The 10 Ruppee thieves are back in Goa.
We read it all the time in the papers and sometimes dont even give it a second thought of somebody being robbed, where we might even think poor fool. Well i am one of those until last weekend.
I got duped for this "Your Money has fallen" racket, and although i gained Rs. 40 in Ten Ruppee notes, I lost my lap top bag with the soul of all my work - My Apple Mac Book Pro. I was more gutted about how i got conned into something so stupid, and yes it will be a great inconvenience that i have to re-track all my work and buy a new lap top but being the optomist that i am - "Its not the end of the world" At least the Car was not stolen.
The Police have been of very little help and have the un-spoken attitude that i am never going to see that Lap Top again. And i know that they probabily deal with this every day, but i still dont think that it is acceptable as this racket has been going on for some time now, and beleive it or not - this incident took place right infront of the market, which is 2 lanes from the Police HQ. They say that they have informed the Computer dealers, and did send some constables in the market and the bus stand to look out for some guy carrying my lap top bag just after robbing it - As if ?
I guess watching CSI on TV has spoilt me - If a finger print was taken from my Car door, they could have checked this with existing criminals on records. But i guess catching the Bad guys is only fiction on TV.
My point of this Blog to all the readers out there is to be aware of this as the Rs. 10/- thieves are back and No one is looking after us.
Lester
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
5 Ways to Grow Your Profits
Greetings Readers,
This Blog is for small business owners - I read this on the Internet and would like to share it with you.
I do hope that you enjoy reading this as much as i did and that you could look at using this in your own small business.
Lester Melo
Brad Sugars: Startup Basics
This Blog is for small business owners - I read this on the Internet and would like to share it with you.
I do hope that you enjoy reading this as much as i did and that you could look at using this in your own small business.
Lester Melo
Brad Sugars: Startup Basics
5 Ways to Grow Your Profits
A simple formula to help you maximize profit margins By Brad Sugars | August 14, 2009
Image via Wikipedia
For years I’ve taught a simple, “secret” formula to massively grow profits in any business.
Interestingly, those starting businesses seem to embrace this formula far more easily than owners who have been in business for a long time.
I’m sure there are a number of reasons for this. But the ignorance and stubbornness of other business owners can prove to be very profitable for you--especially as many of those “experienced” business owners continue to focus solely on revenues and expenses, which in turn drive profits.
When you are comfortable with the numbers and can readily work with all the factors in the formula, you’ll start seeing more bottom-line growth than your competitors.
How?
You’ll have more factors to work with than “expert” owners who love cut expenses to boost their profits.
So what is this simple growth and profit-focused formula? The “5 Ways,” and it is a strategy that pinpoints the five key factors that exist in every business--factors that can be multiplied to deliver stellar bottom-line profits.
These are the five simple factors:
- Leads: The total number of people who have contacted or who have been contacted by the business--over the course of a year.
- Conversion rate: The percentage of people who actually make a purchase. For example, if 10 people walk through a store and three people buy something, that store’s conversion rate is three out of 10, or 30 percent, for that day.
- Average dollar sale: The average dollar amount per sale, estimated over the course of a year. The average can range from $5 or $10 (say, for a discount retailer) up to tens of thousands of dollars (for a business such as a car dealership).
- Average number of transactions: The number of purchases the average customer will make over the course of a year. Again, it can be an estimate. This number will probably be larger in a retail setting than in companies that operate in a professional services industry.
- Profit margin: The profit percentage of each and every sale. Simply put, if a business sells something for $100, and profit was $25, the profit margin is 25 percent.
So how does this all relate to top-line revenue and bottom-line profit? Let’s see.
Your Company
In your sample company, we use a very simple formula to multiply the factors we’ve just discussed. Remember, this formula multiplies factors instead of just adding them, so the cumulative impact is massive.
The “5 Ways” formula looks like this:
Leads x Conversion Rate = Customers
Customers x Avg. Value/Dollar Sale x Number of Transactions = Revenue
Revenue x Profit Margins = Profit
In your company, let’s say you have either estimated or fully determined the following numbers:
4,000 x 25% = 1000 Customers
1000 x $100 x 2 = $200,000 Revenue
$200,000 x 25% = $50,000 Profit
What does all of this mean?
