The Dart Maker Blog

With managed web hosting, the hosting company provides technical services and administration for your server so you don’t have to worry about it.

They handle things such as testing and management of networking and server hardware, system maintenance, security patches, and software installation. They also maintain the hardware itself to ensure maximum uptime and performance.

If problems occur with a managed server, the hosting company’s support staff will take care of them. This makes it much easier for you if you’re not technically skilled and don’t have someone who is working for you.

Good managed hosting companies will take care of installing and maintaining server-based applications for you. This includes such things as databases, security systems, scripting languages, and shopping carts.

They can also monitor your web site’s traffic patterns and storage for you. If you get a spike in traffic or an ongoing increase in visitors, they will adjust your bandwidth and storage to support the additional resources required.

What To Look For In A Managed Web Host

Before you sign up for a managed hosting plan, you need to be sure the hosting company can meet your needs. Talk to them about the amount of traffic and resources that you will need and ensure that they are able to offer you a server that will meet those requirements, with room to grow in the future.

Do some research on the internet and see what kind of reviews and feedback the hosting company gets from other customers.

Because the hosting company is handling your technical support and administration under a managed hosting plan, you need to be sure that their response time is fast and their staff are technically equipped to handle problems.

Look for a managed host that provides you with a dedicated account manager who you can contact with any requirements or problems. This gives you a single point of contact which makes communication much easier and more effective.

The code on deck railings in urban areas was designed to protect homeowners, home purchasers, and visitors to homes from harm. Some examples of general codes on deck railings are the distance from the ground dictating the presence of a railing, the distance between balusters, and the height of the railing.

An example of a code on deck railing is Loudoun County, Virginia. Any structure built in the county must comply with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, which is accessible for free on the internet. In addition to offering deck regulations, this code spells out the rules for all aspects of building including structural requirements, mechanical issues, plumbing topics, and fire codes. This helps you obey the laws of Virginia. The Department of Building and Development reviews the plans and permits submitted to ensure they comply with the code.

There are many different ideas about the code on railing in various parts of the country

In addition to checking with the building code, it is important to check both zoning requirements for your area and health department requirements before building. You must also apply for and obtain a permit before building your deck. The code on deck railing in this area specifies that decks may only be a single level and only for residential use. Joist overhangs cannot be more than two feet. Additionally, decks may not have screened porches, roofs, hot tubs, or gazebos. Moreover, decks cannot be detached from the house.

The code on deck railing can be harmful at times. For example, some people don’t like the railing on the deck too high because of the obscured view. In most areas, the railing cannot be folded down in any way. This leaves the homeowner with a real problem. The code is essentially the law. Going against the code is breaking the law. It means all sorts of consequences including things like court appearances and fines. However, if the homeowner still has a real problem with the code, they must find a way around it. One way around the issue with high deck railing is to go with a cable railing system. While you are still required to have a top rail with this system, the cables disappear from just a few feet away, so the view remains unobscured. The code on deck railing is essential for safety, but can sometimes be a problem for homeowners.

Adam Peters contributes adding articles on deck railing plans to one of his more successful sites;deck porch railings.com. Andrew publishes designs and ideas for different deck railing designs. You can reach further articles and information of Adam on deck railings at is website.

I think the old saying “You are what you eat” - is so true, when your eating junk, you tend to feel rather lousy. I can vouch for this!

I used to be a manager in a fast food joint, and because I could eat for free there I did. I was working 12-18 hour days, and I was expecting a bunch of junk food to get me through the day? NAH-UH!

It was during this job that I developed Anxiety and Panic Disorder, my lifestyle was so unhealthy on so many scales its no wonder I was so vulnerable to develop to Anxiety and Panic Disorder.

As I begun to change my eating habits, I noticed a massive improvement in my concentration and my over all well-being. I didn’t feel as tired through-out the day and actually felt more keen to exercise.

