Thursday, 23 January 2014

Signs You Are Boring Someone

7 Silent Signs That You May Be Boring Someone

I urge you to develop an essential element of Emotional Intelligence -- Have Social Awareness. This includes knowing how you're being perceived by others. Do you know when someone finds you (yikes!) boring?

As someone who speaks for a living, I can assure you that *many* people have missed some crucial signs that others have mentally tuned them out because the speaker is not aware that they're not engaging the other person. Emotional Intelligence and social awareness are critical components in cultivating social savvy and the success that comes with it.

It doesn't take a lot of intelligence nor is it an ego booster when you realize that what you think is a great story you've been telling is actually driving someone to the brink of a coma with boredom. However, with proper training and conscious effort, you will commit this social crime a lot less often and probably improve your popularity if you do something about those telltale signs of boredom as soon as they arrive on the scene. The critical point, of course, is being able to recognize boredom at its first blush.

Below are seven nonverbal signals you'll want to pick up on quickly about emotional intelligence and body language so you won't be considered boring by others:

Remember; consider the entire context of body language. Don't put too much meaning in a single gesture. Rather, notice the eyes, head, arms, body, the whole body; this allows you to "read" their messages in the proper context. With a little self- training, you'll become a master at understanding if you are boring people when you speak.

ARE YOU BORING, BODY LANGUAGE TIP #1: Rotating the head from side to side. You know, like there's a cramp in the neck. While the side to side bob should raise your radar, rest assured that the good old nod up and down pretty much means what you think it means. The person you're talking with is with you and, assuming there's eye contact, is also agreeing with your take on the matter.

ARE YOU BORING, BODY LANGUAGE TIP #2: Keeping hands hidden. The main reason we shake hands and military people salute, by the way, is to show that we're unarmed. Hidden hands might suggest some kind of breakdown in communication if accompanied with a severe break in eye contact.

ARE YOU BORING, BODY LANGUAGE TIP #3: Emotional intelligence skills gathered through training will help you realize what "micro gestures" mean. Narrowing the eyes with the head turning away from you. Not only might you be boring them, but if they also shake their heads, they may be second guessing your honesty or sincerity.

ARE YOU BORING, BODY LANGUAGE TIP #4: Eyes glazed over. Yes, it's the most obvious sign of boredom, and it doesn't take much social awareness to recognize this one. The unfocused eyes are not a good sign, especially when their facial expression fails to even come close to matching your own expression at the moment.

Those zoned out, non-blinking eyes with emotion-free facial clues tell you that, wherever their mind is right now, it's not on what you just said.

ARE YOU BORING, BODY LANGUAGE TIP #5: Emotional intelligence training, also indicates that rubbing the ears, eyes, or nose while turning slightly away from you and even shuffling the feet can indicate that someone is bored with you. They may be trying to put a physical barrier between themselves and you.

ARE YOU BORING, BODY LANGUAGE TIP #6: Picking at their clothes as eye contact stays persistently broken or looking around the room. Are they smoothing wrinkles that aren't there? Removing link only they can see? Inside they may be thinking when is this person going to stop talking, and do I need to fake cardiac arrest to get out of this conversation? Gently turn the talk back their way.

ARE YOU BORING, BODY LANGUAGE TIP #7: Showing a clinched fist with tightened facial muscles. Yikes! How long have you been talking? The frustration has escalated. Quickly, before they do something drastic, let them talk!

Of course, it's impossible to assume an entire conversation behind a single gesture, and there's no reason at all for you to take offense at a single one of these signals in isolation.

Like words themselves, body language in the form of gestures must be interpreted as part of the entire communications package. What else are these people doing? Be sure to look at the whole picture before rushing to conclusions. Develop your skills in emotional intelligence training so you will become more socially aware and less socially boring.

