The Golden Keys to Start An Online Business

Before looking for a business idea or doing anything like researching the market for a niche or finding a product or thinking about the place or price or promotion methods you have to think about what you want? Which means setting your business goals first? Knowing them, writing them down to have a clear roadmap for your business journey. Secondly, you have to work on yourself first. Think to improve your time management skills. By developing this skill you will know how effectively and efficiently can schedule your appointments, set you goals, planning thoroughly, creating things to do lists and prioritizing. These are the core basics of time management that should be understood to develop an efficient personal time management skill. The third key is the leadership skills such as: decision making, emotional intelligence and creativity are also essential to your self improvement. Then you have to be motivated all the time no matter what happening in your life. Do not allow your motivation level to fluctuate from time to time. Reward yourself whenever you accomplish a task because it helps. Now you can start writing your business plan, know that if you fail to plan you will plan to fail. You have to apply what you learned from the ebooks and e-courses you have. Do not buy a new book tell you apply what you already have. Start researching for your niche. Then start with affiliate programs so you have nothing to lose. In this case you need no budget to start with, you will build your list fast and have free experience in online business. Remember not to put all your eggs in one basket. So, buy MRR products and resell them until you have your own product to sell. The last advice I have for you take advantage of the free tools provided throughout the Internet. Such as: the NVU web site editor, filezilla ftp. You will find a lot of other free tools to start your business with so you will not need a red cent to start your online business and to be successful in. If you want free ebooks to resell them or to know how to start your Internet business just visit: www.10dollarebusiness.com

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Posted in: Business

Do you Really Need a Business Plan to Run your Business?

Is writing a business plan always the first step in launching a new business? Professional business plan writers and small business consultants will answer in the affirmative; however, I wonder if they are just out of touch with what it takes to run a small business. Typically I would say that the first time you need a full business plan is when someone asks for it. Don't get me wrong I think you should certainly do your homework before you invest resources into a new business, but it doesn't have to be a business plan. Here is my suggestion for an alternative:

1. Start with Assumptions - If you are considering starting a new business, then you have already made certain assumptions, such as:

You have identified a problem You have created a solution Someone will be willing to pay for your solution

I think your first step should be to challenge those assumptions. Do some research, ask some potential customers, find out if anyone else is already doing the same thing. If you can answer yes to those 3 assumptions then move to the next step.

2. Create Goals - For the small business owner, a business plan can help you know where to go and how to get there, but again you don't always need a full business plan to answer those questions. Instead create some goals for your business such as:

Finish product development by August 1st Release product or service for sale by September 1st Solicit customer feedback for 2 months Release new and improved product by December 1st

Obviously, these goals may be vastly different depending on your business. If you own a landscaping business you will have different goals than a software developer, but the principle remains the same. Create goals for your business.

3. To Do List - Maybe you should consider having your spouse do this part for you since your he or she can usually come up with excellent to do lists for you. All joking aside, you need to create a to do list. You have general goals, but what steps to do you need to take each day to accomplish those goals. If you want to manufacture a new product your list may include:

Find potential suppliers Compare suppliers Choose supplier Find potential distributors Compare distributors Choose distributors Hire 5 assembly line employees Order supplies Manufacture product

Obviously there are many more steps along the way, but you get the idea.

If you can just affirm your assumptions, create goals for your business, and then create detailed lists of how to reach your goals you have enough to start your business. At some point (early on) it would be valuable to go through the entire business planning process. ALSO, if you are planning on making a large investment to launch your business, PLEASE write an entire business plan. Do not build a new $2 million facility and come to find out that no body wants your product or service. If you need more advice on writing a full plan then check out the resources on the business plan page at www.theexecutiveplan.com.

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Posted in: Business

Starting A Successful Home Based Photography Business

Are you interested on making money with your own business at the comfort home? Are you in need of extra money to pay your bills? Want to turn your love of photography into cash? Don't fret because you can. You can make a very good income either you choose part or full-time using your digital camera with your photography business at home. And guess what, wedding photography is considered to be an approximately $5 billion per year industry.

If taking pictures and sharing them with your friends would be an entertaining thing for you, then you might want to consider taking wedding photos on weekends. Wedding photography is a career that can be very lucrative either its part or full-time. In the United States, the size of wedding industry is approximately $5 billion per year. That is simply phenomenal! In fact, you can be a part of this industry by just learning a few photography know-how and a decent digital camera. Taking a course with business forms and using photo editing software will be helpful to get you started in making money in your own home-based business.

If you have a digital camera and enjoy taking pictures might as well turn it into a business and start earning from it. What you need is to know where to start.

First, you have to have a business card and other stationery that would give a professional appearance would be very important. It is essential that you understand what to do on the first day of your photo sessions. You must know how to pose a bride and groom, what photos that are needed to take, what are the equipment issues that may arise are and knowledge on editing using Adobe Photoshop on your personal computer. You must know how to make an album for the bride and groom.

Information from recent Bureau of Statistics shows that there are over half a million of jobless people in the month of November alone. This means that there are almost 2 million people who are jobless in 2008. Unfortunately, most of these people have no alternative way of earning money. Taking photos is just one of the many ways one can make up for the lost income. A good quality digital camera could be used in starting your own photo business - an excellent part or full-time income.

Most photographers started their careers in photography as part time. They started utilizing friends and family first. Others started their careers in doing part time of taking wedding photos. Most of the nation's great wedding photographers started their career as part time. It is not necessary taking fulltime course for 2 or more years. Though, formal courses at universities can be very beneficial but then again it can take several years before you could earn a living from it. There are other options to take though. For example, you could get photography courses online which will provide everything that you need to begin making an income with your home based photography business.

Oftentimes when doing my shooting sessions people would ask on what format should I shoot. Either it would be on tiff, high resolution, jpeg, raw, etc. The answer is just simple. It should be raw! And make sure you are using the highest resolution available in your camera. Choosing the format is an important thing to consider in taking photos. What gives you options for post image processing is the raw format. Better chances for printing perfect large prints are determined by higher resolution. Maximum resolution available is needed when you need to make a large poster size photos for the couple. What you need to use in taking photos is a kind of digital camera that have an accessory hot shoe so that you can attach an optional flash unit that is designed specifically for your system. This accessory flash is needed to have better light and an alternative flash that is more powerful than the built-in flash of the camera. Every photo you take on the day, even those which are taken from the outdoors, will be done with flash. The flash will provided a very nice even tone of light and thus allow you to sell more photos after the event.

You must not forget that the bride and groom's parents and close family members would be your prospective buyers. Grandparents would want a picture where they are with the groom and the bride. You could earn from these quick opportunities. Remember that your aim is to be able to take advantage of every opportunity to earn money through photography.

Read more »

Starting A Successful Home Based Photography Business

Are you interested on making money with your own business at the comfort home? Are you in need of extra money to pay your bills? Want to turn your love of photography into cash? Don't fret because you can. You can make a very good income either you choose part or full-time using your digital camera with your photography business at home. And guess what, wedding photography is considered to be an approximately $5 billion per year industry.

If taking pictures and sharing them with your friends would be an entertaining thing for you, then you might want to consider taking wedding photos on weekends. Wedding photography is a career that can be very lucrative either its part or full-time. In the United States, the size of wedding industry is approximately $5 billion per year. That is simply phenomenal! In fact, you can be a part of this industry by just learning a few photography know-how and a decent digital camera. Taking a course with business forms and using photo editing software will be helpful to get you started in making money in your own home-based business.

If you have a digital camera and enjoy taking pictures might as well turn it into a business and start earning from it. What you need is to know where to start.

