Constructing Profits Blog

Cashing in Your Structured Settlement

2009-10-30T18:49:00.001+10:00

Cashing in a structured settlement is a huge decision in today's economic climate. If you do decide to sell your monthly income in lieu of a lump sum payout then there are a couple of things that you may need to consider very carefully first.

Why do you want to cash it in? If you want to pay down debt or a mortgage this could save you a lot of money. If you are thinking of trading it in to buy shares or bonds then you probably need to discuss this with your bank or stockbroker. If you want to go on a long vacation right now you may need to discuss this with your family and or bank manager.

How are the family finances depending on that monthly income? If it is removed, will its absence cause other problems?

How much are you likely to lose by selling your structured settlement? Sometimes this can be exorbitant and needs to be weighed up and considered very carefully. You will have to lose some because the buyer needs to be compensated for his risks in purchasing it.

If you sell your structured settlement in order to pay off your mortgage, how much interest will you save when compared against what you will lose by selling early?

The reason you will lose money by selling early is because the stock broking firm or bank or whoever you decide to sell it to will try to get it for as low a payout as possible. Having said that, the person or organization that purchases your settlement agreement will be taking a degree of risk and will expect compensation. This is fair and reasonable. As to how much compensation he gets is up to what you or your banker or whoever you decide to be your negotiator in this transaction, can limit the cost down to. The really important thing to know and remember here is: Don't Sign Anything.

No matter what, just don't sign anything under any circumstances until you are sure and happy with your agreement. Once you sign a document without checking it thoroughly yourself or better still, have a lawyer read it over first, you may have signed something with a 'small print' clause that gives them first option to purchase or something underhand like that.

Once you sign something and you aren't happy with the negotiations, you lose your "walking Power". While ever you still own your structured settlement and all the rights to it, you are still in the best negotiating position. If you aren't happy with the deal, you are under no obligation or commitment to continue negotiating with that person or organization. You have the right to walk away and sell it to someone else.

Solar Power Hot Water

2009-10-27T12:41:00.000+10:00

Many people aren't aware that their hot water systems are one of the biggest household electrical expenses. Some of these hot water systems work continuously to keep the water at a set temperature but in doing this they are constantly chewing into your electricity bill. Some of these older type hot water systems can nearly triple your power bill each quarter.

Then we get the next generation of hot water systems like Rheem and Solarhart and these are 'off-peak' systems that half your power bill each quarter. Until you have installed one you don't realise just what a saving these represent. It's not until you move into a leased unit where the only hot water system is an older one that you seriously start to appreciate just what a saving those off-peak systems actually were. Not only were they an immediate saving to your power bill but many electricity suppliers also discounted your bill because you had installed an off peak hot water system.

Now though you can install a solar power hot water system that costs you virtually nothing after the initial outlay for the solar panels. But these don't have to be expensive either any more because if you have a handyman ability you can now make these in your back shed for less than $200 per panel. Using this solar energy represents a huge saving to the family budget and to your community and the planet.

There's no doubt about the savings that can be otherwise used if we fully use something like the sun that is given to us freely most days of the year. Solar powered hot water systems are definitely the future and the sooner we all have them installed on our homes the more money we will all save.

Window Air Conditioners and Trade Contractors

2009-10-22T08:57:00.001+10:00

It is a very nice little sideline for construction contractors to see the real estate agents in ther area and advise them that they are prepared to go out to their managed properties to install window air conditioners.

I know this because when I lived in Darwin, NT I ran a home maintenance agency and I know how many calls we used to get from real estate agents, property owners, tenants and home owners to come and install an airconditioning unit into a window. Carrier were always a very popular window unit.

Window air conditioners were invented for people who are renting a property or who move residence frequently but still want a few home comforts. This is when a window air conditioner could be the answer for you.

If you are living in a house that has a double-hung window this makes it the easiest way to insert one of these air conditioners into a window space providing it is firmly attached to good support that isn't going to damage the external appearance or structure of the house. This is easily enough accomplished simply by building a resting platform on which the air conditioner can sit with the triangulated arms resting against something firm between the paintwork of the building and the preferably steel arms of the triangulated supports.

If the only window space available is a sliding window with a fly screen which is the most common form of window in houses in Australia today, you may have to do a bit more work to get it bedded in safely. You will still probably need a resting platform for the air conditioner to rest on unless you have unusually large window sills.

