Training for Book Authors
|
|
Other Resources for Book Authors & Publishers
|
|
Please Support Our Advertisers
|
|
|
|
|
Convenience Can Kill Your Profits
Copyright (c) 2006-2023 New Hampshire Concrete Cutting and Core Drilling, All Rights Reserved
Written by: Robert Short
Have you ever noticed how convenient those giant office super stores are? I mean we all use them. They're on every corner out here in the suburbs of Boston. It's Officethis or Officethat or something like Paperclips, you know, all the major players. Well, I've recently realized that over the past 10 years of prosperity that my small business has been paying a huge premium for this convenience. In the past several months, as a result of the recent economic downturn in our local economy, I have been doing everything I can to plug the holes in our spending and trying to "trim the fat" so to speak. Fortunately this is something that myself, my competition and other local business owners are not familiar with. We have all prospered and have rarely, if ever, worried about money.
One evening I was shopping with my family at Wal-Mart loading up on family stuff and I couldn't help but notice that the same 100ct (or very similar) manila folders that I paid nearly $7.00 for several hours earlier at Officethat were available at Wal-Mart at an everyday low price of $1.77. Now, I never claimed to be a genius but a $5.00 difference on a product that I buy 5 boxes of a month is a $25.00 a month savings. That of course is $300 a year.
I quickly realized that I was on to something but I figured it was just a fluke. I had also bought a new water bubbler and a mini bar type refrigerator earlier and they both cost $149.00 each so I figured I would go and check out that aisle as well. I couldn't believe my eyes when I found a water bubbler/mini fridge combo for only $99.00. Of course I bought it on the spot and when I got back to my office the next morning I repackaged the fridge and water bubbler and back to Officethat they went with five boxes of manila folders and a few other overpriced items and I saved more than $225.00. Not too shabby. Just think that this was only one trip over the past ten years. How much could I have been saving the whole time?
When I try to mention this finding to people in my local business community I hear things like "who cares, it's all a write off anyway" or "you should buy American"(as if these office superstores are all loaded with American made products.) These are both some of the worst excuses for spending way too much money for no reason I have ever heard. It is all a write off but saving several hundred dollars a month on office products allows more flexibility in other areas of my business. As far as the old "Buy American" thing, this one makes me laugh; I would literally have to hire a full time employee to determine what is made here and what isn't. I usually just respond with something like "I'll buy everything American if you start buying American gasoline or start riding your bicycle." I am as American as the next person whose ancestors came over on the Mayflower but the bottom line is that when I am done with my office supply purchases now I have a lot of money left over.
Don't get me wrong, I still use the office superstores for certain items when I don't have time to go into a department store (they are convenient) and for one or two small items it is worth paying more. When I need to fill my supply cabinet, on the other hand, I will surely take a trip to Wal-mart, K-mart or even Target to save literally a bundle of cash. I simply don't care how neatly organized the office goliaths are because with a little more effort you can find everything you need for your office and a little more while saving hundreds of dollars at a department store.
VOTE ON THIS ARTICLE
Needs Work >>
0 -
1 -
2 -
3 -
4 -
5
<< Excellent Article
Tell our authors what you think about their article.
|
Top-Level Category: Business Offline Articles || Related Categories: Family Articles
10 Most Recent Articles Written by Robert Short
Turn Your Single Family Home Into A Legal Multi Family Home
Written by: Robert Short |
Distributed: 2006-11-14 |
Word Count: 621 |
Page Views: 12082
| Votes: 24 |
Rating: 1.83
Will it really be legal? I've heard this question asked
hundreds of times, yet in my concrete cutting business, one that
is crucial in the conversion process, I have seen it done
hundreds of times. How you may ask? It's actually not any more
difficult than most major home renovations.
Silicosis: The Forgotten Cousin of Asbestosis and Mesothelioma
Written by: Robert Short |
Distributed: 2006-11-07 |
Word Count: 719 |
Page Views: 5202
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 2.13
Silicosis, Mesothelioma and Asbestosis are all three occupational
related diseases that are preventable.
Do It Yourself? You'd Better Think it Through!
