3 Steps to Creating Your Own Radio Ad

Creating a radio ad is getting simpler and simpler. There are 3 basic steps involved.

STEP 1: GET A SCRIPT First, you need to figure out what goes in the script. You need to figure out - what is the one message that you want customers to remember from your radio ad? Bear in mind that people listening to the radio ad are often driving or cleaning the house or doing something else while they're listening to the radio. It is not a captive audience. So you need something that someone can easily remember. Don't be tempted to put too many facts and benefits of your product into your radio script. The simpler the better. What is the ONE thing you want to say about your product? Is it that there's a half price sale on? Is it that you have great service? It can't be both.

Once you've figured out what that one thing is, you need to dramatise it in the most memorable and interesting way possible. Think of all the drivel you hear on the radio. Your ad will be nestled in between a bunch of those other ads. You need to make your ad stand out from the crowd.

It has to be punchy, entertaining and creative. Don't bother with the long phone numbers. If you have a web address you'd like people to go to, make it easy to remember and to spell.

If you'd like your ad to really stand out from the crowd, it's best to source a professional copywriter to write your script. You can do this buy googling "copywriter" or checking out Linked-In or Elance. Make sure when you brief them, to explain to them the ONE thing you want people to know about your product.

STEP 2: PRODUCE YOUR SCRIPT Once you've got your script finalised, there are a few options available to you. You can contact a sound studio directly to produce your script. Their rates tend to be between €150 and €250 per hour. A 30 second radio ad shouldn't take more than an hour to produce. They can advise you on which voiceovers to use, and they'll sort it all our for you. Voiceover rates are between €140 - €500 depending on which stations your ad is airing on.

If you like to be more hands-on, you can also manage the process yourself. You can source your own voiceovers online. Many voiceover sites will send you free samples of your script in advance, so you know what you're getting. Once you've chosen a voiceover, you can then approach a sound studio with your script and chosen voiceover/s. If you are on a very tight budget, some voiceovers have home studios, in which case they could produce the ad for you. However, the production values will not always be as good as the sound studios. Remember, they're trained voiceovers, not trained sound engineers.

Another option is to get the radio station that you are airing your ad on to produce it for you. They will often do this at a reasonable price, since they are making money off selling you ad space. It's still best to source your own voiceover, since the radio stations tend to use their own DJs or hire from the same pool of voiceovers... in other words, your ad won't stand out on air, it will sound like all the others.

STEP 3: GO TO AIR If you've already got media space booked, that's great. You or the sound studio can simply email the final mp3 file to the station.

If you haven't, you need to figure out what station to use. You don't always need to go for the big breakfast slot on the massive national radio station. Sometimes your money will go further on a selection of smaller radio stations. Each slot on the radio station has a different audience, so be careful where you book. For example, if you are targeting house wives, there's no need to buy the expensive "drive time" slots, because if you wait an hour or two, you can still reach the same housewives, but at cheaper rates. Ask the radio station to provide you with information regarding each of their shows and who listens to them. Then you're able to make a more informed decision.

Relatively speaking, the production of the radio ad is very cheap in comparison to the cost of the media space. That's why you need to stand out on air. What's the point in spending so much money on media space - and then nobody listens or cares about your ad?

Stop Your Dog From Pulling You Down The Street

From the first day of life on a leash, most dogs learn that by pulling on it, they get to where they want faster. Its the behavior that so many dog owners struggle with. Its a simple solution - just stop walking. Although, somehow your dog doesn't learn its just that simple. Or maybe we aren't teaching it effectively enough. Or say, you have taught your dog that, except when they want to sniff the fire hydrant, or meet your neighbors dog, or chase a squirrel.

I have decided as an owner, that the only way to walk my dogs is by using either a gentle leader or a gentle leader easy walk harness. I still enforce the rules - the dog pulls, I stop. The dog pays attention and walks with me, I move forward and often give treats and praise for doing so.

The reason I use and recommend these two items is simple, prevention and safety. If the dog does pull, they don't continue to go forward, they are instead turned around and facing me again. It helps me stay consistent.

