Even if you undertook the task of building your own deck, you understand the large investment (both monetary and in time) that went into the project. Decks add beauty and value to a home, and are often the family’s favorite place on lovely afternoons. In order to protect that investment, deck waterproofing is nearly as important as making sure your basement is dry and safe from water damage.
After the completion of your deck, either you or the contracted builder should seal the wood with a water-resistant coating. Water-resistant sealants are painted on the wood, covering the entire deck. This coating helps to protect the wood from absorbing excess water. Not only does this seal the deck but also provides wonderful preservation of the deck’s beauty.
If you choose to use redwood for your deck, waterproofing can extend the life of the wood’s color. It is strongly recommended that you seal this type of wood prior to construction. This ensures that the wood was properly and evening coated with the deck waterproofing sealant. When using redwood for construction, be sure re-apply the sealant coating once every 12 to 18 months in order to prevent the wood from darkening.
Untreated wood will eventually become damaged. Being submitted to harsh weather and direct sunlight is often a killer of untreated wood. Wood can begin to rot, crack, and in severe cases, provide an open invitation to termites. Redwood is not as prone to rot and other damage as softer, lighter woods. Despite its durability, you should seriously consider waterproofing for enhanced beauty. Deck waterproofing is the only way to prevent premature damage to your deck. Decks are often a substantial investment and deck waterproofing is insurance for your peace of mind.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Advantages Of Faux Wood Shutters
There didn’t used to be as many choices in building materials as there are today. Something was either made of wood, metal or stone. Materials had to be harvested or mined and then fashioned into whatever shape needed to construct the finished product. Today it is much different. New, synthetic and composite materials are cropping up everywhere and are proving to be not only a viable alternative to natural materials, but one that makes like a bit easier.
How Faux Wood is Made
Faux simply means that it is not genuine or real. When referring to wood, it means that although it is not real wood, it looks just like it. However, that is where the commonality ends. It may look just like real wood, which is of course the desired look, but it behaves very differently.
The faux wood used in shutters is actually a polyurethane material. In short it is a really strong plastic. This compressed, man-made material is consistent from the inside out. This has great significance when being used to make shutters.
Shutters are often cut to size in order to fit into specific window measurements. Because of this, a “raw” edge is left on the top or bottom. With real wood, the cut edge would need to be refinished – either painted or stained – to match the face of the shutter. With faux wood, the material is the same from the core out. When you cut the surface, it does not splinter and even better, it is the same colour throughout. There is no touch-up refinishing required!
The Advantages of Faux Wood
Real wood is very porous. It is greatly affected by moisture and temperature changes. Just take a look at how interior doors seem to not close quite right during the hot, humid summer months, but work just fine in the winter. That is because with heat and humidity – or moisture of any kind – wood will expand and warp. When the weather turns colder, the wood then condenses to its original size. Moisture can also cause warping that is not restored once the weather changes.
With faux wood, there is no change in size or shape just because of the weather. Faux wood also maintains a bright finished look without frequent painting. It can be washed with mild detergents and look as new as the day it was installed.
Wood shutters are constructed by stapling the slats with tiny staples to the frame of the shutter. This can cause a problem over time with the staples working their way out. Then the slats to the shutter start to fall out. The slats on faux wood shutters are able to be attached with strong adhesives that don’t become detatched with time.
Many faux woods are treated with dust repellents too. This causes dust in the air to flutter on by instead of sticking to the shutter’s surface. This makes housekeeping chores much lighter. Wood shutters can require very frequent dusting to keep them clean.
Faux wood shutters can be used inside and outside the window. They resist fading in the sunlight too. They can be used alone in interior decorating, or in place of a shade or sheers as a backdrop to draperies or valances.
How Faux Wood is Made
Faux simply means that it is not genuine or real. When referring to wood, it means that although it is not real wood, it looks just like it. However, that is where the commonality ends. It may look just like real wood, which is of course the desired look, but it behaves very differently.
The faux wood used in shutters is actually a polyurethane material. In short it is a really strong plastic. This compressed, man-made material is consistent from the inside out. This has great significance when being used to make shutters.
Shutters are often cut to size in order to fit into specific window measurements. Because of this, a “raw” edge is left on the top or bottom. With real wood, the cut edge would need to be refinished – either painted or stained – to match the face of the shutter. With faux wood, the material is the same from the core out. When you cut the surface, it does not splinter and even better, it is the same colour throughout. There is no touch-up refinishing required!
The Advantages of Faux Wood
Real wood is very porous. It is greatly affected by moisture and temperature changes. Just take a look at how interior doors seem to not close quite right during the hot, humid summer months, but work just fine in the winter. That is because with heat and humidity – or moisture of any kind – wood will expand and warp. When the weather turns colder, the wood then condenses to its original size. Moisture can also cause warping that is not restored once the weather changes.
With faux wood, there is no change in size or shape just because of the weather. Faux wood also maintains a bright finished look without frequent painting. It can be washed with mild detergents and look as new as the day it was installed.
Wood shutters are constructed by stapling the slats with tiny staples to the frame of the shutter. This can cause a problem over time with the staples working their way out. Then the slats to the shutter start to fall out. The slats on faux wood shutters are able to be attached with strong adhesives that don’t become detatched with time.
Many faux woods are treated with dust repellents too. This causes dust in the air to flutter on by instead of sticking to the shutter’s surface. This makes housekeeping chores much lighter. Wood shutters can require very frequent dusting to keep them clean.
Faux wood shutters can be used inside and outside the window. They resist fading in the sunlight too. They can be used alone in interior decorating, or in place of a shade or sheers as a backdrop to draperies or valances.
Adirondack Chairs: A Great Gift Idea
Giving a gift to a friend, relative, or loved one is exciting; however, it can also be a difficult process. Finding the prefect gift to give often takes a lot of time and money. If you are in need of a gift for an individual who loves the outdoors then you should consider purchasing them an Adirondack chair.
Adirondack chairs were first developed in New York state in the early 1900ís. Adirondack chairs are most commonly used as outdoor furniture; however, an Adirondack chair can also be used inside. An Adirondack chair is often a valuable and beautiful piece of furniture that would make a gift for just about any outdoor lover. If you are interested in purchasing an Adirondack chair as a gift there are a number of options for you to consider.
Adirondack chairs are generally made form high quality wood; however, other chairs are made from recycled wood pieces. If you are interested in purchasing a high quality Adirondack chair you should be prepared to pay more money for it. These types of quality Adirondack chairs are worth the extra money because they tend to last longer and stay in better condition.
Traditional Adirondack chairs have a slanted back, oversized armrests, and are stationary; however, Adirondack chairs have changed in a number of ways since they were first developed. It is now possible to purchase an Adirondack chair that rocks, inclines, and folds up. Adirondack chairs can come in a traditional wood color or they can be stained or painted a particular color. With the large selection of Adirondack chairs it is highly likely that you will be able to find the perfect Adirondack chair style for someone that you know.
Once you have made the decision to give an Adirondack chair as a gift you will need to find an individual or store who sells them. Since Adirondack chairs are typically handcrafted furniture it is likely that an independent individual may be making and selling them. If you do not know anyone who makes them or would prefer to make your purchase from a functioning business you have a number of choices to choose from. Adirondack chairs can be purchased from a general furniture store, a store specializing in Adirondack furniture, or online.
If you are interested in having a larger selection of Adirondack chairs to choose from you may want to consider shopping at a store that specializes in Adirondack furniture or online. Although traditional furniture stores are likely to have a selection of Adirondack chairs their selection may not be as large as online stores or Adirondack furniture stores. You can use your local phone book to find an Adirondack furniture store in your area. If you are interested in shopping online you can do a general internet search of Adirondack chairs or visit an online business directory.
Adirondack chairs are high quality pieces of furniture that work great for outdoor or indoor use. For a valuable gift that can be used for years and years to come purchased your friend, relative, or loved one an Adirondack chair today.
Adirondack chairs were first developed in New York state in the early 1900ís. Adirondack chairs are most commonly used as outdoor furniture; however, an Adirondack chair can also be used inside. An Adirondack chair is often a valuable and beautiful piece of furniture that would make a gift for just about any outdoor lover. If you are interested in purchasing an Adirondack chair as a gift there are a number of options for you to consider.
Adirondack chairs are generally made form high quality wood; however, other chairs are made from recycled wood pieces. If you are interested in purchasing a high quality Adirondack chair you should be prepared to pay more money for it. These types of quality Adirondack chairs are worth the extra money because they tend to last longer and stay in better condition.
Traditional Adirondack chairs have a slanted back, oversized armrests, and are stationary; however, Adirondack chairs have changed in a number of ways since they were first developed. It is now possible to purchase an Adirondack chair that rocks, inclines, and folds up. Adirondack chairs can come in a traditional wood color or they can be stained or painted a particular color. With the large selection of Adirondack chairs it is highly likely that you will be able to find the perfect Adirondack chair style for someone that you know.
Once you have made the decision to give an Adirondack chair as a gift you will need to find an individual or store who sells them. Since Adirondack chairs are typically handcrafted furniture it is likely that an independent individual may be making and selling them. If you do not know anyone who makes them or would prefer to make your purchase from a functioning business you have a number of choices to choose from. Adirondack chairs can be purchased from a general furniture store, a store specializing in Adirondack furniture, or online.
If you are interested in having a larger selection of Adirondack chairs to choose from you may want to consider shopping at a store that specializes in Adirondack furniture or online. Although traditional furniture stores are likely to have a selection of Adirondack chairs their selection may not be as large as online stores or Adirondack furniture stores. You can use your local phone book to find an Adirondack furniture store in your area. If you are interested in shopping online you can do a general internet search of Adirondack chairs or visit an online business directory.
Adirondack chairs are high quality pieces of furniture that work great for outdoor or indoor use. For a valuable gift that can be used for years and years to come purchased your friend, relative, or loved one an Adirondack chair today.
Adding Stairs Into Deck Railing Plans
Most deck railings are completely designed unlike interior stair railings, which are a simple way to get from a floor to another. You can create an extension of your personal likes in decoration, with ornamental parts of wood, iron and other material easy to install that will increase the value of your home at the same time. If you think that the stair railing is one of the first tings that people see when they come in, you should think as well that, for building a new staircase or just a new remodeling, ask always for the advice and good service of a qualified person who will give you some good ideas for.
When something never goes out of style is unique. Choose wood stairs.
Nowadays there a wide variety of materials to build a stair railing. Long time ago and still today….houses had stairs wood railings, as wood is a nice material to work with. Especially beautiful are which are made of oak wood… with wonderful red colour and knocks that are unmistakable. The star of the house will be an oak wood balustrade, without any doubt. If we try to match the colour of the stairs with the wood flooring it will give beauty elegance to our homes. Although it can be a difficult task due to the many stair parts that we need to have in account to choose…like balusters, handrails, treads, and ornamental trim pieces.
On a staircase the first part we notice is the railing. It has its important use, one is to provide security for going up and down the stairs, and the other is to hold up the balustrade of the staircase. These elements must be kept in mind when the staircase is going to have a railing design. Unique, are wood railings. They are charm, grace, and soft, the perfect end for your house, improving the look of it and of course increasing the value of it. They are durable and strong. Wood is the choice that never goes out of style.
Oak wood, elegance and charm to your home.
The oak wood isgenerally used to build the stairs traditional commercial buildings such as libraries, office buildings and houses. It gives charm and elegance to any room whit its unmistakeable smooth and warm colour.
And…. if you think that metal railings can improve and give more style to your staircase, use it.
They have many decorative options and display themselves beautifully. Lots luxury and high homes are decorated with iron railings. They display grace, elegance and a special luxury. A style that nowadays is being used in most of the modern buildings all around the world. Iron railings are used for many residential and commercial staircases. They offer as which are made of wood, safety and functionality. Iron decorates your home. They have a wide variety of design, assuring that you will find a special one for display at home. The metal stair railing fit in any environment. What you need is just the good advice and work of a qualified person.
Is not an easy task but the results will give you satisfaction.
Very complicated can be making stairs. First priority in this type of project is to make it safe and functional. After it comes style. A few things, the rise between treads, the number of treads and the total run of the steps, the horizontal distance between bottom and the top of the stairs. Following these steps will assist you in creating a successful staircase. Be creative. Your inner spirit will help you on the creation of your stairs. Lots of styles, modern, traditional or contemporary. Spirit and design to have a work of art at home.
When something never goes out of style is unique. Choose wood stairs.
Nowadays there a wide variety of materials to build a stair railing. Long time ago and still today….houses had stairs wood railings, as wood is a nice material to work with. Especially beautiful are which are made of oak wood… with wonderful red colour and knocks that are unmistakable. The star of the house will be an oak wood balustrade, without any doubt. If we try to match the colour of the stairs with the wood flooring it will give beauty elegance to our homes. Although it can be a difficult task due to the many stair parts that we need to have in account to choose…like balusters, handrails, treads, and ornamental trim pieces.
On a staircase the first part we notice is the railing. It has its important use, one is to provide security for going up and down the stairs, and the other is to hold up the balustrade of the staircase. These elements must be kept in mind when the staircase is going to have a railing design. Unique, are wood railings. They are charm, grace, and soft, the perfect end for your house, improving the look of it and of course increasing the value of it. They are durable and strong. Wood is the choice that never goes out of style.
Oak wood, elegance and charm to your home.
The oak wood isgenerally used to build the stairs traditional commercial buildings such as libraries, office buildings and houses. It gives charm and elegance to any room whit its unmistakeable smooth and warm colour.
And…. if you think that metal railings can improve and give more style to your staircase, use it.
They have many decorative options and display themselves beautifully. Lots luxury and high homes are decorated with iron railings. They display grace, elegance and a special luxury. A style that nowadays is being used in most of the modern buildings all around the world. Iron railings are used for many residential and commercial staircases. They offer as which are made of wood, safety and functionality. Iron decorates your home. They have a wide variety of design, assuring that you will find a special one for display at home. The metal stair railing fit in any environment. What you need is just the good advice and work of a qualified person.
Is not an easy task but the results will give you satisfaction.
Very complicated can be making stairs. First priority in this type of project is to make it safe and functional. After it comes style. A few things, the rise between treads, the number of treads and the total run of the steps, the horizontal distance between bottom and the top of the stairs. Following these steps will assist you in creating a successful staircase. Be creative. Your inner spirit will help you on the creation of your stairs. Lots of styles, modern, traditional or contemporary. Spirit and design to have a work of art at home.
A Guide To Buying A Down Comforter
Eiderdown Luxury Down Comforter is the finest, warmest and most rare down comforter in the world. Filled with Eider down from the Icelandic Eider duck, the down is hand harvested from the ducks' nests in the North Atlantic. With a 100% silk, 300 thread count comforter covering and satin piping, these ultra luxurious comforters provide excellent thermal insulation, and the comforter itself weighs next to nothing.
Eight-inch box-stitched squares allow the down to keep its loft, while preventing it from shifting around within the comforter. This is a hypoallergenic, heirloom down comforter for someone who wants and deserves nothing but the very best.
Siberian down is the very best goose down for comforters. There are various kinds of goose down, and Siberian is considered to be the top of the ladder, and will be lighter, warmer and will appear "puffier".
Covered with an extraordinarily high thread count 644 silk shantung and cotton mixture, the cover can double as a dust mite barrier. The baffled box construction allows for maximum lofting and resilience. They have been subjected to the most stringent washing standards, resulting in a hypoallergenic, luxurious bed comforter of superb quality.
Pearl Crescent Allergy-free Down Comforter- A very high quality hypoallergenic goose down comforter with 330 thread count long staple Egyptian cotton sateen fabric, and features satin piping around the edges. The hexagon baffling design keeps the soft down interior aloft. These comforters are filled with Hypodown - a clean blend of pure 80% Hungarian goose down and 20% syriaca clusters (the soft hollow fibers of the milkweed plant).
