Lilly's Brain

Weight Loss Before the Big Day

2012-01-24T11:37:00.000-08:00

Any of us who have tried in the past to lose weight know that sometimes pressure can help… right? Wrong! As the wedding day approaches, the stress piles on and that can make weight loss next to impossible. Between the flowers, the cake and wondering where to seat your drunk, inappropriate uncle your checklist culd be so long that fitting into your dress may seem like a pipe dream. There is hope however: a few simple weight loss tips and tricks that can turn it all around and help your body become the one you’ve been dreaming of.

Timing is Everything
I you’d like (or need) to lose weight before the wedding, plan ahead! Start as soon as you get that ring on your finger. Losing weight and changing your habits can take time – sometimes a lot of time – so make it easier on your self by leaving a large window of opportunity.

Get with the Program
Let’s face it, the diet industry is a huge, multi-billion dollar money-sucker… but that doesn’t mean that some of the programs aren’t legitimate. Millions of people each year drop major pounds on these weight loss plans, so why shouldn’t you? The key is to take the program you choose, if you choose one, and work it in to your normal life so after the honeymoon, the buttons aren’t a-popping! Choose a program that makes sense for your life, your budget, and your values… and stick with it. Research it first and make a pros and cons list before you buy. If you’re wondering “What is Body by Vi?” or “Does Herbal magic work?”, look it up instead of shrugging your shoulders and giving up.

These programs generally offer the support and encouragement needed for a great weight loss experience. Supplying you with a guided eating and exercise plan, you’ll hardly have to do any of the hard work yourself! Except for losing the excess baggage of course!

Or… Go it Alone
If you’re not the program kinda gal, then you’ll need to sit down and make a plan for your weight loss journey. When you’re on your own, you need smarts, encouragement and a bit of self control.

You should keep a food diary for a week just to really take a look at where you need improvement with your habits. Be completely honest about every bite you put in your mouth!

Try and cut your portion sizes down so that your total calorie intake is about 1200 per day. Your calories should come from fuel – not junk. Take a look at Canada’s Food Guide and follow it - it’s there for a reason! Other than junk (you know exactly what food I’m talking about!) the best things to cut down on (not cut out) are carbs. Carbohydrates are needed, but most people eat way too many of them so they end up being converted into sugar, which your body doesn’t need much of either. Complex carbs like whole grains are the way to go – no white flour. Your plate every night should be filled with:

½ fruits, veggies and legumes
1/4 protein
¼ grains

Besides watching what you eat – watch what you drink! Cut out any sugary drinks and definitely cut down on wine and spirits. (Notice I didn’t say CUT OUT). Make sure you drink 6-8 glasses of water per day; not only is it hydrating it helps to flush the toxins and fat out of your body.

Choose one day per week to have a little splurge: some wine, chocolate or a bowl of chips; whatever the vice, give yourself a little taste once a week. Another great strategy is: don’t have anything you might splurge on in the house – out of sight, out of mind!

Get Moving!
Now let’s talk exercise! 80% of losing weight is eating, but that other 20% is important too. Getting yourself moving is extremely important for your overall health, as well as toning and shrinking that booty. It’s imperative to start off slow and work your way up to 60 minutes a day if possible. Walking is great, as well as plyometrics, strength training, dance… Find something you like and stick with it, and every 4 weeks up your intensity. That’s how you get results and achieve a higher level of fitness.

Whether you’re on a weight loss program or doing it on your own, exercise must be worked in on an almost daily basis. 6 days a week if possible and one day to rest. Try varying the routines and working in strength, cardio and stretches.

Start early, get motivated and work your way to a great body on your special day.(And don’t gain it all back on the honeymoon!)

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is currently researching and writing about fitness, weight loss programs and has answered the question: What is Body by Vi?

The Importance of Regular Furnace Maintenance

2012-01-17T08:49:00.000-08:00

Speaking in home terms, the furnace is the heart of your home. And just like a heart, a furnace needs regular maintenance too. Without regular check-ups, your furnace can work at a lower efficiency, eat more of your hard-earned income and even cause sickness or death.

Furnace Cleaning
Having your furnace cleaned is an important part of your regular household maintenance. The furnace connects to ducts which are connected to vents in your floor and ceiling. The floor vents often collect food, dust, pet hair and sometimes even toys. When the furnace is turned on, air is force through the ducts and up into your living area. The dust and items in your vents gets distributed through the rooms of your house lessening the air quality and can cause more severe allergies and general respiratory aggravation.

· The clean ducts can result in:

Improved airflow
Lower heating costs
Better air quality

Your furnace should be cleaned every two years or immediately after a new home construction, renovations, or if you have water in your ducts for some reason. The latter can cause mold spores to be spread throughout your house which as we all know is extremely dangerous.

To have your furnace cleaned, make sure you call a professional company that employs certified and trained furnace cleaning staff.

Filter Replacement
Furnace filters should be inspected by the homeowner once per month. Filters are in place to keep dust particles and debris from damaging the fan. Some filters can be vacuumed, others will need to be replaced. Filters can last anywhere from 3 months to a year depending on the type you have.

The rate at which you change it or clean it depends on surrounding circumstances:

Pets
Allergies
Age of furnace
Type of filter
Time of year (it will need to be changed more often during the winter months.

Furnace Inspection
To have your furnace inspected, just call your local utility company. Most companies offere a free service and will send out a qualified person to make sure your furnace is still running smoothly and intact. The inspections should take place in the spring, before the heating season, once per year.

This is probably the most important aspect of furnace maintenance. Your furnace can emit deadly carbon monoxide gas into your house which can lead to sickness and even death. The inspector will be able to see and problems or defects that could lead to this problem.

Remember – just like your body, the furnace also needs a yearly check-up and proper care and TLC.

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is currently researching on furnace cleaning and plumbing in Edmonton.

2012 Flower trends for Weddings, Funerals and Everyday

2012-01-12T10:51:00.000-08:00

With the start of a new year comes change, even in the floral industry. Bouquets of flowers come in just as many colours as the Prada runway show and they can definitely set off a funky vibe in your home or office. The colours used in wedding bouquets can set off a bride’s themes; even funeral flowers can be a testament to someone’s personality and memory.

Colour
The colour trends for 2012 are looking so bright you may have to wear shades. Like the clothing and jewelry trends, bright, almost neon colours are a great accent to any bouquet. Greens, yellows, bright pinks and purples are all very popular choices.

Believe it or not, clashing colours are a bold yet smart choice in flowers as well right now. Adding a splash of red to a pink arrangement or yellow with purple isn’t so “crazy” anymore.

Monochromatic arrangements are coming back into style as well thanks to the Royal bouquet last April. Kate’s shield-shaped wired bouquet of all white delicate buds made a huge splash in the public’s vision of elegance and grace. Wedding bouquets all over the world will be replicating the dainty, old-fashioned bouquet that the Duchess so lovingly designed. The unexpected bouquet could also have an impact on spring arrangements, Anniversary flowers, funeral flowers and birthday bouquets.

Texture
Adding texture to bouquets is a huge hit for 2012. Using succulents, lacy flowers, and proteas as accents will add a new dimension and visual appeal to any bouquet. Mixing round and flat, rough and smooth will definitely draw people’s attention and accent any room, wedding dress or birthday bouquet.