First, you have to have a business card and other stationery that would give a professional appearance would be very important. It is essential that you understand what to do on the first day of your photo sessions. You must know how to pose a bride and groom, what photos that are needed to take, what are the equipment issues that may arise are and knowledge on editing using Adobe Photoshop on your personal computer. You must know how to make an album for the bride and groom.

Information from recent Bureau of Statistics shows that there are over half a million of jobless people in the month of November alone. This means that there are almost 2 million people who are jobless in 2008. Unfortunately, most of these people have no alternative way of earning money. Taking photos is just one of the many ways one can make up for the lost income. A good quality digital camera could be used in starting your own photo business - an excellent part or full-time income.

Most photographers started their careers in photography as part time. They started utilizing friends and family first. Others started their careers in doing part time of taking wedding photos. Most of the nation's great wedding photographers started their career as part time. It is not necessary taking fulltime course for 2 or more years. Though, formal courses at universities can be very beneficial but then again it can take several years before you could earn a living from it. There are other options to take though. For example, you could get photography courses online which will provide everything that you need to begin making an income with your home based photography business.

Oftentimes when doing my shooting sessions people would ask on what format should I shoot. Either it would be on tiff, high resolution, jpeg, raw, etc. The answer is just simple. It should be raw! And make sure you are using the highest resolution available in your camera. Choosing the format is an important thing to consider in taking photos. What gives you options for post image processing is the raw format. Better chances for printing perfect large prints are determined by higher resolution. Maximum resolution available is needed when you need to make a large poster size photos for the couple. What you need to use in taking photos is a kind of digital camera that have an accessory hot shoe so that you can attach an optional flash unit that is designed specifically for your system. This accessory flash is needed to have better light and an alternative flash that is more powerful than the built-in flash of the camera. Every photo you take on the day, even those which are taken from the outdoors, will be done with flash. The flash will provided a very nice even tone of light and thus allow you to sell more photos after the event.

You must not forget that the bride and groom's parents and close family members would be your prospective buyers. Grandparents would want a picture where they are with the groom and the bride. You could earn from these quick opportunities. Remember that your aim is to be able to take advantage of every opportunity to earn money through photography.

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Posted in: Business

How to Choose a Winning Name for your Small Business

Can a name make or break your chances of business success? With the success of businesses with seemingly strange names like Google, Facebook, and Yahoo! you might think that a name is not all that important. I disagree. Unfortunately I learned a lot about how to pick a good name for a business after I already chose my business name. For that reason, I want to guide all of you toward a business name that will work for you now and into the future. There are 3 keys principles to keep in mind when picking a name for your business:

1. Remember the Internet - Whether your business is an internet based retail business or you operate a chain of gravel pits around your region, you NEED to keep the internet in mind when picking your business name. In particular you want to think about Search Engine Optimization when you choose a name. If your name contains keywords related to your business, you will have an easier time ranking higher on search engines like Google. If you are a gravel pit owner, then your company name should contain gravel so that when you create your company website it will rank high for the keyword gravel. This principle would be the same if you sell books, cookies, or cell phones. Why make it harder on yourself? Just build your name for the internet age.

2. "Google It" - Have you ever used company names as verbs? For instance, Xerox is a company name, but many people will call copying a document "xeroxing a document". Similarly you may say to a friend, "just Google it". If you can create a business name that has the potential to become a verb you are will be happy you did so later.

3. Short and Sweet - Have you noticed how so many successful companies these days have one word names? I don't think it is a coincidence. I wisk I would have realized this fact before I named my business, but you may still have a chance to keep from making the same mistake. Facebook, Google, Yahoo, Microsoft. These are all one word companies. Specifically if you are creating a highly technical product or service, keep your name simple. Try to keep your small business name to one or two short words.

As a bonus tip, make sure that you check to see if a domain name is availabe before you set your name in stone. Try www.godaddy.com and check your proposed name. If someone already has a website with "yourbusinessname.com" then pick something else.

Keep these tips in mind when choosing a name for your new business and you will likely come up with a great name. If you have not already, check out my blog at www.theexecutiveplan.com for more small business resources.

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Posted in: Business

Who else can contribute to your business?

Two years ago I effectively had a network of about 50 people including my friends - I was shy, introverted and mostly preferred my own company! Not only that, I really didn't want anyone to see me - I rather liked being invisible!! Or so I told myself...

Now, my network extends to thousands of people, I've become a coach, mentor, author and speaker, and I enjoy personal connections with more phenomenal people than I thought existed!!

What changed? Firstly I became aware that I could offer so much more to the world if I would follow my bliss. This bliss is evolving into an enormous vision that will create more joy and ease with people all over the world.

The phenomenal size and intent of my vision and my commitment to living it daily has allowed me to be as generative, joyful, inspirational, expansive, captivating, and spectacular as I truly be... (and no, it wasn't a 10 second transformation - it did take a little bit of focus on getting rid of the blocks that had put me in that unblissful disconnected place originally!)

Being that energy of bliss and inspiration and expansiveness has attracted amazing connections for me - neither I nor my business would be what we are today without the contribution of so many people... When I stopped playing small and insignificant, the universe started delivering big!!

What would it take for you to start living beyond your imagination? Who could you meet that could transform your life into living and working blissfully? Who do you need to know that you aren't connected with yet?

There's only one way to find out and that's to start getting connected!

Online: LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter are fabulous starting points - or particpate in a forum with topics that interest you. Offline: Local networking groups, Local MeetUp groups and being the invitation with people you already know will get you started...

Want to connect your business to the people who make a difference online? The Content Marketing Made Simple Playshop on March 22 will help you design a connection strategy based on your knowledge and expertise!

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7 Reasons Why Your Small Business Must Have A Content Management Strategy

Marketing guru Seth Godin has said 'Content marketing is the only marketing left.' New technologies mean traditional mass media is fast being overtaken by brands as publishers of content. It's easy to publish content online, but much more challenging to achieve tangible business results (like sales!) Why?

As a business coach, I see a common marketing mistake that many small businesses make - they mistake participating in social media for actually having a content management strategy. Here's seven reasons why small business owners need to start with the strategy rather than the social media networks...

1. Activity (or busyness) in social media domains does not equate to goal achievement. It's expensive to create content (time and/or money) - if your content distribution strategy isn't clear you're shooting blindly and wasting valuable resources. 2. Publishing is now marketing and marketing is now publishing. Your influence stems from your value. Your value stems from your content and your relationships. 3. Until you answer the why... e.g. What are the informational needs of my customers? What pain points can my brand address? What brand story are we telling?... your strategy will be incoherent and won't deliver results. Relevance is key. Listening is core to success. 4. Google already pushes Twitter updates through their organic search results and in February 2010 it was announced that Facebook Fan Page content is next - what keywords, key messages and topics will you be found for? The rules for being found by organic search are changing quickly! 5. Without a clear and relevant content marketing strategy, you'll attract followers who are irrelevant to your business - there's no point having 50,000 followers if they aren't in your target audience. How do you feed your 'ideal client' into your traffic generation strategy? With content your ideal client needs! 6. Productivity - without a clear strategy, there will be no clarity about how all the pieces of your social media marketing connect together... which means it's impossible to manage the distribution and flow of content in a meaningful way for your prospects and partners. 7. The answer to every question you have about online marketing of your business will come back to 'it depends... on your content marketing strategy.' Without one, your ship is rudderless.

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Posted in: Business

To Blog or Not to Blog? The Business Owner's Zillion Dollar Question!

At a recent business coaching gig for the KBN Ashgrove Network I talked about blogging. So many business owners think they 'should' blog but in truth have no idea of where to start, why they are doing it or how to have their blog generate results.

