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IntroductionInsurance solutions for businesses operating in the Marine Leisure Sector have been slow to evolve compared to other sectors. Until relatively recently, a boatyard owner could find him/herself having to source a suite of insurance products to cover buildings, contents, financial risks, vessels, pontoons and indemnity against a range of legal liabilities. Whilst the first Marine Traders “Combined” policy that provided cover for all these risks appeared in the late 1990s, the market did not rush to embrace the new paradigm. Some significant providers of insurance in this Sector did not release a “Combined” solution until as late as 2007 and others still only offer stand-alone covers.Advantages of Combined Insurance PoliciesThere are numerous advantages to business owners of having a single insurance policy that combines cover in respect of the majority of their needs. First and foremost it streamlines administrative processes by reducing documentation considerably, thus saving business owners time and money. It also ensures the owner has a single renewal date to deal with. Probably the main benefit to businesses is the potential premium savings that can be made through this type of system: the more cover that can be placed on a single policy gives the provider more scope to reduce the overall insurance premium.Marine Trades Insurance ProvidersCombined Insurance policies for marine-related businesses are now available from a number of specialist providers. Whilst the majority of these providers will deal direct with the public, some will deal only through insurance brokers. An insurance provider that sells direct to the public will only offer their own product. Dealing directly with insurers not only restricts you in terms of available insurance options, it also means you have to invest valuable time in shopping around providers for competitive quotations. An independent specialist Marine Trades Insurance broker can potentially save you and your business time and money by conducting a full broking exercise across the market on your behalf.Specialist brokers can also assist in arranging bespoke cover as opposed to a standard “off-the-peg” solution. This can give your business vital benefits where standard policy exclusions are amended or removed, widening the overall scope of protection. You may also benefit in the event of a claim:

Where a business buys direct from an insurer, in the event of a claim the owner is left to negotiate a settlement from the insurer. This can put the business at a disadvantage where there is a dispute over liability or settlement. Using an independent specialist broker to arrange cover provides the business owner with an experienced advocate in the event of suffering a claim. The broker is bound to act in the best interests of the client at all times and a specialist broker can often assist in instances where claims have initially been repudiated.
Structure of Marine Combined Insurance PoliciesBefore outlining the structure of a policy it is necessary to stress the importance of ensuring that the correct limits of indemnity form the basis of your insurance cover. It is tempting for businesses seeking to reduce their costs to deliberately underinsure their businesses. This can potentially prove catastrophic in the event of a loss, as an insurer will almost certainly invoke the principle of “Average” when underinsurance is discovered.

The Principle of Average: In the event of underinsurance any claim settlement will be based on the ratio of the sum insured to actual value. For example, where a business has insured stock worth £100,000 for only £50,000, the business has underinsured by 50%. In the event of a loss of £25,000, the insurer will apply average and only pay a settlement of £12,500.
The example above underlines the importance for businesses to establish the correct basis of cover with their provider and then negotiate a competitive premium. An independent specialist broker with access to a number of alternative markets will help you obtain the right solution at the best available premium.Marine Trades Combined Insurance policies generally follow the same model, with the odd exception as to where a particular item may appear. For example, some policies will include pontoons in the Material Damage Section whilst others may bracket them in the Marine Section. Outlined below is a typical policy structure:

Material Damage: This Section will cover all property other than vessels at your business premises. It is split into various sub-sections that vary from provider to provider, but the splitting of property into these sub-sections enables you to benefit from lower premium rates on the lower risk items to be covered. Typically, a Material Damage Section will be divided as follows:

Buildings (with or without subsidence cover)

Marine Installations (pontoons, slipways, wet/dry docks etc)

Computers and Associated Equipment (at the business’ premises)

Machinery and Equipment (at the business’ premises)

General Stock (at the business’ premises)

Valuable & Attractive Stock (at the business’ premises)

All Other Contents (at the business’ premises)

Glass: Some insurers will include Glass within the cover for Buildings. However, most Marine Trade insurers will not cover Glass unless specifically requested and will also levy an additional premium. Cover will be provided for external and internal glass with additional extensions available for items such as glass signage and sanitary ware.

All Risks Cover: Must be obtained for businesses wishing to insure items they remove from the business’ premises such as:

Tools & Machinery

Laptop Computers, Mobile ‘Phones etc

Trailers (thease can also be covered under the Marine Section)

Frozen Food: Covers loss or damage to fuel resulting from change in temperature in fridges or freezers resulting from breakdown or interruption to power supply.

Goods in Transit: Protects against loss of goods whilst in transit or whilst temporarily stored in the course of transit. Business owners need to beware of the variation in scope of cover from policy to policy and of the plethora of exclusions that each insurer applies to cover.

The premium for Goods in Transit insurance is based on a combination of the total sum insured per vehicle, the number of vehicles used and the estimated total annual carryings of the business.

This Section can also be extended to insure postal sendings and carriage by third parties.

Goods in Transit cover for vessels is excluded on many policies unless specifically mentioned. However, it is possible to include insurance for vessels whilst in transit by endorsing the Marine Section of the policy. Organising a policy in this way can save a business money if vessels are the only items to be insured whilst in transit.

Exhibitions: Covers exhibits, stands and other materials at exhibitions.

Whilst insurers include this Section within their policies, a business could reduce costs by having the Marine Section of their policy endorsed to cover vessels at exhibitions rather than pay their insurers an additional premium for the same benefit.

Business Interruption: Covers the loss of Gross Profit and/or the Additional Cost of Working in the event of the trading activities of a business being interrupted by an insured peril, such as fire or flood. Extensions can be purchased to cover losses arising from perils such as:

Breach of Canal

Damage in the vicinity of Premises or to Contract or Exhibition Sites

Denial of Access to the vicinity of Premises

Damage to Moulds, Patterns, Jigs, Dies, Tools, Plans, Designs, etc

Loss or Damage to Property stored in locations other than own premises

Loss or Damage to Property in Transit

Damage to Premises of Suppliers or Customers

Loss of Utilities

Disease & Illness

Just as it is essential to insure property on the correct basis to avoid insurers applying “Average” in the event of a claim, it is vital to ensure the correct level of Gross Profit is used to determine Business Interruption cover.