And remember, of course, when in doubt, it's always a good idea to toss the conversational ball back in their court to keep them engaged in the conversation and minimize boredom!





iAutoblog the premier autoblogger software

Wednesday, 22 January 2014

Florida Auto Insurance and Florida Driving Laws

With more than 13 million drivers on the road, Florida ranks number three on the list of states with the most registered drivers. To keep Florida motorists safe, the state has enacted a number of auto insurance and DUI laws as well as special driving laws for teens. For starters, Florida DUI laws state that all drivers must carry minimum auto liability insurance in the amount of 10/20/10. This translates to $10,000 for bodily injury for one person, $20,000 for bodily injury to two or more people, and $10,000 property damage liability (10/20/10). Florida residents must purchase a policy from a carrier licensed by the state of Florida.

When it comes to DUI laws, the state of Florida operates under an implied consent law. Under this law, by signing your license, you give your consent to a blood, breath, chemical, or urine or breath test upon request by an officer of the law. Under the implied consent law, refusal to submit to a test will result in automatic license suspension for up to 12 months. If caught driving with a blood alcohol concentration level (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, you will be fined $250-$500, spend up to 6 months in jail, and your license will be suspended for no less than 6 months. Florida DUI offenders also face up to 12 months probation, up to 50 hours of community service, and a minimum of 12 hours in a DUI program. Not only this, but Florida DUI convictions become a part of your driving record for a whopping 75 years.

Teen drivers face harsh penalties for non-compliance with Florida teen driving laws as well. When it comes to drinking and driving, Florida has a zero tolerance policy for teens. Teen DUIs carry a 6-month license suspension, fines ranging from $250-$5,000, and even jail time in a juvenile detention center. Fortunately, most Florida teens would rather pass on the partying than risk losing their precious license. Florida does not make it easy for teens to obtain a license. Florida teen drivers must hold a learners license for one full year before applying for a restricted license. And before obtaining a learners license teens must be at least 15 years of age, complete a driver education course, pass a vision and written test, pass a substance abuse and traffic law course, and obtain parental consent.

All Florida teen drivers must keep a clean driving record in order to qualify for an unrestricted license at the age of 18. If the teen receives even one citation, whether its for truancy, DUI or curfew violations, unrestricted licensing could be delayed for up to 12 months.

Florida Auto Insurance - Auto Insurance Tips

/media/facts/statsbyissue/auto/ - Insurance Information Institute

Florida Teen Driving - Auto Insurance Tips





iAutoblog the premier autoblogger software

Tuesday, 21 January 2014

New York Auto Insurance and New York Driving Laws: A Drivers Guide

California, New York, and Florida have the highest number of licensed drivers in the nation, while New York sits comfortably at number 4 on the list. So how does one of the nations highest populations keep the number of drivers on the road so low? For starters, New York has an excellent public transportation system. Most residents (roughly 8.2 million of them) find that its easier to navigate the highways, bridges and boroughs by bus, train, or taxicab. This, along with congestion on the roads, decreases the demand and desire to own a vehicle. Although many New York residents prefer public transportation or other alternative forms of transportation, there are still 11.3 million licensed drivers in the state. For these individuals, certain laws exist to help keep them safe on the roads.

Although effective, New York driving laws are pretty cut and dry. Driving without auto insurance is against the law, driving while under the influence is against the law, and texting teens will have to pay a handsome fine for each offense. According to autoinsurancetips.com, New York auto insurance laws state that all drivers must carry minimum auto liability insurance of $25,000/$50,000 for bodily injury, $25,000/$50,000 uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM) motorist bodily injury, $10,000 for property damage, and $50,000 personal injury protection (PIP). New York drivers cannot register any vehicle without proof of insurance. Driving without minimum auto liability insurance in the state of New York will result in license suspension, revoked vehicle registration, and a ticket. In addition, the vehicle may be impounded.

When it comes to New York DUI laws, the state operates under an implied consent law. New Yorks implied consent law is simple: if you drive on a New York roadway, you automatically consent to a chemical, blood, breath, or urine test upon request. So, if a police officer suspects that a driver is under the influence, he has the right to administer a blood, breath, chemical, urine test. If caught driving under the influence, adults with a blood alcohol concentration level (BAC) of 0.08% or higher could face fines, jail time, and penalties.