Some of the reasons you could choose to blog include:

* Your clients will 'get you': the less formal nature of blogging makes you a 'real' person in their eyes - who do people ultimately buy from? People they have relationships with! Authentic communication beats a static website any day. * You can create a forum for engagement with potential clients and others in your industry via 'comments'. * It is the foundation of your social media strategy. You have 100% control over your content... no-one can remove it or change it except you. * Google rankings: regular blog posts create great link bait and encourage Google to search your site for fresh content more often.

There are many reasons to blog, but none of those matter if you can't find a way to do it that works for you! In tomorrow's post, we'll explore some simple strategies that take the stress and confusion out of blogging.

If you are publishing content on a blog, you need a strategy. Without one you are shooting at moving targets and missing opportunities to hit the triple jackpot of being visible, valued and visionary! John Batelle, creator of Wired magazine recently stated that for brands to stay relevant and develop a true online experience for their customers, they must master the art of content creation.

Here are a few tips to take the mystery out of blogging... whether you are a technophobe, unable to string a sentance together or just completely confused... ;-) successful blogging is possible!

* Blogging technology: If your website does not have its own inbuilt blogging system (many content management systems do) then it's better to use www.Wordpress.org with your own domain name rather than other free software. You can use sites like Facebook or a Ning site as an alternative however you cannot use your own domain name and you lack control over your content - far from ideal! * Content marketing strategy: It's essential to have a clearly developed content marketing strategy... why, what, how... etc! Without a strategy you'll waste a lot of time and resources. * Valuable content: You should only blog if you have plenty of valuable content that your target audience would be interested in. Contrary to some of the advice out there, writing inane dribble about nothing won't do you any favors in the search engines or elsewhere! * Writing alternatives: It doesn't matter if you can't write - use audio / video / photos and put just a few words around each idea. Or, record your ideas and have someone transcribe and edit them. * Developing connections: Get over the idea of 'I don't know what to write' by talking to people about their challenges in the area your business serves. Write about the solutions to those challenges in a way that invites people to respect you and share your ideas with others. * Meeting deadlines: invite other related professionals to 'guest blog' on your blog on a monthly basis - gives you more great content and they'll probably promote your blog to their followers. * Promoting your content: ensure you promote your blog posts in other social forums - 'build it and they will come' is generally only true in the movies!!! Your blog offers the core content, social media are the outposts that create visibility.

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Posted in: Business

Merchant Accounts: It's Time to Take Your Business to the Next Level

Running a small business, or even a large one, can get pretty overwhelming. Especially in these tough economic times you need to take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. There is a lot of competition out there and your business can't afford to let other companies get a leg up on you.

If your business has yet to set up a merchant account to process credit card payments then you are missing out on a whole world of potential customers. People expect to be able to pay with their credit or debit cards and if your business can't process them they will find someone who can.

It is understandable that for people starting a new business, or even those who have had their companies going for a long time, to be a little apprehensive about opening a merchant account. It may seem confusing and intimidating at first, but this article will break down exactly how a merchant account works.

Getting Started

In order to set up your merchant account you are first going to have to prove to the provider that you are a legitimate business. There are a number of ways to do this. If you are planning on signing up for an

account you should have as much information ready ahead of time as possible. This will expedite the process.

If you have a business license you should have that ready. Any tax returns from previous years are also good to have. Should your business have an actual physical location you should take pictures of your storefront or offices. If you know other people in your line of work then references from these businesses may also come in handy.

Different merchant account providers require different things, but it helps to have as much set aside in advance as possible.

Account Providers

You can sign up for a merchant account in a few different ways. One way is through a merchant bank. These are slightly different than your typical investment bank. They specifically invest in small

businesses and will process all of your credit and debit card transactions directly.

An independent sales organization (ISO), sometimes called a member service provider (MSP), is a third party broker that has contracts set up with banks to handle your credit card processing. The ISO's

normally offer a vast area of services to businesses on top of handling credit card transactions. They will often provide equipment, customer service, wireless processing solutions, and even escrow services if you are dealing in big-ticket items.

It is important that when you are deciding on an account provider you verify all of their information. Check the contracts to make sure they are affiliated with a legitimate bank. When you pick an ISO be sure they are sponsored by an FDIC insured bank before you sign anything.

Processing Transactions

There are a number of different ways that your business can process payments. It is up to you to decide which one is the right fit.

The most common way to process debit or credit cards is with a credit card terminal. These are the machines where you swipe your card at most convenience stores. It automatically reads the information from the magnetic strip.

This information is processed by your merchant account and after a series of complex transactions (that you don't have to worry about) the money is transferred to your account in two or three business days.

If your business doesn't process very many credit cards, but you still want to have the option, then you might not need an actual terminal. You can still use a merchant account by simply copying down the information from a credit or debit card and then calling it in to your account provider later.

Online businesses can set up a payment gateway through their account provider to process orders made over the Internet. These e-commerce services will safely and securely process your customer's information by linking up to your business's website.

Is a Merchant Account Right for You?

It is hard to imagine a business that wouldn't benefit from a merchant account. Mobile businesses like delivery drivers and traveling salespeople can greatly benefit by the vast array of wireless credit card solutions.

For businesses that operate online, being able to process credit cards safely and securely is almost a necessity these days. It is increasingly rare that a customer is actually going to write you out a check and mail it to you when they can just punch their credit card information in.

The fact is that being able to process credit and debit card transactions is only going to become more important in the future. Signing up for a merchant account today is the right decision to help your business move forward and continue to succeed.

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An Overview of Scope and Growth of SME Business in India

India has got tremendous scope for investors and entrepreneurs as far as business opportunities are concerned. Especially India has always been in the limelight in terms SME business. By SME business, we mean small and medium enterprises that maintain revenues or a number of employees below a certain standard. Every country has its own definition of what is considered as a small and medium-sized enterprise. In India, an industrial undertaking that has investments in fixed assets which do not exceed more than Rs.10 million falls under the category of small business. A small-sized enterprise is a company with less than 50 employees while a medium-sized enterprise is one with fewer than 250 employees. The SME business opportunity in India can be seen in possibly every sector - financial services, telecom, education, automobiles, media, food, real estate and so on. This makes India a hub for best small business opportunity in various segments. Thus, one who wishes to explore the business opportunity in India must have a look at the SME and retail business ideas to get an idea about the business scenario in India.

SME and Indian Economy

Small and medium sized enterprises play a central role in the Indian economy. They are a major source of entrepreneurial skills, innovation and employment. SME businesses are the biggest contributor to the economy of any country and the same goes with Indian economy. In fact, SME is one of the most crucial sectors of Indian economy as far as the number of employments generated from this segment. As more than 65% of Indian population lives in rural and semi rural areas, small business becomes a major source of income for many residing in these areas. After agriculture, small business in India is the second largest employer of human resources.

New opportunities in SME business

The SME business market of India is large and bubbling with newer opportunities. Increased purchasing power and consumerism is what drives the business scenario in India. Thus, there is an opportunity for competitive advantage that can benefit investors and entrepreneurs to a large extent. An investment in any best small business opportunity promises lucrative returns and success in less time.

Reasons behind growth in SME business

There are various reasons due to which the small scale business in India has witnessed a spurt of growth. Some of these factors are:

* High contribution to domestic production * Low investment requirements * Significant export earnings * Capacities to develop appropriate indigenous technology * Operational flexibility * Contribution towards defense production * Technology - oriented industries * Import substitution * Location wise mobility * Low intensive imports * Competitiveness in the domestic market * Competitiveness in the export markets

The India small business opportunity is getting quite exciting and innovative with the passing of every year. There are a lot of retail business ideas for entrepreneurs who are interested to set up a SME business in India. However, investors planning to invest in this sector must ensure that they make a wide choice and use the resources available in the right way to reap the benefits.