Also fitting under the texture heading is adding an unexpected textural element such as berries, feathers, herbs, etc. Rosemary and mint are beautiful not only to look at, but for your olfactory senses as well. It can be a wonderful addition to a funeral arrangement as well; paying homage to a loved one’s memory with a well-used herb or a favourite berry will spark memories and incite conversation.

Accessories
Adding an accessory to your flowers (men, take note of this one!) is the hottest trend for this year. French lace around the stems of the bouquet, the sparkle of a vintage hair piece in the midst of your blossoms, or even other gem-inspired pieces can catch people’s eyes and really add beauty to a bouquet. This is especially popular for wedding flowers and would be a great addition to flowers sent on a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary. This is almost necessary for the “I’m Sorry” bouquet guys!

2012 has brought a fresh, unexpected rake on some tired flower arrangements. These trends add excitement and the element of surprise. A great way to ring in the New Year!

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is a nature lover and is currently writing about Calgary flowers and florists.

Before You Buy Your Dirt Bike – Where to Start

2011-09-19T09:16:00.000-07:00

www.gateway-ps.com

Recently, my son met some friends that weren’t involved in hockey OR soccer (imagine that!). We instantly wanted to know what sports they were interested in: taekwon-do (already in that), rugby (not our kids’ style), and dirt-biking. “Dirt biking?” I asked. “Yep – they love it,” came the response. My kids ride bikes – they’re actually really great at it and already trying little tricks – no hands, one hand, bunny hops – but dirt biking takes those tricks to a whole new level. My kids were instantly intrigued which meant I had to do some digging and researching about this rough and tumble sport. What type of dirt bike to get and how to ride one.

How to pick your dirt bike:

Choosing your dirt bike is pretty simple – if you know what to look for. The size of bike you purchase depends on your size. For smaller kids, a mini bike is usually the way to go; for larger teens, their weight is the biggest factor. Kids and teens are always growing so keep that in mind when purchasing (an expensive kids’ dirt bike will be on eBay once they outgrow it so don’t go crazy with the budget!)

The purpose of your bike is important too: will it be used for racing, casual riding, or both? There are specific types of bikes meant for racing and casual riding so be sure to tell the sales-person your ultimate goal or agenda with the bike. (You can modify most bikes for dual purposes.)

What is your budget for the bike? You don’t have to spend a lot to get a good starter dirt bike. Another budget factor is the maintenance – will you be maintaining the bike or having someone else do it for you? Some more expensive bikes require expensive fixes (just like cars) so keep that in mind as well.

As for accessories, here are a few you can’t bike without:

Helmet
Eye protection
Knee, elbow pads and chest protector

I believe dirt biking boots are optional but I’ve read that they are great for ankle protection.

Are you ready (to give your poor old Mom a heart attack) to start dirt biking?

I am definitely no expert, but I have quizzed parents and researched other dirt biking sites to get some basic rising tips.

MOVE FORWARD!!! As far as I can tell this is one of the most important pieces of advice out there. Move forward on your seat – conjuring up an image of “Easy Rider” is not the way to go apparently! Concentrate on your proper body position as much as possible while still being able to operate the brakes.
For your first ride ever, find a wide open space with no obstacles. This is very important as first time riders may be more prone to running into things.
Spend some time getting to know the controls of your kids’ dirt bike or your own. Definitely make sure you know where the brakes are! Also, sit on the bike for while to see how it feels.
When you decide to go for it, look ahead and don’t panic! If you feel uncomfortable or scared, simply disengage the clutch and press on the brakes. Many people tend to panic and get injured, so try to keep yourself calm, cool and collected.

And after all that, I’ll tell you what I told my kids: Practice makes perfect! If you want to be a great rider then practice and become a great dirt bike rider. Just be careful, wear the proper gear (it’s not just for MOM- it’s important!) and ride smart.

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and Mom to two active boys. She is currently learning about dirt bikes in Edmonton and mortorsports.

Creating the Perfect Study Space: Office Furniture Systems and Study Methods That Work

2011-09-19T08:35:00.000-07:00

When September rolls around, one thing is clear: it’s time to hit the books! Students everywhere are scrambling to absorb as much material as humanly possible. Books are being cracked, pencils are being sharpened and all-nighters may be soon to follow. But all the preparation in the world won’t help your budding student have to quality study time he or she needs without the perfect study space. Choosing the right space, vibe and office furniture system could make the difference between a successful or mediocre year at school.

Step 1: Choose Your Space
Choosing the right room, corner, nook or cranny for your study space is essential to form good study habits. The place that you pick should be:

large enough for a computer desk for a home office, computer armoire, or desk accompanied by storage space.
well lit.
free of distractions

A space you can associate with work and studying. (Many students shouldn’t choose a bedroom or rec room as those spaces are associated with sleeping and relaxing, rather than focusing.)

Your ideal space shouldn’t be in the hub of the house as the constant activity will most likely distract you, as will the television. At the same time, take into account the way you study the best: do you need music to focus? Wall space for posters or family pictures? A large bookcase for textbooks? Figure out what you need to create a great study space and then choose furniture that fits.

www.createhomeenvy.com

Step 2: Office Furniture Systems and Desks
The best tip for an effective work space is to choose a desk large enough to spread all of your papers, books, materials and resources out without everything spilling off the top. You’ll probably need space for a laptop as well (at the very least). Try to predict your storage needs as well; you may be better off with an office furniture system than buying separate pieces that don’t offer the storage space that you require. Take a trip to the furniture stores in your area and really try to envision what the desk or furniture will look like in the space you have created. Look at the quality as well- solid wood furniture is generally the best choice as it tends to stand the test of time; some furniture stores will even create custom furniture at a low price that will suit your every need.

You will most likely need enough space for:

Computer
Office or study supplies
Printer
Books and study materials
Personal touches: lamps, pictures, speakers, etc.

Sometimes a little, thin computer desk just won’t cut it!

Choosing your seating is very important as well; don’t get the first cheap chair with wheels that you come across; test them out. You may find that you’d rather sit in a wood chair that a padded one, or have a chair with wheels rather than a one that doesn’t move.

Also, make sure to personalize the desk and area with items that make you feel comfortable (but not distracted.)

Step 3: Work Towards Excellent Study Habits
Forming good study habits can be tough – not many of us are excited to sit down and do extra work. But there are ways of making the study time easier and more productive.

Make a study schedule: set aside a regular study time.
Get rid of distractions: hide posters, toys, electronic devices, etc. that may distract you.
Keep your space organized: make sure that 5 minutes at the end of every session is left for tidying and organizing.
Only use your space for studying and study materials: if you start to store other items at your desk, or goof around at your space, you will start getting distracted much more easily.
Have your space well lit: working in lighting that is too dim can lead to headaches and eye strain.

Forming good study habits and having a successful year is just on the horizon! Whether you’re the student or the parent of a budding scholar, be sure to make the right choices for your perfect study space.

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is an avid home decorating fan and loves to frequent furniture stores in Edmonton and area.

How to Organize Your Self Storage Unit

2011-09-12T11:05:00.000-07:00

Whether you’re renting a self storage unit for a short term or a long period of time, proper organization is the key to keeping your sanity when trying to access your goods. Many people also don’t realize that a logical organized approach to self storage can mean the difference between keeping your items safe, undamaged, and ending up with the scattered remains of the good china on the cold cement floor. Here are some tips to plan and organize your self storage unit and keep your belongings safe and secure.

www.gatekeeperselfstorage.ca

Before you start to pack, organize!
Throwing your possessions willy-nilly into boxes is not a good idea. First, plan your attack. Make an itemized list of everything going into storage. Sort those items into categories (i.e. kitchen / dinnerware; kitchen/ utensils) and then group together for easier storage.

