Leads aren’t numbers- they are PEOPLE. Treat them as such.
Another point, why would you want leads that are conceivably low quality? I want people that won’t join too easy. I want leads who WANT to join my team not a rich quick scheme. I need a strong team. A cohesive group of people who see value in me and want to commit to sharpening each other. Growth with a team is valuable. Cheap high turn over leads and opt-ins are worthless. Don’t buy leads, build teams.

*Last tip- NEVER tell yourself it’s too expensive. When you impose limits on your abilities or finances you have effectively crippled yourself. The mind and the heart when fed right will exceed your needs and expectations. You have to manifest your dreams by literally telling yourself what will be the outcome.
This isn’t a license to go bat crazy but you never want to limit your mind or heart. Aim beyond your goal but be mindful of all your actions. That dream car is 50 grand- build an empire and then reward yourself. Let the 1970 GTO be a goal, same for the Lambo.
Dream big, live big, work hard.

#thriveorsurvive.

“It’s not the having, it’s the getting.”
-Charles Spurgeon

Looking forward to the emails this will generate. Side note: I truly relish the comments that you guys and gals send. Keep it coming folks.

Thoughts? Concerns?
Questions? Think I’m wrong?
Let’s chat.
Need ideas?
Want to learn how to invite?
Let’s chat.
Want a mentor or maybe the guy who will bounce ideas back and forth with you?
Let’s chat-
Tony@Changeinadvance.com
@changeinadvance
http://www.changeinadvance.com
Or simply reply to this article.

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