10 ways to be a better parent

Make clear rules

Parents often have very different views about how they want to discipline their children and what behaviour warrants punishment. To overcome these issues, sit down with those that look after your child a lot. Write down key rules that you would like your child to follow; choose no more than 10. Together, you should then decide how you will punish each rule that is broken. Teamwork is essential when it comes to good discipline. Make sure you explain each rule to your child; you could even make a rule board and put it up in your house.

Listen

Between making breakfast, cleaning the house and getting your kids to brush their teeth it can be hard to find the time to listen. Try to prioritise though. Will your kids be thankful that they had perfectly neat and ironed clothes, or will they remember that time you sat down and really listened to what they had to say? Children often live in secretive worlds, so when they decide to share something, no matter how insignificant it may seem to you, it can be a big deal to them. You could try to get into a routine of asking your kids questions about their day, their friends or a game they like playing.

Have fun

Although rules are important, your kids will respect you a lot more if you spend time having fun with them too. Choose to do an activity they enjoy – if they are young play an imaginary, creative game with them. You could pretend to be pirates or jungle explorers and go on an adventure around the house. If they are a little older do a one-on-one activity with just them. You could go skating, have a pamper afternoon or have an active day out. The activity you choose doesn’t have to be expensive, it just has to interest them and be done on a regular basis.

Trust

Trust is something that doesn’t come easily to most parents. We worry that they won’t look to cross the road, that they might make the wrong friends or that they will get into trouble. However, trust is essential to make any relationship work and moreover it gives your kids the freedom to explore and learn about life for themselves. It is likely that at some point they will make mistakes, but they will also learn from those mistakes. Plus, trust gives you something to bargain with. They can have some freedom if they behave, and if they don’t then it’s taken away.

Be firm

A lot of parents find it hard to discipline their child even though, deep down, they know that the child needs to be punished. A horrible mix of guilt and despair makes discipline a difficult issue. However, by punishing them you are instilling good behaviour and strong morals. Once you have decided what rules you would like your children to follow, make sure that every time one of those key rules is broken there is a consequence to their actions. It is essential to be firm and consistent. Giving your child an explanation about why you have certain rules also helps them understand your actions.

Get organised

Parenting is the biggest time squeeze. You get up earlier and earlier and go to bed later and later, yet still there is no time left. The only way you combat the time hoarder that is parenting is to get organised. Get charts, alarms and bright pens. Instil a strong routine and get your kids to do a few chores. Another way to massively cut down on your chore time is to cook big batches of meals at once. You could make large quantities of soups, chillies or stews and then freeze them. They’re like cost-effective, healthy ready meals.

Show you care

Being a parent is hard work, but the rewards can be huge too. If you find it difficult to find ways of showing your child that you care maybe you could write them a little letter explaining why you think they’re great. Or you could write down eight reasons why you love them and put them on post-it notes. Hide these notes all over the house and ask your child to hunt them down. Sometimes it can be easy to buy children gifts when you want to let them know you love them, but emotional attention is a much clearer, stronger message.

Stay calm

No-one in the world can wind you up more than your kids. They can drive you wild and after very little sleep it can be easy to blow up with anger. Showing you’re angry won’t help the situation though and your child will also learn to be angry. To stay calm, first find out why your child is acting up and address the causes of their behaviour. If you are too angry to deal with the situation try to work out a technique that calms you. You could leave the room, inhale deeply, visualise a relaxing environment or just sip some water.

Don’t compare

Every family is different as every child is different. Don’t get caught up in the competitive side of parenting for your child’s sake and yours. A healthy amount of encouragement is good and can have a positive impact upon your child’s development, but getting too pushy will drive your children away, make them unhappy and may cause resentment. If you want to give your kids drive then set some achievable targets, let them have a say in what they do and give them a break. Never blame them if they fail, but remind them they achieved something by giving it a go.

Keep them active

If kids are inactive they will get restless, bored and frustrated. In Britain, nearly 2.4 million children are overweight or obese. Your child should be active for at least one hour a day. You can sign them up for a team sport or a dance class, but a lot of kids don’t like organised sport. Instead you could take them to a playground, play active games outside with them or go swimming. You can buy them active toys instead of computer games or DVDs, such as a bike or skates. Going for walks is also an easy way to get your child up and active. Read more on realbuzz.com...

source:in.lifestyle.yahoo.com

7 ‘good’ habits that are bad for your health

Think you know what’s good for you? You may be surprised. Take a look at these seven seemingly good habits that can actually be bad for your health.

Drinking water
While we are probably all familiar with the advice to drink eight glasses of water a day, more recent research has suggested that there is actually no scientific evidence supporting this recommendation and that drinking excessive amounts of water can actually be dangerous by lowering the concentration of salt in your blood. Health-conscious water drinkers should also be wary of the trend for drinking bottled water, as studies have suggested that the chemicals (phthalates) from plastic bottles can leach into water and disrupt hormone levels.

Talking over your problems
Talking through your problems can be a great way to gain some perspective and get things off your chest. However, studies have suggested that, after a certain point, rehashing and dwelling on problems can actually be bad for your health. According to research, revisiting and analysing the same problems with friends (“co-rumination”) can lead to anxiety, stress disorders and depression. Next time a problem arises, by all means talk it over with a friend, but try to focus on problem-solving rather than simply dwelling on the issue.

Sipping on mocktails

Learn 5 good habits that everyone should be imbibe.
You may think that by swapping cocktails for mocktails you are doing your health a favour, but this may not actually be the case. While cutting down on alcohol is beneficial for your wellbeing, mocktails are often high in refined sugar which research suggests is just as damaging and addictive as alcohol. For a safer swap and a shot of nutrients, make sure you stick to mocktails made from pure fruit juices instead of those made from syrups.

Early morning workouts
While a daily workout is great for your health, studies suggest that getting up for early morning exercise may not be as ideal as it seems. A study by a researcher from Brunel University, Middlesex, found that heavy training sessions early in the morning can compromise the immune system and put athletes at increased risk of bacterial and viral infection. While a morning jog or gentle exercise session is unlikely to put you at risk, it may be better to save heavier workouts for later in the day.

Taking nutritional supplements
We all know that vitamins are good for us, but relying on nutritional supplements can actually be bad for your health. Separate studies have shown that high doses of vitamin supplements including iron, magnesium and vitamin B6 raise the death rate of older women, while taking vitamin E can increase men’s risk of prostate cancer. While certain people may be required to take vitamins (those with low levels of vitamin D, for example, or vegans who may be deficient in vitamin B12), for most people a better approach is to opt for a varied diet full of fruit and vegetables which will give you all the nutrients you need.

