The Lake Havasu RV Resort

Lake Havasu, Arizona has become a treasured destination for tourists, campers, and RV enthusiasts.

For those travelers who prefer to drive their home-away-from-home to Lake Havasu, the Lake Havasu RV Resort offers guests everything they could need. In addition to being just minutes from the famous London Bridge, Lake Havasu RV Resort also features spacious RV camping with all the amenities and has a beautiful clubhouse for day and evening activities.

To get to the resort, visitors should take Highway 95 South off of I-40 to Lake Havasu City. Once in the city, visitors should turn right on Chenowith Drive, traveling for about one miles before turning left on London Bridge Road. Once on the road, proceed 1,000 feet to Lake Havasu Resort. Campers can often find very good deals online for the resort. For example, a recent promotion offered three nights of camping for less than $20.

In addition to Lake Havasu RV Resort, the community also sports many other places for RV'ers to call their temporary home. Chief among these Lake Havasu RV Parks are Beachcomber Resort, Black Meadow Landing, Cattail Cover State Park, Crazy Horse Campgrounds, D-JS RV Park, Havasu Falls RV Park, Havasu Springs Resort, Islander RV Resort, Prospectors RV Park, and Sandpoint Marina.

Lake Havasu Info provides detailed information on Lake Havasu City and Falls, Homes and Real Estate, Spring Break, RV Resorts, and more. Lake Havasu Info is the sister site of Bahamas Vacations Web.

Sheltered in the Arms of God

"Mama, save me!"

My six year old son jumped into my arms as a horrendous crash of thunder and a bolt lightening sent a fireball rolling across the ground toward where we were. He was terrified, and truth to tell, so was I. But, I had no arms to jump into. I had no one to cling to -

Except God.

Immediately I cried out, "Lord, save us!" And, just like my small son who had jumped for safety to my arms, I jumped into the arms of God, spiritually speaking. And you know what happened next? The fireball disintegrated before my eyes, the wind calmed, the thunder ceased. It was miraculous.

It was God taking care of His children.

That incident reminded me of the time when Jesus was asleep in the boat while a storm raged on Galilee. "Don't you care if we perish?" his friends asked, awaking him. In response, Jesus simply spoke to the winds and they stopped blowing.

It was God taking care of His children.

Do you have a storm raging in your life, dear friend? Why not jump into the arms of a loving God? And though the storms rage high, the dark clouds roll -- you don't need to worry. You'll be sheltered; safe within the arms of God.

Linda S. Van Fleet is an author of inspirational articles and short stories. She is the webmaster of I Believe in Angels, Do You? and Apple City Inspirations

?2005 Linda S. Van Fleet

How To Seal The Deal In Seven Seconds

Can you close a sale in just seven seconds? If you make a great first impression, you can do it even faster. Seven seconds is the average length of time you have to make a first impression. If yours is not good, you won't get another chance with that potential client. But if you make a great first impression you can bet that the client is more likely to take you and your company seriously.

Whether your initial meeting is face-to-face, over the phone or via the Internet, you do not have time to waste. It pays for you to understand how people make their first judgment and what you can do to be in control of the results.

1. LEARN WHAT PEOPLE USE TO FORM THEIR FIRST OPINION.

When you meet someone face-to-face, 93% of how you are judged is based on non-verbal data---your appearance and your body language. Only 7% is influenced by the words that you speak. Whoever said that you can't judge a book by its cover failed to note that people do. When your initial encounter is over the phone, 70% of how you are perceived is based on your tone of voice and 30% on your words. Clearly, it's not what you say---it's the way that you say it.

2. CHOOSE YOUR FIRST TWELVE WORDS CAREFULLY.

Although research shows that your words make up a mere 7% of what people think of you in a one-on-one encounter, don't leave them to chance. Express some form of thank you when you meet the client. Perhaps, it is "Thank you for taking your time to see me today" or "Thank you for joining me for lunch." Clients appreciate you when you appreciate them.

3. USE THE OTHER PERSON'S NAME IMMEDIATELY.

There is no sweeter sound than that of our own name. When you use the client's name in conversation within your first twelve words and the first seven seconds, you are sending a message that you value that person and are focused on him. Nothing gets other people's attention as effectively as calling them by name.

4. PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR HAIR.

Your clients will. In fact, they will notice your hair and face first. Putting off that much-needed haircut or color job may cost you the deal. Very few people want to do business with someone who is unkempt or whose hairstyle does not look professional. Don't let a bad hair day cost you the connection.

5. KEEP YOUR SHOES IN MINT CONDITION.

People will look from your face to your feet. If your shoes aren't well maintained, the client will question whether you pay attention to other details. Shoes should be polished as well as appropriate for the business environment. They may the last thing you put on before you walk out the door, but they are often the first thing your client sees.

6. WALK FAST.

Studies show that people who walk 10-20% faster than others are viewed as important and energetic---just the kind of person your clients want to do business with. Pick up the pace and walk with purpose if you want to impress. You never know who may be watching.

7. FINE TUNE YOUR HANDSHAKE.

The first move you make when meeting your prospective client is to put out your hand. There isn't a businessperson anywhere who can't tell you that the good business handshake should be a firm one. Yet time and again people offer up a limp hand to the client. You'll be assured of giving an impressive grip and getting off to a good start if you position your hand to make complete contact with the other person's hand. Once you've connected, close your thumb over the back of the other person's hand and give a slight squeeze. You'll have the beginning of a good business relationship.

8. MAKE INTRODUCTIONS WITH STYLE.

It does matter whose name you say first and what words you use when making introductions in business. Because business etiquette is based on rank and hierarchy, you want to honor the senior or highest ranking person by saying his name first. When the client is present, he is always the most important person. Say the client's name first and introduce other people to the client. The correct words to use are "I'd like to introduce..." or "I'd like to introduce to you..." followed by the name of the other person.

9. NEVER LEAVE THE OFFICE WITHOUT YOUR BUSINESS CARDS.

Your business cards and how you handle them contribute to your total image. Have a good supply of them with you at all times since you never know when and where you will encounter a potential client. How unimpressive is it to ask for a person's card and have them say, " Oh, I'm sorry. I think I just gave my last one away." You get the feeling that this person has already met everyone he wants to know. Keep your cards in a card case or holder where they are protected from wear and tear. That way you will be able to find them without a lot of fumbling around, and they will always be in pristine condition.

10. MATCH YOUR BODY LANGUAGE TO YOUR VERBAL MESSAGE.

A smile or pleasant expression tells your clients that you are glad to be with them. Eye contact says you are paying attention and are interested in what is being said. Leaning in toward the client makes you appear engaged and involved in the conversation. Use as many signals as you can to look interested and interesting.

In the business environment, you plan your every move with potential clients. You arrange for the appointment, you prepare for the meeting, you rehearse for the presentation, but in spite of your best efforts, potential clients pop up in the most unexpected places and at the most bizarre times. For that reason, leave nothing to chance. Every time you walk out of your office, be ready to make a powerful first impression.

About The Author

Lydia Ramsey is a business etiquette expert, professional speaker, corporate trainer and author of MANNERS THAT SELL ? ADDING THE POLISH THAT BUILDS PROFITS. She has been quoted or featured in The Wall Street Journal, Investors' Business Daily, Cosmopolitan and Woman's Day. For more information about her programs, products and services, e-mail her at lydia@mannersthatsell.com or visit her web site: www.mannersthatsell.com

How To Get Radio-Active PR For Your Non-Profit Cause: Part Three of Three

HOW TO BE RELAXED AND EFFECTIVE ON-AIR

How does one stay calm, relaxed, and focused while being interviewed on the radio?

I've been both a guest and a host, and I've heard the nervousness in the voices of many callers, and seen it in the eyes of some first-time guests.

But I also know that it goes away with experience-even though that might be small comfort to newcomers who have the jitters. But until you have that experience, here are some tips for making the most of your time on the air.

Make the Media Your Friend

"One of the big problems is that people see the media as adversaries," says Joe Merica of the Merica, Burch and Dickerson public-relations firm in Las Vegas. "We tell our clients that the media are their friends. An interview is an opportunity to share your company's views with the public." It is just as much an opportunity for the nonprofit service provider. Seize the opportunity. Prepare for it. Let it work for you.

Breathe Deeply.