Simply put, you are running a business that converts one out of four prospects into paying customers. Those customers average two purchases at $100 per purchase each year and your company enjoys a 25 percent profit margin on revenues of $200,000.
It also means your total profit for the year is $50,000.
So what would happen if, over the course of the next year, you increased these results by just 10 percent in each of the five areas?
Let’s do it, and then let’s take a look at what happens to your bottom line:
4,400 x 27.5% = 1210 Customers
1210 x $110 x 2.2 = $292,820 Revenue
$292,820 x 27.5% = $80,525.50 Profit
Examine the numbers closely and you’ll see the 10 percent increase is incremental, which means you could easily nudge numbers up by that amount over a period of months--or even weeks.
The bottom line is that the new bottom line looks very interesting, doesn’t it?
Even though we’ve increased each factor by just 10 percent (including top-line revenue), we were able to boost bottom-line profit by 61 percent--or a total of $30,525.50.
What could you do with an extra $30,000 in your business this year?
Think 10 percent is impressive? Do some math on your own and see what the numbers look like if you increase each factor by 30 percent, 50 percent or even 100 percent down the line.
The key is that we are multiplying factors--not adding--which has a massive impact on profit. The “5 Ways” isn’t a complicated numbers game. It’s simply looking at your business in a different way and working with a set of numbers that exist in every company.
While your competitors will be in an endless cycle, trying to increase top-line revenue and cutting expenses to generate more profit, you’ll have at least five other factors with which to work. And there are literally hundreds of strategies you can use to boost those numbers immediately and over time.
We’ll look at some of those strategies in the future.
For now, work with your numbers and brainstorm ways to increase leads, get more customers coming back, increase the amount they buy, and raise your profit margins--and you’ll be miles ahead of the majority of owners successfully operating businesses today.
Better yet, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how easy all of this is to do--and you’ll be more than happy with your ultimate results.
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=8fdc2b14-4f7d-4ea7-b7a4-0a05cfccdb76)
Monday, July 20, 2009
7 Habits to Financial Independence
Get out and stay out of debt
7 Habits to Financial Independence
Are you always running short of your funds? Do you still have to borrow money sometimes to at least live comfortably? Do you get to pay your bills on time?
If you answered mostly yes, then you are in danger of being financially unstable. You cannot afford the things you want and sometimes, even the things you need. Don’t go sulking out there! You better move your body. If such is the case, better tell yourself that you cannot afford to be that way always. You have to be financially independent.
What is financial independence? Financial independence is the capability to determine and support yourself through your own endeavors. There are 7 ways or habits for you to follow to gain financial independence. With the right attitude and the proper goal in mind, you might just find yourself beaming with pride because of your achievement.
1. Keep a focused vision
Start with a vision. What is your vision for your life? Where are you definitely heading? You want financial independence. You want to be able to stand on your own and have a more stable and secured life, for yourself and for your family.
Keep that vision in mind. Hold on to it as you start to realize that vision. The choices and decisions you will make in the future will have to head to the direction of your goal. Return to that vision when things get doubtful or tough.
2. Invest your money wisely
Generate income. Your income will be the financial foundation of your vision. This will basically come from your job’s income, but don’t settle with that.
Aim to increase your income. Invest your time, money and effort into a beneficial enterprise. Start a business that you feel passionately about and make sure it will work. Think carefully of every detail in your enterprise and work on it. Do not settle with good enough results. Aim for excellence, quality and integrity to succeed.
3. Save up
Start a fund for your future. Allot a percentage of your present income to savings. Do this at the start of each month, before you go ahead. This will avoid the enticement to buy, buy, buy. It will also teach you how to properly budget your money for necessary expenses.
Money in the bank could also earn interest. Although it is not considerable compared to a good investment, it is still a good way to keep money for your future. Just make sure you maintain the money in your savings account. Avoid touching it unless it is really necessary.
Give value also to your coins. Every single cent matters. All of those scattered coins you have there could comprise a few dollars. Even if it is considerably small amount, it will still find some use for that.
4. Spend wisely
Don’t spend all your earnings. As they say, don’t earn to spend. Buy only things that you really need. Tighten those belts for now as you bank for a more secured future. Choose to live simply.
