Many small businesses often ignore the minor glitches which cause major problems in their small businesses. There are people or situations which we often get used to and ignore, without realizing that they may be the main cause of a crisis situation. You could be strangling your small business growth without even realizing it.
Organizational growth demands updated strategies every quarter. It does not matter whether you are self-employed, running a home-based business or an employer. Leaders have to implement organizational updates every now and then in order to enhance growth strategies and speed up the entire growth process. Some hire help, while others acquire business cash advance in order to progress and expand.
We have created a list of how you can upgrade your growth strategies and take your small business to the next level. Firstly, you should
Remove the outlived
There might be services being offered and products being produced which may not be of any value to your business. You need to make a list of such services which no longer add value to your small business growth and have outlived the market demand.
Re-organize and strategize company's strategic goals
Reevaluate whether your mission statement matches your goals or not. You will know how much work being done is irrelevant to your small business needs and market demand. Redefine your objectives in pragmatic measureable terms.
Distractions and competitions among your employees is another point which should be considered. Other issues may have distracted them from your small business goals. There may be continuous concerns hampering growth among the employees and creating problems in their professional relationship and everyday work.
Create different ways to leverage employee talents
Work efficiency can only be improved by leveraging employee talent in different areas. Set meetings with them; ask them what they want to do and how they can add value to your company's goals. Help them review their skills in order to sharpen them. There might be unproductive or negative employees, but firing them may not be the solution. Hence, move them to positions and projects where their skills can be utilized effectively.
Check the Budget Lists
In many cases you subscribe, acquire business loans, purchase and hire help which may not be required by the company anymore. And all these might be charging you a lot of cash without you even realizing it. To save your working capital, these budgetary leaks should be evaluated and diminished. Conducting a quarterly review is extremely useful, knowing where your money is going will help you fight the unnecessary charges involved and will help you improve your credit score. Check your taxes and be ready for the upcoming TAX season.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Sample Executive Summary Template
This article provides you with a sample executive summary template that would assist you in writing one for your own business...
Whether you are starting a small business or a big one, a well drafted business plan is essential. It later acts as benchmark for your business growth but first it acts as a tool that exhibits your professionalism and potential to become a successful entrepreneur. When you approach lenders and investors you have to provide them with a business plan so that they can judge the viability and success chances of the business. But do you really think that a reader will go through an entire big fat business plan document? And even if he goes through will he understand all the technicalities? Well, rarely. That is why a business plan has a very important section called as executive summary which is a brief and comprehensive account of an entire business venture you are planning. If you are wondering how to write an executive summary then read further as this article provides you with a sample executive summary template.
Sample Executive Summary Pattern
A sample executive summary template would give you a clear idea about how to write an executive summary. Given below is a executive summary template that covers all the content that every executive summary example should include.
Introduction
It is important for the reader to know your identity. So you must introduce yourself first. You do not have to mention all the details about yourself, but brief information, including your name and designation, is mandatory. After introducing yourself you should also write in brief about the history of your company, including when it started and its achievements, etc.
Aims and Objectives
Once you have explained your past, you must tell the reader about your future plans. In short, you should write about your aims and objectives with regard to the new business venture you are planning. It also helps a reader to anticipate the growth rate and progress of your business.
Business Idea
Now you must come to the point and talk business. Explain to the reader about the new business idea. You have to provide the reader with details including how did you think of this idea, what research you conducted, how viable the idea is, etc. You should describe your business model as well.
Goods and Services
Once you explain the business idea the reader is certainly excited to know about the goods and/or services your company provides. So you should enlist and explain about all the goods manufactured and services provided by your company. This helps the reader judge if your business idea is compatible with the goods and services.
Market Research
You must also describe precisely about your consumers or target market. You should convince the reader why a certain market is a chosen target for your goods and services. For this you have to provide the reader with facts and figures you gathered through the market research conducted by your company.