I am no diet expert; I usually stick to the original diet pyramid. I start my morning with a bowl of cereal and toast. A sandwich for lunch (preferably salad with fresh ham, depending on how rich I am that week) *smiles* otherwise it might be the good ol’ vegemite sandwiches, and usually a banana and a yogurt for through-out the day for morning tea or afternoon tea.

For dinner I usually have a variety of either fresh chicken, fish, seafood or red meat. Read meat being the most frequent. With steamed vegetables as steamed vegetables are meant to lock in more of the nutrients compared to boiling them. And as I’ve been told, the more colours on the plate, the better it will be for you!

This diet worked wonders for me. Of course at first it was hard to adjust to, I just didn’t feel full, and I guess I was craving a cup full of greasy oil haha. *ewww*

However, a week or two later, my body had adjusted and then I could reap the benefits.

© Joanne King - http://www.anxiety-panic-free.com

About the Author - Joanne King is a former sufferer of Anxiety & Panic Attacks. She is the author of “How to Overcome Anxiety & Panic Attacks”. She has helped other sufferers Worldwide to eliminate their Anxiety & Panic attacks. http://www.anxiety-panic-free.com

No one in their right mind would ever think they could get a business established with no investment. Doing it on the internet is no different than anywhere else, only the access to your business has changed. No longer do you need to have a showroom full of stock, have to hire employees to help your customers, clean the place and worry about all the other things associated with a physical location. The internet has made businesses a true 24/7 operation for a fraction of the cost, but their are still cost to be incurred and it is not for everyone. You can ‘do it yourself’ with a very low investment at the start or you can invest more and do less, but you will always have to do something. The problem most have is that they invest more than they can afford in the starting stages and run out of funding before they start getting results.

You will have to know what you need, compare the cost and get the most you can for your investment.

You will have two investments to make and they are money and time.

Use what you have in place now to it’s up-most and purchase only into what you really need for the other things. Realize that the ‘other things’ will require money.

The amount can only be determined by you, but you must not expect the same results from a $15.00 investment as you would from a $100.00 one. Treat them both the same, do not let the amount itself make it’s value to you any the less. If something cost nothing, then expect the same in return. Do not confuse this with a ‘Free Trial’, as that is something else entirely but do not expect a ‘Free Trial’ to produce that effectively.

Just like you, people ’surf’ the internet from the comfort of their home PC’s looking for products or services and only see the end result ( that is your website ) with no idea of what it really took to make it ‘appear’ on their monitor. Far too many people today tend to under estimate the cost and the time it takes for this to happen. All they seem to know is that there seems to be a lot of people out there saying they make thousands of dollars a month after being in business for a very short time. Can it happen? Sure, but the odds are that it won’t. Just in case it doesn’t, you should never invest more than you can afford. Give yourself and your business time to be seen and to grow in it’s internet presence.

Getting the knowledge and knowing how to apply it are two different things.

This is why the ‘home business’ concept has gotten such a bad name in the past. Since most soon learn that it takes more than just getting an associate site to direct others to visit, they tend to let their desire for achievement outweigh their common sense. When they fail, they blame the associate site and not what they have done, or failed to do in order to make is work for them. After the initial start up, you should only spend a couple hours a day in front of your PC promoting. Do not jump into search engine submitting, and other forms of internet promotions if you do not have your own website. Instead, you will want to limit this to your local internet classified, the yellow pages, and your local home town site’s business listings. People will look for things close to home first.

