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  • Casual Articles - Home Office Essentials Part Two

    Restaurant Employee Tip Tracking Through A Point Of Sale System
    The History Of Restaurant Employee Tip HandlingNo one knows when tipping began. But we do know that in the 1980's the IRS levied new regulations on restaurant owners to track the tips received by the employees of the restaurant.The magic number of 8% became the benchmark for servers and waiters to declare as their tipped earned. Not because it was accurate. Rather, because it was the minimum amount allowed by the IRS.The trick is this. Tipped employees in restaurants are generally not paid minimum wage. The amount varies from state to state but it runs between $2.15 to $3.15 per hour. The IRS assumes that the tips received will make up t
    therefore equally as reliable as the big name brands like HP and Dell. Buy smart.

    Refurbished systems
    If the budget is tight and the spec is right then these are well worth considering. Be certain of what your warranty cover on such a system is though. Many refurbished systems only have a 90-day warranty.

    Phone-A-Friend
    Check with friends who have purchased computers recently. What problems did they encounter when buying their PC? Who did they buy from? What was the aftersales service like?

    Printer
    Does your business really need a top-of-the-range color laserjet that prints 7,000 pages per minute? Nope? Didn't think so.

    Here's a brief list of questions you should ask yourself when buying your printer:

    * Do you need color printing capabilities?

    * How many pages per minute do you actually need to print?

    * What is the cost per page for color and black printing?

    * How much does replacement ink/toner cost?

    Building The Dream-We All Want To Be a Little More Comfortable
    Choosing our way in life and reaching our goals is not always easy. It requires a strong spirit and determination, with possibly a little luck thrown in. But it is definitely achievable.What is it that you want to be doing in the next few years or so? Do you think you are traveling in the right direction? Are you hoping to be a little more independent?Many of us are feeling the same way. We would like to think we can retire comfortably in the future, and maybe find, and be able to afford the place of our dreams. We would like to be able to visit our friends and family more often, and maybe spend some time in those magical spots we s
    Welcome to Part Two of our series of articles on home office essentials. The last article discussed ergonomics and office furniture and your working environment. This next article will take that a step further and also look at the computer aspect of your home office.

    Decorate It
    Some people design their home offices to be like a real world office. They take it that step too far though and strip their home office of all character and warmth. There's no need for your home office to be sterile and boring. In fact it should be just the opposite.

    Seriously consider adding plants. They're a healthy decoration in so many ways. The colour green has a positive affect on our thought patterns. This combined with the fact that plants filter toxins from the air around us is another great reason for having a "green" office.

    Hate those motivational posters you saw in work? Do you know why? They never "spoke" to you as a person. They were just corporate spindoctoring that meant nothing to you. Choose one single motivational poster that speaks to you and put it somewhere you can always see it. Even if it only makes you smile once during a working day because it's cheesy that's a positive influence on you.

    Last but not least consider having your mission statement printed out, framed and on your desk in front of you. You don't have a mission statement? Get one! Write it now!Your mission statement is the reason you started your home business - make sure you are reminded of this every single day. It will push you forward when you need encouragement the most.

    Your Computer
    Stop. This is the point where you need to be really, really honest with yourself. Computers are expensive and tempting. The question you need to ask yourself is "What do I need in my computer?" and not "What kind of computer do I want?"

    Your home office does not *need* the latest superfast, supercool computer, printer, scanner, digital camera and external storage. You want this stuff. You don't necessarily need it.

    Your business needs functionality. You business needs cost effectiveness. Buy what you need for your business. Do not buy what you want for yourself.

    Tips for buying your home office computer.

    * Mid-range processor power
    Ignore the super poweful, super expensive next generation processors.They won't help you type that document any faster.

    * 512MB of RAM
    This is a minimum. If you can afford 1GB get it. If you can afford more get it. More RAM is always better.

    * 40GB hard disk
    What are you going to put on a 200GB hard disk? MP3s, movies and games. In other words 200GB of distractions. 40GB - 80GB is more than adequate for home office use.

