Mistakes Archives - GUJRAT INDIA

Is Your Company Making These Graphic Design Mistakes?

Companies use graphic designing to depict their brand image, promote their products/services and research its business. This provides them with a lot of opportunities to maximize their creativity while nurturing their business. No matter what they plan to design: a website, logo, brochure, business card or product replica, this doesn’t have to be a daunting task.

When there are mistakes in a web design, this can affect the company’s prospects in a negative way. On the other hand, a design, which is given a lot of thought can help businesses strike the interest of their target audience and gain their trust as well.

This article shows a list of the usual graphic design mistakes that can be avoided. In doing so, businesses can enhance their graphic design strategy to come up with flawless designs.

The Common Graphic Design Mistakes that Businesses can Avoid

Some common graphic mistakes that can be prevented to create great designs and impress an audience are the following;

Using Obsolete Effects

Viewers get easily attracted to designs that are creative with their new color schemes and font effects. So, businesses should not use designs with out-of-date effects. For instance, it would not be a good idea to use drop shadows effects, which were popular when graphic designing was just new simply because these will look obsolete.

Using Several Fonts

One of the major mistakes made by graphic designers is using too many fonts, which makes the message conveyed not too clear. Visitors get distracted with the different fonts in a design. When the fonts are consistent, there is continuity and it is easy to convey the company’s message and establish its brand identity. In choosing a font, it is important to consider the size of their piece and length of text.

Poor Execution of Gradients

It is best to avoid using too many poor-quality gradients. To create eye-striking gradients, they need to study the color wheel and know how to utilize trajectory graphic programs. They should see to it that the gradients match their design and are well executed.

Use of Stock Images

Including stock images are effective in projects that require some particular images. However, using stock images in excess can let a project look very unprofessional. In addition, their marketing piece should include new stock images instead of those that are common and which have been already used. It is best to get clear, high-resolution stock images.

Use of Raster Graphics

Raster images should never be used in creating brand logos. Instead, logos should be created using vector images since they can adjust to all mediums and get easily scaled with different sizes. On the other hand, raster images with their array of several color pixels have a difficult time scaling with different sizes.

The 3 Most Common Mistakes Freelancers Make (& How to Remedy Them)

Recently, I attended a conference given at my local Chamber of Commerce. It was entitled, How to Bring Your Business to the Next Level. The reason I mention it is that the speaker covered several points that tie in with the 3 most common mistakes freelancers make, outlined below.

1. Not Targeting a Market: I call this lack of freelancer focus. Do you drive without a destination? Probably not. Most of us know where we’re going when we get in our cars, on the train, on the bus. We have a specific destination in mind.

Because editorial and creative freelancing encompass such broad categories, it can be difficult to focus. Eg, writing. Huh? For what – magazines, e-zines, newspapers, websites, newsletters, brochures, direct mail, etc., etc., etc.

What type of writing for what sector? Legal, medical, technical, scientific, real estate, financial, general (what does that mean?), etc., etc., etc.

What type of client? B2B, B2C.

As you can see, your choices are endless. And, you may be talented enough to write in many sectors. However, you will have a hard time selling this to potential clients, and you will almost always be beaten out for assignments by those who specialize and have the body of work to prove it.

I know this first-hand. I owned Inkwell Editorial, an editorial staffing agency in New York City, from 1996-2004. When I was recruiting for clients, I ALWAYS chose freelancers who had a background in the discipline for the assignment. Why? Because clients demanded it and they made me look good. I mean, when you think about it, why would I choose someone who was a generalist when I had 15 or 20 just as qualified candidates who had years of experience in what I was looking for? It was a no brainer.

That’s why I’m adamant that freelancers should specialize. It’s not that you can’t go outside your speciality, but if you target a specific market, you build your client list that much faster and can service them better. Once you have your bread and butter clients, you can choose a secondary market – if you feel it necessary.

So, choose a niche market and focus all of your marketing dollars on it. Feel free to take other things as they fall in your lap, but give your chosen market your “laser focus,” eg, ad dollars, promotional efforts, etc.

2. Not Creating a Business Plan: Don’t shut down! Come back. Focus. Pay attention. This is not more corporate mumbo jumbo – I promise. I’m not saying spend 6 months to a year writing a 30-page document that has to be presented to a venture capitalist.

BUT, I am saying that you need the bones of a business plan in front of you. Eg, who’s your target market; how will you reach them; via which advertising medium; what servies will you offer; how much will you charge; how much will it cost you to provide the service (remember, as an editorial/creative worker, your “product” is time); what is your ad budget; how much will you need to reach your goals (eg, quit your job, bring in an extra $x/month)? All of these questions – and some more – should be answered.

Many freelancers fail at freelancing because they don’t do this type of detailed thinking before starting out. You can take one weekend and flesh all of this out and be done with it. Just be sure to write it down and REFER TO IT OFTEN.

3. Not creating a marketing plan. If you are building your business on the cheap, as many do just starting out, it will take much more time than you realize.

So, you will need to map out a plan of what you’re going to do on a daily, weekly, monthly basis to reach your financial goals. Trust, trust, trust me that if you don’t, you will make less money and become frustrated with what could be a wonderful career. It ALWAYS takes longer than what you think.

Doing even a scractch marketing plan will make you feel accomplished – especially if you are doing something every day to market your business. It could be as simple as writing one article a day, pitching 10 potential clients whose info you found on the web, submitting one press release a week.

Imagine if you did just the above, that would be five new articles, 50 client pitches and one press release – all in one week. Now, multiply this by four (a month); 12 (a quarter); 52 (yearly) and you can see how just garnering even a 2% response rate would net you 52 new clients a year (50 client pitches/week x 52 weeks x 2%).

I could go on and on on this topic because it can’t be repeated enough. Many freelancers think that they can just get a website, put in a marginal effort and things will happen. And sure, it will, but it will be in trickles, dribs and drabs.

If you want to make a real go of freelancing, treat it like a real business from the get-go, and you exponentially increase your chance of success.

Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid in Choosing Legitimate Home Business Opportunity

Summary: As you continue searching for a legitimate home business opportunity, it’s easy to get confused. Save time and money and avoid these 5 common mistakes.