Never seal a box without labeling it clearly on all sides. And be sure to indicate whether or not the contents are fragile.

Number your boxes and add the numbers to your inventory list. If you need to access any boxes, you’ll know that the good kitchen knives are in Box 59. It doesn’t take long to do this and it can save you loads of time searching and when unpacking time rolls along.

Get consistently sized, good quality boxes. Whether you’re using cardboard or plastic, consistently sized boxes make stacking a lot easier. See through plastic boxes protect items from not only crushing, but also water damage. If you are using the less expensive option of cardboard, try and procure new packing boxes so the cardboard isn’t broken down and ripped.

Packing Tips
Pack your small valuables in drawers of larger furniture. They can be packed in peanuts, towels, bubble wrap or blankets but be sure to have those items included on your inventory list (i.e. large oak dresser / costume jewelry (top), china figures (middle), candlesticks and candles (bottom). Just be wary of the total weight of your furniture piece after it’s packed!

Don’t over pack OR underpack your boxes. Over packing can lead to too much wear and tear on the boxes and item damage; under packing can lead to immediate crushing of the boxes.

Filling the Storage Space
Clean your unit before filling. No matter which storage facility you choose, there is most likely going to be dirt, dust, spider webs and remnants of the last owner in your new unit so it is advisable to sweep it out at the very least. If the unit has really seen better days, a basic dilution of water and some environmentally friendly bleach or cleaning solution should do the trick.

Fill your unit wisely.

Packing your storage space is a lot like packing a grocery bag: the heaviest items should be on the bottom (furniture, books, etc.)
Put the items you will need access to in the interim near the front so you can have easy access.
Don’t stack the boxes too high. This can lead to not only item damage, but also personal injury when you’re in the unit.

Unpacking will be a breeze if you take the time to organize, plan and prepare before you pack and fill your unit.

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is currently researching self storage in Stony Plain and organizational tactics.

Keeping Kids Safe: Halloween Tips for Toddlers and Preschoolers

2011-08-30T08:22:00.000-07:00

www.babyandbeyond.ca

The spooky season is approaching and parents are starting to ask the big question: “What do you want to be for Halloween?” This spook-tacular time of year is a blast for toddlers and preschoolers who are just starting to trick-or-treat on their own, and a blast for parent picking out their kids’ costumes. When it comes to all Hallow’s Eve however, trick-or-treating can be scarier for the parents than the children; there are a lot of safety hazards to think about. Many Moms and Dads are turning to malls for candy, but we think the traditional neighbourhood pilgrimage is still the most fun if you follow some basic Halloween Safety tips!

1. The Perfect Fit. Find a costume that fits your little one properly and doesn’t drag or have too many flowing pieces. Thos little legs have a hard enough time navigating bumpy sidewalks in the dark and can get caught up in long dresses or dragging capes; make sure to hem costumes that are too long.

2. Dress for the Weather. Halloween night can be downright cold so make sure your child has the proper clothing on to beat the chill. Be sure to leave a little extra wiggle room in the girth of the costume so sweaters and maybe even long johns can fit underneath. Most children’s stores, Canadian baby Boutiques and even supermarkets are now selling cute gloves and hats that can easily be worn as an accessory to a ghastly outfit.

3. Don’t hide that face! It has been said before but we’ll say it again: instead of masks, wear makeup! Masks may look cool, but unfortunately they can seriously hamper a child’s ability to breath and see properly. If your kid’s costume simply just won’t work without the mask try these tips to make them safer:

· Cut off the bottom portion of the mask and leave the mouth free to breathe. Simply use makeup to accentuate the bottom portion of the face.

· Cut the eyeholes a bit bigger. Again, you can use cheap, store-bought makeup to fill in the gaps a bit (be careful not to get the makeup too close to those precious peepers!)

· Situate the mask properly. Make sure the mask is in the right place and tightened enough so it will stay where it is supposed to be.

4. Lighten the load. Little legs can only go so far, so fast without any help carrying the load and a tuckered toddler is no fun. Candy gets heavy Mom & Dad! Don’t load your tot down with weapons, bags and accessories: take the bare minimum. If your little one is REALLY little, think about taking a wagon for rides if they get too tired (or to carry all their Halloween booty!)

5. Be Seen. Even though it’s dark for little boys and ghouls on Halloween night and they still need to make themselves be seen. If you can’t choose a bright costume (Dracula wears all black!) then try and incorporate some reflective tape on pillowcases, jack o’ lanterns, shoes, etc. Or, consider glowsticks and glowstick bracelet and necklaces (available at a ‘dollar store” near you.) The brighter your child is, the more likely it is they will be seen by passing drivers.

6. Learn the rules of the road. Even if your kids are accompanied by an adult, they still need to recognize the dangers of the road. Caution them not to run out across the road, but instead to always cross at sidewalk corners where possible. If you are with a group of kids, form a hand-holding chain before you cross.

7. House Rules. Before you venture out, chat with your kids about the Halloween house rules.

· Step off of the porch after yelling your “Trick-or-treat” to avoid getting knocked down by the door.

· Only go to houses with their porch light on and watch for pumpkins lit with candles –they can be a fire hazard.

· Never go inside to get candy – make the candy come to you!

· Don’t dip into treats before you get home – always have them checked by an adult first.

Have fun this Halloween and be safe. Make sure that the only thing that’s terrifying this year are your little monsters!

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is a Mom of two boys and loves writing about holiday tips for kids and infants and kids costumes for Halloween.

7 Tools for Better Internal Communication: Intranet Software Solutions - just the tip of the iceberg

2011-08-29T09:45:00.000-07:00

Companies, organizations, school systems; no matter the size or purpose of the organization, it is more important now that ever in the global workforce to focus on proper internal communications. The most successful organizations are those with happy employees and employee satisfaction starts internally. Effective internal communication requires a well-thought out plan; one that encompasses the mission and values of the company or group. Many executives, business owners and supervisors make the mistake of thinking that people can read their minds or that the memo sent out last week was not filtered directly into the “Trash” folder of employee inboxes. Effective internal relations involve modern intranet software solutions, actual face-to-face time and a willingness to listen.

1. Intranet Software Solutions: Recognizing the effect that good internal communication has on the success of businesses, many software companies have come out with their versions of intranet software or document sharing software. Some software is even specifically designed for certain industries. Intranets are like internal bulletin boards that employees or members can use to access all of the current company information, news, events, celebrations, reports, etc. without paper copies and internal happenings away from the public eye. Intranet postings replace paper memos and company-wide emails. Instead of printing out copies of documents that get lost in the “In-Box”, unfinished documents and reports are shared via the intranet. As well, group discussions can happen in a fraction of the time it would take to have a lengthy phone conference. Employees can make more informed decisions and make more time-effective choices when checking an organization’s intranet.

2. Creating Company Policies: Many companies have very steadfast policies , visions and missions but due to lack of communication they fail to convey the importance of the rules, regulations, tone and culture of the office. If a company or organizational policy handbook or statement is made available to all employees, less time will be wasted by supervisors gently enforcing or explaining the employer’s vision and direction.