Executive Team
Here you must write about the manpower and other resources you have and how you will execute and carry out or run a business. This is an important aspect of any executive summary outline. You should also include information about the management team of your company, including name of the key personnel, and their duties and responsibilities.
Budget
Now this is again a crucial part of any executive summary format. You should provide the reader with overall comprehensive financial condition of your company. You should present the budget in a break down format where all the different categories, including pay roll, travel allowance, office maintainable, etc. are mentioned along with budget allotted to them.
Conclusion
Many people do not think that conclusion is an essential part of sample executive summary template. But you must write the conclusion at the end. Here you can assure the reader that his investment in your company will gain him higher returns in the future. And also express your gratitude to the reader for considering your business plan worth a glance.
This was a sample executive summary template that I am sure have solved all your queries regarding what is an executive summary and how it should be written. You can personalize this free sample executive summary template as per your requirements. But before you start writing one there are certain tips that you should keep in mind to pen down an effective executive summary.
1. Though an executive summary it has to be written in simple words, you must keep the tone professional throughout the summary.
2. Remember that one of the reasons behind writing an executive summary is saving the time of the reader. So do not exceed the length of the summary for more than three to four pages.
3. Make sure that you have highlighted all the positive points and strengths of your business plan.
4. Proofread the document carefully before you submit it to the concerned authorities.
I hope this information on sample executive summary template was resourceful for you. So the next time you are approaching the lenders you know how to impress them!
Whether you are starting a small business or a big one, a well drafted business plan is essential. It later acts as benchmark for your business growth but first it acts as a tool that exhibits your professionalism and potential to become a successful entrepreneur. When you approach lenders and investors you have to provide them with a business plan so that they can judge the viability and success chances of the business. But do you really think that a reader will go through an entire big fat business plan document? And even if he goes through will he understand all the technicalities? Well, rarely. That is why a business plan has a very important section called as executive summary which is a brief and comprehensive account of an entire business venture you are planning. If you are wondering how to write an executive summary then read further as this article provides you with a sample executive summary template.
Sample Executive Summary Pattern
A sample executive summary template would give you a clear idea about how to write an executive summary. Given below is a executive summary template that covers all the content that every executive summary example should include.
Introduction
It is important for the reader to know your identity. So you must introduce yourself first. You do not have to mention all the details about yourself, but brief information, including your name and designation, is mandatory. After introducing yourself you should also write in brief about the history of your company, including when it started and its achievements, etc.
Aims and Objectives
Once you have explained your past, you must tell the reader about your future plans. In short, you should write about your aims and objectives with regard to the new business venture you are planning. It also helps a reader to anticipate the growth rate and progress of your business.
Business Idea
Now you must come to the point and talk business. Explain to the reader about the new business idea. You have to provide the reader with details including how did you think of this idea, what research you conducted, how viable the idea is, etc. You should describe your business model as well.
Goods and Services
Once you explain the business idea the reader is certainly excited to know about the goods and/or services your company provides. So you should enlist and explain about all the goods manufactured and services provided by your company. This helps the reader judge if your business idea is compatible with the goods and services.
Market Research
You must also describe precisely about your consumers or target market. You should convince the reader why a certain market is a chosen target for your goods and services. For this you have to provide the reader with facts and figures you gathered through the market research conducted by your company.
Executive Team
Here you must write about the manpower and other resources you have and how you will execute and carry out or run a business. This is an important aspect of any executive summary outline. You should also include information about the management team of your company, including name of the key personnel, and their duties and responsibilities.
Budget
Now this is again a crucial part of any executive summary format. You should provide the reader with overall comprehensive financial condition of your company. You should present the budget in a break down format where all the different categories, including pay roll, travel allowance, office maintainable, etc. are mentioned along with budget allotted to them.
Conclusion
Many people do not think that conclusion is an essential part of sample executive summary template. But you must write the conclusion at the end. Here you can assure the reader that his investment in your company will gain him higher returns in the future. And also express your gratitude to the reader for considering your business plan worth a glance.
