What Lowe’s and Home Depot are not telling you by Charles Passy

1. We may be bigger, but we’re not necessarily better

Summer is when many Americans spend plenty of time working on home improvement projects. That inevitably means many Americans will also be spending plenty of time–and plenty of dollars—at the big-box stores that have come to dominate the home-improvement industry—particularly, Home Depot (HD) and Lowe’s (LOW), which are responsible for around 80% of the industry’s $153.8 billion in annual revenue, according to market researcher IBISWorld.

And with the economy (and perhaps more pertinently, the housing market) showing signs of improvement in recent years, both companies have become investors’ favorites. Home Depot stock is up roughly 180% since the end of 2009 and Lowe’s is up about 100%; by contrast, the Dow Jones Industrial Average is up about 60% during that same period.

But shoppers haven’t shown quite as much enthusiasm as investors. In a J.D. Power survey of six major home improvement and hardware retailers, Lowe’s ranked third and Home Depot fourth; Ace Hardware, a network of mostly independently owned, neighborhood-oriented stores, took the top spot, which arguably suggests that consumers prefer that model over the big box one. And on consumer-oriented sites such as Consumerist.com, stories abound of experiences gone awry at Home Depot and Lowe’s, particularly involving installation issues.

Perhaps most telling of all: While many retail experts thought the big box home improvement chains might spell the demise of independent hardware stores, it appears the mom-and-pops are holding their own against the giants. IBISWorld predicts hardware stores will see slightly better annual growth (2%) in the years ahead than the home improvement giants (1.7%). While the big-box chains can often offer an extensive selection of items and low pricing, they can’t always compete in terms of personal service or the ability for shoppers to get in and out of the stores quickly and easily. Hardware stores tend “to be more welcoming to customers,” says IBISWorld analyst Jocelyn Phillips.

For their part, Home Depot and Lowe’s emphasize the many positives they bring to the shopping experience. A Lowe’s spokeswoman touts the fact that “Lowe’s offers more in-stock appliances than any other retailer and offers easy installation services.” A Home Depot spokesman points to the fact that the chain is “continually working to improve” customer service “regardless of any rankings” and that its efforts include making sure “store associates are able to spend the majority of their time assisting customers rather than (on) operational tasks such as stocking shelves.”

2. Your worst day becomes our best quarter

By any measure, superstorm Sandy was one of the most horrific weather events in recent memory, responsible for nearly 150 deaths and more than $50 billion in damages. But to the big-box home improvement chains, the October 2012 storm was a boon for business because of the need for rebuilding supplies that ensued.

Home Depot saw its fourth-quarter sales in 2012 grow by 13.9% compared with the fourth quarter in 2011. Lowe’s didn’t fare as well overall—its sales for the quarter were actually down versus the previous year—but the figure was higher than expected and Sandy was credited for the unanticipated improvement. The same profiting-from-disaster situation has been true after other major weather events—say, Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Not that the home-improvement chains should be faulted, say retail experts: It’s simply the nature of the business. (And it’s the nature of other businesses, too—think auto body repair shops.) Additionally, both Home Depot and Lowe’s have repeatedly made the case that they take an interest in the communities where they’re situated and contribute when needed. In the instance of Sandy, for example, both chains publicly committed at least $1 million to relief and recovery efforts.

Dan Tratensek, vice president of publishing for the North American Retail Hardware Association, notes that bad weather can sometimes be a negative for business. For example, last summer’s drought in the Midwest hurt sales of gardening and barbecue supplies. “No plants were growing and no one was grilling because it was too hot,” he says.

3. Want to score a good deal? It can’t hurt to ask

There are plenty of ways to score a deal at Home Depot and Lowe’s, from taking advantage of weekly sales to tapping the price match policies that both chains have in place. But perhaps one of the best savings tools is something more associated with flea markets, garage sales and used-car lots—namely, good old-fashioned haggling.

Shopping experts and retail analysts say customers can sometimes negotiate a discount, especially on big-ticket items like appliances or on larger orders, provided they’re willing to bargain with sales associates and managers. For the record, the chains don’t exactly advertise the fact they can be flexible on pricing—if anything, a Home Depot spokesman says, “We do not haggle on pricing.” (But the spokesman also says, “We do have certain policies to empower our associates”—say, in a situation when a customer is disappointed that an item is out of stock.)

Still, there’s an obvious reason why Home Depot and Lowe’s may be willing to bargain: They can’t afford to lose the business otherwise. The two chains are not only fighting each other for market share—Home Depot has 2,200-plus stores, Lowe’s has 1,800-plus—they’re also facing competition from discount retailers warehouse clubs and online retailers. Either way, it’s the consumer who benefits from any such battle of behemoths—again, provided they’re not shy about speaking up, says Peter Brown, a consultant with Sageworks, a firm that has studied the home improvement industry. “I’m consistently able to drive deals at Home Depot and Lowe’s,” says Brown of his personal shopping experiences.