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Start and love blogging home based business

Blogging is irrefutably among the ideal approaches to produce money by sitting at family home. The only thing you need to necessitate is a laptop or computer utilizing a Connection to the web. Services like Wordpress.com and blogger.com are on the web to guide you formulate a website for without charge. The biggest advantage of a weblog from normal webpages is that it is rather quickly obtainable. You are allowed to add, rearrange or take away your blogposts as you would like. Occasionally, a free software package is situated on your laptop or computer which you can utilize to handle your piece of writing a lot more simply and promptly.

If you have formed a website by using some of the available online blogging companies, you'll be capable to generate income from it right away. Making money from your internet blog is still straightforward and can supply you with just as much as tens of thousands of us dollars for each thirty day period. With a purpose to generate a blog, your first move ought to be choosing the good web logging product. The highly general online blogging facilities at this time floating in the sector are Blogger.com and Wrodpress.com.

A person can start web log with any of the the online blogging products since either give money generating devices. However, you must realize the stipulations associated with monetizing your blog. For model, it's a known column of Google Adsense that if you're applying Adsense ads pay per click on your Blogsite, it is not preferred to work with other popular associate claims as this uses up the occurrence of their sellers. Similarly, there're a variety of other paragraphs, finer points that must be adopted just to give fair monetizing in one's weblog.

As you are initiating a home based business with blogging, you must have a product fascinating and unique so you can generate getting readers of your weblog. As soon you make certain a good handful of returning website visitors, you can ensure a nice price. Good luck with your web logging internet business.

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Simple and quick money with blogging home based business

Blogging is absolutely among most effective options to make money by positioned at your own place. The only thing you need to desire is a computer together with a web connection. Providers such as blogger.com and Wordpress.com are on the web to teach you compose a website for free of charge. The greatest gain of a blog from common internet websites is that it is rather quickly obtainable. You can combine, rewrite or clear away your posts as you prefer. At times, a unconstrained software package is positioned on your pc that you can work with to manage your internet site far more conveniently and speedily.

Now that you have made a online blog by using any kind of the accessible blogging companies, you'll be in a position to earn cash it as quickly as possible. Making money from your online blog is quiet effortless and can offer you with nearly 1000's of funds every year. With a purpose to develop a weblog, your very first step need to be discovering the ideal web logging program. The highly ordinary web logging solutions presently rambling in the current market are Wordpress.com and blogger.com.

An Individual can start off blog with some of the web logging services because each deliver monetizing equipments. But, you must comprehend the finer points correlated with monetizing your blog. For example, it is a popular clause of Google Adsense that if you're utilizing Google Adsense ads PPC on your Blogsite, it's not chosen to make use of other popular affiliate claims as this lowers the personality of Google advertisers. Similarly, there're several different clauses, conditions and terms which should be understood just to enjoy fair monetizing in your website.

Since you are starting up a internet business with blogging, you must own some thing intriguing and different so you can generate recurring readers of your online blog. As soon you be sure a big number of coming back viewers, you can guarantee a pretty nice figure. Best of luck with your web blogging home based business.

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Make your blogging fun a lucrative home based business

Running a blog is absolutely among greatest systems to build dollars by sitting at house. The only thing you need to necessitate is a personal computer with a web connection. Services like blogger.com and Wordpress.com are on the market to help you establish a blog for no cost. The biggest benefit of a weblog from common websites is that it is instantly obtainable. You are allowed to bring, modify or eliminate your blog articles as you prefer. Occasionally, a autonomous computer program is fixed on your pc which you can utilize to cope with your blog a lot more very easily and quickly.

As you have produced a blog by employing any kind of the accessible blogging amenities, you'll be in a position to earn cash it immediately. Adding monetizing stuff to your blog is very uncomplicated and can supply you with up to thousands of us dollars each 30 days. With a purpose to construct a online blog, your immediate action need to be determining the great web logging program. The highly popular online blogging companies presently floating in the marketplace are Wordpress.com and blogger.com.

You can start off blog with any kind of the online blogging companies since the two offer money making devices. However, you at every case, fully grasp the stipulations related along with making money from your online blog. For model, it's a ordinary section of Google Adsense that if you are using Google Adsesne PPC on your webpage, it's not preferred to use other partner advertisements as this uses up the presence of Google marketers. Similar to this, there are quite a lot of different paragraphs, stipulations which at every cost be followed in order to create reputable monetizing in your web site.

As you are starting off a online business with article writing, you must give something captivating and unique so that you can enjoy coming back prospects of your online blog. As soon you ensure a big quantity of coming back readers, you can ascertain a pretty nice figure. All the best with your blogging home based business.

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The Business Partnership

A business partnership is the relationship existing between two or more persons who join to carry on a trade or business. Each person contributes money, property, labor, or skill, and expects to share in the profits and losses of the firm.

In a Partnership, two or more people share ownership of a single business. Like proprietorships, the law does not distinguish between the business and its owners. However one thing a partnership needs is an openness and trust between the partners. Without this in place the partnership is doomed to failure.

It is important that all of the Partners should have a written legal agreement that sets forth how decisions will be made, profits will be shared, disputes will be resolved. As to future partners and how they will be admitted to the partnership, and how partners can be bought out, or what steps will be taken to dissolve the partnership when needed.

Maybe it's hard to think about dissolving a business when it is just getting started, but many partnerships split up at crisis times and unless there is a defined process, there will be even greater problems. They also must decide up front how much time and capital each will contribute, etc.

A partnership is like a ship setting out to sail around the world, where it will face all sorts of danger and rough weather. It will need the trust and team spirit, of all concerned for it to arrive safely at its destination.

Advantages of a Partnership

* Partnerships are relatively easy to establish; however time should be invested in developing the partnership agreement. * With more than one owner, the ability to raise funds may be increased. * The profits from the business flow directly through to the partners' personal tax returns. * Prospective employees may be attracted to the business if given the incentive to become a partner. * The business usually will benefit from partners who have complementary skills.

Disadvantages of a Partnership:

* Partners are jointly and individually liable for the actions of the other partners. * Profits must be shared with others. * Since decisions are shared, disagreements can occur. * Some employee benefits are not deductible from business income on tax returns. * The partnership may have a limited life; it may end upon the withdrawal or death of a partner.

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Posted in: Business

Home Based Business

Do your family and friends support your business venture?

If you are married, or have a partner, do they agree with you starting a business? What do the members of your family think about you becoming self-employed? Do they and you realize just how much your life will change by spending more of your valuable time running your own business?

Is your family prepared to support your commitment to begin a business that may risk their financial security?

Are they also prepared to have you spend less time with them and do they realize that the spare cash that was always available, to spend on luxuries, might be gobbled up by your business.

Ask yourself, if I run the business from home:

What will the business demand from the amount of space I have available at home? It's a proven fact, that a shortage of space can cause friction amongst family members.

How will the business infringe on my, families personal space at home? The invasion of someone's personal space can cause resentment.

Can I develop a management plan to use our household space so that it accommodates my family and my business without causing a major upset? Good planning is what a business needs for success, and planning efficient use of your space at home will give you the experience to begin to organize your business.

Have you any experience, or taken a business course on how to manage a small business? All business experience, at whatever level of expertise, will always help towards you seeing problems in your business before they develop.

Have you discussed your business idea, business plan, or proposed business with a business advisor or counselor, and received any advice? Good professional advice is a valuable asset in starting your enterprise. Avoiding and being aware of the pitfalls of a startup business is priceless.

Do you have a family member or relative who owns a successful business, who you can ask advice? Again having someone experienced to turn to for free advice is a huge bonus.

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Posted in: Business

The Components of A Business Plan

Do you know and understand the components of a business plan?