The Gentle Leader is a great tool. The fit is a bit tricky and most dogs fight it when they get it on - EW something is on my FACE! Ignore it. If you just keep going, stay happy and reinforce them not pawing at it, it will go away. Some have argued that the Gentle Leader can cause damage to their head / back. I think this is only true if the dog is running and you snap the leash. Do not use the tool this way. I prefer a shorter leash and never yank or pull the leash. Instead, just stop, so their head is guided, not forced back around.

The tool I recommend and use is the Gentle Leader Easy Walk Harness. Its an easy fit, the dog doesn't mind it, and it works really well. There is no issue of the dog escaping, and no damage since you are controlling the body.

5 Steps to VoIP

So you're ready to enjoy unlimited long distance calling and lower monthly phone bills. Well, before you make the switch, here are five steps that will help you get the VoIP plan that is best for you.

Make the Decision

Yes, it is new technology, and sometimes we are scared of the unknown. VoIP technology is on the rise and many high profile computer companies are already switching to VoIP and in return are becoming service providers. AOL, Sprint, and Verizon are offering VoIP as well as Internet Messaging services such as Yahoo, MSN, and AOL IM. First you must come to the decision that VoIP is best for you, your family, or your business needs. Research VoIP on the web and its providers. Talk to people that you know have already made the switch. Once you have made your decision to switch to VoIP, you are ready for the next step.

Choose the Plan that is Right for You

A good idea is to make a written list of your needs, wants, and features in a phone. This will help you compare different plans and choose the service provider that will best fit your needs. If you are looking for residential or business service, make sure that you note that in your list. Residential plans usually come in two forms- basic (which is a certain amount of minutes) and unlimited (which will give you unlimited local and long distance talk time). Business plans can include amenities such as multiple phones, greater minute talk time, greater unlimited calling plans, business features bundled with your plan, faxing and voicemail to your computer capabilities, and extras such as yellow page listings. Check with the company to find the plan that meets your requirements.

Setting up the System

Some service providers will send you the equipment that you need to begin using VoIP. You will first need to make sure that your computer system is compatible with the VoIP service. You will also need to have high speed Internet already installed with your computer. If you are using VoIP for a business or for a call center, it is best to leave the installation to a professional. Installing VoIP for a residence or home office is typically simple enough for most residents to do themselves.

Choosing your Phone Number

One of the best features that VoIP has to offer is the freedom to select your own telephone number. If you just want to transfer your old number to your new VoIP system, check with your service provider before making your final decision. Many VoIP providers will allow you to transfer your phone number.

If you want to select a different area code, this option has many advantages. First, for friends and family members who don't have unlimited long distance calling, selecting the same area code as them can save them money. They will appreciate being able to call you as if it were a local call.

This strategy is also very beneficial for those whose businesses are targeting specific areas. Say there is a California company, yet they want to increase business in Tampa, Florida. By selecting the Tampa, Florida area code, they can increase sales and productivity by having a local number for customers to call. This also reduces the need for a toll free number.

Install your Features and Accessories

VoIP comes with many features included in your service plan. For residential customers these include Voicemail, Caller ID, Call Forwarding, Call Block, and Do Not Disturb. Always check with your service provider for a detailed listing of the features included with your plan. For Small businesses, amenities such as multi phone users, free fax lines, and integrating your VoIP and web features are all available. VoIP also contains many of the same features bundled with basic plans as well. When you are choosing a provider, compare their business plans and select the one that best fits your business needs.

As VoIP technology continues to advance, a new array of accessories appears on the market. Today you can choose from VoIP phones, headsets, and even VoIP videophones that work as a web camera incorporating video with your audio.

How-To Art Book by Sherri Carden Is Perfect for Beginners - Best Underwater Painting Book Ever!

I was extremely happy with the recent e-book I purchased from Kindle entitled, "How to paint an underwater scene" by Sherri Carden. I have always wanted to learn to paint, but have never had the time or money to actually take lessons.

This book was easy to follow and was nicely designed. I liked that it didn't have too many extraneous instructions or a huge amount of rules to follow. What I found to be most helpful was the ease of use of this book. I also liked that there was professionalism as well as creativity in it's approach.