This was a sample executive summary template that I am sure have solved all your queries regarding what is an executive summary and how it should be written. You can personalize this free sample executive summary template as per your requirements. But before you start writing one there are certain tips that you should keep in mind to pen down an effective executive summary.
1. Though an executive summary it has to be written in simple words, you must keep the tone professional throughout the summary.
2. Remember that one of the reasons behind writing an executive summary is saving the time of the reader. So do not exceed the length of the summary for more than three to four pages.
3. Make sure that you have highlighted all the positive points and strengths of your business plan.
4. Proofread the document carefully before you submit it to the concerned authorities.
I hope this information on sample executive summary template was resourceful for you. So the next time you are approaching the lenders you know how to impress them!
Friday, November 23, 2012
Real Estate Realities and Technology
Real Estate Realities
Whenever we say the word real estate the thing that pops into mind is flashing dollar signs. It is considered the shortcut to quick bucks. But ever wondered what really this industry is about and why it is the second largest employer after agriculture in India. It is the most coveted dream- to own their own house- most coveted investment-returns cannot be matched and it gives you steady income (read rent)- what fixed deposit, mutual fund, metal can hope to do this? Most importantly it is because on an average 60 % of a person's income is locked in real estate. We also have the issue of our weaknesses also being our biggest strengths. It is the only segment of an investor's wealth which is yet unregulated and has no entry barrier unlike stock brokerage and insurance. Market penetration is as yet low on an organised level. Translated this means potential and first mover advantage. We see a host of international property consultants and corporate houses entering the market. Though it is attracting a lot of attention these very problems shatter the quick buck dream. No proper information, uneducated and uniformed brokers are the biggest problem. Add to your woes is a highly informed customer who is soon considering to become a DIY-(do it yourself) customer. It is easy to have 200 leads but it is very difficult to match these leads, go through the documentation and close the sale. But it is even more difficult to collect your commission. Having put forth a general view I will still say it is the best time to be in real estate. You have virtually no competition if you decide to be professional, competent and deliver. Remax is the World's largest brokerage network and doing this work in an organized manner. Visit Remax India website for details on how to join organized real Estate network in your city.
Real Estate: A Technology Trauma
Yes you read it right! Technology is the all-pervading presence in our lives including our very own real estate. The nearest our industry has come to technology is: flashing smart-phones and no it's not because you use the smart-phone as a smart-phone. It is but a status symbol. I guess I am being too harsh. For the slightly more tech-savvy listing on a few popular portals and subscribing to a hundred different groups is what they do!
Yes my friend you did use technology-EUREKA! The real question is what did you GAIN out of it? The answer probably left you with what I call Technology Trauma. It affects those who don't understand this mammoth thus don't use it or use it but don't get the gains.
There is a lot to technology but here we will cover a few common ones. We shall have more posts taking in each aspect in detail. The problems:
Property websites: Lack of MLS system makes it difficult to check if the property is genuine. www.remax.in follows the MLS system which most of the other portals did not do.
Google Broker Groups: Number of Broker Groups available without a proper filter system. At Remax India, there is a huge network of Brokers and that too in your city. It covers almost all of the major cities in India.
Popularity on Search engines: Huge number of property websites with few genuine hits on each. Again you have an advantage with www.remax.in which could be easily searched through various search engines like Google and Bing.