Have you a business plan for the business you are planning to start? A business plan is not just a thought in your head, or a few words scribbled on a piece of paper. It's a solid plan of action written and presented in a logical way, which takes you step by step from the inception of your business to it becoming up and running.

If you don't, then go out and do some research. Ask your local government business agency for advice, ask your bank, use the Internet, ask any of your friends who are in business for their help. There is plenty of information and help out there, don't rush your business plan. Treat it as though you were studying to take an examination and learn along the way.

Do remember a business plan for your business will be different from anyone else's. So don't copy word-for-word from someone else, in a similar business to you, be your own master and begin as you mean to go on.

A plan should be understandable and concise and give a good idea of its main contents even after browsing the main points. Format: headings, plenty of white space, and illustrations including summarizing. Main points should be bulleted to show up in a business plan as they do in a business presentation. The right length for a plan will depend on its nature and purpose.

Avoid being overly optimistic, and be reasonable in predicting capital requirements, deadlines, sales, and profitability. Very few business plans anticipate how much money and time will be eventually required.

Every major bank and government business agency has some form of printed, or online business form you can use to get an idea of what information is required for starting your enterprise.

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Posted in: Business

Personal Suitability to run a home-based business

1. Have you the confidence to be a leader and self-starter and do you understand how this will impact on you? Remember leaders are the one's leading the way and if you own a small business it will either be successful or not depending on the decisions you alone will make.

2. Do you know if other people would consider you a leader? If you employed other people would they take orders from you and accept that you are the boss. Respect as a leader is hard to achieve, but a valuable asset in a business

3. Would you invest a significant portion of your savings or raise money on your assets to get your business started? Risking your personal assets has to be seen by other people (the banks, partners) as confirmation of your willingness and confidence in your own ability.

4. Do you have enough confidence in yourself and in your abilities to sustain yourself in business, if or when things get tough? Again talking about running a business is totally different from actually being faced with everyday decisions that all small business owners have to contend with.

5. Deep in your heart, are you comfortable with making your own decisions? Have ever had to decide that a particular job, or project is urgent and you are the one that could cause it to fail simply by making the wrong choice?

6. Are you prepared, if needed, to temporarily lower your standard of living until your business is firmly established? Most business owners at some stage in their growth have risked their financial future by using their assets as collateral for their business.

7. Do others around you ask for your help in making decisions? Are you some kind of agony aunt or uncle on every subject under the sun? If you are then this would be ideal for helping you become your own boss.

8. Are you willing to commit long hours to make your business work? Nothing worthwhile is usually gained without some kind of sacrifice and building your own business will certainly test you on this.

9. Would others consider you a team player? I know every team has to have leader, but a team member has different responsibilities to the captain. If you employ other people in your business then you would delegate responsibility to someone else and expect the job to get done.

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Posted in: Business

Business Planning Is The Most Important Factor Determining Business Success

Do you know why business planning is the most important factor determining business success?

If you are already familiar with business planning then you will already realize the importance of having a continuous evolving plan for your business.

If not then we will discuss the benefits to you and your business of having such a plan in motion.

1. A good business plan regularly updated will give you a reality check on the performance of your business. Seeing figures in black and white can stir you into taking action by reminding you what you had originally planned.

2. Good planning will take in the concept of continual research into making your business more profitable and more efficient. A continually updated business plan is like focusing on the different programs on a television screen, which are continually changing. So eventually you get a better idea of what is actually happening inside the structure of your business.

3. With a business plan you have to learn and become proficient in the many different aspects of the structure of your business. By the nature of your involvement in your business plan if you ever need expert advice on any part of your business then you will already be familiar with its workings.

4. Many people who run a business do not like focusing on many of the parts that go to make a business plan a success. This is a false way of having the finger on the pulse of your business. By being involved and familiar in the planning of your business you literally have to take part.

5. The contacts and the people you meet while writing and researching your business plan will give you untold opportunities later as contacts to help expand your business. Every contact can be a potential customer.

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Posted in: Business

how to build a spreadsheet for the start-up costs for your business?

To begin don't go overboard on your Start-Up Costs:

When calculating your initial start-up costs, bear in mind that you will most likely need a few months of funding to cover expenses before you even open for business. And remember that it will take a significant amount of time until the business is self-funding so plan for this in your startup cost plan.

If you approach banks and other lenders for money, try to include a substantial reserve for running operations so that you will have enough money to set up an office, take orders, hire employees, and cover other related costs. No one gets it right first time so be reasonable with your revenue assumptions in the early stages and conservative with cost projections. As an added precaution it's also possible to structure a small-business loan to defer payments during the initial operating period.

Expenses for a business startup are found in six broad categories:

(a) Cost of sales: inventory, equipment, shipping, warehousing, etc

(b) Professional fees: lawyers, trademarks, copyrights, drafting agreements, etc

(c) Technology costs: computer hardware and software, peripherals such as printers and scanners, phones, website development, Internet access, etc

(d) Administrative costs: insurance, supplies, permits, packaging, utilities, etc

(e) Sales and marketing costs: stationary, marketing materials, advertising, PR, trade-shows, etc

(f) Wages and benefits: salaries, taxes, health insurance, workers comp, etc Cash inputs and cash outputs

Ideally, during the business cycle, you will have more money flowing in than flowing out. This will allow you to build up cash balances with which to plug cash-flow gaps, seek expansion, and reassure lenders and investors about the health of your business.

You should note that income and expenditure cash flow rarely occur together, with inputs often lagging behind. Your aim must be to speed up the inputs and slow down the outputs.

Cash inputs

* Payment for goods or services from your customers.

* Receipt of a bank loan.

* Interest on savings and investments.

* Shareholder investments.

* Increased bank overdrafts or loans.

Cash outputs

* Purchase of stock, raw materials, or tools.

* Wages, rents, and daily operating expenses.

* Purchase of fixed assets - PCs, machinery, office furniture, etc.

* Loan repayments.

* Dividend payments.

* Income tax, corporation tax, VAT, and other taxes.

* Reduced overdraft facilities.

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Posted in: Business

Maintain A Small Business In Australia

Australia is one of the upcoming business districts across the world. As an English speaking nation, it is easy to set up a business there. Sydney and Melbourne are among the top cities in the world and there is no doubt that opportunities await investors who are willing to risk it. That is why it is a good idea to start a small business in Australia.

The Aussies are friendly people as well. They are not as uptight as some Westerners who complain over small and silly things. News spread fairly easily too. If your business is a good one, expect newer customers every day. If it is the opposite, do not fret. Your reputation will indeed worsen but the news will reach you as early as possible so you may have time to save your business.

Currently, there are already several businesses all over the country. Worth mentioning are the BHP Billiton and the Rio Tinto. Both of these are mining and resource companies which are doing extremely well.

Making a profit is a cinch if you start with a small business. Taxes are not that high so maximal profit is ensured. The crime rate is also not that big so there is no need to worry about vandals, thieves or scams. This being said, it still pays to be careful in all your transactions.

There are a lot of possible business ventures you can start with in Australia. One possibility is a souvenir shop. Lots of tourists frequent the city and it is something you can exploit. The Great Barrier Reef is one of the reasons why this is so. It is one of the most sought attractions in the world because of its natural beauty. With this in mind, offer some Barrier Reef memorabilia in your shop. There are so many others that can garner interest. Key chains, pens, shirts are only a few of them. Try using your imagination and you could make the business flourish.

Another business option is business process outsourcing. The growing trend in the call center industry is to outsource agents to save on labor. Once you obtain a plot of land, invest your money in this industry. You can start small and maybe offer a five floor building up for rent. You do not need to manage a lot of things once you offer it up for rent. The company would be the one to manage all the construction, purchases and hiring. You can just sit back and enjoy the monthly rental your lease has earned you.

