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Our 25^th Year of Useful Information For Your Business and a

Couple of Laughs to Make Your Day Brighter!

Test Your Business Etiquette . . . . . . . . Mark each of these statements true or false. Seven correct, and you’re a business etiquette maven. Four or more wrong means you need some lessons:

9. Don’t sit at the head or foot of a conference table unless you’re the leader.

Another Phishing Story . . . . . . . . . Please remind your children and your friends that phishing is not going away. Phishing is when you receive an email that looks “legit” and in reality - they are just looking for information such as passwords and user names. I got one the other day - and since, have received it many many times. It’s supposedly from PayPal and it is confirming that I ordered a Dell computer that was sent to a Wayne E. Bakewell in Brownsville, Pa. The amount of the order was $699.99 and to confirm or retract this transaction, it asks me to sign into my PayPal account. Well, by doing so - I’m actually giving the culprits my user name and password. If I were to put my user name and password into their form - nothing would happen - or they would produce some goofy screen to stall you while they use your name and password to quickly purchase something on your real account. DON’T ever give anyone your user name or password. Legitimate companies will NEVER ask you for your user name or password. If you’re not sure . . . go to the company’s actual web site - using an address you are sure of - and contact the company through their contact information. Be safe - think before you act.

3. True - Since no on has to return to work, the meal will proceed at a more leisurely pace.

7. False - Attendees of business functions realize that strangers will be introducing themselves.

Donations . . . . . . . . Do you put loose cash anonymously in the collection plate? If so, you’re about to lose the deduction. Starting this year, cash contributions to churches and other charities must be substantiated, no matter how small. You need a canceled check, bank record or a receipt with the organization’s name and the donation amount. A log isn’t enough. • The standard mileage rate for business driving is 48 ½ ¢ a mile. For medical travel and moving . . . 20¢ per mile. For charity . . . 14¢ per mile. • Small firms can expense more equipment in 2007 . . . up to $112,000. The ability to claim expensing in lieu of taking depreciation phases out dollar for dollar once $450,000 of assets are placed in use. • More long-term-care premiums are deductible as medical expenses. Taxpayers who are age 71 or older can claim as much as $3,680 per person. Filers ages 61 to 70 . . . $2,950. Those 51 to 60 can deduct up to $1,110. Individuals ages 41 to 50 . . . $550. And people age 40 or younger . . .$290. The limit for tax-free payouts under such policies jumps to $260 a day. (Drevs - Kiplinger)

Mood Swings . . . . . . . . “My husband, being unhappy with my mood swings, bought me a mood ring the other day so he would be able to monitor my moods. We’ve discovered that when I’m in a good mood, it turns green. When I’m in a bad mood, it leaves a big red mark on his forehead. Maybe next time he’ll buy me a diamond.” (O’Hara)

Managing a Mistake . . . . . . . . When you screw up, and everyone does, the proper response is to grovel. Making excuses for your errors is unseemly, pathetic, and usually makes the offended party angrier. Take the blame; it’s the only attractive response. When do you grovel? Whenever it’s your responsibility, responsibility being defined as broadly as is reasonably possible. The company was counting on you, and you blew it. For whatever reason, it happens. Tell the boss you made a mistake and that you’re sorry. Period. People who don’t accept blame think that they’re managing their self-image. They’re not. Bosses aren’t blind. You may get away with it once, but when it happens twice, it’s a pattern - one that makes you look foolish. (Work Would Be Great)

Get Your Sales Force In Line For The Coming Year . . . . . . . It’s not too late for a few sales resolutions for the New Year. Get your sales force to buy into some of these ideas:

□ Don’t assume that customers are satisfied just because they are doing business with your company.

□ Let your customers know that you appreciate their business. (Personal Selling Power)

Look Down . . . . . . . . Want to make a good impression? Look down at your shoes. Man or woman - people look at your shoes and make a first impression. Nice suit or skirt - with dirty shoes . . . .what does that tell you about the person? It takes just a few minutes to clean and polish your shoes. Polish is inexpensive and easy to use. Make your first impression a good one!

Countertop Materials . . . . . . .There are lots of options on the market for kitchen countertops. Here is a list of the top picks that give the pros and cons. This will help you can make an educated choice when you remodel your kitchen:

1) Granite Counters - Granite is the countertop material of choice when there are no other things to think about - like money. It defines elegance in a kitchen. The beauty of the stone contributes to the beauty of even the most modest kitchen. Pros: holds up to heat; comes in beautiful colors; looks permanent and substantial. Cons: very expensive, requires lots of maintenance, including periodic sealing; absorbs stains; can crack; limited range of colors available.