You have probably heard this advice a million times, but honestly, it works. Before going on the air, inhale a few times very deeply, close your eyes for a moment, roll your head slowly around and relax your muscles-let them fall limp for a moment. Then tell yourself that this is just a conversation with a host and perhaps a caller or two talk to them as friends, not as a demanding, judgmental audience.

And keep the big picture in mind: If you are going on the air to talk about a worthwhile philanthropy, that powerful purpose should give you a special confidence and keep your thoughts focused on what it is you want to get across. When you're thinking about how important your message is, you don't have as much time and energy to spend thinking that ought to be nervous.

Media consultant Peggy Klaus uses an interesting metaphor. She counsels her clients to think of the microphone as a fan of theirs. "I tell them to imagine someone they love and who loves them is sitting there just dying to get the information, she says. This helps elevate the enthusiasm in the voice."

Learn to Be Brief

"Radio obviously focuses very directly on what you say," says reporter Sharon Katchen with KFWB radio in Los Angeles. "Your words and the sound of your voice define you for the radio listener whereas appearances can be more central to the impression left with people watching you on television."

For this reason, one of the central pointers for radio interviews is learn to be brief and to the point. "Radio demands that you cut the fat out of your language," says Katchen. "Make it lean and lively-get in with a point quickly and get out, and on to the next point."

Learn to Use Sound Bites

Perhaps more difficult than simply being brief, the electronic media demand that be witty in what you say. There is a well, known phrase for this type of word-nimbleness: It's called talking in sound bites. These are phrases that encapsulate a big thought in a small, memorable kernel.

A politician who wants his budget plan to make a lasting impression doesn't say, "We're going to survey the appropriations schedule with an eye to increasing efficiencies, maximizing economies, and identifying and hopefully reducing areas of redundancy and overspending." He says, "We're going to perform liposuction on the budget."

Susan J. Douglas is a Hampshire College professor, media critic for The Progressive, and author of "Where the Girls Are: Growing Up Female with the Mass Media." She is also something of a master of sound-biting, an art that helps her promote her book and her feminist philosophy. Here are a few of her sound bites.

? Concerning the mega hit book, Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus: "It sounds to me like a big apology for men not taking out the garbage-women have to try to understand men, they all came down from a spaceship."

? On the thin, waifish look that became popular for a time in modeling: "The image we're all supposed to conform to is that of a thirteen-year, old anorexic. I don't begrudge Kate Moss the chance to make some money, but go eat some pizzas. My God."

? Concerning her five-year-old daughter: "She's still angry that a girl didn't free Willy."

Learning to speak in this kind of colorful language is not easy for many people. The approach to take is to think how you can convey your message in shorthand, with a sassy zing. "You can be more discursive and detailed when you're doing a print interview," says Sharon Katchen, "Because there is room for more facts to be spread over the page, and the reader has time to ponder them. In contrast, quickness and brightness are the keys on radio."

Roger Ailes, chairman of Ailes Communications, Inc., and a communications consultant to corporations and their CEOs, illustrates the point by setting side by side several thoughts expressed in two ways: one way is deadly boring-the other, filled with life. Which would you rather hear?

DULL

A. The two leading ways to achieve success are improving upon existing technology and finding a means of evading a larger obligation.

B. To construct an amalgam, you have to be willing to split open its component parts.

c. Capital will not produce great pleasure, but it will remunerate a large research staff to examine the questions proposed for a solution.

INTERESTING

A. "The two leading recipes for success are building a better mousetrap and finding a bigger loophole." EDGAR A. SCHOAFF

B. "To make an omelet, you have to be willing to break a few eggs." ROBERT PENN WARREN

C. "Money won't buy happiness but it will pay the salaries of a large research staff to study the problem." BILL VAUGHN

Tell Stories

Another key to radio savvy is to be able to tell your message in the form of a story. We all love stories; we all urged our parents to tell us stories when we were little, and the human urge to hear a good story never goes away. Struggling smaller charities often have great stories to tell, but just as often aren't getting their stories out on the modem electronic media.

Whenever possible, you should therefore seek to find a personal story to relate in your radio time. Keep your story short, but make it as moving and emotional as possible.