You will also have to replace the window glass and fly screen above the air conditioner. This makes it more expensive and unless you plan on being in the house for a couple of years probably isn't worth the expense or hassle.

If this is the case then it would probably be a good idea to speak to your land lord or property manager and ask them to insert a window air conditioner for you. As they are not too expensive an item and if you are a good tenant, then there's every chance the property owner will want to keep you and will do this for you. That simply makes the insertion of a window air conditioner more viable for everyone.

Window Air Conditioners

2009-10-20T20:13:00.000+10:00

Window air conditioners were invented for people who are renting a property or who move residence frequently but still want a few home comforts. This is when a window air conditioner could be the answer for you.

If you are living in a house that has a double-hung window this makes it the easiest way to insert one of these air conditioners into a window space providing it is firmly attached to good support that isn't going to damage the external appearance or structure of the house. This is easily enough accomplished simply by building a resting platform on which the air conditioner can sit with the triangulated arms resting against something firm between the paintwork of the building and the preferably steel arms of the triangulated supports.

If the only window space available is a sliding window with a fly screen which is the most common form of window in houses in Australia today, you may have to do a bit more work to get it bedded in safely. You will still probably need a resting platform for the air conditioner to rest on unless you have unusually large window sills.

You will also have to replace the window glass and fly screen above the air conditioner. This makes it more expensive and unless you plan on being in the house for a couple of years probably isn't worth the expense or hassle.

If this is the case then it would probably be a good idea to speak to your land lord or property manager and ask them to insert a window air conditioner for you. As they are not too expensive an item and if you are a good tenant, then there's every chance the property owner will want to keep you and will do this for you. That simply makes the insertion of a window air conditioner more viable for everyone.

Solar Power in Australia

2009-10-18T16:49:00.002+10:00

With all the attention currently being geared towards making the planet Earth a more energy efficient and safer environment for humans to live on, solar power seems to be enjoying the most attention in Australia. Hardly surprising really because every state of Australia is blessed with an abundance of sunshine each day. Even Melbourne, the city of four seasons in one day, does enjoy some sunshine however spasmodically.

Up until this point one of the big drawbacks to solar power has been the lack of storage capacity of the electricity. Many Australians that I speak with would prefer to see more funding put towards natural power sources like solar and wind rather than millions and millions of dollars being put towards finding a clean coal solution. Even a fraction of some of these Research and Development funds given to the coal industry would go a long way towards fixing some of the known problems like battery storage capacity for solar power.

Yes, it would be nice if both could be done at the same time and save those thousands of miner's jobs. It would also be nice to be the first country to come up with the solution to the problem of clean coal burning technology, especially as Australia has such large reserves of coal. But the question has to be asked "if the coal burning industries are such viable and important industries to this country, and they are such a revenue producing business, why aren't the coal mining companies putting more resources into the research and development of the technology?" And it's not as if they have been unaware that the problem was gaining urgency. Greenpeace alone has made sure they got the message numerous times.

Solar power augmented where and when necessary by existing coal fired power stations complying with a workable emissions trading scheme, seems to be a rather obvious choice for most Australians that I have spoken with. Now, if we could leave the politicians out of the equation, we could well end up with what could be a very viable, efficient and inexpensive energy supply.

Building Contractors and the Yellow Pages

2009-10-14T10:58:00.000+10:00

Every country has their version of the yellow pages. In some areas, countries /states / regions the yellow pages is so thick with entries it is incredibly hard to stand out and be noticed. So how do you make your ad more noticeable than everyone else's?

As strange as it sounds, this is definitely a case of when 'less is more'. If you want to check for yourself, pick up your copy of the yellow pages now and thumb through it taking note of what catches your eye and where it's placed. This will give you a fair idea of what you need to request of your yellow pages rep when they next visit you.

Do you know when the newest version of Yellow pages in your area is due? If not, then check in the front of the phone book because it usually says in there when they get updated. If you don't have any idea of when your ad falls due again you probably won't have enough time to think carefully about what type of ad you want and what you want included or excluded from last years ad.