2) Engineered Stone - Engineered stone is composed of quartz particles. It is available in a larger range of colors than granite and has a nonporous surface that resists scratches. It's easy to maintain, without the annual sealing required by natural stone. Brands on the market are DuPont Zodiaq®, Cambria Quartz, and Silestone. Pros: resistant to stain and acid; easy care. Cons: Expensive.

3) Solid Surface - Because solid surface counters are just what they're called, solid, any scratches can be sanded out. The countertops are custom-made to your specifications by companies such as Avonite, Corian, and Swanstone. Pros: comes in a rainbow of colors and patterns; seamless; stain resistant. Cons: vulnerable to hot pans and stains which can damage the surface; can be moderately expensive.

4) Ceramic Tile - Ceramic tile is durable and easy to clean. Add to that inexpensive and you've got a really good choice for countertops for the average home. Because it's installed a section at a time, it can be done by most resourceful homeowners.
Pros: takes hot pans; easy to clean; wide range of price, color, texture and design. Cons: counter surface is uneven; tiles can easily chip or crack; grout lines become stained; custom-designed tiles are very expensive.

5) Laminates - Laminate counters bear trademarks such as Formica, Nevamar, and Wilsonart. They're made of plastic-coated synthetics with a smooth surface that's easy to clean. The pieces are cut to size and finished on the ends. Pros: you can buy laminates in lots of colors; easy to maintain; durable; inexpensive. Cons: scratches and chips are almost impossible to repair; seams show; end finishing and front edge choices can be pricey.

6) Wood or Butcher Block - Wood countertops offer a beautiful warm look and are available in a wide range of colors and finishes. Hardwoods such as maple and oak are most often used as countertop woods. Pros: easy to clean; smooth; can be sanded and resealed as needed. Cons: can be damaged by water and stains over time; scratches must be oiled or sealed according to manufacturer's instructions.

7) Stainless Steel Counters - For a really contemporary and industrial look for your kitchen, stainless steel is a good choice. They are heat resistant and durable. Because they're constructed to your specifications, you can have a seamless countertop. Pros: takes hot pans; easy to clean. Cons: Expensive; noisy; may dent; fabrication is expensive; you can't cut on it.

8) Soapstone Counters - Soapstone is generally dark gray in color and has a smooth feel. It is often seen in historic homes but is also used in modern homes as both a countertop and sink material. Pros: rich, deep color; smooth feel; somewhat stain resistant. Cons: requires regular maintenance with applications of mineral oil; may crack and darken over time.

9) Marble - Because of it's extremely high price tag, marble is not often seen on the countertops of whole kitchens. To get the luxurious look, use it on an island or inset at a baking center. Marble requires constant maintenance, as it easily stains. Some new sealers retard staining. Pros: waterproof; heatproof; beautiful. Cons: expensive; porous; stains easily unless professionally sealed; can scratch; may need resealing periodically as per manufacturer.

10) Concrete Counters - If you have countertops in unusual shapes, concrete may be a good choice, as they're often cast right in your kitchen. The high price tag may be beyond most people's budget. Pros: heat and scratch resistant; can be color-tinted; looks exotic and unusual; new treatments eliminate cracking; additives reduce porosity; new finishes are more decorative. Cons: mid to high range on cost due to custom work; cracking is possible; can look somewhat industrial; porous but can be sealed. (About: Interior Decorating)

“Good judgement comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgement.” (Anonymous)

“Never argue with an idiot; they’ll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.” (Anonymous)

Lighting Control ● Home Automation ● Security ● Home Theater ● Distributed Audio/Video ● Central Vacuum

Home Technology, Simplified: One-Touch is a full service home technology company. Simplify your daily routines with an automation system. Imagine your security, lighting, heating/air conditioning working together to save you both time and money. No more setting back the thermostat at night and running around turning off all of your lights before bed. Simply push a button labeled "Goodnight" and let your home automation system do the work. By simply arming your security system "Away", have all of your lights turn off and your heating/air conditioning set back. With One-Touch of a button called "Entertain", have all your lights go to a preset level while your favorite music turns on at a soft level throughout your home. Don't forget, you can control your home from anywhere in the world via the internet. The possibilities are endless!