tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14896912598084646042024-03-13T19:46:51.078-04:00The IT EntrepreneurThe Business Tech Blog for Entrepreneurs, IT Entrepreneurs and Web-Entrepreneurs, who desire the accumulation of wealth and financial independence. It is a "How To Create a Business Blog" as well as a "Small Business Startup Blog", plus other related business opportunities. I will present business formulas that have worked for me, and offer encouragement for you to work for yourself. START COMPANIES, BUILD WEALTH, SHARE!JMKellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02985128901558000380noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1489691259808464604.post-82952520208579615692012-03-23T13:14:00.000-04:002012-03-23T13:26:12.731-04:0012 North American Cities to Find an IT Job in 2012 InfoGraphic<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
I stumbled upon this very interesting "infographic" about hot IT job cities for 2012...<br />
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To recap, the HOT cities for IT Jobs are:<br />
<div style="color: blue;">
Houston TX, Toronto ON, Orlando FL, San Francisco CA, Minneapolis MN, McLean VA, Walnut Creek CA, Detroit MI, Jacksonville FL, New York NY, Denver CO, and Boston MA.
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<br />
Enjoy. :)</div>
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<a href="http://blog.modis.com/it-news/what-it-insiders-expect-in-2012/" title="12 Cities To Find An IT Job In 2012"><img alt="12 Cities To Find An IT Job In 2012" height="6281" src="http://blog.modis.com/wp-content/uploads/IT-job-2012.png" title="12 Cities To Find An IT Job In 2012" width="600" /></a><br />
Source:<a href="http://www.modis.com/"> Modis – IT Staffing Agency</a><br />
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JMKellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02985128901558000380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1489691259808464604.post-46163311702677361842010-11-11T13:51:00.000-05:002010-11-11T13:51:14.422-05:00How To Make Your First $1 Million - Investopedia Slideshows<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.investopedia.com/inv/articles/slideshow/become_millionaire/10ways.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" px="true" src="http://i.investopedia.com/inv/articles/slideshow/become_millionaire/10ways.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The Millionaire's Mindset</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">When your grandparents lamented that a dollar just isn't a dollar anymore, they weren't just bellyaching. </span><a href="http://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/inflation.asp"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Inflation</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> attacks the value of a dollar, reducing it as time goes by so you need more dollars as time goes on. That is one of the reasons that $1 million is often thrown around as a retirement goal. Back in 1900, a $1 million retirement would include a mansion and a bevy of servants, but now, it has become a benchmark for the average retirement portfolio. The upside is that it is easier to become a millionaire now than at any time before. While you won't be buying islands, it is still a goal worth shooting for.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">From: </span><a href="http://www.investopedia.com/slide-show/millionaire-mindset/default.aspx"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">How To Make Your First $1 Million - Investopedia Slideshows</span></a>JMKellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02985128901558000380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1489691259808464604.post-29709245370362317442010-10-18T23:35:00.011-04:002010-11-03T11:20:36.106-04:00Owning Your Career<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5_zN8AWT8xU/TL0Rj-tet9I/AAAAAAAAATk/-PdIa9jsg2A/s1600/businessman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5_zN8AWT8xU/TL0Rj-tet9I/AAAAAAAAATk/-PdIa9jsg2A/s200/businessman.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last week, I had the privilege to attend a career building event sponsored by my employer, Coca-Cola. How very nice, I thought, to work for a company that is willing to pay for its employees to attend a workshop focused solely on their individual careers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The purpose of the event was to map out the individuals' personality traits, strengths, interests and so on to determine the best career path to take. Next, everyone focused on where they were in their careers and lives, to determine or re-evaluate their proper course, and to see if they needed to make a "course correction." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since the class had people at the beginning of their careers, some fresh out of college, to others looking at retirement in a few years (and all points in between), it was fascinating to hear everybody's perspectives on where they are and where they desire to be in both their work and personal lives. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We started by breaking down ourselves, assessing the following:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I. Interest and skills:</span><br />
<ul><li>Realistic</li>
<li>Investigative</li>
<li>Artistic</li>
<li>Social</li>
<li>Enterprising</li>
<li>Conventional</li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">II. Working Styles:</span><br />
<ul><li>Expressive</li>
<li>Amiable</li>
<li>Driver</li>
<li>Analytical</li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It came as little surprise to me that I am Social/Investigative, and that I am Expressive. It did surprise me that I didn't have as many matches in the Analytical category as I thought I should have. After all, I'm an Analyst by trade. Perhaps I have evolved over time, and I'm not quite as critical or structured as I once was. I do know that having children torpedoed my functional and organized environment!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These self evaluation tests were based on assessments formulated by The Ryan Group, leaders in human capital management solutions. Another tool referenced by the class material is the book <u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0975511211?ie=UTF8&tag=theitent-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0975511211">Don't Waste Your Talent: The 8 Critical Steps to Discovering What You Do Best</a></u>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I found the workshop to be both interesting and insightful. At this point in my career, I may need to "tweak the ship's heading" just a little. :-)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">JM Kelly, <em>The IT Entrepreneur</em></span>JMKellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02985128901558000380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1489691259808464604.post-19682070659149064692010-08-13T14:11:00.005-04:002010-08-20T22:34:58.469-04:00Wealth Preservation with... Gold?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5_zN8AWT8xU/TGVs0vpg3UI/AAAAAAAAATM/lPIc2Ha55XQ/s1600/gold_bars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5_zN8AWT8xU/TGVs0vpg3UI/AAAAAAAAATM/lPIc2Ha55XQ/s320/gold_bars.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Like the songs says "<em>All That Glitters is Gold..."</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With the economy still limping along, it seems that more investors are seeking safety in buying the shiny stuff. If you watch (or listen) the CNBC, Bloomberg, or other financial networks, you know that every other commercial is someone trying to sell you Gold, Silver, Platinum or other precious metals. There are even Gold-backed IRAs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I remember when I was a boy during those long summer breaks, I would hear stock reports on the local news at lunch. They would quote the price of gold, pork bellies, the Dow Jones Average and other things I really didn't understand. However, I remember thinking that gold is pretty, everybody wants some, and it was only about $100 dollars an ounce. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">That was a lot of money to a pre-teen boy in the 1970s, but I could still put my head around it. I would accumulate amounts like that doing odd jobs, and thought to myself "I could buy gold!". I never did, of course, because I didn't know how to and grown-ups wouldn't take me serious anyway. If only I had figured out a way...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Today, gold trades around $1200 an ounce. It is fairly easy to buy, either in gold shares, bullion or coin form. It is also easy to liquidate, unlike my other favorite asset, real estate. Why not add some to my portfolio? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I finally decided to act! I contacted one of the gold merchants I heard on the media, and they sent me a nice PDF brochure explaining the process of gold ownership that I am sharing with you on this link: <a href="http://www.pda400.com/PDF/GoldGuide.pdf">www.pda400.com/PDF/GoldGuide.pdf</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I don't think they'll mind some free advertising...