4. The price may be free, but you’ll pay in the end

What’s better than saving a few bucks? Getting something for nothing, of course. Home Depot and Lowe’s offer plenty of freebies—specifically, free workshops geared for do-it-yourselfers or kids and free consultations or design services when it comes to remodeling projects.

But retail experts say consumers should recognize these perks for what they are: a way to draw traffic into the stores and, in turn, to move merchandise. In other words, you might come for that free clinic on understanding energy efficient lighting, but you could end up buying some extra light bulbs on your way out the door. Or your might receive free recommendations about how to redo your kitchen, but you could end buying, well, a new kitchen. “You have to take it”—meaning the word “free” – “with a grain of salt,” says Chris Morran, deputy editor of Consumerist.com.

5. So much for happy returns

Both Home Depot and Lowe’s say that returns shouldn’t be an issue. “Our goal is that you are completely satisfied with your purchase,” says Home Depot on its website. “Customer satisfaction is our goal,” says Lowe’s. But both companies have exceptions to their return policies, particularly involving customers who may return non-receipted items on a repeat basis. Home Depot says it “reserves the right to limit or refuse to accept the return of merchandise at any time for any reason.” Lowe’s says it “reserves the right to refuse or limit the number of returns without valid receipts.”

Retail experts say this is part of a broader clampdown throughout the entire retail industry. The reason why stores are getting tough? Nearly 9% of all purchases are returned, equating to some $264.3 billion (yes, billion with a “b”) in lost revenue, according to The Retail Equation, a company that provides analytical services to retailers. Even more troubling of late, says The Retail Equation, is the growth in return fraud of all kinds; the use of counterfeit receipts alone increased by 18% in 2012.

The problem, of course, is that the clampdown can affect honest customers–meaning those who need to return items occasionally for legitimate reasons, even if they don’t have receipts. In any case, a Home Depot spokesman says if a customer has a return issue they “can call us and find out the reason for the restriction, so if there’s confusion, we can lift” the restriction. A Lowe’s spokeswoman did not go into greater detail about the company’s return policy, other than to refer to what’s indicated on the chain’s website.

6. Don’t mind paying 27% interest? Sign up for our credit card

The big box home-improvement chains put plenty of credit card deals on the table. Currently, Home Depot’s offers include ones for up to 24 months of 0% financing or 10% off a single-receipt flooring purchase, and Lowe’s offers include ones for up to 18 months of 0% financing or 5% off in-store purchases.

But personal finance experts warn that if you look past the offers at the key terms and conditions, you may be less than impressed. Store cards in general often have very high interest rates—at least after those introductory 0% offers expire. In the case of Home Depot, the rate can go as high as 26.99%, based on the cardholder’s creditworthiness (the lowest listed rate is 17.99%); Lowe’s card has a listed rate of 24.99%. By contrast, CreditCards.com says the national average card rate is currently around 15%.

Indeed, with the high rates the store cards are charging, even a great introductory offer may matter little if you end up tapping the credit, says Odysseas Papadimitriou, chief executive of the personal finance website CardHub.com. “You can eat away those savings very quickly,” he says. Just as important: You may find better cards offered elsewhere. Sign-up bonuses and promotions are hardly unique to store cards—for example, Bank of America is currently offering some new cardholders up to a $200 reward.

Still, Home Depot and Lowe’s say their cards stand on their own. “We’re extremely competitive” in the credit marketplace, says a Home Depot spokesman. “(We) provide flexibility for our customers planning and budgeting for a home improvement project,” says a Lowe’s spokeswoman.

7. Our best deals go to contractors, not to you

Sure, it’s the DIY customer who’s key to the success of the big box home improvement stores. But then again, those customers don’t necessarily come in and order pallets of bathroom tiles on a weekly basis. Which is why contractors get all sorts of perks at Home Depot and Lowe’s that regular shoppers don’t, including special bulk pricing, dedicated parking and checkout lanes and specialty sales associates.

That’s also why both chains continue to woo contractors with additional products and services. For example, Lowe’s just unveiled a new website, LowesForPros.com, geared for contractors. With both chains, the professional segment is “a big piece of their business,” says Robin M. Diedrich, an analyst with Edward Jones. In fact, Diedrich says it could easily equate to a third of sales. (Actually, Home Depot puts the figure at 35% and Lowe’s at 30%; both stores insist they tailor their programs and offerings to meet the needs of contractors and DIYers alike.)

8. Our house-brand products don’t always earn rave reviews

Like many retailers, Home Depot and Lowe’s have their share of house brand items—that is, products manufactured directly for the stores that are typically offered at a lower cost. (Some name-brand manufacturers also offer “exclusives” through Home Depot and Lowe’s.)

But a cheaper product isn’t always a good product, at least according to some reviewers. Consumer Reports took Home Depot to task for its Home Legend Lisbon Natural line of flooring, noting its “poor resistance to fading, scratching and denting,” and its Glidden High Endurance and Duo lines of paints, pointing to the fact “they were susceptible to staining” in some cases. The ToolGuyd blogwas less than kind about some of the items in the Kobalt line of tools from Lowe’s—in particular, the Magnum Grip pliers: “I had a lot of problems with these pliers, and can say with utter and frank honesty that these are the WORST locking pliers I have ever used.”