Slathering on sunscreen
Official advice for many years has warned about the dangers of skin cancer, causing many of us to take measures to cover up in the sun at all times. However, while it is extremely important to protect your skin, experts have more recently advised that little and frequent sun exposure is good for us, preventing vitamin D deficiency, which can lead to rickets, osteomalacia and depression. Official advice in the UK, where rickets has recently made a comeback, is to spend 10 minutes in the midday sun without sunblock each day before covering skin up.

Switching to low fat foods
When getting started in healthy eating, it is tempting to opt for low fat foods in order to help keep off excess pounds. However, cutting out ‘good’ fats such as omega-3 fatty acids could be detrimental to your health. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in oily fish, walnuts and flaxseeds, not only help to keep skin supple and wrinkle-free, they are also essential for good brain and heart health and can help prevent arthritis.

source:in.lifestyle.yahoo.com

Brahmos missile flight tested successfully off Orissa coast

India on Wednesday successfully testfired version three of Brahmos supersonic cruise missile at theIntegrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur, off the Orissa coast.

The test firing took place at around 11.22 a.m., a Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) release said.

The release said that the missile flew through the designated 290 kilometer distance at Mach 2.8 and achieved high precision with steep dive once again.

The Network of telemetry stations and down range ships confirmed that the missile followed the pre designated flight path.

When contacted, Dr. A. Sivathanu Pillai confirmed that it was a text book launch achieving 100 percent results.

"Today's trial was special, as for the first time, the Brahmos missilewas launched in a 'steep drive' mode," Dr. Pillai, the chief of Brahmos Aerospace, an Indo-Russian joint venture company.

The missile was completely integrated at the BrahMos Integration Complex at Hyderabad. The test flight was witnessed by senior officers from the armed forces. he Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Brahmos, along with Mr. S Som, Project Director, Brahmos and Rear Admiral S Mohapatra, Executive Director were present during the launch.

"The missile was test fired from a ground mobile launcher from the launch complex-3 at about 1122 hours and the trial was successful," a defence official said.

The supersonic missile is capable of carrying a conventional warhead of 200 to 300 kilograms.

The cruise missile, a surface-to-surface army version, was test fired in the presence of senior army officials and DRDO scientists, a defence official said.

The two-stage missile, the first one being solid and the second one ramjet liquid propellant, has already been inducted into the army and the navy.

The army has so far placed orders for the Brahmos missile to be deployed by three regiments of the army. Two of them have already been inducted operationally. he Defence Ministry has also given a go-ahead to the army to induct a third regiment equipped with the missile system to be deployed in Arunachal Pradesh along the China border. (ANI + inputs)

source: http://in.news.yahoo.com

Women-Owned Firms Make Strides in Federal Contracting

The U.S. government is the world’s largest single purchaser of goods and services, offering a worthwhile market opportunity for many small businesses—including women-owned firms. The 5 percent federal goal for agency spending with women-owned firms, as well as the newly-launched Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contract Program in particular, can offer women-owned firms greater contracting opportunities.

A recent survey conducted among small business owners who are active federal contractors1 shows them to be working harder for less return than they were a year ago. A new report, Women and Minority Small Business Contractors: Divergent Paths to Equal Success, focuses on key trends among women- and minority-owned firms in federal contracting. This new report, published by American Express OPEN’s Victory in Procurement (VIP) program, finds that women business owners who are active contractors have reached the same level of contracting and overall business success as all active small contractors, with a similar level of effort—but they have not yet found that certification as a woman-owned small business (WOSB) has helped them achieve that success. Further, the pinch that all small firms are feeling over the past year with respect to fewer bidding opportunities and lower success rates have impacted women-owned firms even more severely than average.

Notable survey findings include:

Women-owned active contractors have achieved the same level of procurement and business success, with a similar level of effort, as all active small contractors. Over one-third (35 percent) of women active contractors have received $1 million or more in federal contracts over their lifetime of federal procurement activity, virtually identical to the 38 percent of all active contractors who have reached the same level of procurement success. In addition, 19 percent of women contractors employ 50 or more workers and 42 percent have $1 million or more in annual revenues, very similar to the 18 percent and 47 percent seen among all active small business contractors. Further, it took women business owners an average of 1.2 years and 4.0 unsuccessful bids to notch their very first victory in procurement, virtually the same as the 1.3 years and 4.4 bids seen among all small businesses.
Recent prime contracting bidding activity and success rates have declined for all small businesses, and even more significantly for women-owned firms. Over the past three years (2008-10) the level of bidding activity and the success rates for active small business contractors have declined compared to the 2007-09 period: prime contracting bidding activity is down 47 percent and prime bidding success rates are down 8 percent, and subcontracting bidding activity and success rates have declined 48 percent and 27 percent, respectively. The decline is even more severe among women business owners, especially with respect to prime contracting, where bidding activity has declined by 55 percent and success rates have fallen by 17 percent.
Women-owned firms are more likely than average to have a special procurement designation or certification. Getting on the GSA schedule has been most helpful, but being self-certified as a WOSB has not yet opened contracting doors. Self-certifications as well as qualified designations can increase procurement opportunities for many small firms. Over eight in 10 (82 percent) women-owned firms have one or more of these designations, compared to 70 percent of all active contractors. Women business owners are most likely to have self-certified as a WOSB (68 percent), gotten on the GSA schedule (24 percent) or qualified for small disadvantaged business/disadvantaged business enterprise (SDB/DBE) status (24 percent). Women business owners find being on the GSA schedule particularly helpful—41 percent of those who are on the schedule say it’s been very or extremely useful for getting federal contracts. Not so much the WOSB status—just over one-third (37 percent) of active women contractors who have self-certified as a woman-owned small business report that the designation has been useful to them, with only 17 percent saying that it’s been very or extremely useful. Of course, up until February 2011 there was no official government WOSB program, so the full impact of this program has yet to be seen.

Other key insights in the report include the finding that women business owners are much more likely than the average active small business contractor to point to agency purchasing officials and outside consultants as having had a positive impact on their contracting success.

This report is the second in a series of four reports that will be published from the second annual survey among active small business federal contractors. The first, Trends in Federal Contracting for Small Businesses, focused on the overall situation for small firms in the federal marketplace today as well as key trends seen over the past year. Other upcoming reports will focus on how strategies and outcomes change with level of procurement experience, and what lessons can be shared from firms that focus on subcontracting as a procurement strategy.

To download and read the entire 11-page report click here, and to learn more about American Express OPEN’s VIP program, visit www.openforum.com/governmentcontracting.

1An active contractor is defined as a business that is registered on the Central Contractor Registry to do business with federal agencies and is either currently performing on a federal contract or has performed on a contract within the past five years.

Source:http://www.openforum.com

How to Avoid Work-at-Home Scams

There are genuine work-at-home business ventures and, unfortunately, there are work-at-home scams. It’s vital to be able to tell the difference between the two. Although it's difficult to tell with absolute certainty which opportunities are fraudulent and which are authentic, there are warning signs that scream “SCAM.” Here's how to spot the scams while finding legitimate opportunities.