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Once I buy, I'll share what the experience was like. I'm also going to see how easy (or difficult) it is to sell the stuff in my local area.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Happy Prospecting!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">JM Kelly, <em>The IT Entrepreneur</em></span>JMKellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02985128901558000380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1489691259808464604.post-65609134797312485312010-08-09T23:14:00.000-04:002010-08-09T23:14:57.659-04:00Buffett on World's Growing Wealth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5_zN8AWT8xU/TGB1uyA0jkI/AAAAAAAAASk/IsRU_dSGhIA/s1600/Buffet.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5_zN8AWT8xU/TGB1uyA0jkI/AAAAAAAAASk/IsRU_dSGhIA/s200/Buffet.gif" width="116" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As always, I continue to follow the advice of highly successful people to emulate. Warren Buffett is one of the people who I hold in high esteem. Coming from a middle-class family to rise to one of the richest people on the planet is truly an amazing feet!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">If you haven't done so already, I recommend reading (or listening to as I did) <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0553384619?ie=UTF8&tag=theitent-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0553384619">The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life</a>, which chronicles the life and rise of "The Oracle of Omaha".</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Recently, I came across an interview in The Wall Street Journal entitled <span style="color: blue;"><em><a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704017904575410142265164762.html?mod=googlenews_wsj">Buffett on World's Growing Wealth</a></em><span style="color: black;">, in which</span></span><span style="color: black;"> Mr. Buffett details how he plans to convince America's billionaires to publicly commit to giving away at least half of their fortunes.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">He is not only rich in wealth, but truly philanthropic as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">JM Kelly, The IT Entrepreneur</span>JMKellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02985128901558000380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1489691259808464604.post-10492443680095928702010-01-27T01:42:00.002-05:002010-01-27T01:52:56.481-05:00Entrepreneurs help Haiti Earthquake Victims<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Sure movie stars and singers are helping Haiti; they are always first in line to help when tragedy strikes. But what about Entrepreneurs? </span><br />
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<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Being an entrepreneur is not just about capitalism, starting businesses, and profits. True entrepreneurs have felt hardship themselves at some point during their lives, and understand the importance of helping those in need during times of crisis.</span><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As the world watches the terrible tragedy of the Haitian Quake unfold, relief agencies, governments, and entrepreneurs alike are taking action to give the Haitian People the humanitarian aid they so desperately need.</span><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The following are entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial companies offering to help the people of Haiti, as well as agencies accepting donations should you wish to contribute. Please share stories you find of other entrepreneurs giving to the cause.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Ted Turner</span>, founder and chairman of the United Nations Foundation, </span><a href="http://www.unfoundation.org/press-center/press-releases/2010/ted-turner-on-earthquake-relief-efforts-haiti.html"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">donated $1 million</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> to the victims of the Haiti earthquake.</span><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.businessandleadership.com/news/article/19032/leadership/digicel-donates-us-5m-to-haiti-earthquake-relief"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Digicel donates US $5 million to Haiti</span></a><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Mobile phone company Digicel, which was founded by Irish entrepreneur <span style="color: blue;">Denis O’Brien</span>, has announced it is to donate US $5m to support relief efforts in Haiti. <i>(I saw Haitian kids on World News Tonight sporting Digicel T-shirts. Talk about free advertising…)</i></span><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Go Daddy’s philanthropic CEO and founder <span style="color: blue;">Bob Parsons</span> announced that </span><a href="http://www.godaddy.com/gdshop/news/release_view.asp?news_item_id=287&ci=9081"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Go Daddy will donate $500,000 to aid quake victims</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">. </span><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Musician and Haitian native <span style="color: blue;">Wyclef Jean</span>, who established </span><a href="http://yele.org/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Yéle Haiti</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">, tweeted, "Help Haiti Earthquake Relief Donate $5 by texting YELE to 501 501 right now please RT." You can follow him on </span><a href="http://wyclefjean.wordpress.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">his blog</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">, and on Twitter at </span><a href="http://twitter.com/wyclef"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">@wyclef</span></a><br />
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<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">OK, so Wyclef is a musician (and has been criticized by some) but he got a mention for his use of technologies like blogging and Twitter to spread the word.</span><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Saskatchewan Businessman Opens Wallet For Haiti: </span><a href="http://www.newstalk650.com/story/20100118/28065"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Frank Flaman donates $500,000 to relief effort</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">.</span><br />
</div><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A list of reputable relief agencies:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">AMERICAN RED CROSS <br />
Text “HAITI” to “90999″ to make a $10 donation. <br />
2025 E Street<br />
NW Washington, DC 20006 <br />
(800) REDCROSS (733-2767)<br />
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AMERICARES <br />
88 Hamilton Avenue <br />
Stamford, Conn. 06902 <br />
(800) 486-4357<br />
<br />
CARE <br />
151 Ellis Street <br />
Atlanta, Ga. 30303 <br />
(800) 521-CARE (521-2273)<br />
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DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS USA/MEDECINS SANS FRONTIERES (MSF) <br />
333 7th Avenue, 2nd Floor <br />
New York, NY 10001-5004 <br />
(888) 392-0392<br />
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INTERNATIONAL ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHARITIES <br />
P.O. Box 630225 <br />
Baltimore, Md. 21263-0225 <br />
(877) 803-4622<br />
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INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITTEE <br />
122 E. 42nd Street <br />
New York, NY 10168 <br />
(877) REFUGEE (733-8433)<br />
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MERCY CORPS <br />
Dept. W P.O. Box 2669 <br />
Portland, Ore., 97208-2669 <br />
(888) 256-1900<br />
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OXFAM AMERICA <br />
226 Causeway St., 5th Floor <br />
Boston, MA 02114-2206 <br />
(800) 77-OXFAM (776-9326)<br />
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PARTNERS IN HEALTH <br />
P.O. Box 845578 <br />
Boston, MA 02284-5578 <br />
(617) 432-5256<br />
<br />
THE SALVATION ARMY <br />
615 Slaters Lane <br />
P.O. Box 269 <br />
Alexandria, VA 22313<br />
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SAVE THE CHILDREN <br />
Haiti Earthquake Children in Emergency Fund <br />
54 Wilton Road Westport, Conn. 06880 <br />
(800) 728-3843<br />
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WORLD VISION <br />
Haiti Earthquake Relief <br />
P.O. Box 9716 Federal Way<br />
Wash. 98063-9716 <br />
(888) 511-6548<br />
<br />
U.S. FUND FOR UNICEF <br />
125 Maiden Lane <br />
New York, N.Y. 10038 <br />
(800) FOR-KIDS (367-5437)</span><br />