1) FIXATE ON THE PRODUCT

Lots of aspiring home business owners scour the internet looking for the perfect product to distribute. They endlessly assess opportunity after opportunity looking for the breakthrough formula, the hottest ingredient, or the secret weapon that will make the product irresistible.

Don’t get me wrong, quality matters. But if the product was the most important thing, then the company would have a robots distribute them rather than people.

A good product is only one ingredient in the success formula.

2) IGNORE TRAINING

Since products don’t distribute themselves, the extent and the quality of the training is key to your long-term success. From setting up business systems to understanding the fundamentals of marketing, the quality and extent of your training will be an invaluable asset that you can always leverage. Poor training will create poor results-and no profit.

Ever notice wonder how a successful home business owner can leave one company, join another and become a top producer all over again? The secret is that they have been trained to produce and reproduce results, no matter the product.

High-quality training will allow you to produce outstanding results that you can duplicate in any endeavor.

3) FOCUS ON PRICE AND FORGET VALUE

If you shop for a business based on price and ignore the value of the opportunity being offered, you will get stuck.

Top producers first and foremost focus the value of what’s being offered. That’s how they select which opportunity to invest in. Top producers understand that value is the measure of the benefit being delivered, and that’s how they evaluate the return on their investment. If a top producer recognizes that the opportunity has value, they will happily pay any price. Why? They have a clear understanding that what an opportunity costs is not nearly as important as the return on the investment and the benefit to them.

Top producers evaluate everything in terms of value.

4) CONFUSE SELLING WITH MARKETING

Selling is an art that very few individuals ever truly master. It can be done, but it is not a simple matter of walking up to someone and asking if they want to buy. Traditional “pressing the flesh” selling is inefficient for most newbies because it requires you to personally present the opportunity.

Marketing, on the other hand, is a set of skills that can be learned and implemented by almost anyone. Marketing puts you in control and enables you to attract leads and customers to your opportunity without high-pressure tactics that everyone hates.

Winners market opportunities and never sell anyone on anything. Ever.

5) NEGLECT MINDSET

Without the right mindset, neither great products nor infinite leads will create the success you desire. Your thoughts about everything-from your opportunity to yourself–are your single greatest asset in this industry.

Cultivate a winning mindset.

5 Common Digital Marketing Mistakes That Today’s Business Owners Must Avoid

If you are a business owner and have plans to start a digital marketing campaign, make sure you avoid making some common mistakes. First of all, knowing the fact that digital marketing is not a simple task is important. Since it involves a lot of things like paid advertising, content marketing and SEO, making mistakes is quite common. This article discusses some common mistakes that you must avoid making if you want to make your campaigns be successful. Read on.

1. Not having Realistic Goals

If you don’t have a focused digital marking plan, you can’t create an effective marketing campaign. Without some goals in place, you are not going to get anywhere. Since your campaigns won’t be focused, you won’t be able to hit your goals in the given time period.

In the absence of realistic goals, your business won’t grow at all. The thing is that unrealistic goals are a source of discouragement. This type of goals is not achievable no matter what you do.

Also, you need to track your goals to find out how much success you have gained so far. This will also help you identify areas that require improvements. So, make sure your goals are specific, measurable, realistic, time sensitive and achievable.

2. Not Targeting the Relevant Audience

Not targeting the right audience is another common digital marketing mistake. Similarly, if you are going to focus an overly broad audience, you will get your desired results. Since you want to reach as many people as possible, you may be discouraged when you won’t see them buying your products or services.

Targeting the wrong audience is not a good idea and you will end up wasting a lot of time and money. What you need to do is provide relevant content with the relevant audience. Before you target your campaign, you must consider the following parameters:

Buying habits
Hobbies
Interests
Demographics

3. Ignoring your Website Design

In this digital age, having a user-friendly is a must, especially for businesses. So, you don’t want to end up ignoring this aspect of your business website. In other words, your website must be easy to use and it should offer valuable information. Not optimizing your site is bad when it comes to user experience, and you will be left behind in competition.

A good website should feature a simple search bar, a shopping cart, pictures, and call-to-action buttons.

4. Not Working on Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

SEO helps you look for your business on major search engines, especially Google. So, if you don’t consider this aspect when optimizing your web content, you will lose a lot of prospective customers and clients.

One of the biggest online marketing mistakes that businesses make with SEO is not giving it enough time to start showing results. SEO requires patience. In return, your campaign will grow over time and drive the results you desire.

Apart from incorporating relevant keywords in the content, you must follow some good SEO practices. Some of them are listed below:

Optimization of title tags
Optimization of the page load time of your website
Delivery of informative, targeted content

5. Not Focusing on Existing Customers

If you are trying to attract new customers only, you are making a grave mistake. You also need to focus on your existing customers to enjoy a higher conversion rate.

In short, these are 5 common digital marketing mistakes that you must avoid as a business owner in 2021.

Six Deadly Pool Purchasing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The six deadly pool purchasing mistakes are frequently made as a result of simply not being informed and knowing what questions to ask. Avoiding these mistakes could save you thousands of dollars and hours of heartache and frustration.

So you want to buy a pool but don’t know where to start? Perhaps knowing the common mistakes people make when purchasing a pool will help you start off on the right foot. Everyday, people get “duped” into buying the wrong pool, the wrong way, with no recourse or protection. These same people wind up being dissatisfied and even angry because their expectations weren’t met.

Throughout my long career in the pool industry, I have met many people who have made serious mistakes when they purchased their pool. Every year it seems as though I hear the same stories over and over. As a result of talking with scores of pool owners and through my own years of experience in the industry, I have concluded that there are six common mistakes that people make when purchasing a pool.

The Solution to Avoiding the

Six Deadly Pool Purchasing Mistakes is. . .

Ask the right questions! It’s simple. If you ask the right questions, you’ll uncover 90 percent of the potential problems that most pool purchasers commonly face. There’s always that 10 percent chance that something will happen that you couldn’t have foreseen; but, for the most part, you’ll be able to avoid almost any surprise.

However, if you’re like most other pool purchasers, you know so little about pools or pool construction that you don’t even know what questions to ask. That is why I wrote this special report just for you. After reading this report, you will be one of those few pool purchasers who “know what they’re talking about.”