I have always found the sea fascinating, my entire life. The ocean creatures, seaweed, shells and water have always been a challenge for me. So when I first purchased this book, it was with the hope that I would be able to create a painting. I was able to utilize the instructions and information in such a way that I could create my own versions of the underwater scene. I loved that there was instructions on painting a mermaid as well, as I have always had an affinity for these creatures of the sea.

I loved experimenting with acrylic paints, as I have never used them before. I had always been afraid to use them, and had only dabbled once or twice with watercolors. However, since the instructions were easy to follow, I had no problem grasping the concept of working with acrylic paints. It was so much fun, and I will use these techniques in the future to create other works of art.

This book enabled me to experience my own creativity, and explore my skills as an artist. It is an experience I would not have had if I hadn't purchased this book. I learned how to work with the medium, paint over my mistakes and play a little with the paint. It was a first for me.

Because of the easy to follow instructions, it was no problem to create my first canvas painting! I have even created several pieces to share with family and friends for the holidays. I am thrilled. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to learn how to create an amazing painting in a very short time.

I hope this review will be helpful for other readers so that they too can enjoy the creative process, and explore their own "inner artist."

Rock Climbing - Christmas Gift Ideas

We all know someone who's idea of a good time is hanging off cliffs. If you're looking for Christmas gift ideas for a rock climbing enthusiast, here's some unique rock climbing gift ideas.

Rock Climbing Gift Ideas

You can always tell a rock climber by their appearance. White chalk fingers, bleeding knuckles, bent fingers and...a grin a mile wide. Whether they are climbing in indoor climbing gyms or hanging off Half Dome in Yosemite, rock climbers are very receptive to rock climbing gifts. Here are a few gift ideas that will make you a favorite with them.

1. Rock Climbing Gym - Most metropolitan areas now have rock climbing gyms. These gyms are typically indoor areas where rock climbers can work on their techniques. Walls come in a variety of terrains and with differing holds. Membership costs range all over the place, but climbers will love the gift. This is a particular good rock climbing gift idea for people living in big cities and who can't head off for an afternoon of knuckle crunching.

2. Climb International DVD - The Climb International DVD is a highly recommended financial planning tool for rock climbers. Why? Well, the DVD contains climbs from exotic locations such as Thailand and China. After watching the DVD, the average rock climber will suddenly start saving every penny from their paycheck, rolling nickels and generally being as cheap as possible. The goal? To save enough money to travel to these locations for a personal rock climbing adventure. The DVD can be a bit hard to find. Search for it by name on any search engine and you should be able to find it. Expect to pay roughly $20 for this mouth watering movie.

3. Build Your Own Indoor Climbing Wall - You have to be very careful when giving this gift. This book gives step by step instructions on how to build an indoor climbing wall. This, of course, requires one to have a space in which to build said climbing wall. Basements and garages are typical locations, much to the chagrin of spouses. Personally, I wouldn't put my name on the "from" section of the gift card. You can expect to pay $10 or so for this evil little book.

4. Climbing Holds - Climbing holds are plaster molds that are put on a climbing wall. They come in all kinds of vicious shapes, which are perfect for bending fingers in truly unnatural positions. If you know someone who has built a climbing wall in their garage or house, this is a perfect gift. Since each climbing hold is more or less unique, just pick the ones that grab your fancy. They come in a wide range of prices, so it is often best to shop by what you can afford. Helpful Tip: Look closely at the holds. If you can't imagine how a hand would possible hold onto a particular hold, that is the one to buy!

5. Nomad Rock Climbing Journals - A little self-promotion. Nomad Rock Climbing Journals are great gifts for rock climbers. These writing journals allow climbers to keep track of their climbs, impressions, people the climbed with, routes and any additional information they feel necessary. Over time, the climbing journals become a history of climbs and a great keepsake. A great Christmas gift, you can see the rock climbing journals by clicking the link in the byline of this article and expect to pay $25 for the journal with case.

As you know, there is simply no way to keep a climber from climbing. You might as well give in and give them a Christmas climbing gift.

9 Simple Ways to Build Muscle Mass

Muscle mass is the epitome of true bodybuilding. There are three components involved in mass building, they are: balanced dietary program, anaerobic and proper weight lifting.

There are 9 simple ways in which you can increase your body mass.

