The Benefits of Using the Cloud

Moving to the cloud for any business is certainly bound to come with an array of merits. Cloud computing is after all becoming a mainstay of technology. Large companies have been able to achieve their goals by going in this direction.

It is all about offloading and leaving the work to experts for a seamless flow of work and activity in your business. It is very clear that there are many benefits of using the cloud. This article gives you a detailed look into the top merits that you can look forward to.

Tap into the Economies of Scale

The cloud allows you to have more productivity even if you are working with few people. This is because the output is greatly increased. Additionally, it is a sure way to reduce wastage of resources because you only buy the service when you need it. This is unlike what companies used to do in the past, when they invested in expensive software and hardware even when they were not necessary. In the cloud, your cost per unit is bound to come down, making you enjoy the awesome economies of scale.

Remove the Need for Maintenance

Because you do not have to deal with any software or specialized hardware to accomplish your goals, there is no maintenance needed. This will further save your costs, enabling your business to make more money. However, for those who maintain hosted servers, maintenance cost will still be in the picture. The ideal situation is where the cloud service provider uses their own servers, eliminating this maintenance cost.

Easy Access and a Global Outlook

As long as your workers have access to the internet, they can log into the cloud from anywhere in the world. This has made this technology versatile and has provided a new outlook that is international. In this regard, a business can further grow globally by ensuring that all workers are well connected to the cloud and that a lot of work is done. This global outlook for work infrastructure is valuable to say the least.

Enhanced Project Monitoring

Since you have access to all the projects going on in your business in the cloud, you can monitor work more effectively. This way, you will ensure that work cycles are effective and followed through. No matter where you are, you will be kept on top of your game, making business management and monitoring a very easy task. This has been seen to dramatically improve productivity.

Reduction of Staff Training Costs

Since the cloud systems are straightforward and easy to grasp, the need to train personnel is reduced greatly. With a reduced workforce, you will work with competent people and ensure productivity is kept high. The staff does not have to learn about software and hardware infrastructure, saving a lot of time as well.

Data Is Backed Up

In the cloud, data is always backed up and there is no fear of any loss. Therefore, people can conduct their business with the knowledge that there is complete safety. Conventional systems do not guarantee backup unless expensive data recovery measures are enforced. With cloud services, you can put all your fears to rest.

It is obvious that the list of benefits can go on and on. Most companies have realized the merits and they are using some form of cloud in their operations.

Curtis Staggs

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Imagine a business where you can earn almost $10,000 in ONE transaction.  It's NOT mlm or network marketing.  It's NOT a gifting program.  It's NOT your ordinary home business.  And it's been working for over 22 years.  Click here and turn imagination into reality.

Learn How To Be More Successful At Blogging

Does the idea of online blogging intimidate you and create anxiety at the mere thought of it? There is no reason to feel this way, since blogging is a skill that can be developed with a little bit of effort and creativity. Take a look at the ideas presented here in this article, then move forward with confidence in creating your new blog postings.

When you are starting to blog, it is important that you never give up. You are not going to get a lot of readers your first day, and even your first week, and that is okay. Just keep writing what you are passionate about, and the readers will come to you.

If you are planning to start up your own blog, think carefully about what you want to write about. Don't just write about what you think others will want to hear. You must write about what you like and what interests you most. By writing what you love, your blog posts will jump out with exciting, interesting information!

Don't go too broad with your posts. If you have different skills, try using them on a specific topic. Creating broad blog posts in an uncontrollable way can make your brand dissolve. Even if you have readers that are interested in various topics, you're making it harder for people to recognize your single brand.

Since blogs are written on a more personal level, you should avoid writing in formal tones. This will make it easier for the reader to relate to you on a personal level. This will keep your readers coming back later on to read more of the blogs you write.

Create an email update list for your blog. On your site, offer a place for people to sign up for these updates and send them out every time you post a new blog. Those who are truly interested in following your blog will like the idea of being notified when new content is posted.

When writing blog posts, it is critical to choose great titles. Try to add some keywords in your title, but keep it short and sweet. With a little thought and creativity, you can come up with short, catchy, interesting titles that will draw readers in. Add a couple of meaningful key words and you will have readers in no time!

Make sure that your blog posts are structured well in order to make scanning easier. Make use of lists, header tags, and more. Keep in mind that the average reader is not going to want to read sentences and paragraphs that are really long. Therefore, you should make them as short and to the point as possible.