Of course, the negative reviews are balanced by plenty of positives. Consumer Reports awards “Best Buys” for such Home Depot exclusives as a Ridgid cordless drill and a John Deere tractor. Consumer Reports has also consistently ranked Lowe’s’ Valspar line of paints as among the tops for interiors.

9. We’re really in the appliance business…

Don’t let the rows and rows of light and plumbing fixtures and nuts and bolts fool you. In many ways, home improvement stores have really become appliance stores. In the last decade, Home Depot and Lowe’s have seen their appliance sales grow considerably—that’s especially the case at Lowe’s, which in 2013 finally toppled longtime category leader Sears (SHLD) as the country’s number-one appliance retailer, according to TWICE magazine, a trade journal. Lowe’s says appliances make up 14% of its sales (Home Depot would not provide a specific breakdown).

In many ways, say retail analysts, Home Depot and Lowe’s are benefiting from Sears’ overall slide as a retailer—the chain has closed close to 100 of its U.S. stores in the last year. Plus, given the size of most home improvement stores—the typical Home Depot is about 100,000 square feet (or double the size of your typical grocery store)—there’s plenty of room to stock those appliances. “It’s a market segment they can move into relatively easily,” says Phillips, the IBISWorld analyst.

But just because you can pick up a washer and dryer along with your plumbing fixtures doesn’t necessarily mean you should, say consumer experts. In a recent survey, Consumer Reports found Best Buy and Costco had better pricing than Home Depot and Lowe’s, and that local, independent appliance stores ranked higher than the home-improvement giants for customer service. “It’s hard to beat your neighborhood mom-and-pop retailer if you want attentive, knowledgeable salespeople,” the publication declared.

10.…and the snack-food business

Fancy a cold can of Coke along with your lumber? At home improvement stores, snacks and sodas are increasingly part of the product mix. For that matter, so is toilet paper. Home Depot even has gone so far has to recently launch its own its own laundry detergent.

What’s the purpose of this unlikely push? Naturally, it’s to extract every extra dollar or two from customers, say retail analysts, especially at a time when brick-and-mortar stores are seeing shoppers migrate increasingly online (U.S. shoppers made 3.8% fewer shopping trips in 2013 versus 2012, according to market researcher Nielsen). Ultimately, the money isn’t all that significant: IBISWorld estimates that “miscellaneous items”—a category that includes everything from soda and chips to books and apparel–account for just 3% of home improvement store sales. And the stores aren’t claiming to be as competitive pricewise as supermarkets when it comes to, say, soda. Still, it’s a moneymaking category no matter what, says IBISWorld’s Phillips. “Once the customer is in the door, you sell them whatever you can sell them,” she says.

South Florida’s teenage poets find their voice in WordSpeak program by Jordan Levin

Now in its ninth year, WordSpeak not only teaches young people the craft of articulating their feelings and ideas, but gives them a powerful sense of purpose, empowerment and responsibility. A group of teen poets will compete nationally next month.

The words and feelings pouring out of Celestelle Webster, 19 and Christelle Roach, 18, on this sunny afternoon seem fiercely, startlingly beyond their years.

“The bones in my body are like needles in my skin … I am a bomb, take shelter.”

Facing each other onstage in the small auditorium at the Miami Beach Regional Library, they summon a wrenching vision of domestic violence with lines they wrote together.

“Why are you still here? I’m in love with the arsonist … There is a fire burning inside me.”

Webster and Roach’s verbal fire has been ignited by WordSpeak, a teenage spoken word poetry program run by Miami’s Tigertail Productions that will send them and five compatriots to a national poetry competition next month. Now in its ninth year, WordSpeak not only teaches young people the craft of articulating their feelings and ideas, but gives them a powerful sense of purpose, empowerment and responsibility.

“When a reader reads a poem they give it their own interpretation,” says Webster. “When you perform your poem, you show them yourinterpretation of your piece … What the truth is and how the world interprets a story are often different. We feel it’s our job to give clarity.”

Key to finding that clarity is WordSpeak coach Teo Castellanos, who negotiated drugs and gangs growing up in Carol City before becoming an award-winning theater writer, director, and teacher — often to kids with a similarly fraught urban background. Conducting one of the team’s recent four-hour rehearsals, Castellanos shifts seamlessly between colloquial street slang and a relentlessly meticulous focus on language, rhythm, performance and meaning that would be challenging for an advanced college class.

“One of the first things I do is break these stereotypical habits and clichés and get them to be better writers,” says Castellanos. The team, which gives a preview performance at Miami Beach Botanical Garden on Thursday, will need that discipline when they get to the Brave New Voices competition in Philadelphia in July, where they’ll compete with 500 of their peers from across the U.S. and abroad.