The yellow pages are THE one book that every building contractor should be listed in. Many towns these days have several versions of phone books and business directories available and if you can afford it, or if you have found in the past that you got a fairly good response from them then go for it too but you still need to be listed in the official yellow pages phone book as well. Don't do away with the official yellow pages because if you do you may well end up with a very small income for the year. A year with hardly any work coming in is no fun. Just ask someone who has made that mistake once and I'll guarantee you they don't do it again

Minglesticks and solar energy ~ Our Future

2009-10-04T09:41:00.000+10:00

These will make Terrific Promotional Items for your Business. They are the future so get yours today the same as solar energy will be a big part of our energy source in the not too distant future.

Minglesticks Make Good Company Christmas Gifts

2009-10-03T08:45:00.000+10:00

It's around this time of year that many companies start to plan for their corporate gift giving ideas. Usually they are looking for something that both reminds the client/customer of the comany's name and services but this year due to the economic climate everywhere, it also needs to be less expensive. Finding just the right gift fitting this criteria is not so easy but now with the arrival of minglesticks they can be both a promotional and a great gift idea.

These are new on the market and they are technology's answer to the business card. Business cards often get left in the office or at home but now the minglestick is carried on a key chain or key ring so unless you lock yourself out of your home or office, you will usually have your contact details on you when asked for your phone number. But now you can link them into your company website on your favourite Social Networking site so you get increased traffic to your site.

I strongly suggest to all our contractors that they think seriously about giving minglesticks as corporate gifts because it is an extremely useful gift and it will be branded with your name on it. Just think how many other business that one of your clients does business with? Everytime they go to exchange contact details guss who's business is seen every time? As some would say, "it's a no-brainer".

Tradesmen Who Tell Fibs, Don't Get 'Second Dibs'

2009-09-30T16:13:00.000+10:00

I have always remarked that unless you have a very good memory; don't ever tell fibs because it's practically guaranteed that you will slip up somewhere, so why bother even going there?

For a trade's person who says they've done a job to 'pad out' their bill when they haven't done the work is losing a lot more than a bit of extra cash. Quite frankly, you simply don't know who is watching or why. It's probably not an original story but it happened to me yesterday.

My car was due for registration and as it was an interstate licence plate it had to go through all the checks etc. which meant I had to leave it at the garage and give them time to do their thing. I said I was going up to the shopping centre (mall) but on the way ran into a friend and she invited me up to her office for a coffee. Now her office just happened to overlook the garage where I had left my car. Long story short, the mechanic drove my car to the hoist and it was the next car in line after the one already up on the hoist. I watched all this as I enjoyed my coffee and chat with my friend.

I was asked to come back by 1500 and as the time approached; my car was still waiting to be done. I left my friend and went over to the garage expecting him to ask me to come back in another hour and I wasn't overly impressed but because I had been watching I knew the mechanic who was working on the car ahead of me really had been going 'flat chat'. Hey, you know, that's life. No big deal at least I was away from my computer for longer than anticipated and that can't be all bad, can it?

But then the mechanic started rattling off all these things that were wrong with my car~ it was going to cost me nearly $600 to get everything fixed! He had barely looked at the car (he hadn't even kicked the tyres) and he certainly hadn't even driven the car more than ten feet. But he did kindly offer me a 5% discount

There is no way that I will ever let him near my car again. If there is something wrong with my car it could kill me so why would I want to put my life in someone's hands who tells me lies?

So my message and advice to all our honest 'tradies' out there is never be tempted to tell 'porkies' 'cause they will come back and bite you on your "nether end".

Climate Change:Sydney Dust Storm

2009-09-24T19:51:00.000+10:00

Climate Change is happening regardless of the nay-sayers and people in denial. Denying something doesn't make it not-so. It simply means you've got your head buried in the sand and your tail ready for a right royal kicking! This is the dust storm that hit Sydney on 21 September 2009 over the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Australia's prime top soil is now blown out over the Pacific Ocean.

Solar Energy: Why We Consumers Have to Drive it Ourselves

2009-09-23T19:13:00.000+10:00

When you stop and think about the readily available power given to us each day by the sun, why aren't we making use of it?

Yes, there are a few relatively minor problems that need more Research and Development technology applied but with a bit of determined and concentrated effort and with more funding, our scientists can fix these problems pretty easily. All we need is a bit of 'political' will and market driven incentives to do so.