Now that you are more aware and informed about online blogging, do not hesitate to put these insights to work for you immediately. Blogging can be enjoyable and a big boost to your business, if you take the time to do it with sincerity and knowledge. Start today and reap the benefits that are possible with the insights provided here.

Things You Can Do on the Cloud

Cloud computing technologies can help companies save a lot of cash by taking away the burden of acquiring servers, software, the people required to provide enterprise services, deployment of customized shelf solutions and shared technology solutions - all of which are very important in supporting the mission of the business.

Most vendors use infrastructure, software and servers to provide specialized services to the organization. Cloud computing will help organizations by providing scalable and dynamic computing resources over the internet. These computing services are delivered virtually through online servers and data centers to anyone who can access the network.

You Need to Identify the Need

Cloud computing provides a lot of benefits that include email, file storage, calendars, documents, etc. Some of the cloud computing providers like Google provide a tool that helps you to compare Google mail costing versus Microsoft Exchange. Others like Astadia will provide a basic tool used for calculating your return for investing on cloud services. If you are planning to introduce something new, you can use social media as a platform to raise awareness.

Carefully Think about Your Company’s Data Protection

This is an important function that is provided by cloud computing. A good example is when you use a meeting management tool which is available online and it provides a low risk. Users have little control over the place where the provider stores their data. The storage could be in a different country that has different privacy laws. This function is a deal-breaker for organizations that work with vulnerable communities such as asylum seekers and refugees.

Staying Connected with the Rest of the World

Cloud computing encompasses social media tools that include Twitter and Facebook, which helps the users to stay connected.

Data Recovery

The cloud is very successful when it has been pre-configured for disaster recovery. The cloud recovery plan is an important application that works automatically when data or a server crashes, since it will help to recover the data at the earliest time possible. By incorporating these applications it enables the cloud to be an efficient platform to manage PaaS, SaaS and IaaS competitively.

Optimizing the Existing Resources

If your company is facing a tough time managing software and hardware, or your servers are running low and there is limited space left, then look for cloud services. With cloud services, your existing servers will get a rest from being overloaded and your company’s work environment will be synchronized.

Enhancing Device Independence

Cloud service helps to reduce the worries of tracking your software and hardware devices. This is because the cloud enables you to move from a physical world into a new virtual world, and you don’t think about what is going on at the in-house IT department. You can let the cloud manager to do the hard work of getting rid of that expensive software and hardware.

The Cloud Helps to Cut Cost

Don’t lag behind when everyone is quickly moving to cloud technology and starting to enjoy a cost-effective business environment. The cloud will promote device independence and automatically reduce the cost of software and hardware.

Cloud computing is currently the most promising IT technology in the world today. Most companies are now using cloud services and they are achieving their desired goals. Cloud computing provides a lot of applications to businesses which are beneficial in the long run.

Curtis Staggs

School is NEVER Out!

This is one in a series of excerpts from a book that is part of my daily personal development routine.  The book is written by Mike Brescia entitled "Today is Your Day to Win."

It's a quick morning read and is set up in a daily reading format so when you get to the end of the book you just start again.  I've been using the book nearly 10 years and I get something new and fresh from each read.  I strongly encourage you to add this title to your success library.

It contains great motivational quotes as well as great questions to ask yourself about improving every area of your life.

Here are a few excerpts from today's reading:

Today's Empowering Quote:

Phil Jackson knows how to coach me.  He gets me angry.  When I get angry, I dominate.  It's perfect.  -Shaquille O'Neal

Today's Empowering Question:

Who else can I learn important skills and lessons from now?

Today’s Winning Beliefs:

•    I see each day's new challenges as the way toward high achievement

•    I overcome all challenges that come my way

•    I learn something valuable from everyone I meet

•    I'm now achieving my potential

•    I am getting better at everything I do

•    I believe I can learn anything

Every day is a great day to learn something new and develop new skills for life and business.  Incorporate these ideas and concepts into your daily routine consistently and you'll begin to see gains in the areas of your life you're seeking to improve.

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Imagine a business where you can earn almost $10,000 in ONE transaction and take deeply discounted vacations whenever you like.  NOT mlm or network marketing.  NOT a gifting program.  NOT your ordinary home business.  And it's been working for over 22 years.  Click here for details.