Written by: Robert Short |
Distributed: 2006-08-29 |
Word Count: 566 |
Page Views: 4921
| Votes: 15 |
Rating: 2.13
So! You want to do your own concrete cutting, huh? My only piece
of advice is: Sub it out. Professional concrete cutters make our
lives so much simpler, and save us valuable time and money at the
same time. Professional concrete cutters are set up to handle any
size concrete sawing job, and even the small concrete cuts can
cause big problems for an un-experienced worker.
Concrete Core Drills and Concrete Core Drilling
Written by: Robert Short |
Distributed: 2006-08-24 |
Word Count: 480 |
Page Views: 4680
| Votes: 15 |
Rating: 2.33
Concrete core drilling is the process of drilling perfectly round
holes through concrete walls, floors and other concrete
structures. Read on to learn more about this process that is used
by commercial builders for commercial building improvements and
home owners for home improvement projects...
Concrete - Mixing to Maximize
Written by: Robert Short |
Distributed: 2006-08-03 |
Word Count: 721 |
Page Views: 4984
| Votes: 15 |
Rating: 2.33
Mixing concrete can be a challenge, but it can be done without
hiring a concrete professional. However, there are three points
to consider before creating a concrete mix.
Concrete Cutting: Don't Let a Little Bit of Concrete Stop You
Written by: Robert Short |
Distributed: 2006-07-25 |
Word Count: 794 |
Page Views: 7031
| Votes: 13 |
Rating: 2.54
Concrete cutting is a process of controlled sawing, drilling and
removal of concrete performed by skilled operators using special
saws that use diamond impregnated blades. Unlike the
old-fashioned dusty "jack hammer" method, modern concrete
cutting leaves a smooth attractive finish and utilizes water so
as not to create any dust or mess.
You Killed Your Competition! Now What?
Written by: Robert Short |
Distributed: 2006-07-19 |
Word Count: 1312 |
Page Views: 4100
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 2.33
When your competition goes out of business they will obviously
lose the relationship that they have with their existing
customers. When this happens it will create what I like to call a
"customer vacuum." All of their customers will be set free and
they will start searching for another company that can service
their particular needs. At the same time you and your existing
competition will start grabbing for control of these customers.
What you need to do is fill that vacuum and there is one very
good way I use to maximize the chance of these unaccounted for
customers coming right to your door.
How to Build an Empire With Business Cards
Written by: Robert Short |
Distributed: 2006-07-13 |
Word Count: 858 |
Page Views: 4404
| Votes: 13 |
Rating: 2.31
Today, most business owners don't realize the importance of
using a simple business card to generate tons of new customers.
It simply does not matter what kind of business you are in, you
have to utilize this primitive business technique in order to
grow your business fast and to maintain that growth. The three
major mistakes people make when marketing with business cards
are:
Concrete Cutting: Basement Remodeling Done The Right Way
Written by: Robert Short |
Distributed: 2006-07-11 |
Word Count: 649 |
Page Views: 4639
| Votes: 11 |
Rating: 2.18
Basements or cellars (depending on which part of the country you
are from) are primarily seen as dark and dingy parts of a home.
In most cases they are considered a useless area or are used as a
"catch all" for family discards that haven't quite made it to
the curbside for trash pick up yet. Well, with the skyrocketing
prices of real estate these days and the lack of any substantial
property to use for an addition to our homes, the basement, after
years of being ignored and neglected, is finally being recognized
as a useful, cost effective resource for adding more living space
to our beloved homes.
Adding a Precast Concrete Stairway Bulkhead to Your Home
Written by: Robert Short |
Distributed: 2006-07-06 |
Word Count: 855 |
Page Views: 11699
| Votes: 22 |
Rating: 3.00
Nowadays it pays to be aware of the choices available in the
market in order to make the right decisions when it comes to
improvements in the home. And with the skyrocketing price of
construction materials and services, it makes sense to know what
options are available. Take for example the installation of
precast concrete bulkhead stairway to your home's basement.
All of Author's Articles on this site: Robert Short Articles
Most Recent "Business Offline" Articles
How To Build a Strong and Powerful Business During a Recession
Written by: Trey McMartin |
Distributed: 2011-11-10 |
Word Count: 987 |
Page Views: 6608
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 0.83
During a recession, most business owners pull the reins on
advertising budgets, fearful of what tomorrow might bring...