Once someone proves a way to implement this new technology in a way that will make money for company shareholders, I believe this alternative energy source will be quickly implemented. Alternatively, we could threaten our political representatives with removal at the next elections unless strong, concrete plans were put in place to install solar energy use for all domestic users.

Bold plans but if there was money to be made with the new technology you can bet we would start to see some real action. If we could only stop the lobbyists from accessing our politicians and subverting their will to fix this energy dilemma for all of us, we would all be better off.

As things stand at this point in time, it's not really in the big power corporation's interests to put too much effort into finding or developing an alternate power source, is it? I mean it's a bit like asking the fox to guard the hen house.

That is why I believe consumers who are fed up with being used and abused by these big power companies and is tired of seeing garbage emissions polluting our world; have to drive this new technology ourselves.

There is no reason why each domestic installation can't provide enough electricity for their domestic use and only access a 'back-up' supply when needed. Not every household will need to access the power grid because many consumers live alone and the solar power generated from their own roofs will more than fill their needs. Any excess power generated and unused from these domestic installations will need to be fed back into a sub-station so why do we need to have to fork out funds for clean coal technology?

Personally, I would prefer to see the funding put into developing better storage capacity for generated solar power than funding a stock exchange resource stock and their shareholders.

As a consumer of electricity, I think we all have to speak as one voice together and make a concerted effort to convince our political representatives that there are more votes with us 'little people' than there is from a big power corporation. We need to drive solar energy development by market demand rather than tax funded R&D monies to people with vested interests in seeing that solar energy is a long time in coming.

Solar Energy: Construction Contractors will be the Builders

2009-09-22T19:57:00.000+10:00

Today I have updated our website at http://www.constructingprofits.com/ as I will be following the progress of how many 'trsdies' will pick up this new technology in their towns and run with it.

As you know there is a meeting today and tommorw in NY,USA on climate change. It is happening much faster than most people want to know about. It's time to take an active role towards helping fix the problem instead of becoming part of it!

This is a brand new opening for tradies and they need to grab it with both hands.

I belive China will conquer the market on the manufacture of solar panels. I think this becuase they are already far more along than many of us in the west who are being happered by corporations and govts. with vested interests in maintaining the status quo.

I can only encourage you guys I can't break your power saws to do it ~

Solar Power Use on Freeways

2009-09-21T15:23:00.001+10:00

Solar power is used in Australia to power up those emergency telephones dotted along our freeways. Between the Gold Coast and Brisbane they are strategically and conveniently placed so any motorist who has a breakdown doesn't have to walk any huge distance for help if needed.

These days many people have mobile (cell) phones but there are still a lot of people who don't have this convenience so emergency phones are still urgently required. The traffic moves very fast along this motorway and particularly at peak times there is a lot of traffic on that motorway. Many people live on the Gold Coast and commute to work in Brisbane every day, so any breakdown along the motorway needs to be removed as soon as possible.

Solar Panels are also used to power up emergency phones in the outback of western Queensland particularly along the Barkly Highway heading towards the Northern Territory. Here the distances are hundred's of kilometres between road houses so it is life saving to have access to emergency assistance.

Years ago, I was travelling on the Nullarbor Highway between Perth and Adelaide when we came across a road train accident. A road train is a semi-trailer pulling one or two extra trailers and they can measure 50metres long. This road train was pulling three trailers and they were all full of Kimberley baby Nappies (diapers) being transported to Perth from Melbourne. There were white nappies littering the red soil for 100 metres in every direction.

Unfortunately the driver was badly injured. Luckily for him though that another road train was not far behind him and he had a Satphone and was able to call for help. This probably saved his life because there were no solar powered emergency phones anywhere along these desolate stretches of outback roads in the early 90's.

The use of solar power on our highways, freeways and motorways has probably saved countless lives. And to think that now solar panels can be made in a trade contractors shed is a wonderful step towards energy efficiency.

Solar Power Light

2009-09-20T14:23:00.001+10:00

Anyone who would have dared mention getting light in our homes from the sun via Solar Power when I was growing up would have had some very queer looks cast their way.

It would be hard to estimate today how many people around the world were born into a rural community. In Australia, many 'baby boomers' were born while their parents were living on the land. Some of these properties (ranches) were the result of land being given to returning soldiers from the first and second world wars but it did open up large tracts of land and created communities in the bush. As the children of these 'soldier settlers' grew up, parents discouraged their children from going onto the land for a living because it was a hard way to eke out a living.