The resulting blend of fill wicks moisture away from your body far more quickly than either down or synthetics. It is lightweight to encourage circulation and makes very sumptuous comforters. Choose from Southern, Classic, or Arctic weight.
Harvester Allergy-free Down Comforters - For those who want the best quality hypoallergenic, real goose down comforters with a chemical free outer cover. The unbleached, undyed chemical free 312 thread count comforter fabric makes it the perfect choice for a natural night's sleep. These comforters are edged with cambric cotton piping, stitched with an elegant baffled box design, and have Hypodown fill - a clean blend of pure 80% Hungarian goose down and 20% syriaca clusters (the soft hollow fibers of the milkweed plant).
The down is de-dusted and gently washed up to 8 times in an environmentally friendly cleansing solution and rinsed three times. This cleaning process and renders the down pH neutral. Choose from Southern, Classic, or Arctic weight.
Embrace yourself with the unsurpassed comfort of TempraKON’s Siberian down comforter. This comforter is hypoallergenic and uses NASA technology in the surface of its 100% cotton cover to remove and release heat when you need it most. Enjoy a cozy night’s sleep with your choice of summer, winter or year-round weight.
Hyperclean Goose Down Comforter - For an allergy sufferer who likes warmth, these hypoallergenic goose down comforters feature a hyperclean cleaning process. The down is washed up to 8 times to render it pH neutral, resulting in hypoallergenic bed comforters with a 30 day allergy-free warranty and 15 year limited warranty. The outer layer is made of 100% cotton and provides a superior barrier cover of 330 thread count to keep the down in.
Eight-inch box-stitched squares allow the down to keep its loft, while preventing it from shifting around within the comforter. This is a hypoallergenic, heirloom down comforter for someone who wants and deserves nothing but the very best.
Siberian down is the very best goose down for comforters. There are various kinds of goose down, and Siberian is considered to be the top of the ladder, and will be lighter, warmer and will appear "puffier".
Covered with an extraordinarily high thread count 644 silk shantung and cotton mixture, the cover can double as a dust mite barrier. The baffled box construction allows for maximum lofting and resilience. They have been subjected to the most stringent washing standards, resulting in a hypoallergenic, luxurious bed comforter of superb quality.
Pearl Crescent Allergy-free Down Comforter- A very high quality hypoallergenic goose down comforter with 330 thread count long staple Egyptian cotton sateen fabric, and features satin piping around the edges. The hexagon baffling design keeps the soft down interior aloft. These comforters are filled with Hypodown - a clean blend of pure 80% Hungarian goose down and 20% syriaca clusters (the soft hollow fibers of the milkweed plant).
The resulting blend of fill wicks moisture away from your body far more quickly than either down or synthetics. It is lightweight to encourage circulation and makes very sumptuous comforters. Choose from Southern, Classic, or Arctic weight.
Harvester Allergy-free Down Comforters - For those who want the best quality hypoallergenic, real goose down comforters with a chemical free outer cover. The unbleached, undyed chemical free 312 thread count comforter fabric makes it the perfect choice for a natural night's sleep. These comforters are edged with cambric cotton piping, stitched with an elegant baffled box design, and have Hypodown fill - a clean blend of pure 80% Hungarian goose down and 20% syriaca clusters (the soft hollow fibers of the milkweed plant).
The down is de-dusted and gently washed up to 8 times in an environmentally friendly cleansing solution and rinsed three times. This cleaning process and renders the down pH neutral. Choose from Southern, Classic, or Arctic weight.
Embrace yourself with the unsurpassed comfort of TempraKON’s Siberian down comforter. This comforter is hypoallergenic and uses NASA technology in the surface of its 100% cotton cover to remove and release heat when you need it most. Enjoy a cozy night’s sleep with your choice of summer, winter or year-round weight.
Hyperclean Goose Down Comforter - For an allergy sufferer who likes warmth, these hypoallergenic goose down comforters feature a hyperclean cleaning process. The down is washed up to 8 times to render it pH neutral, resulting in hypoallergenic bed comforters with a 30 day allergy-free warranty and 15 year limited warranty. The outer layer is made of 100% cotton and provides a superior barrier cover of 330 thread count to keep the down in.
5 Tips To Find Step Ladders That Are Cheap
If you're looking for cheap step ladders you have two choices. You can consider all the ladders that are cheap simply because they offer fewer features than others or have lower quality materials, or you can choose step ladders that are higher quality but come at a cheaper price because you've ordered them online from a wholesale or discount dealer. Keep in mind, however, that if you go the latter ladder route, you'll want to choose a site that offers free shipping. Otherwise, getting that heavy but cheap step ladder to you may eat up your savings.
You might also find it very helpful to search for cheap step ladders on some of the top search engine shopping portals, where you can view the list of cheap step ladders by scrolling, or request a side by side comparison of those that interest you most.
For example, we went to the shopping portal of one of the largest search engines and asked for a look at step ladders. The choices were in the hundreds. We asked to sort by price. Keep in mind that on a high volume, high trafficked Web search engine site you can get some pretty silly results. We found oil paintings of step ladders and little ladders for parakeet cages. So, it took a little scrolling to get started - still easier than traveling around town and making notes about who offers what for how much and then traveling back to the location of our first choice.
But we soon chose three cheap step ladders we liked, and realized that for the additional $5 off the highest priced step ladder we had one that folded away easily in our tiny apartment. Maybe not the cheapest but still one of the cheap step ladders.
You might also find it very helpful to search for cheap step ladders on some of the top search engine shopping portals, where you can view the list of cheap step ladders by scrolling, or request a side by side comparison of those that interest you most.
For example, we went to the shopping portal of one of the largest search engines and asked for a look at step ladders. The choices were in the hundreds. We asked to sort by price. Keep in mind that on a high volume, high trafficked Web search engine site you can get some pretty silly results. We found oil paintings of step ladders and little ladders for parakeet cages. So, it took a little scrolling to get started - still easier than traveling around town and making notes about who offers what for how much and then traveling back to the location of our first choice.
But we soon chose three cheap step ladders we liked, and realized that for the additional $5 off the highest priced step ladder we had one that folded away easily in our tiny apartment. Maybe not the cheapest but still one of the cheap step ladders.
A Brief History of Rugs and Carpets
Rugs and carpets have a rich history, only part of which is known. Ancient rugs are very rare because the earliest rugs were made of organic fibers. Organic fibers disintegrate speedily over time, thus preservation over thousands of years is extremely rare. What we do know is that the art of weaving is very old and dates back thousands of years.
Weaving began with rough, simple mats and baskets made of grasses, reeds, leaves, and other natural materials. The first true ‘rugs’ were probably rough cured skins used as floor coverings in the homes of early hunters. With tough, flexible backing and generally soft material (called ‘pile’), these rugs served to keep the home more warm and insulated.
There is evidence for weaving and the existence of rugs in ancient Mesopotamia and Turkey as far back as 7000 and 8000 B.C.E., and in Egypt (wool and cotton) as early as the third millennium B.C.E. Mongolia and China were also main players in the textile industry, and nomadic herders and Chinese weavers were among the first to develop and weave wool rugs.
Weaving developed in many other parts of the world in addition to Europe, including parts of the Americas as far back as 5500 B.C.E. Weavers began to use natural colors and gradually transitioned to using vegetable, flower, and insect materials.
Silk development in China, the ornate, intricate embroidery and designs of Turkey and Mongolia, and the development of more sophisticated looms and weaving techniques throughout the world lifted rug-making from necessity to art form.
Italian merchants first brought oriental rugs to Europe, where they were used as wall hangings and coverings. By 1600, France had developed a dominant weaver’s guild, and England wasn’t far behind. The 1700’s marked England’s emergence into the weaving industry, and by about 1830, a good portion of the wool produced in England was used for carpets.
Various machines were created to aid the process of weaving, and looms have become so sophisticated today that they run off of computer algorithms. Rugs were not widely available in the US and Europe until the onset of mass production and the invention of industrial grade machines.
The first steam-powered loom appeared in 1787, and by 1876, the invention of the Axminster loom, a machine that permitted unlimited use of color and design, boosted the production of carpets. The advent of synthetic fibers and tufted carpet (carpet manufactured by the insertion of tufts of yarn through a carpet-backing fabric) made mass production and purchase of carpets easier, faster, and less expensive.
http://www.fastfloors.com/
Weaving began with rough, simple mats and baskets made of grasses, reeds, leaves, and other natural materials. The first true ‘rugs’ were probably rough cured skins used as floor coverings in the homes of early hunters. With tough, flexible backing and generally soft material (called ‘pile’), these rugs served to keep the home more warm and insulated.
There is evidence for weaving and the existence of rugs in ancient Mesopotamia and Turkey as far back as 7000 and 8000 B.C.E., and in Egypt (wool and cotton) as early as the third millennium B.C.E. Mongolia and China were also main players in the textile industry, and nomadic herders and Chinese weavers were among the first to develop and weave wool rugs.
Weaving developed in many other parts of the world in addition to Europe, including parts of the Americas as far back as 5500 B.C.E. Weavers began to use natural colors and gradually transitioned to using vegetable, flower, and insect materials.
Silk development in China, the ornate, intricate embroidery and designs of Turkey and Mongolia, and the development of more sophisticated looms and weaving techniques throughout the world lifted rug-making from necessity to art form.
Italian merchants first brought oriental rugs to Europe, where they were used as wall hangings and coverings. By 1600, France had developed a dominant weaver’s guild, and England wasn’t far behind. The 1700’s marked England’s emergence into the weaving industry, and by about 1830, a good portion of the wool produced in England was used for carpets.
Various machines were created to aid the process of weaving, and looms have become so sophisticated today that they run off of computer algorithms. Rugs were not widely available in the US and Europe until the onset of mass production and the invention of industrial grade machines.
The first steam-powered loom appeared in 1787, and by 1876, the invention of the Axminster loom, a machine that permitted unlimited use of color and design, boosted the production of carpets. The advent of synthetic fibers and tufted carpet (carpet manufactured by the insertion of tufts of yarn through a carpet-backing fabric) made mass production and purchase of carpets easier, faster, and less expensive.
http://www.fastfloors.com/
A Brief History Of Futons
Originally from Japan, Futons are like bed mattresses but used and made differently than in their home country.
Japanese Futons
Measuring two inches (5 cm) thick and filled with cotton and/or synthetic batting, Japanese futons are typically flat and are designed to be spread out on tatami flooring, which is a special kind of flooring indigenous to Japanese architecture. Japanese futons are usually sold in sets consisting of the futon mattress (shikibuton), a comforter (kakebuton) or blanket (moku), a summer towel-like blanket (towelket), and a bean- or plastic bead-filled pillow (makura). This is equivalent to a western bed set.
Japanese futons are usually stored in a closet, but must be left to air in the sunlight when not put away. These futons are typically beaten with bamboo to keep them in shape.
Western Futons
Western futons are closer to mattresses; they are also stuffed with multiple layers of foam and/or batting, but they do not have springs. Western futons are placed on an adjustable frame resembling that of a couch, and are designed in the fashion of a sofa-bed—to be used as a couch and a bed. Western futons are constructed larger and thicker than Japanese futons, and are cheap compared to regular mattresses or beds.
Western futons are common now in Japan. These futons, hand-made, have no synthetic filling; they are stuffed primarily with cotton. Western futons in Japan are sold as “earth-friendly,” and are not composed of any chemicals whatsoever, distinguishing them from the traditional bed set.
Futons are very comfortable and, like sleeping bags, can also serve as portable or transportable beds, depending on their size and weight. Although futons can be damaged, they can more easily be repaired than a traditional mattress, since its interior matting is packed in a structured, layered way. Futons are otherwise most convenient and economical and therefore preferable to people on-the-go or living in small spaces. They’re not only for the Japanese anymore!
Japanese Futons
Measuring two inches (5 cm) thick and filled with cotton and/or synthetic batting, Japanese futons are typically flat and are designed to be spread out on tatami flooring, which is a special kind of flooring indigenous to Japanese architecture. Japanese futons are usually sold in sets consisting of the futon mattress (shikibuton), a comforter (kakebuton) or blanket (moku), a summer towel-like blanket (towelket), and a bean- or plastic bead-filled pillow (makura). This is equivalent to a western bed set.
Japanese futons are usually stored in a closet, but must be left to air in the sunlight when not put away. These futons are typically beaten with bamboo to keep them in shape.
Western Futons
Western futons are closer to mattresses; they are also stuffed with multiple layers of foam and/or batting, but they do not have springs. Western futons are placed on an adjustable frame resembling that of a couch, and are designed in the fashion of a sofa-bed—to be used as a couch and a bed. Western futons are constructed larger and thicker than Japanese futons, and are cheap compared to regular mattresses or beds.
Western futons are common now in Japan. These futons, hand-made, have no synthetic filling; they are stuffed primarily with cotton. Western futons in Japan are sold as “earth-friendly,” and are not composed of any chemicals whatsoever, distinguishing them from the traditional bed set.
Futons are very comfortable and, like sleeping bags, can also serve as portable or transportable beds, depending on their size and weight. Although futons can be damaged, they can more easily be repaired than a traditional mattress, since its interior matting is packed in a structured, layered way. Futons are otherwise most convenient and economical and therefore preferable to people on-the-go or living in small spaces. They’re not only for the Japanese anymore!
10 Power Tool Safety Tips
Power tools are indispensable for professionals and those who tackle DIY home improvement jobs. They are favored as they help users to save time and they also make the job easier. However, they need to be handled carefully otherwise they can lead to injury. Mishaps usually occur due to negligence, boredom, and overconfidence. By keeping the following 10 safety issues in mind, it is possible to work satisfactorily and safely with power tools.
1. Safety glasses: These prevent dust, debris, wood shavings, shards from fiberglass, etc from getting into the eyes. Safety glasses are one of the most basic pieces of safety equipment that must be used when working with power tools.
2. Protection for the ears: Power tools can generate a lot of noise, which may sound louder in the cloistered environment of a workshop; in order to minimize damage to the ears, it is advisable to wear earplugs.
3. Knowing the right tools for the job: It is important to know the right tools for the job in order to avoid injury to oneself and damage to the materials. To this end, it is advisable to thoroughly read the instruction manuals provided with the equipment and get familiar with the recommended safety precautions.
4. Correct method of using tools: Tools should not be carried by their cords; tools that are not in use should be disconnected; and while handling a tool connected to a power source, fingers should be kept away from the on/off switch.
5. The right clothes: Long hair should be tied and loose clothing should be avoided. Ideally, clothing that covers the entire body should be worn and heavy gloves should be used in order to avoid sharp implements and splinters from hurting the hands. Masks prevent inhalation of harmful minute particles of the material that is being worked upon. Steel-toed work boots and hard hats can also be worn.
6. Tool inspection: Power tools should not be employed in wet environments and should never be dipped in water; they should be checked periodically for exposed wiring, damaged plugs, and loose plug pins. Nicked cords can be taped but if a cut appears to be deep, a cord should be replaced. Tools that are damaged or those that sound and feel different when used should be checked and repaired.
7. Cleanliness in the work area: This should be maintained because accumulated dust particles in the air can ignite with a spark. Of course, flammable liquids should be kept covered and away from the place where power tools are being used. An uncluttered work area also makes it easy to maneuver the power tool; often distractions caused by a tangled cord can result in an accident.
8. Care with particular tools: Miter saws and table saws should be used with a quick-release clamp and a wood push-through, respectively. Extra care should be taken while using nail guns and power belt sanders.