Do your research

Before embarking on any business enterprise, do the necessary background research. It’s time consuming, but crucial to avoiding a costly mistake.
Verify that the company truly exists.
Is there readily available contact information including a physical location, email address, and phone number?
Is the company legally registered as a corporation, LLC, or other type of business entity?

Assess the company’s stability. A firm that has been in operation for two years or more is more likely to be stable than a fresh startup. Explore their reputation; check with the local Better Business Bureau or the National Fraud Information Center. If the company has a lot of negative publicity, there’s likely a reason. A few complaints are expected; a pattern of unresolved complaints is not.

Be cautious about investing money

An up-front fee required just to discover details about a business venture is highly suspect. Information should be provided free of charge so an informed decision about whether or not to pursue the prospect can be made. Legitimate companies are interested in partnering with people who can be successful; scammers, on the other hand, are only interested in money.

Be wary of unbelievable claims

If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Be wary of claims of easy money with little or no effort. Starting a home-based business is just like starting any other kind of business. It requires time and effort. Claims of “guaranteed money” are also an indication of a scam. No company can guarantee profitability.

Understand the nature of the business

A legitimate work-at-home business, whether it’s selling a product or service, or freelance work, should be able to explain clearly what they do and how they do it. Also, make sure there is an actual product, service, or task involved. If the only way to make money is by recruiting other people, it’s most likely a pyramid scheme.

The ability to work from home should be secondary to the actual business. If the headline screams "WORK AT HOME," it’s most likely a scam. Legitimate opportunities tend to list the nature of the job or business first. They disclose specifics, not just the promise of working in your pajamas.

Some legitimate options

Whether you choose to be an entrepreneurial business owner, or do contract work for another company, certain types of businesses are more easily conducted at home.

Sales, whether creating or re-selling your own products or selling another company’s products or services, is a good option. Customer service, inbound sales, and telemarketing are also viable alternatives.

Virtual assistance, data processing, and transcription are popular options. Bookkeeping, tax preparation, and other financial services, as well as insurance claim processing and medical billing, are also good candidates.

Freelance writing, content creation and blog posting can be done on a contractual basis and are excellent possibilities for a self-employed writer. Some lesser-known opportunities, such as writing for greeting card companies or creating grant proposals, are often overlooked. For those with a background in a design field, opportunities exist in graphic design, website creation and illustration.

Finding work-at-home jobs

Job search engines such as LinkUp and Simply Hired search for jobs on company web sites, while Monster, CareerBuilder, and Yahoo! Careers compile vast job databases. Sifting through the massive numbers of job postings can be time-consuming, use keyword such as "telecommute" “freelance,” or “work from home” to narrow your search.

A successful home-based business is certainly possible. Make sure you research each opportunity thoroughly, screen carefully and consider which opportunities are a good fit. You’re less likely to be successful if you lack the necessary skills or dislike the work involved.

Royale Scuderi is a freelance writer and success coach. She is the founder of Productive Life Concepts and has been featured on top rated blogs such as Stepcase Lifehack and The Huffington Post. You can also find her musings on life and business at GuardWife.com and Twitter.com/RoyaleScuderi.

Source:http://www.openforum.com

5 Ways to Overcome Today's Challenges in the Financial Industry

Finances are very personal. They are often discussed quietly and confidentially with trusted financial advisers. That's why many of the challenges that financial services providers face don't have to do with dollars and cents. Emotional issues are involved with finances.

These are some strategies that help financial services managers meet the challenges of doing business in today's market.

1. Attract and retain clients

Banks and financial services firms have to stand out in the crowd by offering customers something extra.

"The bottom line is there is nothing that can differentiate one bank from another, other than making a connection with customers," says Joe Sullivan, CEO of Market Insights. Sullivan's company helps financial institutions with business strategy, planning and marketing. "Make an emotional connection with the consumer and let them know you understand their financial needs. Then come at them with solution-based thinking, not product pushing."

The financial services providers that help customers take ownership of their finances and teach them to become better money managers will have larger client bases, says Sullivan.

2. Know your customer

In a rapidly changing world, financial services providers must be aware that their customers are changing, too.

Consumers are savvier and more aware of their finances than they were five years ago, according to Sullivan. The best providers engage customers and learn how their needs are evolving.

If a bank or a business has not looked at its market or its customers to learn "what is going on with them in the last year, you don't know your customers." Sullivan said.

3. Promote confidence in the economy

The economic crisis that began in 2008 is still very fresh in customers' minds. Large financial institutions collapsed and the government bailed out troubled banks. The stock market lost value and in much of the country the housing market eroded.

Now financial advisers are called on to provide factual evidence to customers that the economy is getting stronger.

4. Use technology that customers expect

"Technology has changed the expectations consumers and small businesses have of their bank," Sullivan said.

Clients use information on the Internet to compare financial service firms. Many more customers are comfortable with managing their money online and they expect user-friendly tools to do so.

E-mail messaging and chat interaction may now be primary ways financial advisers communicate with clients. Companies must react to changes in technology to keep reaching customers in the most effective ways.

5. Watch your reputation

The financial services world is like high school in some ways: Reputations can be difficult to control or change. At the moment, consumers are not forgiving many of the companies that were front and center during the economic crisis.

A recent Harris poll surveyed consumer opinion on the reputations of America's 60 most visible companies. The top nine most disliked companies list includes six of the large financial services firms.
Wells Fargo
Citigroup
JPMorganChase
Bank of America
Goldman Sachs
AIG

Financial services companies that stay focused on customers and their needs will be the companies customers keep at the top of their "like" list. These companies have to stay in tune as customers' needs shift and they have to provide workable solutions.

Carla Turchetti is a veteran print and broadcast journalist who likes to break a topic down and keep her copy tight. That's why this bio is so brief. Carla blogs for Contently.

Source:http://www.openforum.com

5 Things Women Should Never Say When Negotiating

Call me naive, but I find it shocking that in the 21st century, women still make less than men. The facts are sobering: The average woman makes about 77 percent of a man's salary in the same position. Asking for what you want—and deserve—can help move that 77 percent toward 100.

Women with children make even less, according to the National Committee on Pay Equity. A recent University of New Mexico study shows moms earn 14 percent less than women without children.

I hesitate to blame the victims, but women need to stand up for themselves when they are negotiating. Research shows that women negotiate as well as men do when they are arguing for other people, not for themselves, says Victoria Pynchon (pictured).

“They aren’t bad negotiators, but they have been enculturated not to ask for things for themselves,” says Pynchon, co-founder of She Negotiates Sales and Training, a consultancy based in Los Angeles. “They hesitate, and when they do go out on a limb, they often are on the receiving end of cultural blowback.”

