I lost my job on april fools day

I Lost My Job On April Fools Day

Yes, on April Fool’s day this past year, my boss came up to me and stated that my job was no longer needed. I was greatly shocked, especially after nearly 20 years of loyal service to a company where I thought retirement would be the only reason to leave.

I came down to reality quickly realizing that in a few short sentences, I was no longer able to support my family, provide shelter, pay bills and look forward to my retirement. I was very depressed as one can imagine. The drive home at 10 AM was not at all common; it felt out of place just as the whole morning had come to pass.

The realization that I had enough savings to secure about 60 days of support for all our financial needs was falling short. For years there were always people coming up, and stating «Mike you need to get ready for any emergencies». The thought was passing, but I had worked devoted to a company that seemed to have no end, so what would ever happen. I had more than enough life insurance to take hold incases of death, yet now, how was I going to even pay the premium? WOW, what an eye opener for a reality check. My wife was home, she was off on Monday’s. Her normal routine was to what she has done for our 25 years of marriage, house chores, groceries, and take care of her matters at hand.

I opened the door, walked in and she stood in the kitchen. She obviously was curious why I was home? The words came out «I was just fired». She quietly went into the living room and I could tell she was upset. Tears came to my eyes as well as hers, and we talked together. We had no solutions; the same questions came up from my wife, as that had just passed thru my mind on the 30 minute drive home from my employ.

In depression, many things came up in my mind. I could end my life, that would provide for my wife and kids, yet that would be cheating myself, and those who did care and love me. No, I would not take a cheap route out of my situation. It took about a week to get my thoughts cleared enough to really focus on how I would pull out of this temporary set back in my life.

I found and updated my resume, forwarded it electronically to literally hundreds of job sites. In fact, I considered sending out résumé’s out of state that would take me away from my family just so I could provide. There were no hits; emails were full of spam type offers that were not related to what I needed to provide for my family.

There were other options, which one was where could I go to work from home and make an income that would supplement or even surpass my earning from past employ? Yet, could I do this type of work, I had no experience, no knowledge with Internet Business. I started typing on word search thru the internet. I had literally hundreds of hits, sure was going to take some time to wade thru them, yet was determined to find a niche for making money.

It took about 2 weeks and had narrowed my search to one company. EDC came up several times as the choice. The program was easy to afford (3-levels of entry), even though my income savings were very limited I had to make the commitment. I went with EDC Gold. I had enough savings for approximately 2.5 months on a conservative note. When my mentor called, I committed to him what my plan was to be. I asked him several times, if this was a business that would bring in success, and more importantly income for my family. I was assured that yes, there was no reason that failure would come into the game plan unless I strayed from the step by step guidelines on how to market the business. I believed him, and I still do. The only reason I could fail is if I stop what I am doing.

It is a matter of what type of sacrifice will it take to do this, I in essence was going to be the Pig, who provided the bacon for breakfast. The chicken will also give, yet the egg. I dove head on into EDC. There is no way that I was going to fail. I wanted to in time, to be able to go into work and just leave after 20 plus years, and give no excuse/reason.

The business EDC Gold could be worked from home at my own hours, and the potential was great! Since my youth, I watched my Dad and how he provided, and sure it may have been tough on him at times, we always had food, and shelter. I was going to survive, I was going to continue to provide everything that my family deserved and that was that.

I made the choice. I went to an EDC Registration site, signed in and all started so very fast. I did not know anything about Internet Marketing period. The concept was completely foreign, as if trying to understand and write a language that I had no idea what it meant. EDC had promises in writing in more than one area about support, and step by step guidance, and more of the same. I went with my gut instinct that I was going to make everyone at EDC come through on that promise. Guess what, they did everything as promised. I received 3 websites, tools, software, capture pages, email response, online training, and so much more, even online live support Monday thru Fridays.

It was after 2 weeks of no employment I was offered a lower job position at the same company that just removed me from my prior position. This position was better than nothing, even though it was a humbling experience to say the least. I was a supervisor, delegated over 40 employees at one point, now I was greeting customers as they walked into the place of business. The loss of pay was nearly $30k a year less, Wow. I still worked with the same people whom I used to be a Supervisor.

The 20-30 minute drive home now is not so bad now. I get home about 7 PM, after leaving for work at 7 AM, and eat. Then, it is off to start up my computer; I then go through a routine that I apply for generating traffic to my web site. I place ads, market research, and send emails till about 11:30 PM every night. The weekends are full days, doing the same routine as my week day stuff, but more research, more ad submitting and more emails. All in all I put in about 20 hours plus per week, yet do not get tired of this type of work for some reason?