The last venture you could try is manpower handling. Lots of people and companies are in need of janitors, security guards or personal bodyguards. Most of the time, they do not have enough time to recruit these themselves. You could spend your capital and act as a mediator between them. For example, you could post ads in the local newspaper and you could collect the list of applicants. Later, you can send them off to establishments in need of manpower.

Whichever of these ventures you try, there is little chance of failure. Having a small business in Australia can be the stepping stone for future dreams you may have.

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Posted in: Business

Asbestos Exposure and Cancer Risk

1. What is asbestos?

   Asbestos is the name given to a group of minerals that occur naturally in the environment as bundles of fibers that can be separated into thin, durable threads. These fibers are resistant to heat, fire, and chemicals and do not conduct electricity. For these reasons, asbestos has been used widely in many industries.

   Chemically, asbestos minerals are silicate compounds, meaning they contain atoms of silicon and oxygen in their molecular structure.

   Asbestos minerals are divided into two major groups: Serpentine asbestos and amphibole asbestos. Serpentine asbestos includes the mineral chrysotile, which has long, curly fibers that can be woven. Chrysotile asbestos is the form that has been used most widely in commercial applications. Amphibole asbestos includes the minerals actinolite, tremolite, anthophyllite, crocidolite, and amosite. Amphibole asbestos has straight, needle-like fibers that are more brittle than those of serpentine asbestos and are more limited in their ability to be fabricated (1, 2).

2. How is asbestos used?

   Asbestos has been mined and used commercially in North America since the late 1800s. Its use increased greatly during World War II (3, 4). Since then, asbestos has been used in many industries. For example, the building and construction industries have used it for strengthening cement and plastics as well as for insulation, roofing, fireproofing, and sound absorption. The shipbuilding industry has used asbestos to insulate boilers, steam pipes, and hot water pipes. The automotive industry uses asbestos in vehicle brake shoes and clutch pads. Asbestos has also been used in ceiling and floor tiles; paints, coatings, and adhesives; and plastics. In addition, asbestos has been found in vermiculite-containing garden products and some talc-containing crayons.

   In the late 1970s, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) banned the use of asbestos in wallboard patching compounds and gas fireplaces because the asbestos fibers in these products could be released into the environment during use. In addition, manufacturers of electric hairdryers voluntarily stopped using asbestos in their products in 1979. In 1989, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned all new uses of asbestos; however, uses developed before 1989 are still allowed. The EPA also established regulations that require school systems to inspect buildings for the presence of damaged asbestos and to eliminate or reduce asbestos exposure to occupants by removing the asbestos or encasing it (2).

   In June 2000, the CPSC concluded that the risk of children’s exposure to asbestos fibers in crayons was extremely low (1). However, U.S. manufacturers of these crayons agreed to eliminate talc from their products.

   In August 2000, the EPA conducted a series of tests to evaluate the risk for consumers of adverse health effects associated with exposure to asbestos-contaminated vermiculite. The EPA concluded that exposure to asbestos from some vermiculite products poses only a minimal health risk. The EPA recommended that consumers reduce the low risk associated with the occasional use of vermiculite during gardening activities by limiting the amount of dust produced during vermiculite use. Specifically, the EPA suggested that consumers use vermiculite outdoors or in a well-ventilated area; keep vermiculite damp while using it; avoid bringing dust from vermiculite into the home on clothing; and use premixed potting soil, which is less likely to generate dust (2).

   The regulations described above and other actions, coupled with widespread public concern about the health hazards of asbestos, have resulted in a significant annual decline in the U.S. use of asbestos. Domestic consumption of asbestos amounted to about 803,000 metric tons in 1973, but it had dropped to about 2,400 metric tons by 2005 (3, 5).

3. What are the health hazards of exposure to asbestos?

   People may be exposed to asbestos in their workplace, their communities, or their homes. If products containing asbestos are disturbed, tiny asbestos fibers are released into the air. When asbestos fibers are breathed in, they may get trapped in the lungs and remain there for a long time. Over time, these fibers can accumulate and cause scarring and inflammation, which can affect breathing and lead to serious health problems (6).

   Asbestos has been classified as a known human carcinogen (a substance that causes cancer) by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the EPA, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (2, 3, 7, 8). Studies have shown that exposure to asbestos may increase the risk of lung cancer and mesothelioma (a relatively rare cancer of the thin membranes that line the chest and abdomen). Although rare, mesothelioma is the most common form of cancer associated with asbestos exposure. In addition to lung cancer and mesothelioma, some studies have suggested an association between asbestos exposure and gastrointestinal and colorectal cancers, as well as an elevated risk for cancers of the throat, kidney, esophagus, and gallbladder (3, 4). However, the evidence is inconclusive.

   Asbestos exposure may also increase the risk of asbestosis (an inflammatory condition affecting the lungs that can cause shortness of breath, coughing, and permanent lung damage) and other nonmalignant lung and pleural disorders, including pleural plaques (changes in the membranes surrounding the lung), pleural thickening, and benign pleural effusions (abnormal collections of fluid between the thin layers of tissue lining the lungs and the wall of the chest cavity). Although pleural plaques are not precursors to lung cancer, evidence suggests that people with pleural disease caused by exposure to asbestos may be at increased risk for lung cancer (2, 9).

4. Who is at risk for an asbestos-related disease?

   Everyone is exposed to asbestos at some time during their life. Low levels of asbestos are present in the air, water, and soil. However, most people do not become ill from their exposure. People who become ill from asbestos are usually those who are exposed to it on a regular basis, most often in a job where they work directly with the material or through substantial environmental contact.

   Since the early 1940s, millions of American workers have been exposed to asbestos. Health hazards from asbestos fibers have been recognized in workers exposed in the shipbuilding trades, asbestos mining and milling, manufacturing of asbestos textiles and other asbestos products, insulation work in the construction and building trades, and a variety of other trades. Demolition workers, drywall removers, asbestos removal workers, firefighters, and automobile workers also may be exposed to asbestos fibers. Studies evaluating the cancer risk experienced by automobile mechanics exposed to asbestos through brake repair are limited, but the overall evidence suggests there is no safe level of asbestos exposure (3, 8). As a result of Government regulations and improved work practices, today’s workers (those without previous exposure) are likely to face smaller risks than did those exposed in the past.

   Individuals involved in the rescue, recovery, and cleanup at the site of the September 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center (WTC) in New York City are another group at risk of developing an asbestos-related disease. Because asbestos was used in the construction of the North Tower of the WTC, when the building was attacked, hundreds of tons of asbestos were released into the atmosphere. Those at greatest risk include firefighters, police officers, paramedics, construction workers, and volunteers who worked in the rubble at Ground Zero. Others at risk include residents in close proximity to the WTC towers and those who attended schools nearby. These individuals will need to be followed to determine the long-term health consequences of their exposure (10).

   One study found that nearly 70 percent of WTC rescue and recovery workers suffered new or worsened respiratory symptoms while performing work at the WTC site. The study describes the results of the WTC Worker and Volunteer Medical Screening Program, which was established to identify and characterize possible WTC-related health effects in responders. The study found that about 28 percent of those tested had abnormal lung function tests, and 61 percent of those without previous health problems developed respiratory symptoms (11). However, it is important to note that these symptoms may be related to exposure to debris components other than asbestos.

   Although it is clear that the health risks from asbestos exposure increase with heavier exposure and longer exposure time, investigators have found asbestos-related diseases in individuals with only brief exposures. Generally, those who develop asbestos-related diseases show no signs of illness for a long time after their first exposure. It can take from 10 to 40 years or more for symptoms of an asbestos-related condition to appear (2).