This cultural consequence can come in many forms. When people step out of cultural roles, others become uncomfortable and often show disregard or express anger, she explains. So, women accept unfavorable conditions and may even bypass negotiating altogether.

“The biggest mistake women make is to not negotiate at all,” Pynchon says. “They are happy to have a job and they don’t recognize that they have an opportunity to help shape the terms. Because we tend to compare our income to the income of our women friends, we are all operating at a level of wage gap.”

How can you negotiate better terms for yourself and thereby help close the gender wage gap? Start by staying away from the following phrases.

I’m sorry

Women tend to apologize for things they shouldn’t. Apologizing in the negotiating room lessens the weight of your argument. Stay away from saying things like, "I’m sorry to ask for this, but I feel that I deserve a raise."

Don't discount your worth right out of the gate with language like, "My rate is $5,000. I know that's a lot, so I’m willing to take 20 percent off for you."

“Just stop apologizing, period,” Pynchon adds. “You are already being valued less because you are a woman. Be confident.”

What if you receive blowback?

“Say, ‘I’m surprised that you would pay me anything less than market value,’” Pynchon says. “Don’t get mad back at them, just be measured and direct the conversation to a resolution.”

I feel

It may be second nature to express how you feel about a topic, but those words need to be kept out of negotiations, according to Beverly D. Flaxington, co-founder of The Collaborative, a business consultancy in Medfield, Mass.

“Most negotiations are about facts, data and information. Once you talk about feelings, you lose credibility,” she says. “Asking the other person how they feel can be off-putting. Why are you trying to understand what’s underneath their actions?”

OK (at first offer)

Pynchon instructs her clients to always make the first proposal. If the hiring representative says no to your proposal, respond with questions.

“Say, ‘what about this offer is not palatable to you?’ she says. “Start high or low enough to permit them to make at least three concessions.”

I never thought of that

Do your research pre-negotiation. If, during the process, the opposing party presents something surprising (or outright shocking), maintain composure, advises Alan Guinn, managing director and CEO of The Guinn Consultancy Group in Bristol, Tenn.

“Then walk away from the table, do your research and come back,” he says. “Always let the other side of the negotiation assume that you know everything about a topic.”

No

The point of a negotiation is to “drive the conversation to an agreement,” says Pynchon. Saying ‘no’ closes off the conversation and makes it difficult to start back up.

Pynchon offers an example: Your hourly fee is $350 but a potential client tells you he can only pay $200 per hour. Instead of saying no, ask "Why it is you can’t pay more than $200 for this service?" Or, try something like this: "Having talked about my services, I think that I will benefit your company in X ways. What is it about this figure that is [difficult] for you?"

Continue the conversation with phrases such as "I hear what you are saying," and "Tell me something about that."

She says, “It's all about active listening and trust building.”

Source:http://www.openforum.com

4 Ways to Reduce Distractions While Working at Home

There’s nothing like the joy and freedom of working at home. We’ve all heard about the fun of working in our pajamas, getting a snack whenever we want, or taking a walk in the sunshine just because we can. Unfortunately, many of the perks of working from home can also be pitfalls to actually running and growing a successful business.

Sound familiar? Luckily, you can get a handle on unnecessary distractions and make your work day more productive. Here are four easy-to-implement steps to get you started.

1. Prep your week

Even if you’re not a list maker, keeping a list of things to do each day can really help. Even better, make a complete weekly schedule. Pencil in both work and family obligations for each day, so you have a snapshot of what you’re doing and when.

Most importantly, keep track of all your work obligations, including client work time, marketing, research, product development, shipping or anything else that runs and grows your business. A schedule will help reduce distractions and confusion over what you need to do. And, it can help family and friends know when you’re available and when you’re not.

2. Lay down the law

You have family, friends and neighbors. And they love to come knocking at your door when you’re scrambling to meet a big deadline. A huge work-at-home distraction can be your own family and associates who either don’t know about, or don’t respect, your working hours.

It’s your job to inform them. Your best friend might not get that your work-at-home job is really a job. Your elderly neighbor might think that, since you’re home anyway, you can mow her lawn.

The solution? Print out your weekly schedule which clearly outlines the hours you’ll be actively working. Make these hours a bright, highly visible color. Then, hand out a schedule to everyone who may be guilty of calling you or coming over during work time. Post it to Facebook. Tape a copy to your front door if you have to, along with a "Do Not Disturb" sign.

Despite your best efforts, someone will keep calling you anyway. This offers a grand opportunity to work on your resolve; simply don’t answer the phone. Ultimately, you must practice not giving in to the distraction just as much as your family and friends need to learn to leave you alone.

3. Manage your social time

Facebook is the ultimate virtual water cooler, isn’t it? Before you know it, two hours go by while you catch up with your friends, look at pictures, feed your critters in Farmville, and watch video clips. Then you pop over to Twitter and catch up on the chatter. Logging into each of your five e-mail accounts only takes a moment, until you get wrapped up in lengthy replies. Then you remember that you needed to Google something and end up looking at yurts in the Himalayas…somehow another hour-and-a-half has gone by.

The Internet is an awesome way to completely waste your working day. Getting compulsive social networking out of your system is necessary to being productive and meeting your business goals. How?
Use a separate laptop without internet access for work, if possible.
Disconnect your router while you’re working to reduce compulsive Internet use.
Put a timer on your desk. Set it for one hour. When it goes off, set it for five minutes of “play around” time.
If you really struggle with compulsive internet fooling around, consider installing an accountability program like Work Examiner.

4. Reschedule your chores

Many things at home can distract us from work—especially household chores. You simply must be doing everything just because you’re home. This means laundry, dishes, picking up after the kids, maybe a quick vacuum or two. Then, you sprinkle work time into the mix, mash it all together, and find you’ve done more housework than work-work.

Consider eliminating or rescheduling the extra tasks you feel compelled to complete during your working hours.
Do laundry once per week, or only after you’re done working for the day.
Allow yourself one half-hour per day to complete household tasks (if you simply can’t wait until after work).
Get up an hour early and take care of small household tasks (like prepping food for dinner).
If you think of household things you must do, like making a doctor’s appointment or calling the exterminator, write it down. Make a list of small things to complete only after you’ve finished working.
Shorten your working hours, or rearrange them, to better suit your household responsibilities.

The good news is that your business is yours. You’re the boss. The bad thing is that you’re the boss. In the end, you’re completely responsible for making your working hours productive. You can do it, even if you must take baby-steps to reducing your daily distractions. Once you realize how incredible a fully interrupted work day can be, you’ll never want to go back!

Justine Grey is a Web entrepreneur who writes Work Life Joy for frazzled business builders who long to work vibrantly and live beautifully. You can find her on Twitter at @JustineGrey chatting about life, work and her pop culture obsession.