    * 3D Graphic Accelerator
    Next generation 3D chipsets are not essential business equipment. Most modern computers will have a 3D chipset by default. Simply don't go upgrading this because you're only doing it to play the latest games. Don't buy a distraction.

    CDRW or DVDRW drive
    If you value your business you'll value your data. A CD or DVD writer/burner gives you the ability to safely and quickly backup your data. Do not buy a PC without one.

    LCD/Flat screens
    MTV Cribs has sold more flat screen tvs than any marketing campaign could hope to. Will a 21" LCD screen make you work faster or better? Nope. CRT monitors are cheaper and do the same job. If its supplied as standard with the system then that's fine. Don't go spending money on an LCD upgrade.

    Extended warranties
    Sales people make large commissions from these. Do you really need a 5 year warranty on your computer? Will you still own the same computer in even 3 years? Never take these warranties at face value.

    Generic Brand Computers
    Just because it isn't Dell, IBM, HP or Compaq doesn't mean it's cheap. Generic brands use the same components as and are therefore equally as reliable as the big name brands like HP and Dell. Buy smart.

    Refurbished systems
    If the budget is tight and the spec is right then these are well worth considering. Be certain of what your warranty cover on such a system is though. Many refurbished systems only have a 90-day warranty.

    Phone-A-Friend
    Check with friends who have purchased computers recently. What problems did they encounter when buying their PC? Who did they buy from? What was the aftersales service like?

    Printer
    Does your business really need a top-of-the-range color laserjet that prints 7,000 pages per minute? Nope? Didn't think so.

    Here's a brief list of questions you should ask yourself when buying your printer:

    * Do you need color printing capabilities?

    * How many pages per minute do you actually need to print?

    * What is the cost per page for color and black printing?

    * How much does replacement ink/toner cost?

    *

    Tips For Finding The Perfect Rental Property To Invest In
    The cat is out of the bag: investing in property is one of the safest and most rewarding investments you can make. While no investment comes with a one hundred percent guarantee, property appreciates in value in almost all cases, and assuming you keep up with repairs and appearances, you’ll have a nice little nest egg in only a few years time. But finding that perfect rental property to invest in can be tough. Here are a few tips for finding that perfect property that will make you the money you need.The first tip is to do your research. Real estate markets rise and fall on a monthly basis around the country, so before you chase that too-good-to-be-true bargain, make
    e spindoctoring that meant nothing to you. Choose one single motivational poster that speaks to you and put it somewhere you can always see it. Even if it only makes you smile once during a working day because it's cheesy that's a positive influence on you.

    Last but not least consider having your mission statement printed out, framed and on your desk in front of you. You don't have a mission statement? Get one! Write it now!Your mission statement is the reason you started your home business - make sure you are reminded of this every single day. It will push you forward when you need encouragement the most.

    Your Computer
    Stop. This is the point where you need to be really, really honest with yourself. Computers are expensive and tempting. The question you need to ask yourself is "What do I need in my computer?" and not "What kind of computer do I want?"

    Your home office does not *need* the latest superfast, supercool computer, printer, scanner, digital camera and external storage. You want this stuff. You don't necessarily need it.

    Your business needs functionality. You business needs cost effectiveness. Buy what you need for your business. Do not buy what you want for yourself.

    Tips for buying your home office computer.

    * Mid-range processor power
    Ignore the super poweful, super expensive next generation processors.They won't help you type that document any faster.

    * 512MB of RAM
    This is a minimum. If you can afford 1GB get it. If you can afford more get it. More RAM is always better.

    * 40GB hard disk
    What are you going to put on a 200GB hard disk? MP3s, movies and games. In other words 200GB of distractions. 40GB - 80GB is more than adequate for home office use.

    * 3D Graphic Accelerator
    Next generation 3D chipsets are not essential business equipment. Most modern computers will have a 3D chipset by default. Simply don't go upgrading this because you're only doing it to play the latest games. Don't buy a distraction.

    CDRW or DVDRW drive
    If you value your business you'll value your data. A CD or DVD writer/burner gives you the ability to safely and quickly backup your data. Do not buy a PC without one.