It has been nearly 4 months since I have registered with EDC. I have learned more about marketing, and making websites, and directing traffic to my website than I ever thought I would know. I was hoping when I paid to sign up, that I would have thousands of internet dollars in my bank account within a few weeks as I have been told that some people have, yet not in my case as of date. It takes time to understand Internet Marketing, for me, I am still learning. Yet, the training, support that is given to me is incredible.

Yet, in fact, in past 4 months thru Aweber, I have 180 signed opted in registered people who are looking for supplement income. Also, in same time also, I have 53 people who registered as my down line with EDC «WOW». The money will come, if all sign in paid, will be lots of $$$’s in commission to me and my family. I put a counter on my website, and in past 120 days have had over 4800 visits to my site. I am amazed, and even if there are no immediate sales, I have learned that there is a way to survive even if one has no experience in a certain field like the internet. However, I feel being consistent on a daily routine bases will bring business in which in turn will help my family.

The owners of EDC, and my mentor all promised success if you follow their way to make this program work. I do thank Craig and Michael, and Shay for having this opportunity to learn, and earn with their proven business plan.

Thanks for allowing me to share with you my story.

Michael B. Amos

Interim management — increasingly part of the plan

Interim Management — Increasingly Part of the Plan

Interim Management — increasingly part of the plan
Interim management has traditionally been seen as a reactive response to organisational failure. Increasingly, a new breed of interims are emerging — people who regard interim management as a career and have transferable leadership skills to work across sectors. Building in organisational capacity to accommodate career interims ‘as part of the solution’ is discussed.

Interim management saw rapid growth in the private sector in the 1990s. It experienced a decline as the downturn bit in 2000 but has shown signs of picking up in the last eighteen months. In the public sector interim management has been slower to take off but has seen rapid growth in the last two to three years, first in London and then throughout the country. As with the private sector, interim management was associated with organisational failure but is now slowly being seen as part of the solution.
In both sectors — private and public — many corporate HR specialists, as well as group managers, are only just beginning to see the potential in recruiting interim managers as part of their change programmes. As such, interim management is still very much an untapped resource.

Below, we explore these issues in greater depth with Linda Booth, Group HR Director for United Utilities, a FTSE100 company. The interview is interspersed with real life examples where Veredus interim managers have been brought in to help organisations.

Has there been a growth in interim management used by your company?
«Yes, but very gradual. At United Utilities group level we have used no more than possibly five to seven interims in the past two years. This, out of a total of 120 staff. We have three recruitment streams: from headhunters and executive recruitment brokers, from single independent contractors and from larger consultants who can offer specialist services. Within the larger group of 17,000 employees business managers have the capacity to recruit their own interim staff. In the main we don’t use headhunters but rely more on independent contractors. My personal view is that interim management is still largely an untapped resource which, if used properly by organisations, could support forward thinking programmes.»

Part of the solution — Veredus case study
Increasingly interim managers are being used by central government in a more strategic way. In one part of central government an interim manager has been placed to oversee the establishment of a new agency with a high political profile. The interim has been responsible for setting up the corporate governance of the agency, establishing the structure of the new organisation and working with civil servants on recruiting the senior permanent staff team. In this case, interim management is being used as a resource to set up executive structures in a newly formed national organisation.

What are the qualities/skills you look for in an interim manager?
«In the main we are talking about senior managers. So, someone who comes with good technical skills and can ease into the role smoothly, someone who can quickly understand the organisational culture and work with the grain, someone who can offer a challenge to the company and identify where improvements can be made, someone who is focused, has delivered before and can form easy — but not collusive — rapport with colleagues. Also, someone who can see the bigger picture. Equally important is the ability to not get ‘pushed back’ — someone who can stand their ground in the face of opposition once having agreed ‘the brief’ and has a clear definition of the role. Good interim managers come with a degree of maturity — they tend not to be phased by the ‘ups and downs’ of an organisation and have the ability to get on with the job. They know they are only going to be around for a limited period and can ride the stormy bits. Good interims get on with the job, can be set free quickly and want to make things happen.»

Has interim management changed in the last 2-3 years in terms of skills, talent and age?
«Most definitely. My sense is there has been a big change. Alongside those who have retired or taken early retirement is a new group of interim managers. Not just people with good technical skills but people with transferable management and leadership skills who can effectively move between sectors. Also people who appear to have more flexible lifestyles, who see interim management as a career — either as a medium or long term opportunity — and who are prepared to travel. My other feeling is that they are getting younger. Good project management skills are essential but increasingly so are good leadership and management qualities. Only now are we becoming aware of the pool of talent available.»