   There is some evidence that family members of workers heavily exposed to asbestos face an increased risk of developing mesothelioma (6). This risk is thought to result from exposure to asbestos fibers brought into the home on the shoes, clothing, skin, and hair of workers. To decrease these exposures, Federal law regulates workplace practices to limit the possibility of asbestos being brought home in this way. Some employees may be required to shower and change their clothes before they leave work, store their street clothes in a separate area of the workplace, or wash their work clothes at home separately from other clothes (2).

   Cases of mesothelioma have also been seen in individuals without occupational asbestos exposure who live close to asbestos mines (6).

5. What factors affect the risk of developing an asbestos-related disease?

   Several factors can help to determine how asbestos exposure affects an individual, including (2, 6):

   • Dose (how much asbestos an individual was exposed to).
   • Duration (how long an individual was exposed).
   • Size, shape, and chemical makeup of the asbestos fibers.
   • Source of the exposure.
   • Individual risk factors, such as smoking and pre-existing lung disease.

   Although all forms of asbestos are considered hazardous, different types of asbestos fibers may be associated with different health risks. For example, the results of several studies suggest that amphibole forms of asbestos may be more harmful than chrysotile, particularly for mesothelioma risk, because they tend to stay in the lungs for a longer period of time (1, 2).

6. How does smoking affect risk?

   Many studies have shown that the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure is particularly hazardous. Smokers who are also exposed to asbestos have a risk of developing lung cancer that is greater than the individual risks from asbestos and smoking added together (3, 6). There is evidence that quitting smoking will reduce the risk of lung cancer among asbestos-exposed workers (4). Smoking combined with asbestos exposure does not appear to increase the risk of mesothelioma (9). However, people who were exposed to asbestos on the job at any time during their life or who suspect they may have been exposed should not smoke.

7. How are asbestos-related diseases detected?

   Individuals who have been exposed (or suspect they have been exposed) to asbestos fibers on the job, through the environment, or at home via a family contact should inform their doctor about their exposure history and whether or not they experience any symptoms. The symptoms of asbestos-related diseases may not become apparent for many decades after the exposure. It is particularly important to check with a doctor if any of the following symptoms develop (6):

   • Shortness of breath, wheezing, or hoarseness.
   • A persistent cough that gets worse over time.
   • Blood in the sputum (fluid) coughed up from the lungs.
   • Pain or tightening in the chest.
   • Difficulty swallowing.
   • Swelling of the neck or face.
   • Loss of appetite.
   • Weight loss.
   • Fatigue or anemia.

   A thorough physical examination, including a chest x-ray and lung function tests, may be recommended. The chest x-ray is currently the most common tool used to detect asbestos-related diseases. However, it is important to note that chest x-rays cannot detect asbestos fibers in the lungs, but they can help identify any early signs of lung disease resulting from asbestos exposure (2).

   Studies have shown that computed tomography (CT) (a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body taken from different angles; the pictures are created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine) may be more effective than conventional chest x-rays at detecting asbestos-related lung abnormalities in individuals who have been exposed to asbestos (12).

   A lung biopsy, which detects microscopic asbestos fibers in pieces of lung tissue removed by surgery, is the most reliable test to confirm the presence of asbestos-related abnormalities. A bronchoscopy is a less invasive test than a biopsy and detects asbestos fibers in material that is rinsed out of the lungs. It is important to note that these tests cannot determine how much asbestos an individual may have been exposed to or whether disease will develop (12). Asbestos fibers can also be detected in urine, mucus, or feces, but these tests are not reliable for determining how much asbestos may be in an individual’s lungs (2).

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Posted in: Asbestos

Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is the medical term for the lethal mesothelioma lung cancer caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers. There is no benign form of this disease; all occurrences of mesothelioma are malignant. Mesothelioma can attack several areas of the body, but two thirds of all mesothelioma diagnoses are pleural. Of the three thousand new cases of mesothelioma cancer diagnosed in the United States every year, two thousand of them are pleural mesothelioma, or mesothelioma lung cancer. A pleural mesothelioma prognosis is rarely positive because malignant mesothelioma is often diagnosed once the cancer has been present in the cancer victim for some time.

How Asbestos Causes Pleural Mesothelioma

The mesothelium is a membrane that lines several of the bodys internal cavities. Among them are the abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and the pleural cavity, which is where the lungs are located. The pleura is a term for the dual layered mesothelium membrane that surrounds the lungs; the outer layer (the parietal layer) attaches to the chest wall, while the inner layer (the visceral layer) wraps around the lungs. The narrow space between the two is called the pleural area.

Asbestos finds its way to the pleural membrane through asbestos fibers which are inhaled by someone exposed to dust caused by the disturbance of asbestos. The fibers work their way through the lung to the pleural membrane and usually remain there as the body is unable to reject them.

These fibers will cause changes to the mesothelial cells that form the pleural membrane over a long period of time. Eventually the cells will begin uncontrolled growth - thickening the pleural walls, causing a buildup of fluid, and eventually leading to the development of mesothelioma cancer in the form of tumors. Often this process can take twenty years or more, which is why mesothelioma is usually diagnosed long after the exposure to asbestos has occurred, leaving victims of mesothelioma with little chance of obtaining a conclusive prognosis for pleural mesothelioma.

Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma symptoms can be misleading, as they resemble symptoms associated with more common afflictions such as asthma, allergies, cardiovascular problems, pneumonia and even tuberculosis. Symptoms include:

• A persistent cough that is harsh and dry
• Shortness of breath
• Painful inhalation
• Chest pain
• Weight loss
• Fever or night sweats
• Persistent fatique

The cause of many of these symptoms is the accumulation of fluid in the pleural area. That puts pressure on the lungs and chest wall while impacting breathing as well.

Pleural Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Diagnosis procedures for chest-related symptoms often begin with a chest X-ray. These images may show the thickening of the pleural wall. A CT or MRI scan may confirm the presence of fluid in the pleural area, which can be taken as a primary indicator of mesothelioma.

A chest drain or pleural tap? may be employed to extract fluid from the pleural area, which can then be tested for cancerous cells. A biopsy will also allow testing for cancerous cells. The biopsy sample is extracted through a small incision in the chest wall that allows the doctor to place a surgical tool between two ribs and extract a tissue sample.

Treatment for Pleural Mesothelioma

Unfortunately, pleural mesothelioma is usually diagnosed only after it has been active in the body for a long period, giving mesothelioma patients a low probability of receiving a good pleural mesothelioma prognosis. Symptoms do not begin to develop until after the cancerous stage is well underway. Pleural mesothelioma treatment often involves surgery for the removal of any tumors that have developed, followed by a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

There has been a good deal of research on mesothelioma treatment, with the specific goal of extending the life expectancy for victims of the disease. While the disease can be slowed, it cannot be stopped. However several years ago the average life expectancy following a mesothelioma diagnosis was a year to eighteen months.

Today, the use of new medications in combination with chemotherapy and radiation can extend that average life expectancy into a period of years. There is an extended discussion of these options and developments in the treatment section of this website.

Legal Considerations

The liability of asbestos manufacturers and users has been well established legally throughout the world. In this country, it is a routine practice for mesothelioma patients to engage a mesothelioma attorney who specializes in getting compensation for victims of this disease. Billions of dollars have been set aside by asbestos corporations for this purpose.

For a quick and expert legal analysis of your mesothelioma lawsuit options, contact us today.