Source:http://www.openforum.com

5 E-mails Successful People Don’t Send

There are certain types of e-mails you should never send. You might feel good firing them off, but sending them undermines your effectiveness.

One kind of e-mail that you should consider not sending is the one asking permission. The world opens up if you stop asking for permission. Most decisions about whether to send an e-mail asking permission fall between mission-critical and unnecessary.

To decide if you have to ask for permission, weigh the costs and the benefits of sending that e-mail. If you might lose your company by striking out on your own, that’s a high cost. If you are enabling yourself to do more of what you want to do, that’s a huge benefit.

This MP in the photo likely did not ask permission to bring her child to work. She works for her constituents, which means that on a day-to-day basis, she makes her own decisions. If she had asked someone for permission to bring her daughter to Parliament, she would probably have been told no.

Whatever you decide about whether some workplace communications are necessary, don't ever send the ones that follow.

1. Screw-up e-mails

The "you’re a screw-up" e-mail is almost always a mistake. You think it makes you seem powerful, but bitching to someone in e-mail reflects lousy social skills. And people with lousy social skills make lousy leaders.

If you need to tell someone they did a bad job, do it in person so you can gauge their reaction. If they are crushed by the first words, there’s no need to keep going, as you would in an e-mail.

Another reason not to reprimand by e-mail is that people leave such e-mails in their inbox for weeks and reread it every time they want to resurrect their hate for you. Talking in person helps everyone move past the conflict without residue.

2. Sick-day e-mails

A good rule of thumb is to never send an automated e-mail response to say you are gone for one or two days. It’s annoying to people. They don’t care that you are out of the office for one day. Just send the e-mail when you get back.

The number of emergency e-mails you receive in a day is probably one or two. Those people call you if they don’t hear from you in 15 minutes. So you don’t need to put everyone else though the annoyance of hearing that you are out of the office for the day.

3. Cold-call e-mails

I was surprised to receive an e-mail from a top venture capitalist asking me for an introduction to a 25-year-old designer. The designer was a heavy user of my company’s career-management platform, BrazenCareerist.com and the VC had noticed. He wanted to connect the designer to a startup he had just invested in, and he did not want to send a cold-call e-mail.

I was initially surprised, but then I realized that the designer probably would not know that the VC is huge. But if I send an introduction, letting the designer know the VC is important, the designer will respond quickly. It’s the VC’s way of making sure e-mails get quick answers.

Then I realized that if such a heavy-hitter as this VC is not sending cold-call e-mails, no one should. After that, whenever I want a favor from someone who doesn’t know me, I ask someone else for an introduction, or I don’t ask.

The fastest way to get favors is to have a strong network and ask for something the network can help with. Cold-call e-mails take so long to come to fruition that they are mostly not worth the time.

4. Lunch e-mails

Most people who have a lot to give (advice, money, connections, support) do not have a lot of time to give it. You have a better chance of getting what you need if you ask for the exact right amount of time to get it. Lunch takes a long time compared to an e-mail response.

So, for example, if you need a name of a salesperson who has experience in semi-conductors, don’t ask the person who has a list of names to have lunch. Send an e-mail requesting the information. If you make an offer to the salesperson and they are not sure if they want the job, then ask the salesperson to lunch.

The rules for how much time you can ask of someone seem complicated. But the bottom line is, don’t invite someone to lunch unless you plan to give them money. There are exceptions, but those exceptions are few, and they are described with great detail by VC Mark Suster (who hates getting lunch invitations).

5. Photo e-mails

If your photo shows up with your e-mail, attach one that will do no harm. Do not put a significant other in your photo. A spouse implies you are announcing you don’t have an independent identity. A kid implies you are not working long enough hours.

Don’t tell me you include someone in your photo because they are important to you. The person sending and receiving e-mails only cares that he or she is important to you. Your life story does not need to be included in the e-mail.

Also, make yourself look young and fun because the startup world prefers young people. You might not look young and fun in person, but first impressions go a long way.

Source:http://www.openforum.com

4 Ways to Better Manage Gen-Y

By now the lower ranks of the proverbial corporate ladder have been completely taken over by Generation-Y, a group of people roughly between the ages of 18 and 29 years. Much has been made about the unique characteristics that define this generation, from their constant need to be connected, to their rather conservative perspective on the market. Just like the generations before them, there is also well-documented tension between Gen-Y and their older counterparts. Gen-Y is often perceived by some as being lazy, having a sense of entitlement and lacking in social skills. Regardless of your position, the simple fact is that soon this generation will assume the responsibility of middle-upper management, and their performance will largely determine the success of our economy in the next few decades.

According to Business and Professional Women’s Foundation, Gen-Y will make up approximately 75% of the global workforce by 2025! So there is incentive to better understand and prepare young professionals for the next steps in their career (As well as incentive to maximize their productivity in the workplace today!). With that said, here are four ways that you can be a better manager to your Generation-Y employees.

1. Make them feel like they have an impact on your business

Gen-Y wants to be a part of something, and they don’t want to wait 10 years until they are able to do it. Now certainly, this doesn’t mean that every entry-level employee should be given control of the budget or allowed to make strategic decisions for the company. However, there are small things that you can do as a manager that will go a long way in both developing them as leaders and maximizing their productivity. Give them the autonomy to make basic decisions on non-critical components of a project. Create an environment where they are comfortable with and encouraged to share their thoughts and opinions. Even if those opinions aren’t acted on, the sense that their contribution is valued will make them more productive for your company.

2. Build loyalty in smaller doses

Let’s face it, corporate loyalty is almost something that can be taught in a high school history class. Gone are the days of pension programs and employees beginning and ending a career at the same company. Gen-Y workers simply aren’t motivated by traditional means such as higher salary (Of course they are motivated by money, but there are other factors that are considered by them, such as growth opportunity, freedom of social media access and job security). Many companies have unrealistic expectations about corporate loyalty, where the employee is expected to associate with the brand name first and their co-workers second. Gen-Y employees are far more loyal to their immediate co-workers and superiors than to the brand they serve. As a manager even of a small group, create a culture of teamwork, recognition and growth, and you will find your employees far more satisfied, and much less likely to jump ship.

3. Set a clear success path for employees to grow within the company

This one goes hand in hand with building loyalty. Gen-Y employees do not feel loyal to corporations, because they don’t believe that corporations are loyal to them. They came of age during one of the worst economic time periods in our nation’s history, and they have seen their parents and other adult role models let go from companies that they had been ‘loyal’ to for a number of years. In their minds, that loyalty isn’t reciprocated, and their experience in a down economy has taught them to look out for themselves. To this end, members of Gen-Y change their first jobs after just over 2 years! Still, despite Gen-Y’s pessimism, many would prefer to stay with their organizations and grow. They leave because they feel like they have no other choice. So when onboarding Gen-Y new-hires, work with them to determine their career goals, and develop a pathway for them to reach those goals. Designate specific milestones and metrics that will help them to move their way up the ladder and not feel as though they have to leave in order to advance their careers.