9. Keep tools in place: Power tools should be returned to their cabinets after use to prevent them from being used by an unauthorized and incapable person.
10. Lighting: It is important to use proper lighting while working with power tools, particularly when working in the basement and garage where lighting may not be satisfactory.
1. Safety glasses: These prevent dust, debris, wood shavings, shards from fiberglass, etc from getting into the eyes. Safety glasses are one of the most basic pieces of safety equipment that must be used when working with power tools.
2. Protection for the ears: Power tools can generate a lot of noise, which may sound louder in the cloistered environment of a workshop; in order to minimize damage to the ears, it is advisable to wear earplugs.
3. Knowing the right tools for the job: It is important to know the right tools for the job in order to avoid injury to oneself and damage to the materials. To this end, it is advisable to thoroughly read the instruction manuals provided with the equipment and get familiar with the recommended safety precautions.
4. Correct method of using tools: Tools should not be carried by their cords; tools that are not in use should be disconnected; and while handling a tool connected to a power source, fingers should be kept away from the on/off switch.
5. The right clothes: Long hair should be tied and loose clothing should be avoided. Ideally, clothing that covers the entire body should be worn and heavy gloves should be used in order to avoid sharp implements and splinters from hurting the hands. Masks prevent inhalation of harmful minute particles of the material that is being worked upon. Steel-toed work boots and hard hats can also be worn.
6. Tool inspection: Power tools should not be employed in wet environments and should never be dipped in water; they should be checked periodically for exposed wiring, damaged plugs, and loose plug pins. Nicked cords can be taped but if a cut appears to be deep, a cord should be replaced. Tools that are damaged or those that sound and feel different when used should be checked and repaired.
7. Cleanliness in the work area: This should be maintained because accumulated dust particles in the air can ignite with a spark. Of course, flammable liquids should be kept covered and away from the place where power tools are being used. An uncluttered work area also makes it easy to maneuver the power tool; often distractions caused by a tangled cord can result in an accident.
8. Care with particular tools: Miter saws and table saws should be used with a quick-release clamp and a wood push-through, respectively. Extra care should be taken while using nail guns and power belt sanders.
9. Keep tools in place: Power tools should be returned to their cabinets after use to prevent them from being used by an unauthorized and incapable person.
10. Lighting: It is important to use proper lighting while working with power tools, particularly when working in the basement and garage where lighting may not be satisfactory.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Photography Q&A: The Basics Of Developing Photographs
* Can I develop my own photographs?
Yes, you can. By having your own darkroom, it is possible that you can develop your own photos. You first need to set up your own darkroom and buy darkroom equipment.
* What equipment and supplies do I need in a darkroom?
A darkroom requires many kinds of equipment to get you started in developing your photos. It is expensive, so you should prepare a sufficient amount of money to get into this hobby.
The darkroom necessities are:
• Enlarger
• Negative carrier
• Lens Board
• Lens
• Safelight
• Print trays
• Timer
• Thermometer
• Funnel
• Chemical jugs
• Developer, stop, fixer
• Printing paper
• Mixing rod
• Print squeegee
• Dust brush
• Graduates
• Negative Storage
• Dark Bag/ Dark room
• Film tank
• Film reels
• Film
Above is the equipment you need for a darkroom. However, you still need additional equipment to set up a complete darkroom above and beyond the former, which includes:
• Paper cutter
• Color print drum
• Motor base for print drum or rotary processor
• Color head or filters
• Color printing paper
• Color chemicals
• Jugs and graduates for color chemistry
• Color print viewing filter kit
• Light table
• Dry mount press
• Mounting tissue
• Bulk film loader
• Film cassettes
• Darkroom sink
• Water board
• Film drier
• Print drier
• Toners
• Jugs for toners
• Exposure/color analyzer
• Repeating printing timer
• Photo Oils/pencils
• Print tongs
• Hypo clear, photo-flow
• Easel
• Polycontrast Filters
• Film clips
• Print washer
• Blotter book
• Projection scale
• Antistaticum
• Canned air
• Loupe
• Cropping guide
• Film washer
• Cotton gloves
• Spotting dyes
• Spotting brush
• Contact printer
• Grain focuser
* What makes a good darkroom?
A good darkroom should be light-proof, spacious, have dry and wet areas, have ventilation, have bench space, be organized, have a safe light, and be comfortable to work in. Since you will be working with chemicals, it is important that you have enough space to maneuver to avoid tripping over dangerous chemicals.
Yes, you can. By having your own darkroom, it is possible that you can develop your own photos. You first need to set up your own darkroom and buy darkroom equipment.
* What equipment and supplies do I need in a darkroom?
A darkroom requires many kinds of equipment to get you started in developing your photos. It is expensive, so you should prepare a sufficient amount of money to get into this hobby.
The darkroom necessities are:
• Enlarger
• Negative carrier
• Lens Board
• Lens
• Safelight
• Print trays
• Timer
• Thermometer
• Funnel
• Chemical jugs
• Developer, stop, fixer
• Printing paper
• Mixing rod
• Print squeegee
• Dust brush
• Graduates
• Negative Storage
• Dark Bag/ Dark room
• Film tank
• Film reels
• Film
Above is the equipment you need for a darkroom. However, you still need additional equipment to set up a complete darkroom above and beyond the former, which includes:
• Paper cutter
• Color print drum
• Motor base for print drum or rotary processor
• Color head or filters
• Color printing paper
• Color chemicals
• Jugs and graduates for color chemistry
• Color print viewing filter kit
• Light table
• Dry mount press
• Mounting tissue
• Bulk film loader
• Film cassettes
• Darkroom sink
• Water board
• Film drier
• Print drier
• Toners
• Jugs for toners
• Exposure/color analyzer
• Repeating printing timer
• Photo Oils/pencils
• Print tongs
• Hypo clear, photo-flow
• Easel
• Polycontrast Filters
• Film clips
• Print washer
• Blotter book
• Projection scale
• Antistaticum
• Canned air
• Loupe
• Cropping guide
• Film washer
• Cotton gloves
• Spotting dyes
• Spotting brush
• Contact printer
• Grain focuser
* What makes a good darkroom?
A good darkroom should be light-proof, spacious, have dry and wet areas, have ventilation, have bench space, be organized, have a safe light, and be comfortable to work in. Since you will be working with chemicals, it is important that you have enough space to maneuver to avoid tripping over dangerous chemicals.
Light is Life
The job of a landscape photographer is to record a scene. Yet, photographers often fail to capture what it felt like to be actually at a scene.
A good landscape photographer arrives at a scene early, and waits for the scene to unfold. Waiting patiently for changing colors and changing mood, which all go along with the change of the weather.
Vital to all of this is light - natural light and all the elements it brings to a scene.
To be able to use light correctly and creatively we first must understand it. Once we understand it we can use it to our advantage in creating beautifully, dramatic landscape images.
There are three basic qualities of light: intensity, direction and colour.
Intensity: refers to the strength of light. If the sun is high in the sky, light can be harsh and too strong. Cloudy days bring soft and defused light.
Direction: this refers to light placement. There are three categories of light placement: front, back and side-lighting. Side lighting produces more texture between light and shade.
Colour: the colour of sunlight varies depending upon conditions and time of day. If the sun shines at the beginning or the end of the day, the colour of the light will be much warmer, and will lead to a much more dramatic scene.
While all three are different qualities of light, they all have another important factor in common - time of day. Choosing the correct time of day is a foremost in capturing a scene at its best. The intensity of light brings out different colours in a landscape image. Colours in landscape photography depend on light available and also what time you shoot a scene, and where you place your camera.
Early morning shots will cast a red hue in your images. This only lasts a few minutes after sunrise. As the morning progresses the red hue turns to yellow. This normally lasts while the sun is low in the sky. Long shadows are cast along a scene during these early hours. These can add mood to an image. Come mid-day the sun is high in the sky. The shadows are gone. This is the best time of the day for landscape photographers.
As the day turns to evening and the sun gradually falls in the sky, the sun casts stronger colours similar to morning. Sunset can be just as exciting as sunrise.
Time and light come hand in hand. Using both together will most certainly bring out the best in your landscape photographs. We ourselves decide what direction we use, do we use the sun at our backs, or is it better to use it at our side? I prefer side-lighting or facing the sun.
If you’re unsure go to a scene and take a few images. Mark the ground so you can place the camera in the exact same spot and return a few hours later. Return to the scene several times and take notes of light direction. Record the different exposures you take your images. Compare the shots from the different times of day, and the answer will unfold in front of you.
Understanding natural light develops your ability to create better images. You’ll then start to see the beauty of light and colours in a new and exciting way.
A good landscape photographer arrives at a scene early, and waits for the scene to unfold. Waiting patiently for changing colors and changing mood, which all go along with the change of the weather.
Vital to all of this is light - natural light and all the elements it brings to a scene.
To be able to use light correctly and creatively we first must understand it. Once we understand it we can use it to our advantage in creating beautifully, dramatic landscape images.
There are three basic qualities of light: intensity, direction and colour.
Intensity: refers to the strength of light. If the sun is high in the sky, light can be harsh and too strong. Cloudy days bring soft and defused light.
Direction: this refers to light placement. There are three categories of light placement: front, back and side-lighting. Side lighting produces more texture between light and shade.
Colour: the colour of sunlight varies depending upon conditions and time of day. If the sun shines at the beginning or the end of the day, the colour of the light will be much warmer, and will lead to a much more dramatic scene.
While all three are different qualities of light, they all have another important factor in common - time of day. Choosing the correct time of day is a foremost in capturing a scene at its best. The intensity of light brings out different colours in a landscape image. Colours in landscape photography depend on light available and also what time you shoot a scene, and where you place your camera.
Early morning shots will cast a red hue in your images. This only lasts a few minutes after sunrise. As the morning progresses the red hue turns to yellow. This normally lasts while the sun is low in the sky. Long shadows are cast along a scene during these early hours. These can add mood to an image. Come mid-day the sun is high in the sky. The shadows are gone. This is the best time of the day for landscape photographers.
As the day turns to evening and the sun gradually falls in the sky, the sun casts stronger colours similar to morning. Sunset can be just as exciting as sunrise.
Time and light come hand in hand. Using both together will most certainly bring out the best in your landscape photographs. We ourselves decide what direction we use, do we use the sun at our backs, or is it better to use it at our side? I prefer side-lighting or facing the sun.
If you’re unsure go to a scene and take a few images. Mark the ground so you can place the camera in the exact same spot and return a few hours later. Return to the scene several times and take notes of light direction. Record the different exposures you take your images. Compare the shots from the different times of day, and the answer will unfold in front of you.
Understanding natural light develops your ability to create better images. You’ll then start to see the beauty of light and colours in a new and exciting way.
The High cost of Training
"Only the educated are free."
-Epictetus
There are countless articles and studies outlining the high cost of training – each with unique approaches to measuring the impact of training. During our current recession there is momentum for business’ to scale back all non-essential areas and training budgets are usually the first to go. Executives often view training as a nice-to-have function, but not required to stay in business. I understand their dilemma. If I were writing the check myself, I would be hard pressed to continue to pay for training when my income is less than it was a year ago.
However, it is the high cost of NOT training that should be on the forefront of our minds, especially during a recession. During a recession, if I am lucky, I won’t have to lay off any workers. If not, I may have to let some people go, and rely on those left behind to carry the day until brighter times return. How do I motivate my staff to provide our customers superior and even ‘delightful’ customer service if I’m scaling back? How? - by making sure I’m giving each and every person who stays behind the skills and tools they need to deliver.
Let’s look at an example in terms of Return on Investment (ROI). We train one worker for one hour. From the training he/she receives, they become 1% more efficient at their current job. They pick up one tip, trick, cost savings, new understanding – just one simple idea they can use on their job.
Let’s do the math:
40 hours / week * 50 weeks / year = 2,000 hours / year
2,000 / year * 1% improved efficiency = 20 hours / year of improved efficiency
This means that 1 hour invested in training = 20 hours returned
Or, a 20:1 ROI. If you could get that kind of return on investment on Wall Street, you’d be considered a god…
During a recession we’re all scrambling to grow, or at least, maintain our business. If you can find a line item that can give you a 20:1 ROI, I suggest you take it. And soon…
-Epictetus
There are countless articles and studies outlining the high cost of training – each with unique approaches to measuring the impact of training. During our current recession there is momentum for business’ to scale back all non-essential areas and training budgets are usually the first to go. Executives often view training as a nice-to-have function, but not required to stay in business. I understand their dilemma. If I were writing the check myself, I would be hard pressed to continue to pay for training when my income is less than it was a year ago.
However, it is the high cost of NOT training that should be on the forefront of our minds, especially during a recession. During a recession, if I am lucky, I won’t have to lay off any workers. If not, I may have to let some people go, and rely on those left behind to carry the day until brighter times return. How do I motivate my staff to provide our customers superior and even ‘delightful’ customer service if I’m scaling back? How? - by making sure I’m giving each and every person who stays behind the skills and tools they need to deliver.
Let’s look at an example in terms of Return on Investment (ROI). We train one worker for one hour. From the training he/she receives, they become 1% more efficient at their current job. They pick up one tip, trick, cost savings, new understanding – just one simple idea they can use on their job.
Let’s do the math:
40 hours / week * 50 weeks / year = 2,000 hours / year
2,000 / year * 1% improved efficiency = 20 hours / year of improved efficiency
This means that 1 hour invested in training = 20 hours returned
Or, a 20:1 ROI. If you could get that kind of return on investment on Wall Street, you’d be considered a god…
During a recession we’re all scrambling to grow, or at least, maintain our business. If you can find a line item that can give you a 20:1 ROI, I suggest you take it. And soon…
Tips on Online Bookkeeping Services
Over 40% of America's largest businesses improve their profitability using outside service providers for their bookkeeping and financial functions. Due to technological advances, this same alternative is now available to small businesses. Firms using the Analytix solution are discovering that moving part or all of their bookkeeping and accounting functions to professional outside providers saves costs while freeing up valuable management time.
Starting or buying a new business is a challenging proposition. Our professionals can help guide you through the myriad of issues that arise during this complex process from helping you structure the company to suit your financial goals as well as helping you through the registration of your business with the appropriate local, state and federal authorities.
Business owners need to maintain accurate financial records to properly manage their business, while also conforming to government regulations requiring mandated filings, such as federal income and state sales taxes. In general, businesses need three types of services during the year which our professionals provide:
Bookkeeping Services:
Bookkeeping is the recording of a business's financial transactions. It is the first step of the accounting process, which also includes classifying, reporting and analyzing financial data.
Accounting Services:
Financial statements provide owners with crucial information such as the business’s liabilities, assets, equity and profitability over a given period.
Tax Planning and Financial Analysis:
Though U.S. tax laws are complex and changing, there are tax planning strategies that can ensure that business owners don't pay more than is required or alternatively underpay and risk being audited. Our tax professionals can advise you on the best structure for a new business, sale of a business or ongoing operations so that you minimize your annual tax obligations.
Business tax planning requires knowledge not only of federal and state income tax, but also employment tax, sales and use tax, real estate tax, and franchise tax for some businesses. Our professional will work with you to ensure that no details are missed in tax deductions or credits. This is especially crucial for small business owners, who usually lack in-house financial experts. Some of the issues addressed by our professionals in tax planning include:
All businesses are required by law to file with both state and federal government. These mandated filings range from tax estimates, individual and business tax returns, to quarterly or monthly state sales tax filings. Further, government regulations require that copies be kept of all financial records needed in the filing for up to seven years. Without good record-maintaining, businesses can leave themselves exposed to fines and penalties during an audit by the appropriate state or federal authorities.