The first questions you need to ask yourself when thinking about buying a pool are:

1. Why do I want a pool?

2. What will my family and I use the pool for?

3. Who is going to maintain the pool?

Why are these questions so important? Before you can decide “what” type of pool you want, you need to understand “why” you want a pool. Is it for family recreation, entertaining guests, physical therapy, exercise, personal recreation or just to “keep up with the Jones’?”

Knowing the answer to these questions will help you avoid the first deadly pool purchasing mistake, which is. . .

Mistake #1:

Not Designing Your Pool for its Intended Purpose

You might have heard the phrase, “Form follows function.” To know what type of pool you want, you need to know what you’ll be using it for. The type of pool you’ll select should depend on what you’ll be using it for.

More often than not, people considering the purchase of a pool have a specific purpose in mind. It is important to write this down and have it ready when you start to talk to pool builders.

For instance, if you are going to use your pool mostly for family entertainment, then you will want to include safety features such as gating or fencing that will control access to the pool. If your primary use is for entertainment, then you may consider mood lighting features with special landscaping features, such as waterfall features in and around the pool. If you want to build a pool for physical therapy or exercise, you might include a longer shallow area for swimming or perhaps built in spa jets in the seat, pull up bars, or even a smaller pool with swim jets.

The Myth of the Large Pool

An interesting phenomenon frequently happens when the majority of first-time pool buyers desire a large pool with a deep end and a diving board. After about a year of pool use, new owners discover that the deep end rarely gets used and the diving board becomes more of a safety hazard. Most of the games that are pla

yed by the kids are done in the shallow end and that’s where the adults spend 95 percent of their time. Because they decided to build a large pool with a deep end, only 35 percent of the pool gets utilized, resulting in unnecessary expense and low usage. It’s also important to consult with your insurance agent regarding increased premiums with diving boards.

Fencing is always an important element of your pool, not only for child safety but to provide a certain level of privacy. You may consider a retaining wall if your yard is on a slope so that you can step down to the pool, providing you more privacy. Many pool builders will try to talk you into elevating the level of your pool if your yard has a slope. Simply because there’s less dirt to remove, builders can cut trucking expenses. This can leave you with an inground pool that has an above ground look.

You should also have an understanding or vision of what you want your entire backyard to look like, not just your pool. Your pool should compliment your existing backyard and integrate with your intended landscaping goals, both now and in the future.

Here are some other points to consider when designing your pool:

1. Access – Ensure there is easy access to your pool from your house, restroom or entertainment area. You might want to consider how patios, decks or walkways are positioned to provide a safe and simple entrance and exit between your home and your pool.

2. Lines and Cables – Before settling on a location, you need to ensure that there are no electrical or telephone wires, sewer or septic lines or buried pipes.

3. Drainage – Water needs to drain away from the pool to avoid standing water or dirt and mud getting into the pool. This is especially important if you’re in a location that has a history of flooding.

4. Add-Ons – If you plan to install a diving board, spa, slide or waterfall, make sure that you plan for adequate deck space for each add-on.

5. Sheds – A common method of protecting equipment is to build an equipment shed close to the pool.

6. Sun vs Shade – The sun can help to keep your pool water warm; however, placing your pool under trees can result in a lot of extra maintenance.

7. Covenants – Find out if there are any subdivision covenants regarding the construction of pools.

To obtain a building permit, it is generally required to get a survey or plot plan of your entire property. In fact, you should already have one from when you bought your home. The survey will help you to decide where to locate your pool and any other accessories.

Make sure you schedule an initial on-site consultation so that your pools primary functions and activities are reflected in the design. Furthermore, an on-site consultation should urge you to consider the overall vision of what you want your backyard.

Mistake #2

Choosing the Wrong Pool “Container”

There are three basic types of in-ground pools: concrete/gunite, fiberglass, and vinyl liner.

No matter what type of pool you choose, you will be required to perform a certain amount of maintenance. However, each type of pool provides its own maintenance challenges. It’s important to understand these challenges by pool type before you make your selection.

Concrete/Gunite Pools

Concrete and gunite (a type of reinforced concrete) are the most common in-ground pool types because they have been on the market longer than the new, more efficient types of pools.

Concrete and gunite are sprayed over a framework of steel rods and wire mesh, then coated with plaster to give the pool a smooth, printable surface. Today, concrete and gunite pools are most commonly used for commercial and public swimming pools.

The nice thing about concrete and gunite pools is that you can virtually build them in any shape or form that you wish. Unfortunately, it is the most expensive of the three types of pools and it takes a long time to build.

Furthermore, concrete and gunite is porous, therefore providing small areas for algae and bacteria to grow. In addition, it can easily crack and chip with the change of the temperature and weather conditions, providing even more areas for algae and bacteria to grow. This is why concrete and gunite pools require the most maintenance of the three types of pools, costing $100 or more a month to maintain. It is also rough on the kids feet, and because kids will stay in the pool for extended length’s of time makes this extremely damaging to the skin.

Concrete and gunite pools require periodic annual or semi annual pool draining for cleaning purposes. When the pool is drained, the cracks in the concrete and gunite need to be repaired and the pool siding acid-washed and perhaps re plastered, if necessary. Acid washing is necessary every one to three years, depending on water condition. Acid washing does remove a layer of plaster or mar cite. Usually, after the second acid wash you can expect to re plaster the pool.

Vinyl Liner Pools

Vinyl liner pools use a high-density vinyl lining, offering a cosmetic textured pool surface. The lining is “seamed” together throughout the sides of the pool. Polymer or steel walls are bolted and fastened together on concrete flooring. The vinyl liner is spread over the floor and paneled walls and connected to the top of the walls by a vinyl rib at the outside edge of the liner.

The upfront cost of vinyl lined pools can be inexpensive when compared with concrete and gunite pools and take much less time to install. However, the maintenance on vinyl lined pools is high because the liner can be easily scratched or cut, especially if there will be toys or hard objects in the pool (even mechanical pool cleaners!). To repair a vinyl lined pool, you’ll need to replace the entire lining, which can cost from $1,500 to $3,900 or more depending on the time of the season for replacement.