Whenever we say the word real estate the thing that pops into mind is flashing dollar signs. It is considered the shortcut to quick bucks. But ever wondered what really this industry is about and why it is the second largest employer after agriculture in India. It is the most coveted dream- to own their own house- most coveted investment-returns cannot be matched and it gives you steady income (read rent)- what fixed deposit, mutual fund, metal can hope to do this? Most importantly it is because on an average 60 % of a person's income is locked in real estate. We also have the issue of our weaknesses also being our biggest strengths. It is the only segment of an investor's wealth which is yet unregulated and has no entry barrier unlike stock brokerage and insurance. Market penetration is as yet low on an organised level. Translated this means potential and first mover advantage. We see a host of international property consultants and corporate houses entering the market. Though it is attracting a lot of attention these very problems shatter the quick buck dream. No proper information, uneducated and uniformed brokers are the biggest problem. Add to your woes is a highly informed customer who is soon considering to become a DIY-(do it yourself) customer. It is easy to have 200 leads but it is very difficult to match these leads, go through the documentation and close the sale. But it is even more difficult to collect your commission. Having put forth a general view I will still say it is the best time to be in real estate. You have virtually no competition if you decide to be professional, competent and deliver. Remax is the World's largest brokerage network and doing this work in an organized manner. Visit Remax India website for details on how to join organized real Estate network in your city.
Real Estate: A Technology Trauma
Yes you read it right! Technology is the all-pervading presence in our lives including our very own real estate. The nearest our industry has come to technology is: flashing smart-phones and no it's not because you use the smart-phone as a smart-phone. It is but a status symbol. I guess I am being too harsh. For the slightly more tech-savvy listing on a few popular portals and subscribing to a hundred different groups is what they do!
Yes my friend you did use technology-EUREKA! The real question is what did you GAIN out of it? The answer probably left you with what I call Technology Trauma. It affects those who don't understand this mammoth thus don't use it or use it but don't get the gains.
There is a lot to technology but here we will cover a few common ones. We shall have more posts taking in each aspect in detail. The problems:
Property websites: Lack of MLS system makes it difficult to check if the property is genuine. www.remax.in follows the MLS system which most of the other portals did not do.
Google Broker Groups: Number of Broker Groups available without a proper filter system. At Remax India, there is a huge network of Brokers and that too in your city. It covers almost all of the major cities in India.
Popularity on Search engines: Huge number of property websites with few genuine hits on each. Again you have an advantage with www.remax.in which could be easily searched through various search engines like Google and Bing.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Desire to Know the Seven Steps to Create Financial Wealth?
Before you begin to implement the 7 steps to create financial wealth, take a look at your mindset of wealth. Financial success starts in your mind. One of the first requirements to creating financial wealth is to make a decision to be wealthy. Decide what that means to you. Give yourself permission to create financial wealth. Stop a moment and look at any negative beliefs that may have come into your mind while reading these first few sentences. Look at those beliefs and keep only the ones that empower you to make and enjoy the amount of money that you deserve.
1.Create a budget. Many people cringe at the thought of a budget because they associate it with limits and restrictions. Actually a budget allows you to see where you are spending your money and to make conscious choices about your spending. It frees you to be able to do the things you really want to do. Your budget is tool for setting your goals and reaching your goals. Begin by writing down all of your fixed expenses. Then write down everything that you spend money on for a full month. This will allow you to see where you could make different choices.
2.Have an emergency fund. Everyone should have 3 to 6 months of living expenses in an emergency fund. This money should be in an investment that is readily available and liquid. It is to be used only for emergencies such as medical, deductibles on insurance policies or other necessary unforeseen expenses. Many insurance policies have a 90 day elimination period. This emergency fund will be available to use during the period of need before the insurance company begins paying.
3.Have adequate insurance.Your insurances are the foundation to your house of wealth. It is vital to have your insurance in place to protect the assets that you will begin to accumulate. You should have auto, homeowners, medical, disability, life and an umbrella insurance policy. Find a good insurance agent to make sure that the amounts and the limits that you have are adequate. You can save money on your insurance by having a higher deductible. You have your emergency fund to pay the deductible in the event of a claim.
4.Reduce your taxes. People who accumulate wealth know how to pay less in taxes. Make sure that you are taking all of the deductions and credits that you can. Do not withhold more than you will owe. Yes, you will get it back in the form of a refund but that is money that you could have been investing and already earning money on. The most effective way to reduce taxes is to own your own home based business. When you have a home based business many expenses that you already pay such as telephone, internet access, computer and car become tax deductible.