ADDITIONAL RULES FOR DEALING WITH THE RADIO

Here are final pointers for dealing with radio stations, adapted from the National Association of Broadcasters and the Defense Information School, as reported by Kenneth Jarvis, executive director of West Virginia Public Broadcasting.

? Accept suggestions from any radio station people you deal with. Remember, they are experts in a field that is alien to you. Listen to what they say.

? Planning an appeal for funds or support? Check with the station first. Many have a policy against this type of program or broadcast. Also check your local statutes for the legal requirements for fund-raising. Many require that your organization be licensed before beginning a fund drive.

? Treat all stations fairly and equally. Do not favor one station, even if the others do not favor you.

? Respond cheerfully and completely to any station's request information, advice, or assistance.

? Keep a file of the "hot line" number for each station-a number that is to be used for providing news and giving telephone "beeper" reports. A beeper is so- called because of the beep sound required on all recorded telephone messages, including recordings made over the telephone for later replay over the air.

? The best people for you to know at radio or television stations are the public- service director, the program director or manager, and the news director. Whether you are trying to get time on a program, spot announcement, or hard news or feature story, the backing and support of the station manager is invaluable.

The program director (or public service director) in turn is ultimately responsible for finding a place in the broadcast day for such programs or announcements.

Accept the fact that no matter how important your chairperson or board thinks a particular story is, it must stand on its own merits-being newsworthy to the audience the station serves-and that decision rests with the news director.

Michael Levine is the founder of the prominent public relations firm Levine Communications Office, based in Los Angeles. He is the author of Guerrilla PR, 7 Life Lessons from Noah's Ark: How to Survive a Flood in Your Own Life.

GuerrillaPR.net is a resource for people that want to get famous in the media, without going broke. http://GuerrillaPR.net

Do you need a provocative, dynamic, and memorable keynote speaker? Send an email to Michael@guerrillaPR.net to check on Michaels scheduling availability.

5 Ways To Tell If A Preschooler Is Living In Your House

1. You reheated the same cup of coffee three times this morning.

2. There is always one more person in your bed in the morning, than there was the night before.

3. You can't imagine life without the Cartoon Network.

4. The lock on your bathroom door is purely for decoration? After all, no locked door could withstand, "Mom? What are you doing? Mom? Can I come in? Mom? Can I show you something? Mom? Can I give you a hug? Mom? Can you hear me? Mom?

5. You have started -or signed- a petition to banish the word "why" from every language known to man.

About The Author

Deborah Shelton is a mother, freelance writer, and author of the brand new book, "The Five Minute Parent: Fun & Fast Activities for You and Your Little Ones." Visit Deborah's website for more family-friendly ideas: http://www.fiveminuteparent.com; deborah@fiveminuteparent.com

Cellular Phone Company

Cellular phone company list.

There are many large cellular phone companies that operate in the USA. Each cellular phone company provides various cellular phone services and offers a number of cellular phone plans. Many of these companies limit their presence to a select number of states. Services that each cellular phone company offers to the residents of the states where that company operates range from local cellular phone plans to national long distance plans. Prices and promotions vary from company to company. Most important US cellular phone companies include, but are not limited to AT&T Wireless, Sprint PCS, T-Mobile, Cingular Wireless, Verizon Wireless, Nextel, and others.

AT&T Wireless as a cellular phone company.

AT&T Wireless is a large cellular phone company with service almost all over the nation, including the state of Alaska. AT&T Wireless uses TDMA technology and is starting using GSM technology. It provides digital services as well as analog services in many areas. AT&T Wireless has a large client base and is offering many different cellular phone plans to its clients. It also has a big selection of phones produced by such cellular phone market leaders as Nokia, Motorola, Samsung, etc.

Cingular Wireless as a cellular phone company.

Cingular Wireless is a large cellular phone company that operates on the east and west coasts, but doesn't offer any services in the Midwest. Cingular Wireless uses TDMA and GSM technologies. It also offers a big selection of cellular phone plans and cellular phones.

T-Mobile as a cellular phone company.

T-Mobile, formerly Voicestream, is a large cellular phone company offering cellular phone services in many areas. According to T-Mobile, they have coverage areas in over 80 countries. T-Mobile uses GSM technology. T-Mobile is a fast growing company that increases its share of the market over time. It successfully competes with other cellular phone companies by providing competitive prices for its large selection of cellular phone services.