The definition of Gross Profit in insurance terminology differs from that of accountancy. A business should always check with its provider as to the exact terms of their Business Interruption policy but the procedure below provides a general system that should fit most insurers’ methodology:

Obtain the income statement for the last full operating month and locate the net profit amount.Employers Liability Tracing Office

Review each individual expense line item on the income statement to identify costs of operation that are not directly related to production, also referred to as “standing charges.” For example, office rent is due whether the business is in operation or not, and the price does not fluctuate based on production, whereas some worker salaries (such as casual, seasonal labour) would cease when trading is interrupted.Employers Liability Tracing Office

Add each standing expense identified in Step 2 to the net profit obtained in Step 1 to obtain gross profit, or the company’s loss from lack of operations.

Money: Provides insurance for cash, cheques etc whilst on premises, in transit or in bank night safes. Some policies will also provide extensions for money in directors’ homes and at exhibition or contract sites. Policies will usually provide a Personal Accident extension that offers nominal sums in the event of Death or Disability arising from assault during attempted robbery or theft.

Defective Title of Vessels: Reimburses the purchase price of a vessel bought or sold by a business in the event of the true owner of the vessel reclaiming it (or its value). It will also provide indemnity where a business has a valid claim brought against it as a result of being unable to provide good title for the vessel.

Employers Liability: It is a statutory requirement for all businesses to carry Employers Liability Insurance where they employ people be it on a paid or voluntary basis. It indemnifies the business in respect of its liabilities arising from death, injury or illness to its employees

Premium is based on the total annual wages of the business. Each occupation within a business’ workforce will attract its own premium rating based on the perceived hazards associated with that particular occupation. A rigger, for example, will attract a higher premium rating than an employee engaged in light yard work.

You should ensure you accurately declare your annual wageroll to insurers. Deliberately under-declaring could be construed as failing to disclose a material fact and may result in a claim being repudiated.

Labour only sub-contractors should be treated as Employees as far as insurance is concerned. Generally they work under the direction of the Insured and do not provide their own materials or tools (with the exception of small hand tools). Cover would therefore be arranged for such individuals by the hiring business under the Employers Liability Section of their policy.

There is a requirement that businesses must confirm their Employers Reference Number (ERN) or as it is commonly known Employers PAYE Reference to the insurer covering the Employers Liability which is recorded centrally with the Employers Liability Tracing Office (ELTO). This is to ensure that the correct insurer can be identified where claims are submitted by an individual, which can be years after their employment has ceased. It is not unusual, for example, for certain diseases or conditions such as respiratory disease, industrial deafness or repetitive strain injury to take many years to manifest.

The ERN is the unique reference which attaches to a business and does not change which means that it will identify the correct employer and then the insurer for any given time period from 2011 onwards.

Public Liability: Indemnifies your legal liabilities to third parties arising from your business activities that result in death or injury to any person or loss of or damage to property. The insurance only attaches to those activities disclosed to your insurer and noted on your schedule so it is essential that a full description of all your business activities is provided.

Premium is based on the estimated annual turnover of the business. Each activity will attract its own premium rating based on the perceived hazards associated with that particular activity. Paint Spraying, for example, will attract a higher premium rating than Chandlery Sales.

You should ensure you accurately declare your annual turnover. Deliberately under-declaring could be construed as failing to disclose a material fact and may result in a claim being repudiated.

Exclusions and Extensions to Public Liability Insurance vary from insurer to insurer. For example, some policies will automatically provide Yachtyard Liability Insurance as a standard extension to their Public Liability cover. Others will charge an additional premium for Yachtyard Liability.

Liability in respect of hiring-in of cranes is normally excluded on most Marine Trade policies unless specifically requested. The additional premium for this cover is based on your estimated annual hiring-in costs. Standard cover is usually £100,000 which may not be adequate to replace the crane you hire. Find out what your exposures are and get your cover topped-up if necessary.

Yachtyard Liability: Protects your liabilities in respect of moving vessels on water for reasons such as testing, demonstration and deliveries. Like most policy sections, scope of cover will vary from insurer to insurer. For example, policies will restrict your permitted range, but distance you are permitted will vary greatly.

Not all insurers provide this cover under the “Yachtyard Liability” heading. Some insurers will provide “General Liability” that will automatically encompass the Yachtyard Liability element of other policies.

Products Liability: Insures your legal liabilities in respect of the products you manufacture and/or supply.

Whether you are manufacturing or distributing (wholesale or retail), you need to make sure the products you supply are safe. Failing to meet your responsibilities can have serious consequences. You could face legal action with possible fines or even imprisonment. You could also be sued by anyone who has been injured or has suffered damage to personal property as a result of using your product.

Products Efficacy Insurance: Designed to cover the failure of an item to perform its intended function Efficacy Insurance is often excluded from the Public & Products Liability Sections of Marine Trade policies. If your business is involved in the manufacture, supply or installation of performance critical products you need to check with your insurance provider to ensure you and your business have the right scope of Liability Insurance.

Marine Risks: Non-Marine Commercial policies have virtually no insurance provision for vessels. They are specifically excluded, with the odd exception such as rowing boats. The Marine Section of a specialist Trader’s policy is divide into 3 distinct parts:

1. Vessels: This part of the Marine Section will cover all vessels not undergoing construction and includes Stock Vessels, Work Boats, your Private Craft and Charter Vessels. It can also be extended to cover other types of Marine Stock such as engines and parts.

Sums Insured for vessels are usually determined on an “Agreed Value” basis. This can be the price you paid for the vessel plus the cost of any improvements, or it can be a depreciated or written-down value.

The cruising range of your vessels will be clearly defined in this Section of your policy. You should check to ensure that you and your hirers are actually insured to sail or cruise to your intended destinations. For example, an insurer may assume that, if you are based on the Thames, you are only on the non-tidal stretch and will endorse your policy for”Inland Waterways” use only.