Also, algae and bacteria tend to nest in the porous texture of the fabric and seams of the vinyl, requiring high amounts of chlorine to keep the pool clean. It’s kind of like a shower curtain that is exposed to moisture and heat on a consistent basis.

Severe problems can arise when algae starts to grow under a vinyl liner because it can start to eat the liner from the underside and is very difficult to treat. You can expect to pay up to $100 or more a month to maintain a vinyl liner pool.

In addition, heating costs will generally be higher, especially on steel wall construction. The only thing between the ground temperature of 57 degrees and the pool water is steel and vinyl. A polymer or plastic wall does reduce the cost of heating somewhat; but, it also adds considerable cost to the construction of the pool ($1,500 to $2,500 in some cases).

Fiberglass Pools

Fiberglass pools are made out of a seamless one-piece, pre-formed fiberglass container that is set in the ground and can be installed in less than five days. The fiberglass itself has a smooth, non-porous gel coat surface.

Although fiberglass pools have a wide range of sizes and shapes, and can be moved if you choose, you are restricted to those sizes and shapes that are offered, unlike a concrete or gunite pool. You’ll rarely find a fiberglass pool over sixteen feet in width because the come from the factory ready to install in one piece.

Fiberglass pools are appealing because they require much less maintenance than either of the other pool types. Fiberglass will not rip, tear, crack, chip or leak, providing a longer-lasting surface. Therefore, monthly maintenance costs are minimal. The durability of fiberglass is especially important if you live in a cold weather climate, or unstable soil, in which surface materials contract and expand. This is why concrete and gunite pools crack and chip.

Because a fiberglass is non-porous, algae and bacteria cannot stick to the surface. This reduces the amount of chlorine necessary to keep the pool clean to about one-fourth of the amount that other pools use, which can add up to large cost savings over time.

Fiberglass pools never require draining for cleaning, which is a huge chore. In addition, to clean the fiberglass surface, all you need to do is vacuum the bottom of the pool, which takes only 10-15 minutes a week. At first you might think that concrete/gunite pools are the most stable; however, fiberglass pools can flex about two feet without sustaining any damage and can safely withstand more external pressure than concrete/gunite pools.

However, there are huge distinctions between different fiberglass pools. (They are not all created equal.) Vinyl Ester resin is a must! This material is a bonding agent that helps hold the pool together. Vinyl Ester also prevents cobalting, which is a black or purple stain that forms from the outside in. It is a chemical reaction within the fiberglass itself. The stain can usually be removed but will continue to resurface. Make sure you see it in writing that the pool has Vinyl Ester. If it’s not advertised in print, chances are it doesn’t have it.

It’s also important to have some sort of vapor barrier in the fiberglass. Even though the gel coat or finish is smooth and non-porous, the back of the pool is without a vapor barrier. Fiberglass is a cloth that will absorb moisture from the ground. Moisture or even ground water will leach through the fiberglass causing blistering on the gel coat that is not usually covered by warranty.

You also want to make certain the pool is constructed with hand laid fiberglass as opposed to chopped glass. Hand laid fiberglass is much stronger and is built with full sheets of fiberglass cloth. Chopped glass fiberglass is a pudding-like substance with shreds of fiberglass usually sprayed or rolled on. Fortunately, because fiberglass pools are pre-built, you can see the pool prior to installation. Check out the finish beforehand. If it doesn’t look good out of the ground it won’t look good in the ground. Remember, water magnifies any flaws.

The technology in this industry is changing and evolving almost monthly, with recent introductions like the infusion of Carbon Fiber which adds extreme strength, and some pretty nice looking colors, this makes this worth a closer look than in the past.

Mistake #3

Choosing the Wrong Developer

The worst mistake that a person buying a pool can do is choose the wrong developer to build the pool. There are many “fly-by-night” pool developers that use temporary workers to install pools,. Other developers employ installers (or subcontractors) that have virtually no experience with pool installation.

Pool developers consistently experience a high turnover with their staff so it’s a constant struggle to keep good, experienced people who have installed a lot of pools. There are also a lot of developers who will sell you a pool with no regard for how it will be integrated with your landscape and lifestyle.

Make sure the developer has a firm brick and mortar location and is not working out of his garage. Also, do not purchase a pool from the Internet. Take time to visit the location.

After narrowing it down to the top two or three builders, invest in the time to visit their location to look at their products and services. See how their staff treats you. (Remember, people who feel good about themselves produce good results).

This is the biggest investment of your life next to your home. Invest your time. Take the family on a fun day out to look at pools and builders. Stop for lunch. Slow down, take your time. Feel comfortable and investigate.

The following are several questions you can ask potential pool developers when you request a proposal or bid to build your pool.

1. Do you offer the type of pool container that I want (fiberglass, concrete/gunite, vinyl liner) and how much experience do you have with installing that type of pool?

Most pool builders specialize in one of the three types of pools. A builder that is an expert in installing concrete pools may not necessarily be an expert in installing fiberglass pools. Find out how many of the same type of pools the builder has installed. If you are having accessories such as a deck, spa or landscaping done with the same builder, make sure that they have done that type of work in the past with other clients.

2. What is the average experience of your installation staff or do you subcontract out the construction? Do you hire only licensed and bonded sub-contractors?

It isn’t uncommon to find a pool builder that uses subcontractors for the entire installation process. In this case, you need to consider the experience level of the subcontractors. A pool builder is only as good as the people doing the installation work. Preferably the builder will have his own staff, resulting in better quality control. However, if a subcontractor is used, make sure that they are licensed and bonded to protect you if things go wrong.

3. Are you certified by the National Spa and Pool Institute? What other trade organizations do you belong to?

The National Spa and Pool Institute (NSPI) is the association that supports the spa and pool industry. The NSPI has a “Certified Builder”course that teaches builders how to build high-quality pools using the latest techniques that meet specifications. Having the certification means that the builder has at least met some standard education requirements to do the job right and it shows the builder’s commitment to quality. This one question can weed out a fly-by-night builder from a reputable builder. If the builder belongs to the Better Business Bureau, a Chamber of Commerce, or even a Rotary Club, it demonstrates that the builder intends to be around for a long while.