Visit http://www.camera-cell-phones-2u.com

Secured Loans Tips

Here are some useful secured loans tips. Secured loans enable most homeowners to borrow capital against the value of their property. A secured loan is where the amount you borrow is secured against the value of your home. This is a loan that's secured on your property, which, if you already have a mortgage is also known as a second charge. So, providing you have equity in your home and can afford the repayments, the chances are you will be able to borrow against it.

A secured loan is a convenient way of borrowing a larger sum of money and repaying it over a longer period of time than is usually possible with an unsecured personal loan. In simple terms a "secured" loan gives security to the lender, not to you, the borrower. It is any loan which requires the borrower to provide the lender with some form of security other than just a promise to pay.

A secured loan is usually provided with a lower interest rate than an unsecured loan because you will have secured your property against it. They are normally quicker to arrange because the lender has some security to offset against the loan should you default on the repayments. A Secured loan enables homeowners to borrow capital and offset the risk against the value of their property. This means that you are effectively using your property to guarantee the loan.

Secured loans have a range of distinct benefits over other types of borrowing. Because of the lower risk to the loan provider, they pass on reduced interest rates to property owners. However, they've got more to offer than just attractive Annual Percentage Rates (APR).

Secured loans come with all sorts of flexible repayment terms that will make it easier for you to repay, so it's important to read the small print. Clauses to keep an eye out for include: 'payment holidays' whereby you can halt repayments for an agreed period of time, and favourable redemption charges - so you won't be penalised if you want to pay the loan back early.

The amount you can borrow ranges from ?5,000 up to ?75,000 although some lenders will consider lending more. The loan is usually repaid monthly over an agreed term of between five and twenty five years depending on your circumstances and how much you can afford as your monthly payment. The most important consideration is that you can afford the monthly repayments. Obviously the better your credit history and individual circumstances will affect the rate which is offered to you.

The main benefit of a secured loan is that, typically, they offer a cheaper interest rate than unsecured loans. The cheaper interest rate reflects the reduced risk involved for a loan company in providing a secured loan. Approval for secured loans tends to be easier than for unsecured loans.

Secured loans can be used for any purpose and are one of the ways that you can use the equity in your home to raise money for the things you've always dreamed of - like that long overdue holiday, home improvements, or buying a new car. You can also use a secured loan to consolidate your debts into one manageable monthly repayment.

It does not matter what type of lender is providing the loan. Whether it is a high street bank, building society or finance company the result is the same. If you borrow money using a mortgage as security you are agreeing that the lender can claim the mortgaged property if you fail to keep to the agreement.

If you agree to a secured loan on your home, you should remember that, although the property remains in your possession, it can be repossessed by the lender if the loan and the interest are not paid according to the agreed terms. The lender will then sell the property in order to recover the money you borrowed plus additional costs incurred in recovering the money ? this is the same with all lending companies.

Low cost insurance can be arranged to cover your repayments. Most people find that it is a small price to pay for the peace of mind it gives. Loan insurance policies cover your personal loan if you are unable to work because of illness, accident or disability, or you become unemployed.

You may freely reprint this article provided the author's biography remains intact:

About The Author

John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help UK homeowners find the best available loans via the http://www.directonlineloans.co.uk website.

The Brilliant You, Unreleased!

You're a remarkable person. But, you knew that already. Still, buried among apathy, unbelief and inhibition, is the brilliant "you" waiting to be released. You already knew that, too. A few disappointments here, several temporary defeats there, and POOF! just like that, you settled for being a risk-conscious, opportunity: self-denied, generality. Nobody makes any progress by standing still. You're not an exception; and you're not alone.

In fact, you have plenty of company. But, why settle for a life that looks like just about everyone else's? Do something magnificent with your God-given gifts and boldly distinguish yourself from the masses. Decide-on this day-to connect with your brilliance, within.

Paramount in your quest for brilliance is the personal development and daily utilization of your talents and abilities. As a matter of fact, it's required. It's not necessary to be perfect. Striving for excellence in everything you do is enough to release your brilliance.