Over time, some of these communities turned into towns while others lagged; sagged into disrepair and now many have not managed to survive beyond the odd general store / post office combination or pub. A Pub is short for "public house" and once was a thriving business to be in, in Australia, but not any more. Still, that's another story for another day. If I had the temerity or foresight to mention that the day was fast approaching when I would get my house lighting at night from the sun I would have politely been asked if I had been at the pub for too long!

Solar Power lighting today is an absolute gift for people still living in the Australian bush. The distance between properties is too far and it is too expensive to get connected into a main grid.

Up until this point many properties not conveniently located close enough to a main power line had to make do with 240volt diesel generators. These are expensive to run and noisy. They could also only be turned on occasionally because of the cost of running them so conveniences like electrical toasters, jugs, TV's, Vacuum cleaners etc were used sparingly.

Now that people can make their own solar panels and have solar power lighting available all the time, means people living anywhere in the bush will have lighting available to them whenever and for whatever, reason they need it. What a gift!

Solar Power Supply

2009-09-18T11:52:00.001+10:00

Solar power is supplied by the sun and that is why it is known as solar power. Here in Australia we are blessed with sunshine. Here in Queensland solar power pours down on us like a blessing from heaven. But there are parts of Queensland where they are still in drought and have been in drought for nearly a decade so there can be such a thing as too much sun too.

Up to this point in time there have been two major drawbacks to extending solar power supply availability to more homes and business. The first one was the battery capacity available.

In the last 2 years research and development have made some huge leaps with technology for battery storage capacity but it still requires a lot of Research and Development (R&D) funding to investigate longer and safer storage capabilities.

To give you some thinking to do, remember when mobile (cell) phones first became available? Remember the size of those building brick batteries we used to carry around and think we were all as smart as a 'rat with a gold tooth'? Well if you compare those memories with your latest mobile (cell) phone today you will see for yourself how much further along technology has progressed.

I am not suggesting solar batteries need to be or will ever get to the size of mobile phones at least not in my lifetime and probably not my cat's either but one day it will happen.

The second problem hampering development and manufacture of solar panels was the horrendous cost per panel.

But like many things, the technology is now available to cut costs down to a manageable price for the majority of home owners. The costs are more likely to stay affordable for the majority of people in our communities if we can get enough small businesses in each town to manufacture and install their own version of solar panels based on an industry conforming code of practice so we don't get any 'cowboys' in the industry and burn people out of their homes.

This is a fast opening gap in the construction industry and it is going to be a tradesperson who runs with it simply because they are the ones with the ability to do the job. If everyone works within their area of expertise then the sooner that happens the sooner we will all have access to a solar power supply. So if you are a trade business why are you waiting?

Solar Power Products

2009-09-17T16:55:00.000+10:00

Solar Power products, or rather the method of manufacturing solar power panels, are now available on the internet. Up until this point in time the solar panel's development has been left up to the big manufacturers that have had access to huge quantities of Research and Development (R&D) start up capital either through Government programs or through venture capitalists.

These venture capitalists are sometimes referred to as "business Angels" because they are prepared to fund new projects or industries usually because of the tax breaks involved

The solar power industry in Australia received a huge boost in sales and Research and Development (R&D) monies when Prime Minister Kevin Rudd took office and again a year later in the US when President Obama took office.

When both had taken up the reigns of power, much had been promised to the development of finding alternative energy sources. Solar power was a front runner in this program along with funding research for the technology to make clean coal. Since then, the world has undergone the worst recession since the 1930's and finances have had to have been reallocated to prop up the world economy. Unless you have been living without human contact for a year and a half you no doubt already know all this.

But what you may not already be aware of is the impact this is having on existing manufacturers of solar panels and the gap that is opening up for 'business' savvy tradespeople who are physically capable of building, devising and trialling new technology.

It is this widening gap that I want all construction businesses to take note of and start giving some serious thought to the matter.

The first people to build these panels and test them won't be 'the suits' or the financial whiz-kids because few of them have the needed skills to do so but 'tradies' do! This is their field of expertise.

Yes, we need the scientists, engineers and all the rest but leave them to do it on their own and it simply won't happen. To get this job done everyone needs to work in their field of expertise.