3. Detailed Job Descriptions: Accompanying every employee’s copy to the company Policy should be a detailed job description. If every employee has a complete description of their overall duties, there shouldn’t be much overlap in people’s tasks; this will make everyone’s job more time effective and efficient.

4. Performance Reviews: All personnel have one question: How am I doing? And even if they don’t want to know, it’s an employer’s responsibility to tell them on at least a yearly basis. Employees generally want feedback and can then know that they are on the right track and what area’s need improvement (if any.) If also gives people a chance to personally and privately communicate any ideas, or concerns. As an employer, having a a “Job Well Done” chat (whether formal or informal) is essential to employee well-being and confidence. It is also a great opportunity to review goals and job direction.

5. Have Regular Meetings: Scheduling weekly or monthly meetings with the whole department is crucial for effective internal communications. Employees need to feel as though they are being heard; conversely this is the perfect time for management to hear feedback and new ideas from ther employees or team of employees. If the department is too large for a sit-down meeting, consider other resources or communication tools like Skype.

6. Make Procedures a Priority: Every company should have a set of procedures for every situation. Also, desk references and templates are a must. Posting them on the company intranet will give all employees another way to be time efficient when creating reports, filing, contacting customers or sending proposals. This will reduce frustration over producing original documents, etc.

7. Celebrate Accomplishments: Whether people are retiring, starting a family or reaching their goals, they deserve a chance to be recognized for their hard work and team efforts. They also deserve a chance to see employers publicly recognize and congratulate them.

Internal communications can most definitely make or break an organization and should be a priority for all business owners, CEOs and management. Not only can they retain employees and reduce costs, they can also learn a thing or two along the way.

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is currently researching internal communications and Sharepoint Alternatives.

Mildew & Mold Removal: When to Do it Yourself and When to Call a Professional

2011-08-18T07:08:00.000-07:00

Mildew and mold removal is usually a topic reserved for those with some BIG basement problems... right? Wrong! Mold can grow anywhere in your house where there is moisture; bathrooms, window frames, walls – anywhere there is an excess of humidity and wetness. The most typical places to have a mold problem are basements and bathrooms but no room is really safe when faced with water damage and restoration. When homeowners are faced with mold problems, they need to know how to remediate mold, and whether or not to call in the professionals.

When to Call the Mold Remediation Crew
Calling in a mold remediation crew can be an expensive prospect but a necessary one. Mold and black mold are dangerous organic fungi that can pose serious health threats to people and animals. Generally they cause respiratory illnesses that are hard to treat; if your household needs a mold remediation expert then you will have to come up with the cash. (The damage caused may be covered by your home insurance.)

If you have small to moderate mold formation in your home, on drywall, insulation carpet padding, etc., you can probably handle the removal yourself. If the area is less than 10 square feet, you can easily and fairly cheaply turn your mold problem around. IF the affected area is bigger OR if the damage is caused by something that’s covered by insurance, it’s necessary to call a water damage and restoration crew.

The professionals may use any one of several methods:

Vacuuming: Using a HEPA vacuum, the crew may wet-vac the area.
Dry Ice Freeze Blasting: Using dry ice to instantly freeze mold and then carefully disposing of it.
Damp Wipe (for non porous surfaces): Crews will use a chemical solution to wipe down surfaces to eliminate any trace of the mold.
Enzyme Fog: A relatively new treatment, it is safer and usually less expensive, safe for humans and pets and doesn’t cause any damage to the home.
The treatment your home receives will depend on the severity of the damage and the methods that the mold remediation company is currently using.

DIY Mold Removal
When faced with a smaller water damage or mold removal problem, it isn’t hard to defeat the culprit yourself, with the proper tools.

First, be sure to wear the proper clothing and protection; rubber gloves and a facemask are necessary. Be warned that the clothing you wear may have to be discarded depending on the severity of your problem. Try not to disturb the area at all as the mold spores will float around in the air when they are dry. Seal off any vents in the area or room to prevent spores from traveling.

Next, mist down the area lightly to make sure the mold is damp and then clean the area with a mixture of bleach and water. The ratio of the bleach to water depends on damage and how long the area has been wet. If the area was dried out quickly, a mixture of ¼ C bleach per gallon of water should work, but you could use anywhere up to 1 ½ C of bleach per gallon if the problem is severe. Wipe down any surfaces that have been affected by the mold and let the mixture sit for 15 minutes. You will have to remove certain materials if they have been touched: drywall, insulation, and carpet underlay are all things that should be discarded if too wet or covered in mold.

Before you replace anything that has been damaged, cover the area loosely with plastic sheets and let it dry for at least 48 hours or until nothing is damp anymore.

Whether you hire a crew or do-it-yourself, the final step to mildew and mold removal is to fix the cause of the water damage to make sure it never happens again! The biggest thing to remember is just how dangerous black mold can be – the quicker you resolve it, the quicker you can breathe easy again.

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is currently researching mildew and mold removal and carpet cleaning in Edmonton.

Your Child’s Preschool: Getting the Kids’ Backpacks is the Easy Part!

2011-08-11T08:30:00.000-07:00

The first laugh, first step, first tooth… If you’re like most parents, your child’s newborn and toddler years flew by faster than you could have imagined. At the age of about three, your child is considered a “preschooler” and can be encouraged to start learning in a classroom setting. Choosing a preschool can be a complicated task; it may be the first time your child will be away from you for longer periods of time, or you may not know what you want in a preschool. Preschool may be the first time your child will get a chance to learn in an educational setting and may be the first time that your little one is in someone else’s hands for longer periods of time. It is important to try and choose the right environment for your child – not only from an educational standpoint, but also a social one as well. Here are 10 Steps to choosing the right environment for your preschooler.

Step 1: Start your research early! Most preschools start registration in January or February before the school year starts. You should start doing your research a couple of months before that deadline so you have a chance to find the appropriate school.

Step 2: Make a list of the attributes you would like your child’s preschool to have. Mainly, think about what kind of learning environment is most important to your family. Many preschools focus on learning through play, while others focus on a more traditional educational approach. Some schools incorporate a bit of both, while others are more extreme in their values systems, like the Montessori schools. None of them are better than the other, it is simply a matter of what suits your child’s personality the best. (It’s always good to include a couple of schools that do not teach based on the method you think you prefer, just to compare.)

Step 3: Make sure the price is right! It is pre-school, not college so make sure the monthly fees for the preschools on your preliminary list are within your family’s budget. Some preschools are more expensice due to the cost and use of learning materials, while others are less expensive but run as a “co-op” (parents are expected to volunteer their time to help clean, make snacks and organize events.) The price should never be the determining factor but you definitely have to factor the costs in as it will be a consistent charge for two years.

Step 4: After you have made a list of preschools that “fit the bill”, schedule visits with them. Ask if you can bring your child and sit in for a partial or even a whole class. Use this time to observe the way the teacher interacts with the class and how the class responds. Your child may be a bit shy at first, but ask yourself if you can actually se your child forming a good relationship with the teacher. Also take not of the class sizes – smaller class sizes can be beneficial but can also take away from the socialization aspect of the school.

Step 5: Talk to the Director or teacher about their disciplinary tactics. Many parents forget to ask about this and then later find that they disapprove of the teacher’s methods.