Trust me. You were not born to be "mild." So cut it out! There's an entire universe out there starving for your gifts. How long will you continue to wait to take those last four classes needed for your degree? What career have you just been "wishing it were so" about? If all you can see is yourself remaining 16 units short of your degree, how can you possibly prepare for an exciting future? If you can't believe for a meaningful vocation now, will you have the passion to believe for one later?

Challenge yourself. Commit to do just two things this hour that will untap your brilliance. Revamp your resume; make a phone call to your advisor. Even a modest amount of brilliance unreleased, would relay the message to your brain: "Wow, she's serious!"

Ignite your passion. Inhale, then excel. Stand and deliver! See, then be!

Your life matters. Visualize your brilliance totally unreleased. Then boldly, step into the vision.

Fran Briggs is a "motivational speaker of the inspirational kind." She is a published author of several books including, "Seeds for Success," and the children's inspirational, "Don't Think Like an Elephant!" For resources that maximize human potential, visit Fran at http://www.franbriggs.com and sign up for your free successzine. It's a newsletter loaded with innovative success tools and strategies.

Rubber Band Bracelets: Be In the Loop

Those colorful loops of rubber should be quite familiar to you by now. Yes, we are talking about rubber band bracelets. They have become ubiquitous in the last couple of years. You can see them on the wrists of Tsunami aid workers, citizens campaigning for a cause, and even the on wrists of school children.

The rubber band bracelets have become the most-preferred and the most inexpensive way to show your support for a cause, or to donate to charity, or to raise awareness about an issue or a disease. You can see them used for extremely different purposes, such as to proclaim one's religious affiliation, or as a fashion statement! The rubber band bracelet is the modern way of wearing your heart on your sleeve, er wrist!

What are rubber band bracelets? They are simply loops of solid rubber, worn on the wrist by stretching and sliding them over the palm of one's hands. They come in any color imaginable -- yellow, orange, blue, green, black, pink... Some are translucent, others glow in the dark... And they are worn in support of many a message or cause -- they are as versatile as they are stretchable! Not all rubber band bracelets are rubber, though. Some of them are made of silicone.

You can have any message stamped over the rubber band bracelets, or designs crafted on them. In fact, some of the latest rubber band bracelets sport more than one message! Rubber band bracelets usually sell for $1-5 a piece, and can be ordered online from many Web sites, in multiples of five hundred, or smaller packs of a dozen or more. The manufacturers often give discounts for the larger orders.

The most famous of the rubber band bracelets is the yellow 'Livestrong' wristband worn by cycling champion and cancer survivor Lance Armstrong. The pink ones are worn to show support to breast cancer patients. SHeDAISY's 'Come Home Soon' yellow rubber band bracelets (named for the group's Top 15 single) with the words 'Come Home Soon' stamped on them are highly popular among relatives of American servicemen.

The rubber band bracelet is a very useful and inexpensive tool for crowd control: it is used as a cheap identifying device in restricted access events attended by large numbers of people, such as music concerts. The rubber band bracelets are also issued by hospitals to their patients as identifying devices with some basic medical information stamped on them.

So what makes these rubber band bracelets so popular? Sociologists say people have always used amulets in times of trouble. Now we are just using them in a more positive way. Yes, rubber band bracelets are more than simple loops of rubber; they represent the human urge to fight and survive great odds.

Shannan Barrett is an avid reader and market researcher. She dedicates much of her free time helping the underprivileged and finds the charitable aspect of the 'bracelet craze' amazing, especially with Lance Armstrong's 'Live Strong' foundation. Barrett analyzes what makes most people sport rubber band bracelets and comes up with some interesting findings on what makes them so popular. Know more about rubber band bracelets at http://www.a1-awareness-bracelets.com/rubber-band-bracelet.html

Two Things You Need To Know About Prepaid Debit Cards

According to the September 2004 issue of the Nilson Report, around $588 billion dollars worth of debit cards were bought in the United States in 2003. By 2008 that volume is expected to grow to $1.231 trillion putting a significant dent in the nation's use of pure credit cards as consumers continue to favor the use of prepaid debit cards. If you are among the nation's millions who are currently using prepaid debit cards or are among those considering their use, you need to know two things that may detract and enhance your use of the prepaid debit card.