Those who remain fearful have forgotten what made them the
success they are today... They have forgotten that they have
a God-given talent to overcome the incredible obstacles in
their paths.
SEO Lessons from Local Businesses
Written by: Trey McMartin |
Distributed: 2011-11-09 |
Word Count: 945 |
Page Views: 6695
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 0.40
More than once in the six years that I have been providing
SEO services for websites, I have had the opportunity to
discuss with individual business owners their search engine
optimization needs. Now and again, I run across an
individual business owner who is quick to say that SEO is
absolutely worthless. When confronted with such an absolute
statement, I like to press for details. It has been my
experience that people who speak in negative absolutes will
have a horror story to share.
Where Will FDA Target Next? What IVD Manufacturers Should Know Before Their Next FDA Audit
Written by: Norm Howe |
Distributed: 2011-09-12 |
Word Count: 706 |
Page Views: 537
Medical device manufacturers are always interested in knowing
what FDA's next area of focus will be. Well, if you're an In
Vitro Diagnostic manufacturer you might review your measurement
systems.
Online Fax - 10 Reasons To Get An Online Fax Service
Written by: Titus Hoskins |
Distributed: 2011-09-12 |
Word Count: 560 |
Page Views: 542
Online faxing is the new more modern way to fax. If you or your
company is not using an online fax service, here are 10 good
reasons why you should get it.
Best Effort Essential for the Job Interview
Written by: Barbara Wulf MS, ACC, CPCC |
Distributed: 2011-07-30 |
Word Count: 676 |
Page Views: 632
Interviewing will determine if you are the right person for the
job. These tips will help you make the job interview a success.
Go Green With Your Career Search
Written by: Barbara Wulf MS, ACC, CPCC |
Distributed: 2011-07-28 |
Word Count: 636 |
Page Views: 5462
| Votes: 4 |
Rating: 0.50
Many of the qualities of green living, like recycling and
sustainability, can apply to a career search, even if the
career is not directly associated with green industries.
ReCareer in the Second-half of Life
Written by: Barbara Wulf MS, ACC, CPCC |
Distributed: 2011-07-26 |
Word Count: 525 |
Page Views: 5460
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 1.20
Many of us worked the first half of our life to "fit" the
job description. ReCareering is about finding the right fit,
being selective, being creative, being fulfilled and being
intentional about how you spend your time.
Up in the Air
Written by: Barbara Wulf MS, ACC, CPCC |
Distributed: 2011-07-24 |
Word Count: 678 |
Page Views: 598
When looking for work or changing careers, go beyond researching
on the internet and reading articles. Find out how you can learn
from the art of listening and having a conversation.
Salon and Spa Owners: Which Monk Are You?
Written by: Dan Lok |
Distributed: 2011-07-05 |
Word Count: 477 |
Page Views: 6241
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 1.00
Too many salon and spa owners are carrying around a lot
hurts, regrets, guilt, past failures and fears about the
future. But no one is forcing you to carry these emotional
rocks, so put that sack down!
The Single Most Profitable Day You Spend on Your Spa or Salon!
Written by: Dan Lok |
Distributed: 2011-06-30 |
Word Count: 470 |
Page Views: 6569
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 0.20
Salon and spa owners need to combine their marketing plan
with marketing systems. A marketing calendar plans out
strategies for a year, and is instrumental to the success of
your spa or salon.
Most Viewed "Business Offline" Articles
How To Write A 300 Page Book In Four Months
Written by: Mark Silver |
Distributed: 2008-07-15 |
Word Count: 821 |
Page Views: 40105
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 1.38
There's a lot of hoopla about becoming an author of your very
own business book. The promise of fame and fortune is very
alluring. Yet your book remains perpetually 'about to be'
written. Meanwhile your business has ground to a halt. Hmmm...
might there be a better way to get a book written?
The Best Marketing Book I've Ever Read (You'll Be Surprised)
Written by: Judy Murdoch |
Distributed: 2007-05-09 |
Word Count: 1522 |
Page Views: 37234
| Votes: 17 |
Rating: 3.18
From time to time someone asks me to recommend marketing books.