Avoid incurring debts as much as possible. Take control of your finances as much as possible. Credit cards for example could hold you locked in a desperate state. You could be getting what you want now through that credit card, but imagine yourself giving the bulk of your income for interest payments! Make ends meet in the meantime for later on in life, you will surely afford to be leisurely.
5. Keep contingency plans
You must plan ahead for events in the future. Have contingencies. Make certain that your financial assets are secured. At this phase, it is a good option to get an insurance policy. Insure your life, health and property, even your loved ones.
Protect your interests whenever you enter into any engagement. Make sure that your endeavor is legal, that you are financially capable, and that it is feasible within your means. This way, you will have optimal performance and desirable results. You could prevent harmful losses in the long run.
6. Take care of yourself
Health is wealth. The only way for you to achieve your dreams and be able to stand on your own is when you are physically and psychologically able to do so. Have regular check ups with your physician. Have a healthy diet. Exercise Regularly. Health will be your asset to achieve financial independence. Only a good physical standing would allow you to enjoy the fruits of your toils today.
7. Be Unstoppable
You must keep yourself focused to achieve the goal of being financially independent. Do not let yourself be distracted by whimsical desires. Do not spray. Do not procrastinate. Every cent and every minute counts as what you do today will have a lot to say on what you will have in the future. Take advantage of every opportunity that will come your way. Keep yourself confident.
Tell yourself, you will not be a loser in this game. You have to make it!
source: http://www.indiamoneycontrol.com/index.php/7-habits-to-financial-independence/
Lester Melo
Weddings and Dreams GOA
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=594bc561-310b-4422-b83f-880a9e0a46f7)
7 Habits to Financial Independence
Are you always running short of your funds? Do you still have to borrow money sometimes to at least live comfortably? Do you get to pay your bills on time?
If you answered mostly yes, then you are in danger of being financially unstable. You cannot afford the things you want and sometimes, even the things you need. Don’t go sulking out there! You better move your body. If such is the case, better tell yourself that you cannot afford to be that way always. You have to be financially independent.
What is financial independence? Financial independence is the capability to determine and support yourself through your own endeavors. There are 7 ways or habits for you to follow to gain financial independence. With the right attitude and the proper goal in mind, you might just find yourself beaming with pride because of your achievement.
1. Keep a focused vision
Start with a vision. What is your vision for your life? Where are you definitely heading? You want financial independence. You want to be able to stand on your own and have a more stable and secured life, for yourself and for your family.
Keep that vision in mind. Hold on to it as you start to realize that vision. The choices and decisions you will make in the future will have to head to the direction of your goal. Return to that vision when things get doubtful or tough.
2. Invest your money wisely
Generate income. Your income will be the financial foundation of your vision. This will basically come from your job’s income, but don’t settle with that.
Aim to increase your income. Invest your time, money and effort into a beneficial enterprise. Start a business that you feel passionately about and make sure it will work. Think carefully of every detail in your enterprise and work on it. Do not settle with good enough results. Aim for excellence, quality and integrity to succeed.
3. Save up
Start a fund for your future. Allot a percentage of your present income to savings. Do this at the start of each month, before you go ahead. This will avoid the enticement to buy, buy, buy. It will also teach you how to properly budget your money for necessary expenses.
Money in the bank could also earn interest. Although it is not considerable compared to a good investment, it is still a good way to keep money for your future. Just make sure you maintain the money in your savings account. Avoid touching it unless it is really necessary.
Give value also to your coins. Every single cent matters. All of those scattered coins you have there could comprise a few dollars. Even if it is considerably small amount, it will still find some use for that.
4. Spend wisely
Don’t spend all your earnings. As they say, don’t earn to spend. Buy only things that you really need. Tighten those belts for now as you bank for a more secured future. Choose to live simply.
Image by Getty Images via Daylife
Avoid incurring debts as much as possible. Take control of your finances as much as possible. Credit cards for example could hold you locked in a desperate state. You could be getting what you want now through that credit card, but imagine yourself giving the bulk of your income for interest payments! Make ends meet in the meantime for later on in life, you will surely afford to be leisurely.
5. Keep contingency plans
You must plan ahead for events in the future. Have contingencies. Make certain that your financial assets are secured. At this phase, it is a good option to get an insurance policy. Insure your life, health and property, even your loved ones.