Part of the solution — Veredus case study
A national rail infrastructure company was awarded a ?3bn contract as part of a private/public sector package. Part of the business plan was to look at different elements of the contract and consider options for more rational and cost-effective models of service delivery. For example, whether to outsource or keep in-house some aspects of the service as well as how to turn round failing parts of the organisation. In this case, interim management being brought in at an early stage to consider future strategic options for the company.

Is there a place for interim managers to be seen as part of your longer term business strategy?
«Generally we don’t plan for interims as a part of our business cycle. As I mentioned before we still use interims as a reactive response. Using interim managers or technical experts as part of a planned development is still relatively new and undeveloped. I can see how built in capacity can be valuable to an organisation given the need to stay ahead of the game and give us a competitive edge. Not only technically but also managerially. Particularly in scoping either a new role or a new development where some uncertainty exists about long term viability. Less personal upheaval may result as well as less business instability. Certainly an idea that needs to be developed.»

Part of the solution — Veredus case study
A medium size unitary county council had recently appointed a highly able Director of Children’s Services. The new director had previously turned round a failing social services and was now expected to do the same for the education (schools) in the newly combined service. The authority agreed to bring in an interim manager — on a project basis — to work on poorly performing service blocks. The interim manager was previously a successful director of education. From the beginning role boundaries were made clear. The newly appointed chief officer would have complete responsibility for the management of the service but would use the interim as a mentor in getting to grips with the schools agenda, and as a resource in quickly drawing up action plans for ‘fragile’ parts of the education function. An example of interim management as a coaching resource and providing capacity to move forward quickly in getting the whole service up to speed.

In a nutshell, how would you summarise the qualities of a good interim manager?
In a nutshell, people who provide you with immediate access to high quality talent, who come with good track records, represent low risk and maintenance and can offer you more instantly by seeing things through a fresh pair of eyes. It’s interesting to speculate — coming back to the question of using interims as part of the solution — what came first. Did organisations identify a need or were they reacting opportunistically to a more talented and flexible pool of talent. My feeling is that it was a bit of both. Either way, we need to use interims in a more creative way and develop a clearer understanding of what interim management is.

How do you get life cover

How Do You Get Life Cover

If someone in your life depends on you financially then you should have life cover. Your number one concern should be life cover. What happens to your family if something happens to you? We may think we will be here forever but the truth is we will not be. Life insurance is something we all should have.

There is nothing easier than a lump sum life cover policy. Finding the right coverage amount and plan options can be tricky.

Before you apply for life insurance coverage there are a few things you should know. Be cautious not to take out too little of an amount of life coverage, you should ensure the amount you choose is sufficient. Remember to factor in all the bills including the mortgage. You can use an online calculator if you need assistance on how much coverage you need. It is a common mistake to be under-insured. It is not a good idea to become over insured either.

You have to determine the time frame they should be in place. Usually the life insurance policy remains in effect until all financial responsibility has been paid and children have left the home. One popular idea is to have the cover in place until retirement. The important thing is that the cover be in effect long enough to meet your needs. Be sure to answer all questions correctly when applying for life cover. The insurance company can deny your application due to non disclosure if you have not answered every one of the questions or were dishonest on your application.

You won’t go wrong with putting your policy in a trust. A trust will take care of paying the loved ones after your death.If the cover is not in a trust it is considered part of your estate and will be subject to a larger inheritance tax liability. You can ask your insurance agent about a trust form.

Do not pay more than you can afford. You can expect to pay a higher rate if the insurance company sees that you are prone to accidents.

One of the more common policies is the Level Term Assurance (LTA) this means your policy amount will stay the same throughout the length of the coverage. If you only need cover for payment of a home loan or other decreasing debt you could check out Decreasing Term Assurance (DTA) for a lower rate.

You should always review your policy when any life changes occur. Things that could possibly change your coverage needs are a new child, a new home, or even a change in job. Many people do not understand that their cover needs will change as their life does. Make changes whenever it is sensible that you may need more coverage.

Always remember you can shop around for cheaper policy prices even if you already have coverage. Ensure that no valuable benefits will be lost if you cancel your policy. If your health has went downhill or there have been any other considerable changes since you opened your policy you may find that a new cover could be much more expensive.