</div>JMKellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02985128901558000380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1489691259808464604.post-85015911314064688512009-07-31T01:23:00.004-04:002009-07-31T01:51:52.109-04:00Lower Credit Card Interest Rate to Reduce Debt<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5_zN8AWT8xU/SnKAL6XwfCI/AAAAAAAAANo/wqj2S8uOWS8/s1600-h/visa_logo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364491048287501346" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 130px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 76px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5_zN8AWT8xU/SnKAL6XwfCI/AAAAAAAAANo/wqj2S8uOWS8/s200/visa_logo.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">According to bankrate.com, the average credit card interest rate for a "Balance Transfer Card" is 13.74%. The average interest rate for a "Low Interest Card" is 9.23%. Why in the world would someone carry a card with these interest rates? </span></div><div><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Because of bank card voodoo that my own bank pulled on me, I was forced to scour the Internet looking for a better deal. Here's what I found: Simmons First Bank out of Arkansas. </span></div><div><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">For a balance transfer Visa Platinum card, they offer a <span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">fixed rate of 7.25%!</span> This card also comes with NO ANNUAL FEE! </span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">To apply online, go to: </span><a href="http://www.simmonsfirst.com/personal_banking/credit_cards/visa_platinum.aspx"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">http://www.simmonsfirst.com/personal_banking/credit_cards/visa_platinum.aspx</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Remember, to pay off credit card and other debt, attack the highest interest rates first with extra payments and pay the minimum on the others. This technique will systematically pay off your debts and free up monthly cash flow sooner.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">JM Kelly, The IT Entrepreneur</span></div>JMKellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02985128901558000380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1489691259808464604.post-5063224968800523822009-05-01T13:44:00.008-04:002009-07-01T19:08:00.782-04:00Laid Off: 15 Steps to Take if you Lose Your Job<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5_zN8AWT8xU/SftTVULTokI/AAAAAAAAAJY/4wk86SO_AMU/s1600-h/yes_success.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330946209581605442" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 107px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 129px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5_zN8AWT8xU/SftTVULTokI/AAAAAAAAAJY/4wk86SO_AMU/s200/yes_success.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;">In today’s uncertain times, many people are finding themselves part of a nasty statistic, being one of the unemployed masses having to find work. This usually hits people who least expect it, and the task of finding another job can seem overwhelming.<br /><br />Being an IT freelancer for a dozen years, over time I acquired the skills of being a “professional work finder”, if you will. For me “the end” was not usually due to a corporate downsizing, but rather, was in plain sight 3, 6, or 12 months over the horizon. While the techniques I used were successful in IT contracting, they will work in any industry and for permanent employment.<br /><br />These are listed in general order or priority:</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />1. Control Your Emotions<br />While it is easy to get very attached to a job or role, remember that it does not define you. The position was the company’s job anyway, not yours, and you only worked there. There will be other work with other companies.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><span style="font-family:arial;">2. Settle up with your old Company<br />It sounds like a no-brainer, but it a hurry to get out the door (especially if you are emotional) you might forget to submit your last expense report, collect your books and reference materials, etc. Also, don’t forget your potted plant. They can afford to buy their own with the money saved by your departure.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">3. Update Resume’, and Send it out Fast<br />Do this ASAP! Target 48 hours to have your resume’ updated and posted on the top five or so online job boards (i.e. Monster.com). If you have prior relationships with recruiters or headhunters, contact them as well.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">4. Sign Up for Unemployment Benefits<br />I never had this opportunity, but if you are eligible, take the time to wait in line and sign up. This is not welfare; it is government sponsored insurance that YOU have paid into. Now it is the government’s turn to pay you…<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">5. Re-evaluate your Financial Position<br />By the time you get home, you have no doubt already done this in your head. However, take time to sit down and re-visit (or create) your budget. Separate your needs from your wants, and do without the wants for a while. The largest expenses are the mortgage (or rent), insurance, utilities, and car notes or other notes. Can these be reduced? What else can you eliminate?<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">6. Check the secondary or niche’ Job Boards and Help Wanted Ads Online<br />Sometimes leads are not as obvious or not listed with the big websites.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">7. Search Targeted Company Websites<br />Always wanted to work for Google? Check out their employment page.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">8. Network, Network, Network<br />This is arguably the most important step in the list. Networking includes not only recruiters and HR people; it also includes friends, family, former colleagues, casual contacts, and basically anyone who will listen.<br /><br />Attend networking events and job fairs with resume’s and personal business cards in hand.<br /><br />Post your need for employment on sites like LinkedIn.com and Facebook.com . I found my current position using LinkedIn, when a recruiter spotted my profile and experience!<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">9. Cultivate List of Recruiters, HR Consultants, and Agents<br />As you meet people along the way to your next position, be sure to put them in your contact list for future use.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">10. Keep Track of The Process</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">* Leads<br />* Companies Contacted<br />* Resume’s Sent Out<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">11. Don’t Raid Investments, or run up Credit Cards<br />Sometimes this is necessary, but do so only as a last resort.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">12. Keep Your Insurance<br />You are the most vulnerable now, as is your family or dependents. You might consider raising deductibles to lower your payments, but keep all of your insurance in full effect.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">13. Get Some extra Training<br />Now is a great time to take a short course on some new skill or technology; plus, it’ll look good on your resume’.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">14. Keep Yourself Occupied<br />Don’t sleep late everyday and watch TV, get out in the world. See #8 above.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">15. Success is in the Follow-Up<br />Any good salesperson will tell you this; most folks are easily discouraged and give up. Follow up interviews with calls and a personal, hand-written thank you. Hiring managers are busy and distracted. The follow up could tilt the scales in your favor.<br /><br />Good luck in finding your next job (or contract). Remember, creation is an act of shear will. If all else fails, start a new company with a great business model, borrow money in the company’s name, and conquer the world!</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;">J</span><span style="font-family:Arial;">M Kelly, The IT Entrepreneur</span></div><div><br /><a href="http://technorati.com/tag/entrepreneur" rel="tag"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.4em; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" alt=" " src="http://static.technorati.com/static/img/pub/icon-utag-16x13.png?tag=entrepreneur" />entrepreneur</a></div>JMKellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02985128901558000380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1489691259808464604.post-23334646833197452252009-01-11T13:48:00.007-05:002009-07-01T19:14:42.433-04:00A New Resolution: Help Others Succeed Financially<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5_zN8AWT8xU/SWpIc8LxdII/AAAAAAAAAI8/PN9Nhk0kUCE/s1600-h/Benjamins.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290120374329111682" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 110px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 80px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5_zN8AWT8xU/SWpIc8LxdII/AAAAAAAAAI8/PN9Nhk0kUCE/s200/Benjamins.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;">This time of year, everyone has a resolution: lose weight, exercise more, call mom more often, etc. With the state of the current economy, most folks are resolving just to stay employed and keep their homes. You don’t need me to say just how scary things are now.