In rehearsal, Castellanos urges Roach and Webster not to forget “your intentions, your goals, your rhythms … You’ll find the chaos — it’s the hardest rhythm for most people.”

Then he summons Wesly Oviedo, Steffon Dixon, and Al Alexandre.

“Better impress me! Let’s see what y’all got!”

Their poem is on gun murders and Florida’s stand-your-ground law, and the boys, who are African-American and Afro-Caribbean, take the subject personally, saying heatedly: “I feel like Florida is the gunshine state and I’m living in the bottom of the barrel.”

Castellanos proclaims himself pleased — but pushes for improvement, suggesting changes in wording and a more dramatic performance, starting with a feeling of celebration so the shift to describing the murders will be more startling.

“Don’t fear going overboard,” he tells them. “The farther you go, the more dramatic the shift — it’s gonna be crazy!”

Oviedo’s face brightens with anticipation.

“That flip’ll be sharp!”

Oviedo and his six compatriots were selected from approximately 1,000 South Florida teenagers who participate in WordSpeak and SpeakOut, its sister program for GLBTQ youth. The program features classes and workshops at 10 mostly inner-city high schools, including North Miami Beach, North Miami, Dr. Michael M. Krop and Homestead Senior high schools; visits from nationally known guest teachers such as Reggie Cabico, a Washington, D.C., writer and performer; and several poetry slams, or competitions, to choose the team.

Tigertail director Mary Luft says the goal is to give WordSpeak’s participants a sense of confidence and possibility, as well as skills in literacy and self-expression they can take into a life as a writer or artist, or into speaking up on the job or as a community leader.

“We see it as a transformative project,” Luft says. “In one year, you’ll see a radical change in the way they command the space, their writing quality, what they’re writing about, how they speak, how they present themselves. They are empowered.”

“It’s an opportunity for a young person to find a door to their life. They start thinking differently about their place in the greater world and what else is out there.”

Maylin Enamorado started performing her poetry as a freshman in the writing program at Miami Arts Charter school in the Design District (the school for three other WordSpeak members). At first she was afraid of getting onstage, and shocked when she was chosen for the WordSpeak team in her sophomore year.

But when they arrived in San Franciso for the competition, she was exhilarated at being in a literary city with hundreds of kids for whom poetry was paramount.

“For the first time, I was like, poetry is normal!” Enamorado says. “I felt completely at home. And the creativity, the subjects were eye-opening.”

Instead of going to college, Enamorado, who graduated from MAC this spring, will head off to teach in Senegal in August.

“I don’t think I would have had the courage to go to Africa without WordSpeak,” she says. “The program has made me feel strongly about bringing about change. We try to make a difference.”

Enamorado and her compatriots are an impressive and determined crew. Webster and Roach travel alone on buses and trains for two hours to and from the daily four-hour rehearsals, using the time to work on poems. Webster has won a full tuition scholarship to Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts. Roach also is a musician who started in Miami Arts Charter’s music program before switching to writing. Oviedo, 17, is a drama student at MAC, and Dixon just graduated from Design and Architecture Senior High School in industrial design.

Castellanos, who has been the WordSpeak team’s coach for eight years, says many of the kids are unusually independent and self-reliant — even with parents who don’t bother attending their performances, or who are dealing with drug addiction or other problems.

“I’m just floored by their commitment and resilience,” says Castellanos of his students. “I don’t know why some people are blessed with that and some are not.”

But in a world that idolizes sports and pop music, even the most independent teenager can use the support of teachers and friends who share their love for poetry and language. Roach says she’s the only artist in a Cutler Ridge family focused on sports and business, “the pen in the box of pencils,” who wrote poetry at her brother’s basketball games.

She began at MAC as a violist in the school orchestra before switching to poetry, and this is her second year with the WordSpeak team.

“Everyone has such vast knowledge — I feel like I have so many books open to me,” says Roach. “I’ve changed in that I know how to say what I’m feeling.”

The three boys all dabbled in rapping in their early teens before switching to poetry.

“To really tell a story, to see someone’s life in three minutes, to move people to be happy or sad — to do that you need a lot of talent,” says Oviedo.

When he was in elementary school Alexandre, 18, wrote poems to girls (and for other boys to give to girls), but didn’t return to poetry until he joined a club at North Miami Senior High School, which led him to the WordSpeak program.

“What I love about being on the team is being part of a family,” he says. “If you’re having a problem, you realize it’s not so bad if you don’t have to go through it alone.”

In rehearsal, Castellanos and the group talk about ideas for poems, often on social themes that the kids have to research — they’ve done pieces on the catcalls women get in the street, divorce, and the Nigerian schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram, the extremist group. Castellanos has them listen to the BBC and to the public radio news show The World; once he assigned a poem based on a National Geographic story about disappearing languages.