Analytix is a premium provider of accounting, bookkeeping and tax preparation services for small, medium sized and fast growing companies. Our clients are served by a professional accounting staff that has a level of expertise not normally found in small businesses.
Starting or buying a new business is a challenging proposition. Our professionals can help guide you through the myriad of issues that arise during this complex process from helping you structure the company to suit your financial goals as well as helping you through the registration of your business with the appropriate local, state and federal authorities.
Business owners need to maintain accurate financial records to properly manage their business, while also conforming to government regulations requiring mandated filings, such as federal income and state sales taxes. In general, businesses need three types of services during the year which our professionals provide:
Bookkeeping Services:
Bookkeeping is the recording of a business's financial transactions. It is the first step of the accounting process, which also includes classifying, reporting and analyzing financial data.
Accounting Services:
Financial statements provide owners with crucial information such as the business’s liabilities, assets, equity and profitability over a given period.
Tax Planning and Financial Analysis:
Though U.S. tax laws are complex and changing, there are tax planning strategies that can ensure that business owners don't pay more than is required or alternatively underpay and risk being audited. Our tax professionals can advise you on the best structure for a new business, sale of a business or ongoing operations so that you minimize your annual tax obligations.
Business tax planning requires knowledge not only of federal and state income tax, but also employment tax, sales and use tax, real estate tax, and franchise tax for some businesses. Our professional will work with you to ensure that no details are missed in tax deductions or credits. This is especially crucial for small business owners, who usually lack in-house financial experts. Some of the issues addressed by our professionals in tax planning include:
All businesses are required by law to file with both state and federal government. These mandated filings range from tax estimates, individual and business tax returns, to quarterly or monthly state sales tax filings. Further, government regulations require that copies be kept of all financial records needed in the filing for up to seven years. Without good record-maintaining, businesses can leave themselves exposed to fines and penalties during an audit by the appropriate state or federal authorities.
Analytix is a premium provider of accounting, bookkeeping and tax preparation services for small, medium sized and fast growing companies. Our clients are served by a professional accounting staff that has a level of expertise not normally found in small businesses.
The Voice of Customer Service
Customer relationship management tools abound, yet let's hear it for old technology. Your voice is the most multifaceted customer service tool in your toolkit. Your voice can convey concern, care and compassion. It can alternately convey boredom, neglect or contempt. Your challenge: to insure your voice reinforces the service you strive to deliver through your actual words and action.
Customer service is about more than mouthing the words customers want to hear. You have to sound believable. How do you sound? Try this experiment. Call your own answering machine and leave yourself a message normally intended for your customers. Now replay it. Are you convincing? Does sincerity ring from your voice or are you just mouthing clichés in a disinterested fashion?
Depending your tone of voice you can alternately sound:
Compassionate or Condescending
Confident or Insecure
Knowledgeable or Ignorant
Attentive or Disinterested
Focused or Scattered
Alive or Comatose
Pick one of the following phrases:
“Thank you for calling. We’re excited to serve you.”
“Welcome back. It’s so nice to see you again.”
“We’ve missed you. Thank you for coming in again.”
Mouth it a few times to a colleague next to you or over the phone to a friend.
- Now ask your listener: "How do I sound?"
- When you’re monotonal you may sound flat and lifeless.
- How does this sound when you’re tired? Uninspired?
- How does this sound when you’re expressive? Do you generate good will and energy?
- How does this sound when you’re sincere? Is there a genuine quality to your voice?
- How does this sound when you’re friendly? Does warmth emanate from your conversation?
- How does this sound when you are smiling? Does your good humor come translate?
Mirror Mirror on the Desk
There is a reason many telesales and customer service representatives have mirrors on their desk. It’s not to admire their beauty or to insure the proverbial spinach isn’t stuck to their teeth. In this case, the mirror has two purposes. First, as a reminder to reps to smile while on the phone. Even though their smile isn’t seen by listeners, it is felt. When we smile it loosens up our jaws and relaxes us. This is then conveyed through our voice. We sound more relaxed, friendly and open because we are. The act of smiling activates certain muscles in our face and neck and actually alters our disposition for the better. The mirror both reminds us to smile and confirms we are when we glance at it periodically. Not to sound overly Dramatics, but “What you see is what they get.”
Inflection
When we consider the message our voice sends customers, don’t forget to consider your inflection. It is important to understand where in a sentence you put the emphasis. What words do you accentuate? Which words do you emphasize? Depending on your placement of accent you can send different messages with the same set of words. Consider the following statement: “It’s all over my friend.” Depending on the placement of accent and pause, this statement could either lament the end of a successful run of some sort, or be describing the result of a sick bird flying overhead of your pal.
Similarly, this statement, based on inflection, may send two entirely different messages: “What’s that in the road ahead?” or “What’s that in the road, a head?” You can see how inflections inform. Let’s make sure the information we convey is supported by our inflections.
Actors often take the Shakespearean phrase “to be or not to be, that is the question” and repeat it alternately while emphasizing different words. For instance, one variant might be “To be or NOT, to be THAT is the question!”
Revisiting our triplet of phrases let’s see how inflection alters their meaning:
“Thank you for calling. We’re delighted to serve you.”
We can place the accent on different words to convey different sentiments. The capital letters indicate the words being accented through our inflection.
“THANK you for calling. We’re delighted to serve you.”
“Thank you for CALLING. We’re delighted to serve you.”
“Thank you for calling. We’re DELIGHTED to serve you.”
“Thank you for calling. We’re delighted to SERVE you.”
“Thank YOU for calling. We’re delighted to serve YOU.”
For yourself, try this same exercise with each of the statements below, accenting different words within each sentence so as to find the inflection that best conveys your sentiment.
“Welcome back. It’s so nice to see you again.”
“We’ve missed you. Thank you for coming in again.”
Voice Your Concern
Using a pleasant tone, effective intonation, and empathic emotion your voice can go a long way toward helping customers feel heard, valued and cared for. Mama was right, it is more than what you say, it's how you say it too.
Customer service is about more than mouthing the words customers want to hear. You have to sound believable. How do you sound? Try this experiment. Call your own answering machine and leave yourself a message normally intended for your customers. Now replay it. Are you convincing? Does sincerity ring from your voice or are you just mouthing clichés in a disinterested fashion?
Depending your tone of voice you can alternately sound:
Compassionate or Condescending
Confident or Insecure
Knowledgeable or Ignorant
Attentive or Disinterested
Focused or Scattered
Alive or Comatose
Pick one of the following phrases:
“Thank you for calling. We’re excited to serve you.”
“Welcome back. It’s so nice to see you again.”
“We’ve missed you. Thank you for coming in again.”
Mouth it a few times to a colleague next to you or over the phone to a friend.
- Now ask your listener: "How do I sound?"
- When you’re monotonal you may sound flat and lifeless.
- How does this sound when you’re tired? Uninspired?
- How does this sound when you’re expressive? Do you generate good will and energy?
- How does this sound when you’re sincere? Is there a genuine quality to your voice?
- How does this sound when you’re friendly? Does warmth emanate from your conversation?
- How does this sound when you are smiling? Does your good humor come translate?
Mirror Mirror on the Desk
There is a reason many telesales and customer service representatives have mirrors on their desk. It’s not to admire their beauty or to insure the proverbial spinach isn’t stuck to their teeth. In this case, the mirror has two purposes. First, as a reminder to reps to smile while on the phone. Even though their smile isn’t seen by listeners, it is felt. When we smile it loosens up our jaws and relaxes us. This is then conveyed through our voice. We sound more relaxed, friendly and open because we are. The act of smiling activates certain muscles in our face and neck and actually alters our disposition for the better. The mirror both reminds us to smile and confirms we are when we glance at it periodically. Not to sound overly Dramatics, but “What you see is what they get.”
Inflection
When we consider the message our voice sends customers, don’t forget to consider your inflection. It is important to understand where in a sentence you put the emphasis. What words do you accentuate? Which words do you emphasize? Depending on your placement of accent you can send different messages with the same set of words. Consider the following statement: “It’s all over my friend.” Depending on the placement of accent and pause, this statement could either lament the end of a successful run of some sort, or be describing the result of a sick bird flying overhead of your pal.
Similarly, this statement, based on inflection, may send two entirely different messages: “What’s that in the road ahead?” or “What’s that in the road, a head?” You can see how inflections inform. Let’s make sure the information we convey is supported by our inflections.
Actors often take the Shakespearean phrase “to be or not to be, that is the question” and repeat it alternately while emphasizing different words. For instance, one variant might be “To be or NOT, to be THAT is the question!”
Revisiting our triplet of phrases let’s see how inflection alters their meaning:
“Thank you for calling. We’re delighted to serve you.”
We can place the accent on different words to convey different sentiments. The capital letters indicate the words being accented through our inflection.
“THANK you for calling. We’re delighted to serve you.”
“Thank you for CALLING. We’re delighted to serve you.”
“Thank you for calling. We’re DELIGHTED to serve you.”
“Thank you for calling. We’re delighted to SERVE you.”
“Thank YOU for calling. We’re delighted to serve YOU.”
For yourself, try this same exercise with each of the statements below, accenting different words within each sentence so as to find the inflection that best conveys your sentiment.
“Welcome back. It’s so nice to see you again.”
“We’ve missed you. Thank you for coming in again.”
Voice Your Concern
Using a pleasant tone, effective intonation, and empathic emotion your voice can go a long way toward helping customers feel heard, valued and cared for. Mama was right, it is more than what you say, it's how you say it too.
Why Do Your Customers Complain and What Can You Do About It?
As the Internet becomes an increasing part of our lives there are a growing number of web sites which are run for dissatisfied customers to publicly air their complaints about bad service. See your name posted on these sites or get contacted by them and you know you have a problem!
How can you prevent your business from becoming ‘feature of the week’? Of all the skills small business owners need these days, the one least practiced is the ability to step back and look at your business from the customer’s perspective.
Having an effective complaint handling process is important but that is the equivalent of closing the stable door after the horse has bolted – it’s too late, your customer has already suffered.
It’s more effective to know what your customers could potentially complaint about and put it right before it happens.
So what are the common reasons for customer complaints? Mark Bradley of Customer Service Network (www.customernet.com), which facilitates in benchmarking, improving processes and implementing improvements to help reduce customer complaints, says,
“Financial loss is the obvious reason but the rest can be split into operational and emotional reasons.”
In this article we will look at some of the operational and emotional or human issues within your business which could give your customers cause to complain. Take a look at these and examine each part of your business. How do you stand up?
“You didn’t do what you promised.”
When did you last review your advertising material or web site? Do they contain service promises which sounded great at the time but have since been forgotten? For example, do you promise to deliver within 24 hours but changes in processes have meant that is no longer possible? No one may have complained yet but sooner or later someone will.
“Your product didn’t do what it’s supposed to do.”
When did you last undertake a quality check of your product? Random checks can help weed out poor quality workmanship before a customer spots it. When buying your stock or finished item do you test it?
“You’re never open when I need you.”
9 to 5, 5 days a week may have been acceptable when you first started out, but is this still what the customer wants? Check with your customers – they may want you to open later and close later.
“It’s a long time before someone answers the phone.”
Hanging on the phone while it rings and rings is very irritating. It conjures up images of staff sitting drinking coffee and chatting; not the impression you want to portray and not the way to put customers in a buying mood! Do your staff understand the importance of the phone being answered promptly?
“Whenever I ring in and get transferred to another person I often get cut off.”
Have your staff been trained in getting the best out of your phone system? Do all staff have a handy list of extension numbers to avoid annoying ‘sorry wrong department’ answers? Ask a friend or business colleague to ring in and take note of what happens – good and bad.
Mark Bradley says, “We usually encounter a number of interesting correlations that fundamentally prove that operational accuracy leads to customer satisfaction.”
Take some time to look at your business from the customer’s perspective and you should be able to stop customer complaints before they hit your desk.
It’s not only the operational side of the business which can let you down; the human side of business can also generate complaints – your staff! No matter how good your product is one loose cannon in your team can upset everything. What actions can your staff take that can lead to a customer picking up the phone or putting pen to paper?
Bad Attitude
There’s no getting away from it – some people have a bad hair day every day! The way they speak to people is enough to turn the most mild mannered of customers against your company. They act as if the customer is an interference to their daily routine. A person with poor job skills can be taught the relevant knowledge or skills but a person with a generally bad attitude, the proverbial chip on the shoulder, is harder to bring into line.
These type of people are the ones who never acknowledge your presence when you are standing in front of them, or still chat away on the phone The solution? Get them away from your customers.
Not Willing To Seek a Solution
These people are the ones who may acknowledge a customer’s problem but just can’t be bothered to find a solution; it’s too much hassle. The stock answer is, “I can’t help. It’s company policy.” Their favourite words are “I can’t”, “Yes, but”, “won’t”, “shouldn’t”. They can find nothing positive to help the customer. If this happens, your customers walk away thinking you are a ‘can’t do’ instead of a ‘can do’ business.
Not Giving Full Product Explanations
Your product may be the best in the world, but if it doesn’t do what the customer wants then you have one unhappy purchaser. Lack of understanding of how the product or service meets the customer’s requirements could be down to your sales staff being too anxious for a sale – persuading the buyer that the product is just right when it clearly doesn’t fit what the client needs. This is partly down to sales training but also attitude. Do you want staff that are happy to sell to your customers on this basis?
Not Willing To Admit a Mistake
Isn’t it refreshing to hear someone say, “Do you know, you’re right. We really messed this up.” If you get this as an opening line when making a complaint, you immediately know you’re in business. However, sometimes getting a business to admit it has made a mistake is like pulling teeth. If you’re in the wrong, get your staff to own up and say, “Yes, we were wrong”, it can take away the emotion which sometimes blocks successful resolution of complaints.
Not Keeping You Up To Date
In any effective complaint handling process, everything can be done according to the book, but it can all be thrown away if the client is not kept up to date. A complaint, followed by days of silence, allows doubt and anger to bubble up again. It may be that the person handling the complaint had a bad time when taking the initial query; he’s not motivated to pick up the phone and engage in another torrent of abuse! However, not speaking to the client can only make matters worse, and so guaranteeing that the next call will be even more interesting! Get ‘strong’ characters to front your complaints, people who are not intimidated and are happy to solve problems.
Broken Promises
This is probably the most frequent reason for human cause of complaint; ‘Yes, I’ll do that for you. Leave it to me.” What happens? Nothing! The impression given is that your staff just don’t care, or that the customer is not important. Impress upon your staff the importance of following through on their promises. Any broken promise will compound a complaint.
So, in what areas are your staff letting you down? Are you doing everything to ensure your staff are treating everyone as loyal customers? Listen to what your staff are saying, and listen to what your customers are telling you. Get the human side of your complaint process right and you have more chance of keeping your customers for life.
The art of complaint handling is not only resolving it to the customer’s satisfaction; it’s also about taking action on what you find out and being proactive in finding potential problems before they become problems.
How can you prevent your business from becoming ‘feature of the week’? Of all the skills small business owners need these days, the one least practiced is the ability to step back and look at your business from the customer’s perspective.
Having an effective complaint handling process is important but that is the equivalent of closing the stable door after the horse has bolted – it’s too late, your customer has already suffered.
It’s more effective to know what your customers could potentially complaint about and put it right before it happens.
So what are the common reasons for customer complaints? Mark Bradley of Customer Service Network (www.customernet.com), which facilitates in benchmarking, improving processes and implementing improvements to help reduce customer complaints, says,
“Financial loss is the obvious reason but the rest can be split into operational and emotional reasons.”
In this article we will look at some of the operational and emotional or human issues within your business which could give your customers cause to complain. Take a look at these and examine each part of your business. How do you stand up?
“You didn’t do what you promised.”