5.Pay yourself first.Save 10% of everything you earn. Start the habit of saving 10% on a regular basis. The best way to do this is to have it done automatically every week or month. If your company offers a retirement plan, contribute up to the amount that they will match. Have that automatically come out of your paycheck. If you are self employed you can set up an automatic investment into a mutual fund. Investing just 10 % of your income will eventually help you to amass a fortune due to the magic of compound interest. If you save just 0 a month beginning at age 25 until you are 65 at a 10% interest rate, you will have over a million dollars at age 65.
6.Be a generous giver. Give 10% of everything you earn. This may sound like odd advice when it comes to creating wealth. Many of the world's wealthiest people have been generous givers. Money is not static, it is a flow. When you hoard money you stop the flow; when you joyfully give money you open the flow. Joyful giving allows you to be grateful for your blessings. When you learn how to give you open yourself to receive. You will see the 10% that you give multiplied many times over.
7.Create passive income.Passive income is generated when you have either money or people working for you. It gives you the time to do the things that you enjoy and spend your time the way you choose.You create incredible leverage. Examples of passive income are stock investments,real estate investments,vending businesses,internet marketing and network marketing businesses. It is very easy to get started in a network marketing company, just look for the best network marketing company for you. The best way to enjoy greater income is to create multiple streams of income.
If you want to create financial wealth, find a way to serve others. When you choose to do work that benefits others and your efforts are focused on giving rather then getting,you are going to eventually receive back more than you have given. The greatest levels of satisfaction and contentment are experienced by those who have found a way to serve others.
1.Create a budget. Many people cringe at the thought of a budget because they associate it with limits and restrictions. Actually a budget allows you to see where you are spending your money and to make conscious choices about your spending. It frees you to be able to do the things you really want to do. Your budget is tool for setting your goals and reaching your goals. Begin by writing down all of your fixed expenses. Then write down everything that you spend money on for a full month. This will allow you to see where you could make different choices.
2.Have an emergency fund. Everyone should have 3 to 6 months of living expenses in an emergency fund. This money should be in an investment that is readily available and liquid. It is to be used only for emergencies such as medical, deductibles on insurance policies or other necessary unforeseen expenses. Many insurance policies have a 90 day elimination period. This emergency fund will be available to use during the period of need before the insurance company begins paying.
3.Have adequate insurance.Your insurances are the foundation to your house of wealth. It is vital to have your insurance in place to protect the assets that you will begin to accumulate. You should have auto, homeowners, medical, disability, life and an umbrella insurance policy. Find a good insurance agent to make sure that the amounts and the limits that you have are adequate. You can save money on your insurance by having a higher deductible. You have your emergency fund to pay the deductible in the event of a claim.
4.Reduce your taxes. People who accumulate wealth know how to pay less in taxes. Make sure that you are taking all of the deductions and credits that you can. Do not withhold more than you will owe. Yes, you will get it back in the form of a refund but that is money that you could have been investing and already earning money on. The most effective way to reduce taxes is to own your own home based business. When you have a home based business many expenses that you already pay such as telephone, internet access, computer and car become tax deductible.
5.Pay yourself first.Save 10% of everything you earn. Start the habit of saving 10% on a regular basis. The best way to do this is to have it done automatically every week or month. If your company offers a retirement plan, contribute up to the amount that they will match. Have that automatically come out of your paycheck. If you are self employed you can set up an automatic investment into a mutual fund. Investing just 10 % of your income will eventually help you to amass a fortune due to the magic of compound interest. If you save just 0 a month beginning at age 25 until you are 65 at a 10% interest rate, you will have over a million dollars at age 65.
6.Be a generous giver. Give 10% of everything you earn. This may sound like odd advice when it comes to creating wealth. Many of the world's wealthiest people have been generous givers. Money is not static, it is a flow. When you hoard money you stop the flow; when you joyfully give money you open the flow. Joyful giving allows you to be grateful for your blessings. When you learn how to give you open yourself to receive. You will see the 10% that you give multiplied many times over.