1. Concentrate on the Eccentric

Muscle growth occurs as a result of muscle contraction when you are lifting the weight. Many people pay most attention to concentric phase when you are lifting and the muscle contracts. However hypertrophy can also be caused during the eccentric phase as the muscle increases in length.

Concentrating on the eccentric phase is a simple way to overload the muscles and in the process cause an increase in muscle mass.

2. Eat red meat & fish

Fish and red meat contains the essential omega 3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are crucial for the simple fact that they sensitize the muscles to insulin absorption. They assist amino acids to enter into the muscles while at the same time help in the preservation of glutamine stores.

3. You should take more Sodium in your diet.

Although most people oppose taking more sodium in the diet as it could lead to high blood pressure, for a bodybuilder sodium is quite vital. This is due to the fact that it contains essential minerals that are useful during muscle growth. Sodium also helps by enhancing the storage of carbohydrates and the absorption of amino acids. It also sensitizes the muscles to respond to insulin.

The only disadvantage to body building is that it can lead to water retention.

4. Forget aerobic exercises

Aerobic exercises damage your chances of muscle building. This is because it burns up branched chain amino acids and essential glycogen in the body while at the same time messes with your strength gains. If you want to improve on your resting metabolic rate (RMR) so as to burn more calories then adding mass is the best way to go about it.

5. Emphasize heavy and intense lifting  

The amount of growth your muscle acquires is largely affected by the stress your muscles experience during your heavy lifting. Therefore in order to increase the stress in your muscles which will lead to muscle-tear, you have to train with weights intensely.

6. Increase your calories

If you are on a low calorie diet, you will never acquire a proper nitrogen balance. This is the key ingredient necessary to support muscle recovery. This should however be restricted to a two day period, to avoid unwanted fat.

7. Rest

Give your body ample time to rest, so that your body can recover and add on mass. Rest allows your body time to increase anabolism and restore glycogen level.

8. Take a meal in the middle of the night.

For anabolism to take place you calories have to be in excess. Therefore in the middle of the night you should try and take a protein drink so as to stimulate additional growth.

9. Use Proper Supplements.

If you are a healthy individual with no health problems you should try out on the recommended supplements out there. They are rich in creatine which will give you the extra boost needed to gain more muscles.

Small Business Basics

Most large-scale business houses that today stand as giant corporate were once started as small business concerns. Small businesses have always been a key to present successfully running high profile industries. While most of us desire to run a big industry some day very few are actually daring enough to give it a try. Starting a small business is not a cup of tea for all. People who aspire for definite life style and confirmed earnings usually are not ready to take chances for small businesses. As the term business always carries with it a sense of risk and uncertainty. It's the endeavor of small business owner that makes the trade work and reap good return. Anyone who wants to give a try to any type of small business must be ready to work around the clock and also invest a considerable amount of his money in his business. There is always a chance of losing all expenditure done towards the small trade if the person does not work hard enough or does not take correct decisions at a right time.

The risk involved in undertaking any small business is as high as risking one's career to a make or break situation. But sometimes a person acts very diligently and almost foresees any possible upcoming problems. In such cases the entrepreneur can prepare himself to face any adverse situation and come out safely form difficult times. Aiming towards the best and preparing for the worst might well be a perfect formula for running a successful small-scale business concern.

At a time when almost the entire market is captured by huge corporates it is very difficult for a small business to find a place in such competitive world. Large corporates with their great resources and public appeal create a tough competition for small-scale trade centers. But with a bit of innovativeness and skill even small enterprises can find a comfortable zone for themselves. Adhering to genuine business policies and providing utmost personal customer satisfaction to each business associate could lead a small business house to the top running high profile company in world.

For a business to be successful the exact motive behind the trade must be first cautiously analyzed. The goal of any business either big or small must work towards fulfilling some needs of the people. Someone starting a small trade must first analyze the market trends carefully and make sure that there was a place for such a business to exist. One must also consider his personal potential before starting the business. A vigilant scrutiny of one's capabilities to handle the pressures of business along with the personal financial strength enables him to decide whether he may go for that business or not.