When did you last review your advertising material or web site? Do they contain service promises which sounded great at the time but have since been forgotten? For example, do you promise to deliver within 24 hours but changes in processes have meant that is no longer possible? No one may have complained yet but sooner or later someone will.
“Your product didn’t do what it’s supposed to do.”
When did you last undertake a quality check of your product? Random checks can help weed out poor quality workmanship before a customer spots it. When buying your stock or finished item do you test it?
“You’re never open when I need you.”
9 to 5, 5 days a week may have been acceptable when you first started out, but is this still what the customer wants? Check with your customers – they may want you to open later and close later.
“It’s a long time before someone answers the phone.”
Hanging on the phone while it rings and rings is very irritating. It conjures up images of staff sitting drinking coffee and chatting; not the impression you want to portray and not the way to put customers in a buying mood! Do your staff understand the importance of the phone being answered promptly?
“Whenever I ring in and get transferred to another person I often get cut off.”
Have your staff been trained in getting the best out of your phone system? Do all staff have a handy list of extension numbers to avoid annoying ‘sorry wrong department’ answers? Ask a friend or business colleague to ring in and take note of what happens – good and bad.
Mark Bradley says, “We usually encounter a number of interesting correlations that fundamentally prove that operational accuracy leads to customer satisfaction.”
Take some time to look at your business from the customer’s perspective and you should be able to stop customer complaints before they hit your desk.
It’s not only the operational side of the business which can let you down; the human side of business can also generate complaints – your staff! No matter how good your product is one loose cannon in your team can upset everything. What actions can your staff take that can lead to a customer picking up the phone or putting pen to paper?
Bad Attitude
There’s no getting away from it – some people have a bad hair day every day! The way they speak to people is enough to turn the most mild mannered of customers against your company. They act as if the customer is an interference to their daily routine. A person with poor job skills can be taught the relevant knowledge or skills but a person with a generally bad attitude, the proverbial chip on the shoulder, is harder to bring into line.
These type of people are the ones who never acknowledge your presence when you are standing in front of them, or still chat away on the phone The solution? Get them away from your customers.
Not Willing To Seek a Solution
These people are the ones who may acknowledge a customer’s problem but just can’t be bothered to find a solution; it’s too much hassle. The stock answer is, “I can’t help. It’s company policy.” Their favourite words are “I can’t”, “Yes, but”, “won’t”, “shouldn’t”. They can find nothing positive to help the customer. If this happens, your customers walk away thinking you are a ‘can’t do’ instead of a ‘can do’ business.
Not Giving Full Product Explanations
Your product may be the best in the world, but if it doesn’t do what the customer wants then you have one unhappy purchaser. Lack of understanding of how the product or service meets the customer’s requirements could be down to your sales staff being too anxious for a sale – persuading the buyer that the product is just right when it clearly doesn’t fit what the client needs. This is partly down to sales training but also attitude. Do you want staff that are happy to sell to your customers on this basis?
Not Willing To Admit a Mistake
Isn’t it refreshing to hear someone say, “Do you know, you’re right. We really messed this up.” If you get this as an opening line when making a complaint, you immediately know you’re in business. However, sometimes getting a business to admit it has made a mistake is like pulling teeth. If you’re in the wrong, get your staff to own up and say, “Yes, we were wrong”, it can take away the emotion which sometimes blocks successful resolution of complaints.
Not Keeping You Up To Date
In any effective complaint handling process, everything can be done according to the book, but it can all be thrown away if the client is not kept up to date. A complaint, followed by days of silence, allows doubt and anger to bubble up again. It may be that the person handling the complaint had a bad time when taking the initial query; he’s not motivated to pick up the phone and engage in another torrent of abuse! However, not speaking to the client can only make matters worse, and so guaranteeing that the next call will be even more interesting! Get ‘strong’ characters to front your complaints, people who are not intimidated and are happy to solve problems.
Broken Promises
This is probably the most frequent reason for human cause of complaint; ‘Yes, I’ll do that for you. Leave it to me.” What happens? Nothing! The impression given is that your staff just don’t care, or that the customer is not important. Impress upon your staff the importance of following through on their promises. Any broken promise will compound a complaint.
So, in what areas are your staff letting you down? Are you doing everything to ensure your staff are treating everyone as loyal customers? Listen to what your staff are saying, and listen to what your customers are telling you. Get the human side of your complaint process right and you have more chance of keeping your customers for life.
The art of complaint handling is not only resolving it to the customer’s satisfaction; it’s also about taking action on what you find out and being proactive in finding potential problems before they become problems.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Look Great with Stylish Women's Golf Clothing
Whether you're on the fairway or in the clubhouse, it's important to look your best. Today's women's golf clothing offers an incredible variety of fashion choices designed to allow you to play in comfort and style - both on and off the course.
Women's golf apparel has come a long way in the past few years, and is available in an unprecedented number of styles and sizes - including, thankfully, plus-size golf clothing. Here's an overview of this season's offerings:
Bette & Court
Bette & Court offers four collections: Samba, Sundance, Zanzibar, and Swing. Their women's golf clothing includes sleeveless and short-sleeved tops with zip collars and contrasting trim that feature moisture-wicking fabric, and capris in knit, microfiber, and moisture-wicking fabrications. Argyle V-neck sweaters and plaid capris offer a fashionable alternative to solids and block colors.
EP Pro
EP Pro takes women's golf clothing to the next level with color and prints in seven collections: Finding Nemo, Kapalua, Safari, Sandcastle, Sawgrass, Zanzibar, Potpourri, and Urban Jungle. Floral print golf skorts and poplin plaid skorts are just the beginning of the fashion story, with argyle sleeveless shells, cuffed pedal pushers, and coordinating quilted bags rounding out the tale.
Fairway & Greene
Fairway & Greene kick the basics up a notch with their Fun in the Sun, Spring Fling, Maple Ridge, and Northern Lights collections. Sleeveless, cap sleeves, short sleeves, and 3/4 sleeves give women the choices they want, while windsweaters and microfleece vests provide warmth even when your best shots leave you out in the cold.
Sport Haley
Sport Haley keeps it elemental - as in their Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water collections. Their Aerocool polo shirts incorporate spandex for maximum comfort, while their webbing belts provide just the right accessorizing touch. Sport Haley's Aerogreen Italian women's golf shoes are classics - durable, comfortable, and timeless.
Tehama
With eight collections, Tehama offers unprecedented choices. Flaming Star, Desert Trail, Lunch at the Club, Picnic by the Lake, Team Match, Snowy River, Blind Date, and Dances with Wolves provide everything from simple polos to striped capris. What sets Tehama apart is their après-golf apparel, which includes a stunning embellished sweater cardigan.
Shopping for Women's Golf Clothing
While shopping for women's golf clothing in retail shops can be fun, the selection is all too often limited. Online sources of women's golf apparel can do what country clubs can't - carry a wide variety of styles and sizes from the top brand names. Those that specialize in women's apparel only have their fingers on the pulse of the fashion world, and can offer you the choices you want and need.
Women's golf apparel has come a long way in the past few years, and is available in an unprecedented number of styles and sizes - including, thankfully, plus-size golf clothing. Here's an overview of this season's offerings:
Bette & Court
Bette & Court offers four collections: Samba, Sundance, Zanzibar, and Swing. Their women's golf clothing includes sleeveless and short-sleeved tops with zip collars and contrasting trim that feature moisture-wicking fabric, and capris in knit, microfiber, and moisture-wicking fabrications. Argyle V-neck sweaters and plaid capris offer a fashionable alternative to solids and block colors.
EP Pro
EP Pro takes women's golf clothing to the next level with color and prints in seven collections: Finding Nemo, Kapalua, Safari, Sandcastle, Sawgrass, Zanzibar, Potpourri, and Urban Jungle. Floral print golf skorts and poplin plaid skorts are just the beginning of the fashion story, with argyle sleeveless shells, cuffed pedal pushers, and coordinating quilted bags rounding out the tale.
Fairway & Greene
Fairway & Greene kick the basics up a notch with their Fun in the Sun, Spring Fling, Maple Ridge, and Northern Lights collections. Sleeveless, cap sleeves, short sleeves, and 3/4 sleeves give women the choices they want, while windsweaters and microfleece vests provide warmth even when your best shots leave you out in the cold.
Sport Haley
Sport Haley keeps it elemental - as in their Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water collections. Their Aerocool polo shirts incorporate spandex for maximum comfort, while their webbing belts provide just the right accessorizing touch. Sport Haley's Aerogreen Italian women's golf shoes are classics - durable, comfortable, and timeless.
Tehama
With eight collections, Tehama offers unprecedented choices. Flaming Star, Desert Trail, Lunch at the Club, Picnic by the Lake, Team Match, Snowy River, Blind Date, and Dances with Wolves provide everything from simple polos to striped capris. What sets Tehama apart is their après-golf apparel, which includes a stunning embellished sweater cardigan.
Shopping for Women's Golf Clothing
While shopping for women's golf clothing in retail shops can be fun, the selection is all too often limited. Online sources of women's golf apparel can do what country clubs can't - carry a wide variety of styles and sizes from the top brand names. Those that specialize in women's apparel only have their fingers on the pulse of the fashion world, and can offer you the choices you want and need.
Light Vs. Dark; In Pricing T-Shirts, It Makes A Difference
When screen printing t-shirts, a surprisingly important factor in determining price is the color of your textile. Choosing a white shirt will result in considerable savings in your printing costs. There are a number of reasons why this is the case, from initial shirt pricing to factors in the printing process.
T-shirts are usually priced in two categories, “Whites” and “Darks”. White t shirts are always the least expensive shirt when compared to a colored t-shirt of the same brand and type. For no other reason than shirt price alone, whites contribute to a lower overall printing cost.
There are also price advantages in the printing process itself when using white t-shirts instead of dark. When printing on dark shirts, many inks need to have more than one layer laid down in order to completely cover the shirt. In order to keep the layers from smearing, the first layer will be partially dried under a heating element in a process called “flashing”. Having to flash colors in a print run adds considerable time to how long a shirt is on the press and incurs an additional charge. Most colors on white shirts can go on in one layer and rarely have to be flashed.
A similar factor that affects price on a dark shirt is the requirement for a white underbase. Light hues and bright ink colors will not print well, if at all, on a dark shirt regardless of how many layers are put down. To overcome this, a white layer of ink in the same shape as the colored layer is printed first and then flashed to dry it. Then the final color of ink is laid down on top of the white. Not only does this have the flashing charge as described above, but also there is now an additional ink color, namely white, which further raises the price.
While beautiful and striking work can be done with screen printing images on dark shirts (as well as white), if economy is a major factor for your project, you would be better served to create a design geared for white shirts.
T-shirts are usually priced in two categories, “Whites” and “Darks”. White t shirts are always the least expensive shirt when compared to a colored t-shirt of the same brand and type. For no other reason than shirt price alone, whites contribute to a lower overall printing cost.
There are also price advantages in the printing process itself when using white t-shirts instead of dark. When printing on dark shirts, many inks need to have more than one layer laid down in order to completely cover the shirt. In order to keep the layers from smearing, the first layer will be partially dried under a heating element in a process called “flashing”. Having to flash colors in a print run adds considerable time to how long a shirt is on the press and incurs an additional charge. Most colors on white shirts can go on in one layer and rarely have to be flashed.
A similar factor that affects price on a dark shirt is the requirement for a white underbase. Light hues and bright ink colors will not print well, if at all, on a dark shirt regardless of how many layers are put down. To overcome this, a white layer of ink in the same shape as the colored layer is printed first and then flashed to dry it. Then the final color of ink is laid down on top of the white. Not only does this have the flashing charge as described above, but also there is now an additional ink color, namely white, which further raises the price.
While beautiful and striking work can be done with screen printing images on dark shirts (as well as white), if economy is a major factor for your project, you would be better served to create a design geared for white shirts.
Monday, December 27, 2010
A Brief History Of Fireplaces
A fireplace is a structure within conventional homes that provides heat and serves as an element of architectural style, as they are usually built into walls. In many homes, older and newer, the fireplace is a showcase for social gatherings.
Although most fireplaces are similarly constructed and share common features, the basic fireplace is comprised of a central foundation of cement, along with a hearth, a firebox and unique facing, ash dump and cleanout doors, a lintel and lintel bar, a breast, a damper, a smoke chamber, a throat, a flue, a chimney chase, a crown, a cap or shroud, and a spark arrestor. The structure of the fireplace was incorporated in the designs of homes for decades, even centuries. Today, however, since the fireplace has been replaced by central heating, the presence of fireplaces, where they still exist, seems to be to carry on tradition.
Fireplace: Fuel
Traditionally, fireplaces were fueled by coal, wood, or peat. Today, these burning materials have been replaced by natural gas and electrical fires due to the fact that these are cleaner, safer, and frequently less expensive than the older forms of fuel. Gas fireplaces usually require small doses of fuel to allow flames to burn for long periods of time. Modern fireplaces are better and more economical that way.
Types of Fireplaces
Manufactured/Prefab Fireplaces—built with a sheet metal fire box, a double or triple walled metal pipe running up inside a wood framed chase, and a chase cover and cap/spark arrestor at the top. Salt water in close proximity causes this kind of chimney to rust, but it’s economical to the more expensive masonry chimney.
Masonry fireplaces—features tiles that implement the flue to prevent corrosion in the chimney flue lining. These are not earthquake-resistant!
Reinforced Concrete Chimneys: They had their heyday during the 1970s and ‘80s, but are now obsolete. Inherent defect: confliction of thermal expansion rates between the steel rebar and concrete will cause cracking in the flue when heated. The chimney is loaded with vertical cracks which become more severe as the internal rebar rusts.
Fireplaces are appealing, as they add style to one’s home. The fire is mesmerizing and relaxing, and mantels are very popular in boasting family memories. Fireplaces hold a value that goes beyond their originally intended function and the apparent flaws in their structure. It goes deeper than that--fireplaces represent all the securities and comforts of home!
Although most fireplaces are similarly constructed and share common features, the basic fireplace is comprised of a central foundation of cement, along with a hearth, a firebox and unique facing, ash dump and cleanout doors, a lintel and lintel bar, a breast, a damper, a smoke chamber, a throat, a flue, a chimney chase, a crown, a cap or shroud, and a spark arrestor. The structure of the fireplace was incorporated in the designs of homes for decades, even centuries. Today, however, since the fireplace has been replaced by central heating, the presence of fireplaces, where they still exist, seems to be to carry on tradition.
Fireplace: Fuel
Traditionally, fireplaces were fueled by coal, wood, or peat. Today, these burning materials have been replaced by natural gas and electrical fires due to the fact that these are cleaner, safer, and frequently less expensive than the older forms of fuel. Gas fireplaces usually require small doses of fuel to allow flames to burn for long periods of time. Modern fireplaces are better and more economical that way.
Types of Fireplaces
Manufactured/Prefab Fireplaces—built with a sheet metal fire box, a double or triple walled metal pipe running up inside a wood framed chase, and a chase cover and cap/spark arrestor at the top. Salt water in close proximity causes this kind of chimney to rust, but it’s economical to the more expensive masonry chimney.
Masonry fireplaces—features tiles that implement the flue to prevent corrosion in the chimney flue lining. These are not earthquake-resistant!
Reinforced Concrete Chimneys: They had their heyday during the 1970s and ‘80s, but are now obsolete. Inherent defect: confliction of thermal expansion rates between the steel rebar and concrete will cause cracking in the flue when heated. The chimney is loaded with vertical cracks which become more severe as the internal rebar rusts.
Fireplaces are appealing, as they add style to one’s home. The fire is mesmerizing and relaxing, and mantels are very popular in boasting family memories. Fireplaces hold a value that goes beyond their originally intended function and the apparent flaws in their structure. It goes deeper than that--fireplaces represent all the securities and comforts of home!