7.Create passive income.Passive income is generated when you have either money or people working for you. It gives you the time to do the things that you enjoy and spend your time the way you choose.You create incredible leverage. Examples of passive income are stock investments,real estate investments,vending businesses,internet marketing and network marketing businesses. It is very easy to get started in a network marketing company, just look for the best network marketing company for you. The best way to enjoy greater income is to create multiple streams of income.
If you want to create financial wealth, find a way to serve others. When you choose to do work that benefits others and your efforts are focused on giving rather then getting,you are going to eventually receive back more than you have given. The greatest levels of satisfaction and contentment are experienced by those who have found a way to serve others.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Discovering the History of Gift Giving
If you have ever given or received a Christmas gift, you have participated in one history's most ancient social traditions. The act of giving and receiving a gift has come to symbolize love, respect, honor, gratitude, reverence, generosity, and so many of the qualities which are the very best of human nature.
There is no disputing that Christmas giving has become a very big business: a strong holiday selling season often means the difference between a good and a bad year for a retailer. In the shopping frenzy that lasts from the opening of the Christmas buying season to the closing hours of Christmas Eve, it's easy to forget what all the fuss is for.
It was not always like that. There was, not so long ago, a time when Christmas involved no gift giving at all, and in some countries, that is still the standard.
The union of Christmas and gift giving was a gradual one; actually, the full story of the bright packages beneath the tree begins in the days before the birth of Christ. In ancient Rome, being gave and received gifts during the celebration of the New Year.
At first these gifts were simple, such as a few twigs from a sacred grove, and food. Many gifts were in the form of vegetables in honor of the fertility goddess Strenia.
During the Northern European Yule, fertility was celebrated with gifts made of wheat products, such as bread and alcohol. While most of this giving was done on a voluntary basis, history has had its share of leaders who did their best to ensure they would have plenty of gifts to open.
One year, Emperor Caligula of Rome declared to all that he would be receiving presents on New Year's Day; gifts he deemed inadequate of his stature were ridiculed. Then there was Henry III, who closed down the merchants of England one December because he was not impressed with the amount of their monetary gifts.
Like many old customs, gift exchange was difficult to get rid of even as Christianity spread and gained official status. Early church leaders tried to outlaw the custom, but the people cherished it too much to let it go.
So the church leaders sought a Christian justification for the practice. The justification was found in the Magi's act of bearing gifts to the infant Jesus, and in the concept that Christ was a gift from God to the world, bringing in turn the gift of redemption and everlasting life.
Even though the roots of the Christmas present extend to ancient times, the gift giving tradition we are familiar with today owes perhaps the most to Victorian England. The Victorians, who brought a renewed warmth and spirit to Christmas after it had experienced a long period of decline, made the idea of family part of the celebration.
Friendliness and charity filled many hearts during their Christmas season, so giving gifts was natural. The ultimate reason for giving a gift was as an expression of kindness, a sentiment that went nicely with the historical tradition of the holiday.
The Victorians surrounded the act of gift giving with a great deal of ingenuity and merriment: simply tearing into a cache of wrapped boxes would have been to miss the point. Far more thought and preparation than that were in order during the holiday season.
They had cobweb parties, which was a lot of messy fun. Each family member was assigned a color, then shown to a room crisscrossed with yarn of various colors.
Each person was to follow an assigned color through the web of yarn until he or she reached the present tied to the end. The Christmas pie was another favorite diversion, although it was not exactly edible.
Small gifts were hidden in a large bowl of grain. After everyone had eaten Christmas dinner, they would gather around the pie and they took turns taking a spoonful.
Whatever treat was in their spoonful was theirs to keep. The American Christmas was greatly influenced by the Victorians, gift giving, tradition and all.
By the late nineteenth century the simple and non-materialistic gift giving tradition had began to wither away. Christmas had come face to face with commercialism, and the new message was to buy.