Step 6: Review a list of the preschool’s policies:

Are children allowed to use the bathroom whenever they need to go, or are there set times?
Are children required to wash hands, use hand sanitizer before and after snacking?
What is the sick-child rule?
Are snacks built in to the fees?
Is there an emergency evacuation plan?
Is there any mention of religion at the school? If so, how heavily focused is the program on this topic?
What are the end goals the teacher hopes to achieve in two years?
What is the school’s policy on reporting problems or achievements to parents?

Step 7: While on your tour, take a look at the organization of the class. Even play-based programs should be well structured and have a fairly strict schedule. Children so well when given routine activities on a consistent basis.

Step 8: After visiting the facility, think about the big picture and whether or not your child (and future preschoolers) will thrive in the environment. Don’t forget your involvement either; will Mom and Dad thrive? Parents are often expected to have at least a bit of involvement with the school as well so make sure it is a good fit for everyone. Weigh all of the benefits and flaws out together and see what cancels what out.

Step 9: Call references that the school has given you and ask around to friends, family and neighbours to see if they have comments that are positive, negative or anything at all to say about the schools.

Step 10: As always, parents should trust their instincts. If a school looks like the right fit on paper but you’re still getting that “not-quite-right” feeling then don’t enroll your child there!

Preschool is a time for learning, exploration, social development and fun. Choosing your preschool should be about the same experience. Finding an environment where your little one can grow stronger every day will help them gain the independence and knowledge that they need to flourish in the coming years.

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is a Mom of two and is an expert on preschool, kids backpacks and all things children!

From Web Design to PPC: Online Marketing Tools Every Business Needs

2011-08-04T11:29:00.000-07:00

Marketing strategies will play a huge part in every company’s success. That’s why it’s recommended that businesses large and small create a marketing plan. But what tools are the most successful? Which strategies get you noticed? For every product, service and organization, it varies. Tools and strategies should be chosen based on the goal of the plan; but there are 5 online marketing tools that are guaranteed help make every company’s plan pop and ultimately help reach those end marketing goals. A good web design, newsletters and more will reach your target audience and get your message across.

1. Website: A necessary marketing tool in the new millennium, websites are crucial to the success of most businesses now. As a good portion of shoppers make their decisions based on online research, if your web site doesn’t have the information to help those visitors make their decisions, your company might not get a second glance. Having a URL isn’t enough – a good web design is the best route to take. Clean, streamlined information-packed sites will give you a leg up on the competition. Make sure your site is easily navigable and has a call to action; whatever your goal is for visitors should be easy to see.

2. Social Media: This encompasses Facebook, Twitter, YELP, LinkedIN, Hunch and more. Companies should create their free accounts and use these tools to manage their online images, as well as promoting products, spreading company news and gathering informal market research. Day by day these companies grow and become more important to online visibility… 400 million Facebook users are registered – a global audience for companies and products galore.

3. Blog: These tools can be touch and go but offer genuine sounding boards for company news and ideas – not only for business owners, but also for employees, customers, industry affiliates, potential customers and more. A company blog offers value for website visitors and can be incorporated by website designers quite easily to most sites. There are also free blog sites that offer the chance for smaller companies to promote company’s mission and valuable information month after month, providing followers with industry information in a more casual way.

4. Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Ads: These ads generally work better than tradition print ads for three reasons:

· Companies pay only when the ads are clicked on.

· The ads link directly to the company’s website.

· The ads are extremely targeted.

Using platforms such as Google and Facebook, you can direct your ads at people in the demographic that you choose and ensure that they see it every time they do a web search. The demographical information is based on the shopper’s surfing trends that these companies collect. Having fine-tuned these algorithmic tools, you can bet on a good return rate.

5. Email Newsletter: Newsletters are still great tools for information dissemination. Although the paper versions are out of fashion, the email version is right on track with most companies’ marketing goals. A monthly newsletter will keep your patrons, website visitors and potential prospects informed, engaged and entertained. A good web design will include email newsletters directly on the company site as well as downloadable versions for site visitors. Be sure to have an easy-to-use (and see) sign-up form as well.

Making use of these 5 online marketing tools is a company’s best bet for success. Using them in tandem and to the best of your abilities will enable you to provide not only value to your visitors, clients and audience, but also for your company as well.

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is well-versed in online marketing and is currently researching Edmonton website design and Edmonton web designers.

5 Tips for a Great Web Design

2011-08-04T11:10:00.001-07:00

Let’s face it – if you don’t have a website, you may as well be yelling out “Yabba-Dabba-Do!” Actually scratch that – even Fred Flintstone has his own site these days. But having a website doesn’t guarantee a great conversion rate. To try and flip those website visits to sales or potential sales, you need a great web design. And to have a great web design, you need to practice some basic tips so your website can go from Bedrock to “punk rock” in no time.

Tip 1 – Layout: Make sure your layout is consistent and uses well-defined white space. Every page should have the same feel and be streamlined – no clutter allowed. The header and footer of the page can remain the same on all pages to provide visitors with a reminder that they are still on your site no matter which link they click. Also, try to use fonts that are normally installed on most computers. Make sure your site is viewable from any browser, at any resolution. Your business’ branding and logos should always be an integral part of the planning.

Tip 2 - Usability: Your website design should be easy to use and navigate. The sitemap should be simple and clearly named. Also, using breadcrumbs (leaving a navigational trail) for your users is key – that way they can get back to a previous page without getting confused. Make sure to put the most popular links front and center. Also, design a custom 404 page for those who get a little off-track on your site. A custom 404 page has the ability to keep people on your site and direct them back to another starting point. Your social media accounts should be linked to your site as well with icons that are prominent on at least the home page; this makes it easier for visitors to connect with your company on different platforms. One thing that many companies seem to forget are the header and footer of the site: put the company’s main contact info in there so people don’t have to search for it. If you have Flash components, make sure they can load properly and quickly.

Tip 3 – Optimization: Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is often put on the backburner for a web design when in fact it should be done in tandem. You could have the greatest site in the world but if no one can find it then it’s not going to be effective in any way. Optimization can be done during website design or after – it’s never too late! Your company will need to have search terms pinpointed for its target audience and then incorporate these terms into the copy and the metatags and page title tags so Google will take notice (fingers crossed).

Tip 4 – Copy: If your website doesn’t send a message, it’s not worth it’s domain fee. The copy on your website should be streamlined, targeted and able to get your company’s message across. It should also give visitors a clear direction of what you want them to accomplish while visiting your site; this is the “call to action”. Whether you want people to read the blog, contact the company or buy your product, you need to have it clearly stated on your landing pages. Beyond simply selling, your copy should reflect the company’s style and branding as well.

Tip 5 – Testing: Testing a website and the elements of the site (like those tricky Flash animations) are one of the most crucial stages of web design. Unfortunately most companies skip this step and launch their sites with broken links, animations that won’t load and checkout forms that won’t process. If you don’t take the time to test, it will cost you visitors in the long run. Even if you’re behind schedule a bit, push your launch date back until everything is near perfect.

Web design isn’t rocket science, but it’s come a long way in the past few years. The number of websites on the internet guarantees that your company’s site has to be well designed, well structured and well tested. After all, if Fred and Barney can learn to propel a car with their feet, then your company can achieve a kick-butt web design that doesn’t crash every time it loads… Right?

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is well-versed in online marketing and is currently researching Edmonton website design and Edmonton web designers.

Insurance Broker vs. Insurance Companies: Are There Advantages?