The are several extensions that can be purchased for this part of your policy such as:

Social use of vessels by Directors, Employees, Family Members.

Racing Risks (Sails, Masts, Spars & Rigging).

Water Skiing, Towing of Toys.

Angling and/or Diving Parties.

Personal Possessions

Exclusions in respect of vessels will vary from policy to policy. You should ask your provider to go over any exclusions with you in detail in case you require a special endorsement or extension.

2. Builders Risks: Whilst scope and definitions may differ from one insurer to another, Builders Risks insurance will usually cover your vessel at the yard or dock where it is being constructed, including the yard or premises of a subcontractor. It may also cover the vessel whilst in transit between your yard and your subcontractor’s yard. Extensions can also be obtained to cover:

Movement of the vessel on water around the dock where it is being built.

Sea Trials

Delivery voyages under own power

If the vessel in build is being towed on the water a special extension is usually required to insure this activity.

The premium for this Section is based on a combination of the maximum completion value of an in-build vessel and the maximum value of vessels in-build at any one time.

3. Marine Third Party Liability: This insurance is an extension of the Vessels Section and covers your legal liabilities in respect of your interest in or use of your vessels by your skipper and crew. The usual limit of indemnity provided is £3,000,000 but higher levels of cover can be purchased where required.
Policy Conditions, Exclusions and WarrantiesAs detailed above, policy conditions and exclusions will vary from insurer to insurer. Even if you are purchasing your policy by telephone you should always ask your provider to go through them with you in addition to any warranties that will have been imposed. There are significant differences between each of these:

Conditions: Policy conditions basically set out a code of conduct you’re your business and also outline duties and obligations required for cover to be in effect. If policy conditions are not met, the insurer can deny a claim specific to that condition.

Eg. A theft from a business premises is discovered and not reported to the insurer for a month. If there is a policy condition that all losses must be reported within 7 days, the insurer could refuse to pay the claim.

Exclusions: An exclusion actually removes cover from the insurance policy.

Eg. Boats are excluded from the Goods in Transit Section of a Marine Trades Policy unless an endorsement is put into effect.

Warranties: A policy warranty is an instruction by the insurer that must be carried out by the insured. For example, the business may be warranted to work on vessels worth no more than £500,000. In such a case, if the business worked on a more valuable vessel then it would be in breach of warranty.

The breach of a warranty by a business would enable an insurer to void the whole policy. In the above example, if the business owner suffered a theft of outboard engines, the insurer could void the policy on the grounds that the business had breached a warranty – even though that warranty was totally unrelated to the theft.

As you can see, warranties can potentially have a huge impact on your business. You should ensure your insurance provider goes through each warranty with you and explains what it means. Insurers can impose a warranty for just about anything – some common examples are below (the list is by no means comprehensive):

Compliance with Flammable Liquids & LPG Regulations.

No paint or GRP Spraying.

Automatic fire alarms to be tested weekly.

Fire extinguishers to be professionally inspected annually.

Fireproof doors to remain closed during working hours.

All stock to be kept at least 15cm off floor

Waste & dirty cloths to be kept in metal bins.

Waste bins to be kept outside premises out of working hours.

Intruder alarm to be set whenever premises is unoccupied.

Electrical circuits to be inspected within 30 days of policy inception.

Cash registers to be left empty & open when premises closed.

Vehicles to be fitted with immobilisers and alarms.

Premises to be inspected daily.

No artificial heating to be used on premises.

Machinery only to be running when premises is occupied.

No flammable liquids to be kept on premises.

Moorings to be lifted & inspected at least annually.

Terms of trade to incorporate BMF Terms of Business.

No work carried out on commercial vessels

Trailers to be secured with a wheelclamp whilst unattended.

Vessel not be let out for hire or reward.

Vessel will not tow or be towed

British Marine Federation (BMF) Terms of Business

Most Marine Trade policies warrant that you operate under BMF Terms of Business. You do not have to be a member of the BMF to use their terms. The essential point from an insurance aspect is that you ensure all your customers insure their own boats. This is a crucial factor that defines the mechanics of how your Public Liability insurance works and how it differs from non-Marine commercial insurance policies.

If you have a customer’s boat, outboard etc in your custody or control and it is lost or damaged due to your negligence, your legal liabilities in respect of the property are covered under the Public Liability Section of your Marine Trade policy.

This cover would not be provided on a non-Marine policy as legal liability in respect of goods in custody or control is specifically excluded. To insure these items you would have to procure specific insurance which, as leisurecraft and associated equipment are very expensive, would be financially prohibitive for a business to purchase.
Other Insurances for your Marine Trades Insurance ProgrammeDirectors & Officers Liability Insurance (Management Protection)Modern legislation now means company directors can now be sued as individuals in respect of their decisions and actions as directors or managers of businesses. The duties of company directors are established in law and include the following areas of responsibility:

Duty of Care: Directors are required to act with ‘the care an ordinary man would take in the same circumstances on his own behalf’ and with the skill expected from someone with his ‘particular knowledge and experience’. Where duties are delegated the Director is responsible for ensuring that the person to whom the duties are delegated is sufficiently experienced, reliable and honest.

Fiduciary Duty: Directors must act honestly, in good faith and in the best interest of the company and must ensure they do not have any conflict of interest.