Easy Productivity Secrets: Why Most People Struggle to Stay Productive

Easy Productivity Secrets…

WHY MOST PEOPLE STRUGGLE TO STAY PRODUCTIVE

There are two big reasons why people struggle to stay productive:

distractions and lack of motivation.

ELIMINATING THE DISTRACTIONS

This is certainly easier said than done, especially if you’re a work-at-home

parent. After all, the point of working at home is to be available for your

family when they need you, right?

WRITE OUT A LIST OF POTENTIAL DISTRACTIONS

Sit down and write out an honest list of things that distract you while you

work. For most of us, this list could include things such as: email, social

media, texts, phone calls, instant messages, and the kids.

KEEP THE LIST IN YOUR WORK AREA

Keeping this list somewhere in your work area will help you recognize the

distractions before they become a problem. For example, close your email

box and only check it at predetermined times during the day. Sign out of

all instant messengers. Turn the phone on silent. Make sure the children

are occupied for a little while. Taking these steps means you are

consciously making the effort to remove the distractions and focus.

TALK TO OTHERS AROUND YOU

When your friends and family members learn to respect your work time,

this makes things a lot easier for you. Talk to your spouse and children (if

they’re old enough to understand) about the time you've dedicated to

work your hours. It is best if the people in your life can treat your work-at-

home job as if you did not set your own hours. They need to see it as a

traditional job with set hours, during which they leave you alone. They

wouldn't call you at the office 15 times in three hours if they knew your

boss was around, would they? Give the people in your home some sort of

signal when you’re working, so they know to leave you alone unless it is

an emergency. For instance, if you have office, keep the door closed when

you’re working. The closed door is the sign your family needs to leave you

alone.

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

Being productive is a skill. Any skill you obtain will require practice and

repetition to fine tune and perfect. Even the most productive people will

become distracted from time to time. If you find yourself becoming

distracted, take a few minutes to center yourself and refocus yourself on

your commitment to your client, and your business. Then, get back to

work. Eventually, it will become easier for you to re-center and focus each

time you get distracted, which in turn makes it easier to stay focused.

More Easy Productivity Secrets...

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What if there was a way to take more and better vacations and earn money for telling others about it, would you click here  to learn more?

Is Coastal Vacations the right business for You?

Well, that depends...

There are literally THOUSANDS of home businesses out there to choose from.

I use that word "businesses" loosely, because there's a lot of junk on and off the internet.

Cash gifting, HYIPs, autosurfs, and other pie-in-the-sky schemes are often called businesses when there's no real product or service being exchanged.

At least with mlm/network marketing you normally have a product or service, but very few people are making any money because they cannot create the organization it takes to generate the massive sales volume needed to throw off substantial income.

With so many choices out there...good, bad ,and ugly; why choose Coastal Vacations?

What makes it stand apart from all the others?

Well, first of all, let's look at some facts:

According to a recent home business poll, here are the TOP 10 criteria people are looking for:

Substantial immediate income
Low initial capital
Extreme Product value
No need to keep product on hand
Easy to use system
Company stability
Duplicatable
Worldwide appeal
Exponential growth
Long term income

Now, that's a pretty tall bill for any one business to fill.

Most businesses meet at least 2 or 3 of these criteria, but very few can meet more than that. Many people have tried program after program, trying to find the perfect one, and finally decide to give up. They lose hope that the "REAL THING" truly exists.

Well, what if I told you that Coastal Vacations meets *ALL* of the above criteria, and even more?

We have merged two of the hottest industries today - Travel and the Internet. The result is a business that blows the competition away.

Let's take a closer look at that list again as it applies to Coastal...

Substantial immediate income - $1,000 - $9,705 for every new client referral

Low initial capital - Start your very own REAL business for less than $1500 capital up front.

Extreme Product value - The Coastal level I Package is worth over $15,000, and yet we retail it for just $1,295.

No need to keep product on hand - You mail the order to the shipping center, and they drop ship the product directly to your clients.

Easy to use system - Full training provided by your own personal mentor who has had established success in the business and can show you the ropes. If you can give out a website address and a phone number, you can do this!

Company stability - The Coastal package is over 25 years old, and has been marketed this way for over 20 years. All the companies we represent are at least 15 years old, and are all licensed and bonded, as well as listed with the BBB.