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Posted in: Malignant

Asbestos & Mesothelioma Lung Cancer

Asbestos can cause lung cancer and has done so with thousands of people who were exposed to asbestos on the job. However asbestos is primarily known for its unique ability to develop mesothelioma, a form of cancer that can occur in several areas of the body. Asbestos can be one of many causes for lung cancer; it is the only known cause for mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma – A Cancer with a Single Cause

This malignancy strikes in the mesothelium, which is a thin membrane that covers and protects several areas within the body. Various parts of the mesothelium have various names: the peritoneum is the portion of the mesothelium that covers the wall of the abdominal cavity. The pericardium is a mesothelial sac around the heart. The pleura are two parts of the mesothelium that cover the chest wall and provide the outer lining of the lungs. Mesothelioma may develop in any of these locations.

However seventy percent of all diagnosed cases of mesothelioma develop in the pleura – the outer lining of the lungs. This form of cancer is often called asbestos lung cancer, but it is actually cancer of the lining of the lung. Lung cancer as it is traditionally understood is cancer that causes tumors in the lung. pleural mesothelioma causes tumors to develop on the surface of the pleura, small tumors over a diffuse area across a thin layer of tissue. Pleural mesothelioma and lung cancer are two different forms of carcinoma.

When Asbestos Causes Lung Cancer

Asbestos is also recognized as a potential primary cause for lung cancer; in fact the way asbestos most often enters the body is through the lungs. Tiny asbestos fibers that have broken off from an asbestos product that is being manipulated or is deteriorating can float in the air like tiny dust particles and be inadvertently inhaled.

These fibers cannot be shed by the body and eventually work their way through the lung to the pleura, the lining outside the lungs. In some instances asbestos fibers stay in the lung and cause asbestosis or worse, the development to malignant cells which become the foundation for lung cancer. Asbestos fibers may be a primary cause for lung cancer or a contributing cause, as with cigarette smokers. Far more cases of lung cancer have primary causes that are unrelated to asbestos.

Like many forms of cancer, mesothelioma may metastasize in its late stages and cause the development of tumors in other areas of the body. Late stage mesothelioma may cause tumors to develop within the lungs; at this point the patient has mesothelioma as the primary form of cancer and lung cancer secondary to pleural mesothelioma.

The Three Asbestos Diseases

Asbestos can contribute to everything from bronchitis to emphysema, but there are three diseases for which it can be a primary instigator – all of which can be fatal:

• asbestosis

• Mesothelioma

• Lung Cancer

There is no doubt that in past generations mesothelioma was often misdiagnosed as lung cancer by a physician or coroner filling out a death certificate. The frequency of asbestos-caused lung cancer today can be interpreted in many ways.

Ninety percent of all lung cancer cases are primarily attributable to smoking. However second-hand smoke, industrial pollution of all types and radon gas are among significant contributors to the likelihood of lung cancer. The same is true of asbestos. According to one medical source, asbestos exposure increases the risk of lung cancer by nine times. A combination of asbestos exposure and cigarette smoking raises the risk to as much as 50 times.

Asbestos Lung Cancer and the Law

Hundreds of thousands of health related liability claims have been filed against asbestos companies; in many of them lung cancer has been cited as one of the damages. Asbestos is recognized by the courts as a contributing toxin to several health problems and thousands of people have been compensated for contributory asbestos damage.

If you or a family member has developed lung cancer and believe that asbestos played a role, contact our office and let one of our experienced asbestos attorneys review your case with you, free of charge.

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Posted in: Cancer

Mesothelioma Treatment

Mesothelioma is a complicated disease, an aggressive and lethal form of cancer caused by human exposure to asbestos. Specifically, mesothelioma is caused by tiny asbestos fibers that can be inadvertently inhaled or ingested. These tough fibers lodge in the mesothelium, a membrane of thin tissue that protects various organs and surfaces within the body. Eventually they will cause the generation of malignant cells which reproduce quickly and uncontrollably, launching the development of malignant mesothelioma.

Variables for Mesothelioma Treatment

Treatment for mesothelioma is dictated by a number of variables. An oncologist or pulmonary specialist who has diagnosed a patient with mesothelioma designs a program that will be most effective with:

• The location or type of the disease
• The stage of the disease
• The overall health of the patient

Surgery

Probably the most important decision in devising a treatment plan for mesothelioma surgery. If the disease is diagnosed early enough and if the patient is healthy enough, surgery may be performed in an attempt to remove much or all of the malignant tissue. This is the most aggressive treatment choice, because it is a major effort to halt the growth of the disease by removing damaged tissue and the malignant cells that are causing the damage. Surgery is the first step in attempting to “cure” a case of mesothelioma.

Nearly all mesothelioma patients are over the age of fifty and many are in their sixties or seventies. People of this age are not always in the best of health; heart problems are often a factor as are respiratory ailments. A lifelong smoker with COPD, for example, is not a good candidate for pleural mesothelioma surgery, which often involves the removal of a portion or all of one lung.

Physicians must also consider the degree to which the disease has advanced. Malignant mesothelioma usually develops as a diffuse form of cancer; small malignant masses develop across the face of the tissue where the disease has developed. Surgical resection of diffuse tumors is difficult because it requires removal of a large section of tissue or of an organ.

Generally, the disease must still be “localized;” that is, the malignant tissue must be in one area and must not have spread to lymph nodes or other areas of the body. In the case of malignant pleural mesothelioma, cancer of the lung lining, the disease must still be on just one side of the body, affecting just one lung.

Radiotherapy

Treatment options both for patients who have had surgery and those for which surgery is not an option nearly always includes chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This treatment mode uses radiation to kill cancerous cells; it is perhaps the oldest non-surgical treatment for malignancy in Western medicine. Radiation can be effective in killing cancer cells but it is not a very precise technology, so the radiation beams tend to kill healthy cells adjacent to the malignant cells on which it is targeted.

Because of the limitations for radiation – precision and the depth to which it can be effective – a surgeon performing a resection procedure on a mesothelioma patient may perform a radiation treatment while the patient is still in surgery and the location of the disease is exposed. However radiation treatments are included in virtually any treatment program for mesothelioma, whether surgery is involved or not.

Chemotherapy

There is a lot going on in mesothelioma chemotherapy research; the various types of chemotherapy have evolved as physicians have learned about the types of malignant cells that are present with mesothelioma. Cancer cells have various designs which means they have different strengths and weaknesses. There are two types of cells associated with mesothelioma and they react to different types of treatments. With increasing frequency, mesothelioma diagnoses are showing cases with both types of cells – a condition called biphasic mesothelioma.

There have been and continue to be clinical trials that combine chemotherapy drugs to find more effective treatments for mesothelioma cancer cells. There are also a few new drugs in the test phase that are specifically designed for mesothelioma cancer cells. The reports on these trials usually consider them a success if the tested treatment modality extends the life of the patient by a period of a few months. That fact illustrates the level at which non-surgical treatment of mesothelioma is currently performing.

New Approaches to Mesothelioma Treatment

Medical technology is moving just as fast as consumer oriented technology, and the treatment concepts for mesothelioma are no exception. Because mesothelioma is a relatively rare disease compared to other forms of cancer, the therapies being tested are also focused on more common malignancies. But the focus of these mesothelioma treatment concepts is generally seeking new and more productive ways to destroy malignant cells and/or stop their reproduction.

The concepts under study for cancer treatment are startlingly different. In some ways they resemble engineering challenges, looking for the most effective way to cause or bring about a cellular reaction. Among them:

• Immunotherapy
• Photodynamic Therapy
• Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy
• Gene Therapy

There are also new drugs in development that are targeted at the types of cells found in mesothelioma. Unfortunately, the time of survival after diagnosis for mesothelioma leaves little room to wait for new developments. However the study and work being put into developing more effective mesothelioma therapy today is going to benefit future mesothelioma victims and individuals with other types of malignancies. Contact us today to get Free asbestos & mesothelioma legal help.

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Posted in: Mesothelioma