2011-07-26T07:51:00.000-07:00

Insurance is a necessary purchase – not one that you can take weeks to consider or simply decide not to make. It is a kind of protection against unseen forces –those that can bring a homeowner or company to their knees in an instant. Many people rush out to find the most publicized, well advertised insurance agencies – searching for the lowest rate possible. While this can save some stress on your wallet, it may not give your family or your business the best coverage, or the best service. Insurance Brokers on the other hand may be a better option; especially for those who are first time insurance buyers or for smaller companies.

When most people purchase insurance through a company, they are promised lower rates, better service and consistent payment reductions due to “good behavior”. This is especially true for car insurance and motorcycle insurance. But unfortunately, the reality is, unless a change comes down the pipes that will affect all insurance holders, this will probably not happen. Customers have to be ever-vigilant over their policies and hound agents and companies to lower their rates. Brokers on the other hand, have a more personal relationship with their clients, and because of this their customers often benefit from better service and much better knowledge about the insurance industry in general.

Also stemming from this more intimate relationship is the ability to have a policy that’s tailored especially for you. Insurance brokers are committed to finding the best options for their customers – it’s their purpose. (That’s not to say that brokers aren’t out to make cash –they need to eat too.) In fact, independent brokers usually charge an admin fee on top of the rates. Larger insurance companies can often promise rates so low potential clients get so impressed they sign on the dotted line without a second though… but at what cost? Some of the policies are so basic your home, vehicle or company wouldn’t stand a chance recouping any losses.

Larger companies’ lower rates can also lead people to believe that they have an advocate in their agent. Unfortunately, agents tend to be more experienced with the administrative side of policies and the insurance industry; rather than looking for the best options for their clients, while brokers are required to have a license which generally comes with more education and experience. Brokers will ensure that your home insurance, auto or commercial insurance policies are thorough and correct.

If ever you have to put in a claim through your agency (which most of us have to do at some point) you may find that speaking to the people at the “National Office” or the call centre employees just doesn’t cut it. An insurance broker, on the other hand, lives right in your city, maybe even your community, and has the time to sit down and make sure you are taken care of with compassion and speed.

Yes, there are advantages to a large insurance company or an agent who works for one: you’ll be promised a dirt cheap rate, and you just may be lucky enough to qualify for one. But you’ll never speak to the same person twice, and probably never figure out what your policy covers exactly. An insurance broker is there to be an advocate and to make sure that you’re back is covered, no matter what.

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is currently researching Commercial Insurance and insurance brokers in Alberta.

Home Insurance Claims: Help, my house flooded – now what?

2011-07-26T07:39:00.000-07:00

Home Insurance is a necessary purchase. It provides a sense of protection, even for the protectors of the house. It’s a special message that says “Don’t worry; we’ve got your back.” But what happens when there’s an accident… the hot water tank blows up, the basement floods, there’s too much rain…? What do you do after the flood? Most policy owners don’t read or even look at their policies before there’s a claim to make. When that time comes will you know what to do?

Step 1: Don’t Panic. Accidents in the home can be life threatening. After your family’s safety is ensured - it’s time to take a step back and realize that your home is a structure, the possessions are only material objects. If you’ve had a bad flood, it’s important to take stock of what is there. If you’ve had a smaller-scale accident, take heart in the fact that you will most likely be replacing some old items and try to salvage what you can.

Step 2: Do whatever you have to do to stop the damage from spreading (without putting yourself in harm’s way). Don’t pile wet items on dry carpet or leave the damage to get worse – turn the water off, etc. . . After the immediate brouhaha is over –don’t touch anything… It’s time to make a phone call.

Step 3: Call your insurance broker, pronto. If you do not have a broker, call the local rep from your company. This is the time to chat about your deductible and decide whether or not you want to make a claim. Take a really good look at the damage… most deductibles are $500 - $1000.

Will you have to:

· Replace carpet?

· Replace damaged items?

· Repaint?

· Fix structural damage?

· Replace drywall?

If you have answered “yes” to any of the above questions, it is wise to pay the deductible and get the help you need to resolve any issues. Even if you have to dry out your carpet rather than replace, you will still need new underlay and professional drying equipment. Consider the damage, repair and labour before you decide not to make the claim!

Step 4: Record the Incident. Before the restoration crew or insurance broker comes to your house to take stock of the damage, get your digital camera out and snap pictures of everything was damaged by the surprise flood. Make a list of the possessions damaged by the water, but don’t move anything. Insurance claims usually include the service of packing and moving your possessions and that includes damaged items.

Step 5: Be fair and fill out all of the necessary paperwork in order to not only have your house back to the way it was, but also to replace items that may have taken a hit. Don’t pussyfoot around –you pay a high price every month for insurance, and this is when you’re extremely glad you do. On the same note, don’t be greedy. Insurance brokers and companies will be fair but they will not re-do your house for nothing! Also, make sure that the restoration company involved has direct contact with the insurance company and knows exactly what they will and will NOT cover.

Step 6: Sit back and enjoy the fact that someone else is doing the work! For the minimum price of a deductible, you can have a new room, new basement or new floor! At least take heart in that and maybe consider a change of paint colour or flooring. Always wanted hardwood instead of carpet ? This may be the time to switch – the flooring company will find your previous floor cover and match the price – you only have to pay the difference.

Step 7: After the work has been completed, take a walk around and look at the quality of what has been done. If you are not 100% satisfied with the work, do not sign off on it. It is the restoration or construction company’s job to make things look good and do the job properly. Don’t be afraid to say “Can you please touch this up?”

Every claim process is a bit different, and every situation is unique. A minor flood is a stressful situations to have to go through, especially if you have personal items damaged in the process. Remember that all will be well again, with the help of your insurance broker, your restoration company and some patience!

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is currently researching Edmonton Insurance Brokers.

From Taekwondo Patterns to the Breast Stroke: 5 Activities for a Healthy Winter

2011-07-26T07:15:00.000-07:00

Harsh winters can be the death of a healthy lifestyle. Once the snow’s on the ground the fireplace is on, the hot chocolate comes out and everyone settles in for a nice lethargic winter. By the time the snow clears the kids can’t remember how to tie their shoes, let alone work up a sweat. Even when the temperatures drop, kids need activities to keep their little bodies moving and their blood pumping. Building snow forts and bringing Frosty to life are fun, but 3 feet of snow and /or frigid temperatures might deter them from too many jaunts into the backyard. Even particularly harsh winters (Canada – I’m looking at you!) can send the most avid skiers and snowboarders running for the duvet. Instead of risking frostbite, why not choose an activity that allows your children to have the best of both worlds… making snow angels when it’s tolerable and taekwondo patterns at night? They’ll stay warm, fit and have fun– winter never looked so good.

Taekwondo
Patterns and sparring aside, this sport is hours of sweaty, intense fun for little ones. It ensures discipline, skill and confidence and kids have fun while they’re doing it. Although taekwondo schools are generally more expensive than other activities, the level of instruction is much higher than other sports and you can bet on an experience that’s worth your cash. Children learn that the harder they work, the more they are rewarded- earning a new belt isn’t easy but when they achieve it, all of the effort is worth it. Many taekwondo schools even offer before and after school care so kids can have some activity every day, instead of sitting on their rumps at daycare; it’s a great way to wind down the day. Parents of preschoolers don’t despair; most schools have programs for kids as young as three years old.

