Risks When Choosing a Realtor

yorkville condos for saleIf you are in the market to buy or sell a home, then you will likely be looking for a realtor.  Choosing a realtor is not the easiest task in the world, but there are a few things that you can do to make your experience better than you thought it would be.  The key is to hire the right realtor, and make sure that they put you on their priority list.  Too many realtors don’t do enough when it comes down to being able to sell your home, or find a home for you to buy.  Here are a few helpful tips to follow when choosing your real estate agent.

First, you will want to start by looking at the multiple listings searches and finding out more about the realtors in your area.  You are sure to find that there are some that are more reputable than others, and have been in the industry for a very long time.  It is a good idea to make a list of the realtors in your area so that you can look further into their background before deciding on one.

Next, you should do a simple Google search on the realtor in question.  You will be able to pull up information about them and see their selling statistics, etc.  This will help you to see how well they have done for others in the past, which will give you a good idea as to what they will be able to do for you.  If they have a good track record, then they may be a good choice.

After you have narrowed down your selection, it is then time to meet with the realtors and talk to them face to face.  This will give you the opportunity to see how they interact with you.  It is really important for them to be able to talk to you openly about your situation, and if they have some type of communication barriers, you may want to steer clear.

These are great tips to keep in mind when it comes to choosing a realtor.  You don’t have to get the most noteworthy realtor in your area, because chances are you will pay more for their good name.  That doesn’t mean that you should settle for less than the best though, either!  It is a good idea to find a realtor that will do the job right, and offer you the swift results that you are looking for.

Guest post from Kevin Beer Real Estate. Kevin has properties for sale, specifically yorkville condos for sale. Check out his listings for toronto downtown condos for sale.

Posted in: General Tips

Why Entrepreneurs Fail

Post from Calvin Mortley.

There are many reasons why entrepreneurs fail.  Let’s get right to it.

Not understanding the target demographics

When an entrepreneur starts a business with a product or service it is generally because they are in love with the particular product or service that they are selling.  That is all well and good but they fail to see that just because they love it that does not mean that everyone will.  All of the big businesses know this.  They find out what the target demographic is and market their products and services to that target demographic in areas and mediums that the target demographic is most likely going to have access to.

Spending more than making

If a business is spending more than they are taking in then of course it will not be open very long.  They need to start out with a budget and stay on that budget.  Everything needs to be updated in the budget on a weekly if not daily basis.  Every penny that is spent and every penny that is earned must be notated and accounted for.

Too many conflicts, not enough rational thinking

Every business runs into problems.  This can be overwhelming to anyone to be faced with problem after problem.  It can get to a point where there are decisions being made without though being put into them…a knee jerk decision if you will.  This can be deadly to any business. All decisions need to be properly thought out with the pros and cons weighed before a decision is made.

Not marketing

Not marketing will kill a new business very quickly.  How are people supposed to know that you have a business if you do not market it and tell people about it?  You don’t have to spend a LOT of money but you do need to invest some if you want to make any money.

Profits before people

This is another mistake that entrepreneurs make.  Yes, profits are important but if you look at someone and only see dollar signs instead of a face then you are in sad shape and your company will be doomed.  Every person is not going to just come in and hand you money.  You have to treat people with respect and discern their needs.  They are in your place of business for a reason.  Talk to them, find out what their needs are and then find a way to provide what they need.  Treat them like people instead of ATMs and you will see an increase in your business.

These are just a few of the many reasons that entrepreneurs fail.  It is important to pay close attention to every single aspect of any business in order for it to stay afloat and prosper.

Post from Calvin Mortley.

Posted in: Business

What to Consider with Business Security

business security systems

If you are a business owner then it is natural that you want to protect your assets…namely your business.  It doesn’t matter if you have a retail store, or a business that provides services instead of goods.  It doesn’t matter if it is a brick and mortar type business or one that operates solely on the internet…it needs to be protected.

There are many forms that business security can come in.  Why don’t we take a look at a few of them?

Insurance is always a good way to feel more secure about your business.  If for example you have a brick and mortar business and someone breaks in and either steals merchandise or money or even just vandalizes the place then the insurance will cover the losses.  If someone comes into your place of business and falls or is injured by something in your business then you can be covered against that sort of event too.  If you don’t necessarily have a brick and mortar business instead provide services (for example lawn care) and something happens to your equipment or it gets stolen and it is covered by insurance then you will be able to replace it.