4. Do you provide financing for the pool construction project?

Even if you have the money sitting in the bank or you plan to get it from a commercial lender, asking this question may result in some revealing information. If a builder provides financing, it means that they have been around long enough to build credit and a good reputation with the banks. It is advantageous to have options for financing the construction of your pool. Another benefit of financing your pool is that in-ground pool construction is considered a home improvement and the interest payment on your loan is tax deductible.

5. Can I speak with several of your past customers?

This is the killer question. The proof is in the pudding and if you can’t speak to a previous customer, it probably means that they don’t have one or that they are disgruntled. Run from a builder that can’t provide you with testimonials from prior satisfied customers.

The real test is talking to those customers yourself. Ask the builder if you can pick one or two from a list of 10 previous customers. This will ensure that you’ll be choosing a non-biased customer. Ask the customer, “I know that the builder does great work but all jobs have at least one or two things that didn’t go as planned. Can you tell me what were some things that didn’t meet your expectations?” This question will get the customer off the fence.

6. To what extent is the owner involved in the daily operations of the business?

If the owner of the business isn’t 100 percent involved in the business, it doesn’t mean that you write them off but you should find out how the business is being managed. Quality usually has a direct correlation to the level of involvement by the owner of the business.

7. Can the builder present a certificate of insurance to prove that they are fully insured?

Ask the builder about any liability and compensation insurance he may carry to protect you in the event of an accident during the construction of the pool. There’s nothing worse than getting into a situation in which things didn’t go as planned and not having recourse for receiving compensation because of damages. Every reputable builder should be fully insured. Period.

If you ask and don’t receive a copy of worker’s compensation and liability insurance, don’t use the builder. You may even go as far as to call the agent listed to verify that their insurance is in force. Finally, remember worker’s compensation protects people. Liability protects property. You need to have both.

Other things you might consider are the builder’s credit rating and you may want to check county records for lawsuits.

8. Does the builder offer in-home design services?

Many good builders will offer in-home design services that will not only save you money but also demonstrate the builder’s experience and expertise.

9. If there is damage to my yard or landscaping, will you repair it?

It is imperative that you set your expectations up front during the interview process with the builder, especially when it comes to damage. Many pool buyers are surprised when they see the amount of damage to their yard that takes place during a pool installation.

However, there is such a thing as excess damage due to negligence on the part of the builder. Make sure you address this right up front and that it gets into your contract. Some pool builders aren’t willing to take on the risk of paying for yard damage.

10. What are the electrical and plumbing requirements and who will perform them?

Your pool builder should know about existing electrical, plumbing, zoning, building and grading requirements. It’s important to test the knowledge of your builder. Even if you don’t know the answers yourself, you’ll have an idea whether they have a good grasp on the requirements.

By the way, never allow a pool builder to force you to take a permit out in your name. It should always be in the builder’s…

11. What type of maintenance training will I receive upon completion of the pool?

Upon completion of pool installation, your pool builder should provide you with training, including: equipment maintenance training; chemical and cleaning training; winterizing training; and safety training. These topics will be crucial to the longevity of your pool.

12. How long will the construction take and when can you start?

Even if a pool builder is good and you feel comfortable with their skills and ability, their schedule needs to sync with your schedule. A good pool builder will most likely be booked, so you may want to start the search process early in the season or reset your expectations as to when the pool can be installed.

Never choose a pool or a builder based strictly on schedule. Make your choice on the quality of both the product and the builder. A high-quality builder will never sacrifice quality for speed. Remember, if you are a first time pool buyer, another couple of months won’t hurt you. Stay focused on quality.

13. What is the cost and how much do you require as a deposit?

Ultimately, your pool needs to fit your budget. You should ask for a proposal only from builders that you feel comfortable with and meet your minimum requirements. Although it varies from builder to builder, 2 percent to 5 percent down is an acceptable amount to ask as a deposit. If a builder asks for an amount greater than 10 percent down, it’s time to end the interview. Also, make sure you examine the down payment schedule and make sure the builder explains it to you.

Good References are Important

Overall, asking this series of questions will help you get a feel for who may be the best choice to build your pool. Remember, good references are important because they are based on past experience rather than a right answer to an interview question. Call local building departments, call the state, and call the Better Business Bureau. A good builder’s reputation will precede them.

Mistake #4

Not Getting a Full Understanding of Your Pool Contract and Warranty

It is certainly a deadly mistake not getting a full understanding of your pool contract and warranty. As Ross Perot once said, “The devil is in the details.” Pool contracts and warranties can be deceptive if they are not read carefully and if you don’t ask enough questions.

Parts of a pool usually included in the warranty are:

1. Structural – Structural integrity of walls, reinforcements and concrete.

2. Equipment – Equipment such as filters, skimmers, pumps and heaters.

3. Plumbing – Materials and workmanship on electrical, gas, piping and pool plumbing.

Generally speaking, most pool buyers get surprised when something goes wrong because they didn’t take the time to understand the details of what is included in the warranty and more importantly, what is NOT included in the warranty. Try to make sure your pump, filter and heater are from the same manufacturer. That way you have one warranty that covers your main equipment. Plus, most pool companies will not stock repair parts from multiple manufacturers. Things like discoloration in fiberglass and vinyl liner pools are usually not covered because the color of the walls have a lot to do with how you’ve maintained the pool and the chemical balance of the pool water. Chipped concrete or gunite are not usually warranted because that’s the nature of concrete when exposed to the elements.

When purchasing a vinyl liner pool, you need to be cautious about what’s included in the warranty for the liner. Is it just the seams or is it the entire liner? Most vinyl liner pool builders stress the warranty on the seam, but the seam never goes bad. What frequently goes bad is the vinyl lining, not the structural walls or the seam.

Who’s Warranting What?

Understand who warranties what. For instance, who warranties the pump and filter? The manufacturer or the dealer? Who do you contact to report problems? Do they have a toll-free number? Who comes out to fix the problem? In some cases, each individual manufacturer will warranty each separate piece of equipment and will have different service providers fixing the problem. There’s rarely a one-stop solution for pool warranties and service.

Read the warranty carefully with the builder and ask questions. Ask what is not warranted and why. After you’ve seen a couple of warranties side by side, the questions will become much easier.