Indoor Soccer
Soccer is one of the most popular kids’ sports right now – who says the fun has to stop when the snow hits the ground! Children who enjoy this high energy sport can participate all year-round. Many community soccer clubs offer the opportunity to bring the cleats indoors during the winter months, with just as much excitement and a little less mosquito action! Teaching kids coordination and teamwork, soccer is a great option for those who are on a budget as well – generally this sport is not nearly as expensive as others, yet offers the same health benefits and age-appropriate skill levels as other activities.

Swimming
Not for landlubbers, swimming is a great, low-impact activity that keeps children moving all winter long. Year-round swimming lessons are not only cheap, but are offered at the majority of community leisure centres, along with competitive swimming options for those children who excel at this sport. Swimming in general is an individual activity and offers a challenge to kids to pass each level during the allotted time period (usually about 6 weeks). Kids have fun splashing around, while also learning invaluable water safety lessons and confidence in the water. Offered for kids as young as six months old (parented), these courses are sure to keep your little mermaid (or merman) happy.

Climbing
Rock climbing is not your average kids’ activity; it requires focus, determination and the ability to support your lower body with what seems like brute strength. This sport is not for the faint of heart and is best suited to those kids who like being challenged. Indoor climbing facilities offer stat-of-the-art rock walls, safety gear and instruction. Starting as young as five years old, little ones can learn the basics of scaling rock walls and focusing on a goal. This is an intense activity that offers stellar health benefits and a lot of old fashioned fun. As a higher priced activity, these 10-week courses are worth the price, but make sure your nearest facility has at least a partial refund policy just in case little Aidan or Emma decides scaling pretend mountains isn’t “da bomb”.

Hockey
Hockey is one of the most traditional winter sports, and one of the most popular. Once an activity only for boys, little girls are now excelling on mixed (and female) teams as well. This sport is an obvious choice and teaches teamwork, coordination and true grit. It is however one of the most expensive sports to take part in (due to equipment, tournaments and community fees) and requires a huge time commitment as well. If your little one can handle 2-3 practices a week at higher levels, and is adept at skating, then this is the sport to choose. It is a high-energy, fun filled game which many kids enjoy, and which can open many doors for truly skilled players.

So no matter which winter activity you and your children choose, it’s likely that your tots will greet the spring with renewed confidence, skill and a healthy outlook on what could have been the long, cold, grey days of winter.

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is a Mom of two and is currently researching children’s’ activities and before and after school care for kids.

Simple Marketing for Small Businesses

2011-07-25T10:00:00.000-07:00

As a small business owner who probably struggles with the everyday operations of business and overhead, marketing can sometimes become a secondary concern. This is a mistake that many people make due to lack of experience, budget and marketing know-how. Many businesses fail, not because of profit margins, but because their product or service is not marketed correctly. Marketing can seem unnecessary, expensive and complicated to many but the reality is that it is indispensible, affordable and very easy- if you have the right tools. Simple marketing for small businesses is all around us.

Planning
The first thing any small business needs is a marketing plan. This is similar to a business plan but instead outlines marketing tools and techniques for an organization. A basic marketing plan should include:

Executive Summary or Overview: What is the marketing plan about? Your company’s overall strategy? Or a component / product /service? Include an overview of your objectives, goals and timelines.

S.W.O.T. Analysis: the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for a business.

Goals: What do you want to accomplish with your marketing efforts?

Message: what will be the message (s) you send to your target audience?

Marketing Strategies: What strategies best fit with what you are marketing?

Timeline: Create a time period in which you will be implementing your strategies

Budget: how much can you spend?

Evaluation: How will you evaluate your success? (ROI, analytics, newsletter subscribers, etc.)

Strategies
There are two categories of marketing methods; those we consider “Traditional” and Online.

Traditional:

Print: Including dailies and weeklies – paid and free. These marketing tools are valuable sources for news and advertising for your target market. The price varies greatly with these types of advertising with the weeklies and free local papers generally being the cheapest.

Television and Radio: These are not usually popular marketing tools for small businesses due to the cost and the ability of the masses to fast forward through commercials and receive satellite radio now. For larger companies they are essential.

Outdoor: Billboards can be very cost effective with the number of impressions they make. However, small business advertising can get somewhat lost with this platform if not done with a smaller local company.

Online

A relatively new venue for marketing tools, it is now becoming essential for every business to have an online presence. It is cheaper, can be more targeted and offers stellar market research that can open many new doors for a company.

Website: A must for small businesses. This can represent a source of information for your audience, or it can represent a store location, providing online shoppers the option of shopping from home rather than visiting a physical location.

Social Media: This is a rapidly growing marketing tool that almost every company can take advantage of. It encompasses companies and platforms such as: Blogs, Facebook, Youtube and Twitter (among many others) and is a free tool. It also provides the opportunity for invaluable customer feedback and interaction.

Pay-Per-Click Advertising and Search Engine Optimization: Bucking against the norm of paying for an ad and hoping your target market will see it, PPC follows a bit of a different path. Company owners pay each time their ad is clicked on. This offers a much more targeted path to the company’s website, product pages or social media page. Search Engine Optimization offers keyword-enriched search data for websites, ads, social media and more; trying to ensure that the right people see your online profile.

To be truly effective, smaller companies need to combine both traditional and online marketing tools; however, starting out with the online portion is usually more budget-friendly for smaller organizations. Each method and platform should be chose]n based on the target markets’ preferences and tendencies (marketing a home for the elderly may not fare to well on Twitter, etc.)

No matter the method, budget, timeline or size of the company marketing will play a necessary and essential part of every company’s success. By following these simple marketing steps, any company can maximize not only their visibility, but also their profit.

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is marketing professional and is currently researching Advertising in Edmonton, Alberta and local communities, where she currently resides.

Maximize Your Message: The 3 Top (Paid) Methods of Local Small Business Advertising

2011-07-25T09:48:00.001-07:00

Marketing and advertising encompass many different ideas, methods and motives. But when small businesses start to strategize about where the most “bang for their bucks” are, there’s no question that there are three main types of advertising that will deliver their message precisely and effectively. Print, Outdoor Digital and Online advertising are by far the best investments for smaller companies due to their cost effectiveness and targeted delivery, among other advantages.

Print
Effective small business advertising depends on one thing: ROI. What’s coming in versus what’s going out is the main concern and traditional print advertising is in no way a great example of an exciting (or even visible) ROI. However, there are several ways to make print work for your company in a big way. Instead of larger local dailies, seek out smaller weeklies or dailies that are locally owned and produced. Every major Canadian city has dozens of smaller papers targeted to not only the mass public, but also to smaller sectors of your audience. Generally these organizations are much more likely to give you a deal on a bigger spot or a package for return customers as well. One big advantage of print as well is that paper tends to stick around a little longer.

Outdoor Digital Advertising
Long thought of as terribly expensive and only for larger companies, today’s digital outdoor advertising companies are breaking off into smaller, locally owned business ready to help other locally owned companies make their mark on the town. Digital advertising is the most effective out-of-home advertising platform; LED technology can rotate the images so quickly that the drive-time audiences have no choice but to take a gander at companies’ larger-than-life graphics. And contrary to popular opinion, this form of advertising can be much cheaper that many others, including print. The key to hitting it big with this platform is finding a smaller company with stellar locations around the city.