Protect your interests whenever you enter into any engagement. Make sure that your endeavor is legal, that you are financially capable, and that it is feasible within your means. This way, you will have optimal performance and desirable results. You could prevent harmful losses in the long run.
6. Take care of yourself
Health is wealth. The only way for you to achieve your dreams and be able to stand on your own is when you are physically and psychologically able to do so. Have regular check ups with your physician. Have a healthy diet. Exercise Regularly. Health will be your asset to achieve financial independence. Only a good physical standing would allow you to enjoy the fruits of your toils today.
7. Be Unstoppable
You must keep yourself focused to achieve the goal of being financially independent. Do not let yourself be distracted by whimsical desires. Do not spray. Do not procrastinate. Every cent and every minute counts as what you do today will have a lot to say on what you will have in the future. Take advantage of every opportunity that will come your way. Keep yourself confident.
Tell yourself, you will not be a loser in this game. You have to make it!
source: http://www.indiamoneycontrol.com/index.php/7-habits-to-financial-independence/
Lester Melo
Weddings and Dreams GOA
Monday, July 6, 2009
Religion Today
This weekend past and the topic of conversation on the Sunday table was Church.
My Mother and Brother were chatting about how Saturday Mass in Church was fairly empty and that a lady announced that the people in the back move to the front seats.
Now, my family have been going to this Mass on a regular basis and you know the feeling of how we all have our special seats - whether when we were in a class room, or at our favorite Restaurant - Church being no exception, both my brother and mother who were sat separately moved a row or two in front but not too far from their area of "Zen" as my brother put it. To the astonishment of most in the back rows, the fans were all put off in the rear end of the church leaving all those back seaters hot and flie infested for the rest of the Mass.
I completely understand the intention of the announcer to bring people closer, but we are not living in an autocratic society or religion. During a time where the biggest loser of followers around the world is the Catholic Religion we should be welcoming our flock not letting them heat up because they do not want to move to the front rows. Church goers today are so few - An empty church that needs the front rows filled , now wasn't that a clue enough for that announcer?
On a different note - I was at mass on Sunday in Don Bosco's, Panjim and although am not trying
The gist of it was that Prophets over time and even our lord Jesus Christ were never really accepted in their own home town by their own people. They had large followings and were honored in other places, but rarely in their own home town.
It felt so true, as we are often taken for granted by people that we have known our whole lives and yet get revered by those who don't or hardly know us.
I guess, the difference is that people close to us judge us for what we were and our admirers judge us for what we have become. Think about that ..
Let me know what you think about this - your feedback is most appreciated, so please leave a comment.
Lester Melo
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=55f3b18e-4079-4e38-938b-7958cea263f9)
Image by bill barber (very sporadic) via Flickr
My Mother and Brother were chatting about how Saturday Mass in Church was fairly empty and that a lady announced that the people in the back move to the front seats.
Now, my family have been going to this Mass on a regular basis and you know the feeling of how we all have our special seats - whether when we were in a class room, or at our favorite Restaurant - Church being no exception, both my brother and mother who were sat separately moved a row or two in front but not too far from their area of "Zen" as my brother put it. To the astonishment of most in the back rows, the fans were all put off in the rear end of the church leaving all those back seaters hot and flie infested for the rest of the Mass.
I completely understand the intention of the announcer to bring people closer, but we are not living in an autocratic society or religion. During a time where the biggest loser of followers around the world is the Catholic Religion we should be welcoming our flock not letting them heat up because they do not want to move to the front rows. Church goers today are so few - An empty church that needs the front rows filled , now wasn't that a clue enough for that announcer?
On a different note - I was at mass on Sunday in Don Bosco's, Panjim and although am not trying
Image by Oldtasty via Flickr
The gist of it was that Prophets over time and even our lord Jesus Christ were never really accepted in their own home town by their own people. They had large followings and were honored in other places, but rarely in their own home town.
It felt so true, as we are often taken for granted by people that we have known our whole lives and yet get revered by those who don't or hardly know us.
I guess, the difference is that people close to us judge us for what we were and our admirers judge us for what we have become. Think about that ..
Let me know what you think about this - your feedback is most appreciated, so please leave a comment.
Lester Melo
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)