Here's one of my favorite marketing books that always surprises
people. Curious? Read on.
The Bizarre History Of The HOLLYWOOD Sign
Written by: Morris Timlen |
Distributed: 2008-11-05 |
Word Count: 1211 |
Page Views: 34806
| Votes: 30 |
Rating: 2.70
The most famous sign in the history of mankind is the one that
graces the side of the hill above Hollywood, California. As
famous a landmark as the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio De
Janeiro, the Eiffel Tower in Paris France, the Great Pyramid of
Giza in Egypt, The Church of the Savior on Blood in Saint
Petersburg Russia, and the Statue Of Liberty in New York City,
the Hollywood sign is known around the world as the symbol of the
American movie industry.
What Does It Take To Be A Successful Salesman?
Written by: Casey Moher |
Distributed: 2008-08-05 |
Word Count: 930 |
Page Views: 27445
| Votes: 84 |
Rating: 3.17
In the course of my average workweek, I meet people who tell me
that they have no sales experience, and very literally, many
will tell me that they could not sell if their lives depended on
it. Do you fit into this mold? Do you seriously believe that you
can sell me on the idea that you cannot sell things?
The Future of the Office Photocopier Industry
Written by: Jennifer Robinson |
Distributed: 2010-07-29 |
Word Count: 635 |
Page Views: 15829
| Votes: 39 |
Rating: 2.00
Since Xerox first invented and sold the first commercial
photocopy machine companies and organisations have paid for
use of the machine on a cost per copy basis. This has
traditionally included full maintainance and toner supplied
under a service agreement. In-fact the office photocopier is
unique in the fact its one of the only pieces of equipment
that comes without a warranty from new. But photocopier
expert Online Connect UK claim all that is about to change.
Never Write A 'Thank You' Letter Again
Written by: Perry Maisin |
Distributed: 2008-08-12 |
Word Count: 971 |
Page Views: 14880
| Votes: 22 |
Rating: 2.09
When I was in graduate school, I had a friend who interviewed at
fortune 500 companies and succeeded at landing a great job. One
day, I saw him sitting in the student union with a stack of
cards. The cards said 'thank you'. He opened each card and
signed his name. The inside of the card was blank. I asked him
what he was doing and he told me that it was important to send a
'thank you' to every person you interviewed with. He believed
that that was the difference between getting the job and being
passed over.
Selecting Between a 401(k) And 403(b) For a Nonprofit
Written by: Daniel Lamaute |
Distributed: 2007-10-11 |
Word Count: 333 |
Page Views: 14544
| Votes: 22 |
Rating: 2.27
Newly released IRS regulations impose several new requirements
and fiduciary responsibilities on employers with 403(b) plans.
While the regulations generally don't take effect until January
1, 2009, there are some provisions that apply sooner.
Conducting Effective Career Aspiration Discussions with Employees
Written by: Andria L. Corso |
Distributed: 2010-03-10 |
Word Count: 690 |
Page Views: 13563
| Votes: 12 |
Rating: 1.33
Enhance your talent management and development programs
through conducting career aspiration discussions with your
employees. Find out where they want to grow their career to
determine if it matches your business needs. This will
enable you to differentiate your employee development to
grow the future leaders of your company.
Top Ten Personal Habits
Written by: Laurel Vespi |
Distributed: 2009-09-08 |
Word Count: 427 |
Page Views: 13264
| Votes: 12 |
Rating: 2.08
Successful people have a regular routine of daily or weekly
habits that reinforce the things that are most important to
them. By practicing a set of personal success habits, they
maintain a positive outlook, keep focused on their
priorities, have more energy, and a greater sense of
satisfaction with life.
Pitch A No-Hitter With Baseball-Themed Flower Gifts
Written by: Wesley Berry, AAF |
Distributed: 2007-12-25 |
Word Count: 413 |
Page Views: 11781
| Votes: 27 |
Rating: 1.74
Want to send a gift to the baseball fan in your life that's sure
to knock one out of the park? Send flowers with a baseball
theme! Everyone loves flowers and when you personalize them to
include the recipient's favorite hobbies, like baseball,
they're sure to make an even greater impression.