12 Considerations When Choosing Contemporary Lighting
When redecorating a room, or even an entire house, contemporary lighting is a major concern. Dimly lit areas are uninviting and even depressing since human beings naturally crave the light. Some rooms, of course, invite subdued lighting ... a bedroom doesn't need glaring light whereas a dramatic entryway or living room might be stunning with bold, dramatic spotlight.
The older the home, the greater the challenge when planning for modern lighting. Here are twelve issues to contemplate when planning your lighting update.
1. Consider your natural lighting first. In what direction are your windows facing? Northern light is usually cooler and whiter whereas daylight from southern-facing windows will be warmer and yellower. This is perfect for plants, but not as satisfactory to artists, who prefer the truer white of the north. Northern light is a more even hue and is more shadow-free, which isn't as comfortable in a relaxing den.
2. How is the light affected by your architecture and landscaping? Do you have trees that shade the light, or bushes that block the lower parts of the windows and decrease the over-all quantity of illumination? Does a roofline cast a shadow in an important area of a room? Can you increase the quality and quantity of accessible light without spending a fortune?
3. What activities take place in your rooms? Do some of them require more light than others? A desk that hosts homework or needlework requires strong and steady light that covers the entire work area. However, someone relaxing on a recliner and watching TV at the end of a busy day does not want this kind of focused brightness.
4. Do you need variable lighting? You might require a bright light focused on a dining room table while it is being set and dinner is served. However, once all diners are seated and have loaded their plates, a softer lighting is more appropriate and a dimmer switch will nicely provide for multiple intensities.
5. Are there details in your room upon which you wish to focus attention? Perhaps you own a spectacular fireplace or exceptional art? In that case, spot lighting might be appropriate. There might be other necessary, but not-so-attractive areas, that you might wish to downplay by muting the light. Or you might own a spectacular view that is especially enchanting at night. In that case, lights reflecting from the windows will make it more difficult, or even impossible, to see out.
6. Can you add light to a room by changing your decorating scheme? We recently brightened a dark-paneled den by painting all the woodwork and cabinets a creamy white and adding 2" white wood blinds. With this relatively simple change, the entire room has taken on an entirely new appearance and brightened dramatically.
7. How do your window treatments affect the light? Some homes with heavy drapes are either "on" or "off": that is, either the drapes are closed, making the room dark and frequently gloomy, or they are open and sunlight isn't filtered in any way. Blinds or certain shades can diffuse light while still allowing a large percentage of it to access and brighten a room.
8. Decorating features in your home may add light or take it away. For instance, a mirror will add a sense of spaciousness and illumination whereas outside shutters or awnings may block the sun's rays. It might be wonderful to shut out harsh sunlight on a 95 degree summer day, but in the middle of winter we want every sliver of light we can grab.
9. What about the natural traffic pattern of your room? A floor lamp placed so that people must detour around it isn't the wisest use of your light sources. Is an off/on switch conveniently located near all entrances? Groping around on the wall in the dark isn't favored by most people. If this is your situation, a simple sensor that turns on lights when a human enters a room is a clever solution.
10. Which areas are underlit and which are overlit? In my bedroom, for example, there is an exceedingly bright overhead light as part of a ceiling fan. It is great when finding an appropriate color of socks to wear in the morning, but completely unsuitable for reading in bed before going to sleep. A pool table needs strong lighting whereas a romantic seating area in a garden room does not.
11. What kind of lighting does your room need? Fluorescent fixtures might be perfect above a kitchen island but would be repulsive directly above an eating area. Schools and other institutions might welcome such unflattering lighting, but incandescent lighting might be more appropriate at home.
12. What is the condition of your wiring? Old and outdated wiring often cannot accommodate sleek new lighting systems without some work. Updating wiring can be expensive and disruptive, but it is also the opportunity to add new switches and cause updates for new computers, high speed Internet connections or high-tech TV or sound systems.
If you consider all these situations before spending a single penny updating to more contemporary lighting, your end result is certain to be more satisfying to everyone who lives in your home.
The older the home, the greater the challenge when planning for modern lighting. Here are twelve issues to contemplate when planning your lighting update.
1. Consider your natural lighting first. In what direction are your windows facing? Northern light is usually cooler and whiter whereas daylight from southern-facing windows will be warmer and yellower. This is perfect for plants, but not as satisfactory to artists, who prefer the truer white of the north. Northern light is a more even hue and is more shadow-free, which isn't as comfortable in a relaxing den.
2. How is the light affected by your architecture and landscaping? Do you have trees that shade the light, or bushes that block the lower parts of the windows and decrease the over-all quantity of illumination? Does a roofline cast a shadow in an important area of a room? Can you increase the quality and quantity of accessible light without spending a fortune?
3. What activities take place in your rooms? Do some of them require more light than others? A desk that hosts homework or needlework requires strong and steady light that covers the entire work area. However, someone relaxing on a recliner and watching TV at the end of a busy day does not want this kind of focused brightness.
4. Do you need variable lighting? You might require a bright light focused on a dining room table while it is being set and dinner is served. However, once all diners are seated and have loaded their plates, a softer lighting is more appropriate and a dimmer switch will nicely provide for multiple intensities.
5. Are there details in your room upon which you wish to focus attention? Perhaps you own a spectacular fireplace or exceptional art? In that case, spot lighting might be appropriate. There might be other necessary, but not-so-attractive areas, that you might wish to downplay by muting the light. Or you might own a spectacular view that is especially enchanting at night. In that case, lights reflecting from the windows will make it more difficult, or even impossible, to see out.
6. Can you add light to a room by changing your decorating scheme? We recently brightened a dark-paneled den by painting all the woodwork and cabinets a creamy white and adding 2" white wood blinds. With this relatively simple change, the entire room has taken on an entirely new appearance and brightened dramatically.
7. How do your window treatments affect the light? Some homes with heavy drapes are either "on" or "off": that is, either the drapes are closed, making the room dark and frequently gloomy, or they are open and sunlight isn't filtered in any way. Blinds or certain shades can diffuse light while still allowing a large percentage of it to access and brighten a room.
8. Decorating features in your home may add light or take it away. For instance, a mirror will add a sense of spaciousness and illumination whereas outside shutters or awnings may block the sun's rays. It might be wonderful to shut out harsh sunlight on a 95 degree summer day, but in the middle of winter we want every sliver of light we can grab.
9. What about the natural traffic pattern of your room? A floor lamp placed so that people must detour around it isn't the wisest use of your light sources. Is an off/on switch conveniently located near all entrances? Groping around on the wall in the dark isn't favored by most people. If this is your situation, a simple sensor that turns on lights when a human enters a room is a clever solution.
10. Which areas are underlit and which are overlit? In my bedroom, for example, there is an exceedingly bright overhead light as part of a ceiling fan. It is great when finding an appropriate color of socks to wear in the morning, but completely unsuitable for reading in bed before going to sleep. A pool table needs strong lighting whereas a romantic seating area in a garden room does not.
11. What kind of lighting does your room need? Fluorescent fixtures might be perfect above a kitchen island but would be repulsive directly above an eating area. Schools and other institutions might welcome such unflattering lighting, but incandescent lighting might be more appropriate at home.
12. What is the condition of your wiring? Old and outdated wiring often cannot accommodate sleek new lighting systems without some work. Updating wiring can be expensive and disruptive, but it is also the opportunity to add new switches and cause updates for new computers, high speed Internet connections or high-tech TV or sound systems.
If you consider all these situations before spending a single penny updating to more contemporary lighting, your end result is certain to be more satisfying to everyone who lives in your home.
10 Tips To Home Organization
If you are looking for the perfect home organization plan, consider starting small and working your way up to the larger projects. A few simple tips will get you on the way to home organization at its finest.
Tip 1:
Use a flatware tray for utensils and place it neatly in a kitchen drawer. This will keep every utensil separate and will make it easy to find the one you want in a matter of seconds.
Tip 2:
Organize your favorite recipes in alphabetical order for quick reference. This can be done using note cards and a note card box or a binder with alphabetical separators.
Tip 3:
If you have a large number of VHS or DVD movies, consider a media unit to neatly store your collection. If feasible, select a wooden unit for strength and a pleasant appearance as opposed to inexpensive, plastic units.
Tip 4:
When storing away your seasonal clothes, don’t just hang them in the closet until next year. Instead, purchase a large plastic lidded storage tub and place your seasonal clothes neatly inside. Rather than folding, try rolling your clothes as this will reduce wrinkles and fold lines. In addition, it will save a lot of space. Place the storage tub in the floor of your closet and label the tub according to the clothing inside.
Tip 5:
Are you always losing pens and/or pencils? If so, consider using a coffee mug for neat and easy storage of your pens and/or pencils. Everyone has a coffee mug and this is a much more whimsy way of storing your writing utensils rather than a typical pen/pencil holder.
Tip 6:
Be sure to throw out any old magazines and/or newspapers. The best way to store them is a handled basket next to the sofa. However, this unit needs to be cleaned regularly in order to avoid any unsightly clutter.
Tip 7:
It is a good idea to keep all important papers, including deeds, titles and tax papers in a fireproof protective box. This box should also feature a lock & key and can be placed anywhere in the house. Most individuals place this underneath their bed.
Tip 8:
If you have any items that you no longer want, consider donating them to a local non-profit agency. This will save space and you will be doing a good deed.
Tip 9:
In order to avoid clutter, it may be necessary to throw away certain types of mail. This may include credit card offers, but don’t just throw them out without first shredding the letters. Identity theft is a huge problem and using a paper shredder on any bills or credit card offers will prevent anyone from ever gaining access to your private financial information.
Tip 10:
Make sure that your kitchen is neatly organized with all appliances close to an electrical outlet. You don’t want to have power cords running across the countertop and you will find that the microwave, toaster and coffee maker all in one location will be very convenient.
Tip 1:
Use a flatware tray for utensils and place it neatly in a kitchen drawer. This will keep every utensil separate and will make it easy to find the one you want in a matter of seconds.
Tip 2:
Organize your favorite recipes in alphabetical order for quick reference. This can be done using note cards and a note card box or a binder with alphabetical separators.
Tip 3:
If you have a large number of VHS or DVD movies, consider a media unit to neatly store your collection. If feasible, select a wooden unit for strength and a pleasant appearance as opposed to inexpensive, plastic units.
Tip 4:
When storing away your seasonal clothes, don’t just hang them in the closet until next year. Instead, purchase a large plastic lidded storage tub and place your seasonal clothes neatly inside. Rather than folding, try rolling your clothes as this will reduce wrinkles and fold lines. In addition, it will save a lot of space. Place the storage tub in the floor of your closet and label the tub according to the clothing inside.
Tip 5:
Are you always losing pens and/or pencils? If so, consider using a coffee mug for neat and easy storage of your pens and/or pencils. Everyone has a coffee mug and this is a much more whimsy way of storing your writing utensils rather than a typical pen/pencil holder.
Tip 6:
Be sure to throw out any old magazines and/or newspapers. The best way to store them is a handled basket next to the sofa. However, this unit needs to be cleaned regularly in order to avoid any unsightly clutter.
Tip 7:
It is a good idea to keep all important papers, including deeds, titles and tax papers in a fireproof protective box. This box should also feature a lock & key and can be placed anywhere in the house. Most individuals place this underneath their bed.
Tip 8:
If you have any items that you no longer want, consider donating them to a local non-profit agency. This will save space and you will be doing a good deed.
Tip 9:
In order to avoid clutter, it may be necessary to throw away certain types of mail. This may include credit card offers, but don’t just throw them out without first shredding the letters. Identity theft is a huge problem and using a paper shredder on any bills or credit card offers will prevent anyone from ever gaining access to your private financial information.
Tip 10:
Make sure that your kitchen is neatly organized with all appliances close to an electrical outlet. You don’t want to have power cords running across the countertop and you will find that the microwave, toaster and coffee maker all in one location will be very convenient.
10 Surefire Ways to Avoid Common DIY Home Improvement Mistakes
Ask people who have completed do-it-yourself projects and they’ll tell you that the projects took at least twice and much time and three times the money they thought they would. The basic reason is that DIYers usually make a lot of mistakes that end up making home improvement projects more expensive and time-consuming.
Here are 10 surefire ways to avoid the top DIY home improvement mistakes in the future and ensure success.
1. Take out the required permits — it’s amazing how many DIYers skip this step. Sure, it takes time, and it means you have to deal with the government, but it’s actually in your best interest to make sure get the required home improvement permits. The folks in the permitting office will make sure the project is done correctly and that you stay safe in the process. Also, for some projects, you’ll need proof that you have a permit or your insurance company won’t cover the improvement. You’ll probably need a permit for any project larger than wallpapering and painting. If you’re unsure, call your local building department and ask.
2. Have all the tools and materials you need available before you start your project — starting a job without the necessary tools and supplies will slow down the job and delay your progress. And make sure you buy quality tools. They’re a wise investment.
3. Prepare the job site for material deliveries — when your suppliers deliver materials, you’ll want to make sure the job site is ready to accept them. You don’t want your materials exposed to the weather while you are working and you want to have a storage area to prevent theft.
4. Don’t skimp on materials — for example, don’t use 1/4-inch drywall for building walls. Use at at least 5/8-inch; and 3/4-inch works well for a good sound barrier. Use 3/4-inch plywood for sub-floors. It creates a much stronger floor.
5. Prepare the walls for painting — clean the walls, sand them and patch any holes before you paint. Use a coat of primer or stain blocker if you're trying to cover over oil-based paint, stains or peeling paint, or if you're painting a lighter color over a darker color.
6. Use the correct paint — use flat paint ceilings. Interior paints should have at least an eggshell or satin finish so you can scrub it. For outdoor decks, use a linseed-oil-based stain to drive the pigment into the wood and preserve it.
7. Keep safe while working — you don’t want to end up in the emergency room. Wear safety goggles when using power tools or working with drywall or wood. Wear a hard hat when you're working under other people on scaffolding, and open some windows when you're painting or staining, or stripping old finishes off of floors or walls. Don’t wear loose, hanging clothing, especially when using power tools. Wear gloves when carrying wood, metal and rock, or when hammering, and wear a nail or tool pouch to prevent damage to your floors, feet, and pets.
8. Measure twice and cut once — probably the most important rule of any project. If you’re going to make a mistake, make it too long. You can always make something shorter. You can’t make it longer.
9. Know the limits of your abilities — you’re not going to be good at everything. If you don’t have a lot of experience at plumbing or electrical work, for instance, don’t attempt those projects.
10. Don't start to learn how to do a project on your own house — If you want to learn how to do a project, offer your assistance to a friend who is an experienced DIYer or a contractor. And if you have any question about what you’re doing, make sure you stop and ask.
You probably won’t eliminate all of your DIY home improvement mistakes, but you can surely reduce them with these 10 tips.
Here are 10 surefire ways to avoid the top DIY home improvement mistakes in the future and ensure success.
1. Take out the required permits — it’s amazing how many DIYers skip this step. Sure, it takes time, and it means you have to deal with the government, but it’s actually in your best interest to make sure get the required home improvement permits. The folks in the permitting office will make sure the project is done correctly and that you stay safe in the process. Also, for some projects, you’ll need proof that you have a permit or your insurance company won’t cover the improvement. You’ll probably need a permit for any project larger than wallpapering and painting. If you’re unsure, call your local building department and ask.
2. Have all the tools and materials you need available before you start your project — starting a job without the necessary tools and supplies will slow down the job and delay your progress. And make sure you buy quality tools. They’re a wise investment.