Online Advertising
Quickly becoming the marketing darling of local business marketing, online ads are fast proving their worth in regards to cost and ROI. Online giants like Google offer quick, free keyword research tools and a cheap extremely target way to reach target audiences. Using previously stored information about everyone and anyone who has used their search engine services, these companies know exactly who to flash a company’s ad to. Other organizations and online platforms such as Facebook and Twitter have followed suit complimenting their free services with paid, pay-per-click ads. Companies only pay when an ad has been “clicked” or followed to the exact path the has been strategically optimized for potential customers. ( An important note here is to have a fantastic landing point for those who are clicking on the ads – your website should be a virtual sales tool, and how!)

Advertising tools and marketing for small business shouldn’t have to be hit or miss – the methods are there, the costs can be low while the impact colossal. Smaller companies need to squeeze the life out of every marketing and advertising dollar and these three platforms are the best and most successful way to do so.

The Secret to Selling Your Auto: Repair, Revamp & Research

2011-07-13T07:50:00.000-07:00

The time has come to sell your car and you’re not quite sure where to start. Don’t despair, help is here. The trick to selling your auto: repair, revamp and research. Slapping a classified ad up may get some quick responses, but putting a little elbow grease in will have that vehicle backing out of your driveway in no time.

Repair
before listing your vehicle, take a trip down to the ole’ auto mechanic shop and get your car tuned-up. The extent to which you fix it up should depend on the cost and the return on your investment; how much will the fix add to your sale price. If you want top dollar when you sell, there are some must-fix items:

Oil change
Fluid top-up
Minor dent repair
Minor windshield repair
Brakes (consider)
Repair or replace old wipers and/or headlights
Overall inspection

Having a clean “bill of health” will entice buyers to actually take the vehicle on a test drive! If any major fixes are needed, discuss them with your auto service shop and figure out whether they are necessary and cost effective.

Revamp
Whether you have a family vehicle or not, you’ve most likely “personalized” your vehicle a bit while you’ve owned it. Sure, you may not mind the crumbs, wrappers and road maps shoved into the driver’s side door, but chances are the first impression potential buyers get won’t be stellar. A revamp is needed to make sure that your vehicle sparkles as much as possible. Vacuuming and cleaning the interior are no-brainers, but you can take it a step further by steam cleaning the upholstery or having the car detailed. Get rid of all stains, dirt, muck and grime – inside and out.

Research
Before placing that classified ad, take a good look at your car. Make a mental note of the positives and negatives and then check out the Kelly Blue Book online for your vehicles estimated worth. Then do some researching in the classifieds to find out what the average price is for vehicles that are the same year, make and model. Note the condition of the vehicles and compare to your own. Finding the average is a good starting price. Also take in to consideration the timing of your sale – if it’s winter in Canada and you’re trying to sell a convertible, you may not get top dollar! Above all, take off the rose coloured glasses and look at your vehicle through the eyes of a potential buyer; what will he or she see as advantages and flaws?

Final Tips
After you’ve done some research, gotten your car all dolled up, it’s time to sell, sell, sell! Here are some final tips:

For a fast sale, price your car at the lower end of the spectrum.
Place ads everywhere! Free online classifieds work well - think free social media sites as well - (kijiji and facebook, youtube), as do vehicle specific papers. Put a “For Sale” sign in your car’s window.
Have your manual, service receipts and final report for your mechanic ready for buyers.
Be honest with potential customers about your vehicle’s flaws.
Ride with people during test drives – at the very least take their license and insurance before they go.
Only accept cash or a cashier’s cheque.
Don’t forget to remove your license plates!
Sign over your registration.

Now it’s time for some car shopping of your own…!

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is a Mom of two and is currently researching used vehicles and auto repair in Edmonton.

How to Avoid Buying a Lemon! Tips & Tricks from Auto Mechanics

2011-07-12T09:37:00.000-07:00

Aah, the dreaded lemon! Cartoons and movies warn against the horrors of purchasing what looks to be a souped-up vintage beauty, only to find that the car has no transmission. While this may not be the normal scenario, there are so many run down vehicles out there that consumers need to be wary. Car experts and auto mechanics alike share their secrets for a no-fail approach when looking for your next vehicle.

The first decision is based on budget. How much are you willing to spend on a vehicle, and where will you find the financing? Be sure to factor in the trade-in or sale values of your current vehicle. Once your budget is set, stick to it and be realistic; a $6000 isn’t going to get you a sparkly SUV. One of the biggest challenges shoppers make is having eyes bigger than their wallets, so to speak.

After setting a budget, start doing some online research. Both classified sites (like kijiji.ca) and car dealerships have a wide variety of cars, trucks, vans, etc. for every need and every dollar amount. Dealerships and car lots are usually more expensive, but also more likely to move on the sticker price. Private owners are more personally attached to their vehicles and less likely to budge on the price unless they are desperate! Also, be aware that if you decide to look at privately owned vehicles, you will not be able to use your vehicle for trade-in and you will need the total amount in cash.

Once you know which type of vehicle you have your eye on, look for the average price of the vehicle online. You can go through the Kelly Blue Book, and then start looking at the prices of vehicles to see if they are around the average price listed.

When you have found a car you are considering, don’t be afraid to inspect every inch of it! First, compare the price to the overall package. Is the vehicle you’re looking at look like it’s worth the asking price? Start by inspecting body damage. Rust is a huge factor in the general “health” of the vehicle. Rust, corrosion and major body damage are usually not worth the trouble or the dollars it takes to fix the problem. Also, if there is any rust under the hood, walk away quickly! Inspect the trunk for damage as well – a normally used vehicle shouldn’t have damage in the trunk.

Next, check the odometer; what is the mileage, and how does it compare to the age and condition of the auto? The average mileage driven in a year is about 10,000-15,000 km. If this seems to be out of whack, it may be due to hard, highway driving or odometer tampering – both of which are deal breakers. (You can check for odometer tampering by searching for damage to the outer plastic of the instrument; scratches are a warning sign, as are improperly lined up numbers.)

Take a look under the hood and check for rust and corrosion.
What colour is the oil – it should be thick and brown.
What colour is the coolant? It should not be rust coloured.
Are the hoses and pipes cracked?

Next, get into the car and check out the aesthetics. Check for damage to the upholstery on the seacts and the floor mats. Family vehicles will be more “well-used” obviously. Also, make sure you make note of any strange smells – sometimes smells are impossible to get rid of! Also, check the windows, sunroof and locks for any stickiness or impaired function.

Does the stereo work?
Are the speakers blown?
Turn the heater and air conditioning on and off to test them.

You should always test drive the vehicle – when you start it, listen for odd sounds. Rattling, cracking, clunking and backfiring are not good sounds to hear. When driving, make sure you test the brakes thoroughly and listen for squealing, grinding etc.

If the owner is agreeable, you should take the prospective car to your auto mechanic and have a checkup done. This will ensure that all of the most important functions of the engine, transmission are in great working order. If you are purchasing a car from a lot or dealership, they may have their own certified mechanic to check things out for you.

Ask the seller what work has been done in the past on this car. Also, ask for any receipts they have collected from the auto repair and service shop.

Has there been any major service – if so, what?
When was the last tune-up?
The last oil change?
Has the car been in any major accidents?

If everything checks out with the car’s history, the owner or dealer’s price, the auto mechanic’s check up and your own gut feeling, it’s time to buy that used vehicle!

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is a Mom of two and is currently researching used vehicles and auto repair in Edmonton.