Highest Ranked "Business Offline" Articles
Equal Opportunity Pizza Ordering
Written by: Rudy Vener |
Distributed: 2007-10-19 |
Word Count: 629 |
Page Views: 5323
| Votes: 10 |
Rating: 3.60
With online ordering, your menu and restaurant suddenly become
accessible to both the deaf and blind customers in your
community.
Lone Wolf --- Lead Wolf: The Evolution of Leadership
Written by: Rick Johnson |
Distributed: 2006-07-20 |
Word Count: 1826 |
Page Views: 4399
| Votes: 19 |
Rating: 3.47
Family owned organizations, both small and large, with succession
issues, family preparation and second and third generation
leadership issues have been subjected to the evolution of
leadership. These organizations are often founded by an
aggressive, highly talented entrepreneur. Many of the principles
of leadership that helped build the success that the organization
enjoyed in the past is not the type of leadership that will
maintain that success through generations of ownership.
Get the Balance Right
Written by: Rich Thawley |
Distributed: 2009-01-28 |
Word Count: 638 |
Page Views: 3936
| Votes: 15 |
Rating: 3.33
Do you build your business around your family or your family
around your business? The choice is yours.
Delegate Or Die: 6 Steps For Business Growth
Written by: Rick Sloboda |
Distributed: 2007-05-08 |
Word Count: 366 |
Page Views: 3662
| Votes: 24 |
Rating: 3.29
To achieve business growth, you need to focus on your strengths
and hire others to take care of the rest. Unfortunately,
entrepreneurs often fail to employ this fundamental business
growth strategy. Here are six steps to help you delegate
successfully.
Whose Restaurant Can You Find Online?
Written by: Rudy Vener |
Distributed: 2007-07-09 |
Word Count: 640 |
Page Views: 5032
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 3.29
What is so significant about Pizza Hut's latest TV commercial?
Why Businesses Need Receivable Factoring In Cash Flow Management
Written by: Toby Seibert |
Distributed: 2007-08-08 |
Word Count: 866 |
Page Views: 7298
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 3.29
In today's business environment, many businesses need to
fine-tune the process of getting paid on invoices, in order to
improve their cash on hand. Improving cash flow can be an ongoing
challenge for businesses of all sizes, and it is an issue that
must be addressed to ensure the long-term viability of the
business.
Boost Retention And Referrals In Your Insurance Agency
Written by: Stephanie Cunningham |
Distributed: 2007-10-23 |
Word Count: 707 |
Page Views: 2618
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 3.29
If you have ever stayed at a nice hotel, then you have probably
seen the hotel's Concierge. The role of the Concierge is to
assist guests with information and service to enhance their stay.
What would happen if you took the idea of the Concierge and
applied it to the way you service your agency clients?
Business School for Non-Business Minds: Got a NAICS Number?
Written by: Melissa Mashtonio |
Distributed: 2008-04-15 |
Word Count: 423 |
Page Views: 5148
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 3.29
I’m a journalist. I spent a lot of my career in the news
business. As my career has progressed, I’ve spent time at small
and large companies, and I have sat through dozens of business
meetings wondering what the heck the “money” people are talking
about. They used acronyms as if they were a foreign language.
The Problem With Swiping Sales Copy
Written by: Scott Bywater |
Distributed: 2009-12-03 |
Word Count: 480 |
Page Views: 5099
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 3.29
This is what people miss when they try to simply "swipe"
sales copy from another advertisement.
Why 'Closing' Is Not The Most Important Part Of Making A Sale
Written by: Scott Bywater |
Distributed: 2006-08-29 |
Word Count: 553 |
Page Views: 6324
| Votes: 31 |
Rating: 3.26
If you ever thought that 'closing' was the single most
important key to sales success, then pay close attention, because
what I'm about to share may surprise you. Let me explain:
|
|
|
|
|
Article Reprint Rights
|

This work is licensed under a
Creative Commons License
You are not required to show the creative commons license notice when you reprint this work.
|
Article Statistics
|
Word Count: 657
Total Views: 2833
Article Rating: 0.83 of 5
Votes Cast: 12
More Articles By Author:
Articles On This Website
Last Distribution Date:
2006-08-08 13:00:00
Internal ID: #3292
|
|
|