<br /><br />However, in contemplating what 2009 holds for me, I realized that I have much to be thankful for. While a lot of people are losing their jobs or homes, I am gainfully employed and in fact, looking for my next investment property (more than likely, a foreclosure). Hopefully, financing will be easier to obtain than what I hear in the news.<br /><br />My resolution this year is to find more secrets of wealth building and protection and to share what I find. Call it “investment tithing”. The great motivational speaker, salesman and author <strong>Zig Ziglar</strong> once said </span><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">"You can have anything you want in life if you will help enough other people get what they want."</span><br /></strong></span><br />It is this very reason that Internet social networks are all the rage now. Since I have many, many things in life that I still want, I’m going to be very busy in 2009 helping others.<br /><br />May this year find you successful and prosperous… </span></div><span style="font-family:arial;"><div><br />JM Kelly, <em>The IT Entrepreneur</em></div><div><br /><a href="http://technorati.com/tag/entrepreneur" rel="tag"><img style="border:0;vertical-align:middle;margin-left:.4em" src="http://static.technorati.com/static/img/pub/icon-utag-16x13.png?tag=entrepreneur" alt=" " />entrepreneur</a><br /></span></div>JMKellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02985128901558000380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1489691259808464604.post-26035585030456185422008-11-06T23:44:00.008-05:002008-11-07T17:09:58.090-05:00Profile of an IT Entrepreneur<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5_zN8AWT8xU/SRS787oVvCI/AAAAAAAAAIw/rWwdBtEfn8U/s1600-h/SharePoint_book.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266040519776386082" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 153px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5_zN8AWT8xU/SRS787oVvCI/AAAAAAAAAIw/rWwdBtEfn8U/s200/SharePoint_book.gif" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">Last week, I had the opportunity to meet a true IT Entrepreneur at a Learning Tree course on Microsoft SharePoint. Dux Raymond Sy was the instructor of the class and he works for Innovative-e, a technology consulting and services company based in Atlanta.<br /><br />More than “just” a consultant, instructor, and blogger, Dux is also a bona-fide author (not that bloggers like myself are not) with the recent release of his new O’Reilly book entitled <em><span style="color:#000099;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/059652014X?ie=UTF8&tag=theitent-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=059652014X">SharePoint for Project Management: How to Create a Project Management Information System (PMIS) with SharePoint</a><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; MARGIN: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" height="1" alt="" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=theitent-20&l=as2&o=1&a=059652014X" width="1" border="0" /></span></em>. Dux is a SharePoint expert, and has the ear of the Microsoft SharePoint developers themselves.<br /><br />SharePoint is a tool used for storing and exchanging business files within an organization or group. It is a web-based project management tool, collaboration tool, data exchange, and repository among other things. This powerful tool is emerging as the Microsoft platform on which future Microsoft products will be integrated and deployed.<br /><br />I admire Dux’ energy and stamina in all of the projects that he undertakes. I also highly recommend Dux’ new book, and wish him the best of luck with it.<br /><br />Dux resides in the Washington DC area and can be reached through his blog at </span><a href="http://www.meetdux.com/"><span style="font-family:arial;">www.meetDux.com</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> .<br /><br />JM Kelly, <em>The IT Entrepreneur</em></span>JMKellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02985128901558000380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1489691259808464604.post-54042431772055425292008-09-18T14:52:00.003-04:002008-09-18T15:44:37.151-04:00Management Overdrive<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5_zN8AWT8xU/SNKm7lXoJ_I/AAAAAAAAAII/lWnEmZRbpcE/s1600-h/watching_you.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247440058413754354" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 101px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 181px" height="174" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5_zN8AWT8xU/SNKm7lXoJ_I/AAAAAAAAAII/lWnEmZRbpcE/s200/watching_you.jpg" width="95" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;">If you are a sci-fi/horror buff like I am, you probably remember the Stephen King book made into a cheesy flick called “Maximum Overdrive”, circa 1986, where the machines of the world were suddenly possessed by a sinister force from outer space, whose sole purpose was to rid the world of mankind.<br /><br />There is another sinister force which I have personally witnessed in companies of all sizes, this is the force of micro-management. Sometimes this is a corporate cultural phenomenon, but often it is a single person in mid-level management who makes life absolutely miserable for anyone working under him/her.<br /><br />My theory on this type of management (in large corporations) is one where insecurity in ones’ own effectiveness or inability to trust underlings to do their jobs leads to constant surveillance. It also leads to employee resentment of not only the leader, but also the company and their particular job.<br /><br />With startups and smaller companies owned by the entrepreneur, micro-management is more of a rule than the exception. Entrepreneurs are visionaries, and tend to trust their instincts more than their own people with carrying out that vision. Often times the entrepreneur can take his company only so far before having to hand the reins over to the leadership to take the company to the next level.<br /><br />With large, established corporations, micro-management is usually the exception to the rule due to various checks and balances. Where it exists, however, it’s that mid-level manager who wreaks havoc on morale.<br /><br />Here’s a great example:<br />In the throes of a large ERP software upgrade project, complex, over budget, and understaffed, a team of experts works diligently to meet project milestones.<br /><br />Since the project has slipped on some deadlines, and communication with the business users is sometimes lacking, a daily priority conference call is established to “hasten” the project along. This, in conjunction with a daily project defect call with the software vendor, and the team is losing 10 man-hours of productivity per person, per week. Add this to about 5 hours for various other “touchy-feely” meetings, and each person is giving up 15 hours per week to meetings; meetings that take people away from their keyboards.<br /><br />To make matters worse, the team’s micro-manager pays a visit almost every hour-on-the-hour, asking how much has been accomplished since his last visit. This incessant noise is akin to a 5 year olds’ constant questioning while on a long road trip, “Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet?”, as if repeated asking will alter space/time, and deliver a quicker result. In fact, it has the opposite effect.<br /><br />Unless of course the road trip is in a car named “Christine”, in which case the project was doomed from the start…<br /></span><br />JM Kelly, The IT Entrepreneur</div>JMKellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02985128901558000380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1489691259808464604.post-43292793999256461052008-07-27T17:16:00.001-04:002008-07-27T17:16:26.720-04:00LLC or INC for Flipping Houses?<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5_zN8AWT8xU/SIzkWKbrUII/AAAAAAAAAFo/6f8aafdKW6s/s1600-h/home_hands.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227804336878997634" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="94" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5_zN8AWT8xU/SIzkWKbrUII/AAAAAAAAAFo/6f8aafdKW6s/s200/home_hands.jpg" width="114" border="0" /></a><br />As a real estate investor, I am repeatedly asked this question: “Should I buy property in my name, or in the name of an LLC or Incorporated company?” I have an LLC under which I own properties, but feel I should let an expert address that question.<br /><br />I posed the question to Annette Coker, a licensed broker/realtor, and good friend.<br /><br />Annette’s response:<br />“I have houses in an LLC and here are the downsides:<br />Financing is impossible to get, so you buy the home in the individual’s name and quitclaim at closing to your LLC.<br /><br />There are other disadvantages, too. If you want to get a line of credit you will pay a higher interest rate. Also, homeowners’ insurance will be higher. As soon as you put real estate into an LLC, it becomes commercial and I personally think it’s a pain.