Duplicatable - The company offers tools for your success and also for the success of anyone you teach. Marketing systems are already in place, one simply has to plug-in and get started!

Worldwide appeal - The Coastal opportunity is available worldwide. The package can be used by anyone, anywhere.

Exponential growth - Although Coastal is NOT mlm or network marketing, there is exponential growth built in.

Long term income - Once you are a Coastal Director, you are a Director for life! There are no yearly agent fees, no minimum sales requirements, no inactivity penalties.... this business is yours forever.

But we don't stop there..... there's more.....

No waiting on checks - You are paid directly by the customer, so you get paid FIRST. You then send the wholesale cost into the shipping center, and the package is drop shipped to your client. Because the company doesn't pay you anything, they don't keep track of what you do. There are no 1099s at the end of the year. It is up to you to keep track and report what you make.

No restrictions on marketing - Most companies make you get your ads approved and have to "OK" your ideas before you can use them. Not Coastal. This is YOUR business. You are completely independent. If you can dream it up, you can do it.

Everyone loves to travel!!! - Travel is the one thing that has universal appeal. Families, businesses, non-profit organizations, retired couples... everybody.... loves this package. Even the biggest skeptic will perk up his ears when you start talking about the benefits of wholesale vacations with the Coastal package.

Dozens of effective marketing methods - Our Directors use many different methods.... some use the Internet exclusively, some just over the telephone, others solely in person. You can use postcards, seminars, trade shows, newspapers, magazines, the Internet, business-to-business... the possibilities are endless! And, as part of your personal training, you will be taught about each of these methods and how to use them.

What an incredible opportunity!  I've been developing businesses for over 20 years and I’ve never seen a business that offers such reward for so little risk.  As Coastal Directors, we earn between 77% and 88% commission from every sale we personally make.

Coastal Vacations is lucrative enough even within the first few months to support an entire household by itself.

How many people can say that? That their business they run from their home pays all their bills all by itself?  Very few.

I encourage you to take the 3-step tour at our website and view the recorded webinar found there.

After that, you may have some questions, but you should have a pretty good idea if this is right for you. Please feel free to call me at my home office, 270-339-3672 with your questions.

To your Success,

Curtis Staggs

Coastal Freedom

I am NOT an Avon representative, but I know a good one

Everyone has heard about Avon.  They've been around since 1886 and have maintained a good reputation for quality products primarily for women.

And as the title of the release says, I am NOT an Avon representative; but, my wife is, and as a good husband and friend, I must take a few moments to help promote her endeavor.

Since I'm a student of history and I love a good story I'll share a little history about Avon that I learned recently.  

According to the company website, the founder, "David H. McConnell didn't originally intend to create a beauty company. A traveling book salesman, he founded Avon in 1886 after realizing his female customers were far more interested in the free perfume samples he offered than in his books. During his book selling days, McConnell had also noticed that many of his female customers were isolated at home while their husbands went off to work. So he purposely recruited female sales Representatives. McConnell believed they had a natural ability to network with and market to other women, and a passion for his products. At a time of limited employment options for women, the Avon earnings opportunity was a revolutionary concept. It marked the start of the company's long and rich history of empowering women around the globe."

http://www.avoncompany.com/aboutavon/history/

Now, a little history about my wife (my empowered woman) and I.  We've lived in Madisonville Kentucky for almost thirty years.  She has supported my business endeavors over the years and there have been many.  I started my first brick and mortar retail store at age 19 and she was there.  She has seen my boom and bust.  She has witnessed the good, the bad, and the ugly.  And recently, she has started her own home based business.  I am very happy for her.  

So, if you enjoy Avon products or know someone who does you can buy Avon online.  FREE standard shipping with $35 order or more.

Avon is the world leader in anti-aging skin care products, fragrance and color cosmetics. Its product line includes beauty products, fashion jewelry and apparel and features such well-recognized brand names as Avon Color, Anew, Skin So Soft, Avon Solutions, Advance Techniques Hair Care, Avon naturals, mark and Avon Wellness.

Happy Birthday Mr. President!

February 6th is the birthday of Ronald Wilson Reagan, the nation's 40th president.

When he became president, many said the nation's best days were behind us.  He spent much of his presidency (1981-1989) reminding Americans, again and again, that this country is still a land of boundless potential, a beacon of freedom and hope for the world.