They cluster in trios and pairs over laptop computers or scribble on sheets of paper, and huddle, arms draped around each other, to talk. They reward good performances with not applause, but fingersnaps. When shy Momo Manalang, the team’s understudy, performs a beautifully written poem about immigration and heritage, her friends respond with a clicking, two-handed storm of snaps and smiles.

“Girl, your writing is O.D.!” says Maxie Made, 25, who was on the team for three years and is now Castellanos’ assistant. “It’s sick! Beautiful!”

The focus on social rather than personal themes is meant to steer the kids away from adolescent self-absorption, as well as foster a sense of connection to the world outside their neighborhood, and to people other than those just like them.

“They come to understand the world is bigger than their community,” says Castellanos. “It deepens their compassion and understanding.”

But that outward focus — on their teammates and the broader world — seems to have made the WordSpeak poets even surer of themselves.

“My poetry got more relevant and had more meaning when I came on thinking what I could do for the team,” says Roach. “It’s not just about talent. There’s meaning behind everything we write.”

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Connie’s comments: We have to encourage our teens and protect them too. As I was reading the news this morning, two stories struck me and wished I could help.

More than 260 Nigerian girls abducted and on their 68th day of abduction, only 60 escaped and are still waiting for help from the government or outside forces.
Young Latinas from South America escaped gang violence, traveled alone to the USA and raped along the way with the goal of arriving to America to escape the violent world that they are in.

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To help free the world with poverty, I am inviting those who have a goal of self employment with mentorship with a company going to be $0.5B in less than 4years (now in 104 countries, opening more in others) in anti-aging using stem cells and helping others with unlimited income, Jeunesse Global. Follow the link below and contact Connie 408-854-1883 motherhealth@gmail.com to be mentored using Facebook and Linkedin to find success in your business using Mastering Influence by Tony Robbins and other motivational gurus (Jim R, Brian T, others):

http://clubalthea.jeunesseglobal.com/

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And when you start earning in the USA, use an investment-indexing strategy for tax free lifetime retirement income with health benefits. Contact Connie Dello Buono 408-854-1883 motherhealth@gmail.com

50 signs you need to start your own business, do not wait

Regardless of the exact scenario, here are 50 signs that you may be seriously ready to start your own business:

1. The lightbulb went off. Lately many are debating whether entrepreneurs are born or made. No matter which side you agree with, perhaps you’ve been aware that you exhibit some classic entrepreneurial traits. Maybe you’re ready to take the leap and start a business?

Even if you weren’t born that way, you may have later developed some of these traits, such as a driving passion. So if you begin to notice the signs, perhaps you could launch that business of your own.

2. You’re always thinking. Entrepreneurs never stop cogitating. It’s a blessing and a curse. Should you exhibit this behavior, maybe it’s time to move on from the daily rat race and do something to put your thoughts in motion. And there’s no better outlet than starting your own business.

3. You’re passionate. If there’s one business concept that stays with you that you’ve completely fallen in love with, perhaps you could turn it into a reality. Entrepreneurs and business owners are truly passionate about what they do and will do everything possible to turn their vision into a product or service for the rest of the world to enjoy.

4. You’re independent. This doesn’t mean that you’re socially awkward or don’t know how to ask for help. It means that you’re a problem solver who will try to figure out most problems on your own. Now may be the moment that you feel independent enough to build an enterprise.

5. You’re motivated. You don’t always need something or someone to get you moving. You wake up every morning and do what’s needed. This sense of self-motivation might steer to initiate and carry out a business launch.

6. You’re organized. Running a business requires plenty of organizational skills. At some point you may want or need to hire some experts, such as accountants or lawyers, but in the beginning you’ll probably rely on yourself to track finances, delegate responsibilities and present ideas to investors. You can’t do any of that without being organized.

7. You feel a need to help people. Should you feel a strong desire to aid others by providing a product or service, consider it one telltale sign you’re primed for starting a business. This desire to help people enhance their lives can keep you going during the highs and lows of running an operation. I’ve found over the years that the strongest companies emerge from a wish to help the world solve a problem.

8. You’re certain that you can build a better company. Maybe it’s your confidence or egotistical side coming out, but you’re realizing that you can build a better company than anyone else in the world.

9. You feel stuck at your job. If you dread waking up every morning, then you’re probably unfulfilled. A promotion or another job might abate the problem, but deep within you the prospect of an ordinary 9-to-5 gig just doesn’t excite you. Figure out whether you need to be your own boss or if you just need to do something different.

10. You feel a need to prove your vision. Let’s say you have an idea but everyone is telling you it can’t be done. What are you going to do about this situation? This experience might be motivation enough for you to try to one-up the naysayers.

11. You want to make a name for yourself. Several of the greatest entrepreneurs and business owners realized that they wanted something more from life. Steve Jobs knew he was special. If you feel that way, too, then big things could come out of it.

12. You have always wanted to be your own boss. Whether you’re a control freak or just don’t like being ordered around, you have determined you have always wanted to be the boss.