4. Embrace their way of doing things

Gen-Y is inherently different from Gen-X and the Baby Boomers. They are a results-driven group, and don’t enjoy the confines of a 9-5 work day. That may draw criticism, but they are ready and willing to work nights and weekends to get their work done. They may be connected to the Internet and social media almost too much, which may lead to distraction at the work place, but it also has given them an unmatched network of information, and they are able to conduct research at light speed when compared to prior generations. Clearly, there is a balance, but by harnessing the characteristics of Gen-Y, you will give them a sense of purpose and value while at the same time improving your business’ success.

Dan Schawbel is the Founder of Millennial Branding, a Gen-Y research and management consulting firm. He is the author of Me 2.0: 4 Steps to Building Your Future.

Source:http://www.openforum.com

5 Components of a Successful Marketing Plan

What makes a good marketing plan? You can measure it by the decisions that follow, the business it generates and how well it's implemented. A brilliant marketing plan that is not executed is worth much less than a mediocre marketing plan that's carried out.

The plan's value is in the success of the business.

Within this general framework, successful marketing plans have several key elements. I’ll use examples from the restaurant business because it's familiar to most people.

1. Market focus

“I don’t know the secret to success, but I do know that the secret to failure is trying to please everybody,” said Bill Cosby. Good marketing plans define target markets narrowly. A restaurant’s target market might be families, couples, baby boomers, teenagers, children, date nights, busy and rushed working people, or some combination.

You won’t find a restaurant that works for a baby boomer couple’s night out also working for families with small children. Choose. Divide and conquer.

2. Product focus

Product focus matches market focus. If you want baby boomers’ date nights, then serve good food. If you want families with kids, then serve food quickly, make the menu items relatively cheap and, of course, the food has to be safe.

Sushi doesn’t sell on price. Drive-through windows don’t deliver fast food.

3. Concrete, measurable specifics

A good marketing plan is full of dates and details. Strategy probably drives a good plan, but tactics, programs and details make the difference. As much as possible, the plan has to tie results back to activities and come up with hard numbers to measure those results.

A restaurant cannot have vague goals like having the best-tasting food. It needs specifics that are related to marketing message, insertions, posts, tweets, dinners served, return visits, members of the e-mail list, reviews, stars and so forth.

The key is to take a plan and think ahead about how you’ll know whether it was implemented. Will you be able to tell?

4. Responsibility and accountability

Groups and committees get little done. Assign every part of a marketing plan to a specific person. Measure the results of every task and be sure a person is responsible for it. Peer pressure is important: The people executing the plan have to be accountable for measurable results. Failure has to hurt, and achievement has to be rewarded.

An old joke: How do you see involvement vs. commitment in a bacon-and-egg breakfast? Answer: The chicken is involved, but the pig is committed. A good marketing plan needs commitment, not just involvement.

5. Reviews and revisions

Every successful marketing plan is actually a planning process, not just a plan. Things change too fast for static plans. A good marketing plan is part of a process that involves setting goals, measuring results and tracking performance. It entails regular review and revision.

If the group running the marketing plan isn’t meeting once a month to compare the plan with actual results and make course corrections, there is no marketing plan.

Source:http://www.openforum.com

4 Ways to Optimize Your iPad For Business

Are you thinking about snapping up a new iPad? The post-PC lifestyle is especially intriguing for business owners who travel on a regular basis and want to travel lightly. It's easy to forget that the tablet, for all of its shiny tech and workable native apps, is still a blank slate for business. Luckily, that can be solved with a few quick tips – and the right apps. Here's a round-up of what you need to maximize your iPad's capabilities and ensure that you're getting the most out of your new workhorse.

How have you optimized your iPad? Let us know in the comments below.

1. Invest in the cloud

Everyone in the tech industry has been buzzing about the cloud for years – and for a good reason. Whether it's through the Apple-sanctioned iCloud or third-party option like Dropbox, the cloud is easily a businessperson's best friend. At a moderate cost – $9.99 a month for 50GB on Dropbox – the memory and capacity of your iPad increases dramatically. Not to mention the benefit of the ability to maintain real-time sync with other computers and devices. So, if you're cut off from a project at the last-minute, and you're rushing out of your work office to catch a plane or meet with a client, you can just drop your files into the cloud and pick up where you left off once you get to your destination.

If you're looking to forgo your laptop in place of a tablet altogether, you simply can't do it without a functional and helpful cloud. Even at its highest price point, the iPad alone only comes with as much standard memory as a regular MacBook Air. There's no better way to keep your iPad running smoothly than to store all of your files online rather than within the tablet itself.

2. Make sure you can go offline

A lot of what makes an iPad slick and sexy is its seamless browsing design. But, the iPad is not the iPhone: Unless you're willing to scale up a ways to get unlimited 4G access (not to mention the cost of the contract), you're likely to only have access to the Internet when you're Wi-Fi enabled. That can be a huge time-suck for those who are looking for ease and accessibility when they're onboard a flight or simply without a hotspot.

Enter Instapaper. This app serves as the ultimate bookmark: Just click the "Read Later" bookmarklet on your browser – or email a link to your Instapaper account – to add item to your Instapaper account so that you can view it any time on Instapaper, even while you're offline. The best part is that you can bookmark nearly anything, including long emails and online PDFs, so you'll never have to kick yourself for being unable to respond to an important business document because you're indisposed.

3. Mix and match the functions of an office suite

There are two truths about simple office suite software on the iPad: They can be some of the most expensive apps you'll buy for your tablet, and the inexpensive alternatives can feel, well, lacking. That's why it's best to analyze exactly what you use your office suite for the most, and then pick the app that does those things best.

For example, a simple writing app like CleanWriter would be ideal for someone who relies heavily on docs for simple writing duties like blogs and emails. However, those who are looking for bells and whistles, such as photo placement, should spend the extra cash for Pages. Same thing for spreadsheet apps: If you're looking at spreadsheets rather than creating or editing them full-time, you may be better off sticking with an annotation app like GoodReader instead of spending double for Numbers. The nice thing about the iPad is that it lets you pick and choose – don't be afraid to tailor your app set to suit your needs rather than loading up on a bunch of "just in case" apps.

4. Splurge on an industry-specific app

The best time to spend money is when you're getting top-shelf products to help make your business run more smoothly. There are multiple industry-specific applications that can be invaluable to your iPad suite, and it's best to pick the absolute best option out there – even if it means digging a little deeper into your pockets.