Physical Security in a brick and mortar business can be an actual person or security team that protects the premises or it can be in the form of video surveillance and security systems.  This is a good option not only for outside dangers but also to keep an eye on the tills and safes in case of sticky fingered employees.  Alarm systems can be installed for security too and can either be silent so as to notify the authorities without scaring away the bandits so they can be caught red handed or it can be an audible alarm…whatever you prefer.  These systems are also useful in case or fire.

For online businesses you should have a very good security system in place.  Hackers abound and some of them are very unscrupulous.  They can hack into an unguarded system and steal personal information about your clients.  This could be names, addresses, email addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth, social security numbers and even credit card numbers.  In short they can steal all of the information that would be necessary to allow them to fraud your clients and customers with identity theft.

All of the options that are listed above are not the only forms of security that are out there and available for businesses.  These however are important ones.  As with every single other business decision that you make you should check into all of the viable options and weigh the pros and cons of each before making your final decision.

This is guest post from City Alarm. They are one of winnipeg alarm companies providing the best home alarm systems. Check them out!

Posted in: Security

The Riskiest Businesses to Start

business risks

Any business can be risky to start.  Today’s economy is really not conducive to much at the moment.  There are things that may be safe if your initial investment and startup costs are both low and affordable enough that you will not suffer if they tank.  There are also businesses that it is not recommended at all to start right now.  We will touch on a few of them now.

Grocery stores

Not only do grocery stores run with very small profit margins they have new independent grocery stores tend to fail because there is so much competition from established and larger chain stores in the area who already have a loyal customer base.

Bars and restaurants

Many bars and restaurants fail within a year of opening.  This is largely due to the failure of the owner in budgeting for all of the expenses necessary to open a business of this nature.  They must factor in heavy costs for things such as kitchen equipment, meeting local codes and getting licensed, building rental, and insurance and employee wages.

Cell phone stores

You might think that this one would be ok but it really isn’t.  Due to the speed at which technology is advancing and new phones coming out every few months with all new accessories for each model, new owners tend to get overwhelmed with products that are no longer relevant in the marketplace.  The only true successful cell phone stores are the ones run by the wireless companies and the makers of the phones themselves.

Clothing Stores

Clothing stores may also seem like a viable option.  Just as with the cell stores, clothing styles also frequently change and new owners can often be stuck with merchandise that is no longer in vogue and have to eat the cost of them.  They also face fierce competition by larger, established stores that can afford to sell the same items at lower profit margins.

Travel Agencies

While you also may think that the travel business would be a good one, consider the price of everything now from gas to air travel and everything else.  Cruises have taken a hit due to the recent rash of incidents like the Carnival ship that was stranded in the Gulf and others.  Many people are now taking “staycations” instead of vacations.  They are hanging out in their home towns or places near to them.  People are afraid to go overseas too with all of the terrorist activities and scares.

Any new business is a risk.  If you are bound and determined to open one then do your homework.  Know the risks and startup costs.  Factor in everything and make an informed decision…not a decision based solely on your hopes and dreams and aspirations of being a business owner.

Posted in: General Tips

The Speculated Google Zebra Update – Potential Risks

SONY DSC

For those of you who have heard about Google Zebra and for those of you who may not have heard about it yet, Here and now in this article you will find out what it is and the rumors that are surrounding it.  There will not be any bias or judgment shown intentionally, only the passing along of information that is readily available for anyone to find online who wants to look for it.

What is Google Zebra?

According to Google, Google Zebra is a link directory.  Instead of having web sites and pages shown in rank according to keyword saturation when searches are run, the Zebra directory will list pages and sites by categories and subcategories.  It will also be more user friendly for users who do not speak or read English.

So, basically if you think about how businesses are listed in the yellow pages of the phone book, by category, this is sort of like an online version of the yellow pages.  The difference being that instead of the sites and pages being local to a specific area (like a phone book) they will be for all over the world.

Things to Do

Even though Google Zebra is said to be a rumor and there are no set plans for it, people who own e-tail stores are taking notice and one site in particular has made some tips that people should take into consideration.  They are as follows and more details can be found at SEJ.

  • Know and use the content you currently have
  • Make all designs and accessibility from any device a priority
  • Have a tool to make on site comparison shopping on site
  • Find out what Schema markups are and incorporate their use into your site
  • Claim your content by adding Google Authorship on your site
  • Add videos for your products
  • Have live chat services for customer questions, comments and complaints
  • Make note of current page speed as well as load times and improve upon them
  • Make your company policies clear and concise
  • Become a trusted store with Google
  • Just as Yelp pays attention to reviews, you should too

With all of those things to do, it needs to be said again that the whole issue is a rumor at this point in time.  That being said, it is also said that all rumors has some base in fact.  The point is, those are the rumors and those are the recommended tips.  If you choose to believe or not to believe the rumors the tips are still good to improve your web site ranking and overall user friendliness.  Who knows, your business may even see a marked increase by using those tips.  Thanks SEJ for the great advice!