13. The hiring of independent workers is on the rise. The Harvard Business Reviewreports, according to MBO Partners, the number of independent workers (freelancers, contractors or business owners) is on the rise. It’s expected to increase from about 17 million in 2013 to 23 million by 2017. And Mavenlink’s 2012 infographic, “The New Independent Workforce,” projected that the number of independent workers to become 40 percent of the American workforce by 2020.

14. Your field lacks jobs. The economy hasn’t totally rebounded and your industry sector has a hiring freeze. Instead of waiting around or taking a job requiring fewer skills than you have, you are considering setting up your own business.

15. You can afford to take risks. If you’re single or without young children, you probably don’t have to worry about supporting others. Take advantage of this time in your life when you have the chance to be a little adventurous.

16. You can’t stand the daily commute. If you sit in traffic every day muttering expletive after expletive, maybe you should set up your own business at home. After all, successful businesses have even launched from garages.

17. You possess an incredible work ethic. If you don’t mind putting in 12-hour days multiple times a week (as people do when starting a business), then why not put that to work for something you’re really enthused about?

18. You crave uncertainty. You’re the type of person who thrives when exploring the unknown. So starting a business may be right up your alley. It definitely beats being bored to death by performing that job you’re tired of. I am this type of person and very proud of it.

Related: VC 100: The Top Venture Capital Firms Backing U.S. Startups

19. You always see potential. No matter where you are or what you’re doing, you always feel the need to make improvements. You now understand that as a business owner, you could realize enormous potential — making money or enhancing the lives of others.

20. More projects are going to contractors. If you’re seeing your current employer hiring outside help for a job that you know you can do better, then do something about it and venture out on your own.

21. You want to be part of a team. Maybe you just want to build your own team from the ground up with a group of people who share your vision and who are willing to embark on a journey with you.

22. You hate working for others. If you seriously can’t stand taking orders, loathe your boss and all his (or her) demands, start planning your exit strategy of becoming your own boss.

23. You feel it’s necessary to hang out a shingle. While starting a business shouldn’t just be about the money, sometimes that’s the case when your back is against the wall. The bills are piling up and you need to put food on the table. That sense of desperation could be enough to lead you to do something great.

24. You want to create jobs. In this tough economy, you see here really aren’t enough jobs for the colleagues you studied or worked with previously. If you trust these people and know their talents, you may wish to help them out by creating a company that employs them.

25. You harbor a strong desire to develop a product or service not yet available. You’re a problem solver. You have experienced that “aha” moment, the realization that a certain product or service isn’t on the market. You could use that moment of recognition to inspire you to make that idea a reality.

26. You can’t stand being in the office. If you feel restricted at your current workplace, you could set yourself free and work where you want to work: at your own company.

27. You want to set your own schedule. Maybe you’re most productive from 4 a.m. to 9 a.m. or you’re a night owl. Instead of being told which hours to work and when to take breaks or a vacation, you could finally determine your schedule.

28. You’re creative. If you’re tired of having your creative ideas go to waste, then maybe it’s time to get out there and express yourself by setting up the business you’ve always imagined.

29. You need to inspire. Are you the person whom people turn to when they need advice or a little pick-me-up? And you actually like that role? Owning a business gives you the chance to inspire the people who surround you.

30. You want to build a legacy for your children. You have kids and are thinking of leaving them something that they’ll be proud of. Even if they don’t want to take over a family business, they could witness how your hard work and dedication paid off.

31. You don’t mind getting your hands dirty. You’ll have to do plenty of grunt work as a new business owner. And that’s not always enjoyable. But if that doesn’t bother you, then why not do these tasks for yourself not someone else?

32. You’re seeking a new challenge. Maybe you’ve hit a wall at your current position and become extremely bored. That’s not always the best situation to be in if you’re someone looking for a new challenge. Starting your own business is challenging, however, and should fulfill that need.

33. You’re able to solve problems. Are you the type of person who assumes the responsibility for problem solving? Let’s say the pipes under the kitchen sink come apart and you not only fix it but you make it better than before. Take this as a sign that you can start your own business.

34. You like to acquire new skills and knowledge. Some people have just an unquenchable thirst to learn new skills and knowledge. You probably won’t get that from doing the same job for many years. But you can attain that experience as a business owner.

35. You don’t mind multitasking. There are people who can handle multiple tasks at once. If you’re one of those who doesn’t collapse under the pressure of multitasking, then you’re already on your way.

36. You’re not afraid of failure. As a business owner, you’re probably going to encounter a failure at some moment. If that doesn’t scare you to the bone, then chalk that up as another sign.

37. You could arrange for your own job security. You’re noticing that one of the worst things about working for someone else is contemplating the possibility of being laid off or the company being sold. Why not create your own job security instead?

38. There’s a gap to fill. If you notice that there’s not only a market but also that no one else is capitalizing on a particular dea, then maybe you’re the one to do some disruption.

39. A pool of talent surrounds you. Whether you just graduated college or are observing your current workplace, you’re surrounded by really skilled people who seem to be wasting their talents. You might be able to entice them to join your startup by offering profit sharing, stock options, a fun environment or eventual advancement.