For example, independent freelancers would do well spending the extra money on an invoicing app like Invoice2Go that would help keep track of time and clients. If you deal largely in contracts or reports, then a PDF manager like PDF Reader Pro will be a must on your list.

Everyone is different, and every work style is different. So optimization, in the end, comes down to personalization. The more you think about what you need to run your business, the more useful your tablet will be to you.

Source:http://www.openforum.com

10 Steps to Getting More Done in Your Day

Every day, your to-do list seems to grow. And in this business climate of information overload and constant interruptions, it has become increasingly difficult for small business owners to get anything accomplished. Not to mention, instead of technology increasing your productivity, it often seems to weigh you down. How are you supposed be proud of what was accomplished today and not just be frustrated?

Here are 10 steps to getting more done in a single day. (After you get your cup of coffee, of course.)

1. Do not start the day by checking e-mail, voice messsages or social media feeds. This will suck you in a direction you do not want to go, and is the surest way to get your day off to a bad start.

2. Start by completing two things on your list that must get done today. Do the hard or unpleasant stuff first. Make sure whatever the tasks are, they will have a significant impact on your business and are part of the critical path to other business goals and objectives.

3. Make decisions and take action. Procrastination never pays off, so make the tough decisions first. Say "no" more often than you say "yes", and don’t even think about saying “maybe.”

4. Deal with every e-mail once. Read an e-mail and take action on it now. Don't save it for later or leave it in your inbox. File it in the appropriate subfolder if it is needed for later reference.

5. Focus on doing one thing at a time. Believe it or not, multitasking can cause brain damage. The brain actually doesn’t do multiple things at one time, but instead just switches very quickly. This does not improve your overall productivity.

6. Control distractions. Turn off the e-mail and social media notifications, beeps, ringtones and visits to your office. If you need to use a software tool that turns off your access to the Internet, install it. Limit or rotate the information you read.

7. Stay off the Internet, Youtube, Facebook and Twitter unless you have a plan. This is the fastest way to kill your productivity since you can drift on these sites forever. Know why you are using these tools and how it will help your business, and always set a time limit for this activity.

8. Do not enter a meeting without a written agenda and a stop time. And in some meetings, have everyone remain standing. Document action items and assignments, and end early if you can.

9. Delegate to others. Improving your productivity means utilizing the other people in your organization to take full responsibility for their own tasks. Unless you set up an assigned hierarchy, you will always be stuck with all the tasks.

10. Recharge. If technology would have its way, most small business owners would work 24/7. Set a time limit on work and ensure there are place in your life which are an oasis so you can recharge daily.

Source:http://www.openforum.com

Friendship personalities of sun signs

We laugh, we cry; we fight and we make-up. We also hold grudges and keep secrets. But then soon enough, we pour our hearts out. We stand by each other in toughest times and on the lowest days. And, yet we make fun of each-other. We are friends!

Must-reads on V-day page:

• How to Propose to your loved one?
• Real people, real love stories

The cousins we get to choose for ourselves, our alter-egos, our friends play a distinctive role in shaping our choices, preferences and even our personalities. One of the most important influences in our lives, friends are like colours – adding not just beauty and variety to our lives, but also substance and support.

Let's get to know them even better with the Sun Sign-wise guide to friendship personalities -

ARIES

Aries is a fire sign, so independence is a part of its legacy. Happiest when they are in charge of situations, Aries natives have a competitive side that surfaces whenever they are in large groups of people. Their sharp wit and quirky sense of humour ensures that the people of all ages and temperaments connect well with them. Never at a loss for companions, they themselves are extremely selective about their own friend circle. It's definitely going to be a night to remember when friends step out with these fun-loving, flamboyant rock-stars. However, the Aries' need for variety kicks in soon after, and then, the Aries natives are perfectly capable of moving onto a new set of friends, especially if they are bored. Ruled by the First House, the house of Self, Aries tend to put their own needs first, though not intentionally. This should cast no shadow of doubt on their reliability as friends, as they may not share that last piece of chocolate, but they will always be there for their friends, even at 4 am.

TAURUS

There's an inner genuineness to Taurus that shines through, and naturally attracts people to them. They believe that friends are a great source of learning and support, and pride themselves on their stimulating and eternal friendships. They are often the ones with kindergarten friends, who can regale each other with stories from the past, and share an enviable unspoken understanding. They exemplify the phrase 'friends for life', playing varied roles of protector, entertainer, and critic as the need may be. They are steady and devoted, and their friendship is sure to stand the test of time. Without a demur, complaint, or rebuke, they will be there when they are needed, and will expect the same commitment from their friends. They are not big believers in the concept of 'complete space' in relationships, so they want to be involved in everything that matters to their friends. They can be the most wonderful friends if only their feelings are correctly understood. They are sensitive to the slightest snub, and will ably hide their insecurity below a smiling countenance, so friends will need to be careful to not take their undying loyalty for granted.

GEMINI

Gemini is one sign that seems tailor-made for friendship. Immensely popular on the social circuit, they swing between playing the dual roles of entertainers and intellectuals. This explains why they have a diverse set of friends - many groups for their many moods. They have two sides, and their friends need to know them well enough to assess the mood they are in. When they are in the mood for some moments of silence, nothing can lure them to a night around town. Similarly, when they are dressed to kill, they will ensure the night has no end. They love hanging out, and if their friends can tune into their wacky frequencies, they will be entertained to the hilt. With a mercurial temperament, Gemini is instantly attracted to intelligent people, and these relationships have the potential of becoming bonds for a lifetime. They are always open to adventures, so they have a different interesting perspective on most things. They are big on communication and would love spending time with someone they can match wits with. Optimistic and outgoing, they can create extraordinarily positive environments and help people see the brighter side of life.

CANCER

Many adjectives have been used to describe Cancer's sensitivity, but none of them can truly capture the essence of this soft-spoken sign's persona. They are definitely one of the more emotional signs of the zodiac, but that speaks volumes for the genuineness of their affections. They are loyal friends and while they may not express their feelings much, they will stand by their loved ones come what may. Being ruled by the moon necessitates that they are subject to swift mood changes, and they may be found smack in the middle of a boisterous group one moment, while the next moment they will be sitting by the windowsill deeply lost in thought. Nostalgia is a mood-booster for them, and they can often be seen poring over old photo albums, reliving their past. Their aesthetic side takes over when it comes to decorating their houses or setting up a kitchen garden, and they pride themselves on their fine taste. The doors to Cancer's home are always open for friends, especially those who shower them with the love and understanding that Cancer deserves. Their feelings are easily hurt, so close pals may need to treat them with kid gloves until they are completely secure in the relationship.