First, know what you're getting. Most people understand the prepaid debit card as the retail gift card. Others know that such gift cards can be purchased through their local bank. What some consumers don't know is that those purchased through their bank can come with hefty fees attached, and those fees can come in a myriad of disguises from up-front purchase fees to various administration fees including replacement costs account maintenance fees and fees for checking the balance. Such fees are currently being debated in the courts, but until a fair resolution is offered, it is up to the consumers to be aware of what they are buying.

Second, despite consumer and fair trade concerns, some applications of the prepaid debit card are both innovative and convenient. For example, there are now some tax preparation services offering what is known as the "stored value" card. In other words, in lieu of waiting for your refund to arrive, you can simply tell your tax preparation service that you would like to have your refund loaded onto your prepaid debit card. Once you have your prepaid debit card "loaded" you can make arrangements with your bank to assign it a routing number so that you may use it just like a checking account. Another new use of prepaid debit cards come from the currency exchange companies, better known as remittance services. The usual remittance companies such as Western Union and MoneyGram are facing new competition from small companies who are targeting the immigration population by offering speed and convenience in sending money on-line using a bank account, a credit card or a PayPal account. The customer simply electronically "loads" the desired amount onto a Visacard which is then mailed to the beneficiary.

With the help of the internet, the potential to send money via "loaded" cards is without precedent. The ease, speed and convenience of such services are becoming so popular that many companies are aggressively marketing prepaid debit cards to consumers through customization. Visa, for example, has a prepaid debit card marketed exclusively to teens, know as Buxx. American Express has the TravelFunds Card marketing "for people on the go" and MasterCard has its I-Gen MasterCard marketed to those who prefer to either forego traditional checking accounts or keep only a minimum amount while "loading" their card with the cash their budgets dictate they can spend.

? Gunnar Berglund
Gunnar Berglund has been working on the Internet for about five years and runs http://www.global-prepaid-cards.com since September 2003

Brand Equity Building - Measuring Brand Value

Measuring brand equity allows a company to establish a baseline and track changes in its brand equity over time. If a company consistently works to improve the strength of its brands, it must trace progress, or risk "flying blind." Changes in a quantitative measurement of brand equity can show the company the effects of its work, and greatly aid in setting marketing and management priorities in the next business planning cycle.

Once a brand equity measurement system is established, a company can better understand and therefore determine if equity in a given brand can be leveraged or transferred to an entirely new product or service category. Thus, a firm can increase the return from the investment in building a particular brand over time by extending that brand's equity into new categories.

A company may want to measure its brand equity to aid in assigning a monetary value to a brand. Wall Street measures the strength of a brand by looking primarily at current and historical financial measures, with minimal use of information directly from the "voice of the marketplace" (i.e., current and prospective customers). While historical financial performance is important in understanding brand strength, it does not tell the whole story, especially in terms of what the future might hold for the brand. This potential deficiency derives from the choices made in defining brand equity.

To measure how strong your brand is copy and paste: (http://brandidentityguru.com/bightml/brandmasterpiece.html). Then click "Take the brand strength test". This is a short survey that measures the strength of any company's brand. It's a great tool to see where you are today.

Scott White is President of Brand Identity Guru (http://www.brandidentityguru.com), a leading brand consulting and market research firm located in Easton, Massachusetts, USA, near Boston.

Brand Identity Guru specializes in creating corporate and product brands that increase sales, market share, customer loyalty, and brand valuation. Over the course of his 15-year branding career, Scott White has worked in a wide variety of industries: high-tech, manufacturing, computer hardware and software, telecommunications, banking, restaurants, fashion, healthcare, Internet, retail, and service businesses, as well as numerous non-profit organizations.

Brand Identity Guru clients include: Sun Life Financial, Coca Cola, HP, Sun, Nordstrom, American Federal Mortgage, Simon (America's largest shopping mall manager) and many others, including numerous emerging growth companies.

Scott White is a very enthusiastic speaker and has the gift of being able to explain the principles of branding in a compelling and entertaining manner so that people at all levels can understand.