New York teens are not exempt from the states DUI laws and the penalties are severe for non-compliance. If you are a teen and you get caught driving with a BAC of 0.02%, you could lose your license until the age of 21. Most New York teens would not risk their lives or their license by drinking and driving. For starters, its tough for teens to obtain a license in the state of New York. Teens must graduate through three levels if licensing before obtaining an unrestricted license. New Yorks Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program sends teens through a learners license phase, an intermediate license phase, unrestricted license phase, and full unrestricted license. All licenses (except full unrestricted licenses) carry passenger and nighttime driving restrictions.

On November 1, 2009 New Yorks texting while driving law went into effect. It is now against the law for adults and teens to text while driving. Non-compliance with the law will cost drivers a cool $150 per ticket. Unfortunately, New Yorks hands-free cell phone law is treated as a secondary offense, meaning, the officer must stop the driver for another traffic violation in order to issue a citation for violating the cell-phone law.

New York Auto Insurance - Auto Insurance Tips

/ - NY State Department of Motor Vehicles

New York DUI Laws - Auto Insurance Tips





iAutoblog the premier autoblogger software

Monday, 20 January 2014

Frozen Pipes and Water Restoration Tips

The cold winter freeze brings lots of hazards and at top of the list is frozen pipes because of the serious damage they can bring to your home or business. When water freezes in a pipe it expands and can exert pressure up to 2,000 pounds per square inch. When ice forms in has no nowhere to expand and so the pipe ruptures. A pipe burst can spill several hundred gallons of water per hour leaving a home or business in shambles.

Pipes are most susceptible to freezing when located in an outside wall, under a sink, or in an unheated or non insulated crawlspace. If a pipe happens to burst here are some key water restoration tips that can save your valuables and money.

10 Water Restoration Tips
Mop and blot everywhere to remove as much excess water as possible. Pay careful attention while wiping water from wood furniture or floors. Set your wet upholstery cushions somewhere where they can dry evenly. Prop up your furniture legs so that they are no longer in contact with wet floor. Try Tupperware or wood blocks. For maximum drying in the winter open up the windows. Wipe out drawers and cabinets and blot them as well. Put all valuable paintings and photos in a safe place. If there is tons of water, your carpet most likely is destroyed. However, try blotting them with clean towels. Drag suitcases and any other cloth containers and open them outside so they can try in the sun. If water is collected in the ceilings you may need to punch small holes to relieve the trapped water.

If the water damage is extensive, your best bet is to call a local disaster restoration company for Utah Disaster Cleanup. They will have the right kind of equipment, such as powerful water sucking vacuums that can save most valuables.





iAutoblog the premier autoblogger software

Friday, 10 January 2014

50 Surefire Business Card Tips

Business cards are one of the most powerful and inexpensive marketing tools you can use. Here are 50 surefire tips to make the most out of your business cards:

Your business card must communicate more than just your contact information. Make sure that your card includes a tag line that explains what you or your company do.

Order them in large numbers. By ordering 1000 your cost per card will be significantly lower than if you ordered 500.

Even if you can produce your business cards at home using an inkjet printer, have your business cards professionally made by a printing company. Your business card will be the first impression your prospects receive of your business, so let them convey the best possible one.

Avoid using standard clip art as your business logo. A logo brings credibility and brand awareness, so before you invest in business cards have a logo professionally made for your business. Nowadays, there are online companies that can produce a professional logo for as little as $25, so there is no excuse for not having one made.

Put up a website and use the URL in your business cards. If you don't have a website, people will notice the absence of a web address in your business card and, depending on the business you are in, it may make you lose credibility.

Keep all the information in your business card current. If you changed address or phone number, don't scratch the old number and write down the new one by hand; get new business cards.

Keep your business card simple. Don't use too many fonts or try to cram too much information in it. Try to use a pleasant layout and make sure that your main message (your tagline or your unique selling proposition) doesn't get lost.