Reagan served as Governor of California and was a former actor. He is often remembered as "The Great Communicator" for his ability to connect with the American people.  

He had a great sense of humor as evidenced in quotes like, "Politics is supposed to be the second-oldest profession. I have come to realize that it bears a very close resemblance to the first."

One of my favorite Reagan quotes is, "The nine most terrifying words in the English language are: 'I'm from the government and I'm here to help.'"

Reagan believed that government was NOT the answer to our problems, but was very often, THE problem.  And that the American people are the answer to every problem we face as a nation.

I think the Reagan legacy will be that Ronald Reagan helped America believe in itself again.  He showed us that we are an exceptional nation, and that brighter days were in our future.

President Reagan died on June 5th, 2004.

Rest in Peace Mr. President, you will be missed and remembered.

Click here for more American Moments

How Lucky Am I?

One of the books that is part of my daily personal development routine is by author Mike Brescia entitled "Today is Your Day to Win."  

It's quick reading, maybe 5-10 minutes tops and this book is set up in a daily reading format so when you get to the end of the book you just start again.  I've been using the book since 2005 and I get something new and fresh from each read.

It contains great quotes from successful people as well as great questions to ask yourself about improving every area of your life.

Here are some highlights from today's reading:

Today's Empowering Quote:

"What leads to unhappiness is making pleasure the chief aim." - William Shenstone

Today's Empowering Question:

"How did I get so lucky to have the people that are in my life?"

Today's Winning Beliefs:

I get pleasure from helping others

I notice the good in other people

I'm lucky to have the people in my life

I'm learning all I can from everyone I know

Others are teaching me now

I'm enjoying myself now

If you haven't yet developed the habit, I encourage you to make a good book a part of your daily routine.  Even just 10 pages a day and you'll reap incredible benefits in your personal and business life.

Enjoy.

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*WARNING* Blatant Advertisement Follows:

Do NOT click here unless you're ready to earn up to $9,700 for selling ONE product to ONE person.  This is NOT mlm and it's not your ordinary home business.

5 ways a home business can make your life easier

Home businesses come in many different shapes, sizes and forms. These types of businesses provide individuals with an alternative to the office job setting and provide various freedoms to the business owners as well. In fact, there are five often-cited ways in which a home business can make one’s life easier overall.

Child Care Issues

Perhaps one of the most often cited features of a home business which can make one’s life easier is that by owning a home business, individuals are able to work while staying at home with their children. This makes the need for daily child care a nonexistent factor. Although some individuals who work from home still opt for putting their kids in daycare, having a home business does make doing without child care a possibility.

Transportation Issues

Another way which home businesses can make a business owner’s life that much easier relates to transportation issues. When owning a home business, one can conduct their daily business affairs from the convenience of their home office. This gets rid of the need for commuting to an office each day and putting mileage on the car, not to mention paying costly gas bills. It is also a time saver with regard to not having to commute to and from work which is also a highly regarded trait of owning a home business.

Tax Deductions

One who has a home business is also able to reap the benefits of multiple tax deductions and incentives which may be available to them. Using a home office enables a business owner to save money in the long run by seeing deductions on their annual tax returns. Although this only happens once a year, the rewards are often quite good for home business owners who operate their business out of their home office.

Being Your Own Boss

An additional incentive for home business owners is that they are their own boss. This is a wonderful thing to consider. No more bossy employers enforcing strict, unyielding schedules. Being your own boss is a sure way to make one’s life easier. One can work when they want to, take a break if they like and pursue their occupation in the manner which they see fit.

Reduce Overhead This Way

Lastly, an individual who runs a business out of their home will often find that their life is made easier by saving themselves money in the end. As opposed to those individuals who own businesses which are run out of separate offices, home business owners will see large reductions in overhead. Making use of the home as a workspace is a great way to make life easier on the individual and their wallet.

Coastal Vacations is an association of entrepreneurs, professionals and home-based business owners dedicated to providing the highest quality vacation values and travel benefits on the market today, and making them available to their clients at rock-bottom prices. This has in turn created one of the hottest and most lucrative business opportunities in the World.  I have been a member of Coastal Vacations since 2004.  This business has saved me money, allowed my family to take more and better vacations, and continues to create cash flow from the comfort of my home.  For more details about Coastal Vacations, click here