Individuals who like to enjoy life easily and with a fixed routine without taking any tensions are better choosing service as their mode of occupation. Some times when a person is not sure enough about his capabilities to handle all types of demands in the business he might also consider having a partner for the trade.

Making Ten Thousand Dollars Every Month From Consulting

Consulting jobs is the newest business in town why I like this business so much is because consulting jobs do not need so much money to start it all you need is to be an expert in any field and the money will start to come into your bank account.

Jobs are not easy to come by especially when you are in your middle age but you can turn your former jobs into money making venture by becoming a consultant in that field, it might be lumbering or house building or even engineering don't underrate yourself those doing it are not better than you if you are an expert in two field good for you because you will have so many jobs to handle which means more money for you.

Now that you have found the field in which you are an expert become a consultant in that field set up your own company and start to seek for jobs online and off the internet this business is good if you know what you are doing I mean if you are good at what you are doing. There are two major things you must do to this business for the jobs and the money to start coming into your bank account

1 you must spend much money on advertising both on the internet and off the internet. Tell your friends, school mate, tell them what you are now doing. If you are Christian the church is the best place to tell people about the kind of jobs or business you are into and I tell you the truth they will help you tell others the business.

2 to succeed in this business, your charges matters a lot first of all check what you mate are charging before you will charge too and get pay first before you handle any job even if the client is promising many jobs ahead. This business is good if you and there are so many jobs out there for you if you are good in your field and if you need to know how you too can turn yourself into a consultant please download free and make extra money for your bills: http://charlesconsult.blogspot.com.

Commercial Property Management - How to Control Tenant Works and Fit Outs

When you manage a commercial property, frequently you come across tenants wanting to change their fit out or put in new fit out. There are rules to the process so things do not get out of control. When a fit out is poorly controlled the end result can significantly affect the building.

Ultimately you want a building that is not inconvenienced by the fit out works. If you have multiple tenants in the building then it's an important matter. Here are some rules to help you on the way with this sensitive but frequent issue.

Ultimately you want to control the works in the property. That will involve the following:

Identify clearly the building works to be performed in some form of building works agreement to be considered by the landlord Take photos of all affected areas before and after the events Create an understanding about what will happen to the fit out at the end of the tenant occupancy and decide who will remove the structure and at what cost controls Ensure that the building owner's engineers and other consultants review and approve the plans and drawings before works commence. Give special attention to how the works will impact essential services, air conditioning, fire safety systems, alarms, communication systems, electrical systems, water supply, drainage, and lighting systems. Ensure that the tenant gets the landlords approval on all construction works before anything starts on site Ensure that the tenant gets any necessary approvals from the local building and safety authorities regards the construction works before works start Establish the order of works and control them to time slots that do not detract from the building use, occupants, and visitors to the site Compliance with current building codes, energy codes, and safety codes in your area and within the building Control the noise on site both in office hours and after office hours, or at times when people access and use the site Control the rubbish and waste storage and removal that emanates from the construction Control the tradespeople on site so they do not disrupt the building occupants or function Keep the tradespeople to onsite access rules and access areas away from and that do not impact other tenants and customers Have a list of approved tradespeople on site so you do not have unauthorised personnel accessing areas of the property and undertaking works Decide who pays for the energy associated with construction works and get it metered so that disagreements do not occur Have an agreement in place with the tenant and their construction tradespeople regards risk events, insurance, damage, and workplace health and safety Keep the controls in place so that the construction works are to be done to standards that are expected in the building in colours and finishes that the landlord requires If the works are considerable and large, they are likely to impact the surrounding building so you will need a dilapidation report from the buildings engineers both before and after the works are done. Ensure all bonds, leases, agreements, and guarantees are in place before any works commence Understand how any emergency responses will be handled in the property when and if they occur Have a list of drawings of the finished tenant works that are reliable and accurate

This list is not finite given that every building is unique, but it is a list of some of the most important things to consider with the construction issues associated with a fit out in a commercial, retail, or industrial building.

As a property manager you must retain control of the works to be undertaken by the tenant. Left uncontrolled, many a tenant has taken advantage of the situation and gone beyond what the landlord ever approved.

Remember that this process above is to protect the building, protect the landlord's cash flow, protect other occupants in the building, and protect the members of the public.