The rest of the time you should be doing follow ups on those that have shown an interest but have not purchased as yet. If you can not, or are not willing to do this, then do not even think of having your own business. The key here is that you must have complete confidence in your product or service. Most ‘home business’ people sell a service. Some can not afford VOIP, nor a lot of time on the making of toll and/or long distance phone calls. Put your contact number on your website and let those interested call you. If you can not be there to answer the call, then have an answer machine or voice mail in place. You will want to follow up via e-mail also, after first getting permission to do so. Even so, do not become ‘pushy’. Send them one, and if you do not hear back, maybe another one a week later, both asking for them to take the next step and contact you back for more information. That’s it, if they have changed their mind about your product or service,then they have the right to do so. IF they un-change the

You will have to do more. If you are on a very limited budget then start locally and work your way out and up with your personal contacts, that is actually calling someone up and making an appointment to visit them in person to explain your business. If they are ‘leery’ of having you come to them, then you can meet them somewhere. I have found companies that have local meeting places for training and to use as a meeting place for your prospects in most major cities. You can also meet them at a local ‘coffee house’ or restaurant. Dress for the occasion, either in a suit or casual but always in a neat and professional way. I have seen websites where the picture of the person that wants others to invest with them is dressed in shorts and sitting on a lawn chair. Do they really think they will ever be taken seriously? Don’t make the same mistake.

Do not purchase more than one or two E-books or ‘how to’ books from your local bookstore. You will soon find they are very good in theory and methods but very poor in application instruction. This is because they have done what they do, gotten you to purchase the book, which is their product. Let’s face it, how many of these ‘millionaires’ have you really heard of off the internet? How many of these, if you do meet one, have you done so in person? ( on the internet, this can be in a ‘chat room’ ). If the ONLY way you can get training or to meet someone is by calling a conference call number and entering a pin, then think about it a little more. If they are doing so good, then why is the call not a ‘toll free 800 type of number?

If you feel it is worth it however, remember this is another investment you have to budget into your business plan.

People follow real people that know what they are talking about and remember what is was like to be at the same stage as them.

Do not be afraid to admit to your present level. If you are just starting, then say so and explain to them you will share what you have learned so far and will learn with them as you do so. Get input from them, maybe they will have an idea or method that you have over looked or not thought of being right. Being right for you may not be right for everyone. Be willing to be open minded and willing to either listen to or accept suggestions.

In conclusion:

Set up a budget with how much money and time you can or are willing to invest. Expect the level of results to match that commitment. As you achieve more, then invest more.

Do not expect things to happen overnight. Learn to live with rejection and how to overcome obstacles. Most of all, stay focused, keep your goal in mind and believe in yourself.

Robert Nixon

With all of the calendars and PDA’s and lists I make I recently did a really dumb thing. I forgot my best friend’s birthday and her anniversary. Both special days are back to back and I forgot both of them. After being friends for twenty years I feel old and stupid!

It could have been that I was packing my last child to go off to college and the constant comments like,” You’re going to be empty nesters”, like I was a big, fat robin, were starting to wear very thin. Even having my youngest leave home was not enough of an excuse to miss two important days in my best friend’s life.

So what did I do the minute I realized my mistake? I went shopping!

I drove to my local card shop in the strip center by my home because I knew that not only could I use my special coupon that I had, but that I probably could find something unique there. Just as I thought, as soon as I walked in I saw a display of “retro” Barbie items.

Not a big deal to you, but a big deal to me and I know, my best friend. You see, we grew up in that era and for a short time, I was time warped back to the sixties! I bought an armful of things! A special Christmas ornament, a photo album, a special gift bag, a card and a picture frame! I would have bought more but I was starting to feel a little less guilty at this point! I could just imagine her face when she opens the package. She and I both love “girly” things and this was the epitome of “girly”! I was so excited about these things that I decided right there in the store I needed to mail the package overnight so I could hear how much she loved each item!

As I carried all of my special “finds” throughout the store, I picked up an anniversary card and made my way to the counter. I was the only customer in the store at the time and I noticed that there was only one employee behind the counter doing what looked to be “busy work”.

As she looked up she said, “Oh, don’t you love this Barbie stuff?” Well, it was rather obvious. That was the end of the discussion. The conversation converted to what I call “parrot” talk. Do you have a “———mark card?” Will that be cash or charge? Do you want the receipt with you or in the bag? Have a nice evening.

