CLIFTON POWELL’S ACTING WORKSHOP IN PHILADELPHIA!!

CLIFTON POWELL’S ACTING WORKSHOP IN PHILADELPHIA!! Saturday March 16, 2013. Here's your chance to speak with an Actor who has over 30 years in the business and currently works IN THE BUSINESS. If you are serious about your Acting career, don't miss this!! COST ONLY $65.00 for more info contact 877-935-3666 or email: makingityourbusinessMS@gmail.com Space is limited!!
For Security Reasons the location will be announced at a later date.
However, Center City and University City welcomes our Workshop!

To register click here: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=7D9BC6WM6GBUU

Are you making these business website blunders?

 

Although potential customers may have a genuine interest in your products or services, they may prefer to view those offerings over a cup of coffee at home. That's why it's crucial that your business website is easy to use and current. Make a customer's online experience pleasant, and new orders may be just a click away. Annoy those same customers, and they may never darken your door or fill out your order form.
Unfortunately, many business owners, though savvy about providing excellent customer service and stocking quality merchandise, often fall short when designing a website. Whether you're planning to launch a site for the first time or revamping your homepage to draw in more customers, be sure to avoid these common blunders:

• Lots of glitter but little gold. Flashing arrows, hip-hop music, and multicolored wallpaper may steal the show at your daughter's sleep-over, but your business website should project a professional image. Most folks who surf the Web — especially those who browse from their smart phones — want information in a hurry. Don't make them waste valuable time (and data usage) while waiting for your fancy web page to load. Keep it simple.

• Stale data. When you browse a web page and see that it was last updated five years ago, do you sense a vibrant cutting-edge enterprise? Or do you wonder whether the company is still in business? Make sure your site displays current prices, merchandise that's available today, and up-to-date information.

• Navigation to nowhere. Faulty design often becomes evident when a customer tries to navigate from one web page to another — and gets lost. Each web page should have the same "look and feel" so visitors can get their information quickly and easily.

• No freebies. Don't make potential customers pay for every scrap of information. Your business website should include current content that's free to any visitor. If you're in the business of selling electronics, provide the latest consumer reviews. If you refinish furniture, offer advice on maintaining antique pieces. If a visitor finds your information useful, he or she may stick around for a sale.

• Poorly written content. Don't clutter your website with grammatical gaffes, spelling errors, or industry jargon that's incomprehensible to the common man. Remember, your Internet presence reflects your business. Like the sign above your door or your ad in the yellow pages, your website leaves an impression — positive or negative — with every viewer.

If we can be of assistance with any of your business concerns, give us a call.

aconner@atconnercpa.com

Questions to ask yourself before taking on debt

With the economy seemingly on the upswing, many folks are becoming consumers again. Whether it's a bigger house, a newer car, an expensive vacation, or a roomful of electronics, many items will be financed with debt. But before you sign that loan document or credit application, take a few moments to consider the following questions:

• Can I afford the payments? The housing crisis of the past few years resulted, in part, from defaults on home mortgages. Homebuyers were sold on the idea that they should borrow up to the limit of their available credit. Unfortunately, when housing prices declined and layoffs began, huge house payments drained the resources of many mortgage holders. Folks learned about debt the hard way. As a rule of thumb, your house payment (including taxes and insurance) shouldn't exceed 30% of your gross income. Remember, too, that most credit cards have variable rates. When (not if) interest rates start climbing, credit card debt is likely to become more expensive. So think twice before using that convenient plastic to pay for a new dining room set or a trip to Fiji.

• Is the loan secured? In other words, does the lender require some form of collateral for the loan? With a mortgage, that security is real estate. With an auto loan, your car is on the line. If you don't make the required payments, lenders have every right to take your house or car. On the other hand, secured loans tend to have lower interest rates because lenders consider them less risky. So, again, take a long hard look at whether you can afford the payments, month in and month out. If in doubt, reconsider your options.

• How close am I to retirement? If you have to reduce or forego your regular retirement saving to buy some shiny new item, slow down. Consider alternatives. Instead of purchasing a new luxury car, you may want to refurbish the vehicle that's sitting in your driveway. These days, many people can expect to live 30 years or more after retiring from full-time employment. That's a long time and a lot of expenses. Unless you expect your income to increase in retirement, adding loan payments may squeeze an already tight budget.

Finally, ask yourself, "Do I really need this now?" Saving for purchases may be old fashioned, but it's often the wisest choice.