    LCD/Flat screens
    MTV Cribs has sold more flat screen tvs than any marketing campaign could hope to. Will a 21" LCD screen make you work faster or better? Nope. CRT monitors are cheaper and do the same job. If its supplied as standard with the system then that's fine. Don't go spending money on an LCD upgrade.

    Extended warranties
    Sales people make large commissions from these. Do you really need a 5 year warranty on your computer? Will you still own the same computer in even 3 years? Never take these warranties at face value.

    Generic Brand Computers
    Just because it isn't Dell, IBM, HP or Compaq doesn't mean it's cheap. Generic brands use the same components as and are therefore equally as reliable as the big name brands like HP and Dell. Buy smart.

    Refurbished systems
    If the budget is tight and the spec is right then these are well worth considering. Be certain of what your warranty cover on such a system is though. Many refurbished systems only have a 90-day warranty.

    Phone-A-Friend
    Check with friends who have purchased computers recently. What problems did they encounter when buying their PC? Who did they buy from? What was the aftersales service like?

    Printer
    Does your business really need a top-of-the-range color laserjet that prints 7,000 pages per minute? Nope? Didn't think so.

    Here's a brief list of questions you should ask yourself when buying your printer:

    * Do you need color printing capabilities?

    * How many pages per minute do you actually need to print?

    * What is the cost per page for color and black printing?

    * How much does replacement ink/toner cost?

    New Car Leases
    When it comes to leasing a car, your best bet is to lease a new one. Though it may cost more, it is a more practical decision. The primary consideration when you buy or lease a car should not be money - it should be the use that you can derive from it. A car fresh from the factory, generally gives you the assurance that all parts are in proper working condition. There is also a warranty that supports the car for a number of years - hopefully through the leasing period that will cover all major repair costs.Leasing a new car does not require much financial expertise. You do want to be aware enough to haggle for the lowest possible deal so that the monthly payments will
    er, digital camera and external storage. You want this stuff. You don't necessarily need it.

    Your business needs functionality. You business needs cost effectiveness. Buy what you need for your business. Do not buy what you want for yourself.

    Tips for buying your home office computer.

    * Mid-range processor power
    Ignore the super poweful, super expensive next generation processors.They won't help you type that document any faster.

    * 512MB of RAM
    This is a minimum. If you can afford 1GB get it. If you can afford more get it. More RAM is always better.

    * 40GB hard disk
    What are you going to put on a 200GB hard disk? MP3s, movies and games. In other words 200GB of distractions. 40GB - 80GB is more than adequate for home office use.

    * 3D Graphic Accelerator
    Next generation 3D chipsets are not essential business equipment. Most modern computers will have a 3D chipset by default. Simply don't go upgrading this because you're only doing it to play the latest games. Don't buy a distraction.

    CDRW or DVDRW drive
    If you value your business you'll value your data. A CD or DVD writer/burner gives you the ability to safely and quickly backup your data. Do not buy a PC without one.

    LCD/Flat screens
    MTV Cribs has sold more flat screen tvs than any marketing campaign could hope to. Will a 21" LCD screen make you work faster or better? Nope. CRT monitors are cheaper and do the same job. If its supplied as standard with the system then that's fine. Don't go spending money on an LCD upgrade.

    Extended warranties
    Sales people make large commissions from these. Do you really need a 5 year warranty on your computer? Will you still own the same computer in even 3 years? Never take these warranties at face value.

    Generic Brand Computers
    Just because it isn't Dell, IBM, HP or Compaq doesn't mean it's cheap. Generic brands use the same components as and are therefore equally as reliable as the big name brands like HP and Dell. Buy smart.

    Refurbished systems
    If the budget is tight and the spec is right then these are well worth considering. Be certain of what your warranty cover on such a system is though. Many refurbished systems only have a 90-day warranty.

    Phone-A-Friend
    Check with friends who have purchased computers recently. What problems did they encounter when buying their PC? Who did they buy from? What was the aftersales service like?

    Printer
    Does your business really need a top-of-the-range color laserjet that prints 7,000 pages per minute? Nope? Didn't think so.