Increase income — 3 steps to leap your income forward with ease

Increase Income — 3 Steps to Leap Your Income Forward with Ease

You probably dream about increasing your income. Yet, without a solid plan that determines, 1) how much you want to earn, 2) why you want to earn more, and what you will do with it, and 3) your action plan for increasing your income—little forward progress will be made toward achieving your income goal.

By creating a simple three-step income growth strategy, it will be possible for you to embrace the power already within you to increase your income. Follow the three steps I have outlined for you to move you forward on the path to achieving greater money abundance in your life.

1. Are You Thinking BIG Enough?

What is your current annual income level? Are you satisfied with this level? If not, ask yourself how much income you want to earn. Think about this number—what is it?

If the number you determined is less than double your current income level, you probably are not thinking big enough. The reason is that you will not have to make any significant changes in what you are currently doing to earn more money.

This number also may not be large enough to motivate you into the powerful action required to increase your income. The predictable result is your income level probably will not change much from where it currently is now.

To move into a higher realm of income potential, you literally have to train your mind to think bigger. The reason is, as a culture, we are accustomed to our income increasing, on average if we have worked for someone else, about 3-5% a year; the typical pay raise for satisfactory performance in a good economic year.

You want to dream up a number that really feels larger to you. If the number you thought of earlier doesn’t get you emotionally excited thinking about it, feeling challenged, or even a bit scared about how you’re going to achieve that income level—then, the number you thought of is not large enough! You want this income number to be a stretch for you so you creatively think of ways to achieve that number.

The challenge I want to put forth to you is to think about doubling your income in the next year. This number may seem impossible, but I assure you, it is not. You can accomplish this goal by breaking this amount down into four 90-day periods. This means you will be increasing your income a minimum of 25% over the next 90 days, from what it currently is now.

Action Step: Think of an annual income amount that is at least double what you are currently earning. Write this amount down on a piece of paper. Now, take the number you wrote down and divide it by four.

For example, if the annual amount you wrote down was $100,000, dividing by four equals $25,000. This number is your 90-day income goal. You are on the path to doubling your income in one year!

2. Why Do You Want to Earn More?

Why do you want to earn more? What will you do with this money? Will you invest in your retirement, pay off debt, or invest in your children’s college education? The money «why» aligns your passions with your efforts. In order to take the steps you need to increase your income, you need to feel an emotional charge for the reason—or the «why.» This becomes a powerful motivator to do what activities you must do to increase your income.

Action Step: Write down one money «why» you want to increase your income. Feel passionate about this reason, and what you will do with more money in your life.

3. Create a Plan to Increase Your Income

You have tapped into your new income amount and your money «why.» Now you need a plan about how you will achieve your income goal. Start thinking creatively about the programs and services you will offer, develop a promotional strategy, and get selling! Be creative about what you can do to generate this income.

Again, you are thinking in a 90-day timeframe about the activities and tasks you must do to create this income.

Action Step: Write down every single program, product, and service you will sell or launch in the next 90 days. Include the quantity and dollar amounts of each item. Make sure the dollars you plan to generate equals your 90-day income goal in the first step.

This simple three-step income growth strategy works wonders to help you pay mindful attention to your money goals, and creatively kicks you into action to double your income in the next 365 days.

Copyright 2009, Bonita Richter

How to create lifetime wealth with real estate investing

How to Create Lifetime Wealth with Real Estate Investing

Even in a bad economy, real estate is still a viable way of creating lifetime wealth for yourself. There are a number of ways to invest in real estate and build an income that will serve you well into your retirement years but the question on many people’s minds is how?

Start Slowly

For many people the first home they buy is just the beginning to creating lifetime wealth. Having something that you’ve vested time and money in can be a very powerful motivator in having a long lasting income. Once you’ve purchased your first home and built up equity in it, you may want to consider purchasing another home that you can use to put you on your way towards lifetime wealth. It’s important to remember, though, investing in real estate can take time before you see a return; patience and perseverance are important.

The Options

Two of the more popular options to investing in real estate are either to purchase a house and rent it out for a regular monthly income (which may pay the mortgage on the house you currently live in), or remodel a purchased house and then resell for a higher price than you originally paid for it.

You should understand what’s involved before you begin investing. A rental property will only yield you an income if your renters pay on time. Further you will still owe property taxes and you will claim the income you generate on your taxes.

Should you choose to purchase a house, remodel and then resell, be wary of the market you’re buying and selling in. If the remodeled home doesn’t sell, you could wind up taking a loss or needing to rent it anyway to insure you aren’t losing the money you invested. Either option is an excellent way to create lifetime wealth.

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