Mistake #5

Focusing on Upfront Cost Rather than Cost of Ownership

Because in-ground pools can cost up to $40,000 and more, most pool buyers are concerned about the upfront price and pay little attention to daily operational costs. Purchasing a pool that requires little maintenance will usually be the cheapest deal in the long run. Pools that don’t require a lot of chemicals, cleaning, resurfacing or replacement parts will cost less over the life of the pool.

Additional Costs

Additional costs of required basic equipment can surprise some pool buyers. Equipment such as filter systems, steps or ladders, and skimmers for surface cleaning are considered essential.

Many pool owners install heating equipment and pool-side decking of concrete or wood. Pool covers are often used to keep water clean and retain heat when the pool is not in use. If used properly, these covers can be a wise energy-saving investment.

Mistake #6

Falling for Slimy Sales Gimmicks

Once you have decided to build a swimming pool, there is a natural excitement and eagerness to have it installed as soon as possible. This is often the point at which unwary buyers can get into hot water because dishonest salespeople and builders will be quick to take advantage of the situation.

Keep in mind that the late spring and early summer months can bring these unscrupulous people into communities where home swimming pools are popular. Attractive advertisements can turn up, offering deals that seem too good to turn down. Here are some warning signs that signal “Buyer Beware!”

1. Salespeople who tell you an advertised pool they offer “on sale” is not worth having and then try to switch you to a more expensive model. This is called “Bait and Switch” and is a tactic that is often used in the retail world.

2. Salespeople who use the ploy of offering a reduced price on the basis your pool will be used as a model.

3. Salespeople who pressure you into signing a contract. Remember: no reputable builder and no authorized representative of a reputable builder will rush you into signing any agreement or contract at any time.

4. Never get talked into taking out the “Building Permit” yourself or in your own name. The contractor should do this. Always make sure that the contract clearly states that the pool builder is required to hire only licensed and bonded “subcontractors.”

5. If the pool builder will not do an on-site initial visit, be alerted to the possibility of a hard sale. Chances are, the builder does not understand or care to understand your requirements.

Conclusion

Purchasing a pool can be a scary experience, especially for those first timers who haven’t been through the process. There are a myriad of items to consider… pool type, maintenance, warranties, contracts, liability, plumbing, landscaping, electricity, drainage, restrictions, accessories, and so on. It’s no wonder many pool buyers make mistakes that end up costing them hundreds, even thousands, of dollars.

With the information in this special report, you will be able to avoid many of the most common mistakes people make when purchasing a pool. It will equip you with the ability and know-how to ask smart questions that will result in helping you find the right pool for you and your family.

Common Mistakes When Planning Your Medical Spa

Everything starts with a business plan: If you don’t have one. Write it. A good business plan will help you get a handle on all of the things that get glossed over in the excitement of starting a new business. It’s also a usual requirement for getting financing.

Remember that this is a medical business and comes with special requirements. Non-physicians can not employ physicians, medical oversight, HIPPA compliance, and a host of other regulatory issues need to be addressed. Play fast and loose with these rules and you’re asking for trouble. (One of our local competitors in Utah was not providing adequate physician oversight. The state walked in one day, confiscated all of their technology and patient records and closed them down.) All lenders want to know how you’re going to handle these issues. ADVERTISEMENT

Financing is easy. Financing smart is hard: Speak the words “medical spa” as a physician and you’re everyone’s best friend. Banks, lenders, technology companies will all have big smiles on their faces and papers in their hands, ready to lend money or finance everything you need. If you’re not a physician it’s going to be harder.

If you need money or a line of credit for needs other than technology, a bank will probably be your first stop. Banks will provide the best rates but are the most rigorous in investigating borrowers and have the least tolerance for risk. Banks will require that you have spotless credit and that the entire loan is secured. In most cases, everyone who owns 10% or more of the business will be personally responsible for the loan and have to provide two or more years of tax returns. Be prepared for a blizzard of paperwork. Banks will want to see financial statements, cash flow, a business plan (although they don’t read it), and have a little visit.

The bank is going to want to know what the funds are intended to be used for. They want to see tangible assets that have a market and can be sold if the business fails or you can’t make the payments. They don’t want to hear that you need more money for marketing and advertising or salaries that don’t have any resale value.

The money that banks will lend you will take the form of a loan, or a line of credit. Loans have a set schedule and payments. A line of credit is somewhat different. The idea is that the bank extends a line of credit that you may draw on. Interest is paid only on the amount of money that is used. However, banks usually require that the entire balance is paid off and unused for one month every year to ensure that the business is liquid. If you can’t meet this requirement, the entire line reverts to a loan.

Some bankers are helpful and some are not. In one instance a branch manager told one of our accountants that wanted some information that “he didn’t need our business and we could just live with that”. Avoid these types if you can. A friendly banker can go a long way in securing loans and providing a little flexibility if things don’t go exactly as you planned. If you find a great banker, send him a Christmas card and some cookies once in a while.

If you are in the fringe of what a bank can tolerate risk wise, they will often suggest or apply on your behalf for an SBA (Small Business Administration) loan that’s partially guaranteed by the government. (sba.gov/financing)

Half of something is better than all of nothing: If you’re going to need more money than you have in assets, you still have a couple of options. These involve partnerships, joint-ventures, venture loans or equity.

Most start-ups involve some form of equity trade. Partnerships are a good example. Sweat equity in the early stages provides ownership in lieu of payment or salary. It’s very common for entrepreneurs to take little or no money, sometimes for years, until the business is on its legs. Sweat equity at this stage usually extends only to the founders but may extend to badly needed partners. When we started Surface, I took more than an 80% reduction in income.

Equity: The simple rule is; the more money you need and risk you entail, the more equity you’re going to give up.

Angels: This is the first stop for most entrepreneurs. Angel financing (also called seed money), is usually raised from friends and family or “high net-worth” individuals. In some cases you may find “Angel Groups” that meet together and look for investments. Angels are usually found a the early stages of a business and are often bought out when larger investors come in.