Statutory Duty: Company directors are legally bound by legislation such as the Companies Act 1985, Insolvency Act 1986, Financial Services Act 1986, Environmental Protection Act 1990, Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
How Can Claims Arise?Whilst public bodies such as the Health & Safety Executive can prosecute directors if they are perceived to have failed to comply with their statutory duties, claims could also arise from numerous third parties such as employees, creditors, customers or suppliers.With the number of employees injured at work increasing by over 100,000 in 2010 and lawyers able to act on a “No-Win, No-Fee” basis, directors appear to be more exposed than ever.What Are The Financial Implications of a Claim? Directors will be personally liable for meeting the cost of legal expenses as well as any damages awards, fines or penalties. This means assets such as their cars, houses, stocks and money could be lost. Companies are prohibited from indemnifying their directors in the event of their insolvency.How Can Directors & Officers Liability Insurance Help?Whilst a D&O policy will not cover any fines against directors it will cover the cost of defending a prosecution until the point when guilt is established. This could potentially save tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of pounds of an individual’s assets in legal expenses. A D&O policy can also cover awards for damages and legal expenses made against directors in civil cases.Professional Indemnity InsuranceIf you give advice, conduct surveys or inspections for a fee, your legal liabilities in respect of these activities are excluded on your Marine Trade policy. A stand-alone Professional Indemnity policy will fill the gap in your insurance cover.Tractor & “Special Types” InsuranceTractors and other special type vehicles which are road-registered are excluded from standard public liability policies, as are many unregistered vehicles, if travelling on, or crossing, public highways. This may also apply to areas where the public have access such as ports, harbours and boatyards. Types of vehicles that fit into this class are: Tractors, Cranes, Fork Lifts, Cherrypickers, Boat Lifts and other self-propelled mobile plant.Third Party insurance is compulsory and a failure to have this basic cover is considered one of the most serious offences. A substantial fine and disqualification are amongst the recommended penalties.Driving uninsured (or allowing your employees to do so) is an absolute offence which means there is no discretionary defence available, ie the vehicle is either insured or it is not. If, for any reason it is not insured, the offence is committed.Without insurance your business and your personal assets are at risk from potentially huge compensation claims being made against youComprehensive Road Risks insurance in for tractors and “Special Types” is available at very competitive rates from your specialist broker.SummaryModern businesses need modern insurance programmes. Cutting cover to cut costs is not the solution. Your 9-point step to getting the right cover for your business at the best available premium is:1. Choose an independent specialist broker.2. Ask them what they can offer you in terms of support in the event of a claim.3. Ask them to visit you to look over your business.4. Ensure you fully disclose all relevant information about your business5. Accurately assess the value of your premises & property and the levels of your turnover, payroll and gross profit.6. Request 3 quotations.7. Ensure you have all conditions, exclusions, warranties explained to you verbally – a written summary is not sufficient.8. If you think some of the exclusions or warranties are unreasonable then ask your broker to negotiate their removal.9. Finally, negotiate the best premium you can get from your appointed broker.Disclaimer: This article does not constitute specific advice or recommendation to any individual or business. Individuals and businesses should seek the advice of an appropriately authorised and regulated insurance broker or intermediary.

The Successful Network Marketing System… Have You Found It?The Network Marketing System, or “System”, as we like to call them in the network marketing profession have become the cornerstone to real network marketing success.It’s true; every leader is always pitching their “network marketing system” as the perfect one. The one that is finally going to help you create the online success you have been dying to achieve. As a network marketer, you know how valuable finding the proper one is. But what do you look for while seeking the one that is best for you?There are so many options out there to choose from, so, what’s the best one? That’s a really good question… The best answer I can come up with is that one network marketing system will work best for one particular company and may not be so great for another.The fact is we live in a very diverse world. There is no one network marketing system that is perfect for any company. Eventually, it will be discovered that something is simply missing for the needs of a particular company where it meets all the needs and expectations of another. There is a lot of grey area in-between.So let’s check out three important factors in what to look for in…The Successful Network Marketing System.The first one we’ll touch on is..1. EASE OF USE – does it play nice?Let’s face it, we all want things that make our lives easier. If we get bogged down with complexity, we’re bound to lose interest fast. Also, it’s very important that as we bring other network marketers into our organization and want to give them the proper tools for success, they will need something that has a short learning curve and most importantly, is easily duplicated.A formula of successful duplication is key to any successful network marketing system. Without it, a new user is going to grow frustrated quickly. If they don’t simply give up and quit, they will start to do things outside of the proven success formula that will soon lead them to certain failure. They will lose valuable money, time and possibly respect for you if you are the one who got them involved with such a complicated system. Eventually, they will likely quit, and you will be at risk of becoming part of their new story about their experience in network marketing, and why it doesn’t work. Network marketing systems that have “Ease of use”, are integral to your success, your team’s success and ultimately, the success of your business.While working in corporate America, I used a very well known “system” that my employer provided. The system had to be heavily manipulated in order to get the result I was looking for and to stay on focus with the company identity. It was a generic system that could literally be dispatched in any field of business because it was generic. It was simply a system, for the sake of having a system.The creator of the system boasted of its versatility, and it really is when properly pre-setup. But leaving it up to each user to manipulate the system simply caused frustration. It was mandatory to use this system yet many employees would eventually decide to risk reprimand for not using it rather than trying to make nice with it anymore.The next successful network marketing system factor is…2. FOCUS – will it be consistent in branding – you?This really comes down to the internal tools that the network marketing system employs and makes fully available to you, the end user. Is it directly focused on what your business is or is it generic? Will it assist you in specifically targeting the niches you are going after? Since we rarely have complete control over the system our company provides, does the system support your exact marketing focus? In other words, if you are selling product #1, does it provide support (i.e. pre-made templates, campaigns, etc.) specifically for product #1 or is it vague in its focus? And if your business has several products, will it do the same for each product consistently? Does it create and provide consistency with your growing brand?And the third successful network marketing system factor is…3. PRICE – will it drain your wallet before you can use it?Does paying more for something necessarily mean that it’s going to be better? Let’s say you want to remodel your kitchen. You should always get at minimum, 3 estimates and always ask for references of each contractor. Often times, the higher priced contractor will be reluctant to give you their references yet they are the one to put on the most pressure to get you sign on the dotted line today to have them do the work. Why is this? Because quite often, they know that they have over promised and under delivered their customers. They have zero confident in the kind of recommendation their past customer may give.All too often people think the phrase; “You Get What You Pay For” is gospel. So they go with the higher priced contractor thinking they are going to get the best work done, when the contractor who charged in the middle has created such a loyal and devoted customer base because of his superb craftsmanship, he realizes charging more, doesn’t always equate to more money. Having multiple referrals and repeat customers who really do the selling for him does. He knows exactly what his customers are saying about him and he happily gives you as many references as you would like.Will you get huge value out of your brand new network marketing system at its basic level? Or will you need to upgrade in order for it to start assisting you to produce the desired results? This is a common problem found with many network marketing systems out there as well.Often heard:”Join our business for as little as $__.__ and use our high tech, industry leading network marketing system to catapult your business into success you’ve never thought possible!”Within minutes of processing your payment you’re being told that in order to get the maximum results from the network marketing system you just bought, you will need to upgrade! Or you’re being pitched on four other money making opportunities to join which in turn, breaks the basic fundamentals of factor #1!FACT: Your new network marketing system should be ready made to get you going and start being profitable quickly, at any level of entry. The only reason to upgrade would be to put you in a position to PROFIT EVEN MORE! It should be there as a tool to success and not a distraction from it. It needs to be simple yet full featured and allows you to focus on becoming profitable, NOT trying to figure out how to use it. You control it, not the other way around. The best network marketing system is the system that will be working for you even… when you’re not working!If there was such a network marketing system that was very easy to use, maintained focus and consistently branded you, had a very low acquisition cost and could get you making money quickly? That would be one powerful network marketing system!If you actually owned this system and other people wanted access to it so that they could experience the same benefits? But the only way they could, was to get it directly from you? Even if they didn’t join your network marketing opportunity, they could still get the system from you and you would still make money without them joining? Now that would be an extremely powerful network marketing system!