Post from Winnipeg SEO Experts, they do winnipeg seo and internet marketing that gets results. Kyle Gustin, an international SEO consultant runs the company.

Posted in: Search Marketing

Should Your Business use Wi-Fi or Ethernet?

wifi or ethernet toronto IT support

In order to make a decision on this you need to understand a few things.  You will find them broken down for you below.

Ethernet

Ethernet is a network that uses cables to connect one or more computers through a switch, hub or router.

  • Mobility

Mobility is hampered with Ethernet due to the fact that the computers must stay connected to the hub by Ethernet cables.

  • Reliability

Ethernet is more reliable than Wi-Fi due to the fact that the signal is carried by the Ethernet cables. 

  • Performance

Performance of internet over an Ethernet connection is decidedly more reliable as it is coming through wires instead of through the air.

  • Security
  • Most of the routers used in Ethernet connections have a firewall installed.  Most computers will also make use of a firewall.  As long as you have either if these two security systems in place then you should be secure.

Wireless

With wireless systems only the router is connected to an Ethernet cord.  Computers, tablets and even smartphones can connect to the wireless signal (Wi-Fi).  There are really two basic types of Wi-Fi.  Those types are 802.11g and 802.11n.  802.11g is the older version and 802.11n is the newer and more reliable one.

  • Mobility

With wireless the mobility possibilities are nearly endless.  As long as you are within the range of the signal you will stay connected no matter where you move your laptop, tablet or smartphone.  Check you emails from the restroom if you choose to.  With wireless you have the capability to not be chained to a desk and will have access to your important documents no matter where you are.

  • Reliability

Over just the last few years, wireless reliability has grown by leaps and bounds.  The main problem with reliability seems to come in the form of signal interference but even then the occurrences are few and far between.

  • Performance

While you do get relatively good speed with wireless connections and Ethernet connections, the faster of the two is Ethernet.  Signals do not have to be broken all the way down and then be put all together again with Ethernet because they go through the cable.  Wireless means that they do have to do all of that.  That being said, wireless speeds are continuously improving and even right now, there is not a terribly noticeable difference in the speeds.  The numbers might make you think otherwise but when tested side by side there really isn’t a noticeable difference.

  • Security

Just as with Ethernet the router should have some sort of firewall on it.  Any computer or wireless device that connects to the signal should have its own firewall.

Now that you have the facts, you make the call.

THIS IS A GUEST POST FROM IT SUPPORT TORONTO.

Shift IT Toronto is a company that provides cutting edge IT support and services. They are the best it consulting toronto has. Check them out.

Video about IT support Toronto is here.

Posted in: IT Topics

How to Manage Risk in Your Business

risk management

Whether you already own a business or you are thinking about starting one there are many things that need to be given serious thought.  A thorough understanding of business risk management is highly recommended.  There is not only your investment in your business at stake, but there are also many more issues that go along with it.  Today we are going to take a closer look at what business risk management is and some of the aspects involved.

What is Risk Management?

Risk management is the term used to describe the process of identifying and trying to forestall potential risks which could include anything having potential to affect a business negatively.  This could be in terms of the reputation of the business, the finances of the business, or the internal workings of the business.

Reputation

What the public thinks in regards to your business can help or hinder the business.  If the public has a positive opinion of it then they will tell other people about it and your business can flourish.  However, it also can harm your business critically if it gets a reputation of poor quality of the goods or services that are offered.  Even if one of your employees is rude to someone it could hurt the reputation.

Finances

Financial issues can be a harbinger of impending disaster within a business…especially a startup or small business.  When you start to notice the financial loss it may be too late to make the changes necessary to turn it around and you can end up losing everything.  It is essential that you keep on top of the finances and weight the risks against the benefits in every single decision that you make in regards to the business.

Internal Risks

Internal risk is a broad category.  It could include things like lazy employees, corrupt managers or even trade secrets being stolen and sold to other competing businesses.  You can curtail this type of activity by being a very involved owner.  The more involved you are, the harder it will be for your employees to think that they can get away with something without being caught and having to deal with the consequences.  Make all infractions known in the employee handbooks as well as the consequences for each infraction and then stick to it.  Do not let one get away with something because if you do then it sets precedent for the next time it happens and if you discipline one for something and not the other one then you could be in a world of hurt.

There are more aspects to business risk management but this information is intended to get you going and not overwhelm you with loads of information all at one time.

Posted in: General Tips