It was not long before shopping and the idea of gifts had made its way into the meaning of Christmas. This transition was highly encouraged by merchants who stood to benefit from a year-end buying binge.
However, though commercial gift reign supreme, as long as the genuine thought and love behind them remains true, we are honoring their history and purpose. Putting a little extra thought into this year's Christmas gifts should be our goal.
There is no disputing that Christmas giving has become a very big business: a strong holiday selling season often means the difference between a good and a bad year for a retailer. In the shopping frenzy that lasts from the opening of the Christmas buying season to the closing hours of Christmas Eve, it's easy to forget what all the fuss is for.
It was not always like that. There was, not so long ago, a time when Christmas involved no gift giving at all, and in some countries, that is still the standard.
The union of Christmas and gift giving was a gradual one; actually, the full story of the bright packages beneath the tree begins in the days before the birth of Christ. In ancient Rome, being gave and received gifts during the celebration of the New Year.
At first these gifts were simple, such as a few twigs from a sacred grove, and food. Many gifts were in the form of vegetables in honor of the fertility goddess Strenia.
During the Northern European Yule, fertility was celebrated with gifts made of wheat products, such as bread and alcohol. While most of this giving was done on a voluntary basis, history has had its share of leaders who did their best to ensure they would have plenty of gifts to open.
One year, Emperor Caligula of Rome declared to all that he would be receiving presents on New Year's Day; gifts he deemed inadequate of his stature were ridiculed. Then there was Henry III, who closed down the merchants of England one December because he was not impressed with the amount of their monetary gifts.
Like many old customs, gift exchange was difficult to get rid of even as Christianity spread and gained official status. Early church leaders tried to outlaw the custom, but the people cherished it too much to let it go.
So the church leaders sought a Christian justification for the practice. The justification was found in the Magi's act of bearing gifts to the infant Jesus, and in the concept that Christ was a gift from God to the world, bringing in turn the gift of redemption and everlasting life.
Even though the roots of the Christmas present extend to ancient times, the gift giving tradition we are familiar with today owes perhaps the most to Victorian England. The Victorians, who brought a renewed warmth and spirit to Christmas after it had experienced a long period of decline, made the idea of family part of the celebration.
Friendliness and charity filled many hearts during their Christmas season, so giving gifts was natural. The ultimate reason for giving a gift was as an expression of kindness, a sentiment that went nicely with the historical tradition of the holiday.
The Victorians surrounded the act of gift giving with a great deal of ingenuity and merriment: simply tearing into a cache of wrapped boxes would have been to miss the point. Far more thought and preparation than that were in order during the holiday season.
They had cobweb parties, which was a lot of messy fun. Each family member was assigned a color, then shown to a room crisscrossed with yarn of various colors.
Each person was to follow an assigned color through the web of yarn until he or she reached the present tied to the end. The Christmas pie was another favorite diversion, although it was not exactly edible.
Small gifts were hidden in a large bowl of grain. After everyone had eaten Christmas dinner, they would gather around the pie and they took turns taking a spoonful.
Whatever treat was in their spoonful was theirs to keep. The American Christmas was greatly influenced by the Victorians, gift giving, tradition and all.
By the late nineteenth century the simple and non-materialistic gift giving tradition had began to wither away. Christmas had come face to face with commercialism, and the new message was to buy.
It was not long before shopping and the idea of gifts had made its way into the meaning of Christmas. This transition was highly encouraged by merchants who stood to benefit from a year-end buying binge.
However, though commercial gift reign supreme, as long as the genuine thought and love behind them remains true, we are honoring their history and purpose. Putting a little extra thought into this year's Christmas gifts should be our goal.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
The Importance of Divorce Mediation for Couples
Even if the people involved have seen it on the horizon, divorce is always difficult. Regardless, divorce can create peace for individuals and even entire families when conflict within a marriage cannot be resolved. Once the decision is final, the ideal situation is to end things as smoothly and as quickly as possible.