Venture Debt: A recent surge in venture debt has made its way into the market and is worth discussing. Venture debt is basically a venture loan. The lender charges a higher interest rate than banks are allowed to (often around 14%) and accepts more risk in return. In addition, you will have to give up a small percentage of your company in what are called warrants. This small percentage (usually less than 5%) allows the lender to share in any potential upside. Venture debt is worth considering if you’re sure of success and you don’t want or need to give up a large equity position in you company. But you’ll still be personally responsible.

Venture Capital: When most people think of raising large amounts of money, they’re thinking of venture capital. For most start ups, venture capital is not an option. VC money has some downsides though. It is hard to get and extremely expensive. When you add up the entire enchilada, you’re looking at about 80% compounding interest each year in return for that money. VC’s are looking for an investment term of three to five years and a ROI (return on investment) of 700% or more. Whew. You’re also going to loose complete control of your company and have someone constantly looking over your shoulder. There are cases where this actually makes sense. Many VC are extremely well connected and bring these resources to the table.

So, now you’ve got the money you need. What are you going to do with it?

Most medical spas have grown out of an existing physician practice. The idea of having technicians producing revenue, low additional overhead, increased patient flow, and the feel that “I could do that” is attractive to a large number of doctors who are tired of the grind of medicine. (We’ve been approached by a surprising diversity of physicians looking to enter this market including; anesthesiologists, cardio-thoracic surgeons, and even podiatrists.)

Multiple Locations: After some initial success, many physicians and MedSpa owners attempt to open additional locations. (For some reason, these second-clinic startups are often opened by a relative, usually a wife or daughter.) These second locations never achieve the success of the first clinic for a very simple reason; their a completely different animal. If you’re thinking of opening multiple locations you’re work load just tripled. Multiple location sites are outside the abilities of most physicians and involve a much greater financial risk. Staffing and human resources, legal issues, medical oversight… most fail within the first year.

Successful multi-location practices are built around systems. If your first clinic doesn’t run without you there, you’re not ready for a second. Expanding to fast is a sure why to overextend your resources. Then you’re in big trouble. If you’ve closed a second clinic, lenders are going to be very wary of lending you money.

The Turn Key Solution: Franchises and consultants love to drop this phrase. The idea is an attractive one. Experts will guide your steps to financial glory. Marketing, financing, training, everything will be delivered in a nice little box with a bow on top. But, knowing a number of franchise owners and the problems they’ve encountered, I would give this advice; beware.

The current crop of franchises have a lot of problems. (One of them in California was shut down for selling medical practices to non-physicians. They’ve since reopened and are among the most aggressive advertisers.) Franchises are attractive because they claim to have all the answers. If you’ll just write the checks all of your troubles will be over. Not so fast. What you’ll really get are some manuals, pre-written scripts for sales, and bad ad-slicks. You’ll also get: locked into specific technologies that might be second-tier (the franchise gets kick-backs), spend money you could use elsewhere, and pay royalties on all of your income. (The franchises that offer a flat fee are an even worse idea. They have absolutely no motivation to help you.)

Big dogs eat little dogs. The next five years will see dramatic and disruptive changes in this marketplace. Large, well-financed medical businesses with smart physicians and high-quality care are going to open up next door to you. (You’re the corner store, they’re Wal-Mart) These businesses will be category killers and if you’re not well established with a broad market presence and multiple revenue streams, you’ll be gone.

The $80,000 towel dryers. Choosing the right technology is one of the things that will let you move ahead a step, or put you in cement boots where you stand. I always think of the way one physician described the pair of IPLs [Intense Pulsed Light devices] that he’d bought; as $80,000 towel dryers. Before you decide on which system to buy you’re going to need to crunch the numbers. How many shots will the IPL heads last for until they need to be rebuilt? How much support is included? What kind of training is provided? Does the device work better than its competitors? Before you sign your next few house payments away, make sure of your technology decisions.

Buy or lease. Leasing is the best way to go if you want to pay for your equipment as you use it while preserving your capital. Many of the technology companies have delayed payment plans as long as six months. Buying used equipment is often the best way to save money if cash flow is not an issue. (We purchase used medical lasers and IPLs online from a broker we trust and sometimes negotiate with our buying power for other physicians.) You can often save up to 40% off the price of a new machine if you have the cash on hand.

Don’t guild the lily: Cash flow is a problem many start-up medical spas face. Revenues and growth projections are commonly exaggerated in the excitement of a new business. Before you invest in embroidered leather treatment tables, make sure you can pay your bills. One medical spa startup spent $350,000 on build out and didn’t have any money left to attract patients. They were out of business in four months.

A few simple finance rules:

o The Golden Rule is actually translated as: He with the gold makes the rules.

o You will end up being personally responsible for the money: Physicians sometimes think that they can use equity in their medical practice or future earnings as security. Nope.

o Be frugal: Take only the amount of money you need. It’s tempting to take as much money as you can get. Don’t. All the money you take will come with strings attached.

o Take enough money: Lenders hate it when you need additional money. They worry something’s going wrong in the original plan.

o Sometimes you can’t get there from here: Competition is fierce. If your market is already “owned” by a competitor, think carefully before going into debt to compete in a market you can’t win.

Tighten your belt: Financing is like anything else. In order to really find the best solutions you’re going to need to do some research. Find a mentor, someone who’s done it before and knows what to avoid. And remember, the most common reason that businesses fail is not lack of capital, its poor decision making.

Resource links for all of the businesses and information discussed in this article are available online at MedicalSpaMD.com

Home Based Business Opportunity – Top 3 Mistakes Made When Starting An Internet Home Business

You are ready to jump on the web and make your dream a reality. You want to start an internet home business. This is a great opportunity for you to pursue your dreams and make a profit at the same time, but be wary of the many pitfalls and mistakes that can hinder the success of your home based business opportunity. Here are the top three mistakes that prevent the success of those starting an internet home business.

The first pitfall of starting an internet home business is throwing away your money. You can start your internet business on a shoestring and if you are serious about success then perhaps you should do just that even if you have the means to make a substantial investment. It is all too easy to start throwing money at programs and packages as well as advertising and web developers. Do not spend a dime on any of these things without really thinking it through and checking out all the options. So many of these information packages that cause you double, triple or even quadruple figures include or are made up solely of information already freely available on the internet. Now you may find eventually that you want to invest in some paid information from your chosen guru but until you have ready widely in the field you are in no position to select a guru to follow let alone invest in.