<br /><br />However, if you ever get sued, apparently the person suing cannot get your personal assets. I question that, too, as with the Internet and other technologies a person can find you even if you hide behind the umbrella of an LLC. It would all boil down to liabilities and the "corporate veil". An attorney could provide more insight into this…<br /><br />No, I do not think the LLC is the best way to flip. It is questionable in my mind whether it is the best way to even hold long term; a Land Trust is another vehicle that may be more attractive than an LLC.<br /><br />The primary difference between the INC and the LLC for real estate is that there is less accounting involved with the LLC, and tax reporting is easier (far less complex). Most people do LLC’s for real estate.”<br /><br />Thanks to Annette for taking the time to answer this question. She can be contacted through her company, Chapman Hall Realtors Premier at <a href="http://www.chrpremier.com/">http://www.chrpremier.com/</a><br /><br />JM Kelly, <em>The IT Entrepreneur</em>JMKellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02985128901558000380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1489691259808464604.post-49170551392542596702008-06-21T17:24:00.007-04:002008-06-21T19:02:30.558-04:00The 800-lb Gorilla<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214470929474663042" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5_zN8AWT8xU/SF2FrtLwMoI/AAAAAAAAAFc/wbXseF2JHhw/s200/gorilla.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-family:verdana;">We all know the metaphor about the 800-lb Gorilla, or the large customer who gets his way. Dealing with these brutes can be quite the challenge, especially given the delicate politics of the situation.</span><br /><div><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;">The vendor to the 800-lb Gorilla has many obstacles: </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:verdana;">the signing of strict legal contracts, agreeing to long payment terms, satisfying tight delivery dates, and complying with the electronic delivery of business documents at a precise level of accuracy. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:verdana;">Because of the volume of "bananas" and magnitude of product replenishment, the Gorilla's appetite for efficiencies exists throughout the entire supply chain. From the procurement of raw materials, through manufacturing and distribution, numerous techniques are employed to streamline the process; Just-In-Time inventory is one example; Track and Tracing is another. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">The Gorillas have their processes honed to a science... at least <em>most</em> of them do.</span> Not long ago, I was assisting a small supplier to a large retailer in correcting some of their electronic documents. The documents were already in production, but the supplier started receiving charge backs (fees) from the retailer due to non-compliance. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:verdana;">One example of non-compliance was that the retailer required an ANSI X12 Inventory Advice. The supplier was transmitting the document as agreed, but a particular data element was not in the format desired by the retailer. My task was to research and fix the "bad" element. Sounds simple, right? </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:verdana;">We fixed the inventory advice and wanted to test with the retailer. This spawned numerous calls through the business channels to ultimately obtain a "vendor hotline" number. Calling this number landed us in India, and the person on the other end had no idea what the electronic document was. Our case was escalated to level 2. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:verdana;">A couple of days later, we were contacted by level 2 (still offshore), but the person was proficient in X12 terminology. After explaining our intent, she gave us another contact who deals directly with testing. We called this number, only to get a message that the test coordinator was out of the office for the next two days. We are now one week into the task, <span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">charge backs are coming, tempers flaring, and no hope of resolution</span> until after testing next week. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:verdana;">After about three weeks of playing electronic musical chairs, the retailer and the supplier are both finally satisfied; although my team and I (along with the management) are mentally exhausted. In this example, the need for efficiency created an inefficient process. A process fashioned by the very Gorilla who wanted efficiency in the first place. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;">Or maybe this Gorilla was more of an Orangutan? ;)</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:verdana;">JM Kelly, <em>The IT Entrepreneur</em></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div>JMKellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02985128901558000380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1489691259808464604.post-27809021463021394622008-06-13T18:49:00.001-04:002009-03-15T16:28:43.059-04:00How do I incorporate (form a legal entity)?<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5_zN8AWT8xU/SFL5Tv4crFI/AAAAAAAAAFU/JRL6pnznbs0/s1600-h/100px-Scale_of_justice_2_svg.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211501836487142482" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5_zN8AWT8xU/SFL5Tv4crFI/AAAAAAAAAFU/JRL6pnznbs0/s200/100px-Scale_of_justice_2_svg.png" border="0" /></a><br /><div>By now, I hope that you have made the conscience decision to legally structure your company. Doing so will help to limit your liabilities by providing for protection of your personal assets. It will also help reduce your tax burden and provide for the writing off of expenses with pre-tax dollars.<br /><br />The ability to file ones’ own paperwork is now tremendously easier thanks to The Internet. Traditionally, you would have had to hire an attorney, legal secretary, or other legal professional to assist you (and you still can if you feel uncertain).<br /><br />If you want to tackle the job yourself, you can save a few hundred dollars by doing so. The best place to start is with the Secretary of State in your home state. You can also form your corporation in other states that make the process easier; for example, Delaware is known as a corporate haven. From their website: “<em>More than 800,000 business entities have their legal home in Delaware including more than 50% of all U.S. publicly-traded companies and 60% of the Fortune 500</em>.” See the Delaware Secretary’s corporation division at <a href="http://corp.delaware.gov/">http://corp.delaware.gov/</a><br /><br />When checking the Secretary’s website (in any state), bear in mind that the name you have picked out may already be taken, so it’s a good idea to establish your name before printing up letterhead, creating advertisements, etc. The process takes only a few minutes, and most states will immediately issue your state registration number.<br /><br />The next step is to go to the <a href="http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=102767,00.html" target="_blank">IRS EIN website</a> and apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number), which is similar to a Social Security Number, but for the business. Once on this page, click the “APPLY ONLINE NOW” button. You will need this EIN to open a bank account in the name of the corporation.<br /><br />Other considerations:<br />You will have to decide which type of corporate structure is best for your business and your tax situation. If you are unsure, check with an accountant or CPA. I have found that for small business, the S-corp or an LLC is best. If you are a sole proprietor, then a single member LLC is a good choice, and allows you to file an extra schedule on your regular 1040 tax form (versus filing both corporate and personal tax forms each year).<br /><br />If you are still unclear whether or not you can do all of the paperwork yourself, try using <a href="http://www.legalzoom.com/">http://www.legalzoom.com/</a> as they have a good reputation for assisting business owners through the corporate structuring process.<br /></div><div>Good Luck!<br />JM Kelly, The IT Entrepreneur</div>JMKellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02985128901558000380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1489691259808464604.post-73877224853925264392008-03-26T14:31:00.006-04:002008-03-27T15:02:03.946-04:00Should I Form an LLC or INC.?<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5_zN8AWT8xU/R-vt7oSAGuI/AAAAAAAAAFE/8RC6kxxk4hg/s1600-h/Lady_justice_standing.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182497404900874978" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5_zN8AWT8xU/R-vt7oSAGuI/AAAAAAAAAFE/8RC6kxxk4hg/s200/Lady_justice_standing.png" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><div>Corporations, or businesses that operate under a corporate structure, go back as early as the 1300s. Modern corporations are similar to those during the days of trade expansion into The Americas by countries seeking riches and imports from foreign lands. By forming corporations, partner ventures could limit their liabilities in the event of unforeseen circumstances: hurricanes, reefs, wars, pirates and so on.