40. You’re thinking, If not now, when? Procrastination may be the most fatal startup killer. Instead of dragging your feet, you could get the ball in motion for that business idea of yours right now.

41. You understand the tax incentives. Small business owners are eligible for tax incentives, you’ve learned. If you don’t want to lose out, then start getting to work. You may even be able to write off that new laptop or smartphone you’ve been eyeing.

42. You realize that you’ll see results. When you’re working for someone else, it can be difficult to see how all your hard work is benefiting the company. If you want to see the direct results of your actions, then running your own business would give you that opportunity.

43. You relate well to people. Sometimes you just want to get out there and network with other people. Unfortunately, your current position doesn’t allow for that. If you’re a people person, then having your own business would surely give you a reason to network more.

44. You’re tired of feeling underwater. It’s not uncommon to question your values about work as well as your personal life. If you keep being passed over for promotions or feel like you’ve hit a wall, maybe it’s time to venture out on your own. Starting your own business will probably give you an immense sense of accomplishment.

Related: Are Entrepreneurs Born or Made?

45. You’re a born leader. Having a great idea is one thing. Being able to communicate that idea and convince others to jump on board is another. If you have the leadership skills to round up the troops and motivate them, consider starting your own venture.

46. You’re a thrill seeker. Some people like to play it safe. You, on the other hand, are the adventurous type. Nothing is more thrilling than coming up with a business idea and seeing it through, amid all the unknowns and highs and lows.

47. You can use your street smarts. If you’re one those unique people with street smarts as well as professional skills, then you might put those talents to work at something you’re truly excited about.

48. Entrepreneurs can now tap into many different tools and advice. You’ve become aware there’s numerous online resources to help a novice business owner starting out. That’s not even mentioning the low interests rates available.

49. You’re ready to break free. For some time that inner entrepreneur has been quietly nagging at you. Why not unleash it? And once you’re free to do as please, you may be surprised by how much happier you are.

50. You’ve always wanted to do something you enjoy. Thomas Edison once said, “I never did a day’s work in my life. It was all fun!” Many successful people have uttered something similar. Instead of merely thinking about doing something that makes you happy and content, take a leap of faith and pursue your own startup vision. If you follow your dream, everything else may fall into place.

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Call Connie to be a business owner (health with global company and finance service in 50 US states). Minimal investment, less than $1k. Your drive and being accountable to your goals daily are required. 408-854-1883 motherhealth@gmail.com Avail of 420 tax deductions for a business owner. One third of the economy in the USA is derived from self-employed enterpreneurs.

Turning 50? it is not late to prepare for your retirement savings plan

A senior costs her three homes to pay for 15yrs of staying in a care home facility.She has no retirement savings, long term care or other means of generating income. Her diabetes caused her death after 15 yrs in a care home with not enough exercise and motivation to eat healthy food even when the care home prepares a gourmet meal for her. So if you are planning to retire with sufficient funds, plan early.

Here are a few of her rules of thumb to help you catch up after age 50:

Make savings non-negotiable

People who are not really taking their savings seriously, unfortunately, are going to move themselves into this area of poverty. For someone who has not been saving, take a real hard look at where their money is going and make savings automatic, non-negotiable.

If you make savings a high priority, there’s a lot of opportunity to make a difference. Let me give you a financial example: If a 50-year-old was to take advantage of the 401(k) and save $23,000 for the next 15 years until they’re 65, at a 6% rate of return that money can grow to [about] $570,000. Also take a look at credit card debt because the interest that you’re paying could easily be going to savings.

The 25 Times Rule

You will need 25 times the amount you’ll need to withdraw from your savings to supplement retirement or any other reliable income. So, for instance, if you need $40,000 per year of supplemental income, you will need a million dollars saved at the time of retirement.

The Minus 10 Rule

If you start saving in your 20s, you can save up to 10% and you should have a relatively comfortable retirement. However if you wait until your 30s, you’re going to have to save at least 20%. And then your 40s [save] 30%, and 50s of course 40%. That sounds like a lot of money, but in this country two-thirds of Americans use Social Security as their primary source of income. For a third of Americans, it’s their only source of income. And, unfortunately, the average amount of Social Security is approximately $15,000 [a year].

Are there things that you can cut out? For instance, even life insurance. For a lot of people it’s a waste of money — they don’t have dependents or a small business. Really look at where you can cut money — is it cable television? Do you need that car?

Saving for your health

Keep in mind we’re living longer. In our early retirement days we are going to be active and that’s where our money is going to go. But in our later years, a lot of our money is going to go to health care. A lot of people don’t really think about health care costs and embedding that into their savings.

If you have access to an Index Universal Life policy consider maximizing the funding in it and let it grow over the years so that when you do retire, you have that nest egg.

A lot of people assume that Medicare is paid for and all their medical expenses are going to be paid for, but actually the premium is deducted from your Social Security benefit so Medicare only covers about 60% of your health care costs, so it’s really important to embed health care in your whole retirement savings plan.