If you live in the US, limit your business card size to 3.5" x 2". Anything bigger will not fit in standard card holders and your card may end up in the trash. Business cards in Europe tend to be larger, but so are the wallets and card holders.

Make sure that your business card reflects your image. If you are an artist or a graphic designer, it is OK to use trendy colors and fonts. If you are an investment banker, a sober layout and colors such as blue or gray work better.

Your business card is an integral part of your brand or corporate identity strategy. It should follow the same graphics standards as the rest of your communications material (stationary, brochures, letterheads, etc.).

Find a way to make your business cards stand out. I've seen business cards with one of its corners cut in an angle, or with an interesting texture, all of which makes your business card stand out of the crowd. The best one I've seen is from an interior designer, who used a hologram to show a room before and after a redesign.

Make your business card easy to read: use high contrast between the background and the type. Light background with dark type works better.

After your logo, your name should be the largest piece of information on your card.

Make sure that all the information on your card is printed in a large enough typeface to be easily readable.

Run your business card copy through a spell checker and double-check your contact information.

Keep your business cards with you at all times. Keep a stack in your car, in your house, in your office, and in your wallet.

Leave your business cards in billboards at supermarkets, schools, stores, libraries, etc.

When giving away your card, give two or three at a time, so that your contacts can in turn distribute them to other people. This will not only help you distribute them faster, but will generate a beneficial "endorsing effect".

Include a business card with all your correspondence. People may throw away the letter, but will usually keep the business card.

Make your business card go the extra mile: use the back of the card to print more information: special offers, checklists, schedules, etc.

Throw in a business card in every product you ship.

Send a business card with any gift you send, instead of just a card with your name.

Scan your card and use it as an attachment to emails.

Use your business cards as name tags. Get a transparent plastic cover with a pin, and attach it to your lapel. Wearing it on your right side tends to make it more noticeable.

Use your business card as a name tag on your briefcase. Make sure that your company logo and tagline are visible. This way, your business card will turn into a "conversation piece" during plane rides, which may help you meet interesting people and good business contacts.

Use your business card as an ad: many publications offer "business card size" classified ads. If you design your business card properly, it can double up as an ad in those publications.

Don't give your business card too quickly. It may be perceived as pushy. Try to establish a conversation with your prospect first. For example, ask them what do they do. That will usually prompt them to give you their card. That is the perfect moment to give them yours.

Don't try to give your card in situations where many people are giving them to your prospect. Wait for a moment when you can capture your prospect's attention span.

Another tactic you can try when your prospect is overwhelmed and can't pay you enough attention is to send your card by mail. Pretend you ran out of business cards and ask for theirs. Then, mail them your card and take the opportunity to drop a follow up note.

If you have a mobile phone number or a direct phone number that is not listed in your business card, write it at the back of your card before handing it out, and tell your prospect that you are giving them your direct number. This will make your card more important, and less likely to be lost or thrown out.

Another way of increasing the chances that your prospect will keep your card is by printing valuable information on the back, for example important phone numbers (local police, hospitals, etc), a calendar, or a football schedule.

Offer to hand out cards of complementary (non-competitive) business people in exchange for them distributing yours. An example of non-competitive businesses is real estate brokers and mortgage brokers.

If somebody gives you their business card, you should give them yours in return.

Always give your business card face up.

Take a cue from Far East business people, who hand out business cards with both hands. It helps give the impression that your business card is something very important.

If you conduct business internationally, use the back of your card to print a translated version of your business card in your customers' language. Even if they have no problem reading English, it will be a classy touch and they will appreciate it.

If you sell different product brands and want to put their logos on your business card, print them in only one color. Using each logo's brand colors could make your business card look chaotic and busy.

Create a business card in magnet form. Magnets are widely used, to hold important papers on the refrigerator door at home and on file cabinets at work. They are always visible and always get read.