It was a simple $50 sale that had so much more potential. The average sale in a card store is between $8 and $14 so maybe that sale wasn’t so average. Maybe she thought I had purchased everything I wanted. So what would make me return to that store? Why would I tell my best friend about the selection? Where else could I buy the same merchandise? When will companies learn the simple technique to bring customers back?

And how can they improve those simple communication skills.

I call this the Win-Win “W” words!

Simple words that create open-ended questions that the customer can’t say “no” to but that also help to build a conversation! Employees should try to build a conversation with a customer in which each of the sentences they use begin with a “w” word; who, what, where, when, why and a non-”w” word, how.

The questions can be developed into either a service approach or a merchandise approach. Here are examples:

The Service approach:

Whatbrings you in today?

Who is celebrating an anniversary?

Whenis the big occasion?

Wherewill the wedding be?

Howare you planning to wrap this?

The Merchandise approach:

Whattype of frame will match their decorating style?

Wholikes these fabulous scented candles?

Whenwill you need these invitations for?

Wherewill you be sending this Precious Moments keepsake figurine?

Howabout buying a second charm to give as a stocking stuffer?

It is all about building a conversation by asking open-ended questions that will help you to learn more about your customer’s wants and needs. Little children are great at this technique. They will ask you “w” questions until they are blue in the face because they want to know the answers to their questions. So should you!

I was just reading an article entitled, “Clone Your Top Performers”, by Louise Anderson in a new publication called Incentive magazine. She states in the article that they worked with a bank that needed to increase sales at each branch. They taught the tellers to ask each customer an open-ended question about graduations, home renovation projects or other seasonal events. The teller would then relate a story from his or her own experience to build rapport. Based on this conversation, the teller might be able to refer the customer to the appropriate personal banker with a specific need.

Interestingly enough, when they “rewarded their people for adopting this pattern the bank averaged 26 closed sales per team member, versus15 previously- a 58% improvement!”

Amazing that the increases came simply from developing a relationship with the customer by asking simple questions that you would ask a friend or family member!

How could the sales associate at my card shop improve her sales per transaction with me? Did I mention there was a huge display board as I came in the store that stated, “If you buy $30 worth of Barbie merchandise you can get a special piece for 50% off the regular price?” Could she have reminded me of that??? I told her that I still had my original Barbie. Could she have said, “Why don’t you pick something special for yourself, like the beautiful silver bracelet?” What special occasion do you have coming up that you could treat yourself to? My, how fast these ornaments have sold; you might want to get one for your Christmas tree this year! And she should have noticed that I bought a gift bag but no tissue. How easy would it have been for her to say, “I see you didn’t get tissue for the bag? Did you see that great Barbie tissue with the shoes on it?” How about I grab you a pack to just add that last special touch to this gift for your best friend?”

I would have started feeling better about being “forgetful” right away!

This type of selling is built on the fast food sales strategy. “Would you like fries with that?” Sometimes I don’t want fries. I don’t want anything extra. But this time, I was in a “buying mood” and even a simple compliment like “What a lucky best friend you have”, could have warmed up the conversation. Better yet, I would have thought, “What would I like to take home for me?”

You see boomerang customers come back to us because they know we know the right questions to ask!

Now where did I leave my day timer?

Anne M. Obarski is “The Customer Service Spy!” As a professional speaker and trainer, Anne will work with your company to provide you with the clues to keep your customers coming back. Anne presents keynotes, break-out sessions and customized training, nationwide, in the area of customer service. You’ll want her two new books, “Surprising Secrets of Mystery Shoppers” and “Real World Customer Service Strategies That Work”.

For a limited time get her free, “10 Big Secrets to Giving Mystery Shopper Feedback and Get the Changes You Want”, by faxing 724-941-4304 on your letterhead and write the words, BIG SECRETS. For more info go to: http://www.merchandiseconcepts.com or email Anne at anne@merchandiseconcepts.com For high resolution photo of Anne, please visit www.merchandiseconcepts.com/annephoto.html