3. Prepare the job site for material deliveries — when your suppliers deliver materials, you’ll want to make sure the job site is ready to accept them. You don’t want your materials exposed to the weather while you are working and you want to have a storage area to prevent theft.
4. Don’t skimp on materials — for example, don’t use 1/4-inch drywall for building walls. Use at at least 5/8-inch; and 3/4-inch works well for a good sound barrier. Use 3/4-inch plywood for sub-floors. It creates a much stronger floor.
5. Prepare the walls for painting — clean the walls, sand them and patch any holes before you paint. Use a coat of primer or stain blocker if you're trying to cover over oil-based paint, stains or peeling paint, or if you're painting a lighter color over a darker color.
6. Use the correct paint — use flat paint ceilings. Interior paints should have at least an eggshell or satin finish so you can scrub it. For outdoor decks, use a linseed-oil-based stain to drive the pigment into the wood and preserve it.
7. Keep safe while working — you don’t want to end up in the emergency room. Wear safety goggles when using power tools or working with drywall or wood. Wear a hard hat when you're working under other people on scaffolding, and open some windows when you're painting or staining, or stripping old finishes off of floors or walls. Don’t wear loose, hanging clothing, especially when using power tools. Wear gloves when carrying wood, metal and rock, or when hammering, and wear a nail or tool pouch to prevent damage to your floors, feet, and pets.
8. Measure twice and cut once — probably the most important rule of any project. If you’re going to make a mistake, make it too long. You can always make something shorter. You can’t make it longer.
9. Know the limits of your abilities — you’re not going to be good at everything. If you don’t have a lot of experience at plumbing or electrical work, for instance, don’t attempt those projects.
10. Don't start to learn how to do a project on your own house — If you want to learn how to do a project, offer your assistance to a friend who is an experienced DIYer or a contractor. And if you have any question about what you’re doing, make sure you stop and ask.
You probably won’t eliminate all of your DIY home improvement mistakes, but you can surely reduce them with these 10 tips.
Why You Need an Answering Service
The integral role played by the telephone as a business communication tool accounts for the growing importance of answering service businesses. All businesses, whether a physician's private practice, a small construction company, or a conglomerate, rely on the telephone as one of the fastest and most reliable communication tool in their businesses.
Anyone with a busy schedule and a telephone needs an answering service! Answering service can be a real lifesaver to a small business. Many small businesses have neither the time nor the means to take incoming calls during business hours when they are out on jobs -- yet those calls represent the very lifeblood of their business! They cannot afford an office; much less a secretary, but they certainly need those phone calls. Unless they can find a reliable and affordable answering service, they will probably have to do without (or ask people to call them only after 7 PM) or use an answering machine (which has a whole set of disadvantages).
Yes, you indeed can use an answering machine but the fact is that people really do not like to talk to machines, if they are unable to reach a human voice easily, they will go somewhere else – it’s a lost business opportunity.
Fortunately, employers are recognizing this problem and solving it by contracting people to answer the phones when they cannot do it themselves. That personal touch you can offer can mean the difference in obtaining or keeping a client. Hiring a professional answering service business assures that you can take messages, deliver specific messages to callers, provide basic information, clarify the intent of calls and even arrange meetings with customers.
It’s always in the best interest of small companies to hire an answering service provider to work for the company during the extended business workday, say from 8.00 AM to 8.00 PM or may be even for the rest of the day if your business needs it. Now it doesn’t costs an arm or a leg to hire an answering service. Generally, in a competitive market you can get it for as cheap as $30-$50 per month on the lowest slab! So go and hire an answering service provider so that you never lose that customer again.
Anyone with a busy schedule and a telephone needs an answering service! Answering service can be a real lifesaver to a small business. Many small businesses have neither the time nor the means to take incoming calls during business hours when they are out on jobs -- yet those calls represent the very lifeblood of their business! They cannot afford an office; much less a secretary, but they certainly need those phone calls. Unless they can find a reliable and affordable answering service, they will probably have to do without (or ask people to call them only after 7 PM) or use an answering machine (which has a whole set of disadvantages).
Yes, you indeed can use an answering machine but the fact is that people really do not like to talk to machines, if they are unable to reach a human voice easily, they will go somewhere else – it’s a lost business opportunity.
Fortunately, employers are recognizing this problem and solving it by contracting people to answer the phones when they cannot do it themselves. That personal touch you can offer can mean the difference in obtaining or keeping a client. Hiring a professional answering service business assures that you can take messages, deliver specific messages to callers, provide basic information, clarify the intent of calls and even arrange meetings with customers.
It’s always in the best interest of small companies to hire an answering service provider to work for the company during the extended business workday, say from 8.00 AM to 8.00 PM or may be even for the rest of the day if your business needs it. Now it doesn’t costs an arm or a leg to hire an answering service. Generally, in a competitive market you can get it for as cheap as $30-$50 per month on the lowest slab! So go and hire an answering service provider so that you never lose that customer again.
What is 24-7 Support?
What is 24-7 support?
Do you get frustrated calling a hot line for many times and still no answer whatsoever? Do you hate bringing your machine to the store and waiting for days for the service? Do you want quick response and assistance from product manufacturers? The answer is the modern 247 support service.
Many companies, especially the more established once provide 24-7-365 support service to their clients. What does this mean?
24-7-365 Support Service
This means that manufacturers or support service provides 24 hours, 7 days a week and 365 days in a year support service. It literally means there is support anytime, anywhere, any season.
How it works?
This is because product manufacturers outsource their service support with competent 24-7 support provider.
The 24-7 support provider hires skilled, competent, and well-trained staff to attend to the needs of customers, clients and they have enough knowledge of variety of products.
This ensures that if you are the customer of a product they serve, you will be taken cared of properly.
What are the services available from a 24-7 support service?
• Voice support – you have a warm body attending to you for your inquiries. Many consumers prefer this type of support service. However, if you are an irate consumer and you deal with voice support, you may not control your anger and some people regret this later on.
• Non-voice support – This is an email support where consumers can send their requests for support and receive response direct to their inbox. This enables the support and the consumer to get fast response and interaction.
• Live chat support – this is one of the most preferred support services. You chat with the support operator and get the response quick. If there is no operator available, then an automated response is provided to you.
24-7 support is a benefit of the ecommerce advent. It is therefore easy to communicate to manufacturers and your problems get attention immediately.
Finally, 24-7 support is difficult if a manufacturer is doing it on his own. It is therefore necessary that you outsource your 24-7 support service if you want to ensure that you are really serving your clients 24-7.
Avoid promising a 24-7 support if you are not outsourcing your support service. The reason is that if you are doing the support within your entity and your operators are not trained well, you may not be able to assist your customers as promised.
Now, if you outsource your 24-7 support, then you are surely backed by experienced and well-trained 24-7 customer support. You can brag about it and your customers will be able to enjoy it as well.
Do you get frustrated calling a hot line for many times and still no answer whatsoever? Do you hate bringing your machine to the store and waiting for days for the service? Do you want quick response and assistance from product manufacturers? The answer is the modern 247 support service.
Many companies, especially the more established once provide 24-7-365 support service to their clients. What does this mean?
24-7-365 Support Service
This means that manufacturers or support service provides 24 hours, 7 days a week and 365 days in a year support service. It literally means there is support anytime, anywhere, any season.
How it works?
This is because product manufacturers outsource their service support with competent 24-7 support provider.
The 24-7 support provider hires skilled, competent, and well-trained staff to attend to the needs of customers, clients and they have enough knowledge of variety of products.
This ensures that if you are the customer of a product they serve, you will be taken cared of properly.
What are the services available from a 24-7 support service?
• Voice support – you have a warm body attending to you for your inquiries. Many consumers prefer this type of support service. However, if you are an irate consumer and you deal with voice support, you may not control your anger and some people regret this later on.
• Non-voice support – This is an email support where consumers can send their requests for support and receive response direct to their inbox. This enables the support and the consumer to get fast response and interaction.
• Live chat support – this is one of the most preferred support services. You chat with the support operator and get the response quick. If there is no operator available, then an automated response is provided to you.
24-7 support is a benefit of the ecommerce advent. It is therefore easy to communicate to manufacturers and your problems get attention immediately.
Finally, 24-7 support is difficult if a manufacturer is doing it on his own. It is therefore necessary that you outsource your 24-7 support service if you want to ensure that you are really serving your clients 24-7.
Avoid promising a 24-7 support if you are not outsourcing your support service. The reason is that if you are doing the support within your entity and your operators are not trained well, you may not be able to assist your customers as promised.
Now, if you outsource your 24-7 support, then you are surely backed by experienced and well-trained 24-7 customer support. You can brag about it and your customers will be able to enjoy it as well.
Top 6 Ways To Get An Angry Customer To Back Down
1. Apologize. An apology makes the angry customer feel heard and understood. It diffuses and anger and allows you to begin to re-establish trust. Not only that, but pilot studies have found that the mere act of apologizing has reduced lawsuits, settlement, and defense costs. You need to apologize to customers regardless of fault. Certainly, the apology needs to be carefully worded. Here’s an example of a sincere, yet careful apology:
“Please accept my sincere and unreserved apology for any inconvenience this may have caused you.”
2. Kill Them Softly With Diplomacy. This simple phrase has never failed me: “Clearly, we’ve upset you and I want you to know that getting to the bottom of this is just as important to me as it is to you.” When you say this, anger begins to dissipate. You’ve addressed the anger directly and non defensively and you haven’t been pulled into the drama of the attack.
3. Go into Computer Mode. To use Computer Mode you take on the formalities of a computer. You speak generally, without emotion, and you don't take the bait your angry or difficult customer is throwing you. Your words, tone, and attitude are completely impersonal and neutral - (Think of the automated response system you speak to when you call your wireless phone company or bank.)
This "computer mode" response deflects, diffuses, and disarms angry customers because you don't add fuel to the fire by giving your difficult customer what they want -an emotional reaction. When you don't take the bait, the difficult customer is forced to stop dead in their tracks. And that means you regain control (and confidence).
The Computer Mode Approach In Action
Let's say your customer says:
"You don't give a d*** about customers. Once you get a customer locked into a contract, the service aspect is over."
While it may be tempting to fuel the fire with an equally hostile response such as "What's your problem, creep?" don't take the bait. If you do take the bait, the situation will only escalate and nothing productive or positive will result. A computer mode response might look like this:
"I'm sure there are some people who think we don't care about servicing customers."
"People get irritated when they don't immediately get the help they need."
"It's very annoying to experience a delay in service response."
"Nothing is more distressing than feeling like you're being passed around when all you want is help."
And then you stop -like a locked up computer.
No matter how uncomfortable the verbal abuse is or how ridiculous it becomes, continue to respond without emotion. This tactic works because it is neutral, doesn't take the bait, and because it is unexpected. The difficult customer wants to throw you off, make you lose control, and to get you to respond emotionally. When you fail to do each of these things, you actually regain control.
Go into "computer mode" the next time you're faced with verbal abuse from an irate or unreasonable customer, and I promise you, you'll quickly regain control ---and you'll have fun with the process.
4. Give this question a shot: “Have I done something personally to upset you?... I’d like to be a part of the solution.” Of course, you know you haven’t done anything to upset the customer. You ask this question to force the angry customer to think about his behavior. Often, the mere asking of this question is enough to get the ballistic customer to begin to shift from the right brain to the left brain, where he can begin to listen and rationalize.
5. Show empathy - Empathy can be a powerful tool used to disarm an angry customer and show that you genuinely care about the inconvenience the customer has experienced. Expressing empathy is also good for YOU, as it helps you truly begin to see the problem from the customer’s perspective/and this perspective will help keep you from losing your cool when your customer gets hot. By letting customers know that you understand why they are upset, you build a bridge of rapport between you and them.
Here are some phrases that express empathy:
• “That must have been very frustrating for you.”
• “I realize the wait you encountered was an inconvenience.”
• “If I were in your shoes, I’m sure I’d feel just as you do.”
• “It must have been very frustrating for you have waited five days for your order and for that I am sorry.”
6. And finally, here’s a tip that works like magic. …. Show appreciation for the difficult person’s feedback. After your difficult customer has ranted and raved, you can regain control of the conversation by interjecting---not interrupting, but interjecting to thank them for taking the time to give you feedback. You can say something like:
Thanks for being so honest.
Thanks for taking the time to let us know how you feel.
We appreciate customers who let us know when things aren’t right.
Thanks for caring so much.
The reason this tip works so effectively is because the last thing your irate or unreasonable customer expects is for you to respond with kindness and gratitude. It’s a shock factor and many times you’ll find that your customer is stunned silent and this is exactly what you want. When the customer is stunned into silence, you get in the driver’s seat and steer the conversation in the direction you want it to go.
When you do these things you’ll find that being on the receiving end of verbal abuse doesn’t have to be threatening or intimidating. You can come across as confident, composed and strong…and most importantly, you’ll regain control of the conversation.
“Please accept my sincere and unreserved apology for any inconvenience this may have caused you.”
2. Kill Them Softly With Diplomacy. This simple phrase has never failed me: “Clearly, we’ve upset you and I want you to know that getting to the bottom of this is just as important to me as it is to you.” When you say this, anger begins to dissipate. You’ve addressed the anger directly and non defensively and you haven’t been pulled into the drama of the attack.
3. Go into Computer Mode. To use Computer Mode you take on the formalities of a computer. You speak generally, without emotion, and you don't take the bait your angry or difficult customer is throwing you. Your words, tone, and attitude are completely impersonal and neutral - (Think of the automated response system you speak to when you call your wireless phone company or bank.)
This "computer mode" response deflects, diffuses, and disarms angry customers because you don't add fuel to the fire by giving your difficult customer what they want -an emotional reaction. When you don't take the bait, the difficult customer is forced to stop dead in their tracks. And that means you regain control (and confidence).
The Computer Mode Approach In Action
Let's say your customer says:
"You don't give a d*** about customers. Once you get a customer locked into a contract, the service aspect is over."
While it may be tempting to fuel the fire with an equally hostile response such as "What's your problem, creep?" don't take the bait. If you do take the bait, the situation will only escalate and nothing productive or positive will result. A computer mode response might look like this:
"I'm sure there are some people who think we don't care about servicing customers."
"People get irritated when they don't immediately get the help they need."
"It's very annoying to experience a delay in service response."
"Nothing is more distressing than feeling like you're being passed around when all you want is help."
And then you stop -like a locked up computer.
No matter how uncomfortable the verbal abuse is or how ridiculous it becomes, continue to respond without emotion. This tactic works because it is neutral, doesn't take the bait, and because it is unexpected. The difficult customer wants to throw you off, make you lose control, and to get you to respond emotionally. When you fail to do each of these things, you actually regain control.
Go into "computer mode" the next time you're faced with verbal abuse from an irate or unreasonable customer, and I promise you, you'll quickly regain control ---and you'll have fun with the process.
4. Give this question a shot: “Have I done something personally to upset you?... I’d like to be a part of the solution.” Of course, you know you haven’t done anything to upset the customer. You ask this question to force the angry customer to think about his behavior. Often, the mere asking of this question is enough to get the ballistic customer to begin to shift from the right brain to the left brain, where he can begin to listen and rationalize.
5. Show empathy - Empathy can be a powerful tool used to disarm an angry customer and show that you genuinely care about the inconvenience the customer has experienced. Expressing empathy is also good for YOU, as it helps you truly begin to see the problem from the customer’s perspective/and this perspective will help keep you from losing your cool when your customer gets hot. By letting customers know that you understand why they are upset, you build a bridge of rapport between you and them.
Here are some phrases that express empathy:
• “That must have been very frustrating for you.”
• “I realize the wait you encountered was an inconvenience.”
• “If I were in your shoes, I’m sure I’d feel just as you do.”