The TV Shoot, The Spoiled Brat, And A Painful Lesson

It was two days before our shoot. I was in the office with the client going over the story boards and filling him in on all the details for his latest television campaign. At that time, with my agency being in its infancy stage, we were taking in any client we could, which is why I was seated across from the "Redneck Crazy Man" as I liked to refer to him. He owned a string of low end rental car shops and his only redeeming quality was that he was a quick pay.

For this particular shoot, my script involved an NBA star and a good looking young boy I had cast through a local talent agency. The boy had been in a few commercials and he knew how to take direction which is crucial when it comes to working with children.

As I was going over the script, the client stopped me mid-sentence, put a picture of a boy in front of me and said, "What ya think about this kid?" Not sure what he had up his sleeve this time, I looked at the picture of the 10 year old boy. "He's cute, why?" I asked. "Cause he's gonna be in the commercials." He said deadpan. "But I've already cast a boy through the talent agency who's perfect! He's coming in tomorrow to do the radio spot and he's contracted to do the TV shoot the following day." I replied. "Don't care". He said. "This here boy is my grandson and if he isn't in the commercials there ain't going to be any commercials." I looked at the picture again and looked back at my redneck crazy man client and shrugged. How bad could he be? I was about to find out.

The next day at our recording studio the "cute" grandson I'll call Jake in this article to protect all concerned, came in with his mother to do the radio commercials I had originally scheduled with the professional child actor. I gave Jake the script and because he had never been near a microphone, I began to coach him as to how close he should get to it, how to be careful about pronunciation, etc. "Let's try a few lines" I said, and that's when the fun began.

Jake I quickly learned, had speech problems. The client's name had a couple of "R"s in it and Jake pronounced "R"s like "L"s making the name of his granddad's car rental company sound like a Lithuanian side dish. In addition, he would put a "th" on all words containing an "S". No matter how many takes he did, the copy came out sounding like a foreign language. Jake grew restless and complained to his mom that he was bored and wanted to go home. And after a couple of hours of futility I ended up salvaging what I could and hoped the listeners were bilingual.

The following day Jake showed up (late) with his mom for the television shoot. Our crew had already been there several hours setting up for our first scene while the NBA star was in makeup. Jake looking bored, grabbed a basketball and started bouncing it on the court right next to one of the sound engineer's high end reel to reel tape machines. "Be careful bouncing that ball so close to that machine." I told him. "That is a very expensive piece of equipment." "Who cares?" He replied deadpan. "If it breaks, my grandfather will pay for it." That's when I knew we were in for a long day.

As I tried to get him to focus on the lines he was to deliver (in that special foreign language of his) his eyes went right to the craft services. "Donuts!" he cried as he dropped the ball right on the tape machine and began stuffing his face. I had rewritten most of the lines trying carefully to edit out any "R" words but the name of the company couldn't be avoided. When he was not causing mischief or complaining to his mom that he was bored, Jake was hungry or he was tired, sprawling around on the basketball court while I tried diplomatically to get him back in front of the camera. At one point I found him trying to flirt with some of the female crew telling them that when his grandfather "kicked" this would all be his. As I steered him into makeup, the makeup artist said, "My, what cute little boy!" "I'll get back to you at the end of the day to see if you have reassessed that opinion" I whispered to her.

The grandson was not only confrontational and rude to the crew but also to the NBA star as well who looked like he wanted to crush the little runt a few times. The rest of the shoot went as smoothly and after about 10 hours of work, I prayed we had enough film to choose from to finish the :30 second spot.

The makeup artist came up to me later in the day and when I asked her if she still considered the boy cute, I seem to remember her response including the word "strangulation".

What was the lesson in all this? Well despite what you have heard, the client isn't always right. In fact, sometimes the client is dead wrong. It all depends on your relationship and chemistry as to how you handle a difficult situation such as this. Don't be afraid to assert yourself in showing the client what's best for his advertising and marketing plan for it will benefit both of you in the long run. Just as he is an expert in his business, so too are you in yours. And if you are ever in a situation such as the one I've just described, the "grin and bare it" approach may be your only option!

Hal Eisenberg is an award winning copywriter, voice over talent and producer, as well as owner of The Eisenberg Agency, a full service advertising agency specializing in creative ads that get results.

Visit his web site at http://www.eisenbergagency.com
Mailto: halacious@eisenbergagency.com.