<br /></div><br /><div>Today, we have the same objectives (limiting personal liabilities) and the same mechanisms (corporate entities); only the reasons and structures have changed over the years.<br /><br />In the United States and other countries, <span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">there are tremendous tax incentives</span> to further motivate business owners to incorporate. Officers in the corporation can legally pay themselves a salary for part of their income, and then pay themselves a profit dividend at a lower tax rate for the rest of their income. Further, expenses related to the business are pulled out of the profit before taxes, another huge plus of the corporation.<br /><br />For these reasons, it is my hope that you will consider forming a corporate structure to protect your business and yourself from liabilities and maximize your profits.<br /><br />See also my earlier blog entry <a href="http://theitentrepreneur.blogspot.com/2007/08/we-dont-need-no-stinkin-corporation.html">“We Don’t Need no Stinkin’ Corporation.” </a><br /><br />In my next blog, I’ll expand on how to incorporate.</div><div> </div><div><br />JM Kelly, <em>The IT Entrepreneur</em></div></div>JMKellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02985128901558000380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1489691259808464604.post-20505237683668974632008-03-09T20:24:00.008-04:002008-03-10T00:46:09.980-04:00There's no secret to "The Secret"<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5_zN8AWT8xU/R9SC3vvy_VI/AAAAAAAAAEw/L0xD3rpMQm8/s1600-h/The+Secret.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5175905765976898898" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 130px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 123px" height="146" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5_zN8AWT8xU/R9SC3vvy_VI/AAAAAAAAAEw/L0xD3rpMQm8/s200/The+Secret.jpg" width="151" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div></div><div></div><div>Unless you live in a cave, you have no doubt heard of the book and video entitled <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000K8LV1O?ie=UTF8&tag=theitent-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000K8LV1O">The Secret</a><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; MARGIN: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" height="1" alt="" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=theitent-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000K8LV1O" width="1" border="0" />, which teaches that you can have anything you want simply by wishing for it (or asking The Universe for it).<br /><br />Mystical and religious beliefs aside, the basis of The Secret, The Law of Attraction, has been around for centuries. The Law of Attraction states basically that "you get what you think about" and "like attracts like". There have been several books written on the subject, all of which are scrutinized by the scientific community.<br /><br />Based on my personal observations, there are some truths to the claim. <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#3366ff;">In business, people who exude negativity will, in fact, attract negative people.</span> </span>The same could be said of positive people, criminals, entrepreneurs, etc. The best method I have found to locate projects (i.e. work, food on the table) is by referrals. I would not get good referrals if people thought poorly of me, which they would if I were an ass.<br /><br />The reason that there’s no secret to “The Secret” is because others have written about it before. One of my favorite books, the classic <em><strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0974192570?ie=UTF8&tag=theitent-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0974192570">Think and Grow Rich!</a><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; MARGIN: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" height="1" alt="" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=theitent-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0974192570" width="1" border="0" /></strong></em> by Napoleon Hill, tells the secret of wealth accumulation told by 500 self made multimillionaires. Commissioned by the legendary industrialist Andrew Carnegie and taking 20 years to write, this book illustrates the parallels of people who built wealth for themselves out of “nothing but the power of their minds”.<br /><br />Being scientifically minded myself, yet open to possibilities, I feel <span style="font-size:130%;color:#3366ff;">there are connections between human thoughts (energy) and the fabric of the universe</span>. According to renowned author and physicist Brian Greene, everything we perceive is made of tiny strings of vibrating energy; everything including our bodies and minds, our thoughts, and of course, money and material objects. These tiny strings vibrate in a universal symphony to form our reality. Check out <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000ZG0TA?ie=UTF8&tag=theitent-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0000ZG0TA">The Elegant Universe</a><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; MARGIN: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" height="1" alt="" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=theitent-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0000ZG0TA" width="1" border="0" /> if this interests you.<br /><br />Whether you believe in the Law of Attraction or not, it is hard to argue with the fact that <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#3366ff;">a positive mental attitude goes a long way.</span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;">Couple this with mutual cooperation for the purpose of achieving a common goal, and your business endeavors will stand a far better chance at success.<br /><br />JM Kelly, The IT Entrepreneur</div></div></span>JMKellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02985128901558000380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1489691259808464604.post-8933330191166936752008-02-16T17:11:00.002-05:002008-02-16T17:15:51.719-05:00Real Estate Investing: Transition Areas<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5_zN8AWT8xU/R7ddlUFzRaI/AAAAAAAAAEg/UZi1dXXtKhM/s1600-h/Tudor_house.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5167701993060517282" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5_zN8AWT8xU/R7ddlUFzRaI/AAAAAAAAAEg/UZi1dXXtKhM/s200/Tudor_house.jpg" border="0" /></a>For those interested in making money in real estate investing, now could not be a better time. The market is flooded with foreclosures and people in trouble with their lenders. As I've stated before, buying real estate for the purposes of renting or flipping <span style="font-size:130%;color:#3366ff;">can yield an enormous ROI</span> if you purchase right.<br /><br /><br /><strong>What is purchasing right?</strong><br />Purchasing right is about finding a "diamond in the rough," a home that needs enough work to discourage most folks who are shopping for a home, yet can be easily renovated for a few thousand dollars. Every foreclosed or short-sale home that I've purchased needed paint (inside and out), carpet, and new light fixtures. Some needed plumbing repairs or countertops. <span style="font-size:130%;color:#3366ff;">All properties were neglected</span>; after all, if the owner had money to pay the mortgage, he could keep the house in good repair.<br /><br />Look for the following in a potential investment house:<br /><li>Good location <li>Highly motivated seller <li>Good potential curb appeal <li>Good "bones" -- structurally sound <li>Nice angles and other architectural features (not a bread box) <li>Slightly elevated (not a down sloping yard) <li>Lots of trees and foliage on street <li>A street with nice, winding curves, NOT a thoroughfare (no double lines in the road) <li>Not on an intersection. Listen for street noise. If you can hear it, so could any future buyers. <li>Always buy at 25 - 30% below comparables in the same area!!! </li><br /><br />What is a good location?<br />Pick an area between new growth and old blight. I tell my realtor to look for a home with the above attributes strategically located <span style="font-size:130%;color:#3366ff;">between the newly built Starbucks and the first crack house</span>... that is the fringe area where you will get the best deals with the most upside potential!<br /><br />Finding "Highly Motivated Sellers"<br />To find a person, bank, or other entity who wants to unload a property, the best device to use is the "bandit sign" that you see by the highway. If these signs didn't work, they would not be there. I also use a lead gathering website, <a href="http://www.kellybuyshouses.com/">http://www.kellybuyshouses.com/</a> , which is equally effective.<br /><br />Happy Hunting!<br /><br />JM Kelly, The IT EntrepreneurJMKellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02985128901558000380noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1489691259808464604.post-77744825898181550132008-01-23T12:50:00.000-05:002008-01-23T12:50:57.683-05:00Poll: Social Networks Help Your Biz<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5_zN8AWT8xU/R5d9yIaCvSI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/dhV3HCkuJsU/s1600-h/network_smiley.