• “It must have been very frustrating for you have waited five days for your order and for that I am sorry.”
6. And finally, here’s a tip that works like magic. …. Show appreciation for the difficult person’s feedback. After your difficult customer has ranted and raved, you can regain control of the conversation by interjecting---not interrupting, but interjecting to thank them for taking the time to give you feedback. You can say something like:
Thanks for being so honest.
Thanks for taking the time to let us know how you feel.
We appreciate customers who let us know when things aren’t right.
Thanks for caring so much.
The reason this tip works so effectively is because the last thing your irate or unreasonable customer expects is for you to respond with kindness and gratitude. It’s a shock factor and many times you’ll find that your customer is stunned silent and this is exactly what you want. When the customer is stunned into silence, you get in the driver’s seat and steer the conversation in the direction you want it to go.
When you do these things you’ll find that being on the receiving end of verbal abuse doesn’t have to be threatening or intimidating. You can come across as confident, composed and strong…and most importantly, you’ll regain control of the conversation.
Turning Customer Service Inside Out
While companies focus thousands of dollars on external customer service in hopes of wooing and retaining customers, little attention is being paid to the effect poor internal customer service has on customer satisfaction. It all starts within your organization! Sooner or later the ripple effect reaches your customers. To really walk your service talk, make sure your commitment to internal customer service matches your company's external focus on customer care.
When we think of customer service we think of staff serving customers over a counter or over the phone. But customer service occurs within your organization as well. How well is your staff serving its internal customers: other departments, its management, vendors and consultants? Believe it or not, it all counts. Internal customer service refers to service directed to others within your organization. It refers to your level of responsiveness, quality, communication, teamwork and morale.
I define Internal Customer Service as effectively serving other departments within your organization. How well are you providing other departments with service, products or information to help them do their jobs? How well are you listening to and understanding their concerns? How well are you solving problems for each other to help your organization succeed?
Teaming with Success
How well do you work with other departments? Does your Marketing department communicate well with the Legal department? Does Fulfillment relate well with Shipping and Receiving? Do Catering and Facilities work well together? When it's time to communicate with others from different departments do you take a deep breath, or smile and relish a chance to renew contact with colleagues from elsewhere in the company?
As a manager I once joined a publishing company and found myself in the midst of a war between departments. Production resented Editorial for the way they missed deadlines and delivered shoddy copy. Conversely, Editorial had little respect for the resulting manuscripts they received back from Production, full of errors and oversights. Poor teamwork, poor communication and myopic thinking had led to a hardening of positions over time. They each cared about the finished product but were putting pressure on each other without realizing it. It took time, but eventually both groups came to appreciate each other and how to best work together to achieve win-wins for the greater good of their customers.
Do you relish or dread committee work with other departments? Does it seem their aims are contrary to your department's? When other departments contact you for help do you regard it as a nuisance, a distraction and a drain of your valuable time? Can you see the greater good that comes from helping them solve their problems or fulfill their needs?
You can take pride in opportunities to help other departments look good. Obviously, you don't want their success to come at your expense. Usually helping others doesn't mean you lose a zero-sum game, where only one of you can win and helping others hurts you. In most instances helping other departments leads to a win-win situation. And what goes around usually comes around. Helping other departments succeed can help yours too when the roles are reversed.
Up with People
Good internal customer service starts with good morale within your group. Are your people happy? Do they feel good about themselves and their contributions to the goals of the department and to the company at large? They should, and effort should be made to help them do so. Happy employees are productive, and customers take note. Happy employees are also better team players. Will you fly the airline whose employees are striking with management, or the airline whose employees are management? Employees invested in employee stock purchasing plans with matching contributions see themselves as much more a part of the company. Thus, as the company goes, so do they go.
When I fly out of Oakland Airport I use an outlying parking lot and shuttle van. This shuttle is shared by employees from Southwest Airlines, coming to work or returning to their cars after their shifts. I've found them as happy and upbeat when they're starting their shifts as when they're finishing their shifts. That's great morale, and tells me they like their jobs. It's contagious! Sometimes I'm envious on that shuttle when I know I'll be checking in at a competitor's ticket counter.
Who's On Top?
Many organizational charts employ an inverted pyramid with customers at top. Some companies instead put their employees at the top. In many senses, the employees are management's customers. Corporate values that emphasize treating employees well translate to good customer care too. Does your organization value its people? Invariably, companies that care about their people can better ask their people to care about their customers.
Catering to Customer Service Needs
Here are five tips for your organization to help strengthen its internal customer service orientation.
1. Employees should never complain within earshot of customers. It gives them the impression your company isn't well run, shaking their confidence in you.
2. Employees should never complain to customers about other department's employees. Who wants to patronize a company whose people don't get along with each other.
3. Employees at every level should strive to build bridges between departments. This can be done through cross training, joint picnics, parties or offsites, or creative gatherings, as well as day-to-day niceties.
4. Utilize post mortems after joint projects so everyone can learn from the experience. Fences can be mended and new understandings gleaned when everyone reviews what went right...or wrong. By doing do after the project the immediate pressure is off, yet stronger bonds can be forged while the experience is fresh in peoples' minds. Not doing so can result in lingering animosities that will exacerbate future collaborations.
5. Consider letting your employees become "Customer for a Day"; to experience firsthand what your customers experience when doing business with you.
Congratulations on turning customer service inside out! By improving internal customer service you have just enhanced the customer service your external customers receive. You're walking your talk regarding customer service.
When we think of customer service we think of staff serving customers over a counter or over the phone. But customer service occurs within your organization as well. How well is your staff serving its internal customers: other departments, its management, vendors and consultants? Believe it or not, it all counts. Internal customer service refers to service directed to others within your organization. It refers to your level of responsiveness, quality, communication, teamwork and morale.
I define Internal Customer Service as effectively serving other departments within your organization. How well are you providing other departments with service, products or information to help them do their jobs? How well are you listening to and understanding their concerns? How well are you solving problems for each other to help your organization succeed?
Teaming with Success
How well do you work with other departments? Does your Marketing department communicate well with the Legal department? Does Fulfillment relate well with Shipping and Receiving? Do Catering and Facilities work well together? When it's time to communicate with others from different departments do you take a deep breath, or smile and relish a chance to renew contact with colleagues from elsewhere in the company?
As a manager I once joined a publishing company and found myself in the midst of a war between departments. Production resented Editorial for the way they missed deadlines and delivered shoddy copy. Conversely, Editorial had little respect for the resulting manuscripts they received back from Production, full of errors and oversights. Poor teamwork, poor communication and myopic thinking had led to a hardening of positions over time. They each cared about the finished product but were putting pressure on each other without realizing it. It took time, but eventually both groups came to appreciate each other and how to best work together to achieve win-wins for the greater good of their customers.
Do you relish or dread committee work with other departments? Does it seem their aims are contrary to your department's? When other departments contact you for help do you regard it as a nuisance, a distraction and a drain of your valuable time? Can you see the greater good that comes from helping them solve their problems or fulfill their needs?
You can take pride in opportunities to help other departments look good. Obviously, you don't want their success to come at your expense. Usually helping others doesn't mean you lose a zero-sum game, where only one of you can win and helping others hurts you. In most instances helping other departments leads to a win-win situation. And what goes around usually comes around. Helping other departments succeed can help yours too when the roles are reversed.
Up with People
Good internal customer service starts with good morale within your group. Are your people happy? Do they feel good about themselves and their contributions to the goals of the department and to the company at large? They should, and effort should be made to help them do so. Happy employees are productive, and customers take note. Happy employees are also better team players. Will you fly the airline whose employees are striking with management, or the airline whose employees are management? Employees invested in employee stock purchasing plans with matching contributions see themselves as much more a part of the company. Thus, as the company goes, so do they go.
When I fly out of Oakland Airport I use an outlying parking lot and shuttle van. This shuttle is shared by employees from Southwest Airlines, coming to work or returning to their cars after their shifts. I've found them as happy and upbeat when they're starting their shifts as when they're finishing their shifts. That's great morale, and tells me they like their jobs. It's contagious! Sometimes I'm envious on that shuttle when I know I'll be checking in at a competitor's ticket counter.
Who's On Top?
Many organizational charts employ an inverted pyramid with customers at top. Some companies instead put their employees at the top. In many senses, the employees are management's customers. Corporate values that emphasize treating employees well translate to good customer care too. Does your organization value its people? Invariably, companies that care about their people can better ask their people to care about their customers.
Catering to Customer Service Needs
Here are five tips for your organization to help strengthen its internal customer service orientation.
1. Employees should never complain within earshot of customers. It gives them the impression your company isn't well run, shaking their confidence in you.
2. Employees should never complain to customers about other department's employees. Who wants to patronize a company whose people don't get along with each other.
3. Employees at every level should strive to build bridges between departments. This can be done through cross training, joint picnics, parties or offsites, or creative gatherings, as well as day-to-day niceties.
4. Utilize post mortems after joint projects so everyone can learn from the experience. Fences can be mended and new understandings gleaned when everyone reviews what went right...or wrong. By doing do after the project the immediate pressure is off, yet stronger bonds can be forged while the experience is fresh in peoples' minds. Not doing so can result in lingering animosities that will exacerbate future collaborations.
5. Consider letting your employees become "Customer for a Day"; to experience firsthand what your customers experience when doing business with you.
Congratulations on turning customer service inside out! By improving internal customer service you have just enhanced the customer service your external customers receive. You're walking your talk regarding customer service.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Why Should You Use Grading In The Garden
Not all houses have perfect surroundings that will be easy to transform into outdoor recreation and entertainment areas with good lawns and gardens. It is frequently necessary to undertake some construction projects to obtain the quality and type of outdoor area you want. One of the basic construction problems for any landscaping task is grading the soil. Generally, grading means building a slope into the garden area. Sloping ensures that there is proper drainage, and it can make the house look better while allowing for easier maintenance.
Whether you want to have a garden, a lawn, or a terrace, you must do your grading first. The best time to grade is when a home is being constructed, since it is relatively simple to add a few inches between the entrance level and the ground level at this point. Just a few inches can ease the creation of a grade away from the house to improve its appearance and make for a drier basement, if you have one.
It is difficult to measure a grade by eye. Even professionals cannot do this. You should use a piece of twine as a guide. Pull the twine tight between two sticks imbedded in the ground. Once you’ve completed the rough work for leveling, use a long board as a straight edge on the ground to make sure you’ve been accurate. Rough grading is the first step in landscape construction. The extent of the grading depends on the condition of the ground and ground levels desired. You must also pay attention if there are extreme slopes and try to keep as closely as possible to natural contours. This reduces the expense of grading in a big way.
Begin grading by stripping and separating topsoil from the areas where the level is to be altered. Even if you are grading for a stone or concrete terrace, you should save the topsoil. You can spread the topsoil in areas where it is thin, or you can use it a flower garden and save yourself some money. Once you have stripped the topsoil, subsoil can be graded to the desired contours, leaving space for adding the topsoil that has been removed. You should also plan to have a slope for every one-hundred feet of lawn. The same measurement can be applied to a stone terrace to prevent pools of water to develop during periods of rain.
When you level an area for a terrace, you don’t need to insert subsoil drainage. Just save the topsoil. For nearly all terraces, it is good practice to tamp the soil down and even to put a layer of gravel cinder or crushed rock as a base for the terrace. Terraces typically require a level area, but the grade that slopes away from the house should be maintained.
Whether you want to have a garden, a lawn, or a terrace, you must do your grading first. The best time to grade is when a home is being constructed, since it is relatively simple to add a few inches between the entrance level and the ground level at this point. Just a few inches can ease the creation of a grade away from the house to improve its appearance and make for a drier basement, if you have one.
It is difficult to measure a grade by eye. Even professionals cannot do this. You should use a piece of twine as a guide. Pull the twine tight between two sticks imbedded in the ground. Once you’ve completed the rough work for leveling, use a long board as a straight edge on the ground to make sure you’ve been accurate. Rough grading is the first step in landscape construction. The extent of the grading depends on the condition of the ground and ground levels desired. You must also pay attention if there are extreme slopes and try to keep as closely as possible to natural contours. This reduces the expense of grading in a big way.
Begin grading by stripping and separating topsoil from the areas where the level is to be altered. Even if you are grading for a stone or concrete terrace, you should save the topsoil. You can spread the topsoil in areas where it is thin, or you can use it a flower garden and save yourself some money. Once you have stripped the topsoil, subsoil can be graded to the desired contours, leaving space for adding the topsoil that has been removed. You should also plan to have a slope for every one-hundred feet of lawn. The same measurement can be applied to a stone terrace to prevent pools of water to develop during periods of rain.
When you level an area for a terrace, you don’t need to insert subsoil drainage. Just save the topsoil. For nearly all terraces, it is good practice to tamp the soil down and even to put a layer of gravel cinder or crushed rock as a base for the terrace. Terraces typically require a level area, but the grade that slopes away from the house should be maintained.
Why Every Gardener Needs A Garden Shed
One of my all-time favorite hobbies is having a garden each year. I think my love for gardening started when I was a little girl spending summers with my grandmother and helping her take care of her large vegetable and flower gardens. I love the feeling of getting dirt in my fingernails and of seeing healthy vegetables and beautiful flowers grow from the tinest seeds. My grandmother taught me a lot about life and about gardening during those summers. One of the main things I remember her teaching me, however, was that every gardener needed a garden shed.
I thought this advice about a garden shed was a bit strange at first. In fact, I questioned my grandmother about it because I thought surely she had spoken wrong. A garden shed? Sure, they are great, but why would every gardener need one? That was my question to my grandmother.
She answered my question about the need for a garden shed in the most magical and memorable way. She walked me over to her special garden shed and brought me inside with her. Once inside she began explaining all the different tools, seeds and fertilizers that she had in her garden shed. I was quite amazed at everything my gram had in her garden shed. It was really organized and she seemed to have a great reason for each thing she had in there. She said that all gardeners will take more pride in their gardens if they have a special garden shed filled with everything they need to garden.
To make a long story short, I have since become very convinced that my grandmother's words are true about a garden shed. The more I have gotten into gardening the more I have seen the truth that it requires a lot of tools and things to make a garden grow with success, and my garden shed is the perfect place to store everything for my garden. Each year it seems like I grow my gardens a bit bigger and so each year my garden shed gets a little more filled with all of the right products and tools for each of my new attempts.
So if you are a gardener of if you are thinking about starting a garden for the first time, then I suggest you invest into a garden shed. It will hold everything you need for your garden and allow you to take pride in the work of your hands.
I thought this advice about a garden shed was a bit strange at first. In fact, I questioned my grandmother about it because I thought surely she had spoken wrong. A garden shed? Sure, they are great, but why would every gardener need one? That was my question to my grandmother.
She answered my question about the need for a garden shed in the most magical and memorable way. She walked me over to her special garden shed and brought me inside with her. Once inside she began explaining all the different tools, seeds and fertilizers that she had in her garden shed. I was quite amazed at everything my gram had in her garden shed. It was really organized and she seemed to have a great reason for each thing she had in there. She said that all gardeners will take more pride in their gardens if they have a special garden shed filled with everything they need to garden.
To make a long story short, I have since become very convinced that my grandmother's words are true about a garden shed. The more I have gotten into gardening the more I have seen the truth that it requires a lot of tools and things to make a garden grow with success, and my garden shed is the perfect place to store everything for my garden. Each year it seems like I grow my gardens a bit bigger and so each year my garden shed gets a little more filled with all of the right products and tools for each of my new attempts.
So if you are a gardener of if you are thinking about starting a garden for the first time, then I suggest you invest into a garden shed. It will hold everything you need for your garden and allow you to take pride in the work of your hands.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)