Where do you go to get the internet marketing education that will truly make the difference? The difference in your understanding, or (if you’re building a business) the difference in how you approach the marketing of your business, or perhaps your job (if you’re responsible for directing the marketing tactics for a brand)?I personally spent 12 months clicking around on the internet in search of that right company that provides the education and the tools to become a Master Internet Marketer. And, also provides the environment where you learn to start implementing, and start taking action on what you are learning. And, as a result, start making the difference and start achieving your goals.And, why did I do this (click around for 12 months, that is)? Because, I believe in affiliating with the-best-of-the-best and it does take time to find just the right source that will work for your needs.SO – Let me help you save all that time and share with you the steps, the thought processes, on how to find that right internet educational resource that will work for your online needs and goals.[First, let me preface, however, the following steps with one thought. I know Internet Marketing is now being served up on the college campuses. Brilliant. If I was headed off to college, I would take what I could on the subject. Even, make Internet Marketing my major. But, I chose to learn (not from books), but from the leaders in the industry, who are making it happen and producing the results. Because at the end of the day - it's results]One more comment:As I’ve stated in other articles, knowing internet marketing is rapidly becoming the most valuable commodity you can own in today’s global economy. Learning how to leverage the internet, is becoming the most prized skill set you can capture. Internet growth has increased 362% in just the last 9 years, and reaches over 1.6 Billion people worldwide. And, the internet growth is expected to continue, since we’re only at a 24.7% world penetration level.OK. So – once you’ve decided to get out of your comfort zone and to start learning this stuff, where do you go to get the education you want? What do you look for? How do you go about it all? What should you be asking before you decide if this is the company where you can really learn to become an Internet Marketer (or for some, A Master Internet Millionaire Marketer)?10 Steps To Help You Find The Right Internet Marketing Education:1) MINDSET:Everything starts here. Entrepreneurial vision. Faith. The ability to see the potential of the future before it’s here. “Can Do” attitude. A level of perseverance and tenacity against all odds and challenges. The attitude that “the buck stops here” and you take accountability for the results. Ability to accept never ending change, because we are in an Internet Evolution.So – because of the importance of “mindset”, find that resource that not only includes brilliant marketing minds on the internet, but also provides some of the industry’s top mindset coaches. Make certain your curriculum includes subject matter on the importance of leadership and developing leaders.As you learn internet marketing and you become more visible online, you will begin to assume the role of a leader. And, it’s understood, not everyone comes with the ready made entrepreneurial visionary mind. So – go out and learn it. One of the best ways to develop a successful mindset, is to spend time studying other successful entrepreneurs.Make certain you are aware of your associations. Your network of people you surround yourself with, will determine your financial networth. Associate with leaders. Once you are clear on your goals and the person you want to become, your daily actions will reflect this.2) YOUR “WHY”:What is your reason for learning internet marketing? This is huge. You need your reason in order to keep you motivated through the challenges. Take some time on this step if you need.You may of heard this saying: What you believe, is what you do, and what you do, determines your lifestyle. If you believe in the power of the internet, then you will stop everything right now to study/learn/implement. If you study/learn/implement, then you will have the possibility of a lifestyle change.It all starts with your “why.”3) YOUR INVESTMENT:You usually invest Time, Money and/or Energy. You can start out learning right now with little (or no) money. You do not need the big bucks to spend on your education in the beginning. Stay within your budget each step throughout your education.As you progress, you will naturally want to expand your knowledge which then may require (if you desire) a specialist where your investment in money will start to kick in. The beautiful advantage of marketing “online” versus “offline” is money. You can learn the “online” marketing tactics that are FREE.So – look for that educational resource that provides within their Internet Curriculum an education on the FREE internet marketing tactics, such as: Social Media (Facebook, My Space), Article Marketing, Press Releases, Blogging, Forum Marketing, Social Bookmarking, Squidoo, Hub Pages, Video Marketing, Keyword Research…And, make certain the curriculum also provides the marketing masterminds (that I call the “specialists”) in such areas, as: Google, SEO, Copywriting, Personal Branding…4) MISSION STATEMENT:What is your Mission Statement, and is the internet educational resource inline with your Mission Statement. This may be a difficult question to answer for some. But if you are building a business, and have a mission statement, then having that educator with like type mission/philosophy helps to drive your education along the same lines as your goals.Let me give you an example, if I may:My Mission Statement: To help others throughout the world realize you do have options, and to help you understand those options that are available to you (over & beyond the corporate arena), and to guide you to where you can create & develop your own Financial Security – Online.I then took my mission statement, which is based on Financial Security, and found the internet educational resource, that is ALSO based around: 1) Financial Security and 2) Education for the next wave of Master Internet Millionaire Marketers.The reason for this approach is because it helps you to be in-line philosophically with who you are working with, learning from and growing your future with.5) ETHICS/INTEGRITY:This may be tough to determine. Try to get a sense of the company’s business model and business ethics. Find the company’s mission statement and ask if it is inline with your mission, or how you may want to approach your marketing education. And is the company’s branding and message consistent and uphold ethics.So – is the marketing and branding of the company you are considering for your education, inline with how you want to ultimately approach your marketing? Can you see value that is being provided?6) MARKETING POSITIONING:Do they teach the type of marketing that you embrace. Are the company leaders/top producers “buying leads” or does the company have an extensive marketing curriculum being taught by the current Internet Mastermind Marketers. Or, is the education coming strictly from one source. One individual.7) COMPREHENSIVE GLOBAL/INTERNATIONAL CURRICULUM:If you are on the internet you have the potential to market globally. What you want to ask yourself, is if the curriculum is translated into languages worldwide where the opportunity to be an Internet Marketer is being provided to people throughout the world, no matter the language.You want to look for a curriculum that is providing a new skill set to anyone, anywhere in the world, and educates everyone how to market online – whether that person has a product or business already, or not. A company’s curriculum that embraces this philosophy is inline with providing true value to others.8) LONGEVITY:How long does this company/curriculum plan on being around. Are they here to stay. The internet arena is constantly evolving and changing, and it’s nice to feel comfortable that who you are working with has a mission/game plan to be here for 5+ years.9) CLICK-BY-CLICK TRAINING FOR THE NEWBIES:I have to admit, this approach to training really helped me. Does the curriculum provide “click-by-click” training. Can you can see “click-by-click” how things online are actually set up. This really helps to cut down the learning curve. It is too time intensive to learn from a book.And, does the curriculum include “in the office of a top producer” training, so you see “how” the leaders are getting the results, now.10) Staying Current With The Ever Evolving Changes:A curriculum that is staying on top of the evolving changes by bringing onto the staff the marketing masterminds to keep the students current (i.e. SEO, Google).Conclusion:We are in an internet evolution with changes and growth occurring very quickly, so you need to get out of the books, and onto the computer screen. You want to find the leaders, the top producers, the internet marketing masterminds in the internet marketing industry.So, pick wisely based on your goals and marketing style you are comfortable with.