The second pitfall to the success of your home based business opportunity is not thinking your plan through fully and not doing your homework. This can lead directly to the first pitfall as you end up throwing money at solutions to a problem that either may not exist or may actually be an opportunity rather than a problem. The more research you do to understand the opportunity you plan to pursue as well as the mechanics of starting an internet home business then the better prepared you will be to not only create a fully developed plan but execute it as well. There is a wealth of information available on the internet so start doing your homework and thinking and planning for the future of your internet home business.

The final, but perhaps most fatal, pitfall that devastates so many of those starting an internet home business is quite simple — thinking it will be easy. Starting an internet home business is not arduous but it does involve work. It involves time and effort to research and plan, it requires work to set up, and it requires labor to maintain and grow your home based business opportunity. Depending on your business model and plan not all stages will be similarly labor intensive but you should expect at least some portion to require your time, attention, and effort. Starting an internet home business is not like winning the lottery. It is not free money. You may not need to invest much money but you will need to invest time and effort.

If you can avoid these three pitfalls when starting your internet home business then you can earn quite a substantial payment for the investment of your time and money. You can make your home based business opportunity a success by avoiding these three pitfalls.

Don’t Make The Following 3 Mistakes If You Want To Earn Money Online

There’s one born every minute… someone who hates their job, their boss doesn’t appreciate them and they know that their time is worth so much more! One night in a haze of online surfing they come upon a website promising them a fancy car and a house if they start an online business. But it’s just a scam… or is it? So many people now realise that the dream of earning money online, away from the morning and afternoon commutes, away from the boss and the office politics is not just a dream but also a reality for many people around the globe. However, many people make any one or all three of the following mistakes when they attempt to earn money online! Below are the three biggest mistakes you could be making in regards to earning money online and how to avoid them.

Mistake No.1 – Quitting Your Day Job Too Soon

Too many people make the mistake of immediately quitting their job after the euphoria of living their dream takes hold of them. Without building a solid foundation online it will most certainly lead you to a lot of wasted time, money and effort. The best thing you can do is to start doing your online venture in your spare time, preferably part time after you finish your day job. Many people want to feel the rush of having their backs against the wall and having no other way than to be a success. However, doing so will lead you to make desperate decisions and ultimately foolish mistakes. Use the next 6 -12 months as a learning phase to really figure out this whole ‘earning money online thing’. If it’s really a passion, if it’s really your dream, you will want to do it right and you will want to build it correctly.

Mistake No.2 – Venturing Into The Unknown

Starting a business online is already an unknown venture why make it doubly hard for yourself by starting in an area you know nothing about or worse you actually have no interest in! Many people make the deadly mistake of starting a business online because they’ve heard from someone that a particular thing such as Forex trading is where the money is. However they’ve never looked at a dividend statement much less traded any stock. Sure you could learn but why give yourself the hassle? The truth of the matter is that you probably have skills, and expertise in areas that would make you very valuable in the online marketplace. What if you’re a whiz at fixing computers? Well why not create a website where you answer people’s problems and fix their machines for them? You could also have complementary software and antivirus to sell as well. You can sell products much better, when you actually care about them and are knowledgeable in them.

Mistake No.3 – You Don’t Leverage Your Expertise

The amazing thing about the Internet is that it creates an almost equal footing between small entrepreneurs and big businesses. Everyone starts off as an equal, more or less, online. However in order to be successful online it’s a mistake to not leverage your current expertise. In the earlier example of being a computer whizz it’s a good idea to start building a good reputation with your past and current customers. Let them spread the word! You can start doing this by connecting with your customers in the places that they ‘hang out’ Look on Facebook, online discussion boards and forums where your customers are frequently visiting. Register online and start the process of letting yourself become known as an able and competent expert in your field by answering queries intelligently.

To successfully earn money online you need to ensure you don’t accidentally make one of these mistakes. Don’t quit your day job just yet and instead dedicate some real time over the next couple of weeks and months to learn the basic concepts and language of your online market. Don’t venture completely into the dark with your online business as you already have enough to worry about and learn. You probably have an interest, hobby or expertise you can leverage. And when you get online, leverage your expertise rather than staying silent on all the good you can do. Actively go out and create connections with past and future customers in the places they hang out and by giving them great service you will create raving fans that will do more for you than any expensive marketing package.

Business Plan Mistakes To Avoid

Don’t Do The Following

Claim A Lack of Competition

Some entrepreneurs get carried away in their zeal to demonstrate barriers to entry that set their company apart from others. A “Barrier to Entry” is proprietary information or knowledge, or a set management team experience no one else can claim. Factors that make your company stand out are attractive, but the reality is that no business has no competition.

The Industry Analysis section of your Business Plan must show the size of the industry in which you compete. The Market Analysis will show the sub-set of that industry on which you will focus. The Competitive Analysis must show your competitors strengths-and how you will overcome them.

You can have your cake and eat it too, in other words. You must show there is enough competition to convince investors that the market is large enough to cash in big- time, but that your strategy is focused and unique enough to navigate an exclusive path through the waters of that competition.

Use First-Mover Advantage As Your Chief Exit Strategy

Companies who’s sole exit strategy, or investor payout point, is to flood the market with a new product or service, and then sell the company in a year, will not find worthy investors. Things move too quickly in the information age. Investors want a company that can grow quickly but steadily in phases. They look for Business Plans that show a sober, realistic lookout, and fiscally responsible exit strategies.

Target Just One Large Company To Eventually Buy Your Smaller Company

For example, if your company is developing new software, do not place all your eggs in the Google and Microsoft basket. If the exit strategy of your Business Plan depends on a larger company buying yours, provide parallel case studies. Show sufficient evidence that the conditions are the same for your company as they were for the successful sale of the case study companies.

Furthermore, show why a larger company would not want or be able to develop the same product in-house.

Let us be absolutely clear:

Don’t Claim a lack of competition

Don’t Use first-move advantage as your chief exit strategy.

Don’t Target just one large company to eventually buy your smaller company.

Avoid those Business Plan mistakes and your path to funding will be much clearer. Make sure to set your Business Plan aside once completed for a few days and review it again with fresh eyes.