When receiving somebody else's business card, don't put it away immediately. Instead, keep it in your hand for a while you talk to your prospect, or place it neatly over the table, and try to develop a conversation based on the information on the card.

Use the back of the cards you receive to write down important facts about the persons who handed them to you. It will help you enormously when you follow up with them.

If you are in a profession where relationship selling is important, it may be a good idea to include your picture in your business card (i.e. real estate brokers).

Even if your business is a sole proprietorship, you can still use "account manager" as your title instead of "owner" or "president". If you do sales (and we all do) "account manager" is a perfectly appropriate title, and it will give the impression that you work for a larger company.

Use logos of organizations that you or your business belong to in your business cards. They are an easy way to provide instant credibility to your business. For example, if you operate a repair shop you can display the logo of the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) or the Triple A (AAA). (Check with them first about the terms of use).

If you participate in affiliate programs online, you can still use business cards to promote your affiliate links. Use the name of the affiliate company as the company name, use 'partner' or 'associate' as your title, and the URL of the directory or web page where you have placed your affiliate links as your web address. Just because affiliate programs are online doesn't mean that you can't use off-line marketing methods to promote them.

If you need to give cards to different kinds of prospects (for example if you are a student looking for work), make business cards with just your name and contact information, and attach custom made self-adhesive labels at the back with information of interest to each specific prospect.

Include an information email address (for example: ) that is set in autoresponder mode, that automatically triggers an email message with full information about your product, service or company. This will increase the effectiveness of your business card since you will give your prospect much more information that you can fit in a card.

Take good care of your business cards. Keep them clean and crisp in a cardholder. Don't give away cards that are bent or damaged.

Try to get a cardholder with two pockets. That way, you can use one for your business cards and the other one for the business cards you receive.

Keep all the business cards you receive neatly organized in a rolodex. It will save you time and will provide you with a database of contacts with whom to build positive business relationships.

Collect all the business cards you can find, even if you don't need them. Together, they will act as an "idea file" that will provide you with valuable tips that you can use to design your business cards.

For more business card tips, visit Free Business Cards:

/businesscards/

Mario Sanchez publishes The Internet Digest ( ) an online collection of tips and resources on Internet Marketing and Web Design. You can also visit his Business Card Tips page at: /businesscards/ .





iAutoblog the premier autoblogger software

Thursday, 9 January 2014

Franchise Business Opportunity – An Introduction

Getting into franchise business is a wonderful opportunity for anyone. At this time, when firmly founded businesses are looking for franchisees, you stand a good chance to enter the field and make big profits. However, as they say, no pain, no gain', you need to put into lots of efforts and time before you rake in the pool of opportunities. The very first essential thing that you need to have is a plan. Only careful planners can make successful franchisees. If you some good plans in place, you can make the most of any franchise business opportunity.

However, you should also make sure that you are seeking franchise of a business with a solid track record in the market (so that you don't find yourself doing all the promotion for its products and/or services). Next thing that you need to have is a desire to learn. Franchisees that are eager to learn are more likely to make the profits in the franchise business. Another thing that will help you move ahead in the franchise business is your ability to work hard. Owning a franchise is not an easy task to do. You need to understand the business, its products & services, and how you can contribute your part in the success of that particular business. You need a lot of research so as to get the franchise of an already successful business. Internet is there to help you out. Besides Internet, you can use your professional and social network. This is the age where a lot is happening over social sites.

If you think, you have what it takes to utilize a franchise business opportunity; this is probably the best time to go for it. There are so many businesses out there which provide franchise opportunities. Once you meet their eligibility criteria, you are all set to set up your franchise business.

If, on the other hand, you have plans for franchising your business, you have to choose good people who could see your vision and follow your business values.

Now, what are you waiting for? There are ample of opportunities available in franchise business. All you need to have is a passion to prove yourself and zeal to outperform yourself everyday. It is good to learn the basics and key-functions before you set up your franchise. Also, check out reliable online resources for your help. Now, don't delay. Make-up your mind and go for it.





iAutoblog the premier autoblogger software

Wednesday, 8 January 2014

Signs You Are Boring Someone

7 Silent Signs That You May Be Boring Someone

I urge you to develop an essential element of Emotional Intelligence -- Have Social Awareness. This includes knowing how you're being perceived by others. Do you know when someone finds you (yikes!) boring?