Homebuilders who aren’t interested in offering technology integration as part of their business model are now firmly in the minority. This point is proven by research from the CEA’s annual “State of the Builder Study,” which was compiled in conjunction with the NAHB Research Center. It states that 85 percent of builders believe technology is important in the marketing of a new home. The applications of this technology are extremely compelling to homebuyers: entertainment, whole-home control, security and more that can come with their new house, instead of them hunting for it on the aftermarket.Clearly, in these extremely competitive times, the time is now to embrace technology (if you haven’t already). And thanks to some retrofit technology that’s on the way, it’s effectively yesterday! Allow me to elaborate.Structured wiring and powerline
Wherever possible, structured wiring is a must for the 21st century home, bundling all of the home’s communications wiring into one coherent system. These bundles can include wiring for home networking, telephone, video, audio, alarms, infrared remote control and more. Running these wires before the walls are closed is more cost-effective and less disruptive than ripping up walls to do so at a later date. These bundles also serve as a Trojan horse, giving builders the opportunity to approach the homebuyer with new technological offerings as they become available.Structured wiring has some inherent advantages compared to more slapdash wiring installations. With all of the cables running back to a central wiring panel, it’s easy to change how and what each individual cable is connected to and what it is used for. Structured wiring also makes troubleshooting a snap, since each of the cables can be isolated and tested for problems. Furthermore, because all the cables run back to the central wiring panel, they can all be connected to the same source without the need for some outlets to pass through more splitters and splices than others. This greatly improves the consistency of signals.Structured wiring isn’t a good fit for every builder or every situation, however. With that in mind, here’s some great news. If you’re not willing to commit to structured wiring, a new option that leverages the electrical wiring in a home to transmit audio, data and more is on the horizon. This technology will allow you to retrofit your existing housing inventory at a reasonable cost and with minimal disruption to add a fresh twist for wooing homebuyers. The system will also provide an alternative way to offer some technology to homebuyers if you aren’t yet investing in full-blown structured wiring for new builds. A multi-room audio system using this technology will be available later this year with other solutions certain to follow.The first feasible multi-room audio system using powerline technology will be available later this year with other solutions certain to follow. If you hear the name Renovia in the near future, you now have the inside scoop.Explore Quick and Easy Demos
Demonstrating technology, particularly architectural consumer electronics like multi-room audio, has long been a thorny issue for home builders. A prominent objection is the expense. So consider this inexpensive trick to introduce the multi-room audio concept into your model home at a fraction of the cost of installing a full-fledged multi-room audio system. It starts by utilizing the consumer’s own music with an appliance they know and understand: the iPod.Multi-room audio today is a more compelling new-home option than ever because it ties directly into the exploding concept of “My Music” among consumers. The advent of portable music players like the iPod has enabled music collections to go virtually anywhere their owners go. Many home buyers would welcome the extension of “My Music” to an entire home. By providing a simple music demonstration, you can entice home buyers by showing them how uncomplicated, powerful and fun a multi-room audio system can be.Simply install an amplified source input and connect it to an iPod dock and in-wall or in-ceiling speakers. Set up a location in the room where an on-wall audio control pad would go. You don’t need to install a live control pad, just a blank plate covered with a transparent graphic that shows what a control interface would look like. Install this demo in the most public of spots in the home-the kitchen. Allow the home buyer to plug his or her iPod into the dock and hear the music instantly over the speakers. The demo will show the home buyer how easy it would be to hear “My Music” over the home’s audio system. It will make an immediate “I want that” impact on the home buyer: “Here’s something that will make life in this house simpler and richer.”This unique selling approach is highly affordable. Roughly speaking, a pair of speakers runs $200, an iPod dock runs $49, and an amplified in-wall local source runs $125. Add a nominal cost for speaker wire and installation, and you’ve got a slick demo that doesn’t break the bank.Find Your Digital Path
Believing technology is important, as the aforementioned CEA-NAHB study found, doesn’t make it easy. The complexity of choosing and installing home technology systems and products has always been the biggest hurdle for homebuilders, and it remains so. Low-voltage integration of consumer electronics products requires specialized skills, especially when dealing with proprietary technology platforms, rapidly changing technologies and user preferences, and the unique programming and configuration models many systems employ. Acquiring these skills-either by partnering with a local electronic systems contractor (ESC) or hiring your own talent-can be expensive and time-consuming. The builder just wants it to be profitable.
The current slowdown is giving us all a chance to reconsider, reflect and reboot what we do and how we do it. Right now is the time for the builder to consider this: What kind of technology offerings do my potential homebuyers want? Once you definitively answer that question, you can build a new, updated strategy from there-before you make any investments that may or may not be as focused and efficient as they should be.Homebuyers in 2009 are far more sophisticated about technology than they were even five years ago. Smart phones, multi-room entertainment systems, networked PCs, HDTVs, iPod docks, GPS systems and powerful universal remotes, among other products and concepts, have changed the way homeowners and homebuyers view technology. It’s no longer considered a convenience or a luxury to be “connected.” It’s now a lifestyle necessity. It’s something people expect, and it’s something that can and should be profitable for homebuilders.Identify what homebuyers care most about. Is it security, entertainment, energy management, convenience? A newly married twenty-something couple is probably going to get more excited about streaming music from their iPods all over the house, while a five-person family might want a dedicated home theater for movie nights and the ability to monitor security cameras from any TV in the house. Get a good sense of your target demographic’s needs, and explore and build your technology strategy and options from there.In-House or Partnerships?
One way larger builders are adding technology integration services is by hiring ESCs. These professionals often are members of the Custom Electronics Design and Installation Association (CEDIA), the main trade association for ESCs, which provides them training, certification and education. Both CEDIA and the CEA both offer a wealth of educational information for builders that includes best practices for technology installation.Ideally, every builder would be able to employ one or more in-house ESCs who could control the customer experience and installation process. Unfortunately, not every homebuilder has the resources to expand in this way, so long-term partnerships with reputable ESCs are the next best option.The worst nightmare for a builder is to hire an unfamiliar “tech guy” at the homeowner’s request who comes in, does the electronics and wiring installation, collects his check and is never heard from again. The builder is often left holding the bag, but unfortunately is simply not equipped to troubleshoot any sort of A/V or electronics systems issues. Homeowners don’t want to hear this, however.Before working with any independent ESC, demand that the ESC will be responsible for all follow-up service calls. The builder must be certain that the ESC will provide support over the long haul; if not, the installation should not proceed. By building a strong partnership with an ESC, the builder will gain a loyal and trusted A/V specialist on call who can provide punctual, effective service, rather than always scrambling at the last second to find someone to consult or, even worse, leaving it in the homeowner’s hands. Fortunately, collaboration between CEDIA, CEA and NAHB is at an all-time high and each trade group provides resources for pairing up homebuilders with ESCs on a local level.Involvement early in projects allows the ESC to plan progressively not only with the builder but with the other trades in order to avoid costly and unnecessary changes to wiring, closet/outlet placement and other things that can affect electronics installation and performance.Regardless of whether services are contracted or offered in-house, it’s wise for builders to have an understanding of “good, better, best” technology solutions for their customers. By offering coherent and appealing electronics packages, you can better keep on-time and on-budget. Avoid customization in all but the largest luxury homes, where price is secondary to the homebuyer and the sky is the limit.Whether through an in-house staff or a partnership with an independent ESC, home builders need to find the technology models that work best for them financially and logistically. Ignoring technology is no longer an option when dealing with today’s homebuyers. Fortunately, those of us in the electronics industry are willing and able to help builders get where they need to go. We’re willing and eager to do great work for you-both in your upcoming projects, and to help you sell your existing inventory.