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158730198379838754" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5_zN8AWT8xU/R5d9yIaCvSI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/dhV3HCkuJsU/s200/network_smiley.gif" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">In a recent, unofficial poll posted by a member on the </span><a href="http://pulse.plaxo.com/"><span style="font-family:arial;">Plaxo network</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">, the following results illustrate which social networks are being used by companies to grow their businesses.<br /><br />The query was posted as "Which networking [site] has been more useful in improving your Biz?" Out of 320 votes, </span><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/"><span style="font-family:arial;">LinkedIn</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> came out on top with 67% (215 votes)!<br /></span><br /><div><p><span style="font-family:arial;">Here's the entire list of responses: </span><br /></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;">Linkedin - 67% at 215 votes<br />Plaxo - 13% at 42 votes<br />None - 7 % at 23 votes<br />Xing - 5% at 16 votes </span><br /></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;">All Others ....specified below... were 3% at 12 votes<br />Myspace - 2% at 7 votes<br />Facebook - 1% at 4 votes<br />Marzar - 0% at 1 vote<br /><br />This poll confirms what I had suspected, that LinkedIn is more widely embraced by professionals for business reasons, while networks like <a href="http://www.myspace.com/">Myspace</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/">Facebook</a> are more for the casual user for personal reasons. </span><br /></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;">While I think that these "casual networks" can be leveraged to market your product or service, I feel that many of the stories of companies successfully doing so may be hyped up. Still, viral marketing is a real technique that would behove any entrepreneur to try and exploit using a social network.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;">JM Kelly, The IT Entrepreneur<br /></span></p></div>JMKellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02985128901558000380noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1489691259808464604.post-60963494452807512672008-01-16T23:48:00.002-05:002009-02-04T20:46:33.237-05:00How to Choose a Great Recruiter<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5_zN8AWT8xU/R5DpWTf0DUI/AAAAAAAAAEI/lgY-MeQ6XHA/s1600-h/Woman_Professional.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5156878142739320130" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5_zN8AWT8xU/R5DpWTf0DUI/AAAAAAAAAEI/lgY-MeQ6XHA/s200/Woman_Professional.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><a class="img_thumb" href="http://www.123rf.com/photo_665021.html"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5_zN8AWT8xU/R5DoSDf0DTI/AAAAAAAAAEA/ti0afoBPNI0/s1600-h/Woman_Professional.jpg"></a>When choosing a recruiter or "agent" to represent you to prospective employers,</span> be sure to be selective and perform a little due diligence. Often, a referral from someone who has used the recruiter/agent is the best place to start.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>Some companies have a preferred vendor list that they utilize when posting job requirements ("reqs") and the recruiting firms on this list will have exclusive rights to get you into that company. </div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>Other companies will post reqs to the major job boards (Monster, Career Builder, etc.) and if you are listed with these job boards (and your qualifications match), you will begin to get bombarded by recruiters trying to place for the same position. If you are looking for work, this is not necessarily a bad position to be in. :-)</div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>The professional recruiter will try to match you to positions that you are qualified for, that you are interested in, and that are logistically possible for you to fill. He or she may try to be a little persuasive. This is okay; after all, placements are how a recruiter gets paid and most people are resistant to change. <div></div></div><div>But if you are adamant that it's not a good fit, a great recruiter knows to continue searching and let you pass on the opportunity. After all, you may use him in the future or refer someone else who will. A great recruiter will pay you for referring a friend, too.</div><div></div><br />By the way, only deal with a recruiter who charges the <em>employer</em>, not <em>you </em>(the resource). Typically, the employer gets billed a percentage of one years' salary for a permanent placement, or an on-going percentage of the billable hours for a contract. This is a great bargaining chip for you, as you can negotiate a higher rate for yourself that comes out of the markup.<br /><div><br /></div><div>A recruiter acting as your professional agent is a great resource for finding work, be it contract or permanent. Find a good one, be respectful of his/her time and efforts, and you will have a profitable, symbiotic relationship.</div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>JM Kelly, The IT Entrepreneur</div><div></div>JMKellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02985128901558000380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1489691259808464604.post-7760942823772732452008-01-11T18:32:00.000-05:002008-01-11T18:45:41.785-05:00Headhunter or Recruiter? Some are a dime a dozen.Headhunter, recruiter, agent, middle-man, whatever you call them, these professionals provide valuable services in every business sector. Whether in IT, engineering, pro football or waste management, you will find people who connect resources (people) with job requirements or contract work.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5_zN8AWT8xU/R4f9fTf0DSI/AAAAAAAAAD4/50o_1VjRry8/s1600-h/sleazy+salesman.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154367012800302370" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 138px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 171px" height="171" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5_zN8AWT8xU/R4f9fTf0DSI/AAAAAAAAAD4/50o_1VjRry8/s200/sleazy+salesman.jpg" width="121" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Unfortunately, some recruiters are "bottom feeders" whose only concern is putting two and two together for a quick buck. I have been burned by this in the past, trusting recruiters who falsely represented the work requirements to me or my skill set to the employer. Why one would do this is a mystery to me, as it only weakens their credibility on both sides.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Over the years, I've forged relationships with some really good folks, agents who will look out for my interest as well as their clients'. If you work in IT, email me and I'll gladly provide you a free list. If you know a reputable recruiter, I would welcome you to share who they are with me.<br /><br /><br />In my next post, I'll list the dos and don'ts when dealing with a recruiter.<br /><br /><br /><br />JM Kelly, The IT EntrepreneurJMKellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02985128901558000380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1489691259808464604.post-91980270476499848092007-12-11T17:31:00.000-05:002007-12-11T17:54:17.028-05:0010 Great Tips for “The Art of SEO”<p>“The Art of SEO” (Search Engine Optimization) - this is a pretty funny term. There is no art to it, just a simple science that needs to be understood in order to drive people to your website. Let’s start with the basics.<br /><br />1. Content. Content. Content.<br />Google gets the lion’s share of searches, so design your site with this in mind. Google is run by a slew of PhDs (many former NSA and DARPA employees) and they are all pretty darn smart. You can’t “beat the system” without consequences. As such, “content is king”.<br /><br />2. Write with the reader or customer in mind.<br /><br />3. Get as many people as possible to link to your site.<br />This will manifest the largest increase in your rankings. You can do this, too, by posting comments on other peoples’ sites and including a link to your site or Blog (called trackbacks).<br /><br />4. Contribute something worthwhile on other sites and your comments will not be marked as spam.<br /><br />5. Use a <a href="http://adwords.google.com/">Google Adwords</a> campaign to learn which keywords are popular.<br /><br />6. Use the <a href="http://www.wordtracker.com/">Wordtracker tool</a> to learn which keywords are popular.<br /><br />7. Publish content using the keywords you determine to be popular.<br /><br />8. Collect email addresses and send out newsletters.<br /><br />9. Make sure you pick an “SEO optimized” website or blog template.<br /><br />10.Learn about the Google webmaster tools and use them.</p><p>Keep in mind that new sites are penalized because they do not have any “authority” in the eyes of the search engines (only time can change that).</p><p>I hope your efforts will drive many visitors to your websites.