Frightening tales of ugly divorces are common knowledge. My friend was going through a divorce after being married for 40 years because she waited until her last child had almost finished college. She and her husband had a thorough discussion in advance; it was going to be a peaceful divorce with the assets being divided in half, and it was to be finished with as little argument as possible. The trouble was that they had a lot of possessions, and the husband had made up his mind that he did not want to divide half of it.
The husband, who is a doctor, felt he had made the money and therefore should be entitled to keep the major portion of it. The wife was employed in a medical office during the beginning years, later on she acquired a real estate license and supervised their investment apartment property, had two children and nurtured them, as well as looking out for her husband and a spacious home. She thought she had worked for half of the assets.
The plan at first was to fill out divorce papers in September, when the younger son went away to college. It was unfortunate that the husband made the decision to employ the most spiteful lawyer in the area in July. The outcome was a disaster. The divorce proceedings, fueled by years of pent up anger and resentment, became a nightmare as the two who had once pledged to love each other til death do us part waged a impassioned war, fighting for control over everything in their path from wine glasses and DVDs. The whole family was emotionally upset. Although the children involved were in their twenties at the time of the divorce, it took an enormous toll on their lives.
The assets were split according to the prior agreed upon arrangement, even after the husband's attorney extended the litigation making all involved suffer. It was California, after all, and an even division of everything was required.
The lesson to be learned here is that a divorce doesn't have to be nasty and an extremely painful experience for everybody in the family. The law allows separating couples to use mediation, a neutral third party, to help with negotiating settlements, visitation, child support, and other issues that come up when a marriage is ending. Research shows that couples who use arbitration are usually more content with the final results than couples who use litigation. A divorce can be both cheaper and faster with mediation.
When a couple decides that a divorce is the only solution to their situation, they should seek competent legal advice. They should hire lawyers that want the best for their clients. They should also consider the mediation process because it can work in many situations. If it will work for them, then they can significantly lessen the impact, time, and cost of the divorce.
Frightening tales of ugly divorces are common knowledge. My friend was going through a divorce after being married for 40 years because she waited until her last child had almost finished college. She and her husband had a thorough discussion in advance; it was going to be a peaceful divorce with the assets being divided in half, and it was to be finished with as little argument as possible. The trouble was that they had a lot of possessions, and the husband had made up his mind that he did not want to divide half of it.
The husband, who is a doctor, felt he had made the money and therefore should be entitled to keep the major portion of it. The wife was employed in a medical office during the beginning years, later on she acquired a real estate license and supervised their investment apartment property, had two children and nurtured them, as well as looking out for her husband and a spacious home. She thought she had worked for half of the assets.
The plan at first was to fill out divorce papers in September, when the younger son went away to college. It was unfortunate that the husband made the decision to employ the most spiteful lawyer in the area in July. The outcome was a disaster. The divorce proceedings, fueled by years of pent up anger and resentment, became a nightmare as the two who had once pledged to love each other til death do us part waged a impassioned war, fighting for control over everything in their path from wine glasses and DVDs. The whole family was emotionally upset. Although the children involved were in their twenties at the time of the divorce, it took an enormous toll on their lives.
The assets were split according to the prior agreed upon arrangement, even after the husband's attorney extended the litigation making all involved suffer. It was California, after all, and an even division of everything was required.
The lesson to be learned here is that a divorce doesn't have to be nasty and an extremely painful experience for everybody in the family. The law allows separating couples to use mediation, a neutral third party, to help with negotiating settlements, visitation, child support, and other issues that come up when a marriage is ending. Research shows that couples who use arbitration are usually more content with the final results than couples who use litigation. A divorce can be both cheaper and faster with mediation.
When a couple decides that a divorce is the only solution to their situation, they should seek competent legal advice. They should hire lawyers that want the best for their clients. They should also consider the mediation process because it can work in many situations. If it will work for them, then they can significantly lessen the impact, time, and cost of the divorce.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)