“Community” is a word that conjures up powerful images, emotions and feelings. The idea of community has long been an integral part of how we define ourselves, and communities both large and small are a vital element of the human experience; providing an underlying social structure that contributes to our comfort, convenience, security and social connections.In the hectic, fast-paced hustle and bustle of today’s world, however, the best elements of a community lifestyle are all too often minimized or even abandoned in favor of design considerations, development conveniences or financial concerns. Homebuilders and developers looking to squeeze in a few more square feet into an apartment complex or save a few dollars on the front end have at times been guilty of failing to prioritize the inclusion of those key elements that can transform a place a vibrant, energized and inclusive community.Community RenaissanceIn recent years, however, we have begun to see a reemergence of the community ethos. More and more designers, developers and community managers are beginning to exhibit a growing appreciation for the power of community living to comfort, inspire and provide a place that residents can truly call home. And more and more homebuyers – from active adults looking to find a convenient and welcoming new space, to young families and professionals in search of a great home in a community setting – are reemphasizing a sense of community as an important homebuying priority. This is a trend being driven by the realization that “community” is not just an abstract concept, but a core lifestyle value that impacts virtually every aspect of our day-to-day lives.One of the foremost design and development factors driving this community renaissance is the growing number of high quality maintenance-free Condo/Townhome-style communities that are beginning to carve out an important presence in the residential marketplace. These communities, which embody so many of the characteristics that define community living, are designed to not only readily provide the comfort, security and functional conveniences that are so important to homeowners of all ages and demographic profiles, but also the facilities and programs that promote and enhance social networks and community connections. In many ways, they are the template for the new American community.Familiar Comforts and NeighborhoodsOne significant factor that is elevating maintenance-free Condo/Townhome-style communities in the popular consciousness is a Boomer-driven move toward the kinds of nurturing, cohesive community environments that they associate with the halcyon days of their youth. For Boomers and active adults who grew up watching Ozzie and Harriet, Leave it to Beaver, My Three Sons and other iconic examples of idealized American community settings, this community format satisfies an ingrained preference for the familiar comforts and welcoming neighborhoods they grew to love in their formative years.The return to community living, a movement that is also reflected in larger philosophical design evolutions such as New Urbanism and Neo-traditional development, actually represents less of a design and architectural trend and more of a cultural trend. These new communities not only offer a return to a simpler time (or at least the appearance and feel of it), but also convey a definitive and appealing sense of permanence and authenticity. Unlike the cardboard-cutout visual of high-rise condos or an endless expanse of seemingly soulless suburban row homes, maintenance-free condo/townhome-style communities provide a setting for something enduring; something real.Safety and Social ImpactAlong with that sense of permanence and cohesion another important element is safety. The sense of safety provided by secure and cohesive community surroundings, combined with the relaxing conveniences of landscaping maintenance and general community upkeep found in so many of these new developments, adds another attractive aspect to maintenance-free condo/townhome-style communities.The social impact of a well-designed community spaces can also be profound. By providing a place that not only presents multi-generational appeal and promotes a vibrant mix of ages, social groups and demographic segments, these new residential developments offer a unique mechanism to foster social interaction and strengthen community bonds. High quality maintenance-free condo/townhome-style communities frequently offer the kind of superb community facilities that help enhance those social connections. Whether it is a neighbor who takes your yoga class at the community fitness and recreation center, a friend you met on a hiking trail, or a couple you got to know at a community poolside cookout, strong social potential is an important part of the appeal of these developments. These are communities where relationships happen naturally.Compelling BenefitsBy creating true neighborhood gathering places with a powerful and defining sense of place, by providing an appealing residential environment that requires minimal upkeep and lowers the frustrating stresses of everyday life, and by offering a wide range of high quality fitness and social community facilities, maintenance-free condo/townhome-style communities are able to create a true community way of life. As a reinvigorated American public continues to embrace the compelling benefits of a community lifestyle, these exciting new developments are leading the way.