As someone who speaks for a living, I can assure you that *many* people have missed some crucial signs that others have mentally tuned them out because the speaker is not aware that they're not engaging the other person. Emotional Intelligence and social awareness are critical components in cultivating social savvy and the success that comes with it.

It doesn't take a lot of intelligence nor is it an ego booster when you realize that what you think is a great story you've been telling is actually driving someone to the brink of a coma with boredom. However, with proper training and conscious effort, you will commit this social crime a lot less often and probably improve your popularity if you do something about those telltale signs of boredom as soon as they arrive on the scene. The critical point, of course, is being able to recognize boredom at its first blush.

Below are seven nonverbal signals you'll want to pick up on quickly about emotional intelligence and body language so you won't be considered boring by others:

Remember; consider the entire context of body language. Don't put too much meaning in a single gesture. Rather, notice the eyes, head, arms, body, the whole body; this allows you to "read" their messages in the proper context. With a little self- training, you'll become a master at understanding if you are boring people when you speak.

ARE YOU BORING, BODY LANGUAGE TIP #1: Rotating the head from side to side. You know, like there's a cramp in the neck. While the side to side bob should raise your radar, rest assured that the good old nod up and down pretty much means what you think it means. The person you're talking with is with you and, assuming there's eye contact, is also agreeing with your take on the matter.

ARE YOU BORING, BODY LANGUAGE TIP #2: Keeping hands hidden. The main reason we shake hands and military people salute, by the way, is to show that we're unarmed. Hidden hands might suggest some kind of breakdown in communication if accompanied with a severe break in eye contact.

ARE YOU BORING, BODY LANGUAGE TIP #3: Emotional intelligence skills gathered through training will help you realize what "micro gestures" mean. Narrowing the eyes with the head turning away from you. Not only might you be boring them, but if they also shake their heads, they may be second guessing your honesty or sincerity.

ARE YOU BORING, BODY LANGUAGE TIP #4: Eyes glazed over. Yes, it's the most obvious sign of boredom, and it doesn't take much social awareness to recognize this one. The unfocused eyes are not a good sign, especially when their facial expression fails to even come close to matching your own expression at the moment.

Those zoned out, non-blinking eyes with emotion-free facial clues tell you that, wherever their mind is right now, it's not on what you just said.

ARE YOU BORING, BODY LANGUAGE TIP #5: Emotional intelligence training, also indicates that rubbing the ears, eyes, or nose while turning slightly away from you and even shuffling the feet can indicate that someone is bored with you. They may be trying to put a physical barrier between themselves and you.

ARE YOU BORING, BODY LANGUAGE TIP #6: Picking at their clothes as eye contact stays persistently broken or looking around the room. Are they smoothing wrinkles that aren't there? Removing link only they can see? Inside they may be thinking when is this person going to stop talking, and do I need to fake cardiac arrest to get out of this conversation? Gently turn the talk back their way.

ARE YOU BORING, BODY LANGUAGE TIP #7: Showing a clinched fist with tightened facial muscles. Yikes! How long have you been talking? The frustration has escalated. Quickly, before they do something drastic, let them talk!

Of course, it's impossible to assume an entire conversation behind a single gesture, and there's no reason at all for you to take offense at a single one of these signals in isolation.

Like words themselves, body language in the form of gestures must be interpreted as part of the entire communications package. What else are these people doing? Be sure to look at the whole picture before rushing to conclusions. Develop your skills in emotional intelligence training so you will become more socially aware and less socially boring.

And remember, of course, when in doubt, it's always a good idea to toss the conversational ball back in their court to keep them engaged in the conversation and minimize boredom!





iAutoblog the premier autoblogger software