It is my believe from reading and listening that the best and first way the solar industry is going to become a reality for everyone will be from smaller town communities.

Someone in a town (perhaps your town) is going to follow a blueprint, improve it for local conditions and install it on their own property, then their neighbours and down the street, out of the town, through the state and across the world. People are crying out for cheaper power sources and so far the only thing our 'powers that be' have done is fight and scramble for top spot so they can rule the market.

While they are squabbling over who's going to be boss leaves a huge gap for ability and I fervently hope this small article gets a few of you thinking. I know many of you have already given it some thought but now is the time to get practical and "do" to make cheap solar panel products readily available for all.

Solar Panel

2009-09-01T19:13:00.003+10:00

Hi everyone,

Today I was surfing through some stuff on clickbank and I came across this excellent product that I thought you may have been interested in.

Over the years I've had many interesting discussions about solar panels and how I think every building roof around the western world (and everywhere on the planet, actually!) should have solar panels for their roofing to generate their own electricity and then feed any excess back into a grid.

Can you imagine how much electricity could be gathered and saved? And all the money we could all save? All those public buildings, schools, council chambers, universities, theatres, malls ~

And, of course, the argument has always been the expense of solar panels. Which, unfortunately, has always won the argument.

Until today. :-)

Now I know you blokes are a very bright mob (otherwise you wouldn't be part of our group, right :-))

So, if you are interested in installing your own solar panels and saving hundreds and hundreds of dollars a year, do yourself and the planet a favour and check out How to make Your Own Solar Panels

I'm wrapped! What a "Bonza" Idea!

Click here NOW before you forget what the heck I'm on about

What happens When Greed is Renamed?

2009-08-18T18:11:00.003+10:00

Hi Everyone,

I had a very interesting email from a Plumber this morning and we discussed the difference between greed and competitiveness. Have a look at this video here:

Because I think the confusion caused by changing the meaning of greed to competitiveness is wrong. Greed to me is when people take more than they need or could use simply because they can. Just because you can, doesn't mean you should.

Now I don't believe there is anything wrong with building a bit of fat into a business. Without it occassionally, no business would be able to survive. But excessive profits sort of kills-the goose-that-lays-the-golden-egg if you get my drift.

What are your thoughts?

Warmly,
Jan
www.constructingprofits.com

Commercial Real Estate

2009-08-17T18:44:00.005+10:00

Hi again folks!

As the domestic maintenance and repair market is getting more and more competitive then perhaps its time to start looking around to see where another market could be developing. I would strongly suggest to all our tradies to take a careful look around their local shopping centres / malls and see what could be done there.

There are many small retailers battling too at the moment but many of those retail spaces are leased commercial property and could well need some upkeep that hasn't been done in the past few years due to it being too hard to get a contractor to do it.

Well, now you may have the time?

Regards to all,
Jan
www.constructingprofits.com
http://www.1900allabout.com/commercialrealestatecompanies/

Hey Guys ~ You need this

2009-08-07T18:26:00.004+10:00

Hi everyone,

I know that many of you are quietly doing some internet marketing at home after a hard days work. So if you want to watch a programme that really does work and it has three times the value in freebies attached to it....I suggest you nick on over asap before they close the doors. Don't believe this pirate's lady :-) Go see for yourself!

Cheers all,

Jan

2009-08-05T19:14:00.002+10:00

Hi everyone,

Did our painters know that if they wash a house thoroughly before beginning a paint job that it could save them many hours and hours of work?

House washing in Brisbane to remove dust, mould and fungi off eaves, gutters, walls and concrete paths not only improves the look of the house immensely but for real estate valuation purposes it can add many thousands of dollars on to the value of the home.

So before our painters do their next 'tart up' job, speak to the real estate agent selling the home and get them to speak with their vendor about either washing the house first or doing both a wash and a paint job.

Hope you find this helpful,

Cheers all,

Jan

Plumbers and Gurglers

2009-07-27T18:37:00.006+10:00

Hi again guys,

I take it that you all got an email from me over the weekend? Well, here's that new website I mentioned in my email that is dedicated just for Plumbers http://www.plumbersmarketing.com/ and before some of you 'have a go at me' about why the Plumbers get their own dedicated web site, it's because some of them have asked for it and mentioned specific marketing problems that simply don't apply to your trade ~ unless of course, you are a Plumber and haven't reregistered?