It is most generally acknowledged that the person’s early years such as the twenties is the best time to start investing. After all, you have all of life ahead to invest money which is why so many books on investment – most actually – are geared towards the twenties. Fewer are towards the thirties, and even fewer towards the forties and retirement. This may be partly why trust deed investing is so appealing. In today’s low-return low-interest-rate environment, trust deed investing is one of the few investment options that can help you substantially increase the amount of your monthly income. And little expense is involved. (Although risk is another matter).What is trust deed investment?Trust deeds are like a private real estate loan. If you’re a real estate entrepreneur (for instance) who wants to snap a fast loan to rehab a piece of property in order to sell at a profit, trust deed investors may be your best choice. They’d give you the loan in a blink’s eye far faster than the bank where it takes drawn out negotiations and filing of hefty tomes until you get that loan. (If at all). The average amount of time is 60 days. Some entrepreneurs cannot wait that long. They need to snap that deal and that’s where the trust deed investor comes in handy. He forks over your required funds within that same week, sometimes that same day at 1/3rd of the paperwork and nil of the stress. The downside is that the borrower pays a much higher rate than he might for a mortgage, typically 8% to 12% (since the investor is taking more of a risk).How does it work?The process is such that the buyer works through a third-party loan originator who underwrites and facilitates the loan for one year. Schedules can be restructured, but generally the borrower makes interest-only payments each month and a balloon payment of the principal once the loan reaches its maturity.So let’s say you’re the investor and you fund 250,000 at 10% APR, you’ll either receive 12 interest payments of $2,083 each, totaling $25,000, and at the end of the year, get back your $250,000. Or, in the worst case scenario, you pocket the defaulting borrower’s land.Other things you’ll want to know…There’s no set minimum for investing in a single trust deed. They can be fractionalized – that is, divided into several portions – but loan originators generally prefer to deal with one investor per loan.Finding trust deeds to invest in can be difficult. Your best bet may be to find an experienced broker or advisor with a history of success. These have likely established relationships with originators and you can work through them. If you don’t want to hunt these deals down, you might invest in a trust deed fund run by a professional manager. These funds currently pay between 8% and 11% per year and have minimum investment amounts that start around $50,000.To acquire credibility, you may want to consider running for SEC licensing.Pluses of investing in trust deedsThe pluses are particularly topical now with the Fed hiking its interest rates and maybe hiking them still higher. Trust deed investments protect you from the shenanigans for rising rates because they’re held to maturity and have short durations. You can also use any sort of cash to invest. You automatically have the right to foreclose on any property when the borrower has defaulted on the loan. Trust deed investing can open the door to other investment opportunities. It also offers a return on investment that comes in at higher than average; expect a typical return of 9 to 14 percent. And, if managed well, this type of investing is secure. This is because it has a guaranteed yield.Minuses of investing in trust deedsThe obvious minus is the very likely possibility of your investment defaulting, namely the borrower not paying you back. This happens to approximately 85 % of private money lenders at some time in their lives, some more than others. Redfin, a residential real estate company that provides web-based real estate database and brokerage services, predicts that it is going to happen to many more this coming year when housing prices are going to lurch beyond restraintManaging risk…How can you prevent losing your money? Experts strongly advise lenders to research client’s credit history and trustworthiness. They also recommend that you research the value of the client’s property and the extraneous market environment to the point that you physically investigate the building yourself. If you’re not up to this, consider hiring an advisor with experience in this market. Before you invest, analyze a fund’s portfolio and the loan loss reserves. As with individual trust deeds, you may want to have a professional do this.In short…NerdWallet, one of the leading advisory websites on investments has this to say: If you exercise due caution, trust deed investments can be a great income generator at a time when investments that produce good returns are few and far between.You may want to consider it.