</p><p>JMK, The IT Entrepreneur</p><p> </p>JMKellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02985128901558000380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1489691259808464604.post-25740057655774602562007-11-20T12:09:00.000-05:002007-11-20T18:01:02.096-05:00Pay Yourself First<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5_zN8AWT8xU/R0MiuR5eB-I/AAAAAAAAAC4/LMuhSKF7iq8/s1600-h/dollarsign.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134986178606270434" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5_zN8AWT8xU/R0MiuR5eB-I/AAAAAAAAAC4/LMuhSKF7iq8/s200/dollarsign.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">When it comes to wealth accumulation, nothing will serve you better than the concept of "pay yourself first". I had been using this technique for years before actually reading about it in publications by investment gurus like Robert Kiyosaki and Donald Trump. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">The concept is that when deciding how to slice up your income (or profits) you should always set aside your savings <em>first</em>, before paying anyone else, any other creditor, and possibly even The Taxman. This concept is difficult for Westerners to grasp, as we are taught at an early age that "a good person" always works hard and pays their debts. The problem with this is that it teaches everyone to be good employees, and to work hard for everyone else except themselves.<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Most people I know work for their mortgage company, GMAC, Visa, etc. and not themselves. There is always an obligation to repay someone if you look hard enough, and there will never be money left for you if you adopt this philosophy. This is why most folks work paycheck-to-paycheck, and can never seem to save any significant amount of money.<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">I'm not suggesting to ignore your debts! To do so would ruin your credit or land you in the pokey. I'm saying to fund your savings vehicles, mutual funds, 401K plans, etc. <em>first </em>or <em>automatically</em> each month. Then, pay the bills that will assess you a service charge or late fee, or that could impact your credit score. Lastly, pay everyone else.<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">I also refuse to set up auto drafts out of my accounts. I decide when and how much to pay a creditor as the money flows into my life; they do not get that luxury.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">If you live in the US, have a Happy Thanksgiving. If you do not, then best wishes as we enter into the Holiday Season and New Year.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">JMK, The IT Entrepreneur</span></div><br /><div></div><div></div><br /><script type="text/javascript"><br /> addthis_url = location.href;<br /> addthis_title = document.title;<br /> addthis_pub = 'theITentrepreneur'; <br /></script><br /><script src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/addthis_widget.php?v=12" type="text/javascript"></script>JMKellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02985128901558000380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1489691259808464604.post-86302178061455115672007-11-05T19:00:00.000-05:002007-11-05T23:31:35.918-05:00Corporate Layoff: a Convergence of IT & Real Estate<a href="http://www.bluelinxco.com/images/logo.gif"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.bluelinxco.com/images/logo.gif" border="0" /></a> <div><span style="font-family:arial;">Last week, I received news that a former client (<a href="http://www.bluelinxco.com/home.asp">Bluelinx Corporation</a>) had laid off many from their staff. I’ve heard that their target goal was pretty significant, but I don’t know exactly how many people have been let go.<br /><br />This former division of Georgia Pacific is the US’ largest distributor of building supply products; the layoffs are no doubt tied directly to the problems in the US housing market and the slow down in new home starts.<br /><br />I have several friends in the IT department there, and some of them are now contacting me as they start to network. Of course I wish them the best, and am diligently trying to help them with their search for new jobs.<br /><br />My two points with this article are that:<br />1. No job is secure. Many of these folks had been with GP/Bluelinx for years, and were quite comfortable in their positions.<br />2. It is not a home builder’s or seller’s market, but one can <em>infer</em> that it is a buyer’s market.<br /><br />Also, after years of observing companies like this who cut back to improve the bottom line, I know that all things are cyclical. One day, someone will realize that there is a ton of work to do and no one to do it, and resources will be hired. Contractors initially, then “permanent” employees. Of course we know that no one is truly permanent…<br /></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;">JMK, The IT Entrepreneur</span></div>JMKellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02985128901558000380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1489691259808464604.post-10648564552782174132007-10-18T18:37:00.000-04:002008-01-03T11:28:45.343-05:00A rant to: Finding a Job in America<span style="font-family:arial;">I often find myself in the position of explaining what I do (as an IT contractor) to Indian project managers, who will take that information back to India to bid on the backlog of tasks that I work on for various clients. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">In the companies eyes, they can throw about three Indians at the project for less than they pay me to do it. Often, the US-based companies own stock in the offshore firms, or they are subsidiaries of the US-based company. This is their way of making the transaction invisible to its own employees. However, as a contractor for 12 years I can see through the facade.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">While the consumer has the power to make purchases stamped "Made in America", he is blissfully unaware that off-shoring happens at many levels. My point is that the large corporations should be held accountable, or regulated, to curb the off-shoring of labor. You would be hard pressed to find a shirt or TV or cell phone that is actually made in America these days anyway...</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Until something is done to curtail corporate behaviors, we as Americans will have to live with <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/08/01/toy.recall.ap/index.html">LEAD in our children's toys</a>, <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/02/us/02toothpaste.html">ANTIFREEZE in our toothpaste</a> and <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18841928/">pet food</a>, <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB113332082056009884.html"><span style="color:#000000;">e-Coli</span> in our vegetables, </a>and <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/International/story?id=1428299"><span style="color:#000000;">vulnerabilities</span> in our electronic systems</a> (where are the servers housing your social security numbers?).</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Unfortunately, both Democrats & Republicans make these issues political sticks with which to bash each other, but it's an American problem. If a child grows up mentally challenged because it chewed on an Elmo painted with lead, it is ultimately the corporations and politicians who are retarded.</span>JMKellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02985128901558000380noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1489691259808464604.post-14602988896869706932007-10-18T12:38:00.000-04:002007-10-19T14:42:55.743-04:00Finding a Job in America<span style="font-family:georgia;">Yesterday, I received this email from a relative. My response to it will be the next post...</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Joe Smith started the day early having set his alarm clock ( MADE IN JAPAN) for 6 AM. While his coffeepot (MADE IN CHINA) was perking, he shaved with his electric razor (MADE IN HONG KONG). He put on a dress shirt ( MADE IN SRI LANKA), designer jeans (MADE IN SINGAPORE) and tennis shoes ( MADE IN KOREA).</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">After cooking his breakfast in his new electric skillet (MADE IN INDIA) he sat down with his calculator ( MADE IN MEXICO ) to see how much he could spend today. After setting his watch (MADE IN TAIWAN ) to the radio (MADE IN INDIA ) he got in his car (MADE IN GERMANY) filled it with gas (from Saudi Arabia) and continued his search for a good paying AMERICAN JOB ...</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">At the end of yet another discouraging and fruitless day checking his computer (Made In Malaysia ), Joe decided to relax for a while. He put on his sandals (MADE IN BRAZIL) poured himself a glass of wine (MADE IN FRANCE) and turned on his TV (MADE IN INDONESIA), and then wondered why he can't find a good paying job in A M E R I C A...</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></span><br /></span>JMKellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02985128901558000380noreply@blogger.com0