LEO

If there were a sign of the zodiac that could personify sunshine, Leo would be it. Outspoken and dramatic, they don't believe in beating about the bush, a quality that wins them as many admirers as it does critics. Completely at home in the spotlight, they love soaking up the attention and being surrounded by people. They are immensely supportive friends, always keeping one eye open for opportunities that can help their loved ones excel. Easygoing and quick-witted, they are a treat to hang out with, so it goes without saying that they have a huge social circle. They are generous to a fault, and will happily foot the bill for their friends, as long as they are not taken for granted. Leo is never going to settle for anything less than what they want, be it a dinner date, a designer dress, or a summer vacation. Their friends quickly learn to appreciate their charming and playful nature, and realize that the best way to have a fun time is to go along with the flow. Their competitive side rears its head occasionally when they feel that their friends are stealing their thunder, but they soon regain their sunny disposition and laud their friends for their achievements.

VIRGO

There's a softness to Virgo that reflects on their countenances, and people cannot help trusting these gentle souls. It doesn't hurt that they are always full of relevant advice, and will swear to keep your secrets until their dying day. They are definitely the most helpful friends a person could wish for - the ones who can make a detailed itinerary when you're on vacation, and a shopping list when you're going to the grocery store. They are very particular about details, and love creating order out of chaos. Virgo is the best friend to have in an emergency, as they seldom lose their composure and can think their way out of most situations. Not just that, they will foresee the loopholes in the plans they make, and plug them in advance, so they make for meticulous planners. The downside of these perfectionist buddies is that sometimes they stress so much over the minutest detail, that they can drive their friends up the wall. They are not proponents of PDA; their affections are felt rather than seen, and they may be embarrassed by shows of appreciation.

LIBRA

Punctuality is definitely not a virtue where Libra is concerned. Not that it's their fault; they are merely victims of analysis paralysis. When they do eventually turn up, they will apologize with such grace and genuine regret that their friends will be hard put to stay mad at them. Smooth talkers with a positive take on everything under the sun, they can effortlessly charm their way into any situation. Resourceful and always ready to help, they are your best bet when you need something double-quick. And with the kind of bonds they form, their friends will never refuse them any favours. With their high levels of intellect and awareness, they are great friends to have and provide their friends with constant entertainment. Libra is a people's person, and alone time is totally not on their agenda. This may result in them being demanding of their friends' attention and time, but with the way they pamper their friends, who's going to complain? Swanky hotspots, dream vacations, designer threads, and A-list personalities – all these are an integral part of the Libra friendship plan. Friends swear by their taste in clothes, often hauling them off for shopping sprees.

SCORPIO

There is an aura of mystery that surrounds Scorpio, a quality that greatly intrigues their friends. They may be selective about opening up in matters close to their heart, and tend to hold back until they are sure their friends will not judge them. This also leads to frequent misunderstandings, as friends remain in the dark about the intensity of their feelings. Once friends have proved they are worthy of the Scorpio's affections, they can be assured of a companion for life. They are quite comfortable on their own, so they don't have many close friendships, but are possessive about the few they do. They are loyalty personified and will defend their friends come hell or high water, but they also expect a reciprocal allegiance. Forgive and forget is clearly not their motto and they will make a virtual note of any slight, so friends need to be doubly careful with their words and actions. They are scornful of flattery but have great respect for genuine praise, so when they appreciate something, you can be sure they mean it. With their secretive natures and intense emotions, Scorpio friends are anything but predictable.

SAGITTARIUS

Sagittarius is a sign that is fascinated by the very thought of learning, and any friend who can feed their eternal hunger for knowledge is a friend worth holding on to. Their interactions with their friends provide them with food for thought, and they keep an open mind so they can absorb everything they hear, see, and read. This is also the reason why they have a large and diverse set of friends. With their endless observations on culture and philosophy, Sagittarius can be an extremely interesting companion to have along on a journey. They get a high out of adventures so if you're game, they will take you on the ride of your life. Entertainment will be on the house when they are around, and friends will spend many side-splitting moments with these natural madcaps, even if the laughter is at their expense. Their love for the unique ensures they try out loads of hobbies and adventure sports, and needless to say, they will make friends there too. Friends can rely on Sagittarius blindly; they never hold a grudge, or tomtom a favour, and will be there for their friends when they need them irrespective of time or distance.

CAPRICORN

Capricorn is hardly the type to waste time on frivolities, as they are extremely clear of what they want and where they want to be. Often, they are so caught up in getting to their goals that they may come across as snooty, but this could not be further from the truth. Resourceful and capable, they will spare no expense when their friends need something. Their practical instincts kick in when they are asked for advice, and they can sit up all night with their friends to help them put their lives in order. They are not really the risk takers of the zodiac, and would happily trade an adventurous option for a tried and tested one. Although they are loners by nature, they manage to rustle up quite a few close relationships. Traditional and responsible, they have a very strong sense of the role they play in society, and are extremely dependable. Never one to wear emotions on the sleeve, Capricorn is a loyal friend and partner, and never goes back on a promise. They also have great respect for people who have come up the hard way, and are dedicated to their professions. With a fine sense of humour and their typical deadpan expressions, they manage to get away with biting sarcasm.

AQUARIUS

If you judge Aquarius by the number of friends they have, you would assume they are the most easygoing people to be with. This assumption is not far off the mark, but it is certainly circumstantial. In reality, they keep their cards extremely close to their chest, and it is very few people who have the privilege of sharing their secrets. They may be generous and caring individuals, who can go out of their way to help even strangers, but they can distance themselves from their loved ones in a flash. For someone with so many friends, Aquarius is strangely not desirous of being in the limelight. They would happily work behind the scenes when they see someone in need, and are embarrassed by demonstrations of gratitude. They love surprising their friends with little treats and expect nothing in return. The only prerequisite is that they should be the ones making the decisions, be it the cuisine for a night out, the colour of a shirt, or a weekend destination. Friends can safely assume they are headed for a good time, because Aquarius is blessed with impeccable taste and an eye for beauty. All will be well in paradise as long as their friends don't cling too tight or try to dispute their decisions; any restrictions or dissent will instantly get their hackles up.

PISCES

There's a whole new world that Pisces inhabits, and they often scuttle off there to sort out their thoughts. Caring and sensitive, they are the best people to turn to when you want to vent your frustrations or get advice on a new relationship. There isn't an iota of superficiality to the Pisces concern; they truly want to understand what you're feeling so that they can make you feel better with the appropriate response. Armed with hypersensitive intuition and a knack of knowing just what to say, they can be the best buddies ever. They will never complain when they are flooded with sob stories, and will patiently hear out every one, often offering pertinent advice. They expect their friends to tell them their troubles because they are extremely open with their emotions themselves. Their vulnerability may be their Achilles Heel however, as this opens them up to being manipulated or getting hurt. They are not superhuman after all; they have insecurities too, and need as much reassurance as anyone else. Once left to their own devices, they can surprise friends with their creative ideas, and make them see a dream world that takes their minds off their worries.