    Here's a brief list of questions you should ask yourself when buying your printer:

    * Do you need color printing capabilities?

    * How many pages per minute do you actually need to print?

    * What is the cost per page for color and black printing?

    * How much does replacement ink/toner cost?

    Affiliate Marketing Tools and Strategy
    Don’t Spread Yourself Too Thin:This may sound like a no-brainer and I’m sure you have heard it before, but focus on one piece of the puzzle at a time. In order to grow in this business to a considerable amount of income, your cash flow must be monitored. First off, you are going to have to develop you sales approach on a particular product or group of products in order to maximize your chances of making initial sales. Believe it or not, this is why most people fail in affiliate marketing. If you cannot manage to generate any initial income, your bills will eventual begin to accumulate to the point where your business efforts are not profitable. This is not a hobby, tr
    ou're only doing it to play the latest games. Don't buy a distraction.

    CDRW or DVDRW drive
    If you value your business you'll value your data. A CD or DVD writer/burner gives you the ability to safely and quickly backup your data. Do not buy a PC without one.

    LCD/Flat screens
    MTV Cribs has sold more flat screen tvs than any marketing campaign could hope to. Will a 21" LCD screen make you work faster or better? Nope. CRT monitors are cheaper and do the same job. If its supplied as standard with the system then that's fine. Don't go spending money on an LCD upgrade.

    Extended warranties
    Sales people make large commissions from these. Do you really need a 5 year warranty on your computer? Will you still own the same computer in even 3 years? Never take these warranties at face value.

    Generic Brand Computers
    Just because it isn't Dell, IBM, HP or Compaq doesn't mean it's cheap. Generic brands use the same components as and are therefore equally as reliable as the big name brands like HP and Dell. Buy smart.

    Refurbished systems
    If the budget is tight and the spec is right then these are well worth considering. Be certain of what your warranty cover on such a system is though. Many refurbished systems only have a 90-day warranty.

    Phone-A-Friend
    Check with friends who have purchased computers recently. What problems did they encounter when buying their PC? Who did they buy from? What was the aftersales service like?

    Printer
    Does your business really need a top-of-the-range color laserjet that prints 7,000 pages per minute? Nope? Didn't think so.

    Here's a brief list of questions you should ask yourself when buying your printer:

    * Do you need color printing capabilities?

    * How many pages per minute do you actually need to print?

    * What is the cost per page for color and black printing?

    * How much does replacement ink/toner cost?

    Types of Dies
    What does it mean when printing companies say they need to get a die made? There are multiple types of dies used for different processes.There are engraving dies. These are made of steel and copper. The process wipes ink across the die and then the paper is hit with that die injecting the ink into the paper. These dies last a long time and can be used multiple times. This is usually for fine type with serifs.There are embossing dies. These are usually made of brass or copper but sometimes magnesium on the low end. The brass or copper are good for multiple uses and can have multi levels to give great detail. The edges can be beveled to achieve the maximum depth
    therefore equally as reliable as the big name brands like HP and Dell. Buy smart.

    Refurbished systems
    If the budget is tight and the spec is right then these are well worth considering. Be certain of what your warranty cover on such a system is though. Many refurbished systems only have a 90-day warranty.

    Phone-A-Friend
    Check with friends who have purchased computers recently. What problems did they encounter when buying their PC? Who did they buy from? What was the aftersales service like?

    Printer
    Does your business really need a top-of-the-range color laserjet that prints 7,000 pages per minute? Nope? Didn't think so.

    Here's a brief list of questions you should ask yourself when buying your printer:

    * Do you need color printing capabilities?

    * How many pages per minute do you actually need to print?

    * What is the cost per page for color and black printing?

    * How much does replacement ink/toner cost?

    * How many pages of black text can you get from each cartridge?

    * How much desktop space will the printer require?

    * Are updated drivers and tech support for this model readily available?

    Hopefully this set of articles has proven useful to you. Again a few thousand words can't possibly encompass everything you need to know about designing and operating a home office. www.home-office-advisor.com is there for that purpose.

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