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Contact Connie Dello Buono CA Life Lic 0G60621 for a investment-retirement-savings plan that will provide a lifetime income, a similar to long term care insurance, with estate plan, life protection and tax-free and risk-free. Best of all it has been growing up to 8% during the last 20yrs.

An undisturbed prospect will not buy

Associate not buying with PAIN and identify the wants of your customer and not your wants. Make the want a compelling one. If they don’t buy, it means PAIN.

Some people’s wants are also their needs. Persuasion is understanding customer’s wants. Motivate them by associating their most desired feeling or STATES to your product or service.

Some people are status oriented.

Some people buy for themselves and not to make others happy or serve others.

What motivated a person to buy?

Stir the wants of your customer. Think of the time that you really want something and you did not follow through because you could not justify logically.

We are always measuring our actions. Find their emotional reasons to BUY NOW.

Identify these emotional reasons, look for their WANT an their PAIN.

Identify the GIANT BOULDER.

What are their FEARS of buying? Financial hardship, other people’s judgement, not getting the right value, others?

We need to give them enough of their reasons to BUY, not your reasons or your love of the product and the needs that you see in the product.

Create more HURT, ask questions that you know based on their beliefs and values will kick them over the EDGE and decide to BUY based on the pain or the heaviness of the BOULDER.

Add another boulder, the logical reasons to BUY.

Please share your closing tips, that make your customer buy your service or products.

To retire or not to retire overseas

Some of my friends want to retire outside of the USA for cost reasons. I cannot retire in the Philippines although it will only cost me less than $500 to survive comfortably in the rural areas close to nature and island surrounded by white sand beaches and fresh food. I have to live close to my children and grandchildren.

One of my sister lives in Australia and I did not ask her if she plans to retire in the Philippines. Some Americans wanted to retire in other countries. Where do you want to retire? in what country? and why?

Please share as some people are considering the high cost of living in the bay area and plans to downsize when the time comes to retire.

As a care home administrator for seniors, I know some of them sold their homes to pay for the cost of senior care, around $6k per month and some of them stayed for more than five years in the care home facility for seniors.

If you do not have long term care, call Connie 408-854-1883 motherhealth@gmail.com CA Life Lic 0G60621 to start saving now so that you have a lifetime retirement income of anywhere from $4k to $300k per year for the remaining 25-50 yrs of your life.

Add value to another to get a referral and build your business

Dear Team or future team members,

I learned a lot from the 4-day seminar with Tony Robbins and got some names and tel too. I wanted to share to you some of the audio CDs on mastering influence.

Many of you knows how to connect with people already. I wrote some of the things I learned and posted them all at clubalthea.com for your perusal.

Please create a compeling profile at linkedin, and other social networking sites. Your image is a must.

Let’s collaborate since the marketing and sales strategies abound everywhere but 80% of the success is in our mindset, in the way we bring our PEAK State in front of the client. Choose your prospects and clients well, they will use your precious time.

I am here to help you along the way.

And of course, we always have to use other streams of income which will help us increase our database of prospects and future clients. Do things you love to do, help others for in serving them you will get a referral if you add value to them and ask for it.

Regards,

Connie Dello Buono

Business coach and owner

Health and Finance coach

408-854-1883

motherhealth@gmail.com

PS. Email me to get a discount for Tony Robbins future seminar from business to wealth mastery.

Disputing credit card charges

Have you ever been billed for merchandise you either returned or never received? Has your credit card company ever charged you twice for the same item or failed to credit a payment to your account?
While frustrating, these errors can be corrected. It takes a little patience and knowledge of the dispute settlement procedures provided by the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA).

The law applies to “open end” credit accounts, like credit cards, and revolving charge accounts, like department store accounts. It does not cover installment contracts — loans or extensions of credit you repay on a fixed schedule. People often buy cars, furniture, and major appliances on an installment basis, and repay personal loans in installments, as well.

To learn more please click the link:
http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0219-disputing-credit-card-charges

408-854-1883 starts at $30 per hr home care

Marketplace

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Marketplace

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What Lowe’s and Home Depot are not telling you by Charles Passy

Products for health/welllness and to stop poverty

South Florida’s teenage poets find their voice in WordSpeak program by Jordan Levin

Now in its ninth year, WordSpeak not only teaches young people the craft of articulating their feelings and ideas, but gives them a powerful sense of purpose, empowerment and responsibility. A group of teen poets will compete nationally next month.

Turning 50? it is not late to prepare for your retirement savings plan

50 signs you need to start your own business, do not wait

Turning 50? it is not late to prepare for your retirement savings plan

Turning 50? it is not late to prepare for your retirement savings plan

An undisturbed prospect will not buy

An undisturbed prospect will not buy

To retire or not to retire overseas

To retire or not to retire overseas

Add value to another to get a referral and build your business

Add value to another to get a referral and build your business

Disputing credit card charges