Anyway, click on over if you are a plumber. It's still not too late and its still free.

Hope you all have a really great week!
Warmly,
Jan
http://www.constructingprofits.com/
PS
I know some of you are interested in the 'gee-gees' so heres a place that could be of interest to you www.1900allabout.com/horseracing

Guiding Affiliates

2009-07-25T17:26:00.004+10:00

Hi Guys,

Oh my, how time passes when you're having fun, right? I've had so many requests lately asking about affiliating marketing that I decided the best thing to do was update my blog and point you all to my http://www.assistingaffiliates.com/ website so that I don't have to answer so many individual emails. I know that many of you will understand that emailing is a very time intensive activity and as much as I love the lotta ya, I am really time short ~ just like the rest of you, I guess.

I have noticed on my walks lately that there are a lot construction contractors doing letterbox drops. These seem to be contributing to a lot of junk mail in letterboxes and so aren't being read. They are getting dumped straight into garbage bins.

If you are a construction contractor using this marketing method right now to get more work, can I suggest that you go back to your lists of previous clients and send them all a snail mail letter? I think this will be far more effective for you all.

Also, have you registered your business with Google in http://local.google.com/ Its free and important to do so. Anyone searching their blackberries for your trade in your area will find you first. It's not just blackberries but anyone searching for your trade in your area will see your business first.

That's it till next time.....don't forget to play nicely with each other now.....you never know who is going to need your services next!

Warm Regards to all,

Jan
http://www.constructingprofits.com/

Hervey Bay Website Design| Maintenance| Email Marketing - Hervey Bay

2009-07-15T11:42:00.000+10:00

Hi Everyone,

Well, it has been a long time.

Since I last blogged, I've had two operations on my right leg and moved house. So 2009 has been a year of changes. Moving back to Australia from Canada was a huge move. When I left Edmonton, Alberta on the 25th January it was minus 24. When I arrived in Sydney it was plus 26 and the Victorian bush fires were ravaging the countryside.

I returned to Australia for health reasons. I'm afraid this "Aussie Sheila" just couldn't handle the cold and my leg ached something fierce. It was so debilitating. Hat's off to the Canadians here because they sure are a hardy mob. But they can't handle heat so I guess it's 'horses for courses'. Last summer in Canada when my friend used to put the aircon on when the temp reached 15degrees amazed me ~ he couldn't handle the heat.

So I am now well on the mend and ready to get back to work instead of gallivanting around the globe having a good time. I have resettled in Torquay which is part of Hervey Bay and I'm ready to design and maintain web sites for anyone who wants one. As you can see, I have a plan and I'm after 30 websites in the Hervey Bay area. It's a case of first in, best designed and maintained

Hervey Bay Website Design Maintenance Email Marketing - Hervey Bay

I am also going to write to everyone today and start thinning down my autoresponder lists so keep an eye out for an email from me and if you haven't received yours, please go to www.constructingprofits.com or www.plumbersmarketing.org and sign up again.

Everything has got out of hand for me because I haven't been looking after things as I should have been. So a word of advice to you all....."look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves" is as true an addage today as it was when first coined.

Until next time....

Warm Regards to everyone,
Jan

Constructing Profits - Australian Building News - Tag: Building and Construction - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

2009-03-10T17:13:00.000+10:00

Hi Everyone,
I'm back from Canada for some surgical repairs. There's no doubt about it, those Canadians sure are tough!! It was minus 23 when I left Edmonton on 25th January 2009 and 27 above on arrival in Sydney. The human body sure is a remarkable creation to be able to adapt so quickly to such wide temperature variations.

I take my hat off to our hardy Canadian members who live, work and play in such an inhospital climate now that I'm back in good old Aus. ~ It was too flaming cold to take it off while over there!

But what a miserable state the world's finances are in! I doubt there is any construction business not affected here who hasn't been slugged one way or another. Here's a bit of good news though for our NSW members who may be able to take advantage of these upcoming contracts through the NSW Govt tender pages Constructing Profits - Australian Building News - Tag: Building and Construction - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) So keep those eyes peeled and still remember to put a little bit of profit in those tender contracts.

As a good cabinetmaker used to tell me "I can go just as broke sitting under a palm tree as working to do it"

Regards to all,
Jan